Category: Not Factual

Trump and Musk Fuel Fort Knox Gold Conspiracy Theories

President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have recently reignited a long-standing conspiracy theory regarding the gold reserves at Fort Knox, suggesting without evidence that the gold might have been stolen. Since mid-February, both figures have propagated this unfounded idea, initially brought into the spotlight after a post from the far-right financial blog Zero Hedge tagged Musk in a discussion about Fort Knox. Despite their claims, there is no credible evidence to support the notion that any gold is missing from the U.S. Bullion Depository.

This conspiracy theory, which has persisted for decades, has found renewed traction thanks to the involvement of prominent figures like Musk and Trump. Aaron Klein, an economic studies chair at the Brookings Institution, noted that their statements contribute to a growing distrust in established institutions, which undermines confidence in the U.S. government. This aligns with Trump’s broader pattern of promoting skepticism toward authoritative sources and institutions.

The rumors surrounding Fort Knox have evolved over time, with various claims suggesting that either powerful interests or foreign bankers have absconded with the gold. According to former U.S. Mint director Philip Diehl, discussions about why the gold may be “missing” are not new; however, they often resurface during times of political tension. Nevertheless, Treasury officials from multiple administrations have consistently reaffirmed the security and presence of the gold reserves.

Trump’s fascination with gold is apparent, as he has made several public comments regarding the potential for a visit to Fort Knox, framing it as a quest to confirm the gold’s existence. He has suggested that the facility might not contain the gold it claims, adding further to conspiracy-fueled dialogue within his base. This strategic use of conspiracy theories appears to create a narrative of victimhood, allowing Trump and Musk to portray themselves as champions for the American public who are being “misled” by the federal government.

The continuous speculation and baseless claims surrounding Fort Knox serve a dual purpose for Trump and Musk: they fan the flames of doubt regarding government transparency while simultaneously reinforcing their political narratives. As the rumors persist without substantiation, they become tools for these figures to cast themselves as defenders of truth against an alleged elite conspiracy, demonstrating their willingness to exploit disinformation for political gain.

(h/t: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-musk/musk-trump-fan-flames-fort-knox-gold-conspiracy-theory-rcna199354)

Trump Misuses Hannibal Lecter to Promote Anti-Immigrant Fearmongering

In a recent speech at the National Republican Congressional Committee dinner, Donald Trump continued to invoke the fictional character Hannibal Lecter, associating him with immigration issues. Trump’s repetitive use of this character serves as a misplaced metaphor suggesting that immigrants are akin to dangerous criminals, despite the lack of any evidence supporting this outrageous claim. This tactic exemplifies Trump’s ongoing efforts to instill fear and rally his base through sensationalism.

During his address, Trump reminisced about past comments on Hannibal Lecter, referencing the character as if he represented real threats posed by immigrants entering the United States. His statements falsely suggest that criminals and the mentally ill are being sent into the country from asylum-seeking populations. This pervasive narrative is not only misleading but serves to justify harmful policies targeting immigrants, reinforcing a harmful climate of xenophobia.

Trump has previously linked these narratives to his proposed tariffs, labeling them as part of a broader “war on the world.” Despite walking back this aggressive stance, the pretentiousness of his remarks is indicative of a political strategy that relies on gross exaggeration and caricature. Claims about ’emptying mental institutions’ are disingenuous, feeding into harmful stereotypes about both mental health and immigrant populations.

The reactions to Trump’s Hannibal Lecter comments highlight a larger issue within Republican rhetoric, which often seeks to dehumanize immigrants and align them with criminality for political gain. This approach neglects the facts and portrays a skewed version of reality, manipulating the fears of constituents rather than addressing the root causes of migration. This manipulation is all too common in Trump’s speeches, as he continues to compromise truth for sensationalism.

Ultimately, Trump’s remarks about Hannibal Lecter embody a troubling trend of rhetoric that fails to recognize the dignity of those seeking asylum or a better life. Rather than fostering an informed discussion based on policy and reality, Trump indulges in theatrical tropes that serve to polarize and misinform the public about immigrants and their contributions to society.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/trump-reminisces-about-the-great-hannibal-lecter-as-being-a-very-important-force/)

CDC Compromises Measles Response Due to Political Pressure from Trump’s Anti-Vaccine Agenda

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently faced scrutiny for failing to release a crucial measles risk assessment during an ongoing outbreak affecting 19 states. Internal documents obtained by ProPublica reveal that CDC leadership ordered staff not to publish findings emphasizing the high risk of measles in communities with low vaccination rates. This decision aligns with the shift in public health messaging under the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has consistently criticized vaccine policies.

Although a CDC spokesperson stated that the withheld assessment did not provide new information, the agency’s messaging has notably changed. They echoed Kennedy’s rhetoric, suggesting vaccination is a personal choice and indicating that decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare providers. This deviation from a firm public health stance raises concerns among health experts regarding the urgency of vaccination amid a rising number of measles cases.

Jennifer Nuzzo from Brown University expressed alarm at the CDC’s revised messaging, which seems to undermine the importance of vaccination. She pointed out that the existing measles outbreak has already surpassed the total cases of the previous year, which should prompt more transparent communication regarding public health risks. However, political pressures from the Trump administration and the new leadership at HHS seem to prioritize subjective opinions over established public health guidelines.

Critics also highlight a troubling pattern of behavior from the Trump administration, which has attempted to reshape health agencies to align with anti-vaccine sentiments. This is exemplified by Kennedy’s dismissal of CDC campaigns encouraging vaccinations and assertions that downplay the seriousness of outbreaks. With ongoing concerns about job cuts within the CDC, employees feel that scientific evidence is being sidelined in favor of political narratives.

As the situation escalates, health officials stress the importance of vaccination as the sole effective means to prevent measles, a highly contagious disease. The lack of decisive action and accurate information from the CDC could exacerbate public health risks, particularly in communities where misinformation about vaccines has taken root. The apparent favoritism towards an anti-vaccine agenda from Trump’s administration poses a serious threat to public health nationwide.

(h/t: https://www.propublica.org/article/measles-vaccine-rfk-cdc-report?utm_campaign=propublica-sprout&utm_content=1743765970&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR43qsDwhR-_bqpCLs-ziE-6_mldDWrw9RxdZbUYwUtt-uO7hvBnHyVS5M8F0g_aem_haUSgSS4Fv13E1_rGkO-jQ)

Trump’s “Liberation Day” Triggers Economic Turmoil and Global Isolation

President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy has ignited a trade war that threatens to disrupt global economic stability and alliances. His administration announced a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports, subjecting goods ranging from Italian coffee to Japanese whiskey under heightened duties. The impact of this unprecedented move sent shockwaves through global markets, leading to plummeting stock prices and warnings of dire economic consequences, particularly for vulnerable countries.

Financial analysts and world leaders expressed grave concerns regarding the long-term implications of Trump’s tariffs, with economists predicting a rise in inflation and increased costs for American families. The stock market reacted negatively, signifying investors’ alarm over the higher-than-expected tariff rates. The new average duty of 22.5% on imports marks the steepest increase in over a century, heightening fears of potential recession in the U.S.

Responses from international partners have also been swift, with China and the European Union retaliating against Trump’s punitive measures. Officials from various countries criticized the tariffs as a setback to the economic interdependence fostered over recent decades. Notably, Japan and South Korea, key American allies in Asia, were hit with exorbitant tariffs, threatening established military and trade relationships at a time of geopolitical tension.

The ramifications of Trump’s reckless economic policies extend beyond immediate financial concerns; they jeopardize long-standing trade alliances and risk isolating the United States. Countries are now revising their economic strategies to reduce reliance on the U.S. market, forging new partnerships and engaging in trade agreements that exclude American interests.

By sowing discord among international allies and deepening economic dependence, Trump is not only reinforcing a dangerous trade war but also demonstrating a profound misunderstanding of global trade dynamics. As a consequence, American consumers face rising costs and the specter of enduring economic pain, all for the sake of a misguided protectionist agenda that grossly misreads the complex interrelations of global trade.

(h/t: https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-stokes-trade-war-world-reels-tariff-shock-2025-04-03/)

Vaccine skeptic appointed to lead controversial study on autism

A vaccine skeptic with a history of promoting discredited claims linking immunizations to autism has been chosen by the federal government to lead a crucial study on this topic. David Geier, who is known for long-standing false assertions regarding vaccines and autism, is engaged by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) despite widespread scientific rejection of these theories.

Geier, listed as a data analyst within HHS, has previously faced administrative action for practicing medicine without a license and has a dubious track record in public health research. His hiring raises serious concerns among experts that the upcoming study will propagate flawed conclusions that could erode public confidence in vaccines, undermining decades of credible research by credible scientists.

Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, articulated the gravity of this appointment, criticizing the administration for seemingly starting with a predetermined conclusion to support the baseless theory that vaccines cause autism. She underscored that this approach completely contradicts the scientific method, which requires evidence to inform conclusions.

Moreover, HHS directives have shifted the oversight of the vaccine-autism study to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shortly after President Trump made controversial comments linking rising autism rates to vaccinations. The reallocation of responsibility to NIH and Geier’s involvement signifies a troubling trend in health administration that prioritizes speculative assertions over established medical findings, which overwhelmingly dissociate vaccines from autism.

Experts, including public health researcher Jessica Steier, emphasize that employing individuals like Geier undermines the integrity of public health work. Their involvement is seen as deeply damaging to vaccination initiatives at a time when public health is already strained by misinformation and skepticism, especially in the wake of public health crises exacerbated by lies propagated by Trump’s administration and anti-vaccine advocates.

(h/t: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/25/vaccine-skeptic-hhs-rfk-immunization-autism/?mc_cid=cb50cb3410&mc_eid=f0ea8849aa)

Trump’s False Claims on JFK Assassination Fuel Misinformation and Distrust

Donald Trump recently claimed that Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of President John F. Kennedy, did not act alone in the 1963 assassination. During an interview with Clay Travis on Outkick radio, Trump stated, “I do [think Oswald killed JFK personally], and I always felt that. Of course, he was … helped.” This assertion contradicts the long-held conclusion by the Department of Justice that Oswald acted independently in killing Kennedy.

Despite the established narrative surrounding Kennedy’s assassination, Trump’s remarks play into a broader trend of promoting unfounded theories and conspiracy beliefs. Historians and researchers have found no credible evidence to support claims of Oswald having accomplices, yet Trump’s endorsement of this theory reflects a disturbing propensity among Republican leaders to foster misinformation.

Trump’s comments came in conjunction with the recent release of thousands of documents related to the JFK assassination, which he described as “somewhat unspectacular.” Nevertheless, he encouraged the public to draw their own conclusions, implicitly suggesting that there’s more to the story than has been documented historically, a typical tactic in the Trumpian playbook of inciting doubt and distrust in established facts.

Such statements by Trump not only trivialize the serious historical events surrounding JFK’s assassination but also contribute to the persistent erosion of trust in credible information and institutions. Promoting conspiracy theories undermines public discourse and furthers a narrative that the American electorate, particularly Trump’s supporters, often finds appealing despite its dubious basis in reality.

This instance of Trump’s recklessness mirrors an enduring pattern within the Republican Party, which routinely aligns itself against factual reporting and embraces narratives that serve the interests of its elite base. By advancing such misleading theories, Trump continues to reinforce the divide in American political culture and promote a radical interpretation of history that serves his agenda.

Trump Labels Town Hall Protesters as Paid Agitators

In a recent town hall event, President Donald Trump came to the defense of Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) after the congressman faced significant backlash from attendees. During the event, organized in Asheville, many in the audience expressed their discontent with federal budget cuts linked to Elon Musk’s policies. Trump’s reaction was to label the protesters “Radical Left Lunatics,” suggesting they were part of a coordinated effort, referring to them as “paid agitators” with “fake signs.”

In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump commended Edwards for showing restraint amidst the audience’s hostility. He portrayed the situation as a deliberate act by Democrats to disrupt the town hall, implying that such protests are indicative of Democratic tactics rather than valid opposition. “Don’t let infiltrated Town Halls fool you,” Trump asserted, attempting to frame the dissent as scripted chaos rather than genuine public concern over governance.

Edwards himself acknowledged the confrontational atmosphere, admitting that many attendees were Democrats. He remarked that he was prepared for the “progressive left” and believed that some media outlets facilitated the communication of his message to the public. Despite Trump’s claims of a united front, it appears that the meeting highlighted a deep divide between Republicans and constituents dissatisfied with the party’s direction.

Trump’s rhetoric is not unusual for a leader seeking to diminish the credibility of protesters and dissenters, which has become a common practice among Republicans aiming to undermine opposition voices. This tactic diverts attention from the actual concerns being raised by constituents and detracts from accountability regarding governmental actions or policies.

Ultimately, Trump’s support for Edwards and his characterization of the protesters reflect a broader trend within the Republican Party to delegitimize critics, using aggressive language and narratives that paint those who disagree as orchestrated agents rather than concerned citizens. This discourse serves to alienate voters and bolster Trump’s divisive political strategy.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/paid-agitators-with-fake-signs-trump-praises-republican-rep-handling-infiltrated-town-hall-littered-with-radical-left-lunatics/)

Elon Musk’s Victimhood Claims Distract from DOGE’s Wasteful Practices and Republican Corruption

Elon Musk recently voiced alarming concerns about his safety, claiming that those he labels as “bad people” may want him dead due to his efforts to expose corruption in the Trump administration. In an interview with Fox News, Musk asserted that his position as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has put him in the crosshairs of individuals who profit from government fraud.

Musk’s allegations arrive amidst controversy over DOGE’s initiatives aimed at identifying waste and corruption, which have led to significant firings in various federal agencies. The tech billionaire makes sweeping claims that government fraud contributes to a staggering $2 trillion annual deficit, further asserting that it endangers the political and fiscal stability of the U.S. by pushing the country toward bankruptcy.

Following recent incidents of vandalism at Tesla dealerships, Musk attempted to tie these acts to what he calls “hatred and violence from the left.” He seems to suggest a coordinated effort against Tesla, stating he finds the level of aggression shocking and questioning who might be funding such actions. However, his characterization of Democrats as violent falls flat against the backdrop of actual political violence spurred by Republican rhetoric.

His claims of danger and victimhood seem strategically crafted to elicit sympathy and deflect attention from DOGE’s controversial approach to government operations. By shifting focus onto potential threats against himself, Musk attempts to reinforce his narrative of righteousness and crusade against corruption, despite evidence suggesting that such claims may be more self-serving than accurate.

In his discourse, Musk continues to align himself closely with Trump, suggesting that both are encapsulated in a battle against systemic waste and fraud within the government. This perspective not only distracts from their respective corrupt practices but also embodies a broader fascistic approach deeply embedded within the Trump administration that seeks to undermine democratic institutions and processes.

Trump Claims Ukraine War Ending Promise Was Just Sarcasm

President Donald Trump recently claimed that his promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours was merely sarcastic. During an interview with journalist Sharyl Attkisson, Trump attempted to downplay the bold assertion he made on the campaign trail, which seemed to suggest that he had a straightforward plan to resolve a conflict that has persisted for years.

Trump’s comments followed his persistent criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the Ukraine conflict. Throughout his campaign, he blamed Biden for the escalation of the war, arguing that it could have been avoided if he were in power. However, now that Trump is back in office, he faces the stark reality of a complex geopolitical situation, which he seems unprepared to address effectively.

Despite claiming to pursue negotiations, Trump offered vague assurances that negotiations were “going reasonably well,” and he expressed optimism about securing a ceasefire agreement. This ambiguity illustrates a stark contrast to his previous more confident statements about resolutely ending the conflict. Attkisson was quick to remind Trump of the stark disparity between his campaign promise and the current inaction.

As Trump attempts to reshape his narrative, it’s evident that his initial proclamation to end the war lacks the credibility needed to restore faith among American and international audiences. Rather than demonstrating leadership, his flippant remarks showcase a troubling detachment from the immense human cost and geopolitical complexities associated with the conflict.

Ultimately, Trump’s sarcastic dismissal of his past statement raises questions about his sincerity and ability to govern effectively. Such rhetoric only serves to undermine trust and suggests a troubling lack of seriousness regarding the lives impacted by ongoing violence in Ukraine, where he pointedly attempted to downplay the situation’s gravity.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-says-he-was-being-sarcastic-with-vow-to-end-ukraine-war-in-24-hours-if-elected-but-id-like-to-get-it-settled/)

Trump’s Authoritarian Rhetoric Undermines Justice in DOJ Speech

Donald Trump delivered a provocative speech at the Department of Justice, labeling his courtroom opponents as “scum” and judiciary officials as “corrupt.” This declaration reflects Trump’s disturbing effort to undermine the DOJ’s independence, portraying himself as the nation’s “chief law enforcement officer” in a way reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.

In a lengthy monologue that lasted over an hour, Trump condemned his political defendants and asserted that those responsible for his legal challenges should face imprisonment. His rhetoric betrays a fundamental disregard for democratic principles, as he called for accountability only in terms that serve his agenda while demonizing those who oppose him.

Trump’s speech blatantly politicized the DOJ, a deviation from the tradition maintained by his predecessors who valued its neutrality. He accused former DOJ leadership of orchestrating espionage against his campaign and claimed they perpetrated “one hoax and disinformation campaign after the other,” demonstrating a pattern of projection reflective of his administration’s own misconduct.

Critics, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, condemned Trump’s actions, asserting that his speech marks a significant threat to the morale and integrity of the DOJ. Raskin’s remarks highlight that no president has ever employed such vitriolic language in that sacred space. By claiming the insurrectionists as “political prisoners,” Trump trivializes actual struggles against oppression and highlights his tendency to misuse ideological rhetoric.

Trump also praised Judge Aileen Cannon, whose rulings have favored him, demonstrating his preference for loyalty over justice. The speech ended with ominous promises to “restore the scales of justice,” while implicitly threatening the very foundations of American democracy through partisan prosecutions.

(h/t: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/14/trump-doj-speech-prison-opponents-00231438)

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