Category: Winning

Trump’s Funding Cuts to VOA and RFA Celebrate Authoritarianism and Endanger Press Freedom

Chinese state media has praised Donald Trump’s recent cuts to public funding for crucial news organizations like Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA), which have been instrumental in reporting on authoritarian regimes. This decision, which affects thousands of employees—over 1,300 at VOA alone—has been characterized by critics as a significant blow to American democracy and press freedom.

The White House has justified these drastic measures as a way to prevent taxpayer money from funding what they term “radical propaganda.” However, such cuts specifically target the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the body that funds these services and is responsible for disseminating vital news in countries where free press is often stifled, including China and North Korea.

Beijing’s state newspaper, Global Times, has openly celebrated the funding cuts, calling VOA a “lie factory” and suggesting that its reporting has been discredited by its own government. This reflects a broader strategy by Trump and his supporters to undermine independent media that challenges authoritarian narratives, further aligning with fascist tendencies and the suppression of dissent.

Veteran journalists from VOA have expressed feelings of betrayal, highlighting concerns about their colleagues returning to hostile environments where their safety could be jeopardized. A spokesperson for RFA has condemned the funding cuts as a “reward to dictators and despots,” asserting that the move negatively impacts the 60 million people who depend on RFA for accurate reporting.

Ultimately, Trump’s actions not only serve to bolster authoritarian regimes but also reflect a pattern of undermining America’s commitment to free and independent press. As the landscape of journalism shifts under these pressures, the future of unbiased reporting remains precarious, further eroding democratic values in the process.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwzmj9v34o)

Trump’s Failed Diplomacy: How He Empowered Putin While Ukraine Suffers

In a disappointing display of diplomatic ineptitude, President Donald Trump’s engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin has illustrated his inability to secure meaningful progress on the Ukraine conflict. The Trump administration, amidst alarming suggestions of negotiating territorial division and other concessions, entered talks with Russia only to come away with little more than a symbolic agreement on a ceasefire.

The call between Trump and Putin ended with a meager prisoner swap and a vague commitment to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, this so-called ceasefire is mired in ambiguity, as it appears to benefit Russia more than Ukraine. While Trump has framed this as a positive development, Russians are essentially free to continue aggressive operations against critical infrastructure aspects that Trump’s administration failed to define clearly.

This latest diplomatic fail comes on the heels of repeated Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, with a recent attack on strategic sites illustrating the grave risks of Trump’s approach. By demanding concessions without a concrete plan or oversight mechanisms, Trump has unwittingly empowered Putin to manipulate negotiations in his favor, undermining Ukrainian sovereignty in the process.

The implications are dire. Putin’s strategy embodies a long history of exploiting weak negotiations; instead of fair discussions, he offers half-hearted agreements that do not address the core issues of the conflict. The lack of specific agreements pertaining to intelligence sharing and military support raises significant concerns about Ukraine’s future as Russian missile strikes loom perilously close.

As the Trump administration grapples with these substantial deficits in strategic foresight, millions of Ukrainians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict’s violence. Trump’s inability to hold Putin accountable not only reflects poorly on his leadership but also poses a significant threat to global stability.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/18/europe/analysis-putin-trump-phone-call-ukraine-intl-latam/index.html)

Trump’s False Claims on Approval Ratings Highlight Republican Deception

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump’s Misguided Economic Policies Threaten Financial Stability

Former President Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his lack of understanding of economic principles by suggesting that the Federal Reserve should lower interest rates to accompany his proposed tariffs. In a post on Truth Social, Trump proclaimed, “Interest Rates should be lowered, something which would go hand in hand with upcoming Tariffs!!! Lets Rock and Roll, America!!!” This statement reveals his fundamental misunderstanding of how inflation and interest rates interact, undermining confidence in economic policy.

Trump’s comments come in stark contrast to the views of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who indicated that policymakers are not in a rush to lower rates as they assess the current inflation trends. This discrepancy highlights how Trump’s economic rhetoric is not only out of touch but detrimental to national financial stability. Economists widely recognize that lowering interest rates in tandem with tariffs could exacerbate inflation, a concept that seems lost on Trump.

This isn’t the first time Trump has flip-flopped on monetary policy. Shortly after taking office, he called for immediate rate cuts, yet soon after he praised the Fed’s decision to maintain rates. Trump’s erratic calls for policy shifts reflect not just a lack of expertise but also an alarming tendency to prioritize political gain over sound economic practices. The implications of his suggestions could erode the foundations of responsible fiscal management.

Current market indicators show that the Fed is unlikely to make any cuts until at least mid-year, with many analysts skeptical about any reductions at all this year. Additionally, just after Trump’s announcement, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a surprising increase in consumer prices, which raises further doubts about the feasibility of his proposed economic strategies. Trump’s reliance on gimmicky tariff policies and misguided monetary suggestions only serves to create further instability in the markets.

The reality is that Trump’s economic approach, driven by impulsivity and a fundamental misunderstanding of market dynamics, poses a significant risk to American democracy and financial well-being. His partnership with corporate elites like Elon Musk emphasizes a concerning alignment of interests that seeks to exploit national policies for personal and corporate benefit. It’s critical for the future of the American economy that sound economic principles prevail over Trump’s reckless ideologies.

(h/t: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/02/12/trump-says-interest-rates-should-be-lowered-to-go-hand-in-hand-with-his-tariffs.html)

Trump’s Tariff Suspension Is a False Narrative as Biden’s Border Agreements Take Center Stage

Donald Trump has agreed to temporarily suspend the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, portraying it as a diplomatic success despite the reality that both nations had been actively addressing border security and drug trafficking concerns prior to his claims. The false narrative he constructs revolves around negotiations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, completely disregarding the pre-existing agreements made during Joe Biden’s presidency when Mexico deployed troops to its northern border under Biden’s request.

This suspension of tariffs, which comes after talks with both leaders, is merely a facade to cover Trump’s failure to address the ongoing realities of U.S. foreign trade dynamics. In stark contrast, Trump did not extend the same courtesy to China, where a 10% tariff on imports has taken effect, illustrating a continuation of his reckless trade policies. The resulting retaliatory tariffs imposed by China are a significant escalation, exposing the damaging consequences of Trump’s misguided approach to international trade.

The superficial diplomacy exhibited by Trump does not reflect an understanding of the complex economic environment, as acknowledged by economists who warn that tariffs inevitably raise prices on goods like automobiles and food, adversely affecting American consumers. Trump’s framing of these tariffs as beneficial for American economic growth ignores the reality that they are likely to result in heightened costs of living, exacerbating the strain on everyday Americans already struggling in a post-pandemic economy.

Trump continued to mislead the public by taking credit for certain border agreements that were initiated by the Biden administration. For instance, the Mexican government had previously agreed to send troops to its border to manage migration in 2019, making Trump’s claims of success not only misleading but also indicative of an oppressive regime’s tactics to manipulate public perception.

The aftermath of Trump’s trade decisions has created a climate of uncertainty, as Canadian leaders warn of looming threats despite the brief respite from trade hostilities. Both Canada and Mexico remain vigilant, understanding that Trump’s unpredictable behavior may very well lead to further confrontations down the line. This situation underscores the broader issue of Trump and the Republican agenda, which consistently aligns with the interests of the wealthy elite while undermining the principles of democracy and economic equity in America.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87d5rlee52o.amp)

Trump Misleads Public on Border Closure Deal with Mexico

Donald Trump recently boasted about a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, claiming they struck a deal to “effectively close the border.” This assertion, however, is misleading as Mexico has already been implementing strict measures to manage migration.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated what he called a “very productive conversation,” suggesting that he had successfully pressured Mexico into taking actions that they were already doing. Sheinbaum confirmed their discussion focused on migration strategies, stating that caravans were not reaching the U.S. border due to Mexico’s enforcement measures.

While Trump positions this as a win, it conveniently ignores the fact that illegal migration rates have been declining due to the Biden administration’s enhanced cooperation with Mexico, a fact Trump fails to acknowledge. His claim follows a series of threats to impose tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, which raises questions about the sincerity of his negotiations.

The Trump administration’s focus on a border wall and aggressive immigration policies has been criticized as a façade to distract from more pressing issues. By misrepresenting the success of his conversations with Sheinbaum, Trump appears to be attempting to reclaim a narrative of strength on immigration, despite the reality of the situation being far less favorable for him.

In essence, Trump’s declaration of victory is less about genuine policy achievements and more about political posturing. His rhetoric continues to exploit immigration fears for political gain, which undermines the complex reality of border management and international cooperation.

(h/t: https://www.wbrz.com/news/trump-speaks-with-mexico-s-president-claims-an-agreement-to-effectively-close-the-border/)

Trump hits Senate for giving impeachment ‘credibility’ by holding trial

President Trump on Sunday tweeted that Republicans risked lending credibility to the impeachment inquiry brought by the House by holding a trial in the Senate.

The president said any proceedings in the Senate would be based on “no evidence,” and appeared to urge Senate Republicans to reject the idea of holding a trial at all.

“Many believe that by the Senate giving credence to a trial based on the no evidence, no crime, read the transcripts, “no pressure” Impeachment Hoax, rather than an outright dismissal, it gives the partisan Democrat Witch Hunt credibility that it otherwise does not have. I agree!” Trump tweeted.

Trump spent much of Sunday tweeting about the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, which, he wrote in one message, “should not even be allowed to proceed.”

“Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did NOTHING wrong?” he added in another tweet. “Read the Transcripts! A totally partisan Hoax, never happened before. House Republicans voted 195-0, with three Dems voting with the Republicans. Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have battled for weeks over the scope of the Senate impeachment trial, with Pelosi holding firm in her demands for McConnell to guarantee that witnesses will be called before she presents the Senate with the House-passed articles of impeachment.

Last week it was reported that McConnell had signed on to a measure that would allow the Senate to dismiss the House articles of impeachment without a trial.

[The Hill]

Trump complains he didn’t get Nobel Peace Prize days after threatening to commit war crimes

President Donald Trump complained that he was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize just days after he threatened to commit war crimes in Iran.

Trump spoke at a rally in Toledo, Ohio, on Thursday after walking back his threat to target Iranian cultural sites, which would constitute a war crime.

Trump complained at the rally about the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded back in October to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed “for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea,” according to the Nobel Committee.

But Trump claimed that he was the one who actually saved the country.

“I’m going to tell you about the Nobel Peace Prize,” he said. “I’ll tell you about that. I made a deal, I saved a country and I just heard that the head of that country is now getting the Nobel Peace Prize for saving the country. I said, ‘What, did I have something do with it?’ Yeah, but you know, that’s the way it is. As long as we know, that’s all that matters.”


The Washington Post reported that this would be “news to Ethiopians,” noting that Trump “played no apparent role in the Eritrea peace deal.”ADVERTISEMENT

The House Foreign Affairs Committee said on Twitter that “Trump is confused,” suggesting that he confused the Eritrea peace deal with another deal between Ethiopia and Egypt regarding a new dam, which Washington helped move along.

A senior Ethiopian government official told the Associated Press as much.

“He was talking about Egypt and Ethiopia,” the unidentified official said. “President Trump really believes he avoided a war as such . . . but that was not the case.”

Trump has long grumbled about the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to former President Barack Obama during his first year in office.

Trump claimed in May 2018 that “everyone thinks” he deserves the Nobel Prize for his efforts to negotiate with North Korea, which recently fell apart.

Trump later complained about Obama’s Nobel Prize during a speech in the Rose Garden last February.

“They gave it to Obama. He didn’t even know what he got it for. He was there for about 15 seconds and he got the Nobel Prize. He said, ‘Oh, what did I get it for?’” Trump complained. “With me, I probably will never get it.”

Trump also claimed last fall that the committee that gives out the awards was rigged against him.

“I think I’ll get a Nobel prize for a lot of things if they gave it out fairly, which they don’t,” he said during an appearance with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan before turning his attention to Obama again.

“He had no idea why he got it, and you know what?” Trump asked. “That was the only thing I agreed with him on.”

Obama received the prize eight months into his presidency for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

[Raw Story]

Trump Boasts of Stock Market In Wild Tweet: ‘HOW ARE YOUR 409K’S DOING?’

President Donald Trump touched on a series of topics in his Thursday morning Twitter statements, and in the most recent one, he declared that the stock market is soaring and everyone’s “409K’S” are doing great.

“STOCK MARKET AT ALL-TIME HIGH!” Trump tweeted in all-caps. “HOW ARE YOUR 409K’S DOING? 70%, 80%, 90% up? Only 50% up! What are you doing wrong?”

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1215285845336502272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Here’s a picture of the tweet before it got deleted:

Long story short, there’s no such thing as a 409k. 401k, sure. Not 409.

[Mediaite]

Trump takes credit for decline in cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society says he’s wrong

President Donald Trump insinuated in a tweet on Thursday that his administration played a role in the US cancer death rate hitting a record low in 2017. The American Cancer Society says that’s not true.

Trump’s tweet appeared to be referring to the findings of an American Cancer Society report released on Wednesday, which said the rate of people dying from cancer in the United States declined in 2017 for the 26th year in a row. Trump took office in January 2017. The report, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, said that the cancer death rate had fallen “continuously” from 1991 through 2017.

The report also found that from 2016 to 2017, the United States saw its largest-ever single-year drop in overall cancer deaths, a 2.2% decline spurred in part by a sharp fall in lung cancer deaths.Trump’s tweet on Thursday said, “U.S. Cancer Death Rate Lowest In Recorded History! A lot of good news coming out of this Administration.”

[CNN]

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