Category: Racist: African-American

PBS Closes DEI Office Under Trump Pressure Threatening Media Diversity

PBS has shut down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office in direct response to a recent executive order from Donald Trump. This closure affects staff members who worked in the DEI unit, previously led by Cecilia Loving. In a statement, PBS vowed to continue reflecting America’s diversity in its workforce despite this setback.

This decision follows a series of Trump’s executive orders designed to dismantle DEI programs across both federal entities and private organizations. PBS is currently under scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is investigating potential violations regarding sponsorship disclosures. This inquiry has been instigated by Trump-appointed FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who has repeatedly targeted public broadcasters like PBS and NPR.

Before this closure, PBS had been actively expanding its DEI initiatives, having established a dedicated DEI office in 2022. Their recent reports indicated a record high of 44 percent BIPOC representation in their workforce. However, with the Trump administration’s aggressive stance against DEI efforts, PBS now faces significant challenges in continuing these programs.

The closure of the DEI office represents a worrying trend of undermining efforts to foster diversity and equality in public institutions, echoing broader Republican agendas aimed at eroding inclusive practices. As public broadcasting faces external pressures, the rollback of such initiatives serves to reinforce the exclusionary tactics of Trump and his allies, who are determined to reshape America’s media landscape.

This move not only affects the staff involved but also threatens the integrity of public broadcasting as a space for diversity in representation and perspective. Trump’s regime continues to implement authoritarian tactics aimed at stifling dissent and manipulating media narratives, reminiscent of the strategies employed by populist leaders around the world.

JD Vance Defends Elon Musk Staffer Over Racist Tweets

JD Vance, the current Vice President, has expressed support for Marko Elez, an Elon Musk staffer who recently resigned from the Department of Government Efficiency after his racist social media posts were uncovered. Elez had connections to a Twitter account that endorsed eugenics, racism, and extreme views against certain ethnic groups, sparking ethical concerns about Musk’s influence in government appointments.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted Elez’s problematic statements, which included advocating for the annihilation of both Gaza and Israel, expressing a desire to repeal the Civil Rights Act, and promoting a “eugenic immigration policy.” Following the revelation of these posts, Musk criticized the journalist who reported on Elez, claiming the investigation was an attack on him and his team.

In a recent post on social media platform X, Vance defended Elez, stating he disagreed with some of his posts but believed that “stupid social media activity should not ruin a kid’s life.” He called for Elez to be reinstated, arguing against rewarding journalists who expose harmful online behaviors. This statement comes across as a clear dismissal of the serious implications of Elez’s views.

Vance’s disregard for the severity of Elez’s past remarks mirrors a broader troubling trend within Republican ideology, where defensive posturing against critical media is prioritized over accountability for racist and unethical behavior. The growing normalization of hate within the GOP reflects their ongoing abandonment of core democratic values, as they seek to protect their own over promoting justice and equality.

With this incident, Vance and Musk reinforce a dangerous narrative that tolerates bigotry under the guise of free speech, undermining the very fabric of a diverse society. Their actions serve to embolden extremist views and further position Republican leadership as enablers of racism and injustice within the governmental framework.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/news/jd-vance-goes-to-bat-for-25-year-old-kid-elon-musk-staffer-who-resigned-over-racist-tweets-bring-him-back/)

Trump’s Faulty Claims on FAA Diversity Policies Mislead Public After Plane Crash

Former President Donald Trump’s recent claims linking air traffic control diversity programs to a tragic plane crash are not just misleading but also factually inaccurate. The diversity hiring program that Trump criticized was actually initiated during his own presidency, specifically in 2019. This revelation comes from fact-checking by The Washington Post, which clarified that Trump’s narrative is an attempt to scapegoat policies he put in place.

In a press conference aimed at exploiting the emotional aftermath of a plane crash, Trump suggested various medical conditions that should disqualify individuals from being air traffic controllers—claims that have been met with backlash due to their unfounded nature. These remarks dismiss the capabilities of countless individuals who can thrive in such roles despite having disabilities. Trump’s definition of disqualification starkly contrasts with the inclusive hiring practices that were established for the FAA during his own administration and have been consistent since.

Trump also falsely claimed he rolled back diversity initiatives from the Obama administration regarding air traffic control hiring. In reality, the programs were left intact throughout Trump’s term and were the subject of legal challenges from conservative groups. His assertion that he altered these standards for the better lacks any substantial evidence; instead, it highlights the disingenuous and corrupt tactics characteristic of Republican rhetoric.

This is not the first instance of Trump deflecting responsibility, as he has previously made baseless claims regarding various issues, including public health decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic and national security purges. His pattern of blaming policies initiated by his opponents or his administration itself serves to distract from his own failures and maintain his grip on the right-wing narrative.

Furthermore, influential figures like Elon Musk have echoed Trump’s sentiments, misleading the public about the qualifications of personnel in regulatory agencies while ignoring the fact that Trump’s administration laid the groundwork for the current situation. This aligns with a broader Republican agenda that seeks to undermine diversity initiatives while appealing to a base that thrives on negative framing of progress, ultimately undermining fairness and equality in the workforce and advancing corporate interests over public safety.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/news/faa-diversity-program-trump-blames-for-air-crash-was-started-in-first-trump-administration-reveals-the-washington-post/)

Trump’s Agenda Undermines Diversity and Inclusion, Promotes White Supremacy

The Trump administration has taken aggressive steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) efforts within federal agencies. In a memo from the Office of Personnel Management, officials were ordered to place D.E.I. staff on paid administrative leave and to plan the closure of their offices by Wednesday evening. This directive underscores Trump’s commitment to a regressive agenda that privileges a narrow definition of merit over inclusive practices.

The memo specifies that agencies must strip any language or materials related to D.E.I. initiatives and withdraw pending documents that could contradict these new mandates. Trump’s executive order characterizes D.E.I. efforts as detrimental to national unity, framing them unjustly as a “spoils system” that undermines traditional American values such as hard work and individual achievement. Such rhetoric is a notorious tactic used by Trump and his allies to promote a divisive and exclusionary vision of America.

The implications of this directive extend into the private sector, as Trump encouraged corporations to follow suit, potentially rolling back initiatives at major companies like Meta and McDonald’s. Although federal oversight of private sector employment practices is limited, compliance could still affect businesses that contract with the government, creating a ripple effect that jeopardizes progress made in workplace diversity and equity.

This abrupt dismantling of D.E.I. efforts reflects a broader systematic action against social progress underlining the Trump administration’s values. By targeting structures designed to advance inclusion, the administration seeks to affirm the dominance of a white, male-centric narrative, effectively erasing the contributions and identities of marginalized groups. Such tactics are inherently unethical and serve to entrench existing inequalities.

This maneuvering not only erodes decades of civil rights achievements but also signals a shift towards authoritarian governance, reminiscent of tactics utilized by far-right regimes. As Trump and his Republican allies continue to pursue policies that prioritize elitism and exclusion over equity and justice, they further threaten the foundational tenets of American democracy.

Trump’s Disturbing Comments on Race and Privilege Highlight His Inadequacy as a Leader

In a recent rally in Michigan, former President Donald Trump made headlines by boasting about his “beautiful white skin” immediately after disparaging Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s comments come amid a contentious election campaign where he has frequently insulted Harris, whom he labeled as a “low I.Q. individual” and previously questioned her racial identity at a conference of Black journalists.

Trump’s remarks about Harris reflect his ongoing strategy of using personal attacks to undermine his opponents. His history of offensive comments regarding race, such as questioning Harris’s Blackness, demonstrates a troubling pattern of behavior that raises serious concerns about his fitness for office. As he continues to escalate his rhetoric, it becomes clear that Trump is not only out of touch but also dangerously divisive.

During his speech, Trump lamented that his presidential duties have kept him from enjoying leisure activities, specifically hitting the beach. This self-indulgent complaint underscores his detachment from the everyday struggles of average Americans, who are facing economic hardships and uncertainty. Instead of addressing significant issues, Trump chose to focus on his personal experiences, further highlighting his privilege.

By lamenting his lack of a tan while insisting he has the “whitest skin,” Trump attempted to inject humor into his speech. However, this remark only served to reinforce the perception of him as a superficial figure more concerned with appearances than policy. His fixation on skin color in the context of a political campaign is not only inappropriate but also reflects a deeper insensitivity to the complexities of race in America.

As Trump rallies support for his campaign, it is crucial to recognize the implications of his words and actions. His continuous belittling of opponents, particularly women and people of color, undermines the values of respect and inclusivity that are essential for a healthy democratic process. Voters must critically assess the character and integrity of candidates as they head to the polls.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/trump-boasts-he-has-beautiful-white-skin-right-after-slamming-kamala-harris/)

Trump’s Baseless Claims About Immigrants Eating Pets Debunked by Fox Host

Former President Donald Trump engaged in a contentious dialogue with Fox News host Howard Kurtz regarding his unfounded claims about Haitian immigrants allegedly consuming pets in Springfield, Ohio. During the broadcast of Media Buzz, Kurtz pressed Trump on his reluctance to retract these statements, which have been broadly discredited. Kurtz reminded Trump that his assertions about animals being eaten had gained notoriety but were proven false, highlighting the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by such rhetoric.

In a puzzling defense, Trump responded with confusion, stating, “I don’t know if it’s true or not true,” despite the overwhelming evidence contradicting his claims. This denial of accountability illustrates a troubling trend where Trump dismisses factual information, instead insisting on the validity of his narrative. Kurtz, aiming to clarify, reiterated that local officials had debunked Trump’s claims, emphasizing the detrimental impact of spreading misinformation.

Trump’s insistence on the existence of missing geese as a point of argument only further showcased his disregard for factual accuracy. Rather than addressing the evidence presented by Kurtz, Trump deflected responsibility by shifting blame to media outlets, displaying a familiar tactic of evasion. This interaction underscores the former president’s commitment to promoting divisive and false narratives, often rooted in racism.

This incident is not an isolated case; Trump’s rhetoric aligns with extremist views often propagated by alt-right figures, including the promotion of the idea that immigrants threaten American culture. Such statements not only dehumanize minority communities but also echo sentiments expressed by known white supremacists. Trump’s position feeds into a damaging discourse that fosters intolerance and fear regarding immigration.

The exchange ultimately highlights the growing concerns surrounding misinformation and its implications for public discourse. Trump’s unwillingness to acknowledge the truth demonstrates a broader issue of accountability among political leaders. As the 2024 elections approach, the need for accurate representation of immigrant communities becomes increasingly vital in combating harmful stereotypes.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/what-about-the-geese-trump-snipes-at-howard-kurtz-after-fox-host-tells-him-flat-out-that-his-migrant-pet-eating-claims-have-been-debunked/)

Donald Trump Claims Some Races Have ‘Murder Gene’ in Eugenics Rant

In a recent interview on The Hugh Hewitt radio show, Donald Trump made controversial claims suggesting that certain migrants possess “bad genes” that predispose them to violence and murder. He asserted that there are numerous criminals entering the U.S. due to lax immigration policies, specifically targeting Vice President Kamala Harris’s approach to immigration.

Trump’s comments included a sweeping accusation that Harris is responsible for allowing individuals with violent tendencies into the country, stating, “How about allowing people to come to an open border, 13,000 of which were murders, many of them murdered far more than one person.” He went on to state, “We got a lot of bad genes in our country right now,” implying a genetic basis for criminal behavior.

This rhetoric aligns with Trump’s previous remarks associating genetics with racial superiority. During his 2020 campaign, Trump suggested that he and his supporters had “good genes,” indicating a belief that genetics play a role in societal issues like crime and immigration. Such comments have drawn parallels to eugenics ideologies, which have historically been associated with racism and discrimination.

The backlash against Trump’s statements has been significant, with many social commentators and political opponents denouncing his views as dangerous and unfounded. Experts in genetics and social sciences have criticized the notion that criminality can be linked to genetics, emphasizing the role of socio-economic factors and systemic issues.

Trump’s remarks not only reflect his ongoing campaign strategy that includes targeting immigrant populations but also highlight a broader trend within certain political circles that seek to frame immigration issues through a lens of racial and genetic determinism. Such assertions raise concerns about the potential for increased stigmatization of minority groups and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

 

Asked why Black Americans are killed by police, Trump responds, “So are White people”

In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, President Trump said the killing of George Floyd was “terrible” but appeared to bristle when asked why Black Americans are “still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country.”

“So are White people. So are White people. What a terrible question to ask. So are White people,” Mr. Trump told CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge at the White House. “More White people, by the way. More White people.”

Police departments are not required to report comprehensive data on police killings, but researchers have compiled statistics showing Black Americans are more likely to die at the hands of law enforcement than White people. One study published in 2018 found that Black men are roughly 3.5 times more likely to be killed by law enforcement than White men. Another study released in 2019 found that one in 1,000 Black men in the U.S. can expect to die at the hands of police over the course of their lifetimes.

A study by Harvard researchers published in late June found that the number of White people killed by the police between 2013 and 2017 was higher than any other demographic. But White people constitute a larger portion of the population than Black people, and the study also showed that Black people were three times more likely to be killed by law enforcement officers than White Americans.

Mr. Trump’s comments come after weeks of nationwide protests against police brutality and racial violence instigated by the death of Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was killed in Minneapolis after a White police officer pressed a knee to his neck for almost nine minutes. Mr. Trump said he believed Floyd’s death was “terrible” in the interview with Herridge.

Mr. Trump’s critics have accused him of overtly appealing to white supremacists through his continued defense of the Confederate flag and statues of Confederate officials. Mr. Trump said in Tuesday’s interview that he believed the debate over the flag is a freedom of speech issue.

“All I say is freedom of speech. It’s very simple. My attitude is freedom of speech. Very strong views on the Confederate flag. With me, it’s freedom of speech. Very simple. Like it, don’t like it, it’s freedom of speech,” Mr. Trump said. He previously said in 2015 that he believed the Confederate flag should be in a museum.

When asked if he would be “comfortable” with supporters displaying the Confederate flag at his campaign events, Mr. Trump demurred.

“You know, it depends on what your definition is. But I am comfortable with freedom of speech. It’s very simple,” Mr. Trump said.

Herridge pressed the president on whether he understood “why the flag is a painful symbol for many people because it’s a reminder of slavery.”

“Well, people love it and I don’t view — I know people that like the Confederate flag and they’re not thinking about slavery. I look at NASCAR — you go to NASCAR, you had those flags all over the place. They stopped it,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the decision by NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag from its events. The president has also criticized Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only Black full-time driver, saying Wallace should apologize for an incident involving a noose that was discovered in his garage stall at a speedway in Alabama.

“I just think it’s freedom of speech, whether it’s freedom of speech, whether it’s Confederate flags or Black Lives Matter or anything else you want to talk about. It’s freedom of speech,” Mr. Trump continued.

[CBS News]

Media

Trump Speeds Up Plans To Force Foreign Students, Others Out Of U.S.

Faced with the prospect of losing the power to make immigration policy after the November 2020 presidential election, Trump administration officials are speeding up efforts to force foreign nationals to leave the United States, including a new policy that could push out many international students. The latest policy should be seen in the context of the June 22, 2020, presidential proclamation that blocked the entry of foreign-born professionals and encouraged them to depart the country by preventing the entry of many family members. The proclamation also included a plan, if implemented, that could drive many long-time H-1B visa holders out of America.

“The Trump administration seems to be doing everything it can to stop all immigration to the United States,” said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell Law School professor and an advisor to the National Foundation for American Policy, in an interview. “Families are separated and employers can’t bring in needed workers. These latest actions are hurting, not helping, our economy.”

On July 6, 2020, the Trump administration announced that international students at U.S. universities “operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States,” according to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). “The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States. Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status. If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.” (Emphasis in original.)

The announcement sent shockwaves through U.S. universities, many of which decided for health and safety reasons to offer classes exclusively online in the fall. Public universities facing state budget crises already expected to be harmed financially by the near absence of new international students, who often pay full tuition. Administration policies that may drive out existing international students as well will be a further financial blow and are likely to crush the dreams of many students, note analysts.

“By not allowing continuing international students who are studying at institutions that make the decision to continue with online classes, rather than moving to in-person or hybrid models, SEVP has made it more difficult for both these students and institutions. This is very unfortunate,” said Miriam Feldblum, executive director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, in an interview. She recommends the administration, at minimum, to continue the current flexibility from the spring on allowing all online classes, which was extended into the summer. Feldblum would also like to see online fall semester enrollment count towards eligibility to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

The Department of Homeland Security plans to publish a new regulation on the policy as a temporary final rule, allowing it to take effect immediately, though it is expected to be challenged in court. “The policy forces schools to pick a model and stick to it, despite the fact that Covid-19 is a moving target,” said Dan Berger, a partner at Curran, Berger & Kludt, in an interview. “Depending on how the virus progresses, schools with hybrid models [in-person and online classes] may go online this fall. The administration’s message does not allow much-needed flexibility based on public health as the Covid-19 situation plays out.” 

“The policy also forces some students to leave who are here and safe, even if the country they are going to has a Covid-19 outbreak or closed borders,” said Berger. “Schools offer more than just classes. There is support here for students who have nowhere to go, even if the students are taking classes online. And forcing schools that were online to add an in-person class to meet the ‘hybrid’ definition would mean bringing students into contact with each other just for immigration purposes.”

The new Trump administration policy may force international students currently enrolled at Harvard University to leave the United States. Harvard recently announced that “all course instruction (undergraduate and graduate) for the 2020-21 academic year will be delivered online.”

“We are deeply concerned that the guidance issued today by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement imposes a blunt, one-size-fits-all approach to a complex problem, giving international students, particularly those in online programs, few options beyond leaving the country or transferring schools,” said Harvard President Larry Bacow in a statement. “This guidance undermines the thoughtful approach taken on behalf of students by so many institutions, including Harvard, to plan for continuing academic programs while balancing the health and safety challenges of the global pandemic. We must do all that we can to ensure that our students can continue their studies without fear of being forced to leave the country mid-way through the year, disrupting their academic progress and undermining the commitments – and sacrifices – that many of them have made to advance their education.” (Note: On July 8, 2020, Harvard and MIT filed a lawsuit seeking to block the upcoming rule on international students.)

In response to the question, “Does it look like Harvard will have international students on campus in the fall?” William Stock of Klasko Immigration Law Partners said, “Apparently not.”

The new policy may upend hundreds of thousands of lives, but for Trump administration officials, who fear this is their final chance to institute lasting changes to U.S. immigration policy, it is just one of many measures designed to discourage international students and others to follow their dreams to America. Attorney Dan Berger said, “The chilling effect of this new policy on international students coming to the United States will be tremendous.” That is the point.

[Forbes]

Trump attacks NASCAR and Bubba Wallace over Confederate flag banning, noose incident

President Donald Trump on Monday took aim at NASCAR’s Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, a prominent Black driver, falsely claiming on Twitter that the sport’s recent anti-racist stance had lowered its television ratings.

“Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side, & were willing to sacrifice everything for him, only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX?” Trump tweeted. “That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!”

Utilizing his Twitter account on Monday to criticize NASCAR for banning the Confederate flag and separately two sports teams considering changing their names, Trump demonstrated his eagerness to make his views on race a central part of his re-election campaign amid the growing national conversation after George Floyd’s death on May 25 in police custody.

In a statement posted on his Twitter page, Wallace framed his response as advice to young people, saying, “All the haters are doing is elevating your voice and platform to much greater heights!”

“Last thing, always deal with hate being thrown at you with LOVE!” he said. “Love over hate every day. Love should come naturally as people are TAUGHT to hate. Even when it’s HATE from the POTUS.. Love wins.”

NASCAR drivers have rallied to support Wallace. NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick tweeted in response to Trump, “We don’t need an apology.”

“We did what was right and we will do just fine without your support,” he continued. The tweet was later deleted.

NASCAR released a statement saying the organization “continues to stand tall with Bubba.”

“We are proud to have Bubba Wallace in the NASCAR family and we commend his courage and leadership,” the statement said.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Fox News said Trump’s tweet was part of a “broader point” about the “rush to judgment.”

“The president is merely pointing out that we have to let facts come out before we rush to judgment,” she said.

Reporters grilled McEnany over the tweet during Monday’s press briefing, questioning her about Trump’s claim that banning the Confederate flag was bad for ratings.

McEnany said Trump was not taking a stance on the Confederate flag nor whether it was a good or bad decision for NASCAR to ban it. Instead, McEnany argued that that “NASCAR men and women” are “being called racist” and that Trump was defending them.

“He stands against the demonization of Americans and he stands firmly on the side of preserving our history,” she said.

Asked whether a Confederate flag would be permitted at a Trump rally, McEnany said the campaign does not allow flags other than official Trump campaign gear into rallies. Trump campaign national deputy press secretary Courtney Parella confirmed the policy to NBC News, saying, “We do not permit rally attendees to bring their own signage or displays of any kind and only allow approved rally signs inside our events.”

Speaking with Fox News Radio, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and a prominent Trump ally, said he didn’t think Wallace “has anything to apologize for.”

“You saw the best in NASCAR,” he said. “When there was a chance that it was a threat against Bubba Wallace, they all rallied to Bubba’s side. So I would be looking to celebrate that kind of attitude more than being worried about it being a hoax.”

Since NASCAR announced a ban on the Confederate flag last month, the sport has seen a boost in television ratings. Overnight ratings following the sport’s June race at Martinsville, Virginia, which immediately followed the banning announcement, were up 104 percent over a comparable 2019 race.

The Talladega race in Alabama later in June, where the noose incident Trump referred to happened, rated as the most-watched Monday contest in years. NASCAR has also benefited from being one of the few live events on TV, as most other sports remain idled in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Before Talladega, a door-pull rope shaped like a noose was found in Wallace’s assigned garage, raising questions about whether it had been placed there intentionally in response to his outspokenness in support of banning the Confederate flag at NASCAR events. Fellow NASCAR drivers marched alongside his car in a show of unity afterward. The FBI investigated the incident and ruled out a hate crime, citing video evidence showing the rope was in the stall months before it was assigned to Wallace. NASCAR released a photo of the rope to dispel the idea it was a hoax.

“I was relieved just like many others to know that it wasn’t targeted towards me,” Wallace told Craig Melvin on NBC’s “TODAY” last month. “But it’s still frustrating to know that people are always going to test you and always just going to try and debunk you, and that’s what I’m trying to wrap my head around now.”

As a politician, Trump’s history with NASCAR dates to early in his presidential campaign when he won the endorsement of the sport’s top leadership. At this year’s Daytona 500, Trump took the presidential limo on the track as a pace car before the race began. And at this weekend’s Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, one driver began racing in a fully decked-out pro-Trump branded car. He crashed a few laps into the race.

This weekend, Trump delivered a lengthy speech on defending statues from being removed or torn down and has increasingly bashed protesters.

Recent tweets have also gotten the president into hot water, such as when he promoted and then deleted a video showing an apparent Trump supporter shouting “white power.”

The White House said he didn’t hear the comment when he posted.

[NBC News]

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