Category: Authoritarian

Ashli Babbitt Settlement Highlights Trump’s Martyrdom Narrative for Capitol Rioters

The family of Ashli Babbitt, a rioter who was shot during the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is set to receive a $5 million settlement from the Trump administration. This payout resolves a lawsuit filed by her estate and the conservative group Judicial Watch, which claimed negligence by the Capitol Police officer who shot her as she attempted to breach a barrier. The initial suit sought $30 million in damages. Reports from trusted news sources confirm the settlement details.

Following a thorough investigation, the Justice Department determined that U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd acted lawfully in self-defense during the incident, clearing him of any criminal wrongdoing. The investigation concluded that Byrd had a reasonable belief that his actions were necessary to protect members of Congress and others within the chambers. The Capitol Police reiterated that Byrd’s actions were consistent with department policies designed to protect against the violent mob that stormed the Capitol.

Despite the findings supporting the officer’s actions, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressed disappointment with the settlement, emphasizing that it sends a troubling message to law enforcement across the nation regarding accountability. The legal resolution does not require the Justice Department to admit any fault for Byrd’s actions, leaving the official stance intact while compensating Babbitt’s family.

Donald Trump has frequently highlighted Babbitt’s death to rally support for those involved in the Capitol attack, framing her as a martyr in the ongoing battle over the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Despite facing significant backlash, he has continued to downplay the violence of the insurrection and characterize her actions in a sympathetic light, juxtaposing them against the culpability of law enforcement.

Trump has also utilized Babbitt’s narrative to strengthen his base, asserting that she was unjustly treated. This case exemplifies the broader context of Republican attempts to legitimize the violent insurrection and to position themselves as defenders of individuals they deem heroes, regardless of the fact that their actions threatened democratic processes.

Trump demands Obama arrest in frantic QAnon-fueled posting spree

In a disturbing display of extreme rhetoric, former President Donald Trump recently engaged in a posting spree on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he propagated QAnon conspiracy theories and called for the arrest of former President Barack Obama. This outburst began early Sunday morning when Trump shared a doctored image of himself next to Obama, captioned with a demand for “public military tribunals.” This inflammatory content comes amidst a broader pattern of Trump endorsing conspiratorial narratives that underscore his ongoing association with extremist groups.

QAnon, a conspiracy theory rooted in baseless claims of a satanic child-trafficking ring run by prominent Democrats, has gained traction among far-right and extremist factions. Trump’s reposting of these unfounded allegations highlights not only his willingness to align with dangerous ideologies but also his role as a figurehead for this insidious movement. His appeal to military tribunals as a method of purported justice demonstrates a direct challenge to the rule of law and signifies a move towards authoritarianism characteristic of fascist rhetoric.

During his spree, Trump also reposted various AI-generated images with captions laden with conspiratorial jargon such as “Slayer of the Deep State” and “We are taking back our great country.” These statements resonate deeply with QAnon followers, who view Trump’s leadership as a pivotal force in their perceived battle against a corrupt government establishment. His remarks, particularly those inspired by anti-democratic sentiments, signal his intent to subvert democratic processes by fostering a culture of paranoia and division.

Alex Jones, a notorious conspiracy theorist, seized upon Trump’s posts to promote a narrative claiming that Obama had illegitimately run the country during Biden’s presidency. This promotion of wild conspiracies by Trump not only serves to rally his base but also raises alarms about the normalization of radical beliefs within mainstream political discourse. Such rhetoric blatantly undermines the integrity of democratic governance and poses a threat to national cohesion.

In promoting these baseless claims, Trump not only bolsters the dangerous QAnon ideology but also furthers division within the political landscape. His recent actions reveal a troubling commitment to fostering misinformation and exploiting the fears of his supporters, a tactic that undermines the foundations of democracy and threatens to perpetuate instability in American society.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-qanon-2672035143/)

Trump Threatens ABC News Over Boeing 747 Coverage Amid Ongoing Media Lawsuits

Donald Trump has threatened ABC News following its coverage of a $400 million Boeing 747 gifted to the Defense Department by Qatar’s royal family. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the network’s reporting has inaccurately suggested that the plane was intended as a personal gift to him. He warned ABC, labeling its journalists “SleazeBags” and demanding accountability for what he describes as misleading narratives.

Trump’s tirade comes after ABC News was reported to have settled a lawsuit with him for $15 million concerning past defamatory statements, emphasizing the controversial relationship he maintains with media outlets. He claimed, “Why doesn’t Chairman Bob Iger do something about ABC Fake News,” highlighting his ongoing battle against perceived criticism and unfavorable coverage.

During a White House press conference, when ABC’s Rachel Scott questioned Trump about the luxury plane being viewed as a personal gift, he reacted defensively, indicating embarrassment at the question rather than addressing the substance of the claim. His response avoided clarifying whether the lavish aircraft truly had any connection to him personally, leaving the implications of the transaction unclear.

Despite the controversy, Trump asserted that the plane donation was intended to benefit the United States military rather than himself, claiming it would save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. However, he failed to provide specific examples of media reports that purportedly misrepresented the intent of the gift.

In parallel, Trump is reportedly pursuing a settlement with CBS News regarding a supposedly edited interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, illustrating a wider pattern of aggressive legal tactics against media organizations. These actions raise serious ethical concerns about Trump’s approach to handling dissenting opinions and journalistic scrutiny.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/news/trump-threatens-abc-over-coverage-of-qatar-jet-im-warning-these-sleazebags/)

Trump’s False Narrative on Immigration: Supreme Court Ruling Exposes Fear-Mongering Tactics

President Donald Trump recently condemned a Supreme Court ruling that temporarily halted expedited deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members, characterizing it as a “bad and dangerous day for America.” His remarks reflect a dangerous and false narrative about immigrants, where he misrepresents the situation by claiming that this decision will allow criminals to flood into the country, a statement devoid of factual basis.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed outrage that individuals he labeled as “the worst murderers, drug dealers, gang members, and even those who are mentally insane” would not be easily subjected to immediate deportation. This rhetoric exemplifies the disingenuous fear-mongering often employed by Trump and his allies, aiming to bolster their anti-immigrant agenda.

The Supreme Court’s 7-2 decision criticized the Trump administration for inadequate notice regarding deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, signaling the judiciary’s rejection of Trump’s heavy-handed tactics. This ruling did not assess whether the law’s application is valid outside of wartime, instead prioritizing the respectful and fair treatment of legal processes, something the Trump administration has consistently flouted.

Trump specifically thanked Conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas for attempting to support his administration’s stance, revealing the partisan nature of the debate. This situation highlights a broader trend of the Trump administration attacking judicial independence and contributing to political polarization by framing checks on his power as assaults on the nation.

Ultimately, Trump’s rhetoric reinforces a dangerous perception that migrants are inherently criminals, further cementing divisive narratives in American discourse. This strategy aligns with his administration’s overall tendency to undermine legal norms while appealing to a base that thrives on fear and misinformation.

Trump Praises Al-Qaeda Linked Syrian Leader, Undermines US Foreign Policy Integrity

In a shocking display of misplaced admiration, Donald Trump met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda fighter now positioned as Syria’s interim leader, highlighting Trump’s troubling tendency to normalize associations with figures of questionable ethics. This historic encounter, marking the first meeting between US and Syrian leadership in a quarter-century, raises serious concerns about Trump’s foreign policy approach and implications for US alliances.

Al-Sharaa, who previously fought against US forces and spent years imprisoned by American troops, assumed the position of interim president after a coup that removed the Assad family from power, which Trump openly celebrated. His assertion that al-Sharaa has “a real shot at holding it together” illustrates Trump’s reckless disregard for the complex dynamics of the region and the history of violence associated with al-Sharaa.

During this meeting, held in Saudi Arabia, Trump lavished praise on al-Sharaa, calling him a “young, attractive guy” with a “strong past” and describing him as a “real leader.” Such rhetoric reveals Trump’s consistent pattern of glorifying autocratic figures, undermining democratic principles, and promoting leaders with histories of violence, further jeopardizing the integrity of US foreign policy.

Trump’s decision to lift sanctions against Syria, coupled with his encouragement for al-Sharaa to establish ties with Israel, suggests a calculated move that prioritizes personal and financial interests over moral responsibility. Critics within even his own party have voiced ethical concerns regarding his connection to the region, particularly due to the potential acceptance of a luxury plane from Qatar as Air Force One.

This alignment with controversial figures only exacerbates the crisis of credibility for the Republican party, which continues to grapple with its core identity amidst Trump’s authoritarian leanings and the shadow of fascism lurking within its ideology. The implications of Trump’s foreign dealings are detrimental, undermining the very meaning of leadership and ethical governance.

IRS Eyes Tax Status Revocation for Harvard Amid Trump Threats

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status in a retaliatory move as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the institution for resisting its demands. Sources indicate that a final decision on this unprecedented action is imminent, following the administration’s blockade of over $2 billion in federal funding aimed at Harvard.

President Donald Trump has explicitly threatened to punish Harvard through social media, stating that the university should lose its tax exemption if it continues to promote what he describes as harmful political ideologies. In a recent post on Truth Social, he characterized Harvard as failing to act in the public interest, an accusation leveled as part of a broader, authoritarian campaign against institutions that challenge his administration’s agenda.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has suggested that the IRS investigation into Harvard is warranted, indicating that the agency should also scrutinize other elite universities that have large endowments. Her comments echo the administration’s larger strategy of threatening academic institutions with funding cuts unless they align with its narrow definitions of political compliance, revealing a clear disregard for the principles of academic freedom.

The process for revoking tax-exempt status involves an extensive audit and a formal notification to the organization, but Trump’s administration is bypassing traditional procedures by directly threatening prestigious institutions. This approach marks a significant departure from IRS norms, where such actions are usually determined by career staff rather than political appointees. Observers note this trend reflects a dangerous precedent that jeopardizes the basic tenets of higher education.

With Harvard’s unwavering stance against the administration’s demands, the threat of rescinding its tax exemption is a clear move to silence dissent among academic institutions. This tactic not only undermines the principles of free inquiry and expression central to higher education but also reveals Trump’s ongoing efforts to weaponize federal power against those who oppose his authoritarian ideals.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/politics/irs-harvard-tax-exempt-status/index.html)

Trump’s Appointment of Todd Blanche Undermines Library of Congress and Democratic Norms

In a surprising move, Donald Trump has appointed Todd Blanche as the acting Librarian of Congress, following the abrupt firing of Dr. Carla Hayden. This decision underscores a troubling trend within the Trump administration, reflecting a pattern of undermining longstanding democratic institutions in pursuit of power.

Dr. Hayden, a respected figure in library sciences known for her commitment to inclusivity and public accessibility, was unceremoniously dismissed despite her bipartisan recognition. Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed grave concerns about Trump’s motivations, suggesting that this action is part of a broader strategy to consolidate power by appointing loyalists to key cultural roles.

The appointment of Blanche, who lacks significant experience in library sciences, raises serious implications for the stewardship of America’s cultural heritage. Such choices signal a disregard for expertise and a prioritization of political allegiance over qualifications. This shift by Trump not only threatens the integrity of the Library of Congress but also reflects a deeper ideological agenda aimed at reshaping American institutions to align with his administration’s fascist tendencies.

Moreover, Trump’s continued efforts to erase the contributions of established leaders and replace them with politically compliant individuals portray a systematic dismantling of democratic norms. This behavior poses a risk to the resilience of democratic institutions, suggesting an alarming trajectory towards authoritarianism.

As the implications of these personnel changes unfold, it is imperative to remain vigilant against the erosion of democratic values. The appointment of Todd Blanche highlights the urgent need for accountability in political leadership, affirming that safeguarding the integrity of public institutions should take precedence over partisan objectives.

(h/t: https://apnews.com/article/trump-library-congress-todd-blanche-carla-hayden-cc2154fa8644a5c29d196e505e4faa51)

Trump’s Dismissal of Librarian of Congress Exposes Dangerously Undemocratic Power Plays

Donald Trump’s recent move to dismiss Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, has ignited a fierce controversy, highlighting the ongoing turmoil within his administration. Dr. Hayden, a well-respected figure with a strong history of bipartisan support, was abruptly removed from her position, prompting immediate backlash from political leaders.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s decision, hinting that the president’s action was not the conclusion of the issue. Following the dismissal, Trump appointed Todd Blanche, a former defense attorney, as the acting librarian. This move has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of such appointments and their implications for the separation of powers, a critical principle in democratic governance.

The situation escalated further when Blanche’s appointees, Brian Nieves and Paul Perkins, attempted to assume their new roles at the Library of Congress but were forcibly denied access by library staff, who contacted security personnel. Such incidents are unprecedented and indicative of the broader chaos that accompanies Trump’s decision-making processes.

This debacle has prompted Democratic lawmakers to push for an investigation by the Library of Congress’ inspector general, Kimberly Benoit, into the legality of Trump’s appointments and the potential ramifications on the institution’s integrity. As this controversy unfolds, it unmasks the disturbing trend of executive overreach and the undermining of institutional independence orchestrated by Trump and his administration.

The implications of this incident extend beyond a mere personnel change; it underscores a systematic attempt by Trump’s regime to place loyalists in critical government positions, potentially turning revered public institutions into tools for propaganda. This pattern reflects a serious threat to democratic norms and the American political landscape as a whole.

(h/t: https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/shows/maddow/blog/rcna206534)

Trump Falsely Claims ‘60 Minutes’ Admitted to ‘Crime’ of Editing Harris Interview

Former President Donald Trump has made false claims regarding CBS’s “60 Minutes,” alleging that the program admitted to a crime by editing an interview with Kamala Harris. This assertion comes alongside his $20 billion lawsuit against Paramount Global and CBS, which he insists is a “true WINNER.” Trump accused the network of deceitfully editing Harris’ response to a question, stating that this act undermined the integrity of the American electoral process and cheated the public.

Both Paramount and CBS have categorically denied Trump’s allegations, labeling his lawsuit as a direct attack on the First Amendment. They argue that Trump’s claims lack any foundation in law or fact. CBS News has stood firm, asserting that the “60 Minutes” broadcast of the Harris interview was neither manipulated nor deceptive.

According to reports, Trump’s legal team is entering mediation with Paramount Global to explore a possible resolution to his lawsuit. Previously, Trump expanded his claims under the federal Lanham Act, demanding at least $20 billion in damages, asserting that the editing of the interview could have affected the outcome of the election.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that the edited response from Harris was disgraceful, suggesting it would have significantly hampered her electoral performance had it been aired in full. He described the actions of CBS and its parent companies as a “Giant FRAUD against the American People,” insisting they should be held accountable for their alleged misconduct.

The New York Times reported on legal experts regarding the frivolity of Trump’s case, prompting him to lash out at the publication, suggesting it too could face consequences for “tortious interference” in elections. The lawsuit and resulting commentary reveal Trump’s ongoing crusade against media institutions he perceives as adversarial, undermining journalistic integrity while striving to consolidate power and control over the narrative.

(h/t: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/trump-60-minutes-cbs-admitted-crime-harris-interview-mediation-1236382562/)

Trump’s Loyalty Purge Targets Doug Emhoff From Holocaust Museum Board

In a move that underscores his authoritarian tendencies, President Donald Trump unceremoniously removed Doug Emhoff from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum board. Emhoff, the former second gentleman, was told of his dismissal on Tuesday, a decision reflective of Trump’s disturbing pattern of purging individuals deemed disloyal. This firing not only disregards the historical significance of Holocaust education but also politicizes a subject that should remain above partisan disputes.

Emhoff condemned his removal, stating, “Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicized.” His dedication to combating antisemitism and promoting awareness about the Holocaust sets him apart from the current administration’s troubling practices. Emhoff emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of commemorating the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, a stance that directly challenges the moral bankruptcy of Trump’s politically motivated decisions.

During Emhoff’s tenure on the board, he actively worked to counter rising antisemitism, a commitment evidently clashing with Trump’s divisive political maneuvers. The decision to oust Emhoff aligns with Trump’s prior rhetoric that has been labeled racist and intolerant. The council’s composition includes over 50 presidential appointees, and Trump’s actions suggest a willingness to replace those with political ties to the previous administration.

Alongside Emhoff, other Biden-era appointees—including former chief of staff Ron Klain and domestic policy adviser Susan Rice—were also removed, highlighting a systematic effort by Trump to reshape the board to better align with his administration’s ideology. Trump’s terminations, executed without regard for the qualifications or contributions of those dismissed, further erode public institutions and their integrity.

The White House’s announcement regarding these removals, which included a formal email to affected members, illustrates a disturbing trend of loyalty purges reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. As Trump continues to dismantle the foundations of American democracy, it is evident that his administration prioritizes allegiance to his agenda over the preservation of historical memory and moral truth.

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