Category: Broken Promise

Trump Praises Kavanaugh as Hero After Tariff Ruling Loss

President Donald Trump praised Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as his “new hero” on Saturday morning, along with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, after the Court voted 6-3 to strike down his emergency tariff authority on Friday. The decision included votes against Trump from Chief Justice John Roberts and two Trump-appointed justices, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, alongside the three Democratic-appointed justices. Trump’s public embrace of the three dissenters revealed his deliberate strategy to reward judicial loyalty and punish perceived disloyalty.

On Friday evening, Trump responded to the tariff ruling by attacking the majority justices, claiming their decision was “ridiculous” and that the justices who voted against him “should be ashamed of themselves.” He specifically targeted his own appointees Gorsuch and Barrett, claiming they violated an implicit obligation by ruling against him and complaining that “this never seems to happen with Democrats,” who he alleged vote as a bloc in their own interest regardless of the case merits.

Trump’s escalating posts throughout Friday night revealed his transactional view of judicial appointments. He complained that he did not appoint Chief Justice Roberts, blaming Roberts for allowing “foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years to continue to do so.” His final evening post urged Republicans to “Unite, stick together, and WIN,” framing judicial independence as party disloyalty rather than constitutional obligation.

By Saturday morning, Trump shifted to praising the three justices who sided with him, declaring Kavanaugh his “new hero” and asserting without evidence that all three dissenters wanted to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.” This pattern of public reward and punishment for judicial decisions directly contradicts the principle of an independent judiciary, positioning judges as political operatives accountable to the executive.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-wakes-up-blurting-praise-for-my-new-hero-and-its-about-his-devastating-court-loss/)

Draft-Dodging Trump Thirsts Over Awarding Himself Military Medal

During a Thursday speech in Georgia, Donald Trump disclosed his desire to award himself the Congressional Medal of Honor, claiming he considered doing so during his first term but was dissuaded by advisers. Trump, who avoided military service through draft deferments, stated he has awarded the medal to combat veterans with severe injuries and suggested changing the law to permit self-awarding the honor.

Trump acknowledged the apparent contradiction between his consideration of self-awarding the medal and the sacrifices of wounded soldiers he has honored. He described veterans who lost limbs in combat and framed his hesitation as recognizing the medal’s significance to those with documented battlefield injuries, yet he continued to express interest in obtaining one for himself.

The statement exemplifies Trump’s pattern of self-aggrandizement and disregard for institutional norms. His draft dodging during the Vietnam War, combined with his repeated efforts to claim military accomplishments and honors he did not earn, contradicts his public positioning as a defender of military service and sacrifice.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/draft-dodging-trump-thirsts-over-004234640.html)

Trump Claims He Screamed at Macron Over Drug Price Tariffs

President Donald Trump claimed during a campaign event in Rome, Georgia on Thursday that he screamed at French President Emmanuel Macron during a phone call, threatening him with 100% tariffs on wine and champagne until Macron agreed to raise drug prices in France. Trump stated he called multiple world leaders with similar ultimatums, describing Macron as capitulating to his demands after the tariff threat, though Trump provided no verification of these conversations occurring.

Trump used the alleged exchange to promote his second-term drug pricing claims, stating he has reduced American drug costs by “400, 500, even 600%” by forcing other nations to lower their prices. He characterized the situation as necessary because the United States had been paying the highest drug prices globally and his intervention allegedly brought American prices to match the world’s lowest rates.

MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell directly contradicted Trump’s account, calling it “pure hallucination from start to finish” and noting that French presidents lack direct control over their country’s drug pricing, which is determined through regulatory and legislative processes. O’Donnell stated Trump fabricated the conversation entirely and that everyone in the cabinet room where Trump previously told the story knew it was false.

Trump has previously publicized private communications with Macron, including posting the French president’s text message to Truth Social in January 2026, where Macron explicitly rejected Trump’s Greenland annexation ambitions. This history of weaponizing communications with allies undermines credibility in his current claims about negotiating drug prices through coercion.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/youre-gonna-do-it-trump-says-he-screamed-at-macron-in-wild-phone-call/)

Trump Rages For 2 Solid Minutes On Nobel Peace Prize

President Trump spent two minutes ranting about not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize during a Friday photo opportunity with oil executives, then claimed he does not care about the award. Unprompted, Trump mentioned an upcoming meeting with Nobel Peace Prize recipient María Corina Machado and suggested she might be “involved in some aspect” of Venezuelan governance, contradicting his recent public criticism of her.

Trump alleged that Norway is “embarrassed” by the Nobel committee’s decision and claimed he has settled eight major wars, some spanning decades, without nuclear weapons. He stated that he settled wars including India-Pakistan tensions, asserting that “nobody else settled wars” and that he deserved the prize more than any person in history.

Trump contrasted his record with former President Barack Obama’s 1-prize, claiming Obama “had no idea why” he received it, “didn’t do anything,” and was “a bad president.” Trump stated Obama received the award “almost immediately upon attaining office,” implying the selection was unwarranted. He insisted that war prevention should automatically qualify recipients for Nobel recognition.

Trump concluded his tirade by stating “I don’t care about that,” pivoting to claims that he has “saved tens of millions of lives” and citing Pakistan’s Prime Minister for publicly crediting him with preventing 10 million deaths in a potential India-Pakistan conflict. His statements contradicted his evident preoccupation with the award, which he has repeatedly lobbied for through unsubstantiated claims about ending wars.

Trump’s assertions about settling multiple major wars have been repeatedly debunked. His pattern of publicly expressing indifference to the Nobel Prize while simultaneously delivering extended grievances about being denied it demonstrates a disconnect between stated and actual priorities.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-rages-for-two-solid-minutes-on-nobel-prize-then-says-but-i-dont-care-about-that/)

TACO strikes again: Italian pasta becomes the latest product to have tariffs slashed by Trump

President Donald Trump’s administration slashed proposed tariffs on Italian pasta manufacturers in January 2025, reducing rates from 92 percent to between 2 and 14 percent for specific companies and 9 percent for others. The Department of Commerce had initially accused 13 Italian pasta makers of unfair trade practices and “dumping” products below market rates, with La Molisana and Garofalo cited for failing to cooperate with pricing investigations. Italy’s government contested these allegations through its embassy in Washington, D.C., and the companies’ cooperation prompted the dramatic reversal.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry characterized the tariff reduction as recognition of the companies’ “constructive willingness to cooperate,” according to Reuters. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had expected her alignment with Trump to shield Italian companies from steep levies, making the initial high tariff proposal a source of political embarrassment. Italy’s pasta exports totaled approximately $4.7 billion in 2024, with the United States accounting for roughly $800 million of that revenue.

The pasta tariff reversal represents another rollback in Trump’s tariff regime, following a pattern critics label “Trump Always Chickens Out” (TACO). The administration delayed furniture and kitchen cabinet tariffs for one year on New Year’s Eve, removed tariffs from over 200 agricultural products in November, and announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs affecting Canada and Mexico earlier in 2025.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defended the reversals to CNBC and ABC News in November, claiming the policy shifts do not indicate failure and attributing price increases to factors beyond tariffs. The Trump administration maintains its tariff strategy remains intact despite the recurring delays and rollbacks.

Polling data demonstrates widespread consumer concerns about pricing: more than one-third of Trump’s own voters reported the cost of living as the worst they have experienced, according to a November Politico survey. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether Trump’s claim of emergency powers to impose tariffs by executive order is constitutional, with Trump warning the court in November against “serving hostile foreign interests” ahead of its ruling.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-tariffs-italy-pasta-taco-b2893225.html)

How Did DOGE Disrupt So Much While Saving So Little? – The New York Times

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency claimed to have made over 29,000 federal cuts and slashed billion-dollar contracts, yet federal spending increased rather than decreased under DOGE’s oversight. The group failed to achieve its stated goal of reducing federal spending by $1 trillion before October, contradicting Musk’s core promises about the agency’s mission.

A New York Times analysis of hundreds of federal records found that 28 of DOGE’s top 40 largest savings claims were inaccurate, with the 13 largest claims all proven wrong. Two Defense Department contracts—one for information technology and one for aircraft maintenance—were listed as terminated with claimed savings of $7.9 billion, but both contracts remain active and the savings were fabricated. A U.S.A.I.D. contract with Accenture showed DOGE claiming $312 million in savings by reducing the contract ceiling, despite actual spending patterns making that figure implausible by the original 2033 end date.

Beyond inflated major claims, the overwhelming majority of DOGE’s cuts involved minimal amounts, with 80 percent of contract and grant cancellations claiming savings of $1 million or less. Of approximately 29,000 total cuts reported, 8,611 claimed zero savings, while only 11 claimed savings exceeding $1 billion, demonstrating that DOGE’s disruption of federal operations produced negligible fiscal results.

The analysis demonstrates that DOGE’s extensive disruption of federal programs, grants to small businesses, and foreign aid functioned without corresponding budget reductions. NASA workforce cuts exceeded 20 percent and misinformation campaigns targeted the Social Security Administration, yet these actions produced neither the promised savings nor policy improvements. DOGE’s track record reveals systematic exaggeration masking a failure to deliver on its central mission.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/us/politics/doge-musk-trump-analysis.html)

Trump Misleads Supporter on Cost-of-Living Crisis in Fox Interview

During a recent interview, Donald Trump faced questioning from anchor Bret Baier regarding the economic struggles of a devoted supporter, Regina Foley, from North Carolina. Foley expressed dissatisfaction with rising prices and implored Trump to act on behalf of the Republican Party to address the failing economy. Despite her earnest plea for assistance, Trump stubbornly insisted that prices were actually “way down,” attempting to redefine economic reality.

This denial of the economic hardships resonates poorly with public sentiment, as a significant portion of the American population experiences increased costs. Polling data indicates that nearly 70% of adults report spending more on groceries compared to last year, and an alarming 59% acknowledged higher utility bills. Even among Trump’s own party supporters, a majority recognize the rising costs impacting their households.

Trump’s response not only defies the lived experiences of many but also reflects a deep disconnect between his rhetoric and the economic plight of average citizens. His dismissal of concerns regarding affordability undermines the genuine struggles reported by Americans. When asked about the economy, Trump chose to divert attention to energy prices, erroneously suggesting that reductions in those will trickle down to other areas of the economy.

The overwhelming dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic stewardship is evident, as many voters attribute their financial burdens directly to his policies. At least 59% of U.S. adults place significant blame on Trump for current inflation rates, indicating a clear perception of failure related to his administration’s handling of economic issues. In contrast to Trump’s optimistic claims, the reality faced by citizens is one of escalating distress and rising costs.

Critics highlight that such detachment from the pressing economic concerns could have severe repercussions for Trump’s political agenda, especially as the 2026 midterms approach. Failures to address the cost-of-living crisis may push voters further away from supporting the Republican agenda, compelling party leaders to reconsider their approach if they hope to maintain control in future elections.

Trump’s Plan to Tackle National Debt: Asking Citizens to Fix $7.8 Trillion Deficit Caused by His Policies

The Trump administration has devised a controversial scheme to address the burgeoning national debt, now totaling around $36.7 trillion, by soliciting donations from citizens via digital payment platforms like Venmo and PayPal. This initiative comes as Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” threatens to exacerbate the already staggering debt by an estimated $3.4 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. While this bill includes substantial funding for military expenditures and Trump’s mass deportation agenda, it simultaneously slashes vital social programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.

The Pay.gov website, an official U.S. Treasury program, has been updated to allow Americans the option to contribute financially towards the public debt, a move that raises significant ethical concerns about fiscal responsibility. Historically, the “Gifts to Reduce the Public Debt” program has garnered only $67.3 million in donations since its inception in 1996, highlighting the absurdity of asking average citizens to rectify the financial mismanagement perpetuated by the administration.

The administration’s messaging around this initiative attempts to frame it as a positive step towards reducing the financial burden on future generations. However, the stark reality is that the administration continues to pile on new debts rather than addressing the root causes of fiscal irresponsibility. The press release from the White House emphasized that the “Big, Beautiful Bill” would purportedly enhance economic growth and reduce debt—a narrative that contradicts tangible evidence of the impending financial crisis.

In stark contrast to this narrative, reputable analyses indicate that the national debt is significantly on the rise due to short-term tax cuts favored by the administration, leaving a grim outlook for working-class Americans who now face the prospect of financially supporting the consequences of reckless fiscal policies. The messaging appears more aimed at diverting accountability than offering genuine solutions to the debt crisis.

This unsustainable approach indicates not just a failure in responsible governance but highlights a troubling willingness to exploit vulnerable American citizens to mitigate the repercussions of the administration’s own fiscal failures. The reliance on donations to manage national debt underscores the administration’s flawed economic policies and its disregard for equitable financial stewardship.

(h/t: https://people.com/trump-administration-accepting-venmo-payments-reduce-national-debt-11779514?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_content=photo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=68840bbdf679720001e43aeb&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7wCfgY0RLLhYrMO6bgKyErrSdQJcB5SRDByfI3VJiGvx1PzKaB72rQZb6Jug_aem_wdlHwOwR-QdBrJUFlSd6jQ)

Trump’s Mismanagement Blocks Crucial Disaster Aid for North Carolina Post-Hurricane Helene

In a troubling development for North Carolina, FEMA denied Governor Josh Stein’s request for aid related to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a devastating event that hit the region during the 2024 campaign cycle. This denial comes as a direct consequence of the Trump administration’s mismanagement of disaster funding and its failure to uphold commitments made under the previous administration. Stein announced on social media that FEMA rejected a request to continue covering 100% of debris removal costs, a move critical for the state as cleanup efforts are expected to cost upwards of $2 billion.

The denial is particularly egregious as the state grapples with damages exceeding $60 billion, far exceeding its annual budget of around $35 billion. Governor Stein expressed his disappointment, noting that the insufficient federal support means North Carolina taxpayers will bear a greater financial burden for recovery efforts. This raises serious concerns about the overall adequacy and efficiency of disaster responses under Trump’s leadership, which has consistently prioritized political gains over genuine relief for affected communities.

Throughout the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Trump frequently criticized the Biden administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, asserting that they mishandled the crisis. However, his administration’s actions have only further complicated recovery efforts. Reports indicate that communities in western North Carolina were hesitant to seek aid, influenced by Trump-led misinformation campaigns alleging that FEMA was biased against Republican areas, alongside false narratives regarding aid being misappropriated.

This pattern of neglect isn’t limited to North Carolina. Other GOP-led states have faced similar frustrations, illustrating a broader trend of the Trump administration punishing regions in need of assistance, irrespective of their political affiliations. The fact that state leaders, including Republican governors, have had to appeal directly to Trump for disaster aid highlights a disturbing level of incompetence and disregard from an administration that has positioned itself as a champion of disaster recovery.

While Trump has made grand promises to improve disaster responses, the reality is that his policies have led to unnecessary delays and financial strain for states like North Carolina. The ongoing struggle to secure federal assistance should serve as a wake-up call to voters as it underscores the dangerous implications of having a leader who prioritizes political leverage over effective governance and support for vulnerable communities.

(h/t: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/fema-denies-north-carolina-request-hurricane-helene-aid-1235347521/)

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/)

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