Category: Bullying

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

Trump Administration Cuts $188 Million in NYC Migrant Shelter Funding Amid Immigration Clash

The Trump administration has canceled $188 million in federal grants that were designated for New York City to shelter migrants. This decision, announced on April 1, 2025, by FEMA, is claimed to reflect a push against what the administration deems illegal immigration. NYC Mayor Eric Adams expressed his resolve to challenge this unlawful move, emphasizing that the funding is critical for supporting vulnerable populations.

Approximately $80 million of the funds had already been withdrawn from the city’s account in February, with this latest action demanding the return of an additional $106 million. FEMA’s acting director, Cameron Hamilton, stated the grants conflict with the priorities of the Trump administration, asserting that many beneficiaries of these services lack legal status.

New York City’s response has been to legally contest the clawback of these funds, as they are essential for sheltering migrants, particularly as the city has faced an overwhelming influx. The administration’s actions have drawn fire from critics, who argue that they ignore the city’s legal obligations and the humanitarian needs of migrants seeking refuge.

The shelters, including space repurposed from the historic Roosevelt Hotel, have faced heavy criticism, particularly from Republicans who claimed they became venues for gang activity. However, the city has countered these allegations as unsubstantiated and stands committed to providing necessary services.

Despite the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, Mayor Adams has indicated a need for a pragmatic approach and stated, “we’re going to fight for every penny.” This situation exemplifies the ongoing struggle between Democratic city leadership and the Republican federal government’s aggressive immigration policies, putting further pressure on local resources.

DHS Strips Parole Protections from 985,000 Migrants Echoing Trump-Era Tactics

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of parole protections for approximately 985,000 migrants who utilized the CBP One app to enter the United States during the Biden administration. These individuals had previously been granted the opportunity to seek asylum and work permits through this program, which aimed to streamline the process of entry at U.S. borders.

The DHS claimed this drastic measure was necessary to address what it described as a border crisis exacerbated by the Biden administration’s use of parole authority. In a statement, DHS emphasized that Secretary Kristi Noem has the responsibility to revoke such protections, framing this action as a response to public demand for stricter immigration policies. This becomes another instance of the current administration continuing the harmful and punitive measures towards immigrants reminiscent of the Trump-era policies.

Affected migrants are now receiving emails instructing them to self-deport using the updated version of the CBP app, aptly named “CBP Home,” an echo of Trump’s previous hardline immigration tactics upon taking office. Importantly, those admitted through specific humanitarian programs, such as Uniting for Ukraine or Operation Allies Welcome for Afghan Allies, will not be affected by this policy change.

This latest move follows prior DHS actions that revoked parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, impacting over 500,000 individuals. The agency’s intentions to rescind Temporary Protected Status for around 600,000 Venezuelans and an additional 500,000 Haitians are currently under litigation, showcasing a pattern of stripping protections from vulnerable populations.

Moreover, the DHS has signaled its intention to impose fines of up to $5,000 on those who fail to leave the country following deportation orders, further reflecting the hostile and financially burdensome approach the Trump-aligned administration has adopted towards immigrants. This strict enforcement marks a continuation of the unethical immigration policies that prioritize constraining migrants’ rights and liberties over compassion and humanity.

(h/t: https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5237720-trump-immigration-crackdown-dhs-parole-protections-migrants-biden-cbp-one-app-southern-border/amp/)

Elon Musk’s AI Surveillance Targets Anti-Trump Sentiments in Federal Agencies

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly utilizing artificial intelligence to monitor U.S. federal agency communications, specifically looking for any anti-Trump sentiments, according to multiple sources. This extraordinary surveillance effort raises serious ethical concerns regarding government transparency and the misuse of technology for political purposes.

The sources claim that DOGE employees have been instructed to use the Signal app for communication, which may violate federal record-keeping laws due to its ephemeral messaging feature. Additionally, Musk’s Grok AI chatbot has reportedly been deployed extensively by DOGE to streamline government operations amidst significant staffing reductions and restructuring driven by the Trump administration.

Concerns have been expressed by experts like Kathleen Clark, emphasizing that the use of AI for monitoring such communications could represent an egregious abuse of governmental power aimed at stifling dissent. The monitoring effort takes place within the context of aggressive budget cuts and widespread layoffs, particularly at the Environmental Protection Agency, a target of the Trump administration’s intensity against perceived “anti-Trump” personnel.

Moreover, the lack of transparency surrounding DOGE’s operations has elicited legal challenges from watchdog groups seeking access to documents. With the Trump administration arguing for DOGE’s exemption from public record laws, there are already signs that this newly established body may be operating outside the bounds of accountability.

In summation, DOGE’s activities represent a concerning nexus of surveillance and political loyalty testing, indicative of a broader trend in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape federal governance. The implications for civic freedom and democratic integrity are profound, as unchecked power continues to threaten the foundation of public service in America.

(h/t: https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/musks-doge-using-ai-snoop-us-federal-workers-sources-say-2025-04-08/)

Trump Evades Accountability Over Pentagon’s ‘Signalgate’ Investigation

During a recent press conference aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump aggressively dismissed a reporter’s inquiry regarding the Pentagon’s inquiry into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal app for sensitive military communications. The reporter addressed Trump’s responsibility to comment on the ongoing investigation, referred to as “Signalgate,” highlighting the concerning issue at hand.

Trump, seemingly uninterested in the crucial matter, retorted, “Oh, you’re bringing that up again? Don’t bring that up again,” illustrating his tendency to evade accountability and downplay significant issues that reflect the chaotic governance under his administration. Rather than engaging with the subject, Trump redirected the conversation to another unrelated topic.

The investigation, led by Acting Pentagon Inspector General Steven Stebbins, aims to assess whether Hegseth and other Department of Defense personnel adhered to established protocols while utilizing the Signal app to discuss military actions. This investigation is vital given the implications of misusing platforms for confidential military communication.

Adding to the confusion, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently declared that the inquiry into this incident had been “closed” from their perspective, despite the ongoing nature of the evaluation highlighted by the Inspector General. This contradictory messaging raises concerns about accountability and transparency within the Trump administration.

The incident encapsulates a broader pattern of dismissiveness and neglect towards serious issues, with Trump and his administration repeatedly failing to address the implications of their actions, especially regarding national security and ethical governance. Such blatant dismissal of critical inquiries only exacerbates fears of governmental incompetence and recklessness.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/dont-bring-that-up-again-trump-scolds-reporter-for-asking-question-about-signalgate/)

Trump Mandates Schools Certify Against DEI for Federal Funds

The Trump administration has instituted a new requirement for K-12 schools to certify compliance with federal civil rights laws as a condition for receiving federal funding. This mandate represents a blatant move to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in educational institutions. Schools have been given just 10 days to sign and return a certification notice sent by the Education Department, highlighting the urgency and severity of this directive.

The administration’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor, claims that many educational institutions have disregarded their legal responsibilities by employing DEI programs in a manner that allegedly discriminates against certain groups. He stated, “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” framing this new policy as a necessary oversight to protect against what the administration describes as illegal favoritism.

This certification process entails an acknowledgment from school and state leaders that their federal support hinges on adherence to specific legal guidelines outlined by the administration. According to the notification, any DEI practices that could favor one race over another violate federal law and could jeopardize critical funding. Schools that do not comply risk losing their federal financial assistance, including Title I funding, which is crucial for low-income areas, affecting billions in educational support.

Moreover, the Education Department has explicitly threatened legal repercussions for noncompliance, emphasizing that institutions can be held liable under the False Claims Act. This aggressive stance follows a memo issued earlier that declared any school policies differentiating treatment based on race as illegal. The administration continues to maintain that such policies unfairly disadvantage white and Asian American students.

This latest initiative by the Trump administration to undermine DEI policies is part of a broader Republican agenda aimed at dismantling diversity initiatives across various sectors. By wielding federal funding as leverage, the administration seeks to impose its discriminatory beliefs on K-12 education, fundamentally reshaping the American educational landscape in an anti-diversity direction.

(h/t: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/schools-trump-washington-education-department-republican-b2726971.html)

FCC Chair Investigates Disney Over Discriminatory DEI Policies

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has initiated an investigation into Disney’s diversity and inclusion (DEI) policies, suggesting that potential findings of racial discrimination could jeopardize ABC’s broadcasting license. Carr’s inquiry reflects a broader agenda by the Republican Party to dismantle DEI initiatives across media companies. This move has been characterized as part of a systematic effort to suppress any policies that promote diversity, aligning with the authoritarian tactics seen in other sectors under Donald Trump and his allies.

During a recent Fox News appearance, Carr indicated that evidence might show Disney and ABC involved in discriminatory practices in hiring, particularly focusing on race and gender. He specifically mentioned allegations of race-defined affinity groups and hiring quotas based on demographics. Carr’s assertion embodies the Republican stance on DEI, which has been increasingly scrutinized as a political weapon to impose a punitive narrative against inclusion efforts.

Trump’s influence is evident as Carr noted the FCC’s shift away from promoting DEI as one of its strategic priorities. The incumbent president has been vocal about his opposition to DEI, clearly echoed in Carr’s statements that prioritize compliance with traditional hiring practices over diversity initiatives. This agenda marks a concerted effort to stifle progress on civil rights within media and broadcasting environments, a core element of Trump’s reactionary policy framework.

Importantly, the First Amendment’s protections were highlighted by Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC chair under the previous administration, emphasizing that licenses should not be revoked merely due to political disagreements. Carr’s actions, however, contradict this principle and may signal an era where artistic and journalistic integrity is threatened by political motivations. The potential consequences for ABC could extend beyond just licensure issues and may impact their ability to operate independently without fear of government retaliation.

This developing situation underscores the ongoing battle over civil rights in America, where Trump-backed actors like Carr wield significant influence to mold media narratives under the guise of regulatory oversight. The investigation into Disney and ABC is emblematic of a broader Republican strategy that seeks to control how diversity efforts are perceived and implemented, all in an attempt to stifle voices advocating for equality and inclusion.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-backed-head-of-the-fcc-threatens-abcs-broadcast-license-in-fox-news-interview/)

DOJ Launches Investigation into LASD 2nd Amendment Violations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) over allegations that it is infringing upon citizens’ Second Amendment rights through excessive fees and lengthy wait times for concealed carry permits. This federal inquiry is part of a larger review addressing “restrictive firearms-related laws” that have emerged in California and other states, following complaints of an 18-month delay for permit approval from LASD.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has expressed that the DOJ will not tolerate any state or local violations of the Second Amendment. In her statement, she emphasized that the Second Amendment is a fundamental right and that the department aims to enforce it vigorously. This action aligns with the Trump administration’s recent directives to scrutinize gun rights policies in various jurisdictions, asserting a commitment to upholding Second Amendment rights.

Despite LASD’s assertion that staffing shortages and a backlog of applications are responsible for the extended wait times, critics contend that the permitting process is excessively slow and costly. Legal experts note that the investigation into LASD marks a significant shift in the Republican approach, who previously opposed similar federal examinations of local law enforcement practices, especially in the context of systemic misconduct.

Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association, lauded the DOJ’s involvement, attributing it to a lawsuit addressing the constitutionality of the LASD’s permitting process. As the investigation unfolds, there are indications that its scope may broaden to include other California jurisdictions experiencing similar challenges with permitting systems, thus further highlighting the national debate surrounding gun rights.

Legal scholars have commented on the potential implications of the DOJ’s findings, noting that while it is essential for the department to demonstrate any misconduct in the permit issuance process, substantiating claims of intentional delays may be complex. The investigation underscores a continuing partisan divide, examining how the Trump administration’s lens frames local governance and citizen rights, particularly in states like California that challenge federal directives.

(h/t: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-27/trump-doj-los-angeles-sheriffs-department-gun-rights)

Bondi Demands Apology from Crockett Over Comments on Musk as Tensions Rise Amid Anti-Trump Rhetoric

Texas Attorney General Pam Bondi has demanded that Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett apologize for her recent remarks about Elon Musk, claiming they incite violence and insurrection. During an appearance on Fox News, Bondi insisted that Crockett needs to “unequivocally denounce the violence” and apologize not only to Texans but also to Tesla shareholders, suggesting that her comments promote animosity towards the company.

These comments by Crockett came in the context of a campaign dubbed the “Tesla Takedown Movement,” where she expressed a hope to see Musk “taken down.” Although she emphasized her calls were not meant to be violent, many in the MAGA movement, including Bondi, interpreted her words as a dangerous incitement to attack Tesla facilities and personnel.

Bondi and other right-wing figures, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, have accused Crockett of fostering political violence, asserting that her statements could lead to legal consequences. Bondi also highlighted that the Trump administration is intensifying efforts to address threats against Musk and his company, in alignment with ongoing criminal investigations into attacks on Tesla properties.

Crockett has maintained her position, asserting that she has never endorsed violence while criticizing the Trump administration for its response to insurrectionist violence, especially the pardons given to those involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. She argues that Trump’s administration provides cover for real threats while projecting false narratives of violence onto her.

While tensions escalate, the Justice Department has taken a firm stance on the issue, announcing severe charges against individuals involved in attacks on Tesla vehicles. Furthermore, the Biden administration has committed to investigating these incidents as acts of domestic terrorism, all amid Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric that seeks to downplay the severity of political dissent against influential companies like Tesla.

Colorado Removes Trump Portrait as GOP Prioritizes Loyalty Over Governance

In a surprising turn of events, the Colorado state capitol has agreed to take down a portrait of former President Donald Trump after he publicly denounced it as “distorted” and “the worst” on his Truth Social platform. This swift decision reflects the influence Trump still holds over his party, as Republican legislators reportedly pushed for the removal based on complaints echoed by their leader.

The portrait, painted by Colorado artist Sarah Boardman and funded through a Republican GoFundMe campaign, has been displayed in the capitol’s Gallery of Presidents since its installation in 2019. Despite the GOP initially supporting the artwork, their alignment with Trump’s personal feelings reveals a troubling tendency to prioritize his grievances over substantive legislative issues affecting Coloradans.

Trump’s public outrage was not only about aesthetics; he claimed that many Coloradans were “angry” about the portrait, suggesting a fabricated narrative to bolster his stance. His comments insinuated that State Governor Jared Polis should be ashamed, demonstrating Trump’s continued attempts to undermine state leadership whenever it suits his agenda.

The portrait’s removal, set to be placed in long-term storage, highlights a bizarre relationship between the once-committed Republican supporters and their now-dominant figure. It raises questions about the priorities within the party, as they seem willing to cater to Trump’s ego instead of addressing pressing state concerns like crime and economic challenges.

Ultimately, this episode reflects not only Trump’s ongoing obsession with his image but also how far the Republican Party is willing to go to appease him, reinforcing critiques of GOP complicity in undermining legitimate governance in favor of loyalty to one man.

Trump Intensifies Attack on Media Credibility and Press Freedom amid White House Return

During a recent press event in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump launched a vehement attack on CNN and MSNBC, labeling both networks as “dishonest” and alleging they fabricate news stories. Asserting that low ratings could lead to these outlets being “turned off,” Trump expressed a desire for “honest journalism,” a concept he seems to distort in his ongoing war against credible media.

In the same session, Trump dismissed a report from The New York Times regarding Elon Musk’s potential involvement in U.S. military planning against China, calling it a “fake story.” Musk, echoing Trump’s disdain for the press, characterized the Times article as “pure propaganda” on social media, casting doubt on journalistic integrity.

This verbal onslaught against the media has intensified since Trump’s return to the White House. He frequently discredits news organizations, accusing them of collaborating to produce harmful narratives against him. For example, he claimed that outlets like The Washington Post and CNN are “political arms of the Democrat party,” suggesting they engage in illegal activities to influence judicial outcomes.

Moreover, the Trump administration is actively reshaping media access. It has stripped CNN and The Washington Post of longstanding office space at the Pentagon, reallocating it to conservative news organizations. This move is part of a broader strategy to elevate right-wing media at the expense of traditional outlets, further undermining the principles of a free press.

In a deeply concerning development for press freedom, Trump also issued an executive order that effectively puts employees of Voice of America and other critical informational outlets on leave, signaling a clear attempt to stifle dissent and promote an information strategy aligned with his administration’s agenda.

(h/t: https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2025/03/21/calling-cnn-msnbc-dishonest-trump-says-networks-will-be-turned-off/)

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