Category: Bullying

Donald Trump’s rhetorical style is straight out of middle school. He’s like an eighth-grade girl.

Liz Cheney’s remarks at a Harris campaign event evidently struck a nerve with Trump

 

At a recent Kamala Harris campaign event, former Representative Liz Cheney delivered a powerful message urging voters to reject what she called the “depraved cruelty of Donald Trump.” This bold statement sent ripples through Republican circles, prompting a swift and vitriolic response from Trump himself on his social media platform, Truth Social. He not only attacked Cheney but also criticized her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has also endorsed Harris.

In his lengthy post, Trump condemned Liz Cheney for her participation in the January 6 House select committee and disparaged her father’s historical decisions regarding the Middle East. He referred to the Cheneys as a “pathetic couple” suffering from what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” This animosity isn’t new; it’s rooted in Cheney’s outspoken criticism of Trump and her pivotal vote to impeach him following the January 6 Capitol riots, which significantly contributed to her primary defeat in 2022.

Despite the backlash, Cheney remains a staunch critic of Trump, asserting that he is unfit to lead the country. During her speech, she stated, “What January 6 shows us is that there is not an ounce of compassion in Donald Trump. He is petty, he is vindictive and he is cruel.” Her remarks struck a nerve with Trump, highlighting the intensity of their ongoing feud.

Cheney’s endorsement of Harris aligns with a broader strategy to attract anti-Trump Republicans, demonstrating her commitment to opposing Trump’s influence in the Republican Party. She praised Harris for her efforts to unite reasonable individuals across the political spectrum, further solidifying her stance against Trumpism.

While Cheney’s decision to support Harris may seem surprising given their party differences, it reflects a growing trend among some Republicans who are increasingly disillusioned with Trump’s leadership. Harris is actively courting this demographic, despite facing criticism from within her party for these efforts.

However, the potential impact of GOP endorsements for Harris remains uncertain. The Cheney name carries significant historical baggage, particularly due to Dick Cheney’s controversial tenure in the Bush administration, leaving many Democrats wary of his endorsement. This dynamic illustrates the complex and often contentious landscape of American politics as the 2024 elections approach.

 

Trump Calls for Investigation of Pelosi Amid Stock Sale Controversy

 

Former President Donald Trump has urged attorneys general in Republican-controlled states to investigate Nancy Pelosi following a stock sale by her husband, Paul Pelosi. The request stems from a report that Paul Pelosi sold 2,000 shares of Visa just before the federal government announced an antitrust lawsuit against the credit company. Trump inaccurately claimed during a rally that the sale occurred the day before the lawsuit was made public, asserting a need for investigation.

Paul Pelosi sold the Visa shares on July 1 for approximately $500,000. However, there is no clarity on whether he profited from this transaction, as the details surrounding the sale remain ambiguous. The Justice Department’s lawsuit against Visa was made public shortly after the sale.

Trump’s call for investigation highlights a growing trend among his supporters and Republican leaders to scrutinize and challenge the actions of Democratic figures, often without substantial evidence. This demand for investigations appears to be part of a broader effort to politically undermine opponents, particularly as Trump seeks to galvanize his base ahead of the upcoming elections.

The former president’s comments reflect a pattern of behavior where he leverages misinformation to create political narratives that serve his interests, a tactic he has employed throughout his career. His rhetoric often relies on unfounded accusations, which can further polarize political discourse and incite his followers.

Critics argue that such demands for investigations are not only unfounded but also serve to distract from Trump’s own controversies and legal challenges. By shifting the focus onto Pelosi, Trump aims to divert attention from his record and ongoing issues within his political sphere, including previous investigations into his conduct during his presidency.

 

Trump’s False Claims About Immigrants Eating Pets Spark Controversy During Debate

During a recent presidential debate, Donald Trump propagated a baseless and racially charged rumor regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, claiming they were consuming pets. This statement, made in front of an audience of 67.1 million viewers, has been criticized for reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The rumor originated from fringe online communities, particularly from a neo-Nazi group known as Blood Tribe, which initially circulated the idea of pets being eaten in August. Trump’s comments were seemingly amplified by his running mate, Senator JD Vance, who has made similar claims about the influx of immigrants in the area.

Trump’s assertion was not only unfounded but also drew immediate backlash from various quarters, including his own party members. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed concern, emphasizing that the focus should be on serious issues related to immigration, such as crimes committed by undocumented individuals, rather than whimsical claims about animals. This reflects a broader trend where Trump has consistently highlighted immigration issues, often framing them in a controversial manner.

The spread of the rumor on social media has been significant, with a notable increase in posts discussing the issue leading up to the debate. Research indicated that mentions of Haitians allegedly eating pets surged dramatically on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in the days prior to Trump’s comments. Vance himself contributed to this narrative, posting about the supposed dangers posed by Haitian immigrants, which helped transition the rumor from fringe discourse to a mainstream debate topic.

Despite the sensationalism surrounding the issue, local law enforcement in Springfield reported no credible evidence supporting claims of pets being harmed. In fact, the claims about pets being abducted and eaten have been dismissed by the Springfield police, highlighting a disconnect between the online narrative and reality. Vance later acknowledged that these rumors could be false, yet continued to leverage them politically.

The incident underscores how fringe conspiracy theories can permeate high-profile political discourse, especially through the lens of social media. Trump’s use of this rumor during a prime-time debate illustrates a tactic of drawing attention to specific grievances that resonate with his base, despite their lack of factual basis. This approach is indicative of a broader strategy to mobilize support by highlighting perceived threats associated with immigration.

The debate echoed a long-standing pattern in Trump’s political career, where he has utilized inflammatory rhetoric regarding immigration, often to stoke fear and division among his supporters. Critics argue that such tactics detract from substantive discussions about immigration policy and public safety, instead prioritizing sensationalism and fear-mongering.

As the fallout continues, political analysts and commentators are left to ponder the implications of Trump’s comments and the role of misinformation in shaping public perception. This incident serves as a reminder of the potent intersection between social media, political rhetoric, and the dissemination of false information, particularly concerning immigration.

Ultimately, the Springfield rumor illustrates the challenges faced in combating misinformation and the potential consequences it holds for public discourse and policy discussions.

 

Trump’s Authoritarian Threats of Jail Time for Election ‘Cheaters’ Expose Dangerous Intentions

In a recent rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump threatened severe legal repercussions for those he claims would ‘cheat’ in the upcoming election, promising long prison sentences for any perceived electoral misconduct. This alarming declaration reflects Trump’s persistent narrative of widespread voter fraud, a baseless assertion he has clung to since losing the 2020 election. Despite numerous court rulings and bipartisan affirmations of the election’s legitimacy, Trump continues to fuel doubts about electoral integrity, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation ahead of the November elections.

Trump’s warnings extend to various groups, including lawyers, political operatives, and election officials, indicating a willingness to wield his presidential power as a means of retribution against opponents. This strategy suggests an authoritarian approach to governance, where dissent is not tolerated, and political enemies are threatened with prosecution. Such tactics are reminiscent of despotic regimes, where the legal system is weaponized to suppress opposition.

At the same rally, Trump reiterated his claims of being targeted by the Biden administration, alleging that the Department of Justice is conspiring to imprison him for exposing their corruption. However, these claims lack any substantiation, with independent investigations and court rulings consistently refuting his narrative of victimization. Trump’s refusal to accept the outcome of the 2020 election and his ongoing legal troubles only serve to highlight his desperate attempts to maintain influence and evade accountability.

In a bid to distract from his legal issues and the impending debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump has resorted to incendiary rhetoric and nostalgic appeals to his 2016 campaign themes, such as ‘draining the swamp.’ Despite having occupied the presidency for four years, he continues to portray himself as an outsider fighting against a corrupt political establishment, which is disingenuous at best.

As the election approaches, Trump’s threats of retribution raise significant concerns about the integrity of American democracy. His willingness to use the power of the presidency to pursue vendettas against perceived enemies undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations. Harris campaign representatives have warned that a second Trump presidency would likely involve the politicization of the justice system, further eroding trust in democratic institutions.

(h/t: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/politics/trump-threatens-long-prison-sentences-for-those-who-cheat-in-the-election-if-he-wins)

Alina Habba suggests Trump will give her government job to hit Democrats ‘deep and hard’

 

Alina Habba, a lawyer for Trump, suggested at a Turning Point Action conference that if Trump wins another term, he might give her a government position to target his enemies. She emphasized going after Democrats and being relentless in Washington. The remarks hint at Habba possibly being tasked with attacking Trump’s foes from within the government.

She insinuated that Trump’s opponents hide their actions by focusing on him, diverting attention from their own deeds. Habba asserted that after one year, the spotlight will turn on them, promising a thorough investigation. The video of her speech at the conference captures these implications.

 

Trump demands removal of Judge Merchan in meltdown before contempt hearing

 

Donald Trump went on an all-caps tirade demanding the removal of Judge Juan Merchan before a contempt hearing related to his attacks on Truth Social. Facing a criminal trial on 34 felony counts, Trump accused the trial of being a ‘witch hunt’ orchestrated by Democrats and presided over by a conflicted judge. Legal experts noted that Trump’s defiance of a gag order could lead to financial sanctions or even jail time. The former president’s actions were described as showing contempt for the court and the law.

Former President Trump indicated that he is willing to testify in his first criminal trial in Manhattan, which could be a win for the prosecution according to legal experts. Trump’s lawyers have fought against bringing up civil court losses, while prosecutors argue that such information is crucial to assessing Trump’s credibility. The trial is expected to last four to six weeks, with the verdict likely to be issued before the GOP selects its general election nominee.

 

Trump mocked as ‘feeble’ after confusing Jimmy Kimmel and Al Pacino in bizarre rant

 

Former President Donald Trump faced mockery and criticism after confusing late-night host Jimmy Kimmel with actor Al Pacino in a social media rant. Trump’s error-filled diatribe on Truth Social claimed Kimmel stumbled during the Oscars, which was actually presented by Pacino. The confusion led to Trump being labeled ‘feeble and confused’ by opponents.

Despite Trump’s claims of Kimmel’s poor performance, reviews of the 96th Academy Awards were generally positive, with ratings climbing for the third consecutive year. Al Pacino, not Kimmel, announced the Best Picture winner, and the actor’s odd delivery was due to producer instructions to skip reading all nominees again.

The Biden-Harris campaign quickly seized on Trump’s misstep, highlighting it as another example of his confusion and flubs. The incident underscores the former president’s tendency to make complete misstatements, providing ammunition for his critics.

Trump’s mix-up between Kimmel and Pacino was widely criticized, with the incident showcasing his penchant for errors and misinformation. The confusion further fueled the ongoing narrative of Trump’s struggles with accuracy and his opponents’ efforts to capitalize on his missteps.

 

Donald Trump posts video of truck showing hog-tied Joe Biden

The Biden campaign team accused Mr Trump of “regularly inciting political violence” ahead of November’s election.

A spokesman for the Trump campaign said Democrats have been calling for “despicable violence” against Mr Trump.

Mr Trump posted the video on his social media site Truth Social on Friday.

According to the caption, it was filmed in Long Island, New York, on Thursday when the former president attended the wake of a New York City police officer who was killed during a traffic stop.

The video shows two passing trucks on the road, both covered in US flags and flags claiming support for the police.

The second truck was emblazoned with the words “Trump 2024”, and the rear of the vehicle features an image of Mr Biden with his hands and feet tied.

Mr Trump’s promotion of the video drew criticism from Mr Biden campaign’s team.

“Trump is regularly inciting political violence and it’s time people take him seriously – just ask the Capitol police officers who were attacked protecting our democracy on 6 January,” spokesman Michael Tyler said, referring to the storming of Congress by the former president’s supporters after he falsely claimed the 2020 election had been stolen from him.

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 Promotes Video Undermining Fauci Which Facebook, YouTube and Twitter Remove for ‘False Information’

President Donald Trump appears to have complicated feelings for Dr. Anthony Fauci While the commander in chief has publicly said that he has a good relationship with the nation’s top immunologist, his Twitter feed tells a different story.

In a flurry of curious Tweets and retweets late Monday night, Trump’s retweeted a podcast promotion that featured Fauci-critic Dr. Lee Vliet which is sure to cause drama at the next White House Coronavirus Task Force meeting (at least one that both Trump and Fauci will attend.)

The tweet originated from a Twitter account called WarRoomPandemic, and claimed: “Dr. Fauci has misled the American people on many issues, but particular, on dismissing #hydroxychloroquine and calling Remdesivir the new gold standard.” A screengrab of that tweet was shared by CNN’s Manu Raju below:

The tweet led to a Breitbart-hosted video that some might call scientifically questionable observations that promoted the still-unproven hydroxychloroquine and questioned the benefits of mask-wearing.  The video was also shared by Donald Trump Jr., was eventually removed by Facebook for pushing “false information about cures and treatments for COVID-19.” YouTube and Twitter also pulled the video.

But it was another undermining tweet of Dr.Fauci that will restart a media conversation about their relationship.

This is not the first time that Trump has promoted criticism of Dr. Fauci.  The deteriorating state of the relationship between Trump and Fauci drew new intrigue in early April after Trump went on a Twitter binge and retweeted a post bearing the hashtag #FireFauci. This happened after Fauci gave an interview to CNN and said “obviously” more lives would have been saved if the federal government adopted coronavirus counterstrategies earlier.

Fauci’s approval rating for his role in fighting the coronavirus has been significantly higher than that of Trump’s. In a national poll of 1,337 registered voters conducted by The New York Times and Siena College in mid-June, 76% of respondents said they trusted Fauci for “accurate information” about the COVID-19 pandemic compared with just 26% who said they trusted Trump. This has led to multiple reports of the president feeling some animus towards Dr. Fauci, which may be the reason for Monday’s night’s undermining tweet.

[Mediaite]

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