Category: Policies

Trump Officials Assumed USAID Just Did Abortions

Trump administration officials tasked with dismantling USAID in 2025 demonstrated profound ignorance of the agency’s actual functions, according to a new book by Nicholas Enrich, the agency’s acting assistant administrator for global health. During a February 5, 2025 meeting at USAID headquarters, official Joe Borkert and his team admitted they had assumed the agency “just did abortions,” revealing that Elon Musk’s cost-cutting operation DOGE had targeted the organization without understanding its humanitarian mission. Musk had previously called USAID a “criminal organization” and “radical-left political psy op” based on disinformation.

Enrich described to the Trump officials how USAID tackled emerging pandemics, diagnosed and treated tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV, and immunized millions of children against deadly diseases. His explanation prompted stunned silence before Borkert confessed his assumption about the agency’s work. A White House liaison then suggested that drug-resistant tuberculosis was too complex for non-health professionals and proposed simplifying it to “Super TB” and creating maps resembling the film “Outbreak” to visualize disease spread, treating public health crises as entertainment concepts.

When Enrich pressed the importance of USAID’s malaria response efforts, which DOGE had just shut down at the cost of thousands of jobs, even Borkert expressed frustration, saying “just because it might work at Twitter does not mean you can do it here.” Despite this acknowledgment, he ordered the USAID team to implement draconian cuts, retaining only first-priority programs and discarding second, third, and fourth-tier priorities, including lifesaving maternal health interventions designed to prevent pregnancy-related deaths.

Enrich and his colleagues left the meeting deeply disturbed, concluding that the Trump administration officials making decisions with real-world consequences “were not real policymakers, but impostors, sitting in big chairs and pretending to grapple with complex issues that required teams of experts, who they had just off-loaded.” The episode exemplifies the abuse of power and reckless dismantling of critical global health infrastructure driven by ideological cost-cutting rather than informed policy analysis.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-administration-usaid-whistleblower-b2957508.html)

Starmer told ‘drill, baby, drill’ by Trump over North Sea oil fields | The Independent

Donald Trump pressured Prime Minister Keir Starmer to expand North Sea oil and gas drilling, using the phrase “drill, baby, drill” and demanding Scotland abandon wind energy development. Trump claimed the United Kingdom is “tragic” for refusing to exploit North Sea oil reserves and stated that Aberdeen “should be booming” with fossil fuel extraction, despite Europe’s stated energy security needs.

Trump asserted that Norway profits by selling North Sea oil to Britain at double the price, implying the UK should extract and sell its own resources instead. He reiterated his long-standing opposition to wind energy, calling it an “expensive joke,” and demanded the UK cease wind turbine development in Scotland while prioritizing oil drilling.

The Republican president’s intervention in UK energy policy reflects his consistent push to expand fossil fuel extraction globally and his hostility toward renewable energy infrastructure. His demands contradict the UK government’s stated climate and energy transition goals, positioning Trump as openly hostile to clean energy policy regardless of national sovereignty or environmental commitments.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-starmer-north-sea-oil-drill-b2957519.html)

Trump Posts Jesus-Like Picture of Himself Amid Pope Leo Feud

President Donald Trump posted an artificial intelligence-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ performing a miraculous healing on a sick man, complete with religious iconography including a glowing hand, American flags, the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, and angelic soldiers. The image also featured a praying woman, a person in what appears to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement uniform, and a nurse observing Trump’s supposed miracle work in a hospital setting.

Trump posted the image approximately 40 minutes after launching a hostile attack on Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff’s criticism of the Iran war. Trump branded the pope “WEAK” on crime and nuclear weapons, calling him “terrible” on foreign policy. Trump also attacked the pope’s brother, Louis Prevost, claiming he preferred him because Prevost was “all MAGA,” demonstrating Trump’s weaponization of family members to escalate conflicts.

The pope’s criticism stemmed from Trump’s threats to obliterate “a whole civilization” in Iran if its leadership refused to make a deal, which the pontiff called “truly unacceptable.” Pope Leo XIV subsequently declared that “God does not bless any conflict.” The pope had previously denounced the Trump administration’s “extremely disrespectful” treatment of undocumented immigrants, establishing a pattern of moral opposition to Trump’s policies.

When speaking to reporters at Air Force One on Sunday evening, Trump doubled down on his attacks, stating “We don’t like a pope that’s going to say it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon” and describing Pope Leo XIV as “a very liberal person” who “doesn’t believe in stopping crime.” Trump’s messaging contradicted the pope’s actual position on nuclear proliferation while mischaracterizing the pontiff’s humanitarian stances.

The AI-generated image and accompanying tirade reflect Trump’s pattern of appropriating religious imagery and language to reinforce a messianic narrative among his supporters, while simultaneously attacking religious figures who challenge his military and immigration policies. The juxtaposition of the image with the pope attack demonstrated Trump’s weaponization of faith rhetoric to delegitimize moral opposition to his authoritarian actions.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-posts-jesus-like-picture-of-himself-performing-miracle-on-sick-man-minutes-after-ramping-up-feud-with-pope-leo/)

Trump Threatens to ‘Eliminate’ Iranian Ships Violating Blockade

President Donald Trump threatened to destroy any Iranian vessels that approach his newly imposed naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, posting the threat on Truth Social on Monday morning within 23 minutes of the blockade taking effect. Trump claimed Iran’s Navy had been “completely obliterated” with 158 ships destroyed, and warned that any remaining “fast attack ships” attempting to breach the blockade would be “immediately ELIMINATED” using lethal methods comparable to those deployed against suspected drug-smuggling boats from South America.

The threat followed Trump’s announcement of the blockade after Vice President JD Vance failed to negotiate a deal with Iranian leadership during weekend talks in Pakistan. Trump described the anticipated elimination as “quick and brutal,” framing the blockade as part of a broader administration strategy to disrupt Iranian activity and drug trafficking simultaneously.

Trump added an unsubstantiated claim that 98.2% of drugs entering the U.S. by ocean have been stopped under his administration’s policies, attributing this result to the aggressive enforcement methods he referenced in his warning about Iranian vessels. The post represents an escalation in Trump’s rhetoric toward Iran following the collapsed diplomatic negotiations.

Trump had previously claimed that whether or not a deal with Iran was reached made “no difference” to American interests, suggesting his administration’s approach prioritizes military confrontation over sustained diplomacy. The blockade and accompanying threats signal Trump’s intent to use force as the primary instrument of foreign policy toward Iran regardless of diplomatic outcomes.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-warns-iran-any-ships-that-attempt-to-violate-blockade-will-be-eliminated-just-like-south-american-drug-boats/)

Trump Weighs Iran Military Strikes After Pakistan Peace Talks Collapse

Trump and his advisers are evaluating military strikes against Iran following the collapse of peace negotiations in Pakistan. The White House is weighing limited bombing campaigns alongside the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as pressure tactics to restart stalled diplomatic talks, according to officials briefed on the situation.

A full-scale bombing campaign remains under consideration, though officials indicated this option is less probable given Trump’s stated aversion to prolonged military conflicts and concerns about further regional destabilization. Trump is also exploring a temporary blockade arrangement that would shift long-term enforcement responsibilities to allied nations.

Trump’s aides maintain that he remains open to diplomatic resolution despite the breakdown in Pakistan negotiations. The administration is treating military action as one element of a broader coercive strategy rather than an immediate objective.

(Source: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trump-weighs-limited-strikes-on-iran-after-talks-collapse-71908883?mod=WSJ_home_mediumtopper_pos_3)

Trump Blasts Pope Leo XIV for Iran War Stance

President Donald Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media Sunday, calling the first American pontiff “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy” while criticizing his opposition to nuclear weapons in Iran. Trump’s posts escalated a feud with the Catholic Church leader that began after Pope Leo XIV denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and called for political leaders to negotiate peace instead of pursuing military action.

Speaking to reporters after landing near Washington from Florida, Trump stated he was “not a fan of Pope Leo” and claimed the pontiff is “a very liberal person” who wrongly supports Iran possessing nuclear capabilities. Trump’s criticism followed the Pope’s evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica, which coincided with the start of U.S.-Iran face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan during a ceasefire, though Leo did not mention the United States or Trump by name.

Pope Leo XIV’s remarks appeared directed at Trump and U.S. officials who have justified the Iran war using religious arguments and touted American military superiority. The Pope’s position reflects longstanding Catholic doctrine emphasizing peaceful diplomacy over military conflict, contrasting sharply with Trump’s hawkish stance on Iran and nuclear weapons policy.

This clash between Trump and the pontiff represents a significant breach between the Republican president and a major global religious institution at a critical moment in Middle East diplomacy. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart Monday for an 11-day trip to Africa, continuing his international engagement separate from the escalating U.S. political controversy.

(Source: https://abc7.com/post/president-donald-trump-lambasts-pope-leo-xiv-extending-feud-iran-war-first-american-pontiff/18877162/)

Trump Announces Blockade on Iran’s Strait That Iran Already has Blockaded

President Donald Trump announced on Fox News Sunday that the United States will impose a naval blockade on all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of 21-hour negotiations with Iran. Trump claimed Iran refused to abandon its nuclear weapons program, which he characterized as the sole obstacle to an agreement, despite asserting that Iranian military capabilities were “obliterated” and its leadership “gone.”

During the phone interview with Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo, Trump stated the blockade would take time to implement but become “effective pretty soon.” He claimed Iran’s negotiating position relied solely on the threat of deploying mines in the strait, which he described as “extortion” against global shipping. Trump portrayed the talks as “very friendly” while insisting Iran’s refusal on nuclear weapons was disqualifying.

Trump represented the talks as led by Vice President JD Vance, advisor Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, describing the American delegation as “very, very good representatives.” He dismissed Iran’s negotiating stance by claiming its military had been effectively destroyed and its top leadership, including Supreme Leader Khamenei, was “gone,” assertions unsupported by documented fact.

The blockade announcement follows Trump’s earlier escalating threats against Iran and his demands that NATO members support his Iran war. Trump’s unilateral decision to blockade a critical international waterway represents a significant militarization of the conflict without apparent diplomatic alternatives or international coordination.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/were-going-to-be-blockading-trump-calls-in-to-fox-news-after-very-friendly-talks-with-iran-collapse/)

Trump Falsely Claims Military Cleared Hormuz Strait

President Donald Trump posted unsubstantiated claims on Truth Social early Saturday morning asserting that the United States military was “clearing out” the Strait of Hormuz and that oil tankers worldwide were heading to America to “load up” with petroleum. Trump framed the action as a favor to allied nations including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and Germany, claiming these countries lack “the Courage or Will” to perform such work themselves. The posts came as domestic gasoline prices remained elevated following Trump’s month-long military campaign against Iran.

Trump used the Saturday morning posts to make sweeping claims about purported Iranian military losses, stating Tehran’s navy, air force, anti-aircraft systems, radar capabilities, and missile and drone factories had been “largely obliterated.” He also boasted that Iran’s “longtime leaders are no longer with us,” referencing targeted killings during the conflict. Trump claimed Iran’s remaining naval threat was limited to 28 sea mines, asserting all 28 mine-laying vessels had been sunk.

The disinformation posts coincided with active ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, where Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf headed Iran’s team. Trump had stated Friday that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “fairly soon, with or without” Iran’s cooperation, threatening unilateral action. Iran previously signaled negotiations would only proceed if prior agreements were honored, including a ceasefire in Lebanon and restoration of frozen assets, conditions Washington disputed.

In a separate Truth Social post, Trump stated he was “watching fertilizer prices CLOSELY” during the conflict and threatened to prevent “PRICE GOUGING from the fertilizer monopoly.” The posts illustrated Trump’s use of the platform to make unverified military and economic claims while delegating diplomatic duties to subordinates; Trump’s official schedule showed him traveling to Miami to attend UFC 327 while Vance conducted peace talks.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-rant-oil-tankers-iran-b2955817.html)

Trump Claims Iran Deal Outcome Irrelevant to US

Trump claimed on April 11 that whether the United States reaches a deal with Iran makes “no difference” to American interests, stating “regardless of what happens, we win.” He characterized Iran’s military capabilities as minimal, asserting the US had “defeated them militarily,” while Vice President JD Vance led intensive negotiations in Islamabad as part of what Trump described as “very deep discussions.”

Trump’s dismissal of deal outcomes contradicts the significance typically placed on diplomatic agreements with hostile nations. His public indifference toward negotiation results, combined with claims of Iranian military weakness, frames the ongoing talks within a narrative of American dominance rather than mutual accommodation or genuine diplomacy.

The president also issued a warning to China, threatening “big problems” if the nation supplies arms to Iran. This warning accompanied his broader positioning of the Iran discussions, which Trump framed as predetermined victories for the United States regardless of diplomatic resolution.

Trump’s statements align with prior announcements of a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz following failed negotiations, part of a pattern of escalatory military posturing. His rhetoric de-emphasizes the value of negotiated settlements while emphasizing unilateral American strength and willingness to act militarily if diplomatic talks do not yield his preferred outcomes.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/iran-trump-peace-talks-video-b2956017.html)

Trump’s 250-Foot Triumphal Arch Near Arlington Gets Veterans’ Lawsuit Pause

Trump administration officials released renderings Friday for a 250-foot-tall “triumphal arch” planned for Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The monument would feature an inscription reading “One Nation Under God,” a gold statue of Lady Liberty at its apex with outstretched wings, and four golden lions at its base. Trump stated in January he wants it to be the world’s largest arch, exceeding the 164-foot Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and called it on social media the “GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL” structure “anywhere in the world.”

The arch proposal faces legal opposition from multiple groups. Veterans sued to block construction, but the Trump administration reached a compromise this week agreeing to provide at least two weeks’ public notice before beginning work, temporarily halting the lawsuit. However, the veterans’ group can resume litigation if the administration fails to follow legal procedures. A coalition of Democratic lawmakers led by Rep. Jared Huffman of California and Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, filed an amicus brief arguing the project violates the Commemorative Works Act and requires congressional approval.

Federal spending documents revealed taxpayer funds would partially finance the project. The Office of Budget and Management approved $2 million in “special initiative funds” and $13 million in matching grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the arch, according to a spending plan released this week.

(Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/new-renderings-released-trumps-proposed-triumphal-arch/story?id=131928451)

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