Author: Stop the Donald Trump

Trump’s False Claims on Approval Ratings Highlight Republican Deception

President Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his propensity for dishonesty, this time by inflating his approval ratings during a recent press interaction. When questioned about negative feedback from voters regarding significant layoffs at federal agencies due to the actions of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, Trump dodged accountability and launched into exaggerated claims about his popularity.

Despite assertions that he possesses “the highest poll numbers of any Republican president ever,” Trump’s statements starkly contrast with actual poll data. Recent surveys indicate that his approval rating is net negative, with CNN reporting a favorable/unfavorable ratio of 47%-52%, and the Washington Post showing a similar split of 45%-53%. This blatant distortion reflects a troubling trend among Republican leaders who repeatedly mislead the public concerning their support.

In defending Musk’s role, Trump claimed that the billionaire is performing heroic actions few would dare to undertake, despite widespread dissatisfaction with Musk’s policies. Polls indicate that 58% of Americans oppose Musk’s layoffs, and only 34% approve of his involvement in Trump’s administration. Trump’s attempt to align himself with Musk’s controversial actions further alienates a disillusioned public.

Moreover, Trump’s boastful statement that he has the highest ratings compared to previous Republican presidents falls flat against historical data. For example, George W. Bush enjoyed a staggering 92% approval immediately after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Such a misrepresentation not only misguides the American public but also reveals a concerning detachment from reality.

This incident underlines a broader issue within the Republican Party, where honesty and integrity take a backseat to relentless self-promotion and the erosion of democratic norms. Trump’s fixation on constructing a false narrative about his presidency aligns with a history of authoritarian behavior that seeks to delegitimize dissent and concentrate power in the hands of the few.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-tells-massive-whopper-about-his-sagging-approval-rating-highest-poll-numbers-of-any-republican-president-ever/)

Trump Uses Federal Powers to Target States Defending Civil Rights Against His Anti-Trans Agenda

In a troubling display of authoritarian behavior, President Donald Trump announced an investigation targeting Maine’s compliance with federal Title IX laws immediately after a contentious exchange with Governor Janet Mills. The confrontation took place during a meeting of governors where Trump once again displayed his disregard for state autonomy and civil rights, aggressively pushing for the enforcement of his executive order that seeks to bar transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

Trump’s threats were both clear and chilling as he warned Governor Mills about the potential withdrawal of federal funding to Maine if she did not align with his divisive policies. The governor, emphasizing her commitment to state and federal law, responded firmly, asserting, “We’ll see you in court,” a sentiment reflecting the ongoing battle against Trump’s discriminatory agenda.

Following this heated exchange, the U.S. Department of Education swiftly launched an investigation into Maine’s educational policies, directly citing Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric as justification. Craig Trainor, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, condemned Maine’s practices while pushing the narrative that failing to comply with Trump’s directives would result in lost federal supports, further politicizing a critical issue of rights and fairness in sports.

The investigation highlights the administration’s broader strategy of weaponizing federal powers against states that resist Trump’s agenda, reflecting a dangerous precedent that prioritizes partisan interests over the protection of civil liberties. This maneuver clearly shows that Trump’s administration is more interested in enforcing oppressive policies than ensuring the equitable treatment of all students.

As Trump continues to exert pressure on states like Maine, the implications for civil rights are deeply concerning. His administration’s aggressive stance on transgender rights is emblematic of a larger pattern of utilizing government authority to manipulate and intimidate, revealing the lengths to which Trump will go to uphold a regressive ideology that threatens the very fabric of democracy and equality in America.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/trump-administration-launches-investigation-into-maine-hours-after-he-sparred-with-governor/)

Trump’s Dismissal of Key Military Leaders Risks U.S. National Security and Integrity

In a dramatic upheaval at the Pentagon, President Donald Trump has dismissed Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, alongside two other senior military officials, Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Jim Slife. This action comes amidst a broader campaign by Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, to remove military leaders who endorse diversity and equity initiatives within the ranks.

General Brown, the second Black officer to hold the chairman position, has been significantly involved in critical military operations, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East during his 16-month tenure. His public support for the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd has made him a target in the administration’s fight against perceived “wokeism” in the military.

Despite Trump acknowledging Brown’s service on social media, the dismissal underscores the growing trend of politicizing military leadership. The president’s choice to nominate retired Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, who lacks specific required experience for the position, reflects an alarming willingness to sideline qualified leaders for personal biases rather than merit. This is coupled with the troubling backdrop of proposed cuts to civilian roles in the Pentagon, further showcasing a shift towards an autocratic style of governance.

The firings of Franchetti and Slife, both of whom held significant military experience, adds to a pattern of Trump dismantling the careers of competent military professionals. Franchetti’s dismissal marks another loss for female representation in senior military roles, echoing a worrying trend initiated during Trump’s first term.

This alarming series of events illustrates Trump’s increasing authoritarian control over military leadership, prioritizing political loyalty over professionalism and merit. Such actions not only undermine military integrity but also jeopardize the effectiveness of U.S. military strategy at a critical time, as national security increasingly depends on experienced and capable leaders in the face of complex global threats.

(h/t: https://apnews.com/article/trump-brown-joint-chiefs-of-staff-firing-fa428cc1508a583b3bf5e7a5a58f6acf)

Trump Targets Maine for Transgender Sports Policy Dispute

President Donald Trump has initiated an investigation into Maine’s adherence to federal Title IX laws following a contentious exchange with Governor Janet Mills. This confrontation occurred during a meeting with governors, where Trump aggressively pressed Mills over his executive order that bars transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. His threats included the potential withdrawal of federal funding, prompting Mills to firmly assert, “We’re going to follow the law, sir,” and warned of legal action against Trump.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) subsequently announced its investigation into whether Maine’s educational institutions comply with Title IX. Acting Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor criticized Maine’s policies, suggesting the state is disregarding the rights of young female athletes by permitting male athletes to compete in girls’ sports. His statements emphasized that federal funding is contingent upon compliance with antidiscrimination laws, clearly underscoring Trump’s administration’s determination to enforce their controversial policies.

Throughout the exchange, Trump exhibited a deeply adversarial tone. He dismissed Mills’s commitment to follow legal guidelines, implying that her political future was in jeopardy should she not comply with his directives. In a troubling response to Mills’s legal stance, he stated that he would relish a legal battle and that she might not remain in office much longer, reflecting Trump’s willingness to undermine democratic processes for political gain.

The investigation targets not only the broader educational system in Maine but also specific allegations regarding Greely High School, which has reportedly allowed a male athlete to compete in girls’ sports categories. Trump’s administration’s actions are increasingly seen as part of a broader trend toward authoritarianism that aims to politicize civil rights protections selectively, further marginalizing already vulnerable populations like transgender individuals.

Trump’s executive order and the subsequent federal investigation signal a significant escalation in the ongoing culture war against transgender rights. It highlights the administration’s commitment to enforcing policies that many argue infringe upon the rights and safety of female athletes, fostering a hostile environment for dialogue and legal compliance in the process.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/trump-administration-launches-investigation-into-maine-hours-after-he-sparred-with-governor/)

Trump Escalates Hostility Toward Transgender Rights in Confrontation with Maine Governor Mills

At a recent governors’ meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump clashed with Maine’s Governor Janet Mills over his controversial stance against transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports. This confrontation escalated to the point where Governor Mills declared, “We’ll see you in court,” in response to Trump’s threats to withdraw federal funding from Maine.

Trump’s remarks came after he singled out Mills during a previous speech to the Republican Governors Association, indicating his intent to target states that support transgender rights. In a display of authoritarianism, he insisted that federal law takes precedence and warned Mills that failing to comply would jeopardize federal assistance to Maine.

Mills, committed to the principles of fairness and equality, stood her ground by affirming compliance with both state and federal laws. The tension reached a peak when Trump dismissed her concerns, asserting, “We are the federal law,” exhibiting a disturbing disregard for the independence of state governance.

The U.S. Department of Education later announced an investigation into the Maine Department of Education regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes, further showcasing the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on transgender rights. This investigation highlights the ongoing culture war fueled by Trump’s administration and Republican ideology, which seeks to undermine the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations.

This exchange exemplifies the increasingly hostile environment and divisive tactics employed by Trump and his fellow Republicans, prioritizing political posturing over the rights and well-being of individuals. As Trump continues to assert his influence over state policies under the guise of legal authority, it raises alarm about the future of civil rights in America.

(h/t: https://apnews.com/article/trump-janet-mills-governors-transgender-athletes-7cc3a7a6f29748d4b95eaf743b023926)

Trump’s Purge: Loyalty Over Integrity in Government Appointments Endangers Democracy

Leland Dudek, a low-level employee at the Social Security Administration (SSA), was removed from his position after allegedly providing information to the government initiative DOGE, spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk. Within days, he was appointed as the acting commissioner of the SSA, reflecting President Donald Trump’s unwavering commitment to reshaping the federal bureaucracy to align with his authoritarian vision.

This rapid elevation underscores Trump’s agenda to prioritize loyalty over qualifications in government appointments. Musk publicly supported Dudek’s controversial promotion by criticizing the SSA for previously terminating him for “helping” DOGE identify taxpayer savings, a claim that raises significant ethical concerns about the misuse of sensitive government data.

Traditionally, the selection of a commissioner would follow a structured hierarchy; however, Trump’s decision to bypass this process demonstrates a blatant disregard for established norms, illustrating his intent to install loyalists who will enable his administration’s agenda without scrutiny.

Dudek’s tenure may be short-lived pending Senate confirmation of a permanent commissioner. Meanwhile, he has already granted DOGE access to critical Social Security beneficiary data, a move fraught with risks of misuse and abuse, as the agency handles sensitive personal information including Social Security numbers and financial records.

Moreover, Dudek’s claims about the status of Social Security beneficiaries contradict assertions made by Trump and Musk, further highlighting the disinformation campaign being propagated by Trump’s inner circle. This scenario encapsulates the growing trend of corruption under Trump’s administration, as he systematically purges those deemed disloyal while paving the way for a government that prioritizes his interests over the well-being of Americans. Without accountability, these actions risk undermining democracy itself.

Trump’s Hints at Third Term Reveal Clear Threat to U.S. Democracy

Donald Trump, just weeks into his presidency, is already hinting at extending his tenure beyond the constitutional limits. During the Republican Governors’ Dinner, he noted the importance of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and claimed to have raised over $608 million in three weeks, suggesting he could utilize this wealth to support allies in their reelection efforts. While making these remarks, Trump implied that running for a third presidential term might remain on the table, sowing seeds of uncertainty regarding adherence to constitutional constraints.

In a somewhat shocking statement, Trump questioned, “I’m not sure. Is that true? I’m not sure,” in response to limitations imposed by the 22nd Amendment that restrict presidents to two terms. This rhetorical leap indicates a troubling willingness to challenge established norms and laws meant to safeguard American democracy. Representative Andy Ogles further solidifies this agenda by introducing a joint resolution aimed at amending the 22nd Amendment to allow for up to three presidential terms.

Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, amplified these sentiments at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he called for a “Trump Forever presidency.” Bannon echoed the MAGA movement’s desire to retain Trump’s leadership, insisting, “The future of MAGA is Donald Trump!” The alarming commitment to a quasi-monarchical style of governance directly endangers the democratic framework and stability established in the United States.

Trump’s previous comments about the possibility of a third term are not isolated incidents. In private Republican gatherings and public forums, he has previously joked about circumventing the two-term limit, even likening himself to FDR. The push for constitutional changes reflects a broader conservative strategy attempting to undermine established checks and balances intended to prevent authoritarian rule.

The notion of a “Trump Forever presidency” is more than just political banter; it is an explicit threat to U.S. democracy. Achieving such a goal would require significant legislative and popular upheaval, including a supermajority in both Congress and various states, yet the intent alone reveals a disdain for the rule of law. Donald Trump has demonstrated time and again a willingness to flout traditional democratic norms and the law, raising grave concerns about the future of democracy in America.

(h/t: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-makes-chilling-next-president-142005945.html)

Steve Bannon Calls for Trump Forever Presidency Then Performs Nazi Salute

Steve Bannon, former chief strategist under Donald Trump and current intellectual leader of the MAGA movement, has come under scrutiny for performing a Nazi salute during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). This incident occurred as Bannon advocated for a Trump presidency that would extend beyond constitutional limits, asserting a desire for Trump in 2028 to an enthusiastic crowd of conservatives.

https://x.com/atrupar/status/1892785593442029712?s=46&t=gmVdbPvqqJ7CncHU4IYrkA

The context of Bannon’s speech included a rallying cry of “fight, fight, fight,” and he ended his remarks by raising his right arm in a Nazi salute. His actions have ignited controversy and accusations that align with the disturbing trend of far-right ideology becoming more prominent in Republican circles.

This episode follows another incident involving Elon Musk, who was accused of making a similar gesture during an inaugural event. Both figures have faced backlash, with many commentators linking these actions to a growing normalization of fascistic symbols and rhetoric within the GOP. Online discussions have drawn parallels between Bannon’s and Musk’s gestures, detractors emphasizing that these actions cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence or benign gestures.

Bannon’s statements at CPAC included an assertion that they cannot afford to “surrender” or “retreat,” fueling fears that his rhetoric reflects a broader trend of embracing authoritarianism among Republicans. Critics have noted how such ideology threatens the foundations of American democracy and plays into a dangerous narrative that positions opposition to their agenda as treasonous.

(h/t: https://www.newsweek.com/steve-bannon-nazi-salute-cpac-speech-elon-musk-2034185)

Trump DOJ Threatens Dem Congressman Over Musk Joke

Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has issued a warning to Representative Robert Garcia after the Democrat’s humorous jibe at Elon Musk, where he mockingly referred to the tech billionaire’s picture as a “dick pic.” This incident unfolded during a House hearing focused on Musk’s influence in government efficiency efforts.

Garcia’s remarks were interpreted as a challenge to Musk’s role in the Trump-administration-backed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which seeks to downsize federal agencies significantly. In a subsequent CNN interview, Garcia called for strong action against threats to democracy, igniting the ire of interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin.

Martin interpreted Garcia’s comments as potentially threatening toward Musk and his staff, asking for clarification under the pretext of protecting public figures appointed by Trump. Martin’s letter to Garcia, demanding a response by February 24, reflects a troubling misuse of prosecutorial power aimed at silencing dissent.

This is not Martin’s first attempt to suppress opposition to Trump. He has previously targeted notable figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former special counsel Jack Smith, often invoking Trump’s false narratives regarding election fraud to justify his actions. Martin’s efforts exemplify a disturbing trend of retaliation against those who dare to criticize the Trump administration.

Garcia, unyielded by the threats, publicly defended his right to oppose Trump’s policies and called for accountability. The escalation of these tactics signals a broader pattern within the Republican Party to intimidate critics, revealing an authoritarian bent that threatens democracy itself.

(h/t: https://newrepublic.com/post/191787/trump-doj-threatens-democratic-congressman-garcia-elon-musk-dick-pic)

Trump’s Executive Order Removes Check By Courts And Into Another Constitutional Crisis

Former President Donald Trump has signed a troubling executive order granting him unprecedented power over independent regulatory agencies, threatening their autonomy established to shield them from political interference. This directive specifically affects agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation but intentionally excludes the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, illustrating a careful manipulation of power dynamics to serve his administration’s interests.

The executive order mandates that these independent agencies must now submit all new regulations to the White House and form liaison offices, effectively placing them under White House control. The order further stipulates that the president and the attorney general have the sole authority to interpret laws, raising significant constitutional concerns and effectively undermining the judicial branch’s role in the federal government.

Trump’s push for expanded executive power indicates a strategic move to centralize governmental control and replace nonpartisan legal oversight with his administration’s loyalty-driven agenda. Law experts highlight that this order isn’t merely about regulation oversight; it represents a blatant disregard for the independence of these agencies and the principles of democratic governance. Legal experts regard Trump’s insistence on loyalty from government employees as an erosion of foundational democratic norms.

Under this directive, Trump has already dismissed several heads of independent agencies, prompting legal challenges that label these firings as illegal. The president’s aggressive aim to consolidate control is underscored in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which advocates dismantling independent agencies altogether, claiming they do not fit within constitutional parameters.

The order may result in severe ramifications for financial and labor regulatory frameworks in the United States, with fears of regulatory instability as Trump’s administration will introduce significant shifts with each election cycle. Such actions are reflective of a broader agenda towards authoritarianism, showcasing an alarming effort to dismantle the checks and balances that are vital to American democracy.

(h/t: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/19/nx-s1-5302481/trump-independent-agencies)

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