Category: Civil Rights

Trump’s Dangerous Proposal to Outsource American Criminals Exposes Authoritarian Shift

Former President Donald Trump recently expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of sending American criminals to foreign prisons, such as those in El Salvador. During a press conference, he seemingly endorsed the idea as a cost-effective measure to deal with “hardened criminals” in the U.S., implying that relocating these individuals would alleviate the burden on American prison systems. Trump’s comments reveal a troubling willingness to offload responsibility for crime management onto other countries, reinforcing a disturbing trend toward authoritarianism.

Trump’s rationale included disturbing references to violent crimes, suggesting that these individuals are nothing short of “animals” who threaten public safety. His categorization of offenders and the characterization of them as being beyond rehabilitation reveals a fascist perspective, prioritizing punitive measures over restorative justice and rehabilitation. This reflects a broader Republican mindset that often demonizes individuals rather than seeking to understand the complexities of crime and societal issues.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent discussions with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who offered to house American criminals in his country’s notorious prisons, illustrate the potential implications of Trump’s proposal. This arrangement would not only evade the complexities of U.S. justice but also facilitate a troubling outsourcing of law enforcement responsibilities to a nation with its own serious human rights issues. Such a move underscores the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of individuals in foreign prison systems.

This proposed plan connects to Trump’s ongoing anti-immigration rhetoric, where he conflates illegal migrants with American criminals, furthering a narrative that fosters division and fear. By suggesting that criminals could be relocated while simultaneously dehumanizing them, Trump seeks to distract from systemic issues in law enforcement and the justice system itself, aiming to shift the narrative away from Republican failures to address crime effectively.

Ultimately, Trump’s idea highlights a regression in values that is emblematic of Republican ideologies—favoring retribution over rehabilitation, and authoritarian solutions over democratic discourse. The unsettling implication of such proposals only reinforces the urgency for a critical reevaluation of how criminal justice is approached in America, as well as a rejection of the divisive and unethical tactics employed by Trump and his allies.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/id-be-very-happy-trump-floats-sending-jailed-u-s-citizens-to-prisons-in-el-salvador/)

Trump Administration’s Erosion of Diversity and Climate Discourse in Federal Agencies

Under the Trump administration, federal agencies have undergone a significant overhaul, particularly in the way they present information on their websites. President Trump’s executive orders have resulted in a systematic removal of language associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reflecting a troubling erosion of civil rights aimed at marginalized communities. This move signals an alarming alignment with far-right ideologies that seek to erase any mention of diversity from the public sector.

Evidence from an analysis of over 8,000 federal webpages reveals a staggering 662 changes that illustrate this shift. Words like “diversity” are being excised, and language exemplifying gender-neutral terms such as “pregnant people” has been replaced with more traditional terms, such as “pregnant women.” Such alterations not only misrepresent the complexity of various social issues but also signify an ideological commitment to maintain a narrow definition of gender and identity.

Additionally, federal agencies are scrubbing references to climate change, opting instead for euphemisms such as “climate resilience.” This linguistic shift reflects Trump’s rejection of established scientific consensus on climate issues, instead promoting policies that further corporate interests and environmental degradation. Consequently, references to federal programs addressing climate change have been removed or obscured, which underscores a willful neglect of pressing environmental concerns.

The systematic removal of DEI-related language extends to every federal agency scrutinized, undermining efforts to foster inclusive work environments. Job postings, official documents, and even historical content are being altered or deleted, effectively signaling to federal employees and the public that diversity and inclusion will not be prioritized in governmental practices. This regression is emblematic of Trump’s broader authoritarian tendencies that prioritize loyalty over accountability.

These developments represent not simply administrative changes but a fundamental assault on the values of equity and inclusion in the federal workforce. By erasing diversity-focused initiatives, Trump is engaging in an unethical campaign that caters to the interests of wealthy elites while marginalizing those who are already vulnerable in society. Such actions contribute to a culture of racism, sexism, and fear within government entities, undermining the very democratic principles upon which the United States was founded.

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 Regime Erases Diversity Language and Rights from Federal Agencies

President Donald Trump has made sweeping changes to federal agencies’ websites, aligning them with his administration’s regressive policies. His executive orders have led to the removal of critical references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a move that signals a clear attack on the rights of marginalized communities. An extensive review revealed over 600 instances where language concerning DEI was expunged from federal webpages, demonstrating a troubling commitment to erasing these fundamental values from public discourse.

During a recent press event, Trump endorsed the sweeping removal of DEI language, stating it “doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” This rhetoric underscores his administration’s objective to roll back protections that historically supported diversity in federal employment and policy-making. The White House has suggested that this agenda is underpinned by a mandate from voters to replace inclusive practices with a merit-based system, starkly denouncing the gains made by various communities over the years.

The changes aren’t limited to rhetoric surrounding diversity; they stretch into health and social policy as well. References to “pregnant people” have been replaced by “pregnant women” in federal communications, stripping away gender-inclusive terminology that emerged under the previous administration. Moreover, federal health agencies have begun to eliminate protections for gender identity from their non-discrimination policies, a move directly limiting rights for transgender individuals and erasing vital health reference points for non-binary persons.

Trump’s dismissal of scientific concerns is further reflected in how federal agencies communicate about climate change. Many references to “climate change” have been replaced with vague terms like “climate resilience,” abstracting from the critical discussion on combating global warming. This modification supports Trump’s broader goal of dismantling environmental protections, perhaps indicative of aligning with interests that protect fossil fuel industries while jeopardizing the future of environmental policy.

The systematic removal of DEI language and the reconfiguration of health and environmental guidelines illustrate a broader authoritarian tactic aimed at consolidating power and suppressing diversity. Under Trump’s leadership, federal agencies become vehicles for regressive policy, reinforcing exclusionary practices that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy elite while undermining democracy and civil rights. Such actions echo a troubling trend where institutional integrity is sacrificed for political relevance in a bid to dismantle the foundational principles of equality and inclusivity.

Trump’s Erosion of LGBTQ+ Protections Undermines Rights and Safety

Donald Trump’s recent return to the presidency initiated a swift and aggressive rollback of pivotal LGBTQ+ protections put in place by the previous administration. These executive orders were signed with a flourish, intending to make it clear that Trump is taking a combative stance against the rights of marginalized communities, specifically targeting the LGBTQ+ populace.

Among the most significant actions Trump took was the rescission of Executive Order 14075, which had advanced essential protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under Biden’s administration. This order was crucial in promoting access to gender-affirming care, prohibiting conversion therapy, and ensuring safe environments for LGBTQ+ youth in educational and welfare settings. Trump’s reversal leaves the LGBTQ+ community exposed to heightened discrimination, especially in states hostile to transgender rights.

Moreover, Trump’s actions dismantled initiatives designed to shield LGBTQ+ youth from the dangers of discrimination and abuse both in schools and in the foster care system. By stripping away these resources, he has disregarded the well-being of one of America’s most vulnerable populations, potentially increasing their risk of homelessness and violence. This move is representative of a broader trend within the Republican agenda to undermine civil rights protections for marginalized groups.

Trump also removed plans aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within federal agencies, labeling such programs as “radical” and “divisive.” This dismissal of efforts that address systemic inequities is emblematic of a growing trend within the Republican Party to reject support structures that protect marginalized communities, thereby further entrenching discrimination and divisiveness in government policy.

Additionally, Trump signaled a departure from global collaboration on climate issues, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, which reflects a broader anti-environmental stance that prioritizes short-term political gains over actionable climate solutions. Such measures represent a significant undermining of progressive policies that the Biden administration sought to enact.

(h/t: https://www.advocate.com/politics/trump-rolls-back-lgbtq-protections)

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.

Special counsel informs Trump he is target in probe of efforts to overturn 2020 election – ABC News

The development indicates another indictment of Trump could be imminent.

Special counsel Jack Smith has informed former President Donald Trump by letter that he is a target in his investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News.

Trump also confirmed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The letter, which sources said was transmitted to Trump’s attorneys in recent days, indicates that yet another indictment of the former president could be imminent.

The target letter mentions three federal statutes: conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under a civil rights statute, and tampering with a witness, victim or an informant, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

There are no additional details in the letter and it does not say how the special counsel’s office claims Trump may have violated the statutes listed, sources said.

Trump, appearing Tuesday night at a town hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that he received the letter on Sunday.

“It bothers me,” said the former president. “I got the letter on Sunday night. Think of it, I don’t think they’ve ever sent a letter on Sunday night. And they’re in a rush because they want to interfere, it’s election interference, never been done like this in the history of our country and it’s a disgrace what’s happening to our country.”

Target letters are typically given to subjects in a criminal investigation to put them on notice that they are facing the prospect of indictment.

Multiple sources tell ABC News that allies, aides and attorneys for the former president have been working to determine if anyone else received a target letter from the special counsel regarding the election probe.

“We can’t find anyone,” a source said Tuesday afternoon.

A lawyer for Trump’s former personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, told ABC News that the former New York City mayor had not received a letter as of Tuesday afternoon.

“Any speculation that Mayor Rudy Giuliani ‘flipped’ against President Donald Trump is as false as previous lies that America’s Mayor was somehow a Russian Agent,” Giuliani adviser Ted Goodman said in a statement. “In order to ‘flip’ on President Trump — as so many in the anti-Trump media are fantasizing over — Mayor Giuliani would’ve had to commit perjury because all the information he has regarding this case points to President Trump’s innocence.”

Trump previously received a target letter from Smith before he was indicted by a grand jury in Florida for his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House and his alleged efforts to obstruct the government’s investigation.

Smith took control of the sprawling Justice Department investigation into the failed efforts by Trump and his allies to thwart his election loss upon his appointment as special counsel in November of last year, and in recent months dozens of witnesses have appeared to testify before a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C.

According to sources, prosecutors have questioned witnesses specifically about the efforts to put forward slates of so-called “false electors” that were to have cast electoral college votes during the certification for Trump in key swing states that he lost to Joe Biden.

Investigators have also sought information on Trump’s actions and his state of mind in the days leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, when thousands of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol, temporarily disrupting the certification and causing lawmakers and former Vice President Pence to flee the building.

Trump was indicted last month on 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials, after Smith’s prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information ranging from U.S. nuclear secrets to the nation’s defense capabilities. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The former president has also pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment from the Manhattan district attorney charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election.

ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa and Soo Rin Kim contributed to this report.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated the special counsel’s target letter to former President Trump flagged a potential charge under a section of the civil rights code that mentions “color of law.” In further reporting, sources clarified to ABC News that the section mentioned is 18 USC 241 and does not include that phrase.

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

We now know Trump is being charged by Jack Smith with conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States, deprivation of rights under color of law, and tampering with a witness, victim or an informant, for his attempted coup.

[https://abcnews.go.com/US/special-counsel-informs-trump-target-probe-efforts-overturn/story?id=101404037]

Trump Says He May End Housing Desegregation Rule

President Donald Trump said he may get rid of a fair housing rule originally designed to desegretate neighborhoods, which some say in practice simply means building more housing. His administration has been trying to revise an Obama-era regulation on how to enforce the Civil Rights-era law; opponents say it’s an effort to weaken the rules.

Trump in a Twitter post though suggested he may want to go further. “At the request of many great Americans who live in the Suburbs, and others, I am studying the AFFH housing regulation that is having a devastating impact on these once thriving Suburban areas,” Trump said in a tweet. “Not fair to homeowners, I may END!” Trump didn’t offer additional details about his plans.

[Bloomberg]

Barr criticizes LGBT curriculums without opt-outs

Attorney General William Barr expressed opposition to LGBT curriculums that do not provide opt-out provisions for those who oppose it on religious grounds. 

He also expressed his belief that religious schools should be allowed to turn away teachers who are in same-sex marriages in a speech on Friday at Notre Dame’s law school

“Many states are adopting curriculum that is incompatible with traditional Judeo-Christian principles. … They often do this without any opt-out provision for religious families,” Barr said.

He particularly cited laws in New Jersey, California and Illinois requiring an LGBT curriculum. 

“The Orange County Board of Education in California issued an opinion that ‘parents who disagree with the instructional material … may not excuse their children from this instruction,'” he said, lamenting that in some cases parents are not “warned” about the material. 

“For anyone who has a religious faith, the most important part of exercising that faith is teaching that religion to your children,” he said. “For the government to interfere in that process is a monstrous invasion of religious liberty.”

Barr also cited support for schools that do not hire teachers in an LGBT marriage, citing the example of a teacher who sued Indianapolis’s Catholic Archbishop.

“Right here in Indiana a teacher sued the Catholic Archbishop of Indianapolis for directing the Catholic schools within his diocese that they could not employ teachers in same-sex marriages,” he said. “This lawsuit clearly infringes on the First Amendment rights of the archdiocese by interfering both with its expressive association and with its church autonomy.”

[The Hill]

Trump admin delays funds for human-trafficking victims that would help non-citizens

 The Trump administration abruptly delayed a $13.5 million grant to house human trafficking victims just five days after saying that “non-citizens” could be served by the program.

The program’s funds, which were approved two years ago by multiple federal agencies, are now in limbo with no indication when money will be distributed and no public explanation for the change.

The money was intended to support housing and supportive services for victims of sex and labor trafficking, including immediate emergency shelter and short-term housing of up to 24 months, according to the notice of funding availability. The money could also be used for providing trafficking victims with furniture, child care services, trauma therapy, cell phones and household items.

The grants were to be dispersed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Health and Human Services. HUD hosted a webinar on August 22 through the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness for organizations interested in applying for the money, which the council described on August 13 as an “unprecedented partnership” between the DOJ and HUD.

On September 4, the funding announcement was updated to “allow recipients [of the funds] to serve non-citizens,” including lawful permanent residents and foreign national victims, the funding notice said.

Five days later, the grant solicitation was cancelled, according to the federal government’s grants.gov website, which currently states: “This Funding Opportunity has been CANCELLED and is NO longer accepting applications.”

A spokesperson for the Justice Department told NBC News the program has been “postponed,” not cancelled and that a separate HUD website describing the grant as “cancelled” is a mistake. DOJ has not explained why, but the agency asked for the funds back from HUD and the spokesperson says DOJ will now run the program itself.

HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, sent a letter to HUD and DOJ on Friday criticizing the administration for abruptly stopping the grant and asked the agencies to explain what had happened. “Survivors of trafficking must have access to safe and affordable housing,” wrote Brown, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. “A decision to postpone these housing and services grants into oblivion will be a decision to waste anti-trafficking resources already on the table.”

[NBC News]

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