Trump dials Collins with ‘profanity-laced rant’ over Venezuela war powers vote

President Trump conducted a profanity-laden phone call with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) on Thursday after she voted with Democrats on a war powers resolution blocking military action against Venezuela. According to two Senate GOP sources, Trump verbally attacked Collins during the call, which passed 52-47, stating the resolution undermined his authority as commander-in-chief. The call came unexpectedly, as Trump and Collins do not communicate regularly.

Following the vote, Trump posted on Truth Social that Collins and four other Senate Republicans who supported the resolution—Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Todd Young—”should never be elected to office again.” Trump claimed the vote “greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security” and strips him of powers necessary to defend the country. Senate Majority Leader John Thune characterized Trump as “fired up” before the vote and described the social media posts as a “short-term, immediate reaction.”

Collins responded to Trump’s public condemnation by telling reporters his reaction indicates he would prefer to see her replaced by a Democratic opponent in November’s election. The Maine senator, widely viewed as the most vulnerable Republican incumbent seeking reelection, did not engage further with Trump’s attacks but suggested his preference for her loss by referencing potential challengers including Democratic Governor Janet Mills.

This episode demonstrates Trump’s willingness to weaponize both direct intimidation and public statements against members of his own party who exercise independent judgment on national security matters. The incident reflects a pattern of Trump attacking opponents through name-calling and intimidation when they oppose his directives, extending that approach to Senate Republicans who deviate from his preferred policy positions.

(Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5682106-trump-collins-call-venezuela-vote/)

Trump Slams Woman Killed In ICE Shooting, Contradicts Police

President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social on Wednesday claiming that a woman fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis was a “professional agitator” who “violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer.” Trump’s account directly contradicts statements from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who reported the woman was shot in the head while in her vehicle after it began to drive away from a federal agent on foot.

Chief O’Hara’s preliminary findings indicate the woman was blocking a roadway when a federal officer approached on foot, at which point the vehicle began moving and at least two shots were fired. Video evidence does not show the officer being struck or in immediate danger from the vehicle, yet Trump claimed the officer acted in “self-defense.” The Department of Homeland Security characterized the incident as defensive action after claiming the woman “weaponized her vehicle,” a narrative the mayor and local law enforcement have rejected.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey characterized DHS’s official statement as false and told ICE agents to leave the city. Trump’s post falsely blamed the incident on “Radical Left” violence against law enforcement, despite no evidence suggesting political motivation in the shooting or that the woman posed an active threat to the officer’s safety.

The conflicting accounts between federal and local authorities underscore the Trump administration’s deployment of approximately 2,100 ICE agents to Minneapolis for what officials claim is the largest immigration enforcement operation ever conducted. Trump’s statement weaponizes the incident to justify aggressive federal enforcement and to attack perceived political opponents rather than acknowledge the discrepancies documented by local authorities and video evidence.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/just-in-trump-attacks-woman-killed-in-ice-shooting-directly-contradicts-minneapolis-police-statement/)

Trump Warns Iran He Will Act if Regime ‘Kills’ Protesters

President Trump posted a threat on Truth Social on January 2, 2026, declaring the United States “locked and loaded and ready to go” to intervene militarily in Iran if the regime kills peaceful protesters during nationwide demonstrations. The warning came as Iranians protested economic collapse, soaring inflation, and currency devaluation, with reports of deaths and mass arrests as security forces deployed tear gas and detained demonstrators across Tehran, colleges, and regional cities.

Ali Larijani, Iran’s former parliament speaker and current secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, responded by claiming without evidence that Israel and the United States orchestrated the unrest. Larijani stated on X that U.S. interference would destabilize the region and harm American interests, warning Trump that he “began the adventurism” and should focus on protecting American soldiers rather than intervening in Iran’s internal affairs.

Trump’s threat marks a significant military escalation following a 12-day military campaign in June 2025 when Washington and Israel jointly struck Iranian nuclear sites. Trump has previously warned he would authorize additional strikes if Iran rebuilds its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, a position he reiterated during recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office promising economic reform and relief for citizens, responded by appointing a new central bank governor and meeting with business leaders to address rising prices and collapsing wages. On Thursday night, Pezeshkian stated that “people’s livelihoods are the government’s red line,” calling economic stability “non-negotiable,” though Trump did not specify what his threatened intervention would entail in practical terms.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/locked-and-loaded-trump-warns-iran-he-will-intervene-if-regime-kills-peaceful-protesters/)

Trump Suggests Tim Walz Ordered Death of MN Legislator

President Donald Trump amplified a conspiracy theory on social media suggesting that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was murdered in summer 2024. Trump “re-Truthed” a post from @LightOnLiberty that falsely connected Hortman’s death to alleged money laundering fraud involving Somali immigrants, despite law enforcement’s clear findings regarding the actual perpetrator.

Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed at their home by Vance Boelter, 57, a man posing as a police officer who was indicted on six federal charges of stalking and murder. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Minnesota, Boelter “embarked on a murderous rampage targeting Minnesota’s elected officials and their families” after extensive research and planning. Trump displayed indifference to the murder while blaming the “radical left” for inciting violence, deflecting responsibility for the actual crime.

Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also targeted in their home by the same suspect and survived after lengthy recoveries. The Department of Justice has never indicated charging anyone other than Boelter for the shootings, yet Trump’s amplification of the baseless conspiracy persists without factual foundation.

Trump’s promotion of this theory fits his pattern of attacking Walz over Somali immigration and alleged fraud. In November, Trump falsely claimed “hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over” Minnesota and alleged Somali gangs “roving the streets” looking for prey, while the FBI has investigated such reports for years without substantiating Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric.

On Air Force One in November, Trump defended calling Walz “retarded,” claiming “there’s something wrong with him” for allowing Somali immigrants into Minnesota and stating the U.S. funds Somalia despite his assertion it “doesn’t function like a country.” This pattern demonstrates how Trump leverages baseless conspiracy theories and racist narratives to weaponize tragedy for political gain.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-shares-conspiracy-post-suggesting-tim-walz-ordered-the-assassination-of-minnesota-legislator/)

Trump Tells Jared Polis and Colorado ‘RINO’ to ‘Rot in Hell’

President Trump attacked Colorado Governor Jared Polis and a Republican district attorney in a December 31st Truth Social post, calling Polis a “scumbag” and the DA “disgusting” while telling both to “rot in Hell.” Trump’s outburst targeted officials responsible for prosecuting former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who is serving nine years in prison for seven state-level charges related to 2020 election interference, including providing MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s associate unauthorized access to county election software.

Trump falsely claimed earlier in December that he had pardoned Peters, stating she was being “relentlessly” targeted for “demanding honest elections.” However, Trump lacks authority to pardon individuals convicted of state-level crimes; Peters’ conviction and imprisonment remain valid regardless of any presidential pardon claim. Trump characterized her prosecution as evidence that Democrats prosecute election-security advocates while ignoring their own alleged mail-in ballot fraud, assertions contradicted by documented fact patterns showing no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Colorado or nationally.

Trump previously weaponized disaster aid to Colorado, denying federal assistance following wildfires and flooding while Governor Polis governed the state. This pattern of targeting Colorado’s Democratic leadership demonstrates Trump’s use of presidential authority to punish political opponents, further illustrating the authoritarian consolidation of power through weaponized governance.

Trump’s attack on a fellow Republican official as a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) reflects his ongoing purge of party members who do not demonstrate absolute loyalty to him personally. His refusal to accept Peters’ lawful conviction—despite her documented actions undermining election integrity through unauthorized system access—prioritizes Trump’s electoral narrative over institutional accountability and rule of law.

The Truth Social post exemplifies Trump’s pattern of attacking state officials and judicial processes when outcomes conflict with his interests, framing legitimate prosecutions as political persecution while simultaneously attempting to overturn state convictions through false pardon claims that carry no legal weight.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-tells-scumbag-governor-and-disgusting-rino-to-rot-in-hell/)

Kennedy Center president claims ‘legacy media’ is encouraging artists to boycott performances over Trump name change | The Independent

Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell accused major news outlets CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times of encouraging artists to boycott performances in response to the Trump administration’s attempt to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center. Grenell made these claims without providing evidence across multiple X posts, stating that “legacy media are left wing activists.” Critics, including former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, demanded Grenell produce the alleged emails, which would violate journalistic standards.

Multiple artists have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center since the board’s controversial February vote to add Trump’s name to the statutorily protected institution. Jazz supergroup The Cookers canceled New Year’s Eve concerts, with saxophonist Billy Harper stating he would not perform at a venue “bearing a name (and being controlled by the kind of board) that represents overt racism and deliberate destruction of African American music and culture.” The Doug Varone and Dancers troupe withdrew from an April 2026 performance, and drummer Chuck Redd canceled a longstanding Christmas Eve jazz concert in protest. In response to Redd’s cancellation, Grenell demanded $1 million from the artist, labeling the withdrawal a “political stunt.”

Trump attacked the Kennedy family on social media hours after the death of JFK’s granddaughter, amplifying MAGA supporters’ mockery of their objections to the name change. The administration installed MAGA-friendly board members in February and named Trump chairman of the center, abandoning the institution’s bipartisan tradition. Some observers dispute the legality of the board’s voting process, noting that a congresswoman was muted during the call and prevented from voicing criticism.

The attempted renaming has damaged the Kennedy Center’s financial performance and viewership. Ticket sales reached their worst levels in years following Trump’s takeover, according to October analysis by The Washington Post. The Kennedy Center Honors viewership dropped 35 percent year-over-year when Trump became the first president to host the event.

The Trump administration defended the name change as necessary to save the institution from deterioration, disregarding criticism from Kennedy family members and the broader artistic community. Grenell’s unsubstantiated allegations of media coordination appeared designed to shift focus from the substantive objections raised by canceling artists regarding Trump’s control of the culturally significant venue.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-kennedy-center-artist-boycott-b2892457.html)

Donald Trump Attacks Kennedy Family on Truth Social Hours After Death of JFK’s Granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg

Hours after Caroline Kennedy’s daughter Tatiana Schlossberg died on December 30 at age 35 from acute myeloid leukemia, President Donald Trump shared screenshots on Truth Social mocking the Kennedy family for objecting to his decision to rename the Kennedy Center after himself. Trump did not acknowledge Schlossberg’s death; instead, he amplified MAGA supporters’ attacks on the Kennedys, claiming they had neglected the performing arts venue and failed to support it financially.

The Kennedy Center board voted on December 18 to rename the historic memorial—originally dedicated to President John F. Kennedy following his 1963 assassination—as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” with work crews adding Trump’s name above Kennedy’s existing inscription. Multiple board members and family representatives challenged the process, asserting the vote was not unanimous and violated federal law prohibiting renaming the center without Congressional approval.

Kennedy Center board member Rep. Joyce Beatty reported she was muted during the call and prevented from voicing opposition to the renaming. She stated the vote was not on the agenda, lacked consensus, and constituted an attempt to circumvent law and deny citizens a voice in the decision. Joe Kennedy III argued that the Kennedy Center, established by Congress as a memorial to a fallen president, cannot be renamed any more than the Lincoln Memorial can be.

Family members responded with tributes to Schlossberg rather than engaging Trump’s attacks. Caroline Kennedy’s cousin Maria Shriver wrote that Schlossberg “fought like hell” to survive, describing her as a “beautiful, courageous spirit” and expressing her solidarity with Caroline Kennedy during the family’s mourning.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/donald-trump-attacks-kennedy-family-021944814.html)

Trump will support more strikes on Iran if it rebuilds its missiles program

President Trump declared Monday that he would support Israeli military strikes against Iran if the country rebuilds its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs, stating “we will knock the hell out of them.” Speaking ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Palm Beach residence, Trump claimed he had learned Iran was attempting to expand its missile capabilities and threatened military action to prevent such advancement.

Trump referenced his June authorization of U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which he had previously claimed totally destroyed the country’s capabilities. He conditioned future support for Israeli action on Iran’s continued weapons development, saying “if they will continue with the missiles, yes. The nuclear, fast,” signaling readiness to endorse immediate strikes if nuclear programs resumed.

During the Monday meeting with Netanyahu, Trump also endorsed granting the Israeli prime minister a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, calling Netanyahu a “wartime prime minister who’s a hero” and claiming Herzog told him a pardon was forthcoming. Netanyahu is currently facing a corruption trial and has requested the preemptive pardon before any potential conviction.

The meeting occurred as Netanyahu and Trump discussed escalating Iranian threats and the Gaza ceasefire. Trump’s statements on Iran followed his hosting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago the previous day, where Trump expressed optimism about negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, demonstrating his administration’s willingness to pursue military action against some adversaries while seeking diplomatic deals with others.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-support-more-strikes-iran-203217312.html)

Trump threatens lawsuit against Fed Chair Jerome Powell

President Trump announced he is considering filing a lawsuit against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, citing “gross incompetence” over renovations to Federal Reserve buildings. During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump claimed the construction project was poorly managed and that the costs ballooned unnecessarily, calling Powell’s oversight of the work his “baby” and describing the outcome as incompetent.

Powell has disputed Trump’s characterization of the renovation expenses. The Federal Reserve published a FAQ addressing the claims, clarifying that the project was first approved in 2017 and has undergone annual budget review by the Fed’s board of governors since its inception, contradicting Trump’s narrative of unchecked spending under Powell’s watch.

Trump has previously threatened legal action against Powell and has repeatedly demanded his resignation, stating “He should resign. It would be a favor to the nation.” However, Trump indicated he would allow Powell to complete his term, which ends in May, noting he was “so close” to the term’s conclusion and acknowledged Powell’s impending departure even as he suggested he might still remove him.

Trump originally nominated Powell to lead the Federal Reserve during his first presidency, and President Biden subsequently renominated Powell for a second four-year term. Trump’s ongoing fixation on the Federal Reserve leadership and his repeated attacks on Powell reflect his broader pattern of targeting the institution when monetary policy decisions conflict with his economic demands.

This lawsuit threat represents another instance of Trump weaponizing the legal system against federal officials who do not comply with his directives. The Federal Reserve’s independence from presidential control is foundational to U.S. economic stability; Trump’s repeated attempts to intimidate, remove, or sue the Fed chair directly undermine that institutional autonomy.

(Source: https://thehill.com/business/5665840-trump-powell-lawsuit-fed-buildings/amp/)

White House calls for “60 Minutes” producers to be fired: “Clean house” – Newsweek

Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, demanded that CBS News fire producers who objected to the network’s decision to pull a 60 Minutes segment from Sunday’s broadcast. Miller told Fox News on Tuesday that every producer involved in the “revolt” should be terminated, stating “Clean house. Fire them.”

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss removed the 13-minute segment titled “Inside CECOT” just three hours before air, which documented interviews with Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador’s CECOT prison without trials or due process. Weiss claimed the story needed additional reporting and suggested adding an interview with Miller or another Trump official, though correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi stated the piece had passed all legal and editorial reviews and was ready to broadcast.

Alfonsi rejected Weiss’s explanation in a message to CBS colleagues, stating the decision was “not an editorial decision, it is a political one” and warned that allowing the administration to block stories through non-participation gives them a “kill switch” for inconvenient reporting. She noted the segment had already been promoted to viewers, and its absence without explanation would be correctly identified as corporate censorship.

Miller defended the deportations on Fox News, falsely characterizing the Venezuelan men as “monsters” and “murderers and rapists,” despite reporting that many lacked U.S. criminal records and had only violated immigration laws. According to the Cato Institute, approximately 240 Venezuelan men were deported to CECOT in March; Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented that prisoners there are denied attorney and family contact and face widespread mistreatment.

The segment subsequently appeared online, intensifying backlash against CBS News. Multiple veteran correspondents questioned Weiss’s decision during a Monday meeting, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz called the situation “a terrible embarrassment,” and internal sources reported staff threatening to resign over the incident. Weiss stated the segment will air eventually, though timing remains unclear.

(Source: https://www.newsweek.com/white-house-calls-60-minutes-producers-to-be-fired-stephen-miller-11260869)

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