Author: Stop the Donald Trump

Trump Sent COVID Tests to Putin During 2020 Shortage, New Book Reveals

A new book by Bob Woodward, titled “War,” reveals that during the COVID-19 testing shortage in 2020, then-President Donald Trump secretly sent COVID-19 tests to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his personal use. Amidst a global pandemic, Putin, who was concerned about the virus, accepted the tests but requested that Trump keep the operation confidential to avoid political backlash in the U.S.

According to the book, Putin cautioned Trump, saying, “I don’t want you to tell anybody because people will get mad at you, not me.” This incident highlights the ongoing relationship between Trump and Putin, which has persisted even as Trump campaigns for the presidency in 2024 while Putin continues his aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Woodward’s account indicates that Trump has maintained contact with Putin since leaving office, with reported conversations occurring as many as seven times. The book paints Trump as potentially more reckless than Nixon, suggesting that his actions pose significant risks to U.S. interests and international stability.

In response to the revelations, a Trump campaign spokesman dismissed Woodward’s claims as fabricated, criticizing the author and questioning the credibility of the book. Despite these denials, the narrative presented in “War” depicts Trump as unfit for presidential office, contrasting him with President Joe Biden, who is portrayed as exhibiting steady leadership amidst ongoing international conflicts.

Woodward’s book is set to be released on October 15, 2023, and explores the ramifications of Trump’s foreign policy decisions while he was in office, particularly regarding relations with Putin and the implications for U.S. national security. It also delves into Biden’s handling of foreign crises, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, providing insights into the complexities and challenges faced by the current administration.

 

Trump Falsely Claims to Have Visited Gaza, No Evidence Found

Donald Trump claimed during a recent radio interview that he had visited Gaza, a statement for which there is no documented evidence. This assertion was made while discussing the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks, an event linked to Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza.

When prompted for clarification, a Trump campaign aide noted that Gaza is located within Israel, implying that Trump’s travels to Israel could include Gaza. However, this interpretation is misleading as Gaza is a separate territory and has never been part of Israel since its withdrawal in 2005.

Trump’s previous travels to the region, including a visit to Israel in 2017, did not include Gaza. Instead, he traveled to the West Bank, which is approximately 20 miles from Gaza, to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

During the interview, the host Hugh Hewitt posed a hypothetical question regarding the potential for Gaza to be rebuilt into a prosperous area akin to Monaco, reflecting on the extensive destruction in the region due to ongoing conflicts.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/us/politics/trump-gaza-israel.html)

Fact-Checking Trump’s Misleading Claims at Butler Rally

During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump made several claims regarding immigration, the economy, and Hurricane Helene that were fact-checked for accuracy. Trump stated that illegal immigration was at its lowest when he left office, citing a chart with misleading data. In reality, his presidency ended in January 2021, and the low numbers he referenced in April 2020 were influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Trump also misrepresented the federal response to Hurricane Helene, stating that victims would receive only $750 in aid. This amount is from FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance program, which covers immediate needs and is not the total aid provided. As of October 4, FEMA had disbursed over $45 million for recovery efforts.

Additionally, Trump claimed that 13,099 murderers were allowed into the U.S. during the Biden administration, a misleading statistic that does not specify when these individuals entered the country. The figure refers to noncitizens with homicide convictions over a 40-year span and does not imply a direct correlation to current immigration policies.

On economic claims, Trump asserted that his administration achieved the greatest economy in history, but data shows that while unemployment dropped, GDP growth was lower than in previous administrations. Other economic indicators such as wages and business investment also contradict his assertion.

Lastly, Trump inaccurately claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris was tasked with managing border security. Her role is focused on addressing the root causes of migration rather than direct control over border enforcement, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security.

 

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Did Not Endorse Donald Trump

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has not endorsed Donald Trump for president, directly contradicting claims made by the former president. Rumors surfaced online, particularly on Truth Social, where Trump asserted that Dimon had thrown his support behind him. However, a spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase confirmed that these assertions are inaccurate, clarifying that Dimon has not made any endorsements in the current presidential race.

In a recent interview, Dimon explicitly stated, “I’m not endorsing anyone at this time,” emphasizing his focus on policy issues rather than political endorsements. This aligns with previous reports indicating that Dimon had supported Trump’s GOP primary rival, Nikki Haley, as he sought to rally other business leaders behind her candidacy.

Trump then laughably denied any knowledge of his own post

Despite the false claims of Dimon’s endorsement circulating on social media, it is evident that he has maintained a position of non-partisanship in this election cycle. The misinformation has been propagated by various users on platforms like X, amplifying Trump’s false narrative.

Furthermore, while Trump has previously mentioned considering Dimon for a Treasury Secretary position should he regain the presidency, he later retracted those comments, suggesting uncertainty about the origins of such reports. This inconsistency highlights the ongoing pattern of misleading statements from Trump regarding endorsements and support.

Ultimately, Jamie Dimon’s stance remains clear: he has not endorsed Donald Trump, and the claims made by Trump are unfounded. This incident underscores the need for accurate reporting and fact-checking in the political discourse surrounding the upcoming presidential election.

Liz Cheney’s remarks at a Harris campaign event evidently struck a nerve with Trump

 

At a recent Kamala Harris campaign event, former Representative Liz Cheney delivered a powerful message urging voters to reject what she called the “depraved cruelty of Donald Trump.” This bold statement sent ripples through Republican circles, prompting a swift and vitriolic response from Trump himself on his social media platform, Truth Social. He not only attacked Cheney but also criticized her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has also endorsed Harris.

In his lengthy post, Trump condemned Liz Cheney for her participation in the January 6 House select committee and disparaged her father’s historical decisions regarding the Middle East. He referred to the Cheneys as a “pathetic couple” suffering from what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” This animosity isn’t new; it’s rooted in Cheney’s outspoken criticism of Trump and her pivotal vote to impeach him following the January 6 Capitol riots, which significantly contributed to her primary defeat in 2022.

Despite the backlash, Cheney remains a staunch critic of Trump, asserting that he is unfit to lead the country. During her speech, she stated, “What January 6 shows us is that there is not an ounce of compassion in Donald Trump. He is petty, he is vindictive and he is cruel.” Her remarks struck a nerve with Trump, highlighting the intensity of their ongoing feud.

Cheney’s endorsement of Harris aligns with a broader strategy to attract anti-Trump Republicans, demonstrating her commitment to opposing Trump’s influence in the Republican Party. She praised Harris for her efforts to unite reasonable individuals across the political spectrum, further solidifying her stance against Trumpism.

While Cheney’s decision to support Harris may seem surprising given their party differences, it reflects a growing trend among some Republicans who are increasingly disillusioned with Trump’s leadership. Harris is actively courting this demographic, despite facing criticism from within her party for these efforts.

However, the potential impact of GOP endorsements for Harris remains uncertain. The Cheney name carries significant historical baggage, particularly due to Dick Cheney’s controversial tenure in the Bush administration, leaving many Democrats wary of his endorsement. This dynamic illustrates the complex and often contentious landscape of American politics as the 2024 elections approach.

 

Trump FEMA Claim Debunked: Agency Not Running Out Of Money Because Of Migrants

 

Former President Donald Trump has falsely claimed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is running low on funds due to spending on migrant assistance. During a recent rally, Trump asserted that Vice President Kamala Harris had diverted billions from FEMA’s budget to house illegal migrants, echoing comments from Fox News host Jesse Watters. However, this claim has been debunked by multiple sources.

FEMA’s funding for disaster relief and migrant assistance comes from separate budget allocations. While FEMA has indeed allocated over $1 billion to aid communities supporting migrants this year, this funding is drawn from the Shelter and Services Program, distinct from the Disaster Relief Fund used for hurricane recovery efforts. This separation means that the financial challenges FEMA faces are not due to migrant-related expenditures.

On October 3, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that FEMA is experiencing a cash crunch for disaster relief efforts but clarified that these financial difficulties are not linked to migrant assistance. The Disaster Relief Fund is specifically reserved for managing disasters, and its funds have not been diverted for non-disaster related purposes.

The current issues with FEMA’s budget stem from a lack of additional funding from Congress. Recent stopgap funding measures did not provide the necessary resources, forcing FEMA to prioritize immediate disaster needs while halting non-emergency rebuilding projects. Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about FEMA’s financial situation, urging Congress to reconvene and allocate more funds.

As Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc across parts of the Southeast, estimates suggest the storm could lead to damages exceeding $34 billion. The financial strain on FEMA could hinder its ability to respond effectively to ongoing disaster recovery efforts, especially with hurricane season continuing through November.

Trump’s claims about FEMA’s financial situation have been met with strong rebuttals from the Biden administration, with officials emphasizing the agency’s commitment to assisting all communities affected by disasters without bias. The administration has stressed the importance of accurate communication regarding disaster relief efforts, particularly during such critical times.

 

Trump’s Dismissal of U.S. Soldiers’ Brain Injuries as ‘Headaches’ Sparks Outrage

Former President Trump has once again downplayed the serious brain injuries sustained by over 100 U.S. troops from an Iranian missile attack in Iraq, dismissing them as mere “headaches” during a campaign event in Waunakee, Wisconsin. This comment reflects a troubling pattern of minimizing the suffering of service members, which has drawn widespread condemnation.

The Harris campaign swiftly criticized Trump’s remarks, labeling him as “unfit to be Commander-in-Chief” due to his insensitive comments about the injuries, which are a result of a 2020 attack that he previously dismissed as inconsequential. His statements appear to echo a similar sentiment from that time when he falsely claimed there were no injuries.

At the event, Trump questioned the meaning of “injured,” suggesting that the loud noise from the attack was the only issue, stating, “What does injured mean? You mean because they had a headache? Because the bombs never hit the fort?” Such rhetoric shows a blatant disregard for the real trauma experienced by these soldiers.

Moreover, Trump’s insistence that he was the toughest on Iran and his claims that the missiles did not hit their targets only serve to further trivialize the experiences of those who served. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz highlighted this issue during a recent debate, pointing out that Trump’s previous comments also dismissed the severity of the injuries.

Critics, including national security spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein from the Harris campaign, have underscored the gravity of Trump’s comments, stating that insulting injured service members during a time of increased military engagement in the Middle East is particularly egregious. Such remarks raise serious concerns about his capability to lead and protect the men and women in uniform.

(h/t: https://www.axios.com/2024/10/02/trump-us-soldiers-injuries-iran-strike-iraq-base-2020)

Trump Minimizes U.S. Troops’ Brain Injuries from Iran Attack as ‘Headaches’

 

Former President Trump recently downplayed the serious brain injuries sustained by over 100 U.S. troops during an Iranian missile attack on a base in Iraq, referring to them as merely ‘headaches.’ These comments were made during a campaign event in Waunakee, Wisconsin, where Trump responded to questions about whether he should have taken a tougher stance on Iran following the incident.

The Harris campaign quickly condemned Trump’s remarks, stating that they deem him ‘unfit to be Commander-in-Chief.’ This criticism highlights ongoing concerns regarding Trump’s previous dismissals of military injuries, particularly those chronicled after the January 2020 attack.

In his remarks, Trump questioned the meaning of ‘injured,’ asserting that no bombs hit the fortified area and implying that the troops’ experiences were exaggerated. He suggested that the sounds of the explosions caused discomfort, which he accepted as a form of injury.

These comments echo Trump’s previous statements from January 2020, when he similarly minimized the impact of the Iranian attack, which resulted in traumatic brain injuries among service members. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota also referenced Trump’s earlier comments during a recent vice presidential debate, highlighting a pattern of trivializing military injuries.

National security spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein from the Harris campaign emphasized that as U.S. forces are engaged in the Middle East, Trump’s remarks are not only insulting but also raise serious questions about his leadership capabilities regarding military matters.

 

Trump Misrepresents Kemp’s Communication with Biden Amid Hurricane Helene

Former President Donald Trump made claims regarding Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s communication with President Joe Biden amid Hurricane Helene. Trump suggested that Kemp was struggling to reach Biden, asserting that the federal government was not being responsive. However, this statement contradicted Kemp’s earlier remarks, in which he confirmed that he had spoken with Biden and appreciated the president’s offer of assistance.

During a visit to Valdosta, Georgia, Trump stated, “the governor’s doing a very good job,” but insisted that Kemp was having difficulty contacting the president. He also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting she was preoccupied with fundraising activities rather than attending to the crisis.

Kemp, on the other hand, clarified that he had missed a call from Biden the previous day but had returned it promptly. He reported that Biden had asked him what assistance was needed and offered to help further if required. This direct communication contradicts Trump’s narrative of a lack of responsiveness from the Biden administration.

Additionally, Trump made broader accusations against the Democratic leadership, claiming they neglected Republican areas during disaster responses. These comments appear to have been made in a context of political posturing rather than factual reporting, raising concerns about the accuracy and integrity of his statements.

This incident exemplifies ongoing tensions between Trump, his Republican allies, and the Democratic administration, particularly in contexts of emergency response. The misrepresentation of facts regarding communication between Kemp and Biden highlights the issues of credibility in political discourse.

 

Trump Misrepresents Immigration Stats to Attack Harris

 

Former President Donald Trump has made misleading claims regarding immigration statistics in an effort to attack Vice President Kamala Harris. He asserted that 13,000 convicted murderers entered the U.S. during her tenure as Border Czar, implying that these individuals are now living freely in the country. However, these statistics encompass noncitizens who entered over several decades, including during Trump’s own administration. Trump’s statements misrepresent the data by suggesting it only pertains to those who have recently entered the U.S.

Furthermore, Trump’s assertion that these individuals are all freely roaming the streets is incorrect. The statistics include individuals who are currently incarcerated for their crimes. The data released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that as of July 2024, there were 425,431 convicted criminals on the non-detained docket, with 13,099 having homicide convictions. It is crucial to note that these figures are not specific to Harris’s time in office.

The Department of Homeland Security clarified that the data spans decades and includes individuals whose custody determinations were made long before the current administration. A former ICE acting director stated that it is completely false to claim that all homicide offenders on this docket entered the U.S. during Harris’s vice presidency. The non-detained docket includes individuals from various administrations, including Trump’s.

Trump’s rhetoric has been echoed by various Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets, which have misrepresented the statistics to criticize Harris’s immigration policies. However, it is essential to understand that the increase in the number of individuals on the non-detained docket is not solely attributable to the Biden administration, as the statistics show a consistent presence of these individuals across multiple administrations.

Moreover, the ICE non-detained docket reflects a complex legal situation where individuals cannot be deported due to their countries’ refusal to accept them back, leading to their release after serving their criminal sentences. This process is governed by a Supreme Court decision that limits indefinite detention.

In summary, Trump’s claims about immigrants and homicide are exaggerated and misleading. The statistics he references do not specifically point to recent immigration trends under Harris, and the complexities of immigration law and international relations play a significant role in the current situation. The context surrounding these statistics is crucial for understanding the realities of immigration enforcement.

 

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