Category: Unpresidential

Trump Escalates Global Tariffs to 15% After Court

Donald Trump announced a 15% global tariff effective immediately on Saturday via Truth Social, escalating from the 10% levy he imposed Friday after the Supreme Court struck down his reciprocal tariff policy. Trump claimed the higher rate was “fully allowed, and legally tested,” attacking the court’s decision as “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American” while asserting countries have been “ripping off” the United States for decades.

The British Chambers of Commerce condemned the increase as damaging to UK businesses, warning that the additional 5% tariff on most British exports would harm trade, US consumers, and global economic growth. William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC, stated the announcement proved their fears that Trump’s backup plan would be worse than his initial proposal and called for businesses to receive “clarity and certainty” rather than escalating tariffs.

Britain had negotiated the lowest initial rate of 10% under a deal between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Trump, with carve-outs protecting steel, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals. The UK government indicated it expected these preferential arrangements to remain intact under the new 15% framework, though officials acknowledged uncertainty about the tariff’s full implications for British trade.

Trump bypassed Congress by signing an executive order Friday invoking emergency powers after the Supreme Court overturned his reciprocal tariffs policy, allowing him to unilaterally increase import taxes. His escalation to 15% followed his public attacks on Supreme Court justices as “unpatriotic and disloyal” for blocking his previous tariff authority.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/president-donald-trump-keir-starmer-government-uk-government-b2925023.html)

Trump Praises Kavanaugh as Hero After Tariff Ruling Loss

President Donald Trump praised Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as his “new hero” on Saturday morning, along with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, after the Court voted 6-3 to strike down his emergency tariff authority on Friday. The decision included votes against Trump from Chief Justice John Roberts and two Trump-appointed justices, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, alongside the three Democratic-appointed justices. Trump’s public embrace of the three dissenters revealed his deliberate strategy to reward judicial loyalty and punish perceived disloyalty.

On Friday evening, Trump responded to the tariff ruling by attacking the majority justices, claiming their decision was “ridiculous” and that the justices who voted against him “should be ashamed of themselves.” He specifically targeted his own appointees Gorsuch and Barrett, claiming they violated an implicit obligation by ruling against him and complaining that “this never seems to happen with Democrats,” who he alleged vote as a bloc in their own interest regardless of the case merits.

Trump’s escalating posts throughout Friday night revealed his transactional view of judicial appointments. He complained that he did not appoint Chief Justice Roberts, blaming Roberts for allowing “foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years to continue to do so.” His final evening post urged Republicans to “Unite, stick together, and WIN,” framing judicial independence as party disloyalty rather than constitutional obligation.

By Saturday morning, Trump shifted to praising the three justices who sided with him, declaring Kavanaugh his “new hero” and asserting without evidence that all three dissenters wanted to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.” This pattern of public reward and punishment for judicial decisions directly contradicts the principle of an independent judiciary, positioning judges as political operatives accountable to the executive.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-wakes-up-blurting-praise-for-my-new-hero-and-its-about-his-devastating-court-loss/)

Trump FDA Allows Deceptive Food Labels Despite Ban Pledge

Trump’s FDA announced in February 2025 that it would allow food manufacturers to label products “no artificial colors” even when they contain potentially dangerous substances like titanium dioxide, provided the dyes are not petroleum-based. This reversal contradicts the agency’s earlier 2025 pressure on companies to phase out petroleum-based dyes entirely and represents a significant retreat from the stated goals of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, whose Make America Healthy Again movement positioned removing toxins from food as a cornerstone policy.

Health experts and consumer advocates criticize the new labeling standard as deceptive and ineffective. Thomas Galligan, principal scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, stated that the move “is going to cause confusion and allow some companies to mislead folks about the colors that are present in their foods,” noting that the rules are already riddled with loopholes enabling consumer deception. Galligan emphasized that a complete ban is the only effective measure to protect consumers, contradicting claims by Kennedy and the FDA that the policy represents progress.

Titanium dioxide, a naturally derived ingredient now permitted under the new rules, is banned in the European Union because regulators could not conclude it is safe and expressed concern it damages genes. The substance accumulates in organs, is a potential carcinogen, and is linked to neurotoxicity, intestinal inflammation, reproductive damage, and birth defects. The Environmental Working Group identified nearly 2,000 U.S. food products that may contain titanium dioxide, with estimates as high as 11,000, concentrated heavily in candy, cakes, cookies, and desserts.

Kennedy defended the policy as enabling companies to adopt “safer, naturally derived alternatives,” framing it as advancing the Make America Healthy Again agenda. However, the Environmental Working Group co-founder Ken Cook characterized the shift as “another broken promise,” stating that Trump and Kennedy pledged outright bans on dangerous food chemical additives to their base but instead settled for unenforceable handshake agreements with industry, leaving accountability and enforcement entirely uncertain.

The FDA has ignored a 2023 petition from five major U.S. public health advocacy groups requesting withdrawal of titanium dioxide approval for food use. Meanwhile, more than 25 states are independently considering bans on synthetic food dyes and other food chemical additives, with West Virginia and Texas having already enacted restrictions, effectively replacing federal action with state-level protection.

(Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/20/fda-artificial-colors-food)

FCC Chair Carr Demands Patriotic Content While Silencing Late-Night Hosts

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has called on broadcasters to air “patriotic, pro-America” content as part of a “Pledge America Campaign” ahead of the nation’s 250th independence anniversary in July. Carr’s directive explicitly requests networks air programming celebrating American history, begin each broadcast day with the Pledge of Allegiance, and feature music by composers including John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. The campaign frames such programming as addressing declining civics education and serving broadcasters’ public interest obligations.

Carr has become a central figure in the Trump administration’s conflict with late-night television hosts after pressuring ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show in September over comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting. Upon returning, Kimmel called out Carr’s hypocrisy by citing a 2022 social media post from Carr himself stating that “political satire is one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech.” Stephen Colbert similarly attacked Carr this week after CBS reportedly blocked an interview with Democrat James Talarico running for U.S. Senate in Texas, with Carr having indicated he was considering removing talk show exemptions from FCC equal-time rules.

Anna Gomez, the sole Democratic FCC Commissioner, directly opposed Carr’s campaign, stating on X that “nothing is more American than defending our constitutional rights against those who would erode our civil liberties” and urging broadcasters to refuse government interference by defending their First Amendment rights. CBS denied blocking the Talarico interview, stating instead that legal guidance indicated broadcast could trigger equal-time requirements for other candidates. The FCC’s equal-time rules do not apply to digital platforms, and the blocked interview has garnered over 8.3 million views on The Late Show’s YouTube channel.

Carr has framed his actions as ending broadcaster control over public discourse. In a Fox News interview with Laura Ingraham, Carr declared that “the days that these legacy media broadcasters get to decide what we can say, what we can think, who we can vote for, are over,” crediting Trump with “smashing the facade” of media independence. Carr’s language and actions demonstrate the administration’s deliberate effort to pressure networks into aligning content with government-approved messaging while simultaneously attacking press freedom as a mechanism of control.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-fcc-brendan-carr-patriotic-colbert-kimmel-b2924780.html)

Trump Imposes 10% Global Tariff After Supreme Court

President Donald Trump announced a blanket 10% tariff on all countries effective immediately after the Supreme Court struck down his reciprocal tariffs policy on Friday. Trump claimed the court “has been swayed by foreign interests” and stated he signed the order from the Oval Office, asserting the decision actually affirmed his ability to impose tariffs under different statutory authorities including Section 232 and Section 301.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that a 1977 law did not grant Trump power to impose tariffs without Congressional approval, delivering a major blow to his economic agenda. However, Trump doubled down by invoking alternative tariff statutes he claims remain “fully allowed,” stating the new 10% global tariff would be implemented under Section 122 and would remain in place for approximately five months while his administration conducts investigations to determine additional tariffs on specific countries.

The UK received the lowest tariff rate of 10% under Trump’s previous reciprocal scheme, and a deal negotiated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer included carve-outs for British steel and car manufacturers. British officials stated they expect the UK’s “privileged trading position with the US” to continue, though the Supreme Court decision raises uncertainty about whether existing preferential trade agreements will remain valid, as Trump indicated some negotiated deals will no longer stand while others will be replaced.

Trump stated the US has collected more than 133 billion dollars since imposing tariffs but now faces potential refund obligations to importers following the court ruling. Trump has previously used tariff threats as leverage against world leaders, demonstrating his willingness to weaponize trade policy for personal negotiating advantage.

British business groups criticized the uncertainty created by the ruling. The British Chambers of Commerce warned the decision did little to “clear the murky waters for business” and noted Trump could reimpose tariffs using alternative legislation, while campaign group Best for Britain characterized Trump’s approach as demonstrating the instability of conducting trade deals with his administration.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/oval-office-truth-social-president-keir-starmer-b2924786.html)

Trump Attacks Supreme Court as Disloyal After Tariff Ruling

President Donald Trump attacked the Supreme Court on February 20, 2026, after the justices ruled 6-3 that he exceeded his tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump called certain court members “unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution” and accused them of being “swayed by foreign interests,” while praising the three dissenting justices for their “strength, wisdom, and love of our country.”

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the majority in holding that the Constitution vests taxing power in Congress, not the executive branch. Trump dismissed this constitutional constraint, declaring “We have alternatives” and immediately announcing a 10 percent additional tariff on top of existing penalties. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump told state governors the ruling was a “disgrace,” and CNN reported he complained about “these fucking courts” while venting to lawmakers.

Trump’s public fury followed days of pressure on the Court. On Thursday before the decision, he proclaimed confidence in a favorable ruling and warned without tariffs “everybody would be bankrupt, the whole country would be bankrupt.” He previously posted on Truth Social “WE’RE SCREWED” if the Court ruled against him, and in August threatened a second Great Depression should tariffs face judicial rejection.

Trump has also threatened Republican members of Congress with primary challenges for opposing his tariff policies, demonstrating his pattern of coercing political actors into compliance. His tariff regime has created measurable economic damage, with the Commerce Department releasing figures on the same day showing American GDP growth has slowed dramatically under Trump’s pressure.

Trump’s defiance of the Court’s constitutional ruling exemplifies his broader rejection of institutional checks on executive power. Rather than accept judicial review, he announced plans to circumvent the decision through executive orders while attacking the justices themselves, prioritizing personal economic control over constitutional limits.

(Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-bashes-supreme-court-disloyal-tariff-ruling-1235520144/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQF5bVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEebESzDXzNXLIfTAEMaNsCfb7AHP7X2y0UXcNlGitQe-I_xHq7N77wdf9GjdU_aem_O7h_sMBna5w8I4qzOOn_SA&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook)

Trump Expels Media From Governors Meeting To Hide Policy Disputes

President Donald Trump expelled journalists from a White House governors meeting on February 20, 2026, instructing media to leave so discussions could proceed “very candidly.” Trump stated directly to assembled reporters, “We’re going to be asking the press to leave,” before White House communications staff ushered them out, with some pressing questions before being removed.

Trump’s official social media account mocked the press expulsion, posting that he had “kicked them out” after inviting them, characterizing reporter questions as “stupid.” This move prevented public scrutiny of a meeting where Trump had initially excluded Democratic governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland over political disagreements before reversing course under pressure and extending invitations.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer stated he could not recall a president officially inviting media into a formal meeting only to expel them, calling the action “extraordinary.” Correspondent Kevin Liptak reported Trump may have sought to hide contentious exchanges with governors, referencing a prior governors summit dispute where Maine Governor Janet Mills confronted Trump over an executive order withholding federal funding related to transgender sports participation and pledged to challenge him in court.

The exclusion of press from a bipartisan governors meeting demonstrates Trump’s pattern of restricting public access to government proceedings and suppressing media inquiry into policy disagreements. By barring journalists, Trump prevented documentation of disputes between his administration and state leaders on federal funding and regulatory matters.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-shockingly-asks-media-to-leave-as-governors-breakfast-meeting-kicks-off-that-way-we-will-talk-very-candidly/)

Draft-Dodging Trump Thirsts Over Awarding Himself Military Medal

During a Thursday speech in Georgia, Donald Trump disclosed his desire to award himself the Congressional Medal of Honor, claiming he considered doing so during his first term but was dissuaded by advisers. Trump, who avoided military service through draft deferments, stated he has awarded the medal to combat veterans with severe injuries and suggested changing the law to permit self-awarding the honor.

Trump acknowledged the apparent contradiction between his consideration of self-awarding the medal and the sacrifices of wounded soldiers he has honored. He described veterans who lost limbs in combat and framed his hesitation as recognizing the medal’s significance to those with documented battlefield injuries, yet he continued to express interest in obtaining one for himself.

The statement exemplifies Trump’s pattern of self-aggrandizement and disregard for institutional norms. His draft dodging during the Vietnam War, combined with his repeated efforts to claim military accomplishments and honors he did not earn, contradicts his public positioning as a defender of military service and sacrifice.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/draft-dodging-trump-thirsts-over-004234640.html)

Trump Pledges $10 Billion to ‘Board of Peace’ in First Meeting

President Trump announced a $10 billion transfer of taxpayer funds to his newly created “Board of Peace” during its inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C. on February 19, 2026. The board, which Trump controls as chairman without term limits or government oversight, includes nations with documented human rights abuses and corruption records such as Israel, El Salvador, Turkey, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia. Member states pay $1 billion each to join, with an additional $7 billion contributed by participating nations, though Congress has not authorized the U.S. spending and Trump provided no specification of where the $10 billion would originate.

Trump framed the board as overseeing implementation of a Gaza peace plan, but has previously stated his intention to redevelop Gaza as a “Trump Riviera” tourism destination. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law who holds no official government position, presented plans to reshape the war-torn region into a coastal investment opportunity. Kushner denied that individuals were personally profiting from the arrangement, yet the board’s structure grants Trump unilateral financial control without U.S. government oversight or restrictions, enabling him to access organizational funds beyond constitutional accountability mechanisms.

Major U.S. allies and Western democracies rejected participation in Trump’s coalition. The Vatican, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, and Ukraine all declined invitations, reflecting their assessment of the board as a mechanism for Trump to establish a controlled international alliance independent of established multilateral institutions. Putin received an invitation despite actively waging war against Ukraine, demonstrating Trump’s prioritization of personal relationships with authoritarian figures over democratic alignment.

At the Thursday gathering, Trump repeatedly appeared to fall asleep during speakers’ remarks, occurring throughout the more than two-hour meeting as foreign leaders addressed him. The event featured sycophantic praise from participating nations, including Egypt’s prime minister addressing Trump as “excellency,” a breach of protocol for U.S. presidents who historically reject monarchical titles. Kazakhstan’s autocratic President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a “President Trump award” to recognize Trump’s “outstanding efforts and achievements,” and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended without clear justification.

Trump also used the event to announce he would decide on military action against Iran within ten days, despite claiming last year that a previous strike “obliterated” Iranian nuclear facilities. The announcement of potential renewed warfare contradicted the purported peace mission of the gathering. Trump characterized the $10 billion pledge as “a very small number” compared to war costs, equating it to two weeks of military spending, while maintaining that no congressional authorization for the expenditure existed.

(Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-pledges-10-billion-board-of-peace-meeting-1235519576/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQErkNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0VFQVzCo4RTtSQuznefPb57AtrlKN1M0W58uDN1ZVeUZ56Y6TStjQtA1BYM_aem_v8x_9FRA2dmfshMiH_8cyQ)

Hegseth Invites Christian Nationalist Wilson to Pentagon Worship Service

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invited Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson to lead a worship service at the Pentagon this week. Wilson has publicly advocated for wives to submit to their husbands, opposed women’s voting rights, and defended Christian enslavers as operating on “firm scriptural ground,” according to his documented statements.

The invitation reflects Hegseth’s alignment with Christian nationalist ideology, which frames American governance through a lens of Christian supremacy and traditional patriarchal structures. Wilson’s presence at the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. military, demonstrates how Trump administration officials are embedding religious extremism into federal institutions responsible for defending constitutional democracy.

Christian nationalism contradicts the constitutional separation of church and state and the principle of equal protection under law. By platforming Wilson at a military facility, Hegseth signals the administration’s intention to weaponize the Pentagon as a venue for advancing sectarian religious doctrine rather than maintaining secular, constitutional governance.

This action parallels broader efforts by the Trump administration to purge the military of independent voices, as evidenced by Hegseth’s removal of Colonel Dave Butler from Army public affairs and the pattern of loyalty-based personnel decisions documented in recent weeks.

The Pentagon event demonstrates how Trump’s second administration is systematically remaking federal institutions to serve authoritarian and theocratic ends, dismantling the secular safeguards that prevent religious extremism from controlling military policy and national security decisions.

(Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/18/doug-wilson-pentagon-hegseth-christian-nationalist/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwdGRleAQEi79leHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6UG5yVkLHtcm12dqTWyaPFpbw9qvVB2OQY2H-GNUEPU36_Ysv_blD-hkWTVw_aem_GreTi7q4vRbeiim7jN7a8Q)

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