Category: Anti-American

Trump Hosts Fascist Italian PM Meloni at Mar-a-Lago Amid Rising Authoritarianism

During a recent surprise visit to Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump extended praise to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, hailing her as a significant figure in European politics. Meloni’s emergence as a key player has been marked by her affiliation with the far-right Brothers of Italy party, which has drawn historical parallels to Mussolini’s regime, raising serious concerns about her influence in a continent still grappling with the consequences of authoritarianism.

Trump’s admiration for Meloni is not misplaced, as she represents a troubling shift towards nationalist and fascist tendencies in Europe. By stating that she has “taken Europe by storm,” Trump is effectively endorsing a political ideology that threatens democratic values. This meeting coincided with the screening of a pro-Trump documentary, underscoring the alignment of their far-right agendas and their mutual disdain for democratic principles.

Key attendees at the dinner included prominent Republican figures such as Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Mike Waltz, both of whom have been linked to Trump’s questionable foreign policy strategies. The absence of transparency regarding the discussions that took place further exacerbates concerns about the potential for secretive and unethical political arrangements, signaling a troubling precedent in American foreign relations.

The political bonds between Meloni and figures like Elon Musk, who was also present during a previous meeting, highlight a disturbing trend of collaboration among ultra-conservative leaders. Their efforts to shape global discourse align with the promotion of nationalism and anti-democratic sentiments, subverting the progress made in protecting civil liberties and human rights.

As Meloni prepares to meet with President Biden, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will address the growing influence of fascist ideologies exemplified by figures like Trump and Meloni. The international community must remain vigilant to ensure that the rise of authoritarian leaders does not further erode the foundations of democratic governance.

(h/t: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/giorgia-meloni-mar-a-lago-donald-trump/)

Trump Expresses Regret Over Leaving Office While Peddling Dangerous Lies

In a recent rally held in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump lamented his departure from the White House, claiming he “shouldn’t have left.” This statement reflects his persistent delusions regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election and suggests a troubling unwillingness to accept defeat in future elections.

Throughout his speech, Trump escalated his baseless assertions of widespread voter fraud, insinuating that the only way he could lose again in 2024 would be through Democratic cheating. This rhetoric continues to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and incites division among his supporters.

Trump’s remarks also hinted at a dangerous attitude towards violence, as he expressed indifference to the idea of reporters being shot at while criticizing the media. Such comments are alarming, especially considering the violent events that occurred on January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol based on his false claims.

Despite a clear lack of evidence for his claims, Trump continues to capitalize on fear and division as he campaigns for the upcoming election, labeling the Democratic Party as “demonic.” This kind of inflammatory language is reminiscent of his previous tactics that incited unrest and violence.

As the election draws near, Trump’s unwillingness to concede and his promotion of dangerous rhetoric raise significant concerns about the future of democracy in America. It is evident that should Trump regain power, he would likely resist leaving the White House again, posing a serious threat to democratic norms.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/politics/trump-pa-rally-election.html)

Trump’s Baseless Election Contest in Georgia Undermines Democracy

Donald Trump’s campaign has filed an election contest in Georgia, seeking to undermine the results of the November 3, 2020 presidential election. This legal maneuver comes despite the absence of credible evidence supporting his claims of widespread voter fraud. In a troubling display of defiance against democratic norms, Trump’s campaign alleges that tens of thousands of illegal votes were counted, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked by numerous sources.

Ray S. Smith III, the lead counsel for the Trump campaign, echoed the unfounded narrative of election irregularities, stating that the Georgia Secretary of State orchestrated an ineffective election process. This rhetoric not only seeks to delegitimize the election but also stirs public distrust in the electoral system, a dangerous precedent for American democracy.

Accompanying the lawsuit are affidavits from Georgia residents, which Trump’s team claims support their allegations. However, many of these affidavits lack the necessary scrutiny and verification required to substantiate such serious accusations. Claims of voter fraud, including those involving underage voters and individuals casting ballots from out-of-state addresses, have been thoroughly examined and dismissed by election officials.

In the face of overwhelming evidence confirming the legitimacy of the election results, Trump’s insistence on pursuing this course of action has raised alarms about his commitment to democratic principles. Instead of accepting the will of the voters, he continues to rally his supporters around baseless conspiracies that threaten to erode trust in future elections.

This latest move is part of a broader strategy by Trump and his allies to overturn a free and fair election. The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond Georgia, as it reflects a national trend among some Republicans to challenge the integrity of the electoral process. Such actions not only undermine the democratic foundation of the United States but also set a troubling precedent for future political contests.

(h/t: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/trump-campaign-press-release-trump-campaign-files-election-contest-georgia)

Trump’s Dangerous Misinformation About Election Fraud Continues Unchecked on Twitter

In a recent display of his refusal to accept the 2020 election results, former President Donald Trump took to Twitter to falsely proclaim that he had won the election against Joe Biden, despite widespread media confirmation of Biden’s victory. This latest episode is just one in a long line of Trump’s baseless claims regarding election fraud, which he has continuously propagated since the election ended.

Twitter responded to Trump’s misleading tweet by labeling it as ‘disputed,’ but failed to take significant action to restrict its spread among his vast follower base. This inaction raises serious concerns about the platform’s responsibility in combating misinformation, especially from a figure who has repeatedly disseminated falsehoods regarding election integrity.

By asserting that he won despite the official results, Trump is laying the groundwork for future unfounded allegations against any election outcome that does not favor him. This tactic mirrors his comments made at a rally in Michigan, where he suggested that his potential defeat would be the result of widespread cheating, further entrenching his narrative of a rigged electoral system.

Trump’s relentless pursuit of this false narrative not only undermines public trust in democratic institutions but also poses a threat to the political landscape as he continues to promote division and misinformation. His rhetoric has incited both support and backlash, leading to an increasingly polarized environment.

The implications of Trump’s actions are severe, especially as he hints at military action against political adversaries and calls them ‘the enemy within’, suggesting an alarming view of dissent in a democratic society. This dangerous mindset, coupled with the spread of disinformation, threatens the very fabric of American democracy.

(h/t: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/11/07/trump-election-outcome-tweet-label/)

Trump’s Dangerous Push for a Forever Presidency Threatens American Democracy

During a recent indoor rally in Henderson, Nevada, President Trump made alarming remarks indicating his desire to cling to power indefinitely. He stated, “We’re going to win four more years in the White House, and after we win four more years we’ll ask for maybe another four or so,” underscoring a dangerous notion of a potential “forever presidency.”

This rally violated state health regulations and guidelines intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, with very few attendees wearing masks despite the ongoing pandemic. Trump’s dismissal of the virus’s death toll, which has claimed the lives of nearly 200,000 Americans, highlights his irresponsible approach to leadership and public safety. Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak harshly criticized Trump for this reckless gathering, accusing him of ignoring state laws and prioritizing personal aspirations over the health of the people.

Amidst a backdrop of overwhelming disapproval from the public regarding his pandemic response, Trump attempted to redirect the narrative by creating an image of normalcy in America. This is a blatant disregard for the health risks associated with large gatherings, a tactic that prioritizes visual propaganda over genuine concern for American lives. Evidence suggests that previous indoor rallies, such as the one in Tulsa, contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases, yet Trump continues to host events in direct contradiction to public health recommendations.

Trump seized the opportunity to launch attacks on his opponent, Joe Biden, labeling him “unfit to be president” and spinning conspiracy theories about domestic terrorism. His rhetoric has consistently aimed to divide Americans, using fear and misinformation rather than uniting the country through a sensible platform. This alarming behavior echoes a troubling trend among Republicans who seem increasingly unchallenged by institutional norms and concerned with self-interest rather than the collective good of the nation.

While attempting to woo Latino voters by touting economic progress prior to the pandemic, Trump’s history of racially charged remarks and anti-immigrant policies cannot be overlooked. His duplicity regarding race and immigration indicates a broader failure to earn trust among marginalized communities, further entrenching the GOP’s factionalism. Trump and the Republican Party’s actions pose a significant threat to the tenets of democracy, showcasing an alarming trajectory of chaos, division, and ultimately, the undermining of American values.

(h/t: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-rally-nevada-indoors-henderson-las-vegas/)

Trump Says He Will ‘Negotiate’ Third Term Because He’s ‘Entitled’ To It

Donald Trump recently declared at a rally in Minden, Nevada, that he intends to “negotiate” for a third presidential term if he wins in 2024, citing a sense of entitlement due to perceived wrongs against him during his presidency. During this gathering, Trump asserted that he is “probably entitled” to another four years, which raises significant concerns about his understanding of constitutional limits.

The legal framework around presidential terms is solidified in the 22nd Amendment, which forbids anyone from serving more than two terms. Trump’s suggestion to pursue a third term reflects an alarming disregard for democratic norms and an inclination to bypass established laws. This puts him alongside other authoritarian figures who seek to extend their grip on power against the will of the electorate.

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen harshly criticized these remarks, emphasizing that they should not be underestimated as mere jokes. Cohen warned that Trump’s sentiments indicate a desire to transform from a president into a “ruler” or “dictator,” potentially willing to alter the Constitution to achieve this goal. Cohen characterized Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders such as Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un as a clear indicator of his own ambitions.

Such assertions mirror similar statements from Trump back in August, wherein he invoked conspiracy theories involving his campaign being “spied on” to justify his claim that he deserves additional terms. These notions serve not only to erode trust in electoral processes but also to foster a dangerous rhetoric that aligns with Republican fascism.

Trump’s talks about extending his presidency underscore a recurring theme within Republican politics—an eagerness to undermine democratic checks and balances. This adds to a troubling narrative where powerful individuals evade accountability, leveraging their influence to perpetuate a status quo that dilutes the very principles of American democracy.

(h/t: https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewsolender/2020/09/13/trump-says-he-will-negotiate-third-term-because-hes-entitled-to-it/)

Trump’s Dangerous Desire for a Third Term Endangers Democracy

Former President Donald Trump has kicked off his 2024 campaign with incendiary rhetoric, claiming he will pursue a third term due to alleged spying on his 2016 campaign, a baseless assertion contradicted by detailed FBI reports. During a rally in Wisconsin, Trump declared, “We are going to win four more years… and then after that, we’ll go for another four years,” presenting his false narrative as justification for extending his presidency.

Despite the 22nd Amendment explicitly barring any individual from serving more than two terms as president, Trump’s comments reflect a typical defiance of democratic principles. His dismissive attitude toward constitutional limitations signals a troubling desire for autocratic governance, further undermining the democratic values of the United States.

At the same rally, Trump veered into bizarre territory, discussing the economy’s performance before the COVID-19 pandemic with absurd claims about “crummy colleges” and “dumb people.” These ramblings highlight both his lack of coherent policy discussion and a tendency to mislead his supporters, distracting them from crucial issues at hand.

Trump’s behavior is consistent with his history of exaggeration and deviation from the truth, as evidenced by his repeated claims of receiving a “Man of the Year” award in Michigan, a story that has been thoroughly debunked. Such fabrications reflect not only a disregard for factual integrity but an assault on the very trust necessary for a functioning democracy.

Moreover, Trump’s ongoing baseless claims about election rigging set a dangerous precedent, further eroding public trust in the electoral process and contributing to a culture of violence and division among his supporters. This rhetoric is part of a larger strategy utilized by Trump and the Republican Party to maintain control, often at the expense of democratic norms and the rule of law.

(h/t: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-third-term-because-they-spied-on-him-1045743/)

Trump Vows to Veto Defense Bill Over Amendment to Rename Military Bases Named After Confederates

President Donald Trump vowed to veto a $740 billion defense spending bill unless Congress drops a proposed amendment to rename U.S. military bases named after Confederate leaders.

As the country faces ongoing social unrest over the death of George Floyd, the public debate continues on whether Confederate figures deserve to be publicly honored with statues or major instillations bearing their names. Amid these calls for racial justice, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has proposed an amendment for the Defense Authorization Bill that would require the names of Confederate leaders to be completely scrubbed from several military bases over the next 3 years.

Trump has repeatedly defended monuments honoring Confederates in recent weeks, and on Tuesday night, he used his racially-charged insult for Warren again while promising to veto the bill if her amendment gets through.

[Mediaite]

Trump threatens protesters ahead of Tulsa rally

President Donald Trump threatened to crack down on protesters expected to show up at his campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday, the first such event since the coronavirus pandemic sidelined his campaign schedule.

“Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis,” Trump tweeted on Friday. “It will be a much different scene!”

Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said Trump was referring to “destructive” protesters, noting that buildings have been burned, looted, and vandalized during recent demonstrations against police brutality.

“These things are unacceptable,” she said. “And we will not see that in Oklahoma.”

The president’s tweet came hours after Tulsa mayor G. T. Bynum imposed a curfew, citing expected rally crowds of more than 100,000, planned protests and the civil unrest that has already erupted in the city and around the nation this month.

Trump drew widespread and bipartisan criticism for his last interaction with protesters, when U.S. Park Police and other law enforcement agencies used force to clear Lafayette Square near the White House so the president could pose with a Bible in front of the historic St. John’s Church.

The latest threat also drew fire.

William Kristol, former editor of The Weekly Standard, posted on Twitter that the constitutional right “of protesters are the same in Tulsa as elsewhere in the US. So are the 1A rights of Trump supporters. It’s up to OK and Tulsa authorities to follow the law and protect all citizens. But what Trump’s doing is inciting his followers to extra-legal action.”

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., accused Trump of “threatening peaceful protesters standing up for justice.”

[USA Today]

Trump says he will “not even consider” renaming bases named for Confederate leaders

President Trump tweeted Wednesday that he will “not even consider” renaming the 10 U.S. military bases that are named after Confederate leaders.

Why it matters: A spokesperson for Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said on Monday he’s open to a “bipartisan discussion” about renaming the military bases and facilities that are named after Confederate leaders, including Fort Bragg and Fort Benning.

  • The debate comes as the Navy and Marines have moved to ban the display of Confederate-era symbols.
  • A number of states and cities around the country have also taken steps to remove Confederate-era symbols amid racial unrest over the police killing of George Floyd.

What he’s saying: “It has been suggested that we should rename as many as 10 of our Legendary Military Bases, such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Benning in Georgia, etc. These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom,” Trump tweeted.

  • “The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars. Therefore, my Administration will not even consider the renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations.
  • “Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our Military!”

The bottom line: White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a press briefing Wednesday that Trump would not sign any potential legislation — including the National Defense Authorization Act — that includes language to change the names of U.S. forts.

[Axios]

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