Category: Not Factual

Former CDC Director Reveals Political Interference by Kennedy Jr.

In a Senate committee hearing, former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for compromising public health by demanding political oversight on all CDC decisions. Monarez, who was ousted from her position just 29 days into her tenure, detailed how Kennedy required approval from political staff for essential policies, including changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.

During her testimony, Monarez recounted her refusal to comply with Kennedy’s orders to pre-approve ACIP recommendations and to dismiss career officials without justification. She emphasized that such demands conflicted with her commitment to scientific integrity, stating, “I had refused to commit to approving vaccine recommendations without evidence.” This conflict ultimately led to her termination, which sparked a wave of resignations within the agency.

Monarez highlighted how she learned about Kennedy’s decision to replace all liaison members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices via media reports, underscoring the disarray and lack of transparency within the current administration. She described Kennedy as “very upset” when she did not align with his politically motivated directives regarding vaccinations, which he claimed to discuss daily with former President Donald Trump.

In regard to the new composition of vaccine advisory panels, Monarez expressed concerns about their potential recommendations, fearing they could restrict vaccine access without adequate scientific review. She warned that a lack of permanent leadership within the CDC could have immediate and lethal implications, as evidenced by recent outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Monarez’s testimony, coupled with recent violent backlash against vaccine proponents, raises alarms about heightened tensions surrounding public health information. The testimony revealed an alarming trend of political interference in health policy and a dedication to spreading misinformation, which poses dire risks not just to individual health but to societal well-being as a whole.

Trump Labels Antifa as Terrorist Group Amid Political

Donald Trump announced he will designate antifa as a terrorist organization, pushing for investigations into those allegedly funding it. In a Truth Social post, he referred to antifa as a “sick, dangerous, radical left disaster,” declaring this designation as a priority for his administration. The lack of details about when this designation will occur raises concerns about its real intentions, especially given that Trump previously threatened similar actions during his first term without follow-through.

Trump’s call to label antifa comes amidst a pattern of targeting left-leaning activists, with late allegations surfacing after the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The president framed his rhetoric around “radical left political violence,” revealing his intent to pursue not just the perpetrators but also those financially supporting these groups. Such inflammatory proclamations from Trump signal his willingness to stoke division for political gain.

Despite Trump’s bold claims, the legal implications of designating domestic groups like antifa as terrorist organizations remain ambiguous. Current U.S. law permits labeling international entities as foreign terrorist organizations but lacks a similar framework for domestic designations, casting doubt on the faux authoritative stance Trump aims to establish.

The rhetoric of designating antifa as terrorists highlights a broader trend of Trump and the Republican party pushing for authoritarian measures under the guise of combating extremism. This narrative fits within a larger strategy to rally their base against perceived enemies, often misrepresenting peaceful protestors and activists as threats to national security.

This latest move is consistent with Trump’s history of employing fear-mongering tactics, reminiscent of past comments where he targeted protestors unfairly. The continuous escalation of labeling dissenters as terrorists opens dangerous avenues for suppression of civil liberties, further contributing to a climate of division in American society.

J.D. Vance on Charlie Kirk’s Show Targets Liberals

During a recent appearance on The Charlie Kirk Show, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a chilling speech, transitioning from honoring the late Kirk to issuing a stark warning about leftist violence. Vance, speaking from the White House, suggested a significant threat from political extremism on the left, characterizing it as a serious issue of terrorism, and vowed to unify the nation against it.

Vance began the show by praising Kirk’s contributions to the MAGA movement, framing him as an idealist committed to conservative values. However, his tone shifted drastically in his final monologue, where he labeled the left as a singular source of violent extremism. He asserted, “this is not a both-sides problem,” indicating a belief in a uniquely malignant threat posed by liberals and journalists, whom he held partially responsible for Kirk’s death.

As his remarks escalated, Vance hinted at a crackdown on left-wing groups, highlighting a supposed network of NGOs involved in fomenting violence. He claimed there was a coordinated domestic terror movement utilized by the left and suggested that the political climate could justify more aggressive measures against dissenters, conflating critical speech with violence.

Despite the ostensibly respectful tone toward Kirk earlier in the show, Vance’s comments indicated a dangerous intertwining of political rhetoric with threats of violence. He proclaimed that critical voices from the left were creating conditions ripe for killings, using Kirk’s murder as a rallying point to stoke fear and justify potential authoritarian measures against opposition parties and their supporters.

The closing statements made by Vance align with a broader trend among Republican leaders where division is emphasized, and opposition is not only discouraged but framed as a potential justification for violence. This shift towards equating political dissent with domestic terrorism signals a troubling development within the party, posing a potential threat to civil liberties and freedom of expression in the United States.

(h/t: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/09/charlie-kirk-jd-vance-show-podcast-death.html?pay=1758030734996&support_journalism=please)

Memphis Mayor Refutes Trump’s False Claims on National Guard Support

Memphis Mayor Paul Young publicly rejected President Trump’s assertion that he is “happy” about the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis, emphasizing his deep concerns about the situation. Young made it clear that he does not support federal intervention and the manner in which it has been proposed to curb crime in the city.

In an interview, Young expressed his belief that the authority to call in the National Guard lies with the governor and the president, leaving local leaders with limited influence over the decision. He stated, “it is something that we don’t have a choice in,” underscoring the mayor’s discontent with Trump’s framing of the deployment as welcomed.

Trump’s comments during a Fox News interview suggested that both Young and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee were enthusiastic about the plan, which Young categorically denied. The mayor highlighted that, while additional assistance is always welcome, the city is actively working to reduce crime through its own initiatives, demonstrating significant progress in recent years.

Young reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the National Guard’s involvement aligns with the community’s needs. This response comes amid Trump’s broader initiative that has targeted other Democrat-led cities, positioning their leadership as supportive of authoritarian measures.

As Memphis faces challenges linked to crime rates, the mayor’s insistence on maintaining local control over safety measures intends to resist Trump’s narrative and approach, already criticized as heavy-handed and out of touch with community needs.

(h/t: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5503919-national-guard-deployment-memphis/)

Donald Trump Capitalizes on Charlie Kirk’s Murder to Initiate Investigation Against “The Left”

President Donald Trump has once again attempted to shift blame onto the political left following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During comments made while boarding Air Force One at Morristown Airport, Trump claimed that radical leftists were responsible for Kirk’s death, despite the actual circumstances surrounding the incident remaining unclear. He characterized the left as a source of societal issues, dismissing any notions that responsibility might lie with the right or within his own supportive base.

Trump’s comments came after recent investigations uncovered little information about the ideology of the alleged assassin, who is currently in custody. Nonetheless, Trump declared that individuals on the left were already under “major investigation.” This alarming rhetoric serves to fuel division and undermine discourse, rather than seriously address the complexities of political violence.

During his remarks, Trump specifically targeted purportedly antagonistic conduct by left-wing individuals, invoking images of “agitators” and other derogatory terms that serve to demonize opposing viewpoints. His narrative aims to distract from any negative scrutiny directed toward his supporters and their extremist actions, which have previously raised serious questions about the incitement of violence.

Additionally, Trump hinted at pursuing the names of foreigners who allegedly celebrated Kirk’s death, claiming the celebrations were indicative of sick behavior. This statement further seeks to stoke fear and create an atmosphere of hostility against perceived enemies, underscoring his inclination to frame any protest or dissent against his administration as radical or extreme.

Ultimately, this incident showcases Trump’s ongoing strategy of utilizing violence to fortify his ideological stance and galvanize his base by portraying any negative outcomes as the fault of those who diverge from his views. By reiterating these narratives, he continues to play into the dangerous cycle of blame and hostility that undermines American democratic principles and threatens political stability.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-declares-hes-already-investigating-people-on-the-left-who-share-blame-for-charlie-kirks-murder/)

Trump Attacks Fed Governor Lisa Cook Over Fraud Allegations

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is under fire from Donald Trump, who has threatened her dismissal amidst allegations of mortgage fraud. The claims, made by Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, suggest that Cook falsely represented properties as primary residences to secure favorable loan terms. This maneuver aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to reshape the Federal Reserve and push for aggressive interest rate cuts.

Documents reveal that Cook characterized a condominium as a “vacation home” in her loan estimate, a detail that could undermine Trump’s accusations. Ironically, she identified it as a “second home” on a security clearance application, which contradicts Trump’s claims of her misrepresentation of property statuses. The accusations have sparked a Justice Department investigation, further complicating Cook’s precarious position.

Citing these allegations, Trump demanded Cook’s immediate resignation, marking a rare challenge to the independence of a Federal Reserve governor. It is unprecedented for a sitting president to seek the removal of a board member, indicating Trump’s willingness to undermine institutional integrity to fulfill his agenda. Cook has preemptively filed a lawsuit to prevent her firing, successfully obtaining an injunction that allows her to stay in office while the appeal process unfolds.

As the Federal Reserve is poised for a crucial meeting to decide on potential interest rate adjustments, Trump’s actions reflect a broader strategy to exert control over economic policy. The tension between Trump and Cook highlights the administration’s inclination to prioritize partisan objectives over regulatory independence, further eroding the checks and balances that are essential to fair governance.

Ultimately, this scandal underscores a troubling pattern in the Trump administration, where financial oversight and accountability are compromised in service of political machinations. Trump’s aggressive targeting of Cook demonstrates an alarming trend toward authoritarianism, threatening the very foundations of the institutions designed to maintain economic stability and fairness in the United States.

(h/t: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lisa-cook-property-home-donald-trump-b2825933.html)

Trump Condemns Media Over Charlie Kirk Comments Amid Violence

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the media, stating they should be “ashamed” for allegedly justifying the murder of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk. This reaction comes after Trump was questioned about the media’s coverage of the incident, highlighting his attempts to manipulate narratives surrounding violence and blame others for his own supporters’ actions.

In his remarks, Trump expressed disdain for media outlets he claims failed to condemn the killing, describing their reactions as “terrible.” His comments reflect a broader tendency among right-wing figures to deflect accountability by shifting blame to the media, thus weaponizing public relations during times of political violence.

MSNBC faced backlash after commentator Matthew Dowd suggested that Kirk was partly responsible for the violence that led to his assassination. The network swiftly cut ties with Dowd and issued an apology, emphasizing their stance against violence in any form. This reveals the ongoing conflict in the media about how to responsibly cover politically charged incidents involving violence.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there have been instances of inappropriate reactions in the media, including laughter in the background during coverage on TMZ, which led to a public apology from the outlet. These moments contribute to the ongoing discourse on how media should handle topics of violence and tragedy.

As investigations into Kirk’s assassination continue, Trump’s response illustrates a focus on preserving his political narrative rather than fostering a constructive dialogue on violence in politics. His insistence on a hidden motive reflects a broader pattern of denying accountability and instead pointing fingers at the media and perceived enemies.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/trump-says-media-ought-to-be-ashamed-of-themselves-for-justifying-murder-of-charlie-kirk/)

Trump Officials Plan to Link Child Deaths to COVID Vaccines

Trump administration officials are preparing to present alarming claims about COVID-19 vaccines at an upcoming meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They plan to link 25 reported child deaths to the vaccines, based on data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). However, the CDC has made it clear that merely reporting an adverse event does not confirm causation, emphasizing that further investigation into such reports is essential.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic and a key figure in Trump’s health initiatives, is expected to play a significant role in these claims. He has appointed several individuals to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) who are known for their criticism of COVID-19 vaccination policies. This strategic move raises concerns about bias within the committee and its potential impact on public health guidance.

This announcement comes as the FDA recently approved new COVID-19 vaccines, creating further controversy around Kennedy’s leadership and policies. His alignment with anti-vaccine rhetoric places public health initiatives at risk, especially amidst the ongoing pandemic recovery efforts.

The politicization of vaccine safety data under the Trump administration reflects a disturbing trend of undermining scientific integrity for political gain. Such actions not only threaten public trust in health institutions but also endanger the lives of children who are part of the vaccination program designed to protect them from severe illness.

As the CDC prepares to meet, the implications of these claims could have widespread ramifications for vaccination campaigns across the country, compounding the challenges faced in combating vaccine hesitancy and safeguarding public health.

(h/t: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-covid19-vaccine-deaths-b2825762.html)

Trump Shares Fascist AI Memes To Try To Appeal Masculine

President Donald Trump has been actively engaging with his supporters on Truth Social by sharing several AI-generated memes and videos, coinciding with ongoing rumors regarding his health. Recently, he posted 15 links without additional commentary, indicating a strong reliance on this platform to shape his narrative amidst external scrutiny.

Among his shared content were striking AI images of himself in various heroic roles, including a police officer. A particularly dramatic post featured an unsettling image of Trump against a fiery backdrop, paired with a cryptic message implying that significant changes were impending: “The world will soon understand nothing can stop what is coming.”

A highlighted video portrayed Trump’s life journey, showing his transitions from childhood to adulthood, set to the nostalgic music of “Forever Young.” Trump demonstrated enthusiasm for this video, linking to it multiple times and asking, “THIS IS RATHER INCREDIBLE. WHO DID IT???” His engagement underscores a calculated effort to reinforce his image amidst mounting concerns about his capacity for leadership.

Trump also shared a performance video of himself singing “Don’t Stop Believin’” at a live event, showcasing not only his affinity for entertainment but also a push to maintain his public presence. This content was supplemented with links to articles from right-wing media, which appeared to frame unfavorable narratives about current Democrats while simultaneously portraying Trump as a figure of resilience and support.

This recent activity on Truth Social reflects an ongoing trend regarding Trump’s manipulation of media narratives to counter negative perceptions. His approach demonstrates an increasing dependence on social media platforms to project a polished persona while seeking to drown out dissenting voices, further entrenching his ideologies in the political discourse.

(h/t: https://news.ssbcrack.com/trump-shares-ai-generated-memes-and-videos-on-truth-social-amid-rumors/)

Trump Attacks Pritzker Over Chicago Crime, Claims D.C. Safe

Donald Trump recently targeted Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, calling him “CRAZY” and “pathetic” regarding Chicago’s crime rates, which remain among the highest in the U.S. He highlighted a weekend where six people were killed and 24 were shot, portraying Pritzker’s comments on crime as dismissive and out of touch. Trump’s tirade took place on his Truth Social platform, where he expressed his intention to take action against crime if Chicago didn’t get its act together.

In his post, Trump criticized Pritzker for suggesting that he didn’t require help from federal authorities to combat crime, emphasizing the seriousness of Chicago’s situation in light of its 573 homicides in 2024, which is the highest for any U.S. city. Despite the alarming statistics, some local leaders maintain there is no significant crime issue in Chicago, creating a backdrop for Trump’s politically charged statements.

In a follow-up post, Trump exaggeratedly claimed that Washington, D.C. had become a “CRIME FREE ZONE,” a statement that contradicts the realities of crime statistics and the pressing safety concerns voiced by residents. This rhetoric aims to position Trump as a tough-on-crime leader while he continues to point fingers at Democrat leadership in urban centers.

Chicago’s current mayor, Brandon Johnson, has since responded to Trump’s provocations by ordering the city’s police not to participate in any federal operations should Trump choose to implement a crackdown. Johnson emphasized that Chicagoans had not requested federal intervention, asserting the city’s autonomy in handling its own crime issues.

The ongoing exchange between Trump and Pritzker exemplifies the escalating tensions in political commentary surrounding crime, public safety, and local governance. While Trump seeks to leverage crime in his narrative against Democratic leadership, critics argue this politicization ignores the complex realities of urban safety and community resilience.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump/he-is-crazy-trump-trashes-weak-and-pathetic-pritzker-over-chicago-killings-calls-d-c-a-crime-free-zone/)

1 2 3 … 174