Category: Unpresidential

Trump Threatens Lawsuit Against Michael Wolff Over Epstein Emails

President Donald Trump announced plans to sue author Michael Wolff, accusing him of “conspiring” with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to damage his political career. Trump made the statement to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday night, following the release of additional Epstein documents, claiming that emails between Wolff and Epstein exonerated him rather than implicating him.

Released documents from 2015 and 2016 show Wolff messaging Epstein about obtaining damaging information on Trump before the 2016 presidential election. In one 2016 message, Wolff wrote that Epstein could “help finish” Trump by providing opposition research; in a 2015 exchange, Wolff stated that if Trump denied visiting Epstein’s plane or property, “that gives you valuable PR and political currency. You can hang him.” Trump characterized these exchanges as evidence of a conspiracy against him, calling Wolff a “third-rate writer” engaged in a political attack.

When Wolff released a video response to the emails in late 2024, he avoided addressing his communications with Epstein and instead suggested the correspondence might reveal details about Trump’s relationship with Epstein himself. Trump has previously dismissed Epstein-related coverage as a Democratic diversion and repeatedly sought to strengthen libel laws to restrict press reporting. Trump stated he will “certainly” sue Wolff and may also pursue legal action against the Epstein estate.

Wolff authored the 2018 bestseller “Fire and Fury,” which documented internal dynamics of Trump’s first administration. Trump’s litigation threat follows his pattern of using lawsuits to suppress unfavorable reporting and accounts of his conduct.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-aiming-to-sue-michael-wolff-for-conspiring-with-jeffrey-epstein-to-wreck-his-political-career/)

Trump Demands Omar Jailed or Deported to Somalia After Attack

President Donald Trump attacked Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in a Saturday morning Truth Social post, demanding she be imprisoned or deported to Somalia days after she was assaulted onstage with a vinegar-filled syringe. Trump falsely claimed Omar orchestrated the attack, stating “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her,” and accused her and other Somali immigrants of fraud and corruption related to Minnesota finances.

Trump’s post attacked Omar as a “scammer” and suggested she and “her absolutely terrible friends from Somalia should all be in jail right now or, far worse, send them back to Somalia.” He also criticized Governor Tim Walz, characterizing him as either corrupt or incompetent for allegedly failing to prevent unspecified Minnesota fraud. Trump’s demand to deport Omar echoes rhetoric he has repeatedly deployed at rallies attacking Omar’s background and citizenship status.

Omar responded by questioning Trump’s decency and mental fitness, telling CNN that Trump “lacks” the compassion and basic humanity she was raised to possess. She suggested invoking the 25th Amendment, stating Trump exhibits “some sort of dementia” given his contradictory public statements about her and his apparent inability to recall his own rhetoric.

Trump has consistently used deportation rhetoric targeting Omar, repeatedly suggesting she return to Somalia where she was born. This pattern of attacks intensified following the on-stage assault, with Trump immediately weaponizing the incident as a platform for xenophobic accusations rather than expressing concern for her safety.

The attack and Trump’s response align with his broader pattern of dehumanizing Somali immigrants and people, including recent statements characterizing Somalis as “good at” only “pirating ships” during a White House briefing marking his return to office.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-rages-at-ilhan-omar-in-early-morning-rant-days-after-attack-demands-sending-her-to-jail-or-back-to-africa/)

Judge Condemns DOJ Claim Trump Can Erase Slavery

A federal judge in Philadelphia sharply rebuked Justice Department lawyers Friday for asserting that the Trump administration can unilaterally decide what American history to display at National Park Service sites. Senior U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe, a George W. Bush appointee, called the government’s position “dangerous” and “horrifying” during a hearing over the abrupt removal of a slavery exhibit at the former President’s House on Independence Mall.

Trump’s executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” prompted workers this month to remove outdoor plaques, panels, and materials documenting the nine people enslaved at George and Martha Washington’s presidential mansion. The city of Philadelphia, which invested $1.5 million in the exhibit developed two decades ago, discovered the materials had been placed in a pickup truck and moved to storage without notice.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory in den Berken argued the Park Service routinely changes exhibits and that “the government gets to choose the message it wants to convey.” Rufe immediately objected, stating the government cannot alter historical facts based on “the whims of someone in charge.” Michael Coard, an attorney for advocacy groups supporting the exhibit, characterized the administration’s legal argument as dictatorial, stating the government was attempting to exercise power that belongs to Congress, the judiciary, and the American people.

The exhibit preserved biographical details about the nine enslaved individuals—Austin, Paris, Hercules, Christopher Sheels, Richmond, Giles, Oney Judge, Moll, and Joe—whose stories had been newly uncovered. Now only their names remain engraved on a cement wall. City officials and legal advocates contended the Park Service does not have unlimited authority to interpret national history, while residents have left flowers and handmade signs at the site affirming “Slavery was real.”

Judge Rufe indicated she would rule quickly, citing expected visitor surges for the nation’s 250th anniversary commemorations. She instructed Justice Department lawyers to ensure no additional materials are disturbed and plans to visit both the storage area and the site before issuing her decision on restoring the exhibit.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/american-national-park-service-philadelphia-justice-department-donald-trump-b2911294.html)

Trump Demands Jail for Noem Critics, Attacks Protest ‘Scam’

President Donald Trump defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday via Truth Social, attacking protesters and Democrats as “Radical Left Lunatics” and “Insurrectionists” while demanding they be imprisoned. Trump claimed Noem is being targeted “because she is a woman” and credited her with fixing “the Border disaster” he inherited, asserting the murder rate reached a 125-year low under his administration.

Trump characterized protests in Minnesota and major cities as a “SCAM” designed to obscure what he labeled “CRIMINAL ACTS of theft and insurrection” by Democrats. He accused Democrats of “stealing Billions of Dollars from Minnesota, and other Cities and States” and instructed Republicans not to be “pushed around” by what he termed aggressive protest manipulation.

The president reiterated his campaign platform of “Strong Borders, and Law and Order” and separately praised Border Czar Tom Homan, whom Trump appointed this week to oversee the immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota. The operation has deployed approximately 2,100 federal agents to the Minneapolis area in what officials characterize as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever conducted.

Trump’s remarks come amid DOJ investigations into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations they conspired to impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through public statements. Trump’s invocation of imprisonment for political opponents and protesters aligns with his broader pattern of weaponizing federal authority against critics.

The late-night posts demonstrate Trump’s willingness to criminalize dissent and attribute federal policy failures to Democratic sabotage while absolving his administration of responsibility for enforcement outcomes.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-ice-protest/)

Trump Sues Dimon $5B After CEO Opposes Credit Card Rate Cap

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon faced immediate retaliation after publicly opposing Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, which would slash rates roughly in half from their current average of 20%. On January 22, 2026, Trump filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase and Dimon in Florida state court, alleging the bank improperly “debanked” him following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. The lawsuit arrived one day after Dimon told attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Trump’s affordability proposal would trigger “an economic disaster.”

Trump’s lawsuit exemplifies his use of federal power to punish corporate executives who contradict him. The president has investigated, sued, or brought criminal charges against perceived enemies including media companies CBS, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Trump threatened Apple with massive tariffs over CEO Tim Cook and blocked Exxon from entering Venezuela because he disapproved of CEO Darren Woods’ demeanor at a meeting. The filing demonstrates Trump weaponizing litigation as retaliation for speech that contradicts his agenda.

Corporate America has largely remained silent under Trump’s second term, with executives adopting an unofficial strategy of compliance to avoid becoming targets. When Trump imposed steep global tariffs last spring and began explicitly meddling in private company revenues—carving out government cuts from firms like Nvidia and Intel—business leaders stayed quiet. Trade groups drafted plans to oppose the administration but shelved them after worrying about inviting White House retaliation, according to CNN sources. Normally vocal business lobbies have been notably quiet, revealing how thoroughly Trump has chilled legitimate corporate speech.

Dimon and other Wall Street leaders broke ranks over the credit card rate proposal because it struck directly at banking’s profit engine. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser stated the bank could not support a rate cap, and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan argued it would restrict credit availability. However, Dimon’s “economic disaster” comment—coming from Wall Street’s most prominent figure—represented the rare direct critique that prompted Trump’s swift legal action. Trump subsequently attacked Dimon publicly, falsely suggesting he profits from higher interest rates before announcing the lawsuit.

The pattern reveals authoritarian governance by retaliation: Trump uses his control over federal agencies and courts to punish dissent from business leaders whose compliance he demands. Dimon has not endorsed Trump, contradicting Trump’s false claims, yet the CEO still faced legal assault for opposing a specific policy. This abuse of executive power to settle personal grievances and enforce political loyalty demonstrates corruption at the core of Trump’s administration, where government becomes an instrument for silencing opposition and enriching those in the president’s favor.

(Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/23/business/jamie-dimon-donald-trump)

Trump Attacks Powell, Demands Fed Rate Cuts

President Donald Trump attacked Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday via Truth Social, demanding the central bank cut interest rates immediately and claiming Powell is "hurting our country and its national security." Trump called Powell a "moron" responsible for "costing America Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year" in interest expenses, despite the Federal Open Market Committee voting 10-2 to hold rates steady after three consecutive months of reductions.

Trump falsely linked the Fed's interest rate decision to his tariff policies, claiming that revenue from tariffs should result in the lowest interest rates globally. He did not explain the relationship between import taxes and the Fed's overnight interbank lending rate, nor did he acknowledge that tariffs are paid by American consumers rather than foreign countries.

Only two Trump appointees to the Federal Reserve's board—Christopher Waller and Stephen Miran—supported further rate cuts aligned with Trump's demand. The broader committee cited solid economic expansion and elevated inflation as reasons to maintain current rates, noting that future adjustments would depend on economic data and outlook rather than presidential pressure.

Trump's attack followed a Department of Justice criminal investigation into Powell and the Federal Reserve, which Powell publicly characterized as retaliation for the bank's refusal to artificially lower rates. Powell stated the investigation represents "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."

The DOJ probe drew bipartisan congressional criticism, including from Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who vowed to block any future Trump nominees to the Fed board until the investigation concludes. Trump has previously threatened to sue Powell over Federal Reserve building renovations, continuing his pattern of weaponizing federal authority against officials who resist his economic demands.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-jerome-powell-interest-rates-reaction-b2910171.html)

Trump Officials Meet Alberta Separatist Group Seeking $500B

Officials from the Trump administration held three secret meetings in Washington since April with leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a far-right Canadian separatist organization seeking independence for Alberta. The group claims to have met with “very, very senior” U.S. government officials and plans to request a $500 billion credit facility, according to reporting on these clandestine encounters.

Both the White House and State Department have publicly denied making any commitments or pledges to the separatist group. A spokesperson stated explicitly that no support or other assurances were conveyed during any interactions, contradicting the Alberta Prosperity Project’s claims about the scope and substance of the meetings.

These meetings occurred amid escalating U.S.-Canada tensions, including remarks by a Treasury Secretary about Alberta’s independence and threats regarding tariffs and Canadian sovereignty. The timing demonstrates the Trump administration’s willingness to entertain conversations with fringe separatist movements while maintaining official denials of substantive engagement.

Public opposition to Alberta separation remains strong within the province itself, with an Alberta government spokesperson noting most residents oppose independence. A counter-petition against separation collected significantly more signatures than those supporting the separatist cause, undercutting the group’s claim to represent popular sentiment.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/alberta-canada-separatist-group-trump-officials-b2910271.html)

Trump Dismisses Dollar Decline as Great, Undermines Treasury

President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the U.S. dollar’s sharp decline to its lowest level since early 2022, stating on January 27 that he believed the currency was “doing great.” Trump’s dismissal contradicts warnings from economic officials and markets about the dollar’s weakness and its potential negative effects on the American economy.

Treasury Secretary Bessent has advocated for a strong dollar as a cornerstone of U.S. economic policy, but Trump’s public comfort with currency depreciation undermines this official position. Trump’s statement to reporters in Iowa suggested he prioritized short-term trade advantages over the broader economic implications of a weakening dollar for inflation, savings, and purchasing power.

A weaker dollar historically increases import costs, contributes to inflation, and erodes the purchasing power of American consumers and savers. Economists have warned that sustained dollar weakness driven by unpredictable policymaking damages business confidence and complicates Federal Reserve efforts to manage price stability.

Trump’s inconsistent approach to currency policy reflects his pattern of dismissing expert guidance on economic matters. His public comments directly contradicted the Treasury’s official messaging, creating confusion in financial markets about the administration’s actual economic priorities and strategy.

(Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-27/trump-says-he-s-not-concerned-with-decline-of-us-dollar?embedded-checkout=true)

Trump Deploys Massive Armada to Iran Threatening Military Escalation

President Trump announced on Truth Social Wednesday that a “massive Armada” is en route to Iran, demanding the regime negotiate and threatening escalated military strikes. Trump stated the fleet is “moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose,” and explicitly warned that “the next attack will be far worse” if Iran does not comply with his demand for a nuclear weapons-free agreement.

Trump referenced a prior military operation against Iran called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” describing it as “a major destruction of Iran,” and framed the current deployment as leverage to force Iranian leadership to “Come to the Table” and accept his terms. He invoked artificial urgency, declaring “Time is running out, it is truly of the essence,” while using characteristic ultimatums demanding Iran “MAKE A DEAL!”

The military escalation coincides with ongoing civil unrest in Iran, where reports document thousands of deaths during protests. Trump previously threatened military intervention to support demonstrators, then reversed course by claiming “the killing in Iran is stopping” and signaling openness to negotiation with Iranian rulers—a pattern demonstrating his willingness to weaponize humanitarian crises for geopolitical leverage.

Trump made similar threats to reporters aboard Air Force One returning from Davos last week, stating “We’re watching Iran” and confirming that ships were being repositioned “just in case.” These repeated warnings escalate tensions through military posturing while Trump simultaneously presents himself as open to diplomatic resolution, a contradiction characteristic of his pattern of weaponizing foreign relations for domestic political effect.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-reveals-hes-sending-massive-armada-to-iran-warns-regime-next-attack-will-be-far-worse/)

Trump Threatens 100% Canada Tariffs Over China Trade Deal

President Trump threatened Canada with 100 percent tariffs on all goods if Prime Minister Mark Carney proceeds with a strategic partnership deal with China. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Canada would become a “Drop Off Port” for Chinese products entering the U.S. market, claiming China would “eat Canada alive” and destroy its economy if such an agreement moved forward. Trump’s threat directly contradicted his earlier public statement that Carney “should be doing” and that a trade deal would be “a good thing for him to sign.”

Carney announced the China partnership earlier this month, which includes plans for China to lower canola tariffs to 15 percent by March 1, while Canada permits 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market. The agreement emerged following Carney’s first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade and focuses on expanding trade in agriculture, energy, and finance between the two nations.

Trump’s tariff threat followed Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where the prime minister warned of “an era of great power rivalry” and declared that the U.S.-led global order was finished and “not coming back.” Without naming Trump directly, Carney’s remarks functioned as a direct rebuke of the president’s tariff regime, his previous demands to annex Canada as the 51st state, and his efforts to acquire Greenland.

Days after Carney’s speech, Trump retaliated by disinviting Canada from his newly established “Board of Peace,” which he described as “the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled.” Trump wrote on Truth Social that the board was “withdrawing its invitation” to Canada, contradicting earlier reports that Carney had planned to accept membership in the organization, which Trump positioned as central to addressing Gaza.

Trump’s escalating threats demonstrate his use of tariffs and exclusion as political weapons against allies who pursue independent diplomatic initiatives. The confrontation underscores Trump’s demand for absolute deference from neighboring nations and his willingness to weaponize trade policy against countries that resist his territorial and geopolitical ambitions.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tariffs-china-canada-carney-deal-b2906976.html)

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