Category: Authoritarian

Trump’s Push for a Third Term Threatens Democracy

In a recent interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, President Donald Trump expressed his belief that he could potentially run for a third term in 2028. During the phone interview, he acknowledged the suggestions from his allies, particularly Steve Bannon, regarding a possible third term. Trump stated, “You know, a lot of people would like me to do that,” while indicating that it is still early in his administration.

When pressed by Welker on whether he had been presented with any plans to circumvent the constitutional restrictions imposed by the 22nd Amendment, Trump mentioned that there are “methods” that could allow him to do so. He responded affirmatively to a hypothetical scenario where Vice President JD Vance could win the presidency in 2028 and then subsequently hand over his office to Trump, signaling his openness to the idea.

Despite previously ruling out the prospect of a run in September last year, Trump’s comments not only resurface his ambition for indefinite political power but they also signify an alarming trend toward authoritarianism within the Republican Party. The notion of finding loopholes in the Constitution to maintain Trump’s grip on power demonstrates a blatant disregard for democratic norms and essential American values.

Steve Bannon has openly commented on the potential plans to redefine term limits and indicated that they are “working on it,” further highlighting the conspiratorial attitude within Trump’s circle. This undermines the very foundation of American democracy, as it seeks to manipulate the rules for personal advantage.

As Trump continues to exaggerate his influence within the GOP and hint at plans that contravene democratic standards, it becomes increasingly clear that his ambitions are not just about political victories but rather about establishing a path toward an authoritarian regime, setting a dangerous precedent for future leaders.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/news/trump-says-he-thinks-he-can-run-for-a-third-term-and-doesnt-rule-out-doing-so-there-are-methods-which-you-could-do-it/)

Trump Fires Prosecutor in Political Vendetta, Undermining Justice and Ethics

The White House has dismissed Adam Schleifer, a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, following pressure from attorneys representing Andrew Wiederhorn, the former CEO of Fatburger. Sources reveal that Schleifer was informed of his firing through an email that stated the decision was made “on behalf of President Donald J. Trump.” This incident raises serious ethical concerns about political interference in judicial processes, showcasing the Trump administration’s penchant for silencing legal professionals who pursue justice against politically connected figures.

Wiederhorn was indicted by a grand jury on charges of concealing taxable income through improper “shareholder loans” from his company. Allegations claim he misused company funds for personal luxuries, including expensive travel and automobiles. Citing a lack of victims or losses, Wiederhorn’s lawyers aggressively sought to have the case dismissed, accusing Schleifer of bias. The pattern of this case illustrates how the Trump presidency has prioritized political loyalty over legal accountability.

Following the notification of his termination, Schleifer’s professional electronics were wiped remotely, and he was escorted out, highlighting a lack of respect typically afforded to career professionals in federal service. This serves as a chilling example of the punitive tactics employed by the Trump administration to instill fear among federal prosecutors, demonstrating their commitment to removing those perceived as political adversaries.

Schleifer, a Democrat who has previously criticized Trump’s policies, notably posted that the Trump administration is eroding constitutional integrity with “every lie and every act of heedless, narcissistic corruption.” This political firing not only violates ethical standards but also undermines the credibility and operations of the Department of Justice, creating an environment where prosecutors feel pressured to tailor their conduct based on political affiliations rather than the rule of law.

Ultimately, this incident reflects a broader trend under Trump, where the integrity of legal institutions has been compromised for political gain. The administration’s actions serve as a clear message to current and future federal prosecutors that political alignment is paramount, further entrenching corruption in institutions designed to uphold justice and equality.

Trump’s Dangerous Tariff Strategy Threatens U.S. Economy and Global Alliances

President Donald Trump is pushing for an aggressive escalation of the trade war, urging advisers to adopt measures that seek to impose sweeping tariffs. This strategy comes despite widespread concerns from financial markets and political figures about the negative implications such taxes will have on the American economy.

Trump’s belief that tariffs can generate substantial government revenue and boost domestic manufacturing is contradicted by economists who warn that such taxes will likely exacerbate inflation and harm consumers. The declining stock market reflects the uncertainty and unease surrounding Trump’s continued tariff ambitions.

Reports indicate that Trump has expressed regret for not implementing broader tariffs earlier in his presidency, attributing this delay to advice from his inner circle. He is now exploring the idea of a universal tariff which would affect most imports irrespective of their origin, although it remains unclear how seriously this proposal is being considered.

As preparations for new tariffs unfold, Trump has already declared a 25% levy on imported vehicles, cautioning automakers against raising prices in response. This approach underscores the administration’s commitment to its “America First” agenda, which prioritizes tariffs and deregulation as pivotal strategies to restore U.S. manufacturing dominance.

Internationally, trading partners are reeling from Trump’s unpredictable trade policies, with officials from Canada and the U.K. signaling their intent to retaliate. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has denounced the U.S.’s reliability as a trading partner, while U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer contemplates measures to protect British interests against impending U.S. tariffs. This isolationist and confrontational approach significantly undermines America’s longstanding alliances and economic stability.

WHCA Cancels Amber Ruffin, Caves to Trump Pressure

The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) has made the controversial decision to remove anti-Trump comedian Amber Ruffin from hosting this year’s annual dinner. This choice was reportedly influenced by complaints from the Trump administration, specifically from Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich. Budowich criticized Ruffin for her bold comments describing the Trump administration as “murderers” who do not deserve to feel human.

In an announcement by WHCA President Eugene Daniels, it was stated that the board agreed to eliminate comedic performances to maintain focus on celebrating journalistic achievements rather than engaging in divisive political topics. The move appears to align with the current administration’s attempts to stifle satire and critique of its actions, showcasing the lengths to which Trump’s team will go to control narratives.

Ruffin’s previous remarks on The Daily Beast podcast emphasized her perspective on the perceived moral failings of the Trump administration. She articulated a view that has resonated with many who see the current political climate as fraught with ethical violations and blatant lies perpetuated by those in power.

The WHCA’s decision has prompted discussions about censorship and the role of comedy in political discourse, especially in a time when the integrity of journalism is under threat from those who reject accountability. The association aims to ensure the celebration of a free press without allowing the event to devolve into a political battleground.

This incident reflects a broader trend of how the Trump administration seeks to influence media narratives, promote unequal power dynamics, and undermine the vital role of independent journalism in holding the government accountable. The WHCA’s capitulation highlights the ongoing tension between free expression in comedy and the current administration’s efforts to suppress dissent.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/news/breaking-whca-backs-down-on-anti-trump-comic-hosting-dinner-to-ensure-focus-is-not-on-politics-of-division-after-trump-admin-complains/)

Disney Faces Government Investigation Over DEI Practices Amid GOP’s Discriminatory Pressure

The U.S. government is investigating Disney’s diversity and inclusion (DEI) practices, as initiated by Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This investigation signifies increasing pressure on media companies to comply with the GOP’s discriminatory regulations aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives. Carr officially notified Disney and its ABC News unit via a letter, expressing concerns that the company may be promoting diversity in ways that contravene established government policies.

A spokesperson for Disney has confirmed the company’s intent to cooperate with the investigation, indicating they are reviewing the details of Carr’s letter. Disney’s ongoing alignment with DEI principles has come under scrutiny during the Trump administration, which has extended its mandate against such initiatives internationally. The American embassy in France recently reached out to French firms with U.S. contracts, mandating their compliance with Trump’s executive order prohibiting DEI programs.

Carr’s letter directly addresses Disney’s CEO, Robert Iger, emphasizing the need for compliance with FCC regulations and the elimination of any discriminatory practices cloaked in DEI terminology. He expressed a particular interest in how Disney has handled diversity within its media content, demanding clarity on their adherence to equitable employment opportunities.

Moreover, Carr has ramped up scrutiny of various media organizations since his appointment by Trump in November 2020. His investigations have targeted institutions like NPR and PBS, along with demands for transparency from tech giants such as Apple and Google regarding their editorial practices. Disney is not the only company facing this molten landscape; other major firms, including Verizon and Comcast, are also under investigation for their DEI policies amid the Republicans’ broader campaign against perceived “woke” ideologies.

This investigation adds to Disney’s existing political woes, notably its recent settlement of a $15 million defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump when an ABC journalist inaccurately reported on the former president’s legal issues. Additionally, Disney’s criticisms of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law have pitched it against Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, marking it as a persistent target for conservatives. Disney’s trajectory underscores the chilling atmosphere surrounding DEI initiatives under the current Republican regime.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62k20l5x24o)

Disney Faces Government Investigation Over DEI Practices Amid GOP’s Discriminatory Pressure

The U.S. government is investigating Disney’s diversity and inclusion (DEI) practices, as initiated by Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This investigation signifies increasing pressure on media companies to comply with the GOP’s discriminatory regulations aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives. Carr officially notified Disney and its ABC News unit via a letter, expressing concerns that the company may be promoting diversity in ways that contravene established government policies.

A spokesperson for Disney has confirmed the company’s intent to cooperate with the investigation, indicating they are reviewing the details of Carr’s letter. Disney’s ongoing alignment with DEI principles has come under scrutiny during the Trump administration, which has extended its mandate against such initiatives internationally. The American embassy in France recently reached out to French firms with U.S. contracts, mandating their compliance with Trump’s executive order prohibiting DEI programs.

Carr’s letter directly addresses Disney’s CEO, Robert Iger, emphasizing the need for compliance with FCC regulations and the elimination of any discriminatory practices cloaked in DEI terminology. He expressed a particular interest in how Disney has handled diversity within its media content, demanding clarity on their adherence to equitable employment opportunities.

Moreover, Carr has ramped up scrutiny of various media organizations since his appointment by Trump in November 2020. His investigations have targeted institutions like NPR and PBS, along with demands for transparency from tech giants such as Apple and Google regarding their editorial practices. Disney is not the only company facing this molten landscape; other major firms, including Verizon and Comcast, are also under investigation for their DEI policies amid the Republicans’ broader campaign against perceived “woke” ideologies.

This investigation adds to Disney’s existing political woes, notably its recent settlement of a $15 million defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump when an ABC journalist inaccurately reported on the former president’s legal issues. Additionally, Disney’s criticisms of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law have pitched it against Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, marking it as a persistent target for conservatives. Disney’s trajectory underscores the chilling atmosphere surrounding DEI initiatives under the current Republican regime.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62k20l5x24o)

Columbia University Interim President Resigns Amid Controversial Trump-Era Policies and Campus Turmoil

Columbia University’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, will resign and return to her role at the medical center, as announced by the university’s board of trustees. This decision highlights the ongoing turmoil at Columbia and follows the university’s recent controversial concessions to the Trump administration aimed at securing $400 million in federal funding. Armstrong was chosen as interim president during a challenging time for the university, reflecting the significant pressure it faced.

Columbia’s administration is implementing sweeping changes to address the Trump administration’s allegations of inadequate action against antisemitism connected to pro-Gaza protests on campus. These changes include the establishment of a new campus police force, restrictions on face masks, and the removal of faculty governance over certain academic departments, actions that many scholars and activists have condemned as an alarming capitulation to external political pressure.

The leadership upheaval at Columbia is not an isolated incident; it follows the resignation of Minouche Shafik, Columbia’s previous president, in 2024 amid severe backlash from students for her handling of protests against the university’s policies and the actions of law enforcement against demonstrators. Shafik’s tenure was marked by student occupations and widespread unrest, highlighting a campus increasingly embroiled in political controversy.

In addition to the leadership changes, Columbia has faced allegations of retaliating against non-citizen student activists involved in pro-Palestine protests amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The recent detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card-holder and student activist, has raised serious concerns about the preservation of free speech rights on campus during a period of escalating political tension.

David J. Greenwald, chair of the Columbia Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for Armstrong’s service while acknowledging the turbulence surrounding the university’s leadership. Claire Shipman, a journalist and Columbia alum, has been appointed acting president as the search for a new leader begins. This sequence of events signals a troubling trend of politicization in educational institutions under the influence of the Trump administration.

Trump’s Executive Order Targets Smithsonian to Censor American History Insights

Donald Trump has issued an executive order that directly targets the Smithsonian Institution, asserting that it promotes what he deems “divisive, race-based ideology.” This controversial move, labeled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” aims to erase exhibitions that discuss racial themes by halting federal funding for such programs. The order mandates Vice President JD Vance to eliminate what Trump calls “improper” displays from the Smithsonian’s museums and the National Zoo, fundamentally censoring historical narratives.

The executive order seeks to restore federal properties that have “been improperly removed or changed,” a thinly veiled attack against attempts to showcase America’s complex history, particularly regarding race. Trump’s focus is not merely on museum exhibitions but extends to shaping the broader cultural narrative of the country, enhancing the authoritarian flavor of his presidency by controlling public memory and historical interpretation.

A significant point of contention within the order is the accusation against the planned American Women’s History Museum, falsely claiming it aims to “recognize men as women.” Additionally, Trump’s directive aims to delegitimize the National Museum of African American History and Culture, alleging that recognizing values like hard work and individualism as part of “White culture” is in itself divisive. These fabrications reveal an extremist ideology intended to repress accurate representations of America’s racial history.

Moreover, the executive order coincides with Trump’s broader strategy of dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across federal institutions, a campaign that has already faced numerous legal challenges. The aggressive nature of these actions showcases Trump’s intent to redefine American cultural institutions as platforms for ideological conformity rather than diversity and inclusion.

Overall, Trump’s executive order constitutes a direct assault on the intellectual and cultural diversity that characterizes American society. The effort to reframe the country’s history and diminish the significance of exhibitions that reflect upon its racial past is emblematic of a trend toward authoritarianism, echoing tactics employed by regimes seeking to reshape public narratives for political gain.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjy1jmvvwzo.amp)

Trump Ally Alina Habba Takes Interim US Attorney Role

Alina Habba, a staunch defender of Donald Trump and his personal lawyer, was sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey amid a deeply troubled political landscape. Her role signifies a troubling partisan shift within the justice system as she steps into a position traditionally associated with impartial law enforcement. Habba’s appointment raises major concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, especially given her previous defense of Trump in various high-profile legal battles.

Trump praised Habba during her swearing-in, claiming that she would help “defeat the corrupt and grotesque weaponization of our justice system.” This statement highlights the alarming trend of politicians attempting to weaponize governmental institutions for partisan gain, undermining the principles of democracy and justice. It suggests that Habba may prioritize political loyalty over rule of law, reflecting Trump’s broader strategy of placing allies in positions of authority regardless of their qualifications.

Prior to her appointment, Habba faced significant legal repercussions, having been sanctioned nearly $1 million by a federal judge for a “continuing pattern of misuse of the courts.” This exemplifies her questionable professional conduct and raises serious ethical questions about her capability to serve as a federal prosecutor. Instead of upholding justice, there is a palpable risk that Habba will transform the position into a tool for targeting political adversaries, particularly Democrats, echoing Trump’s vendetta mentality.

During her time as Trump’s spokesperson and senior adviser, she consistently echoed his unfounded claims regarding election fraud and the legitimacy of his opponents. Habba’s public comments betray a willingness to ignore facts in favor of an aggressive partisan narrative, a trait that may well carry into her new role. Her statement that she has been through “some very dark days” with Trump signifies an alignment more suited for a loyalist than a legal steward, further eroding the foundational tenets of impartiality that should govern the judiciary.

With Habba now in this position, there are significant implications for the judicial integrity within New Jersey and beyond. The intertwining of Trump’s political machinery with the justice system threatens not only accountability but also the very fabric of democracy. As she assumes office, it becomes essential for the public and lawmakers to remain vigilant against this troubling transformation and demand accountability in the face of growing authoritarianism.

(h/t: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5220180-alina-habba-us-attorney-new-jersey/)

Trump’s Executive Order Targets Smithsonian’s Racial Exhibitions and Censors History

President Trump has issued an executive order attacking the Smithsonian Institution, accusing it of promoting “divisive, race-based ideology.” This declaration, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” aims to halt federal funding for exhibitions that address racial themes, with Trump specifically targeting displays he claims divide Americans.

The order demands Vice President JD Vance eliminate what Trump labels “improper ideology” from the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and the National Zoo. Additionally, it seeks the restoration of various public monuments that were previously removed or altered, primarily those celebrating individuals associated with racism, such as Confederate leaders.

In the order, Trump alleges a coordinated effort to rewrite American history, wrongly claiming that objective facts are being replaced by a distorted narrative. He points to current exhibitions at institutions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum as examples of this supposed rewriting, particularly criticizing shows that explore race and its representation in American sculpture.

While the specifics of the administration’s intentions remain vague, there are indications that exhibitions addressing slavery and significant figures in African American history, such as Mary McLeod Bethune, may face censorship. The directive also calls out an exhibit at the upcoming Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum regarding gender identity in sports, a move interpreted as an attack on discussions surrounding transgender and nonbinary inclusion.

Trump’s executive order further instructs Vance to work alongside Russell Vought from the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that future congressional appropriations prohibit funding for programs perceived as undermining shared American values. This is not Trump’s first conflict with the Smithsonian; previous actions have already curtailed discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion at these institutions.

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