Category: Petty

Trump Threatens FCC Punishment Against NBC’s Kristen Welker

President Trump attacked NBC’s Kristen Welker on Truth Social, threatening FCC action against her after she accurately reported mixed results from his primary endorsements. Trump claimed a 99-100% success rate on endorsements while demanding FCC Chairman Brendan Carr punish Welker and NBC for what he characterized as false reporting, despite documented endorsement losses in recent races.

Welker’s comments on NBC 4 Washington noted Trump’s endorsement track record included both wins and losses, citing his recent backing of Senator Darline Graham, who narrowly defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolina. Graham’s primary victory was closer than anticipated by political experts, contradicting Trump’s claim of easy wins driven by his endorsement.

Trump escalated his attack by demanding the FCC investigate and punish NBC, calling the press “a disgrace to our nation” and framing accurate coverage of his endorsement record as a threat to the country. This follows Trump’s previous walkout from an NBC interview with Welker over her questioning of his claims, demonstrating a pattern of attacking journalists who report factually about his record.

The threat to weaponize federal regulatory authority against a news organization for unfavorable but accurate reporting undermines press freedom and reflects Trump’s broader use of government power against perceived opponents. Trump’s demand for FCC punishment represents direct executive pressure on the independent regulatory process to silence critical coverage.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-rages-at-nbcs-kristen-welker-after-she-reports-on-mixed-results-of-his-endorsements-threatens-fcc-punishment/)

Trump AI Video Shows Him Kicking Lake Ontario Sign

President Donald Trump posted an artificial intelligence-generated video on Truth Social Saturday depicting himself kicking over a “Lake Ontario” sign and replacing it with a “Lake America” sign along the shoreline. The fabricated clip shows Trump performing his signature “YMCA” dance to the Village People song while celebrating the toppled sign, escalating his ongoing dispute with Canada over trade negotiations.

Trump had signed an executive order Thursday directing the Interior Department to officially rename Lake Ontario to Lake America in the Geographic Names Information System, following the collapse of trade talks between the two nations. Trump justified the move by claiming Canada has been “ripping us off for a long time on trade” and stated the U.S. defends Canada militarily “for nothing.”

The video represented Trump’s second AI-generated post about the renamed lake in as many days. Earlier Saturday, Trump posted another fabricated video depicting “mutant Canadian geese with machine guns” patrolling the lake, which he captioned “Donald Ducks,” with the Toronto skyline visible in the background.

The posts are part of Trump’s escalating campaign to rename shared geography with Canada, mirroring his earlier pattern of distributing AI-generated self-aggrandizing images on his social media platform. The move prompted mixed reactions, with critics viewing it as inflammatory while Trump supporters characterized it as effective mockery during the trade dispute.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-kicks-down-lake-ontario-sign-and-does-ymca-dance-in-wild-ai-video-ratcheting-up-feud-with-canada/)

Trump Ripped by Critics for NASA Speech: ‘What the F*ck?’

Trump arrived more than an hour late to a NASA ceremony at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Friday, where he was scheduled to honor four astronauts from the Artemis II lunar mission and award them the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. During the event, Trump announced plans for a new U.S. Space Academy to train Space Force members, engineers, and civilian spaceflight personnel.

Trump injected partisan politics into the nonpartisan ceremony, speaking extensively about Venezuela and Iran for over an hour while the audience sat in silence. Aaron Rupar documented that Trump spoke “to complete silence at the NASA center. Not a single person applauding or reacting to anything he said during his brazenly partisan speech.” Trump also requested that a lunar crater be named after him, mirroring the crew’s naming of a crater for astronaut Reid Wiseman’s late wife, drawing a blunt “No” from Rep. Ted Lieu.

Trump made a rambling, incoherent statement during the ceremony, claiming his “uncle who was a great scientist” and “loved space,” then saying “I guess we have genetically, we sort of, I believe in that stuff.” Biographer Seth Abramson responded directly to this moment with “What is this even supposed to be??? What the f*ck is he talking about???” Adam Kinzinger mockingly tweeted “BREAKING NOW: Trump believes in space,” while critics noted Trump falsely claimed the U.S. had no military space program before him, despite U.S. Space Command existing since the Reagan administration.

Trump falsely presented himself as the architect of American space capabilities, contradicting the expertise of the scientists and engineers present. NASA has been undergoing significant workforce reductions under Trump’s administration, cutting over 20 percent of its staff, yet he used the astronauts’ achievement as a platform for self-promotion and partisan rhetoric.

Social media reactions focused on Trump’s narcissism, cognitive decline, and disrespect for accomplished scientists. Commentator Joanne Carducci wrote that “Making incredibly accomplished people wait for him makes him feel ‘powerful,’ when it’s really just pathetic.” Critics characterized the event as one of the most awkward public ceremonies on record, with Trump’s alternate reality clashing with the actual expertise of NASA personnel forced to witness his incoherent, self-serving performance at an event designed to honor their colleagues’ achievements.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-ripped-by-critics-for-nasa-ceremony-speech-what-the-fck-is-he-talking-about/),’ when it’s really just pathetic.” Critics characterized the event as one of the most awkward public ceremonies on record, with Trump’s alternate reality clashing with the actual expertise of NASA personnel forced to witness his incoherent, self-serving performance at an event designed to honor their colleagues’ achievements.

Trump Attacks CNN’s Holmes Over North Korea Questions

President Trump attacked CNN White House correspondent Kristen Holmes during an Oval Office event, repeatedly ordering her to be silent as she questioned his scaling back of military exercises with South Korea and his communications with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Trump dismissed Holmes’ questions as disrespectful, calling her a “loud, boisterous person” and accusing CNN of “fake news” when she persisted in asking whether Kim Jong Un had requested the military drawdown.

Trump claimed his reduction of joint U.S.-South Korea military drills enhanced regional security and asserted he maintains a strong personal relationship with Kim Jong Un based on prior meetings. When Holmes attempted to clarify whether Kim Jong Un had specifically requested the scaled-back exercises, Trump shut down her line of questioning and invoked a teenage lifeguard being honored at the event, asking the young man whether he found Holmes “disrespectful” as a means to deflect from substantive inquiry.

The White House subsequently issued a statement attacking Holmes as “a disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment” to journalism, describing her as part of “scumbags” and “the lowest of the low” for asking policy questions during the event. This coordinated attack on a journalist for performing her professional duties occurred immediately after Trump’s public confrontation with her in the Oval Office.

CNN’s statement in response defended Holmes as “one of the most respected and accomplished journalists covering the White House,” characterizing her questions as tough, relevant, and newsworthy. The network condemned personal attacks on journalists as inconsistent with free press principles and beneath the office of the presidency, noting that public officials may challenge reporting but should not resort to personal attacks for questioning they disagree with.

Trump also used the same event to dismiss a CNN report about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, claiming a retired admiral had told him the ship was “beautifully maintained,” thereby dismissing documented concerns as fabricated without addressing the specific allegations raised by the network’s reporting.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/quiet-trump-rages-at-cnn-reporter-during-wild-exchange-in-the-oval-office/)

Trump Attacks Pirro Over Reflecting Pool Dismissal

President Trump attacked U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro on Saturday after she dismissed criminal charges against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who had been accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump posted on Truth Social that he disagreed “100%” with Pirro’s decision, insisting the damage constituted “pure case of VANDALISM” and sharing videos claiming to show deliberate destruction with knives and box cutters.

Pirro’s office dropped the case Friday, filing court documents stating that damage to the Reflecting Pool resulted from “flawed installation” by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings rather than intentional destruction. The dismissal revealed that new information emerged after Hearn was indicted on a felony count of destruction of government property, indicating the contractor rushed completion ahead of America 250 Independence Day events in 2026.

The Washington Post had previously reported that experts determined the pool lining peeled away due to incorrect installation, not vandalism. Pirro acknowledged in court filings that the government’s original theory of the case was undermined by documentation the Department of Interior provided only after the indictment was returned, contradicting Trump’s characterization of the incident.

CNN legal analyst Elie Honig characterized the dismissal as “a true embarrassment” for Pirro, stating that prosecutors bear responsibility for obtaining relevant information before charging rather than “charge first and then figure it out.” Trump’s public attack on his own appointed U.S. Attorney demonstrates his willingness to undermine prosecutors when outcomes displease him, consistent with his pattern of defying judicial authority and pressuring officials to align with his preferences.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-lashes-out-at-jeannine-pirro-over-reflecting-pool-case-disagree-100/)

Trump Attacks Collins, Media at Correspondents Dinner

President Donald Trump delivered a rambling hour-long speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday, attacking journalists and media outlets while making crude jokes that largely fell flat with the assembled press corps. Trump complained openly about the “frickin’ stupid speech” written for him after a sex joke about stairs failed to generate laughs, then spent much of his time assaulting members of the media he claimed to respect.

Trump directed his harshest attacks at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, repeating his demand that she smile more while covering him, continuing his documented pattern of singling out female journalists with sexist remarks. CNN CEO Mark Thompson responded by defending the network’s journalists and reaffirming their constitutional right to report without government interference. Trump also branded CNN’s Jake Tapper “Fake Tapper” and called Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey “unhireable,” while mocking the network’s coverage of the Trump-Epstein saga that prompted him to file an unsuccessful $10 billion defamation suit.

Trump devoted a lengthy, humor-free section of his speech to defending his controversial $600 million White House ballroom project, complaining that opponents motivated by “Trump derangement syndrome” were suing to block it. He also joked that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wanted to serve roadkill at the dinner, and mocked President Joe Biden’s mental fitness while claiming NBC and ABC should lose their broadcast licenses for not airing his recent primetime address about alleged foreign election interference.

Trump concluded by donning a 2028 campaign hat and stating he wanted to run for another term, which the Constitution prohibits. His speech demonstrated the Trump administration’s consistent hostility toward press freedom: the White House recently withdrew demands that New York Times journalists testify about sources, the Pentagon has systematically denied media access to defense officials, and Trump has filed repeated defamation suits against news outlets covering him unfavorably.

Critics condemned the speech as demonstrating Trump’s contempt for the independent press. Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta called the dinner “a disgrace,” describing Trump’s address as “rambling, unhinged speech is full of hate and spite” targeting his usual adversaries. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang and other speakers at the event highlighted Trump’s documented efforts to intimidate and sideline journalists throughout his time in office.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-white-house-correspondents-dinner-jokes-b3021335.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcATRmoZwZG9mBWZkaWQWULMQihHnyqTMCaGolZV_P33h_tkIl2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5dmA1iAOXG4ce9HsFoFF6EFz2dZ8FzuYuWP-gWoN_vildp7260a4lO81jaVA_aem_nS-QMLsOG59UP2V3IzKcdA)ideline journalists throughout his time in office.

Trump Attacks LeBron James as Racist in White House Press Conference

During a Friday White House press conference, Trump responded to Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy’s question about the greatest basketball player of all time by attacking LeBron James. When asked to choose between James and Michael Jordan, Trump declared Jordan the winner while accusing James of being “maybe he’s a racist” and stating he “only like[s] people that like me,” a transparent attempt to justify his hostility toward the athlete for his political opposition.

Trump’s animosity toward James spans years of deliberate targeting. James campaigned for Hillary Clinton in 2016, branded Trump a “bum” in 2017, and previously faced Trump attacks over an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon about opening a free school for at-risk students in his hometown. James also opposed Trump’s criticism of players kneeling during the National Anthem and endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024, further cementing Trump’s vendetta against him.

Trump’s baseless accusation of racism against James, combined with his explicit preference for people who support him, demonstrates his use of character attacks to punish political opponents and reward loyalty. The president weaponized his platform to demean James for exercising free speech and civic engagement, behavior consistent with his pattern of dehumanizing rhetoric toward Black figures who criticize him or refuse his approval.

James’ accomplishments include four NBA titles and four MVP awards across a 23-season career with multiple teams, while Jordan won six titles and five MVPs during his era. Trump’s insistence on framing the comparison through political loyalty rather than athletic merit underscores his willingness to corrupt public discourse with personal grievance.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/sports/trump-attacks-lebron-james-in-oval-office-rant-maybe-hes-a-racist/)

Trump Attacks Haberman, Swan, Demands Media Worship Him

President Trump launched a lengthy Truth Social attack against journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, authors of the book “Regime Change,” which documents his second administration. Trump called Haberman “one of the most unattractive people in the News Business” and Swan a “lightweight assistant,” demanding media outlets instead declare him the “BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and cease critical coverage. The attack reflects Trump’s pattern of weaponizing his platform against journalists documenting his presidency.

In his post, Trump falsely claimed he won the 2024 election by a “historic landslide” against both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, citing county and Electoral College numbers while attacking the “Failing New York Times” and other outlets for their coverage. He demanded media outlets acknowledge his electoral victory and abandon what he characterized as a decade of inaccurate reporting, stating they should concede defeat rather than continue scrutinizing his administration. Trump’s claims about election outcomes contradict documented results and reflect his documented pattern of denying electoral losses.

Trump extended his assault to multiple news organizations, including CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and NBC, characterizing them collectively as “FAKE NEWS” with no credibility. He claimed these outlets’ “Readership, Ratings, and Viewership are tanking” because the public recognizes their alleged dishonesty, and he demanded they stop publishing what he termed “inaccurate, false articles.” This attack on press freedom aligns with his documented pattern of demanding treason charges against media outlets for unfavorable coverage.

The tirade reveals Trump’s authoritarian demand for uncritical media coverage and absolute loyalty from institutions meant to maintain independence. His insistence that journalists declare him victorious and cease reporting reflects an expectation of state-controlled media rather than a free press operating in a democracy. This pattern mirrors his cultivation of unquestioning loyalty from close aides, extending the demand for total deference to the media landscape.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-slams-lightweight-jonathan-swan-as-he-declares-himself-best-political-athlete-of-all-time/)

Trump Demands Praise in Maggie Haberman Tirade

President Trump posted an extended tirade on Truth Social attacking journalist Maggie Haberman for her forthcoming book “Regime Change,” co-written with New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan, which documents his second administration. The book details scenes of Trump supergluing gold Fabergés in the Oval Office, cabinet members discussing the Epstein files, and a White House bedroom scattered with fast food wrappers, among other unflattering portrayals.

Trump demanded the book include effusive praise that never materialized, complaining in all-caps that Haberman failed to write passages acknowledging his victory or apologizing for prior criticism. He demanded language such as “TRUMP IS THE BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and “CONGRATULATIONS, MR. PRESIDENT. YOU HAVE BEATEN US FOR 10 YEARS,” framing his expectation that media outlets capitulate to his narrative as a baseline journalistic duty.

In his post, Trump attacked Haberman personally, calling her “Maggot Hagerman,” and branded the New York Times “The Failing New York Times.” He also used the post to attack Democrats broadly, labeling them “Dumocrats” who “are, generally, stupid people” and baselessly accusing them of planning a transition to communism as the 2026 midterms approach. This follows a pattern of Trump demanding absolute verbal alignment from officials, expecting staff and media alike to repeat his exact phrasing without deviation.

The outburst reflects Trump’s documented obsession with controlling his public image and punishing journalists who document his conduct without flattery. Trump surrounds himself with enablers who provide constant positive reinforcement, and his anger at Haberman’s independent reporting underscores his intolerance for any account that does not present him as infallible or triumphant.



(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-maggie-haberman-truth-social/)

Trump Attacks Meloni Over Iran War Refusal, Invents Photo Claim

President Donald Trump escalated his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday, attacking her in a Truth Social post without naming her directly while simultaneously condemning NATO for failing to support his Iran military campaign. Trump claimed he had denied Meloni a photograph at the Group of Seven summit in France because Italy would not permit U.S. military use of its landing strips and runways, and added that Meloni sought to “be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.'”

Meloni directly rejected Trump’s characterization of events, calling his attacks “unprovoked” and “senseless.” She stated that her popularity rests on defending Italy’s national interests and that her country remains a sovereign nation whose military base agreements cannot be violated. Meloni emphasized that Trump’s attempts to control her political standing are not her concern, and countered by suggesting he focus on his own popularity instead.

Trump’s repeated false claims about Meloni begging for a photograph represent a continuation of his pattern of fabricating details to demean allied leaders. His invocation of Italy’s refusal to support military action against Iran contradicts his earlier demands that NATO members fund defense spending, revealing inconsistency in how he applies pressure to allied nations.

The deterioration of Trump’s relationship with Meloni marks a significant rupture with what was previously one of his closest European political relationships. Trump had publicly praised Meloni as a “beautiful young woman” during a speech last year, framing the comment as politically risky but worth the exposure. Trump has threatened withdrawal of U.S. troops from Italy and Spain, citing both nations’ refusal to participate in military action against Iran.

Trump’s broader assault on NATO reflects his demand that allied nations comply with military objectives he deems necessary, regardless of their own strategic assessments or international law. The feud with Meloni demonstrates his willingness to weaponize military presence and personal relationships as leverage against leaders who assert their nation’s sovereignty and independent judgment.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/not-good-trump-ramps-up-feud-with-italys-prime-minister-in-scorching-new-post/)

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