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/)

Trump Personally Ordered Deportation of Green Card Holder Mahmoud Khalil For Protesting

President Donald Trump recently demonstrated a blatant disregard for civil liberties by suggesting he personally ordered the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian-American, due to his participation in an anti-Israel protest. During a press conference, Trump declared that protesters like Khalil should be expelled from the country, labeling them as “troublemakers” and “agitators.”

Trump’s aggressive rhetoric included a demand for action against those he deemed unpatriotic, saying, “I think we ought to get him the hell out of the country.” This comment reflects his administration’s alarming tendency to target individuals based on their political beliefs and expressions, especially when they challenge U.S. foreign policy.

Moreover, Trump’s comments coincide with the deportation of Khalil, who is a U.S. permanent resident holding a green card. Such actions raise serious questions about the protection of civil rights and the implications for free speech in the United States. The president’s willingness to endorse state-sponsored repression against dissenting voices further highlights his authoritarian tendencies.

Trump’s approach is not just a personal vendetta—it represents a broader pattern among Republicans who prioritize nationalist rhetoric and align with wealthy elites, like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, while disregarding basic democratic principles. By promoting the idea that dissent equates to disloyalty, Trump and his allies are fundamentally undermining the democratic fabric of the nation.

This incident serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle against political repression and the necessity to defend freedom of expression against the encroaching authoritarianism championed by Trump and the Republican Party.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-mahmoud-khalil/)

Trump Declares Protests Against Tesla as Domestic Terrorism While Shielding Corporate Interests

President Donald Trump has made a provocative statement regarding potential protests against Tesla dealerships, labeling any violence associated with these protests as “domestic terrorism.” This announcement comes amid increasing tensions surrounding the company, which is facing significant protests labeled by some as the “Tesla Takedown,” directly impacting its stock prices.

Trump made this declaration while appearing alongside Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, during a media event at the White House. The pair’s focus was on showcasing support for the electric vehicle manufacturer as it aims to bolster its vehicle output in the U.S. However, the backdrop of protests seems to indicate a growing movement against corporate practices that some believe are harmful to workers and consumers alike.

The characterization of protests as domestic terrorism reflects a wider trend among right-wing figures to establish punitive narratives around dissent against corporate interests. This tactic not only aims to intimidate dissenters but also to manipulate public perception, reinforcing a narrative of victimization that shields corporations like Tesla from legitimate criticism.

It’s essential to note that Trump’s threat to label dissent as terrorism comes at a time when his administration has previously favored the interests of wealthy elites and corporations over worker rights. In this context, such rhetoric can be seen as an overt attempt to align corporate hostility with national narratives of security and patriotism, which only serves to suppress the voices of those advocating for ethical business practices.

As Trump continues to wield his influence through such declarations, it raises critical questions about the repercussions for civil discourse and the future of lawful protest. The implications of labeling dissenting opinions in the realm of corporate governance as terrorism not only threaten democratic principles but also deepen divisions in American society, particularly when the influence of wealth and power is already a prevailing concern.

(h/t: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-will-label-violence-against-tesla-dealers-domestic-terrorism-2025-03-11/)

RFK Jr. Blamed Measles Deaths on Poor Diet Ignoring Vaccines

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced significant backlash after he controversially attributed a measles death in Texas to poor diet and lack of exercise rather than a lack of vaccination. During public remarks, Kennedy claimed that measles is unlikely to be fatal in healthy individuals, suggesting a connection between malnourishment and vulnerability to the virus. His assertions come amid a serious outbreak in West Texas, where vaccination rates have drastically declined.

Critics across social media swiftly condemned Kennedy’s statements, emphasizing that his anti-vaccine rhetoric dangerously undermines public health efforts. Notable figures highlighted the absurdity of linking a preventable disease, which can result in severe complications or death, to dietary choices. Experts have pointed out that the measles vaccine’s effectiveness has led to the disease’s elimination in the U.S. for over two decades, making Kennedy’s claims especially hazardous.

Public health advocates stressed that Kennedy’s comments reflect a disturbing trend of misinformation that contributes to public hesitance toward vaccinations and disregards the clear scientific consensus on vaccine safety and efficacy. Many took to social media to clarify that measles cannot be treated with antibiotics or other unconventional remedies he mentioned, such as cod liver oil.

In response to the widespread criticism, Kennedy’s narrative was described as reminiscent of eugenics, with some commentators accusing him of blaming marginalized communities for health issues exacerbated by systemic inequities. His remarks have been viewed as a callous misrepresentation of the realities faced by families in areas with limited access to nutritious food and healthcare.

This alarming incident highlights not only the dangers posed by Kennedy’s misinformation but also reflects broader issues within the Republican Party regarding public health and science. The government’s ongoing crisis in vaccine trust, exacerbated by leaders who prioritize personal agendas over evidence-based health practices, continues to threaten American democracy and public well-being.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/rfk-measles-2671301777/)

Trump’s Economic Claims: Disregarding Realities and Undermining Americans’ Financial Health

During an interview on “Sunday Morning Futures,” President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about a potential market recession while advocating for his economic policies. He touted that his administration was working to bring wealth back to America, claiming that this transition period would ultimately benefit industries like agriculture. Trump asserted that under his presidency, China adhered to a trade agreement requiring substantial purchases from American farmers, a claim he used to contrast his administration’s actions with those of President Biden.

When pressed about the potential downturn in the stock market due to recent tariffs and economic disruptions, Trump downplayed the significance of market fluctuations. He suggested that America should not focus solely on quarterly metrics, drawing a comparison to China’s longer-term strategic outlook. This perspective highlights a fundamental disconnect within his administration’s economic philosophy, prioritizing a facade of strength over the realities of economic stability.

Trump’s claims of successful negotiations with China and promises of reinvestment by major corporations, such as the proposed $200 billion chip manufacturing plant, are misleading. These assertions often lack substantiation and overlook the damaging effects his tariffs have had on American households. The reality is that these tariffs have exacerbated inflation and placed additional financial burdens on the very citizens Trump claims to support.

Furthermore, Trump’s framing of economic progress as building a “tremendous foundation for the future” fails to account for the immediate economic hardships faced by many Americans. While he highlights major investments, the escalating trade war and sanction-driven isolationist policies have resulted in objects like high consumer prices, making everyday essentials less affordable.

Ultimately, the rhetoric employed by Trump embodies a broader trend among Republicans: prioritizing short-term political gains over the long-term health of the economy and the welfare of working-class Americans. His administration’s approach not only threatens economic stability but also diminishes trust in the fundamental values of American democracy and fair governance.

(h/t: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/03/09/trump_dont_watch_the_stock_market_china_has_a_100-year_perspective_we_go_by_quarters.html)

DHS Bypasses Bidding to Fund $200 Million Anti-Immigrant Campaign Favoring Trump Allies

 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is rapidly moving to award contracts for a $200 million ad campaign, sidestepping competitive bidding in favor of two firms closely linked to the Republican Party. Under Secretary Kristi Noem, an associate of President Donald Trump, the initiative aims to promote anti-immigrant messages while lauding Trump’s stringent immigration policies, which have become a hallmark of his political agenda.

DHS claimed the urgency of Trump’s national emergency declaration at the U.S.-Mexico border justified bypassing the standard procurement process. This distinction raises alarms about transparency and the potential for corruption, given that the ads prominently feature Noem thanking Trump for his border closure efforts. The ads juxtapose images of Trump with alarming portrayals of migrants, effectively perpetuating a fear-based narrative.

The two firms receiving contracts are People Who Think, LLC, owned by Trump campaign veteran Jay Connaughton, and Safe America Media, LLC, recently founded by GOP consultant Mike McElwain. This selection process raises concerns about cronyism, as connections between these firms and Trump’s inner circle have been documented. These actions exemplify the unethical practices that have increasingly characterized the Trump’s administration.

Moreover, the DHS has been criticized for misusing taxpayer dollars by prioritizing sensationalist advertising over more pressing issues such as election security and misinformation. As personnel responsible for protecting the integrity of elections face administrative sidelining, the department’s focus becomes glaringly aligned with partisan objectives at the expense of public interest.

This ad campaign, heavily airing on traditional media, especially Fox News, seeks to deliver a divisive message that vilifies immigrants while attempting to rally support for Trump’s repugnant policies. In this environment, where deceit and fear are strategically weaponized, the fundamental tenets of American democracy face unprecedented threats from the GOP’s agenda.

Trump Administration Deletes Key Study Basing Immigrants as Less Criminal Than Citizens

The Trump administration has controversially removed a Justice Department webpage that linked to a study indicating that undocumented immigrants commit significantly less crime than U.S. citizens. This move raises questions about the administration’s commitment to presenting factual information, as the study’s findings directly oppose the narrative often promoted by Trump and his allies that migrants are a source of violent crime.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Justice, analyzed crime data from Texas between 2012 and 2018, and it revealed that undocumented immigrants were arrested for violent and drug-related crimes at half the rate of native-born citizens. Furthermore, the undocumented population committed property crimes at only a quarter of the rate of U.S. citizens, emphasizing that they represent a lower overall offending rate for both felony and violent felony crimes in the state.

Prior to its removal, this information supported the broader consensus among researchers that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than their native counterparts, a point frequently ignored by the Trump administration’s rhetoric. The Department of Justice has not commented on the removal of this webpage, which immigration expert David Bier noted occurred recently, prompting speculation about the administration’s motives.

The Trump administration has a history of labeling unauthorized migrants as “violent criminals,” despite evidence indicating that a significant portion of those in immigration detention have not been convicted of any crime. This stark contradiction paints a clear picture of how the Trump administration distorts facts to fortify its punitive immigration policies and justify mass deportation efforts.

As Trump continues his political campaign, he has exploited public fear surrounding crime, often conflating immigration with a narrative of danger. In stark contrast to the findings of the now-deleted study, Trump claims that his administration’s actions prioritize public safety by removing individuals he paints as “killers” and “rapists.” This narrative serves both to distract from the evidence of lower crime rates among undocumented immigrants and to reinforce a harmful, xenophobic agenda.

Trump Suspends Ukraine Intelligence Sharing Amid Military Aid Freeze

The Trump administration has imposed a halt on intelligence sharing with Ukraine, coinciding with a freeze on military assistance, as part of a larger strategy to compel Ukrainian cooperation with his administration’s diplomatic efforts. A U.S. official disclosed that military targeting information is no longer being shared, complicating Ukraine’s ability to strike back against Russian forces. Although the pause presents challenges, Kyiv retains access to alternative satellite imagery.

John Ratcliffe, the C.I.A. director, and national security adviser Michael Waltz confirmed the suspension, suggesting its duration could be brief if Ukraine actively engages in negotiations with Trump’s peace proposals. In a notable statement, Ratcliffe highlighted a message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing readiness to embrace Trump’s leadership for peace, which Trump administration officials interprets as a potential signal to reinstate support.

The pause in intelligence sharing notably includes the withdrawal of critical information about Russian drone and missile strikes, increasing risks for both civilians and military personnel in Ukraine. Former Ukrainian intelligence chief Valeriy Kondratiuk remarked that although Ukrainians can rely on non-U.S. satellites for some information, these assets lack a military focus which is crucial during this conflict.

Despite the evident increase in pressure on Ukraine, there remains a lack of parallel efforts to hold Russia accountable for its ongoing attacks, which continue to devastate Ukrainian cities. Democrats criticized the intelligence pause, labeling it as morally indefensible. Representative Jim Himes denounced the move, asserting that withholding lethal intelligence from Ukraine directly undermines their fight against Russian aggression.

The administration’s tactics illustrate a dangerous gamble. Trump’s approach, which includes leveraging military support to advance his demands, risks not only the safety of Ukrainians but may forge stronger ties between Ukraine and Europe, potentially isolating Trump’s vision in the international arena. As the conflict persists, the real implications of this halt reveal a stark prioritization of political maneuvering over humanitarian concerns.

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

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