Category: Policies

Texas Republicans rue Democrats for dismissing Mayorkas impeachment without trial

Senate Democrats swiftly dismissed the impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, much to the dismay of Texas Republicans and other GOP members who sought a full Senate trial. Despite efforts by Republicans to debate and consider the Constitution and the law, Democrats, holding the majority, voted to dismiss the charges brought by the House on the grounds of being unconstitutional.

Mayorkas was impeached by the House in February, on the orders of Donald Trump as revenge for his two impeachments. Mayorkas was accused by Republicans of failing to enforce border laws and lying to Congress, neither of which Republicans were able to provide evidence for, and in fact Mayorkas leading the bi-partisan border negotiations at the exact same time Trump’s lackies were pushing for impeachment shows how dishonest Republicans have always been around impeachment dating back to Bill Clinton.

Republicans introduced various procedural motions to delay the dismissal, highlighting concerns about the southern border crisis and the constitutionality of not holding a trial. The Senate Democrats’ decision was criticized by GOP members like Texas Reps. Michael McCaul and August Pfluger, who emphasized the abandonment of constitutional responsibility.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer led the effort to deem the articles of impeachment unconstitutional, leading to a swift dismissal. Mayorkas, the first cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years, maintained focus on advancing the Department of Homeland Security’s missions amidst the impeachment drama.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz expressed disappointment at the lack of a full trial, linking the impeachment to border policies and humanitarian crises. Cruz’s fury at Democrats for not hearing out arguments and the subsequent dismissal by Senate Democrats marked a contentious chapter in the impeachment proceedings.

 

One question both Republican job applicants and potential Trump jurors must answer

There is a prevalent question in both job interviews for Republican positions and potential jurors in Trump’s upcoming trials: ‘Do you believe the 2020 election was stolen?’ Job applicants in key states are being tested for loyalty to Trump, while prosecutors aim to assess juror impartiality. Trump’s first criminal trial, involving ‘hush money’ payments to Stormy Daniels, is set for April. The prosecution sees questioning jurors on the election as a way to gauge impartiality. Trump’s attorney disputes the need for the question, calling it irrelevant to the case. The former president faces 34 felony counts related to covering up an alleged affair with Daniels.

Donald Trump Rages at Judge, Calls for Immediate Recusal

Donald Trump criticizes Judge Merchan for imposing a gag order before his hush-money trial in April, calling for the judge’s immediate recusal and sanction. The case involves allegations that Trump falsified payments to lawyer Michael Cohen, which Trump denies. Trump insists the case is a political witch hunt to interfere with the election. He accuses the DOJ of bias and coordination against him to aid Joe Biden’s reelection. Trump’s attacks on Merchan and his daughter have escalated, claiming a social media post aimed at his imprisonment.

Judge Merchan recently imposed a gag order on Trump, prohibiting public comments about the trial’s participants, except for Merchan and prosecutor criticism. The judge cited Trump’s history of inflammatory remarks as the reason for the order. Trump’s campaign to discredit the case and the judge continues, with accusations of political bias and unjust legal actions.

Trump’s denial of the charges and insistence on the case’s dismissal reflect his ongoing fight against the legal challenges he faces. The upcoming trial is crucial as it marks the first of four criminal cases against Trump. The former president’s rhetoric on the case is central to his campaign narrative as he seeks to regain the presidency.

Despite the gag order, Trump remains vocal on his Truth Social platform, using it as a tool to rally supporters against what he perceives as biased legal proceedings. The escalating conflict between Trump and Judge Merchan underscores the contentious nature of the upcoming trial and its potential implications for Trump’s political future.

Trump Tells Dead Kid’s Parents To “Get Over It”

In a recent campaign event in Iowa, Donald Trump responded to a high school shooting in Perry by urging the audience to “get over it” and emphasized the need to move forward. Trump’s comments, coming about 36 hours after the incident, marked his first public address on the violence. This echoes a pattern observed in his past remarks, particularly during an April 2023 speech to the National Rifle Association, where he attributed school shootings to factors like Democrats, mental health issues, marijuana, and the transgender community, deflecting from a substantial discussion on gun violence.

Criticism for Trump’s recent comment poured in from the Democratic Super PAC American Bridge, with their communication director Brandon Weathersby condemning Trump’s lack of empathy and asserting that telling Iowans to “get over it” was beyond acceptable even for Trump. Despite facing multiple legal challenges, including 91 criminal charges, civil litigation, and a rape allegation deemed “substantially true” by a judge, Trump maintains strong support in polling for the Republican presidential nomination in the upcoming primaries. The Perry school shooting left one sixth grader dead and seven others injured, with the perpetrator identified as a 17-year-old student who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This incident, coupled with Trump’s response, raises questions about the political discourse surrounding gun violence and the adequacy of leadership responses to tragic events. While some may view Trump’s approach as pragmatic, others argue it lacks the necessary empathy and depth needed in addressing the complex issue of school shootings.

Trump New Ad Calls Him God’s Chosen One

Donald Trump’s new ad “God Made Trump” which he promoted on Truth Social reads like a biblical fanfic, casting Donald Trump as America’s divinely ordained hero battling wicked forces. Think a mashup of Adam’s creation (“God looked down…needed a caretaker. So God gave us Trump”) and Moses parting the Red Sea, only instead of Pharaoh, it’s “those darn Marxists.” This potent cocktail of biblical imagery and cult-like persuasion demands a closer look.

The ad employs the classic “Chosen One” trope, imbuing Trump with near-sacred authority. It invokes Genesis, framing his birth as God’s deliberate act, not a mere coincidence. References to John 10:11 paint him as a shepherd guiding his flock through perilous times, fostering a sense of dependence and unquestioning loyalty among supporters. This blurring of the lines between leader and divinely-ordained savior echoes the tactics of biblical cults, where charismatic figures wielded religious authority to control their followers.

But beneath the divine veneer lies a troubling “us vs. them” narrative. The ad paints a dystopian picture of America besieged by “Marxist vipers” and the “deep state serpent,” reminiscent of biblical battles between God’s chosen and their enemies. This stark division solidifies a sense of belonging and exclusivity within the Trump camp, but at the cost of silencing dissent and stifling critical thinking. This tactic mirrors the isolation and groupthink common in biblical cults, where members are encouraged to distrust outsiders and unquestioningly accept the leader’s pronouncements.

Remember, this ad is a masterclass in persuasive messaging, not a factual biography. Fact-checking reveals Trump’s “divine mandate” often translated to late-night tweets and Fox News marathons, not celestial guidance. His self-proclaimed messianic achievements demand nuanced analysis, not divinely-attributed magic. Ultimately, discerning voters, not divine intervention, are the architects of our democracy. Let’s keep faith in the pews and critical thinking in the voting booth. Just because the ad depicts Trump parting America’s political Red Sea doesn’t mean we should blindly follow him into the promised land.

“GOD MADE TRUMP”

“And on June 14th, 1946, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, I need a caretaker.

So God gave us Trump.

God said, I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, fix this country, work all day, fight the Marxists, eat supper, then go to the Oval Office and stay past midnight at a meeting of the heads of state.

So God made Trump.

I need somebody with arms, strong enough to rustle the deep state and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to ruffle the feathers, tame cantankerous World Economic Forum, come home hungry, have to wait until the first lady is done with lunch with friends, then tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon. And mean it.

So God gave us Trump.

I need somebody who can shape an axe but wield a sword, who had the courage to step foot in North Korea, who can make money from the tar of the sand, turn liquid to gold, who understands the difference between tariffs and inflation, will finish his 40-hour week by Tuesday noon, but then put in another 72 hours.

So God made Trump.

God had to have somebody willing to go into the den of vipers, call out the fake news for their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s, the poison of vipers is on their lips, and yet stop.

So God made Trump.

God said, I need somebody who will be strong and courageous, who will not be afraid or terrified of the wolves when they attack. A man who cares for the flock, a shepherd to mankind who won’t ever leave nor forsake them. I need the most diligent worker to follow the path and remain strong in faith and know the belief of God and country. Somebody who’s willing to drill, bring back manufacturing and American jobs, farm the lands, secure our borders, build our military, fight the system all day, and finish a hard week’s work by attending church on Sunday. And then his oldest son turns and says, dad, let’s make America great again. Dad, let’s build back a country to be the envy of the world again.

So God made Trump.”

(https://themessenger.com/politics/trump-shares-new-ad-god-made-trump?fbclid=IwAR2aj96th4RgWg2JzULV7rcIcYHw-qWoW8bD8ZPv1Dq263HsFUADvPxeGkc_aem_AQVJ7MCOyMt_egIStLZUg0F86qKW93UTLT49euVX3WYND024liJOo5weANX5TY8bJgM)

Trump Posts “The Great Replacement” Conspiracy Popular With Neo-Nazis

Former President Trump’s recent Truth Social post concerning immigration has drawn critical attention for echoing a dangerous and unfounded conspiracy theory – the “Great Replacement.” This theory, alleging a coordinated effort to replace white Americans with immigrants, has long been a cornerstone of white nationalist and far-right ideologies. Its presence in a mainstream political figure’s post demands careful analysis.

It’s becoming more and more obvious to me why the “Crazed” Democrats are allowing millions and millions of totally unvetted migrants into our once great Country. IT’S SO THEY CAN VOTE, VOTE, VOTE. They are signing them up at a rapid pace, without even knowing who the hell they are. It all makes sense now. Republicans better wake up and do something, before it is too late. Are you listening Mitch McConnell?

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/111667694816747840

While concerns about immigration trends and their potential impact on society are legitimate topics for discussion,Trump’s post utilizes inflammatory language and unsubstantiated claims. The assertion that millions of immigrants are being deliberately “unvetted” and signed up to vote solely for partisan gain fuels xenophobia and undermines trust in democratic processes. This narrative conveniently omits the complex web of economic, social, and political factors driving immigration patterns, instead choosing to paint a picture of nefarious outsiders infiltrating American society.

Trump’s post echoes disturbing historical rhetoric with its coded language and divisive framing. Phrases like “millions and millions” and “totally unvetted” bear striking resemblance to slogans chanted by white supremacist groups like those who marched in Charlottesville. Their hateful chants targeting Jewish communities openly invoked the “Great Replacement” theory, highlighting its dangerous potential to incite real-world violence and discrimination.

Dismissing such language as mere political rhetoric carries significant risks. Normalizing these narratives, even unintentionally, emboldens extremist groups and provides validation for their hateful ideologies. It has the potential to further erode social cohesion, fuel animosity towards immigrants and minorities, and ultimately weaken the fabric of American society.

Instead of indulging in fear-mongering and unsubstantiated claims, responsible political discourse should prioritize facts and evidence-based solutions. By addressing legitimate concerns about immigration while rejecting harmful stereotypes and conspiratorial narratives, we can foster a more informed and inclusive national conversation. Let’s focus on building a stronger nation where all members feel welcome and contribute to its shared future, rather than succumbing to the shadows of hate and division.

Trump Echoes Hitler’s Immigrants Poisoning Blood of the Country

Former President Trump’s recent Truth Social post, declaring illegal immigration to be “poisoning the blood of our nation,” reverberates with disturbing historical echoes. The language, while veiled, taps into a wellspring of dehumanizing and exclusionary rhetoric used throughout history to ostracize and discriminate against marginalized groups. Examining the post through this lens reveals the potential dangers of such inflammatory language and underscores the importance of responsible political discourse.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS POISONING THE BLOOD OF OUR NATION. THEY’RE COMING FROM PRISONS, FROM MENTAL INSTITUTIONS — FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WITHOUT BORDERS & FAIR ELECTIONS, YOU DON’T HAVE A COUNTRY. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/111593149429973351

Firstly, the stark metaphor of “poisoning the blood” is deeply concerning. It dehumanizes immigrants, reducing them to a toxic threat infiltrating the nation’s very core. This echoes similar language used throughout history to demonize groups based on ethnicity, religion, or origin. Nazi propaganda, for instance, frequently depicted Jews as a “poisonous bacillus” infecting the Aryan body politic. Such language not only creates a stark “us vs. them” dichotomy but also lays the groundwork for justifying discrimination, hostility, and even violence against the targeted group.

Furthermore, the post’s claim that immigrants come from “prisons, mental institutions, and all over the world” further fuels harmful stereotypes. This paints a generalized picture of immigrants as criminals, deviants, and outsiders, fostering fear and distrust. It disregards the vast diversity of experiences and circumstances among immigrants, reducing them to a monolithic threat instead of recognizing them as individuals seeking a better life. Such generalizations often stem from xenophobic sentiments and lack factual basis, contributing to an atmosphere of prejudice and discrimination.

Ultimately, Trump’s post exemplifies the perils of employing divisive and dehumanizing language in political discourse. It stokes fear, fosters prejudice, and risks normalizing dangerous rhetoric with historical roots in exclusion and hate. As responsible citizens and journalists, we must critically analyze such language, expose its harmful origins, and advocate for a more inclusive and fact-based political discourse. Only then can we truly build a nation where all members, regardless of their background or origin, feel welcome and valued.

Trump’s Tirade Against Media Triggers Concerns About Authoritarianism

Donald Trump’s latest social media diatribe directed at the media unleashed a wave of condemnation, raising a potent red flag about his authoritarian tendencies. In a late-night rant on Truth Social, Trump accused MSNBC of “election interference” through “constant attacks” on him and the Republican party, labeling its CEO a “slimeball” who needs to be punished by the “so-called government.” He ominously promised “much more to come,” leaving observers deeply troubled by the implications for press freedom and democratic values.

This outburst isn’t an isolated incident. Trump’s repeated attacks on the media, his labeling of journalists as “enemies of the people,” and his efforts to undermine institutions like the judiciary paint a disturbing picture of someone comfortable with suppressing dissent and consolidating power. His language echoes tactics used by authoritarian regimes, aiming to delegitimize criticism and sow fear amongst journalists and the public.

The chilling aspect of Trump’s threat lies in his explicit call for the government to “come down hard” on his critics. This statement goes beyond mere rhetorical bluster; it’s a direct attack on a cornerstone of democracy – a free and independent press. If acted upon, such measures could cripple the ability of journalists to hold power accountable and inform the public, paving the way for unchecked abuses and undermining the very checks and balances that safeguard democratic norms.

Trump’s authoritarian inclinations aren’t merely a matter of fiery rhetoric; they represent a tangible threat to the fabric of American democracy. These latest attacks serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by a leader who sees dissent as an enemy and prioritizes personal vendettas over the principles of a free and open society. Recognizing and resisting these encroachments upon our fundamental rights is crucial to protecting the future of American democracy.

Trump’s Fossil Fuel Fanaticism Threatens Climate Progress and Public Health

Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House paints a grim picture for the future of our planet and the health of its inhabitants. Advisers close to the former president confirmed plans to dismantle Biden’s landmark climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), in favor of policies that would “maximize fossil fuel production.” This blatant disregard for scientific evidence and the well-being of future generations is nothing short of reckless and dangerous.

The scientific consensus is undeniable: human activity is driving climate change, with devastating consequences already unfolding worldwide. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and mass extinctions are just a few of the repercussions we face if we fail to act decisively. Yet, Trump’s proposed policies cater solely to the interests of his oil industry donors,prioritizing short-term profits over the long-term survival of our planet.

Gutting the IRA would cripple America’s progress towards a clean energy future. This legislation represents a crucial step in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Trump’s proposed cuts would not only jeopardize these advancements but also send a chilling message about America’s commitment to combating climate change.

The health impacts of continued fossil fuel dependence are equally alarming. Air pollution from burning coal, oil, and gas contributes to millions of respiratory illnesses and deaths each year. Trump’s policies would exacerbate these problems,disproportionately harming vulnerable communities already burdened by environmental injustices.

In conclusion, Donald Trump’s climate denial and fossil fuel obsession pose a dire threat to our planet and its inhabitants.His proposed policies prioritize corporate greed over scientific facts and public health, jeopardizing the progress made under the IRA and putting the future of our planet at stake. We must stand united against this dangerous agenda and demand leaders who prioritize science, reason, and the well-being of all over the interests of a select few. The future of our planet and the health of our communities depend on it.

h/t: https://www.ft.com/content/ed4b352b-5c06-4f8d-9df7-1b1f9fecb269?segmentID=dc0a9f57-51f8-2c48-3cb3-4b42eb8c679c

Special counsel informs Trump he is target in probe of efforts to overturn 2020 election – ABC News

The development indicates another indictment of Trump could be imminent.

Special counsel Jack Smith has informed former President Donald Trump by letter that he is a target in his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News.

Trump also confirmed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The letter, which sources said was transmitted to Trump’s attorneys in recent days, indicates that yet another indictment of the former president could be imminent.

The target letter mentions three federal statutes: conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under a civil rights statute, and tampering with a witness, victim or an informant, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

There are no additional details in the letter and it does not say how the special counsel’s office claims Trump may have violated the statutes listed, sources said.

Trump, appearing Tuesday night at a town hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that he received the letter on Sunday.

“It bothers me,” said the former president. “I got the letter on Sunday night. Think of it, I don’t think they’ve ever sent a letter on Sunday night. And they’re in a rush because they want to interfere, it’s election interference, never been done like this in the history of our country and it’s a disgrace what’s happening to our country.”

Target letters are typically given to subjects in a criminal investigation to put them on notice that they are facing the prospect of indictment.

Multiple sources tell ABC News that allies, aides and attorneys for the former president have been working to determine if anyone else received a target letter from the special counsel regarding the election probe.

“We can’t find anyone,” a source said Tuesday afternoon.

A lawyer for Trump’s former personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, told ABC News that the former New York City mayor had not received a letter as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Any speculation that Mayor Rudy Giuliani ‘flipped’ against President Donald Trump is as false as previous lies that America’s Mayor was somehow a Russian Agent,” Giuliani adviser Ted Goodman said in a statement. “In order to ‘flip’ on President Trump — as so many in the anti-Trump media are fantasizing over — Mayor Giuliani would’ve had to commit perjury because all the information he has regarding this case points to President Trump’s innocence.”

Trump previously received a target letter from Smith before he was indicted by a grand jury in Florida for his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House and his alleged efforts to obstruct the government’s investigation.

Smith took control of the sprawling Justice Department investigation into the failed efforts by Trump and his allies to thwart his election loss upon his appointment as special counsel in November of last year, and in recent months dozens of witnesses have appeared to testify before a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C.

According to sources, prosecutors have questioned witnesses specifically about the efforts to put forward slates of so-called “false electors” that were to have cast electoral college votes during the certification for Trump in key swing states that he lost to Joe Biden.

Investigators have also sought information on Trump’s actions and his state of mind in the days leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, when thousands of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, temporarily disrupting the certification and causing lawmakers and former Vice President Pence to flee the building.

Trump was indicted last month on 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials, after Smith’s prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information ranging from U.S. nuclear secrets to the nation’s defense capabilities. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The former president has also pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment from the Manhattan district attorney charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election.

ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa and Soo Rin Kim contributed to this report.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated the special counsel’s target letter to former President Trump flagged a potential charge under a section of the civil rights code that mentions “color of law.” In further reporting, sources clarified to ABC News that the section mentioned is 18 USC 241 and does not include that phrase.

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

We now know Trump is being charged by Jack Smith with conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under color of law, and tampering with a witness, victim or an informant, for his attempted coup.

[https://abcnews.go.com/US/special-counsel-informs-trump-target-probe-efforts-overturn/story?id=101404037]

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