Trump orders ‘total and complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving Venezuela | CNN Politics

President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” of oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela on Tuesday via Truth Social, escalating military and economic pressure against Nicolás Maduro’s government. Trump stated that U.S. military assets surround Venezuela and demanded the country return oil, land, and assets to the United States, exposing the operation’s economic objectives beyond stated anti-drug efforts.

The blockade targets Venezuela’s primary economic lifeline amid existing international sanctions on its oil sector. Trump has repeatedly indicated that U.S. companies should regain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves—the world’s largest—if Maduro is removed from power. State-owned Petroleos de Venezuela controls the petroleum industry, though Houston-based Chevron operates under a sanctions carve-out that Trump revoked in March before conditionally reissuing it.

Trump accused Maduro of using “stolen oil” to finance terrorism, human trafficking, and criminal activity. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that the administration’s military campaign aims to pressure Maduro to step down, contradicting earlier framing focused solely on narcotics interdiction. Venezuela’s government condemned the announcement as “a reckless and serious threat” and “a grave violation of International Law,” noting that blockades constitute acts of war under international treaties.

A 1961 Justice Department memo regarding Cuban tensions established that blockades are justified only when a state of war exists. Trump’s military operations in the region, including threatened ground invasions, follow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of “Southern Spear,” a hemisphere-wide military operation targeting suspected drug operations.

The blockade represents an explicit shift from counternarcotics justification to resource seizure, with Trump signaling intent to restore American corporate control over Venezuelan petroleum assets previously nationalized in the 1970s. Venezuela’s oil is sold primarily to China due to existing U.S. sanctions imposed since 2005.

(Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/16/politics/blockade-venezuela-sanctioned-oil-tankers)

‘This is truly insane’: Trump stuns with eye-popping multi-million-dollar purchase – Raw Story

President Trump personally purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Intel corporate debt between August and October, according to financial disclosures released in November. This transaction occurred simultaneously with the Trump administration’s decision to secure an $11 billion government stake in Intel, giving the U.S. a 10% ownership position in the company.

Trump has also purchased up to $6 million in Boeing corporate bonds, with a separate purchase of $500,000 to $1 million in Boeing bonds made in September, close to Boeing receiving an $877 million Defense Department contract. Since January, Trump has purchased a minimum of $185 million worth of bonds across multiple companies.

The administration characterizes its broader corporate investment strategy as driven by national security interests, committing over $10 billion in taxpayer funds to minority stakes in at least nine companies involved in steel, minerals, nuclear energy, and semiconductors, with the majority of deals struck in October and November. Journalist Molly Jong-Fast stated this purchase pattern would constitute “a huge scandal” in a normal administration, while journalist Ryan Grim called the situation “truly insane.”

Trump’s personal investments in companies receiving substantial government contracts and funding directly conflict with federal ethics standards prohibiting self-dealing and conflicts of interest. The lack of mainstream media coverage of these transactions has drawn criticism, with observers noting the administration’s pattern of leveraging taxpayer resources to benefit the president’s personal financial interests.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-2674341799/)

Trump’s Post Attacking Rob Reiner After Stabbing Death Draws Immediate Outrage

President Trump posted on Truth Social accusing Hollywood director Rob Reiner of dying from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” linking Reiner’s criticism of Trump to his murder less than twenty-four hours after reports of his death. Trump doubled down when questioned by reporters, stating Reiner was “a deranged person” and “very bad for our country,” without evidence connecting political beliefs to the killing.

Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Their 32-year-old son was booked on suspicion of murder; police provided no indication that the couple’s political views factored into their deaths.

Trump’s attack triggered rare backlash from MAGA-aligned Republicans, some of whom called for him to retract the comments. The criticism underscored the inconsistency of conservative demands for civility—prominent conservatives had called for public shaming, firings, and prosecution threats against those who spoke negatively about Charlie Kirk following his assassination.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/us/politics/trump-rob-reiner.html)

Trump Spread False Information About Brown Shooting. That’s a Problem | The New Republic

Donald Trump’s reckless dissemination of unverified information regarding a shooting incident at Brown University has rightfully drawn fierce criticism. During this highly tense situation, Trump prematurely declared the suspect as captured, creating potential danger for students sheltering on campus. Despite police advisories indicating an active situation, Trump’s irresponsible social media display added chaos and confusion.

As the ordeal unfolded, Trump’s assertions were quickly contradicted by official sources, exposing his carelessness. His hasty statement claiming the shooter was detained was retracted only minutes later, an action that has been condemned for spreading insecurity among the already terrified students. Providence’s Mayor emphasized relying on official channels for accurate information, a direct refutation of Trump’s baseless announcements.

This incident is illustrative of Trump’s habitual disregard for the truth and his alarming tendency to spread misinformation. Consequences of his actions are more than just errors; they embody serious risks, particularly in volatile situations where accurate information is critical for public safety. Trump’s volatile online rants contribute significantly to spreading misinformation, jeopardizing people’s safety, and reflect poorly on his leadership.

Criticism also extends to Trump’s divisive rhetoric which inflames tensions and incites threats against many, including his political allies. His continuous intimidating social media uses have been linked to numerous threats against both Democratic and Republican officials, illustrating the dangerous consequences of his inflammatory behavior.

Overall, Trump’s irresponsible actions and statements serve as a shining example of his continued disregard for authenticity and safety. His habit of hastily spreading false information endangers public safety and reflects the broader dangers of an administration marked by misinformation and chaos. Trump’s behavior in tense circumstances as shown here underscores his unsuitability for leadership.

(Source: https://newrepublic.com/post/204391/trump-brown-university-rhode-island-shooting)

Laughing Trump Drops Stunning Admission to Screaming Fans — ‘Sh*thole Countries’ Rant He Denied Was Real

During a recent rally at the Mount Airy Casino Resort, President Donald Trump openly acknowledged his infamous “sh*thole countries” comment, revealing that he still holds disdain for predominantly Black nations while favoring those like Norway and Denmark. Laughter erupted among his supporters as Trump recounted how he questioned the rationale behind accepting immigrants from troubled nations like Somalia and Haiti.

In his speech, Trump faced mounting economic criticism, calling concerns over rising prices a “con job,” and asserted that he had already resolved these issues. The rally was a response to unfavorable polling data that highlighted his declining popularity concerning economic management.

Trump’s emphasis on a permanent pause on immigration from what he termed “hell holes” illustrates his continued focus on anti-immigration rhetoric. This tone has become a hallmark of his public speaking, which resonates with his base but raises alarms regarding his attitudes toward race and immigration.

The event showcased the former president refining his controversial views in front of a supportive crowd, reaffirming his commitment to restricting immigration from certain countries while promoting his narrative of economic recovery. Such language and themes are indicative of his broader attempts to solidify his political base amid ongoing scrutiny.

Trump’s remarks not only reignite the debate over his immigration policies but also reflect his enduring brand of divisive politics, as he leverages humor and inflammatory statements to maintain his support during tumultuous times.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/laughing-trump-drops-stunning-admission-to-screaming-fans-shthole-countries-rant-he-denied-was-real/)

Trump Rejects ASL Access, Claims It’s a Threat to Control

The Trump administration is embroiled in a lawsuit concerning American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services, which the Department of Justice claims would impede the President’s ability to control his public image. This follows a lawsuit filed by the National Association for the Deaf, arguing that halting ASL interpretation denies the deaf community access to essential information from the White House. The association highlights the ongoing struggle for meaningful communication access, particularly during significant national events.

Government attorneys assert that providing real-time ASL interpretation could disrupt Trump’s carefully crafted image and messaging. They suggested alternative forms of access, such as online transcripts and closed captioning, while questioning whether other government branches would face similar demands for such services. Critics note the lack of a compelling argument for why ASL interpretation might damage Trump’s image.

Despite having begun to provide some ASL interpretation, the White House has appealed a federal judge’s ruling that mandated real-time interpreting for Trump’s comments. The administration’s ongoing refusal to comply fully aligns with its broader trend of dismantling diversity and inclusion initiatives. This effort has been part of Trump’s agenda since returning to office, reflecting an administration characterized by its opposition to inclusivity efforts.

The Biden administration had previously utilized ASL interpretation regularly for press briefings and public communications. By contrast, Trump’s refusal has raised significant backlash from advocates for the deaf community, who argue that the right to access information is fundamental. The criticism highlights a troubling disregard for inclusivity that many see as indicative of Trump’s broader governance style.

In the context of broader cultural changes, Trump’s administration has made headlines for reversing various diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. These actions extend beyond communication access and reflect a more general trend of retrenchment against modern inclusion standards across federal institutions.

(Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/sign-language-services-intrude-on-trumps-ability-to-control-his-image-administration-says?fbclid=IwdGRleAOqX5BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeHJfMLdhICo9nd7vHzSUY2cYHrNRToiWt-kC7POMm7phct9AN-695oabeAjw_aem_UWDFChTHUxTGRfUzJy8nAA)

Trump Receives FIFA Peace Prize as Justice Drops Bribery Case

Following President Donald Trump's acceptance of FIFA's inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize,” the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would drop an international bribery case related to soccer, raising eyebrows among observers regarding the timing. The award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was celebrated as a recognition of Trump's supposed contributions to peace, despite a notable lack of credible accomplishments in that regard. This ceremony took place soon after Trump was snubbed by the Nobel Peace Prize, which went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

The bribery case involved former Fox executive Hernan Lopez and the Argentina-based marketing firm Full Play Group, associated with a larger corruption investigation into FIFA's operations. Lopez had previously been found guilty of facilitating bribes to secure broadcasting rights for South American soccer tournaments. The Justice Department's subsequent move to dismiss the case has sparked suspicions of quid pro quo, particularly given the historical context of Trump's administration's treatment of legal matters.

Prosecutors cited that the dismissal was “in the interests of justice,” which many interpret as a misguided attempt to align with Trump's controversial policies and actions around corruption. This development indicates not just a troubling pattern but a dangerous normalization of political favoritism. Trump's record includes dismantling units within the Justice Department that investigate public corruption, rendering the legal framework increasingly tenuous.

The juxtaposition of Trump receiving a "peace prize" while simultaneously walking away from serious corruption prosecutions exemplifies a chaotic administration more concerned with image than integrity. Additionally, the broader implications of such actions reveal a disconcerting trend toward undermining institutional trust and accountability, compounding the internal and external challenges facing the U.S.

In short, this incident exemplifies the administration’s troubling priorities, as it continues to reward loyalty while sidelining legal accountability, revealing a dangerous erosion of ethical standards in political practice.

(Source: https://www.comicsands.com/trump-fifa-doj-bribery?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRleAOpRG9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEetak0mC26NZd4OVGItxykKy9HrWqWpMgnKadL5NpKvB26kvnIX0MTIHF1-bs_aem_OfXohv8so-2HnvLtQWCCUw#Echobox=1765563538)

Trump Demands CNN Sale Amid Warner Bros. Discovery Battle

In a recent White House roundtable, President Donald Trump took a bold stance on the future of Warner Bros. Discovery, declaring it is “imperative that CNN be sold.” These comments appear to support Paramount’s hostile bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes CNN, aligning Trump with CEO David Ellison’s plans for sweeping changes at the news network.

Trump has long criticized CNN for its coverage, asserting that the network spreads “poison” and “lies.” His remarks come at a time when concerns are growing among CNN journalists about the potential impact of an Ellison takeover on the network’s editorial independence. This situation is compounded by Ellison’s recent attempt to combine his corporate strategy with support from Trump’s administration.

Despite Trump’s obvious favoritism toward a Paramount takeover, it’s unclear whether such a sale would genuinely enhance CNN’s reporting integrity. Ellen’s ties to Trump, including political donations and promises for substantial changes, have raised eyebrows regarding how CNN’s coverage of Trump might be affected under new ownership.

The ongoing negotiations surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery, which may include a split into two publicly traded entities, further complicate matters. As Netflix also eyes parts of the Warner conglomerate, the results of these bidding wars could reshape the landscape of media coverage significantly.

While Trump has claimed to support a leadership change at CNN, the essential question remains whether any new owner can genuinely guarantee the network’s journalistic independence. The current leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery has emphasized a commitment to maintaining CNN’s editorial autonomy, a promise that may face scrutiny if ownership changes hands amid such politically charged circumstances.

(Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/10/media/trump-cnn-sold-paramount-warner-bros-netflix)

Trump Launches Controversial $1 Million Gold Card Visa Program

Donald Trump has announced a new “gold card” visa program that allows foreigners to gain permanent residency in the U.S. by paying $1 million. The card features Trump’s image alongside national symbols such as the Statue of Liberty and a bald eagle, reinforcing his branding while commodifying immigration. The program aims to fast-track applications for those who can afford it, effectively prioritizing wealth over need.

Trump revealed details about the card on Truth Social, declaring it a direct path to citizenship for qualified individuals willing to make significant financial contributions to the U.S. The initiative requires a $1 million donation for individuals or $2 million for corporate applications on behalf of employees, raising ethical questions about the monetization of citizenship.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reported a significant success during the program’s rollout, claiming the sale of 1,000 gold cards on its launch day, which supposedly raised $5 billion. Those who hold the gold card may apply for citizenship after five years, creating a fast-track, profit-driven process that undermines traditional immigration pathways and values.

The gold card’s design resembles previous promotional items, featuring Trump’s picture and signature as a central theme, further entrenching his personal brand in governmental functions. Critics argue this move continues a trend of leveraging the immigration system for personal gain, spotlighting the intersection of wealth, privilege, and citizenship.

On top of the gold card scheme, Trump has also hinted at introducing platinum cards, which would provide limited residency without taxation on foreign income, again emphasizing the financial barrier for those seeking to enter the U.S.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-unveils-1-million-gold-card-with-his-mug-and-bald-eagle-for-quickie-visas-so-exciting/)

Trump Claims 6G Lets You See Deeper into Skin

In a recent meeting with business leaders, President Donald Trump made an unusual claim regarding the upcoming 6G cellular networks. He suggested that these advanced networks would allow for a capability to see “a little bit deeper view into somebody’s skin,” a statement that reflects a lack of understanding about the technology.

During this meeting, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon briefed Trump on the developments of 6G technology. Trump, who boasted about his role in promoting 5G, jumped in with his bizarre commentary about viewing people’s skin, highlighting a troubling disconnect from reality. He reminisced about “the cameras from the old days,” failing to provide coherent thoughts on the subjects discussed.

The remarks are yet another example of Trump’s tendency to make unfounded and confusing assertions. His comments have left many questioning his grasp of technological advancements and their implications.

This incident isn’t isolated and adds to the list of surreal statements made by Trump. His fixation on technology often strays into the nonsensical, raising valid concerns about his understanding of significant issues facing the nation.

As Trump continues to make headlines for his unconventional views and statements, his claims regarding 6G serve as a reminder of his unpredictable approach to office and engagement with experts in vital fields.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-6g-networks-skin/)

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