Category: Unpresidential

Dershowitz tells Trump the Constitution is unclear on third term, WSJ reports     | Reuters

Donald Trump reviewed a draft manuscript by lawyer Alan Dershowitz arguing the Constitution may permit a third presidential term, according to the Wall Street Journal. Dershowitz claimed he told Trump during an Oval Office meeting that constitutional language on presidential term limits is ambiguous, contradicting the 22nd Amendment, which explicitly bars anyone from being elected president more than twice.

The 22nd Amendment, ratified after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, states unequivocally: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Dershowitz’s unpublished book, titled “Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term?”, examines scenarios potentially circumventing this restriction.

Trump has previously signaled interest in circumventing constitutional term limits. He spent months publicly teasing the idea of testing the Constitution’s language before stating in October that he would not pursue a third term, calling the restriction “too bad” but acknowledging it prevented him from running again. Trump’s pattern of attacking institutions and officials who oppose him extends to questioning constitutional boundaries when they constrain his power.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded to the report by stating “the American people would be lucky to have President Trump in office for even longer,” signaling openness to the idea without committing to it. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that Trump “knows he can’t run again,” creating contradictory messaging from the administration.

Trump has continuously falsified that he lost the 2020 election to widespread voter fraud, a claim rejected by numerous investigations and courts. His willingness to entertain arguments that constitutional limits may be negotiable reflects a broader pattern of treating constitutional constraints as obstacles rather than foundational law.

(Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/lawyer-dershowitz-told-trump-constitutionality-third-term-is-unclear-says-wsj-2025-12-17/)

Fact-checking Trump’s presidential address claim he’s brought gas, grocery prices down – ABC News

During his Wednesday evening presidential address from the White House’s Diplomatic Room, Trump claimed his administration is rapidly reducing prices across gasoline, groceries, airfare, and hotel rates, stating “I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast.” He attributed prior increases to Biden’s administration, citing rises of 30–50% in gas, 37% in hotels, and 31% in airfare, then asserted that all categories are now “coming down and coming down fast.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trump’s gasoline claims are partially misleading. While gas prices did peak at $5.016 per gallon in June 2022 under Biden and have since fallen to $2.998—representing roughly a 50% decrease from that peak—year-over-year comparison from September 2024 to September 2025 shows only a 0.5% decline. Trump’s Cabinet meeting presentations also contained previously debunked false statements about grocery and prescription drug prices, demonstrating a pattern of exaggeration on economic data.

Trump claimed egg prices dropped 82% since March; BLS data confirms a 43% decrease from the March all-time high of $6.23 to $3.49 in September, accounting for avian flu impacts. However, he omitted critical context: overall meat prices surged 8.5% year-over-year, beef prices hit record highs with a 14.7% increase, and coffee prices rose 18.9%—partly due to tariffs Trump imposed on coffee-producing nations like Brazil.

Airfare and hotel claims also diverge from BLS records. Airline fares increased 3.2% in September 2025 compared to September 2024, contradicting Trump’s assertion of declining airfares. Hotel rates fell 0.8% and car rentals dropped 5.0% over the past year, modest declines compared to Trump’s narrative of rapid reductions across all sectors.

Trump’s recent repeal of tariffs on beef, coffee, and tropical fruits signals an attempt to retroactively address price inflation caused by his own trade policies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is releasing updated consumer price data Thursday, providing verification against the president’s claims made during the address.

(Source: https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/fact-checking-trumps-presidential-address-claim-brought-gas/story?id=128506721)

Trump orders ‘total and complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving Venezuela | CNN Politics

President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” of oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela on Tuesday via Truth Social, escalating military and economic pressure against Nicolás Maduro’s government. Trump stated that U.S. military assets surround Venezuela and demanded the country return oil, land, and assets to the United States, exposing the operation’s economic objectives beyond stated anti-drug efforts.

The blockade targets Venezuela’s primary economic lifeline amid existing international sanctions on its oil sector. Trump has repeatedly indicated that U.S. companies should regain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves—the world’s largest—if Maduro is removed from power. State-owned Petroleos de Venezuela controls the petroleum industry, though Houston-based Chevron operates under a sanctions carve-out that Trump revoked in March before conditionally reissuing it.

Trump accused Maduro of using “stolen oil” to finance terrorism, human trafficking, and criminal activity. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that the administration’s military campaign aims to pressure Maduro to step down, contradicting earlier framing focused solely on narcotics interdiction. Venezuela’s government condemned the announcement as “a reckless and serious threat” and “a grave violation of International Law,” noting that blockades constitute acts of war under international treaties.

A 1961 Justice Department memo regarding Cuban tensions established that blockades are justified only when a state of war exists. Trump’s military operations in the region, including threatened ground invasions, follow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of “Southern Spear,” a hemisphere-wide military operation targeting suspected drug operations.

The blockade represents an explicit shift from counternarcotics justification to resource seizure, with Trump signaling intent to restore American corporate control over Venezuelan petroleum assets previously nationalized in the 1970s. Venezuela’s oil is sold primarily to China due to existing U.S. sanctions imposed since 2005.

(Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/16/politics/blockade-venezuela-sanctioned-oil-tankers)

Trump defends his criticism of killed Hollywood director Rob Reiner

President Trump attacked Hollywood director Rob Reiner after Reiner’s death, posting on Truth Social that the director died from “Trump derangement syndrome” and calling him “very bad for our country.” Trump repeated these criticisms to reporters in the Oval Office, describing Reiner as “deranged” and falsely suggesting the director was involved in Russia collusion claims, providing no evidence for either assertion.

Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Police arrested their son Nick on suspicion of murder but have not indicated any motive or suggested that Reiner’s political views or criticism of Trump factored into the deaths.

Trump’s remarks drew rebukes from senior Republicans. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican critic of Trump, called the comments “inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered.” Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a Trump supporter, stated the deaths were “a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies” and should be “met with empathy.” Senator John Kennedy criticized Trump for speaking, suggesting the president should have remained silent.

Reiner was a lifelong Democrat and prominent liberal activist who frequently criticized Trump, calling him “mentally unfit” in 2017 and describing his administration as “full-on autocracy” in October. Trump acknowledged his antagonism toward the director, stating he “was not a fan of Rob Reiner at all, in any way, shape or form.”

This follows Trump’s pattern of attacking political opponents after their deaths. In 2019, following Senator John McCain’s death, Trump said he “was never a fan” and “never will be.” That same year, Trump made remarks about deceased Democratic lawmaker John Dingell that were widely interpreted as suggesting damnation, with the White House later claiming Trump was “just riffing.”

(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7413d9xvkeo)

‘This is truly insane’: Trump stuns with eye-popping multi-million-dollar purchase – Raw Story

President Trump personally purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Intel corporate debt between August and October, according to financial disclosures released in November. This transaction occurred simultaneously with the Trump administration’s decision to secure an $11 billion government stake in Intel, giving the U.S. a 10% ownership position in the company.

Trump has also purchased up to $6 million in Boeing corporate bonds, with a separate purchase of $500,000 to $1 million in Boeing bonds made in September, close to Boeing receiving an $877 million Defense Department contract. Since January, Trump has purchased a minimum of $185 million worth of bonds across multiple companies.

The administration characterizes its broader corporate investment strategy as driven by national security interests, committing over $10 billion in taxpayer funds to minority stakes in at least nine companies involved in steel, minerals, nuclear energy, and semiconductors, with the majority of deals struck in October and November. Journalist Molly Jong-Fast stated this purchase pattern would constitute “a huge scandal” in a normal administration, while journalist Ryan Grim called the situation “truly insane.”

Trump’s personal investments in companies receiving substantial government contracts and funding directly conflict with federal ethics standards prohibiting self-dealing and conflicts of interest. The lack of mainstream media coverage of these transactions has drawn criticism, with observers noting the administration’s pattern of leveraging taxpayer resources to benefit the president’s personal financial interests.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-2674341799/)

Trump’s Post Attacking Rob Reiner After Stabbing Death Draws Immediate Outrage

President Trump posted on Truth Social accusing Hollywood director Rob Reiner of dying from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” linking Reiner’s criticism of Trump to his murder less than twenty-four hours after reports of his death. Trump doubled down when questioned by reporters, stating Reiner was “a deranged person” and “very bad for our country,” without evidence connecting political beliefs to the killing.

Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Their 32-year-old son was booked on suspicion of murder; police provided no indication that the couple’s political views factored into their deaths.

Trump’s attack triggered rare backlash from MAGA-aligned Republicans, some of whom called for him to retract the comments. The criticism underscored the inconsistency of conservative demands for civility—prominent conservatives had called for public shaming, firings, and prosecution threats against those who spoke negatively about Charlie Kirk following his assassination.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/us/politics/trump-rob-reiner.html)

Trump Spread False Information About Brown Shooting. That’s a Problem | The New Republic

Donald Trump’s reckless dissemination of unverified information regarding a shooting incident at Brown University has rightfully drawn fierce criticism. During this highly tense situation, Trump prematurely declared the suspect as captured, creating potential danger for students sheltering on campus. Despite police advisories indicating an active situation, Trump’s irresponsible social media display added chaos and confusion.

As the ordeal unfolded, Trump’s assertions were quickly contradicted by official sources, exposing his carelessness. His hasty statement claiming the shooter was detained was retracted only minutes later, an action that has been condemned for spreading insecurity among the already terrified students. Providence’s Mayor emphasized relying on official channels for accurate information, a direct refutation of Trump’s baseless announcements.

This incident is illustrative of Trump’s habitual disregard for the truth and his alarming tendency to spread misinformation. Consequences of his actions are more than just errors; they embody serious risks, particularly in volatile situations where accurate information is critical for public safety. Trump’s volatile online rants contribute significantly to spreading misinformation, jeopardizing people’s safety, and reflect poorly on his leadership.

Criticism also extends to Trump’s divisive rhetoric which inflames tensions and incites threats against many, including his political allies. His continuous intimidating social media uses have been linked to numerous threats against both Democratic and Republican officials, illustrating the dangerous consequences of his inflammatory behavior.

Overall, Trump’s irresponsible actions and statements serve as a shining example of his continued disregard for authenticity and safety. His habit of hastily spreading false information endangers public safety and reflects the broader dangers of an administration marked by misinformation and chaos. Trump’s behavior in tense circumstances as shown here underscores his unsuitability for leadership.

(Source: https://newrepublic.com/post/204391/trump-brown-university-rhode-island-shooting)

Laughing Trump Drops Stunning Admission to Screaming Fans — ‘Sh*thole Countries’ Rant He Denied Was Real

During a recent rally at the Mount Airy Casino Resort, President Donald Trump openly acknowledged his infamous “sh*thole countries” comment, revealing that he still holds disdain for predominantly Black nations while favoring those like Norway and Denmark. Laughter erupted among his supporters as Trump recounted how he questioned the rationale behind accepting immigrants from troubled nations like Somalia and Haiti.

In his speech, Trump faced mounting economic criticism, calling concerns over rising prices a “con job,” and asserted that he had already resolved these issues. The rally was a response to unfavorable polling data that highlighted his declining popularity concerning economic management.

Trump’s emphasis on a permanent pause on immigration from what he termed “hell holes” illustrates his continued focus on anti-immigration rhetoric. This tone has become a hallmark of his public speaking, which resonates with his base but raises alarms regarding his attitudes toward race and immigration.

The event showcased the former president refining his controversial views in front of a supportive crowd, reaffirming his commitment to restricting immigration from certain countries while promoting his narrative of economic recovery. Such language and themes are indicative of his broader attempts to solidify his political base amid ongoing scrutiny.

Trump’s remarks not only reignite the debate over his immigration policies but also reflect his enduring brand of divisive politics, as he leverages humor and inflammatory statements to maintain his support during tumultuous times.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/laughing-trump-drops-stunning-admission-to-screaming-fans-shthole-countries-rant-he-denied-was-real/)

Trump Receives FIFA Peace Prize as Justice Drops Bribery Case

Following President Donald Trump's acceptance of FIFA's inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize,” the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would drop an international bribery case related to soccer, raising eyebrows among observers regarding the timing. The award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was celebrated as a recognition of Trump's supposed contributions to peace, despite a notable lack of credible accomplishments in that regard. This ceremony took place soon after Trump was snubbed by the Nobel Peace Prize, which went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

The bribery case involved former Fox executive Hernan Lopez and the Argentina-based marketing firm Full Play Group, associated with a larger corruption investigation into FIFA's operations. Lopez had previously been found guilty of facilitating bribes to secure broadcasting rights for South American soccer tournaments. The Justice Department's subsequent move to dismiss the case has sparked suspicions of quid pro quo, particularly given the historical context of Trump's administration's treatment of legal matters.

Prosecutors cited that the dismissal was “in the interests of justice,” which many interpret as a misguided attempt to align with Trump's controversial policies and actions around corruption. This development indicates not just a troubling pattern but a dangerous normalization of political favoritism. Trump's record includes dismantling units within the Justice Department that investigate public corruption, rendering the legal framework increasingly tenuous.

The juxtaposition of Trump receiving a "peace prize" while simultaneously walking away from serious corruption prosecutions exemplifies a chaotic administration more concerned with image than integrity. Additionally, the broader implications of such actions reveal a disconcerting trend toward undermining institutional trust and accountability, compounding the internal and external challenges facing the U.S.

In short, this incident exemplifies the administration’s troubling priorities, as it continues to reward loyalty while sidelining legal accountability, revealing a dangerous erosion of ethical standards in political practice.

(Source: https://www.comicsands.com/trump-fifa-doj-bribery?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRleAOpRG9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEetak0mC26NZd4OVGItxykKy9HrWqWpMgnKadL5NpKvB26kvnIX0MTIHF1-bs_aem_OfXohv8so-2HnvLtQWCCUw#Echobox=1765563538)

Trump Claims Acing Three Cognitive Tests Amid Health Scrutiny

During a recent post on Truth Social, Donald Trump claimed he underwent three cognitive tests, boasting about his performance monitored by numerous physicians. His assertions come amidst growing scrutiny regarding his health, including reports of him dozing off during cabinet meetings. Trump responded to these allegations by stating that he participates in extensive medical examinations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he insists he receives “PERFECT marks.”

Trump described these cognitive tests as unique, suggesting that few are capable of passing them successfully, yet his admission raises eyebrows. Commenting on his claims, former Rep. Justin Amash stated that such pronouncements would typically signal mental instability in anyone else, emphasizing Trump’s unusual behavior regarding this matter. Critiques flooded social media, with commentators questioning the validity of his assertions regarding cognitive function.

Trump’s recent declarations appear to be an attempt to counteract rumors about his declining health, particularly in light of his past ridicule of Joe Biden as “Sleepy Joe.” Observers, including commentators from news outlets, pointed out the oddity of a healthy senior requiring three cognitive assessments, implying this raises doubts about his current well-being.

Notably, Trump’s claims seem to conflict with observations of his performance, prompting discussions about the implications of such a state for someone holding the highest office. As reactions mounted online, many speculated that this is an acknowledgment of serious health issues rather than a demonstration of prowess.

The discourse surrounding Trump’s health is significant, considering his history of dismissing public concerns about cognitive decline in others. This new information serves to highlight the paradox between his past derision of opponents and his current situation.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/alternet-posts/trump-chris-hayes/)

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