Category: Not Factual

Kash Patel’s push against Democratic lawmaker raises concerns within FBI – The Washington Post

FBI Director Kash Patel is directing agents in the San Francisco office to rapidly redact and prepare for public release a decade-old investigative file concerning Representative Eric Swalwell and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter. No evidence of wrongdoing by Swalwell has been identified in the file.

Patel's push to release the file has generated alarm within the FBI, with officials concerned that the action reflects a pattern of weaponizing the bureau against political opponents. The effort represents a continuance of Trump administration tactics targeting Democratic lawmakers, particularly those who have been vocal critics, including Swalwell and other members who led investigations into Trump.

Swalwell has been a consistent Trump critic and was previously targeted by the administration's Department of Justice in unsubstantiated allegations. The renewed focus on a file containing no evidence of his misconduct demonstrates the administration's systematic use of law enforcement to discredit and intimidate political adversaries rather than pursue genuine national security interests.

Internal FBI resistance to Patel's directive underscores deep institutional concern about the politicization of the bureau under his leadership. Career officials view the accelerated release of an investigative file unrelated to any proven violation as an abuse of power designed to damage a Democratic lawmaker through selective disclosure and public innuendo.

Representative Swalwell was approached by an FBI informant named Fang Fang, but upon being confronted by the FBI, he immediately cooperated and worked with federal agents to help stop the foreign operative's activities. However, conservative media outlets and Fox News spent years deliberately spreading false claims that Swalwell had a romantic relationship with Fang Fang, when in fact such a relationship involved a different political figure. In stark contrast, when Donald Trump was confronted with evidence of foreign agent involvement, the Mueller Investigation documented that he instead leveraged these contacts for his benefit and actively obstructed the FBI's ability to investigate him and his associates.

(Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/03/28/fbi-patel-eric-swalwell/)

White House Claims 9 Million Strong No Kings Rallies Nationwide Are Fake

Massive protests under the “No Kings” banner took place Saturday across nearly every major U.S. city, including New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis, with organizers opposing Trump administration policies on the Iran war, federal immigration enforcement, and cost of living. The third iteration of No Kings rallies drew enormous crowds to iconic locations including the Lincoln Memorial, Times Square, and state capitols, with the previous October rally drawing nearly seven million participants nationally. American expats also demonstrated in Paris, London, and Lisbon, with signs calling Trump a “fascist” and “war criminal.”

The Minnesota rally held special significance after federal immigration agents killed two American citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, in January, sparking nationwide outrage over Trump’s immigration tactics. Thousands gathered outside the Minnesota State Capitol, and musician Bruce Springsteen performed his protest anthem “Streets of Minneapolis” to condemn immigration enforcement policies. Protesters across all demonstrations carried signs and effigies demanding the removal and arrest of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the protests as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions,” claiming reporters were the only people interested in covering them and suggesting the events were manufactured by “leftist funding networks.” This characterization contradicts the scale and geographic breadth of Saturday’s demonstrations, which extended from major metropolitan areas to small towns like Shelbyville, Kentucky, with populations under 10,000.

Since taking office in January, Trump has dramatically expanded executive power through orders dismantling federal government functions and deployed National Guard troops to U.S. cities over state governors’ objections. The administration has also directed law enforcement to prosecute perceived political enemies, moves Trump describes as necessary crisis management while dismissing accusations of authoritarian behavior. Critics warn these actions violate constitutional limits and threaten American democracy, though Trump denies comparisons to monarchical rule.

(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8wy7g1gd1o)

Trump Claims MAGA Base Loves Iran War Military Campaign

During a Thursday appearance on Fox News’s “The Five,” President Donald Trump claimed his Make America Great Again supporters enthusiastically endorse his military campaign against Iran, asserting that MAGA voters “love” the aggressive approach. Trump stated that supporters back his war stance because they do not want Iran to possess nuclear weapons, dismissing critics as “weak or stupid or low-IQ people.” He referenced an NBC News poll showing 90% of MAGA-aligned Republicans support the conflict, while only 5% oppose it.

When Fox host Greg Gutfeld pressed Trump on how he addresses supporters who voted for him under the assumption of avoiding wars, Trump dismissed the concern by reframing military action as necessary to prevent a hostile regime from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump argued that the strikes were essential to demonstrate American military dominance and protect national security, claiming the campaign represents “a fairly short detour” meant to show global adversaries U.S. military superiority.

Trump asserted that MAGA now constitutes “almost the whole Republican Party” and claimed his endorsements have nearly universal success among his base. The data presents a more complicated picture, however, showing that 54% of non-MAGA Republicans support strikes against Iran while 36% oppose them, revealing significant fractures within the Republican coalition over the war. Trump claimed his approval rating has reached unprecedented levels, stating he had “never seen a poll like this” and declaring he is “more popular than I ever have been.”

The president’s comments contradict recent reporting that he is considering pausing strikes after claiming unconfirmed “productive conversations” with Iranian officials, a claim Iran’s parliament speaker rejected as fabrication. Trump’s insistence on widespread MAGA enthusiasm for the war follows earlier controversial statements during the same Fox News appearance regarding other topics, reflecting a pattern of shifting messaging as the month-long military campaign faces mounting scrutiny over its objectives and duration.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/president-trump-insists-maga-loves-232853275.html)

Trump Demands Iran Open Strait While Mourning Nobel Prize

President Donald Trump claimed Iran is “begging to make a deal” while referring to the Strait of Hormuz as the “Strait of Trump” during a speech at the Future Investment Initiative Institute summit in Miami on Friday. Trump stated Iran must “open up” the waterway, adding that he had announced a 10-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy plants the previous day. Trump’s remarks coincide with his unilateral Iran war that has killed over 1,900 people in Iran, more than 1,100 in Lebanon, and at least 13 American troops.

Trump used the platform to again complain about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, stating “If I don’t get the Nobel Prize for peace, nobody will ever get it” and claiming he wants to be remembered as a “great peacemaker.” Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Trump also repeated his debunked claim that he has “stopped eight wars,” a lie he has made multiple times despite no factual basis.

Trump displayed a CNN clip featuring analyst Harry Enten discussing an NBC poll showing 100 percent support among MAGA voters, but Enten also delivered a reality check noting Trump “has never been more unpopular in his second term in office.” A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed Trump’s approval rating at 36 percent, marking his lowest point since taking office last year.

During Trump’s speech, the Associated Press reported that an Iranian missile attack wounded at least 10 American service members at Prince Sultan Air Base, with two troops seriously wounded according to U.S. officials. The ongoing conflict that Trump initiated has caused mounting casualties across the region, with death tolls exceeding 5,000 people across multiple countries.

Trump’s narcissistic focus on personal grievances and false achievements stands in contrast to the humanitarian cost of his military decisions. His demand that Iran “open the Strait of Trump” reflects his tendency to rebrand international waterways and conflicts according to his personal vanity while thousands die in the war he started alongside Israel.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-iran-strait-nobel-peace-prize-b2947423.html)

Trump Claims Tariff-Hit Farmers ‘Make Enough Money’

President Donald Trump addressed over 800 farmers at the White House on Friday, claiming that agricultural workers affected by his tariffs “make enough money” and questioning whether government financial assistance matters to them. The crowd fell silent after Trump’s remark about farmer income, despite cheering when he mentioned a $12 billion relief package announced in December to address tariff-related hardship.

Trump touted his administration’s farm support measures, including a $12 billion bridge payment plan, Environmental Protection Agency updates to renewable fuel standards for 2026 and 2027, and expanded Small Business Administration loan guarantees that raise government-backed shares from 75% to 90%. These initiatives were presented as comprehensive responses to agricultural sector pressures stemming from tariffs and the Iran war.

The president contrasted his approach with former President Joe Biden’s record, claiming Biden would not have provided similar assistance. However, Trump’s $12 billion bailout fails to adequately address the agricultural crisis created by his own trade policies, revealing the insufficiency of the relief relative to the damage inflicted by tariff implementation.

Trump’s dismissal of farmer concerns about financial stability contradicts the severity of agricultural economic strain caused by his tariff decisions. His claim that farmers earn sufficient income regardless of trade policy losses demonstrates disconnection from the documented financial hardship affecting the farming community.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/doesnt-matter-to-you-right-trump-claims-tariff-hit-farmers-make-enough-money/)

Trump Posts Third Term Image on Truth Social Defying 22nd Amendment

Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social on Sunday depicting himself with text reading “3RD TERM FOR TRUMP AS A REWARD FROM STOLEN ELECTION,” continuing his pattern of promoting a third presidential term despite the constitutional ban imposed by the 22nd Amendment. The post references his false claims about the 2020 election, the same disinformation that motivated supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

This marks the latest instance of Trump openly discussing a third term while simultaneously selling “Trump 2028” merchandise and discussing the possibility of serving a fourth term. Trump has floated the concept of a “president for life” since at least 2018 and told NBC News in March 2025 that he was “not joking” about seeking a third term, stating “a lot of people want me to do it.”

Trump ally Steve Bannon declared in March 2025 that he and others were “working” to secure Trump a third term, telling NewsNation “I’m a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again in 2028.” Last month, Trump claimed he was “entitled” to a third term, despite the constitutional restriction preventing any president from serving more than two terms.

This persistent focus on extending Trump’s time in office reflects broader authoritarian aspirations, mirroring rhetoric about Trump’s designation of Democrats as America’s “greatest enemy” and his pattern of using Truth Social to communicate directly with supporters while bypassing traditional media scrutiny. Trump’s approval rating averaged approximately 41% according to The New York Times reporting on Sunday.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-once-again-posting-third-173638956.html)

Trump Delays Iran Strikes Claiming Talks Iran Denies

Trump postponed threatened strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, claiming “productive conversations” with Iranian officials about ending the month-long war. Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected Trump’s account as fabrication designed to manipulate oil markets, stating on X that “no negotiations have been held with the U.S.” and characterizing the claim as an attempt to “escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.” Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner allegedly engaged in late-night talks Sunday, though the Iranian Foreign Ministry acknowledged only regional mediation efforts through intermediaries like Oman, Turkey, and Egypt.

Trump claimed the U.S. and Iran had reached 15 points of agreement, including that Iran cease nuclear weapons development and allow joint control of the Strait of Hormuz. He acknowledged killing Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said he was negotiating with “a top person” whom he believes is the most respected leader, though he expressed uncertainty about whether current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive after U.S. military operations destroyed telecommunications networks. Trump also stated the U.S. would confiscate Iran’s remaining enriched uranium and threatened to “keep bombing our little hearts out” if negotiations fail.

The war has killed more than 2,000 people in its fourth week and severely damaged 40 energy assets across nine countries, destabilizing global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices plummeted after Trump’s announcement, which he attributed to market relief, and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that infrastructure attacks were “escalating this war even further.” The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that deliberate attacks on essential services and civilian infrastructure can amount to war crimes.

Trump’s de-escalatory rhetoric contradicted his simultaneous military buildup, as the Pentagon deployed three California-based warships and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East—the second major deployment in one week. Senator Adam Schiff criticized the troop surge as raising “alarm bells” about another “forever war.” When asked about the deployment, Trump refused to discuss strategy, stating “Do you really believe I’d give you an answer? Crazy question.”

Trump previously declared Iran ceased to exist as a threat while simultaneously requesting $200 billion in additional military funding from Congress, and he assailed NATO allies as “cowards” for refusing to deploy troops to the Strait. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump indicated the U.S. war objectives had been met but confirmed Israel would continue striking targets in Iran and Lebanon with “more to come.”

(Source: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-03-23/trump-iran-strait-of-hormuz-deadline)

Trump Brands Democrats America’s Greatest Enemy

President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that Iran has effectively ceased to exist as a threat, then immediately branded the Democratic Party as America’s “greatest enemy.” Trump’s proclamation that “the death of Iran” has already occurred stands in stark contradiction to his administration’s simultaneous request for $200 billion in additional funding from Congress to continue military operations against Iran.

Hours before declaring Iran defeated, Trump issued an ultimatum threatening to “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the country does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. This threat reveals the disinformation embedded in Trump’s claim of Iran’s demise, as an already-destroyed adversary would require no such coercive demands. Trump’s escalating Iran war has alienated NATO allies and contradicts his stated position on military drawdowns in the Middle East.

Trump’s characterization of the Democratic Party as a greater threat than a foreign adversary reflects his abuse of power in weaponizing the presidency against political opponents. Trump previously claimed the Iran war was nearing success while spreading disinformation about its purpose and progress, establishing a pattern of deliberately misleading the public about military objectives and outcomes.

The president’s weekend social media posts also included celebration of former FBI Director Robert Mueller’s death, stating “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people.” This statement demonstrates Trump’s use of the presidency to attack officials who conducted legitimate investigations into his conduct, further illustrating his contempt for institutional independence and the rule of law.

Trump’s contradictory claims about Iran’s status, coupled with his simultaneous demands for expanded war funding and threats of escalated military strikes, exemplify his reliance on disinformation to consolidate power. His equation of domestic political opposition with foreign military threats weaponizes national security rhetoric to justify suppression of dissent and consolidation of authoritarian control.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-declares-the-death-of-iran-then-brands-democratic-party-americas-greatest-enemy-in-stunning-post/)

Trump Threatens Iran 48-Hour Ultimatum on Strait

President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran via Truth Social on Saturday evening, demanding the country “FULLY OPEN” the Strait of Hormuz without threat or face U.S. military destruction of its power plants. Trump stated the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure, beginning with the largest facility, if the demand was not met within the specified timeframe. The threat followed joint U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei three weeks prior, part of an operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”

The war with Iran has severely disrupted maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trades. According to the BBC, maritime traffic through the passage plunged 95 percent in March, dropping from approximately 138 daily ship transits to about 100 since military operations commenced. Trump previously denounced NATO allies as cowards for refusing to deploy troops to reopen the strait, revealing his unilateral approach to the conflict has alienated potential partners.

Oil prices have surged dramatically as a direct consequence of the reduced shipping volume and ongoing military operations. A barrel of crude oil cost $98.09 at the close of Friday trading, representing a 47 percent increase since military strikes against Iran began. This economic disruption stems from Trump’s decision to initiate military action alongside Israel without prior diplomatic coordination with international allies.

Trump previously claimed Iran has “effectively ceased to exist as a threat” while simultaneously requesting $200 billion in additional congressional funding for continued military operations, demonstrating contradictory messaging about the conflict’s status and objectives. When challenged by New York Times reporter David Sanger over unmet war objectives, Trump posted on Truth Social that “The United States has blown Iran off of the map” and claimed success ahead of schedule, dismissing the reporter’s analysis as that of a “lightweight analyst.”

Operation Epic Fury has eliminated dozens of Iranian regime leaders beyond Supreme Leader Khamenei since the initial strikes three weeks ago. Trump stated he is considering winding down military operations in the Middle East while the war continues, claiming U.S. forces are approaching stated objectives, though the pattern of contradictory statements about war progress and outcomes demonstrates systematic disinformation surrounding the conflict’s purpose and accomplishments.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-threatens-iran-you-have-48-hours-to-fully-open-strait-of-hormuz-or-else/)

Trump Assails NATO as Cowards While Deepening Iran War

President Trump denounced NATO allies as “cowards” on Friday for refusing to deploy troops to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor through which one-fifth of global oil trades. Trump’s hostility toward allies coincides with his unilateral Iran war that has backfired diplomatically, as he initiated military strikes alongside Israel without coordinating with partners, then demanded their support managing the consequences. The Pentagon is deploying approximately 2,200 additional Marines and three warships to the Middle East, marking the second Marine expeditionary unit sent since the conflict began on February 28.

The war has devastated global energy markets and inflicted heavy casualties on U.S. forces. Brent crude oil surged to $112 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the conflict, with gasoline prices approaching $4 per gallon. The Pentagon reported 232 American service members injured since the war started, with 10 in serious condition. The Treasury Department temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil at sea in an attempt to ease prices, marking a break from Trump’s stated “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran. Pentagon officials have prepared detailed plans for potential ground troop deployment into Iran, though Trump claims the U.S. is considering “winding down” operations while simultaneously retaining options to strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal.

Trump contradicted his own position by claiming the U.S. does not need the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously pressuring allies to defend it. He stated Iran’s leadership has been decimated, with “nobody to talk to” remaining, yet Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and military officials continue asserting they are producing ballistic missiles and threatening to target recreational and tourist sites worldwide. The International Atomic Energy Agency told CBS News that securing Iran’s enriched uranium will be “very challenging” even after fighting ends, undercutting Trump and Netanyahu’s stated nuclear prevention objectives.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized U.S. use of U.K. bases to strike Iranian missile sites, prompting Iran’s foreign minister to accuse Starmer of “putting British lives in danger.” NATO relocated its advisory mission from Iraq to Italy after Iranian attacks on allied bases. The humanitarian toll extends beyond military casualties; soaring oil prices are driving up costs across U.S. supply chains, affecting retail prices for consumers nationwide. Former Iran detainee Siamak Namazi warned that Americans held in Iranian prisons face heightened danger amid the escalating conflict.

Trump made a debunked claim about predicting the September 11 attacks while discussing the Strait of Hormuz, part of a pattern of disinformation throughout the conflict. The White House stated Trump “retains all options” militarily but claimed he has “no plans to send troops anywhere,” a contradiction given Pentagon preparations for ground deployment. As the war enters its fourth week with no diplomatic resolution, Trump’s contradictory statements and hostile treatment of allies underscore the absence of a coherent strategic plan.

(Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/live-updates/iran-war-us-israel-gas-and-oil-prices-trump-netanyahu-strait-hormuz/)

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