Category: Violence

Trump Appeals Judge’s Ban on ICE Retaliation Against Protesters

President Trump’s administration appealed a federal court order issued by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez that restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters in Minneapolis. The order prohibits federal agents from arresting protesters engaged in peaceful demonstration, using crowd-dispersal weapons like pepper spray, or detaining drivers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction. The appeal was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, with the administration seeking relief from the Eighth Circuit, a panel dominated by Republican-appointed judges.

Judge Menendez, a Biden appointee, issued the protective order following escalating protests over ICE operations in the city and multiple incidents in which federal agents killed or seriously injured people. The ruling specifically addressed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by a federal agent while attempting to drive around agents attempting to box in her vehicle. The order explicitly bars agents from retaliating against persons observing or documenting federal operations designated “Operation Metro Surge.”

Trump responded to the court order with a False statement on Truth Social, praising Menendez as a “highly respected judge” while simultaneously misrepresenting her ruling by claiming she had “declined to block ICE operations.” In reality, the judge imposed significant restrictions on federal agent conduct, directly contradicting Trump’s characterization. This occurred one day after Trump claimed Menendez had delayed her decision to allow the Justice Department time to respond, framing her judicial independence as a favor to his administration.

The appeal reflects the Trump administration’s resistance to judicial oversight of federal law enforcement tactics during immigration enforcement operations. By appealing to the Eighth Circuit, Trump’s Justice Department seeks to overturn protections for peaceful protesters that federal courts determined were necessary following documented harm. The move demonstrates the administration’s pattern of challenging state and local criticism of ICE operations, including investigating state officials who have publicly opposed the deployment.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-2674908994/)

Trump Admin Posts Echo White Supremacist Rhetoric

The Trump administration is deploying recruitment campaigns and official posts across federal departments that incorporate imagery, slogans, and rhetoric linked to white supremacist and extremist movements, according to PBS reporting and analysis by Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University’s Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab. An ICE recruitment advertisement features the phrase “We will have our home again,” a direct reference to a white supremacist anthem favored by the Proud Boys, while the Department of Labor distributed messaging stating “One homeland, one people, one heritage” alongside heroic depictions of white men. Administration posts also invoke “Trust the plan,” the QAnon conspiracy theory slogan tied to the January 6 Capitol attack, which posits a global cabal of pedophiles and deep state actors that Trump is fighting.

Extremist symbols have surfaced across multiple federal agencies, including the “An Appeal to Heaven” flag, which was carried by January 6 rioters and adopted by evangelical Christian nationalist groups and neo-Nazi organizations. Miller-Idriss identified this pattern as part of a propaganda campaign to reposition ICE operations as serving the public interest while employing dog whistles and explicit racist and conspiratorial messaging. The administration is simultaneously rewriting January 6 history on a newly published website, blaming Democrats for security failures and justifying pardons for over 1,500 defendants involved in the insurrection.

President Trump stated in a New York Times interview that the civil rights movement “hurt a lot of people” and constituted “reverse discrimination” against whites denied college admission or jobs. Billionaire Elon Musk endorsed this framing by endorsing a post claiming “If white men become a minority, we will be slaughtered. White solidarity is the only way to survive”—the Great Replacement Theory, a white nationalist conspiracy falsely asserting intentional replacement of the white population. Miller-Idriss connected this conspiracy theory to terrorist attacks in Pittsburgh, El Paso, Buffalo, Christchurch, and Oslo, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

Miller-Idriss characterized the shift as a “turning point in the propaganda campaign,” driven by ICE’s 57 percent disapproval rating and public awareness of agency abuses circulated through cell phone video. She identified Trump’s statements as an “unedited version” of a longstanding belief system that white men are losing ground, now openly expressed without prior hedging. The administration simultaneously withdrew U.S. support from extremism prevention organizations, cementing its alignment with extremist ideological frameworks.

Miller-Idriss noted that undemocratic leaders employ confusion and propaganda simultaneously to undermine journalism, expertise, and shared truth, citing Hannah Arendt’s analysis of Nazi propaganda: once people stop knowing what is true and false, “it’s very easy for them to stop knowing what’s right and wrong.” The administration’s strategy combines coordinated messaging across departments with high-profile policy actions including ICE deployments, foreign intervention, and territorial threats, designed to normalize extremist rhetoric while obscuring its authoritarian implications through saturation messaging.

(Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-administration-posts-echo-rhetoric-linked-to-extremist-groups?fbclid=IwdGRleAPSxIFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEegXa-oSnnonxrbxD0HIm8ZOScqBnslIjqqgO-WisqCCJBydQdzzodouEcCt0_aem_45dHLtlY5pgg0gPw_BA6LA)

Leavitt Defends ICE Shooting, Dismisses Renee Good Protesters

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed Minneapolis protesters demonstrating against the fatal shooting of 37-year-old poet and mother Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross, questioning their grievances during a Monday press gaggle. Leavitt framed the killing as justified self-defense, claiming Good rammed Ross with her vehicle during what she characterized as an organized effort to impede law enforcement operations. Vice President JD Vance has falsely claimed the officer is protected by absolute immunity, a legal assertion that contradicts established law.

Leavitt attacked protesters by asserting they opposed ICE’s removal of individuals she described as “heinous murderers and rapists and criminals,” framing opposition to the agency as protection of “illegal alien pedophiles” rather than engagement with the specific circumstances of Good’s death. She declared ICE performs a critical national security function and pledged the administration’s full support for “the brave men and women of ice, including the officer in Minneapolis.” This rhetorical strategy conflated general immigration enforcement with the narrow question of whether Ross’s use of lethal force was proportional and lawful.

Protesters have explicitly demanded ICE’s removal from their communities, justice for Good, and state involvement in the shooting investigation—specific demands grounded in accountability for the killing itself. President Trump has blocked Minnesota state investigators from the probe, citing the state’s purportedly “corrupt” government, centralizing control over the investigation in federal hands where the Trump administration exercises direct authority over the Department of Justice.

Video evidence of the incident has been widely described as a “Rorschach Test” reflecting observers’ preexisting political positions rather than settling disputed facts about whether Good’s actions constituted a lethal threat requiring deadly force in response. Leavitt’s dismissal of protesters’ concerns sidestepped the substantive questions surrounding the shooting itself, instead reframing the event within an immigration enforcement narrative designed to delegitimize dissent.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/protesting-what-exactly-karoline-leavitt-rages-at-protesters-angry-over-renee-good-shooting/)

Trump Suggests Tim Walz Ordered Death of MN Legislator

President Donald Trump amplified a conspiracy theory on social media suggesting that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was murdered in summer 2024. Trump “re-Truthed” a post from @LightOnLiberty that falsely connected Hortman’s death to alleged money laundering fraud involving Somali immigrants, despite law enforcement’s clear findings regarding the actual perpetrator.

Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed at their home by Vance Boelter, 57, a man posing as a police officer who was indicted on six federal charges of stalking and murder. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Minnesota, Boelter “embarked on a murderous rampage targeting Minnesota’s elected officials and their families” after extensive research and planning. Trump displayed indifference to the murder while blaming the “radical left” for inciting violence, deflecting responsibility for the actual crime.

Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also targeted in their home by the same suspect and survived after lengthy recoveries. The Department of Justice has never indicated charging anyone other than Boelter for the shootings, yet Trump’s amplification of the baseless conspiracy persists without factual foundation.

Trump’s promotion of this theory fits his pattern of attacking Walz over Somali immigration and alleged fraud. In November, Trump falsely claimed “hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over” Minnesota and alleged Somali gangs “roving the streets” looking for prey, while the FBI has investigated such reports for years without substantiating Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric.

On Air Force One in November, Trump defended calling Walz “retarded,” claiming “there’s something wrong with him” for allowing Somali immigrants into Minnesota and stating the U.S. funds Somalia despite his assertion it “doesn’t function like a country.” This pattern demonstrates how Trump leverages baseless conspiracy theories and racist narratives to weaponize tragedy for political gain.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-shares-conspiracy-post-suggesting-tim-walz-ordered-the-assassination-of-minnesota-legislator/)

Trump Demands Jail for Elissa Slotkin Over Refusing Orders

In a recent escalation of his inflammatory rhetoric, President Donald Trump unleashed a series of all-caps social media posts accusing six Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin, of “SEDITION” and claiming they “SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW.” This tirade follows the lawmakers’ efforts to encourage military and intelligence personnel to reject illegal orders, which they declared as threats not just from foreign entities but also from domestic factions.

Trump’s remarks came after a video released by Slotkin and her colleagues, in which they stated, “You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.” However, the president mischaracterized their message as treasonous, asserting that it should be “punishable by DEATH.” His claims have drawn criticism from various media figures, including CNN’s Jake Tapper, who described the comments as “wildly inappropriate and potentially dangerous.”

Despite the lack of direct appearances by the lawmakers on major news outlets, Trump insisted that their actions constitute a serious crime that warrants severe repercussions. He further claimed that “MANY GREAT LEGAL SCHOLARS AGREE” with his assessment of the situation. Such assertions reflect the president’s tendency to vilify opponents while rallying his base around extreme narratives.

Critics caution that Trump’s rhetoric not only undermines democratic discourse but also poses tangible risks by inciting violence against public officials. This kind of incendiary language serves to galvanize his supporters while inciting animosity and danger toward those he deems threats to his presidency.

Overall, Trump’s late-night outbursts reveal a troubling trend of escalating authoritarian language aimed at silencing dissent and promoting a narrative that undermines the core tenets of American democracy.

Trump Attacks Marjorie Taylor Greene Following Her Resignation

Donald Trump lashed out at Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene following her surprise resignation announcement, set for January 5, 2026. Greene, a staunch supporter of Trump, revealed her decision was motivated by personal reasons and her frustrations with the Jeffrey Epstein files. In a video posted to X, she expressed her desire to return to the people she loves, indicating her departure was a step towards a new path.

The president responded on Truth Social by criticizing Greene for her declining poll numbers and implied her resignation was a result of political pressure. In the post, he called her “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Brown” and attempted to distance herself from Tom Massie, another Republican known for unconventional voting. Trump’s disdainful tone underscores the fragility of the alliances within the GOP as he highlighted Greene’s failures and vulnerabilities.

Greene’s resignation is notable given her previous alignment with Trump’s agenda, showcasing a possible rift between the former president and one of his once-loyal supporters. Trump’s comments signal an increasing desire to distance himself from those within the party who may tarnish his image as more Democrats and progressive movements gain traction.

Trump’s attack not only reflects his combative nature but also emphasizes the dangers of dissent within the Republican ranks. As seen in previous instances, such internal strife threatens to unravel the party’s unity, further exposing its vulnerabilities to challenges from the Democratic side. Trump’s rhetoric continues to nurture a culture of hostility towards dissenters, including former allies.

This incident might have significant implications for the future of the Republican Party, particularly as it navigates a landscape increasingly defined by extreme views and discord. With figures like Greene stepping back, it raises questions about who will continue to support Trump’s brand of politics as the party seeks to reclaim a broader base among American voters.

Trump Denies Threatening Democrats While Threatening Democrats

President Donald Trump attempted to clarify that he was “not threatening death” against Democratic lawmakers who criticized his call for military members to defy unlawful orders during a recent interview. This came after Trump faced bipartisan backlash for his incendiary social media remarks, which included accusations of “seditious behavior” that he claimed could be punishable by death.

Six Democratic lawmakers, including military veterans, condemned Trump’s statements, labeling them as dangerous threats that escalate the ongoing climate of political violence in the U.S. In a video spearheaded by Senate Democrat Elissa Slotkin, these lawmakers urged service members to obey lawful orders and uphold their constitutional oath, highlighting the gravity of Trump’s rhetoric.

In response to the uproar, Trump reiterated in a Fox News radio interview that while he was not specifically threatening violence, he deemed the lawmakers “in serious trouble” and referred to their actions as traitorous. His remarks followed a series of Truth Social posts where he demanded aggressive consequences for the lawmakers’ perceived disloyalty.

The political fallout has been widespread, with various leaders, including Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, disputing Trump’s choice of words while attempting to defend him. Despite the attempts to downplay Trump’s rhetoric, the top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, asserted that the former president has uniquely encouraged political violence.

The rise in politically motivated violence has become a growing concern, with a Pew Research study indicating that 85% of Americans believe such violence is increasing. The public officials’ safety has been called into question following Trump’s provocations, as multiple reports indicate a spike in threats against politicians, underlining the fragility of political discourse in the current climate.

Trump Pardons Boca Raton Woman for Violent Threats Against FBI

A Boca Raton woman, Suzanne Ellen Kaye, has been granted a pardon by President Donald Trump after serving 18 months in prison for threatening FBI agents via social media. This case, stemming from her social media posts during an FBI inquiry into her potential involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, highlights the troubling patterns of Trump’s pardoning powers being used to benefit individuals associated with extremist behaviors and threats against law enforcement.

Kaye’s social media threats included a video captioned “F*** the FBI,” where she claimed she would use her Second Amendment rights if agents approached her home. Despite her claims that the posts were intended as a joke, she was found guilty and sentenced in a trial that showcased her blatant disregard for law enforcement’s role in maintaining public safety.

After completing her prison time, Kaye received the pardon from Trump, who recast her as a victim of the Biden administration’s Justice Department. Trump’s pardon attorney described this action as part of “unwinding” the supposed damage caused by Biden’s DOJ, portraying Kaye as a martyr rather than someone who menaced federal officials.

This incident reflects a wider trend under Trump’s administration of excusing or forgiving violent rhetoric and actions that threaten democratic institutions. By granting pardons to individuals like Kaye, Trump not only undermines the serious nature of her threats but also signals a continued allegiance with those who challenge the rule of law and threaten FBI personnel.

As Kaye returns to society freed from her sentence, the implications of her pardon raise questions about the accountability of individuals expressing violent sentiments towards the Justice Department. This action may embolden similar threats, further complicating efforts to instill faith in governance and law enforcement.

Trump Dismisses MTG’s Danger Amid Threats, Scorns Her Critique

Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about the safety of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who reported a pipe bomb threat to her office following his recent disparaging remarks. As the congresswoman has increasingly criticized Trump, particularly regarding the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, he has reacted with scorn rather than support, labeling her “Marjorie Traitor Greene.” This dismissal raises alarming questions about Trump’s responsibility in inciting threats against public figures through incendiary language.

In response to an inquiry about Greene’s safety, Trump displayed blatant indifference, questioning who she was and asserting that he did not believe anyone cared about her well-being. His cavalier comments come after Greene accused him of effectively putting her life at risk by encouraging radical elements, suggesting that Trump’s rhetoric is a dangerous signal to extremists. Greene’s post on X illustrates her fears, stating Trump’s attacks serve as a “dog whistle” to incite violence against her and her family.

This situation underscores Trump’s pattern of turning against allies who voice dissent. Greene’s previous allegiance to Trump has deteriorated significantly, prompting her to criticize him publicly, which has sparked Trump’s ire, evident in his derisive social media posts. He has mockingly referred to her with a twisted version of her name and branded her a “Fake politician,” further contributing to her isolation within the party.

Greene’s assertion of receiving threats corroborates a troubling trend fueled by Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric, which has historically undermined the safety of those whom he targets. The consequence of his words and actions cannot be overlooked, as they may embolden radical elements within his supporter base. Greene’s claim of being threatened highlights the severe risks that come with entrenching political divisions and inciting extreme sentiments among supporters.

The ongoing conflict between Trump and Greene reflects a broader concern in the American political landscape where dissent is met with hostility rather than introspection. As Trump continues to cling to authoritarian tactics that threaten to undermine political discourse, accountability for inciting violence remains crucial in ensuring public safety and upholding democratic principles.

Trump Threatens 2026 World Cup Relocation Over Seattle Mayor

During a recent Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump threatened to relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Seattle unless the newly elected mayor, Katie Wilson, cooperates. Wilson, a democratic socialist, is identifiably positioned in stark contrast to Trump’s political views. Labeling her a “communist,” Trump stated he would ask FIFA President Gianni Infantino to consider moving the event if any issues arose under Wilson’s leadership.

Trump’s comments reveal his willingness to politicize major international events, using them as leverage against local governance that he deems unacceptable. He further stated, “We have a lot of cities that would love to have it,” underscoring his insistence on an alternative location should Seattle’s new administration be problematic. This rhetoric exemplifies Trump’s authoritarian style, prioritizing his agenda over the operational feasibility of hosting such a large-scale event.

Furthermore, Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism for undermining democratic processes, as he threatens consequences based on his personal political biases. By indicating a potential move, he implies that the world’s largest football tournament should bend to the whims of his political sentiments rather than be grounded in community representation and support.

FIFA has stated it is committed to ensuring safety for all attendees during the World Cup, emphasizing the need for cooperation with local governments, including those headed by opponents like Wilson. The emphasis on a “safe and secure” atmosphere for fans is appropriate given the scale of events but highlights a troubling trend where Trump intertwines safety with his own political vendettas.

This incident is not isolated within the trends of Trump’s administration; it follows a pattern where he has leveraged positions of power to intimidate those opposed to him. As seen in previous actions, from threatening protesters to undermining local governments, Trump’s tactics vividly illustrate an erosion of democratic norms in favor of personal and political agendas.

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