Category: Intolerance

Trump administration urges White men to file discrimination claims

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, chaired by Andrea Lucas, publicly solicited discrimination claims from White men this week, stating the agency is “committed to identifying, attacking, and eliminating ALL race and sex discrimination – including against white male employees.” This call aligns with the Trump administration’s characterization of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as “unlawful” and “woke” discrimination against White workers.

Vice President JD Vance described DEI as a “deliberate program of discrimination primarily against White men” and promoted an essay claiming DEI policies harmed White male millennials’ careers. Lucas responded by tweeting the essay contained “unlawful discrimination,” framing the EEOC’s new direction as enforcement against bias rather than investigation of structural inequities. The agency now operates under Lucas’s pledge to enforce civil rights laws without regard to what she termed the notion that only certain “charging parties” merit access.

White workers comprise approximately two-thirds of the U.S. workforce but file only about 10% of race-based discrimination claims with the EEOC, according to 2023 data. However, “reverse discrimination” lawsuits have increased, including a recent case by a money manager at Carl Icahn’s firm alleging denial of a board seat because of his race. Conservative commentators, including Christopher Rufo of the Manhattan Institute, framed the EEOC’s explicit recruitment of White claimants as federal recognition of “anti-White racism.”

DEI advocates, including David Glasgow of NYU’s Meltzer Center, stated that diversity programs aim to remove bias and create equal opportunity, not to disadvantage any group. Glasgow noted that White households possess 9-10 times the wealth of Black households, White men comprise 74% of Fortune 50 CEOs, and Black Americans remain outnumbered 12 to 1 by White people in executive roles. Corporate rollbacks of DEI initiatives following Trump’s campaign promises already impacted Black Americans’ career advancement across major companies.

Trump campaigned against DEI for fostering “anti-White feeling” and on his first day in office moved to eliminate such programs from the federal government and military while threatening to strip billions in federal funding and grants from universities and contractors. Companies across corporate America accelerated efforts to dismantle or scale back DEI initiatives to avoid losing federal contracts, directly eroding representation gains achieved by women and people of color in executive positions.

(Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/12/18/trump-anti-dei-eeoc-discrimination-white-men/87830694007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwdGRleAOy7WZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeRHC4Edio8cwGzlZP8ujagqeqZ3JpBY5B3gPLAOtiLaOJr7Cj2gNPJEsSMDk_aem_Nn4gYA96S6kn3bgF0f3ALA#eyb73jsweqjc32ytxzjwrdmvqs6shjnp)

HHS moves to slash funding and access to care for transgender minors

The Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services announced December 18, 2025, that it will move to eliminate federal funding for transgender healthcare for minors nationwide, targeting puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will initiate rulemaking to prohibit hospitals from providing such care as a condition of Medicare and Medicaid participation, and will bar Medicaid funding from supporting these treatments. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. characterized transition-related care as “malpractice” that violates the Hippocratic Oath, and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz stated the administration will prevent “taxpayer money” from funding what he termed “sex-rejecting procedures.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ president, Dr. Susan Kressly, stated the HHS policies “misconstrue the current medical consensus and fail to reflect the realities of pediatric care,” warning that allowing government to determine which patient groups receive care “sets a dangerous precedent.” Dr. Kenneth Haller, a pediatrician, characterized the actions as “anti-science,” noting that identical hormone treatments remain legal when used to treat other conditions affecting hormone production, revealing the policies target transgender minors specifically rather than medical safety. The FDA will issue warning letters to 12 manufacturers and retailers of breast binders for minors, alleging illegal marketing for gender dysphoria treatment.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights proposed revisions to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to clarify that gender dysphoria does not constitute a disability under federal nondiscrimination law, allowing funding recipients to restrict transition-related care without violating federal civil rights protections. The proposed rules and revision will undergo 60-day and 30-day public comment periods before finalization. This action builds on prior Justice Department subpoenas targeting hospitals providing transgender youth care, which created a chilling effect across the healthcare system.

The administration’s effort follows executive orders issued in January declaring only two unchangeable sexes exist and barring federal funding to hospitals offering transition-related care to minors. In July, federal investigations prompted over 20 hospitals in cities including Los Angeles and Boston to roll back or eliminate gender-affirming programs. Families with transgender children, including the Gonzales family of Texas, have relocated outside the United States to access care, with Rachel Gonzales stating they became “political targets” despite the consensus of their physicians. An estimated 724,000 youth ages 13 to 17 identify as transgender; research shows fewer than 0.1% of adolescents with private insurance receive puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones.

On December 17, the House passed legislation introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene that would charge doctors with felony charges punishable by up to 10 years in prison for providing gender-affirming care to minors—the harshest federal penalty ever enacted by the chamber. Representative Dan Crenshaw introduced a companion bill, expected for a House vote, to prohibit Medicaid coverage of transition procedures for anyone under 18. The Senate is expected to block both measures.

(Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/hhs-slash-funding-prohibit-access-trans-care-minors-rcna249874)

Trump’s $1,776 Warrior Dividends Not from Tariffs

President Trump announced $1,776 “warrior dividend” checks for 1.45 million service members before Christmas, claiming the funds originated from tariff revenue. Defense One reported the next day that the money actually derives from Congressional appropriations under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, specifically from the Basic Allowance for Housing entitlement meant to subsidize off-base housing costs including rent, mortgage, and utilities.

Congress allocated $2.9 billion to the Defense Department for housing supplements, with $2.6 billion designated as a one-time payment to approximately 1.28 million active-duty and 174,000 Reserve component service members ranked O-6 and below. PBS NewsHour’s Lisa Desjardins confirmed the funding source is not tariff revenue and noted the assistance was originally intended to span two years before the Pentagon redirected it into this single payment.

Budget analyst Jessica Riedl from the Brookings Institution criticized the action as “gimmicky” and “likely illegal,” stating the administration announced troop bonuses while quietly extracting funds from housing allowance accounts. The maneuver accomplishes no net increase in military compensation; it reallocates existing housing assistance into a headline-grabbing payment announced with misleading attribution to tariffs.

The administration’s tax-exemption claim may be accurate since supplemental housing allowances have received favorable tax treatment under a 1925 court ruling and 1986 legislation. However, the budgetary mechanism remains deceptive—the funds were never surplus tariff proceeds but pre-existing Congressional appropriations redirected from their original two-year housing support purpose.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump/the-1776-checks-for-troops-trump-claimed-were-because-of-tariffs-are-actually-congressionally-allocated-housing-allowances/)

‘An Appeal to Heaven’ flag seen hanging at Education Department office

A senior official at the U.S. Department of Education has displayed the "An Appeal to Heaven" flag outside his office, according to union leadership and department staff. The flag, historically tied to the American Revolution, has been adopted in recent years by evangelical Christian nationalist groups, the Proud Boys, and neo-Nazi organizations, and was carried by rioters during the January 6 Capitol assault.

Murray Bessette, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, has kept the banner hanging at the agency's Washington office. The flag's presence at an institution overseeing billions in federal education funding violates the separation of church and state and contradicts the agency's responsibility to serve all students regardless of religious affiliation.

Rachel Gittleman, president of the Education Department union, stated the agency "has no place for symbols that were carried by insurrectionists" and noted that employees have endured threats and harassment since January while now being forced to work under a symbol representing "intolerance, hatred, and extremism." The union directly linked the flag's display to ongoing demoralization within the department.

The Education Department did not confirm the flag's existence or address extremist associations. Deputy Assistant Secretary Madi Biedermann dismissed concerns as "imagined grievances" rather than addressing the documented history of the symbol's adoption by extremist movements.

The flag has appeared at multiple federal agencies and with high-ranking officials in recent months, including at the Small Business Administration in June and outside the vacation home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in 2023. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also displayed the symbol outside his Capitol Hill office.

(Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/15/flag-appeal-to-heaven-education-department/87778953007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwdGRleAOvHStleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGxD1KOqmayUcnMh7ghzmxyHAYGXloFm0oOnqT9P-iDZsL_Ld74VKbBhHR6c_aem_jtc8a0ueUHKs5OzrVNTLGg)

Mark Levin Hails Trump as ‘The First Jewish President’

Fox News host Mark Levin declared Trump “the first Jewish president” during a White House Hanukkah reception on December 17, 2025, stating Trump should be remembered “for a thousand years” by Jewish people. Trump confirmed Levin’s statement, claiming he is “the first Jewish president to serve two non-consecutive presidencies” and asserting, without evidence, that “bad things happened on the second one. Namely, the election was rigged.”

Levin first made the same declaration about Trump in 2019, stating it would be “an honor” to recognize him as such a president. The Fox News host has maintained this characterization despite previously criticizing Trump administration policies, writing in October that there were “echos of Biden” in the White House and repeatedly attacking Trump allies including Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson.

Trump’s claim of a “rigged” election contradicts documented election results and court findings across multiple jurisdictions. No credible evidence supports assertions that the 2020 election was fraudulent, and courts rejected over 60 lawsuits challenging election integrity.

The characterization of Trump as a Jewish president lacks religious basis. Trump is Presbyterian; his daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism to marry her husband, Jared Kushner, but Trump himself is not Jewish by faith or heritage.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/foxs-mark-levin-hails-trump-as-the-first-jewish-president-at-hanukkah-reception/)

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)

National Park Service Adds Trump’s Birthday as Fee-Free Day

The National Park Service (NPS) has eliminated Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as fee-free admission days, instead designating President Donald Trump’s birthday as a new fee-free day. This change affects over 11 sites managed by the NPS in Georgia, such as the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area and Kennesaw Mountain.

In addition to Trump’s birthday, other new dates for free admission in 2026 include Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend, and special birthdays for the NPS and Theodore Roosevelt. Significant previously designated fee-free days like National Public Lands Day and anniversaries related to the Great American Outdoors Act have also been removed from the list.

Alongside these changes, nonresidents will face a new fee structure, including a $100 charge for each individual aged 16 and older, alongside standard entrance fees at several parks, though this does not apply to locations in Georgia. The directive has garnered criticism, emphasizing a shift in the NPS’s approach to commemorating important historical milestones and promoting inclusivity.

This decision, particularly the elevation of a controversial figure’s birthday while sidelining civil rights milestones, has sparked backlash from various communities advocating for the equitable representation of all Americans in national spaces.

(Source: https://www.wabe.org/national-park-service-removes-juneteenth-mlk-day-as-fee-free-days-adds-trumps-birthday/)

Trump’s Unapologetic Bigotry Against Somali Immigrants

President Donald Trump recently launched a xenophobic tirade, labeling Somali immigrants as “garbage” and expressing his disdain for their presence in the United States. His comments were made during a cabinet meeting, where he voiced a sentiment that is increasingly indicative of the nativist rhetoric he employs regarding immigration. Trump’s history of insulting Black individuals, particularly from African nations, makes this outburst especially troubling.

While speaking on Somali immigrants, Trump declared, “When they come from hell and they complain and do nothing but bitch, we don’t want them in our country.” These remarks were particularly targeted at Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee and U.S. citizen, whom he derogatorily called “garbage.” This kind of language has been a hallmark of Trump’s political strategy, as he frequently associates immigrants with crime and societal decay.

Despite appearing disengaged during parts of the meeting, Trump fiercely reacted when immigration was brought up, indicating a strategic shift towards an anti-immigrant stance amid mounting pressures over his administration’s shortcomings. His comments followed a shooting incident linked to an Afghan national, which he exploited to intensify his criticism of immigrant communities, particularly in Minnesota.

Local leaders, including the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, condemned Trump’s remarks as reckless and dangerous, invoking the principle of inclusion in America’s founding creed. Mayor Melvin Carter emphasized the importance of defining who is included in “We the People,” highlighting the need for a more equitable understanding of citizenship.

Trump’s attack on Somali immigrants aligns with broader patterns of dehumanizing language used by his administration, reflecting a dangerous normalization of hate. Experts caution that such rhetoric may incite violence against marginalized groups, further underscoring the immediate threat posed by Trump’s ongoing inflammatory discourse.

Noem Urges Trump for Nationwide Travel Ban on Immigrants

Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, pressed President Donald Trump to implement a comprehensive travel ban targeting countries she labels as “flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.” In a post on social media, she expressed her view that America’s ancestors built the nation for its citizens, not for foreign individuals, stating, “WE DON’T WANT THEM. NOT ONE.”

Noem’s call for a travel ban reflects Trump’s recent promises to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries,” particularly following violent incidents attributed to immigrants, including a shooting involving a suspected Afghan national. Trump has criticized existing immigration policies, insisting they undermine American society and finance, stating that migrants benefit disproportionately from U.S. resources.

Noem’s focus on immigration policies aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which features extreme measures such as denaturalizing migrants deemed detrimental to national cohesion, ending federal benefits for non-citizens, and aggressive deportation policies. Both officials are vocal about viewing immigration as a central issue affecting national security and social stability.

This rhetoric from Noem and Trump echoes an intensifying trend in Republican politics, wherein immigration is depicted as a significant threat. Their comments play into a narrative that directly targets specific nationalities while advocating measures that many deem as xenophobic and divisive.

As their statements draw further attention, they contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the future of immigration in the U.S. amid rising tensions and increasing calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. Their extreme posturing reinforces a culture of fear and aggression toward immigrants in American political discourse.

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