Category: Policies

Trump’s Controversial Claims About Migrants at Nevada Rally

During a recent rally in Reno, Nevada, former President Donald Trump made alarming claims about migrants crossing into the United States. He asserted that some migrants are equipped with weapons more advanced than those used by U.S. soldiers and suggested that they pose a significant threat to American sovereignty. Trump’s rhetoric implied that these migrants are attempting to ‘conquer’ the country, a characterization that echoes extremist narratives historically used to dehumanize marginalized groups.

Trump’s comments included unfounded claims that migrants are overwhelming hospitals and public schools to the detriment of American citizens. He alleged that there are no available hospital beds for Americans and implied that migrant children are prioritized over local children in schools. These statements are misleading and lack credible evidence, contributing to a narrative that fosters fear and division.

The former president’s remarks also included a call to action for his supporters, promising that under a potential future Trump administration, American citizens would be prioritized over migrants. He framed the situation as a battle for the country’s future, using language that evokes historical parallels with extremist ideologies that aimed to incite fear and justify discrimination.

Trump’s rhetoric has been criticized for its potential to incite violence and normalize hate against immigrant communities. His comparison of migrants to armed adversaries reflects a dangerous trend in political discourse that seeks to vilify and marginalize vulnerable populations. This approach not only distorts the reality of immigration but also undermines the values of inclusivity and compassion.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/trump-vows-to-end-migrants-who-are-trying-to-conquer-u-s/)

Trump Calls On FCC To Revoke CBS’ Broadcast License, From The Authoritarian Playbook

Donald Trump is calling on the FCC to revoke the license of CBS after 60 Minutes was found to have (dun dun dun) edited down one of Kamala Harris’ answers for time, something that happens quite regularly when Trump runs to his safe space Fox News.

The FCC obviously pushed back, but the people leading the FCC now pointing out Trump’s wishes obviously is anti-constitutional, will not be there once Donald Trump retakes power.

As I’ve said before, the First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy. The FCC does not and will not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage. – FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel

In the authoritarian playbook, clamping down on independent media will happen quick and we’ll never get it back. Recall when Hugo Chavez in Venezuela sent forces to take over independent private news agencies and brought them back online as propaganda outlets.

It wasn’t that long ago that the last independent news agency in Hungry was kicked off the air when Viktor Orban revoked all broadcast licenses of a free and open press, and now all Hungry has is pro-Orban propaganda outlets. Orban was recently a featured speaker at CPAC, the largest gathering of conservatives, on how to successfully import authoritarianism in a Western democracy.

So far Trump has previously threatened the broadcast licenses of ABC, NBC, PBS, NPR and simply for reporting on the things he says and does. And now Trump is threatening CBS because he ducked out of 60 Minutes like the pussybitch he is because they wouldn’t agree to not fact check him.

It will happen here. If not with Trump, then the next Republican because the authoritarian model has been fully adopted by the GOP.

Trump Advocates Death Penalty for Drug Dealers in Erratic Rant

Donald Trump, the former president, recently took to the stage at the Detroit Economics Club and delivered a bizarre eight-minute monologue on his parenting style. This rant took a dark turn when he suggested that drug dealers should face the death penalty, demonstrating a shocking lack of clarity in his thoughts. Amid softball questions about his accomplishments and advice for young adults, Trump’s response to inquiries about fatherhood was particularly unsettling.

During the Q&A session, Trump, who is on his third marriage and has five children, began by expressing his luck in having ‘smart children.’ He claimed he instilled values of sobriety by telling them, ‘No drugs, no alcohol, no smoking.’ This is ironic, considering his previous praise for flavored vaping during his presidency, highlighting his contradictory stance on substance use.

Trump’s comments morphed into a rambling discussion about his relationship with China’s President Xi Jinping, who he claimed would eliminate drug issues by imposing the death penalty on those involved in trafficking fentanyl. Trump asserted that countries with such harsh penalties do not experience drug problems, a claim that overlooks the complex realities of drug addiction and law enforcement.

While attempting to present himself as a tough-on-drugs leader, Trump’s arguments lack factual support. Contrary to his assertions, data from China indicates there are nearly 900,000 registered drug users in the country, undermining his narrative that extreme measures effectively solve drug issues.

In summary, Trump’s Detroit speech encapsulated his erratic thought process and dangerous rhetoric on public health issues. His suggestion of capital punishment for drug dealers is not only alarming but also reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of drug addiction and its societal impacts.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-parenting-style-fatherhood/)

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.

 

Republicans Emphasize Anti-Transgender Messaging in Election Campaigns

In the lead-up to the election, Donald Trump and Republican candidates are focusing heavily on transgender issues as part of their campaign strategy. With approximately four weeks remaining until voting, they are targeting fears regarding transgender women and girls participating in sports and taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures in prisons.

Since early August, the Republican Party has invested over $65 million in television advertisements across numerous states, with analysis from AdImpact highlighting the prevalence of these ads in competitive races. This strategic move is intended to inflame cultural tensions and position Democratic candidates as out of touch with mainstream values.

Republican strategists are revisiting messaging that had limited success in the 2022 midterms, aiming to energize their base while simultaneously appealing to female voters who may feel alienated by the party’s abortion stance. Trump’s campaign ads prominently feature slogans that juxtapose his positions against those of Democrats, specifically targeting Vice President Kamala Harris.

In Ohio, for instance, ads from the leading Republican Senate super PAC consistently address transgender issues, framing Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown as permissive of transgender participation in women’s sports. This tactic seeks to exploit vulnerabilities in Brown’s incumbency as he represents one of the most at-risk Democratic seats.

The Republican approach reflects a calculated effort to leverage social issues as a means of galvanizing support, suggesting a belief that anti-transgender rhetoric could resonate with voters and bolster their electoral prospects in 2024.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Fact-Checking Trump’s Misleading Claims at Butler Rally

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Trump Misrepresents Kemp’s Communication with Biden Amid Hurricane Helene

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

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

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

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

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

 

Trump Misrepresents Immigration Stats to Attack Harris

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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