Category: Unpresidential

Trump’s Unfair Tariffs Threaten U.S. Economy and Global Trade Balance

Donald Trump has announced plans to impose what he calls “unfairness” tariffs on various nations, chastising the European Union as a major offender. In a recent statement, Trump claimed, “Our country has been ripped off by everybody,” suggesting that this pattern of exploitation would cease under his leadership. He promised immediate tariffs, claiming the EU is exploiting the U.S. through its trade practices. This latest threat fits into a larger narrative of Trump’s trade policy, which often relies on aggressive and sweeping actions against perceived adversaries.

Trump’s assertion that the U.S. has been “terribly abused” economically reflects his ongoing delusion about international trade dynamics. He indicated that tariffs could be implemented within days and aimed to create a uniform rate for all trading partners based on their various trade barriers against U.S. goods. Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, echoed this approach, announcing a comprehensive tariff structure designed to address the alleged inequities in current trade arrangements.

The repercussions of these tariffs are already surfacing, as major U.S. financial indexes, including the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, experienced declines, reflecting investor unease over Trump’s erratic tariff strategies. Economic analysts have warned that such volatility could undermine market stability, further eroding confidence as nations reassess their trading strategies in response to Trump’s unpredictability.

While Trump pledged to revive American factories, attributing factory closures to past trade agreements, his administration’s chaotic approach raises serious questions about the efficacy of these promises. For instance, he characterized the U.S. Chips Act as “a waste of money,” signaling a confusing stance on the revitalization of American manufacturing in critical sectors. Trump’s contradictory statements cast doubt on his ability to navigate crucial economic concerns, particularly in technology.

In the aftermath of these announcements, it is evident that Trump’s tactics not only threaten to destabilize American trade relationships but also reflect an overarching strategy of using intimidation and misconceived nationalism. His reliance on simplistic phrases and promises distracts from the complexities of global trade dynamics, putting the U.S. economy at risk and revealing a concerning trend toward authoritarianism in trade policy. This approach serves the interests of wealthy elites while further dismantling long-standing trade frameworks that have benefited a broader spectrum of American workers.

Trump’s Ejection of Journalists at Business Roundtable Marks Continued Attack on Press Freedom

During a recent event held by the Business Roundtable, President Donald Trump demonstrated his disregard for press freedom when reporters were ejected midway through his remarks. As Trump touted his controversial tariffs, referring to them as a “big win” for the U.S. economy, he unceremoniously ordered journalists to relocate their cameras, signifying his continued antagonistic relationship with the media. Those present included outlets like CNN and LiveNow from FOX.

Trump’s assertions during the session included claims that high tariffs would result in job creation within the United States, framing foreign nations as exploitative and calling America a “piggy bank.” This rhetoric not only dismisses the potential economic consequences of his trade policies but also reveals his consistent strategy of casting blame on others for America’s economic woes.

The abrupt removal of media personnel was a stark reminder of Trump’s pattern of hostility towards journalists. In July, he referred to an ABC News reporter’s question as “nasty” and continued his attacks by labeling the network as “fake news”. This behavior arises from Trump’s need to control the narrative surrounding his administration’s policies and actions, representing a broader trend of hostility towards the press seen in his administration.

This dismissal of reporters is not an isolated incident; it reflects a systematic issue within the Trump administration where transparency is compromised in favor of self-serving rhetoric. Last month, Trump even barred The Associated Press from the Oval Office over a disagreement concerning the naming of the Gulf of Mexico.

The events at the Business Roundtable are indicative of Trump’s ongoing attempts to manipulate public perception and limit critical media scrutiny. By eliminating opposing viewpoints from public discussions, Trump, along with the complicity of his Republican allies, continues to undermine the foundational principles of democracy in favor of advancing his corporate-friendly agenda.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/business-roundtable/)

Trump’s Hostile Exchange with Reporter Highlights Economic Critique of Tariff Policies

An NBC reporter directly challenged former President Donald Trump after he labeled the network as “one of the worst on television.” This confrontation took place during a press briefing at the White House with Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Trump’s hostility emerged when he was questioned about the administration’s inconsistencies regarding tariffs.

In this exchange, Trump attempted to downplay the criticism by asserting his so-called “flexibility” regarding trade policies. He suggested that the automakers had requested a delay in tariff implementation to avoid financial disaster, attempting to rationalize his actions as responsive rather than inconsistent.

However, Trump’s claims fall flat when considering the broader critiques of his tariff strategies. Critics, including media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and even figures within his own party, have pointed out the detrimental effects of his policies on the economy, labeling them reckless and lacking coherence.

Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo highlighted the concern among CEOs regarding the uncertainty created by Trump’s administration in international trade, emphasizing that the unpredictability is not favorable for businesses. This further undermines Trump’s assertion of strong support from the automakers.

The incident exemplifies Trump’s ongoing antagonism towards the press, a tactic that not only discredits journalism but also fosters an environment in which misinformation can thrive. His disdain for critical media is part of a broader anti-democratic trend that seeks to undermine public trust in institutions.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/news/your-home-for-a-long-time-reporter-hits-back-at-trump-calling-nbc-one-of-the-worst-networks-on-television/)

CDC’s Controversial Vaccine-Autism Study Risks Public Health Amid Trump Administration’s Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is embarking on a controversial study examining a fabricated link between vaccines and autism, despite overwhelming evidence countering this claim. This decision has raised alarms among public health advocates, given that extensive scientific research has consistently debunked the supposed correlation between vaccinations and autism.

The misinformation surrounding vaccines traces back to a widely discredited study from 1998 by Andrew Wakefield, which falsely linked the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to autism based on just 12 children. Wakefield’s fraudulent claims led to his medical license being revoked and The Lancet retracting the study in 2010 after concluding that several aspects of his work were inaccurate and based on ethical violations.

Despite the established safety of vaccines, which have saved millions of lives globally, the Trump administration—which includes prominent vaccine skeptics like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—has continued to promote anti-vaccine narratives. President Trump recently exaggerated autism statistics, framing a need for further research, which ultimately undermines public confidence in critical vaccination efforts.

As the CDC prepares for this study, concerns are mounting that investigating a debunked theory could harm public health initiatives, especially with rising measles cases in the U.S. The cost of this new investigation could strain resources already allocated to autism research, further diverting focus from evidence-based health policies.

In an era where misinformation thrives, the CDC’s decision to pursue this research underlines the ongoing threats to public health championed by Trump and his administration. As scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports vaccination, continuing to question it without substantial evidence could negatively impact efforts to control disease outbreaks, thus posing a significant risk to societal health.

(h/t: https://www.iflscience.com/us-to-spend-money-researching-heavily-debunked-link-between-vaccines-and-autism-78394?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2MB_yipWEblpP453c_941Mr-7P45hjCdKiKRUY3UQzfkl5UUolkxL4GHI_aem_RxyLLzThM1hOERoFUP-sVw)

Trump’s Tariffs Spark Global Trade War; Economy at Risk

President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, a poorly calculated decision that threatens both the economy and consumer prices. This latest move appears to be part of his ongoing campaign to manipulate trade dynamics in favor of US manufacturing, supposedly correcting alleged trade imbalances, but in reality, it is likely to stimulate a damaging global trade war.

The European Union and Canada wasted no time in retaliating against Trump’s protectionist measures. Canada announced a series of retaliatory tariffs, targeting $20.1 billion worth of US goods, while the EU revealed plans to impose equivalent tariffs on American exports worth up to $28 billion. This swift response highlights how Trump’s trade policies not only provoke international backlash but also risk isolating the US on the global stage.

While the intention behind these tariffs may be to bolster domestic production, analysts warn that they could lead to significant price hikes for a wide range of consumer goods, from cars and appliances to medical devices. Past tariffs implemented during Trump’s first term saw similar outcomes, where the protective measures paradoxically caused inflated costs and diminished industrial output.

Economic experts have predicted that the 25% tariffs could ultimately cost around 100,000 American jobs, undermining Trump’s claims that such policies will benefit US workers. Employment in the manufacturing sector, particularly in aluminum production, is already vulnerable and could deteriorate further as costs rise and competitiveness declines.

Trump’s trade strategy, marked by its volatility and deviation from established norms, has seen reversals and confusing statements, even leading to threats of escalated tariffs. His administration’s approach to tariffs showcases an alarming trend of economic self-destructive behavior that prioritizes short-term political gains over the long-term health of the U.S. economy.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/12/economy/trump-steel-aluminum-tariffs-hnk-intl/index.html)

Elon Musk’s Influence Over FAA Signals Corporate Corruption in Air Safety Governance

Elon Musk has aggressively maneuvered to influence the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), seeking to replace Verizon’s $2.4 billion air traffic control contract with a lucrative deal for his company SpaceX. Musk’s interest in the FAA escalated dramatically after he criticized Verizon’s management, claiming the FAA was on the verge of failing to protect air traveler safety due to outdated systems.

The FAA’s telecommunications network, which is essential for managing U.S. airspace, has faced financial strain and infrastructure challenges. In response to rising concerns over air travel safety, Musk dispatched his engineer Ted Malaska to the FAA with a directive to accelerate the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite systems without the usual bureaucratic delays. Musk’s approach indicates a desire to leverage potential government contracts to enhance his wealth and power.

Federal employees have reported that Malaska threatened job security for those who resisted his agenda, raising significant ethical concerns about the influence Musk is exerting over government operations. With at least 30,000 federal positions cut under his tenure, Musk has transformed government dynamics to favor private partnerships that could enrich him and his corporation, at the expense of public safety.

Skepticism surrounding the collaboration with SpaceX has emerged from various lawmakers and former FAA officials, who warn that fast-tracking decisions without proper vetting could compromise air safety and open avenues for corruption. These individuals decried the possible conflict of interest when the FAA, which oversees SpaceX’s licensing and safety investigations, also engages it as a contractor.

As the FAA contemplates the future of its contract with Verizon amid Musk’s push, questions remain about the motivations behind these rapid developments. The tight-knit relationship between Musk and Donald Trump, who recently assumed office, underscores a troubling intertwining of corporate interests and government power, posing a real threat to the integrity of democratic processes and public safety.

(h/t: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/how-elon-musk-muscled-his-way-into-the-faa/)

Trump Aide Claims Tariffs Are Drug War in Confusing Rant

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett recently made contradictory statements about President Trump’s tariffs against Canada and Mexico. During an interview on ABC’s This Week, Hassett insisted that these tariffs were part of a “drug war” rather than a “trade war,” despite clear evidence to the contrary. He attempted to justify the tariffs as a negotiation tactic to curb fentanyl smuggling from these countries.

Host Jonathan Karl challenged Hassett’s claims by highlighting that the actual percentage of fentanyl smuggled across the border is only around one percent, questioning the logic behind Hassett’s assertions. In defiance, Hassett claimed Canada was a “major source” of fentanyl, though he provided no substantiating evidence for this statement.

As the conversation progressed, Karl pointed out the hypocrisy in the administration’s messaging, where tariffs positioned as a response to drug trafficking were simultaneously characterized as a trade dispute. Representative Adam Schiff later addressed this inconsistency during the program, describing Hassett’s rationale as “incomprehensible.”

Hassett’s statements underscore a broader pattern of misleading narratives created by the Trump administration, aiming to portray aggressive tariffs as necessary to combat drug-related issues. This manipulation of public perception reflects a troubling strategy often seen in Trump’s political playbook.

Overall, the discussion illustrates the ongoing confusion and lack of accountability within Trump’s rhetoric, where the administration morphs clear economic policies into convoluted justifications for its actions, marking a significant departure from transparent governance.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/kevin-hassett-trump-trade-war/)

Trump Halts Ukraine Intelligence Sharing Amid Military Aid Freeze

The Trump administration has announced a halt in intelligence sharing with Ukraine, coinciding with a freeze on military assistance, in a blatant attempt to pressure the Ukrainian government into compliance with its diplomatic agenda. This pause has serious implications for Ukraine’s ability to resist ongoing Russian aggression, as critical targeting information, including details on Russian drone and missile strikes, is no longer being provided.

Officials from the U.S. intelligence community, including CIA director John Ratcliffe and national security adviser Michael Waltz, have confirmed this suspension. They presented the pause as a temporary measure, suggesting it could end quickly if Ukraine agrees to negotiate under the Trump administration’s conditions. However, this strategy reveals the administration’s underlying intentions to manipulate Ukraine’s sovereignty for U.S. geopolitical interests.

Critics, including Representative Jim Himes, have condemned the decision as both unconscionable and unforgivable, emphasizing that withholding lifesaving intelligence from Ukrainian forces fighting against Russian aggression not only contravenes moral obligations but also undermines trust in the U.S. commitment to ally nations.

The pause in intelligence sharing further exemplifies the Trump administration’s broader pattern of prioritizing personal and political objectives over the safety and sovereignty of allied nations. Rather than pressuring Russia to halt its offensive, the administration has chosen to weaponize U.S. support, compelling Ukraine to concede to demands that may erode their national interests.

This troubling approach underscores the potential dangers of a Trump presidency where the integrity of international alliances is compromised, positioned in favor of appeasing autocratic regimes like Russia’s. As military assistance stalls and diplomacy falters, the ramifications for Ukrainian resilience against foreign aggression become increasingly dire.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/us/politics/cia-director-ukraine-intelligence.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMQABHTRx1dO7KFMziKJeMKoTHJYy0TlHpAM14BaqPrhMGntCNFVqHMR3Kqv4Wg_aem_tpg_z7REenXd_FWSWgN3Yg)

CNN Fact Check Rips Apart Trump’s False Dairy Tariff Claims

Donald Trump recently made sweeping claims regarding Canada’s dairy tariffs, alleging they exceed 200 percent. However, CNN’s fact checker, Daniel Dale, quickly debunked this statement. He clarified that these high tariffs only come into effect after exceeding a negotiated limit of tariff-free exports to Canada, a limit that Trump himself established.

Dale pointed out that during Trump’s first term, he had already signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which retained these tariffs. Contrary to Trump’s assertion that the situation with Canadian dairy tariffs worsened under President Biden, it was confirmed that the tariffs were not raised during Biden’s presidency. Instead, the existing tariffs were upheld as part of the USMCA agreement.

In his remarks, Trump claimed that the dairy tariffs were being inflated under Biden’s administration, but both government records and dairy industry sources contradicted this. Trump’s administration was responsible for the initial tariff structure he now criticizes, labeling it an inconsistency on his part.

As for retaliation, Trump has threatened to impose new U.S. dairy tariffs starting April 2. However, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick indicated that such measures are not immediate and are pending further developments.

While Trump did negotiate some beneficial terms for American dairy farmers via the USMCA, which allowed specific quotas for imports, it did not effectively lead to any reductions in tariffs on imports that exceeded those quotas. Ultimately, Trump’s claims regarding dairy tariffs represent another instance of misrepresentation, revealing a pattern of dishonesty that continues to undermine American credibility on the international stage.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-dairy/)

Trump’s Executive Order Targets Perkins Coie, Threatens Legal Independence

Donald Trump has signed an executive order targeting Perkins Coie, a law firm that has historically provided legal representation for Democrats. The order directs the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to begin revoking security clearances held by Perkins Coie employees. Trump claims this move is necessary due to the firm’s involvement in the 2016 election, which he labels as detrimental to his political interests.

In the Oval Office, during the signing of the order, Trump described it as an “absolute honor,” asserting that the actions of Perkins Coie represented “weaponization” against a political opponent. This rhetoric underscores Trump’s authoritarian approach to governance, where opposing legal entities are punished for their involvement in dissenting political narratives.

Perkins Coie notably represented Hillary Clinton’s campaign and had connections to the controversial Steele dossier, which contained serious allegations about Trump and his ties to Russia. By targeting the firm, Trump is aiming to intimidate legal advisors and dissenters, an act that threatens the independence of the legal profession and undermines democratic norms.

The firm has responded by stating they will challenge the legality of Trump’s order, deeming it “patently unlawful.” This incident highlights a broader pattern within the Trump administration to retaliate against legal entities that provide services to political opponents—a clear signal of his administration’s authoritarian tendencies.

This executive action follows another recent instance where Trump suspended security clearances at the law firm Covington & Burling, which had provided legal services to former special counsel Jack Smith. Trump’s relentless attacks on legal institutions that oppose him reinforce the dangers of his administration’s obsession with silencing dissent and eroding the foundations of American democracy.

(h/t: https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5181477-trump-executive-order-perkins-coie/)

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