Category: Not Factual

Trump’s $5K Checks Blasted as Impossible Bribe

Donald Trump recently expressed strong criticism towards Democrats for allegedly opposing his plan to distribute $5,000 checks to Americans if Republicans maintain control of Congress after the upcoming midterms. Trump has dubbed these checks as the “Trump Dividend,” claiming they are a reward for America’s success and economic growth, and blamed “Dumocrats” for hoping the initiative doesn’t materialize.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump boasted about his previous achievements, using them as proof that he delivers on his promises. He emphasized a previous financial gift to the military as an example of his ability to fulfill commitments similarly. Trump urged voters to support the Republican party to ensure such policies are enacted.

The promise of these $5,000 checks has been met with skepticism and criticism, with some labeling it akin to a cash-for-votes scheme. Critics argue that such a payout would require Congressional approval, a point Trump dismisses by implying autonomy in the decision-making process, despite ongoing national debt concerns.

Trump’s confrontation with ABC News’ Rachel Scott further highlighted his aggressive stance. When Scott questioned the feasibility of the $5,000 dividend amid a $40 trillion national debt, Trump lashed out, deeming her and her network as “the worst.” This exchange underscores Trump’s contentious relationship with the press and his intolerance for criticism.

This latest proposal fits Trump’s pattern of making grand promises while dismissing procedural and fiscal constraints. His insistence on distributing the dividend without Congressional approval raises questions about the practicality and legality of such initiatives within the framework of U.S. governance.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-slams-dumocrats-for-hoping-his-promised-5k-midterm-dividend-never-happens/)

Trump’s $5K Checks Defy Congress and Reality

Donald Trump has claimed that his proposal to distribute $5,000 checks to every American does not require Congressional approval. During a speech at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Trump unveiled this plan, which he conditioned on Republicans maintaining control of Congress. The plan, is criticized across the political spectrum, with some Democrats calling it “socialism for the rich” and fiscal conservatives worrying about its $1.3 trillion cost.

Trump, in an interview with CBS News, insisted that the U.S. had generated trillions from tariffs and investments, suggesting such efforts funded his proposal without Congress. However, Trump’s statements faced scrutiny as fact-checkers, like CNN’s Daniel Dale, revealed inaccuracies, noting tariffs generated far less revenue. Additionally, Trump’s claim of over $20 trillion in new investments is unsubstantiated, with federal data indicating much lower figures.

A review found that the purported $11.2 trillion in investments touted by the White House was exaggerated. The administration counted vague pledges rather than actual investments, lessening the reliability of these numbers. Fact-checkers assert Trump frequently makes these exaggerated claims, despite lacking evidence from government sources.

Overall, Trump’s proposal to unilaterally issue $5,000 checks underlines his authoritarian tendencies aiming to bypass institutional checks like Congress. His unchecked assertions fuel skepticism regarding the feasibility and legality of such financial distributions without legislative backing.

This proposal aligns with Trump’s history of making untenable financial promises, reflecting a pattern of disinformation that misguides the public on economic realities, raising serious concerns about governance under his leadership.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump/just-in-trump-claims-his-5k-check-proposal-wont-need-congressional-approval/)

Trump’s $5,000 Payout Promise Lacks Foundation

Donald Trump’s promise to give $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win the midterms reeks of a classic bribe. The outlandish proposal was announced during a speech at a Texas Republican convention, where he declared this “Trump Dividend” would only happen if his party took control of both the House and Senate. This outrageous claim seems less like a policy proposal and more like an empty attempt to sway voters.

This isn’t the first time Trump has made such hollow promises. Previously, he teased $5,000 “DOGE dividends” and $2,000 tariff rebates—none of which came to fruition. His latest proposal would require congressional approval and is financially baseless, considering such a payout would cost $1.2 trillion, far exceeding any tariff revenues they could boast about collecting.

Vice President JD Vance attempted damage control by suggesting the payment wouldn’t target wealthy Americans and could be funded through tariff revenues. However, Erica York from the Tax Foundation quickly debunked this, pointing out that a one-time payment of this magnitude would drain a decade’s worth of tariff collection, a revenue stream already dented by required refunds following a Supreme Court ruling.

The administration’s net tariff revenue stands substantially lower than the proclaimed payout requirements, signifying an insurmountable financial gap. With legal rulings mandating refunds of tariffs collected, Trump’s grand promise falls flat amid fiscal impracticalities. Like previous claims, this could be just another ploy to energize his voter base as his own presence on the ballot won’t be available to sway Republican turnout through traditional means.

The enormous financial shortfall, coupled with Trump’s history of broken promises, underlines the improbability of this proposal coming to light. The Republican effort to leverage flashy promises for election gains once again illustrates the extent Trump is willing to go to keep himself and his party in power without real deliverables for the American public.



(Source: https://www.wired.com/story/trump-offers-every-american-5000-if-republicans-win-the-midterms/?utm_brand=wired&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=social&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcAUPsnZwZG9mBWZkaWQWUOJzt1WwOC9vFfAQAzs7BfBz9L6i5mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6Gtmij4Ozi5oR7c3Wsa1mi6Q1SO7aAwNAkR9YA-WX_bOR0cYw4KCAxP44bAA_aem_CfEq949-BU5lbYl3tCJwVw)

Trump Fabricates Ground Zero Rescue Story Again

Donald Trump, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, once again attempted to place himself at the heart of the tragedy’s immediate aftermath. Speaking at the Ellipse near the White House, Trump recounted a questionable story of being carried by firefighters at Ground Zero, a claim that has been debunked by first responders who were present at the time.

Trump utilized the solemn occasion not only to reminisce inaccurately about his whereabouts during the crisis but also to tout his administration’s economic achievements. He misleadingly asserted that America is stronger now under his leadership, citing improved stock market performances and inflated labor participation statistics without substantiating evidence.

This isn’t the first time Trump has falsely claimed involvement in the 9/11 recovery efforts. During his 2016 campaign, he similarly boasted about being on the scene with firefighters, promoting an image of heroism despite lacking any credible substantiation. His narrative clashes with reports from actual rescuers who have consistently refuted his presence.

In conjunction with his Ground Zero narrative, Trump plans to speak at a commemoration ceremony at the Pentagon, opting out of attending the annual event at the World Trade Center site in New York. Instead, Vice President JD Vance will represent the administration alongside other former presidents.

Trump’s consistent attempts to rewrite his history with the 9/11 attacks reveal a pattern of manipulating public memories to enhance his image disconnected from reality, highlighting his authoritarian tactics aimed at self-aggrandizement rather than honoring the victims and first responders of the tragedy.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-9-11-ground-zero-rescue-b3046756.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUNRzlwZG9mBWZkaWQWUOCyxDxFBCl6843mp4WdMfizcVEflWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7xHZIhkahnVFzxiTsK_F-397CjvscjjLwLgjmRYZDOQyCPz1exNnn46I8WZw_aem_fuiKR13RH-x_99ILOhVB4Q)

CDC Excludes PA Measles Deaths After RFK Casts Doubt

New CDC Director Erica Schwartz declined to include two Pennsylvania measles deaths in the agency’s weekly tracker, marking the first measles fatalities in the state in 35 years. The decision came after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly cast doubt on whether measles caused the deaths during a Fox News town hall, claiming he had spoken with county officials who disputed the fatalities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported the deaths on August 25, listing them as “measles-associated.” The CDC’s tracker now contains a note stating the deaths will not be included while the agency reviews additional information, asserting that available data does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the deaths. This decision contradicted the state health department’s own assessment and drew criticism from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who accused RFK Jr. of launching “into a tirade” during their discussion about the cases.

During his Fox News appearance, RFK Jr. claimed he had spoken with a county coroner or commissioner who said there were no measles deaths in Lancaster County. The Republican coroner acknowledged that one fatality, a newborn, tested positive for measles but stated he did not believe the virus played a role in the infant’s death. RFK Jr.’s public doubting of the deaths followed his broader dismissal of measles outbreak concerns, with reporting indicating he questioned whether media outlets accurately reported disease severity.

The Washington Post described Schwartz’s exclusion of the deaths as “highly unusual.” Shapiro objected to RFK Jr.’s suggestion that the country would be “better off” with “natural measles,” highlighting the fundamental disagreement between state officials and federal health leadership over pandemic response protocols and disease prevention strategies.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/cdc-chief-excludes-pa-measles-deaths-against-states-own-health-dept-assessment-after-rfk-casts-doubt/)

RFK Jr. Dismisses Measles Deaths, Attacks Shapiro

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, attacked media outlets and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during a Fox News town hall, dismissing concerns about a measles outbreak that has reached a three-decade high with approximately 2,200 cases recorded by mid-July. Kennedy questioned whether two reported measles deaths in Lancaster County were actually caused by measles, accused Shapiro of exploiting the deaths for political gain, and claimed the governor’s response mirrored “the old Covid playbook” of “fear mongering.”

Kennedy claimed that in the past decade, only three measles deaths occurred in America and downplayed the disease relative to other health threats, stating that approximately 1.2 million deaths annually result from food-induced illness. He argued that media and politicians distract from chronic diseases caused by major food and pharmaceutical companies by focusing on infectious disease risks. When directly asked about the MMR vaccine’s recommendation, Kennedy acknowledged its effectiveness at 97 percent efficacy while maintaining his broader critique of public health messaging.

Kennedy attributed declining childhood vaccination rates worldwide to loss of faith in public health systems following the pandemic, framing vaccine hesitancy as a consequence of institutional mistrust rather than his own anti-vaccination advocacy. His response followed Pennsylvania officials’ announcement of measles deaths in the state and preceded a broader surge in preventable disease cases under his health department’s authority. The department previously eliminated routine childhood vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, RSV, bacterial meningitis, influenza, and other diseases from federal recommendations.

Kennedy’s remarks reflect a pattern of dismissing measles as a negligible public health concern while attacking the credibility of elected officials and journalists reporting disease outbreaks. His framing—that food and pharmaceutical industries pose greater threats than vaccine-preventable diseases—redirects responsibility away from vaccination policy changes that have coincided with measles resurgence. Administration health appointees have similarly avoided direct engagement with vaccine safety and efficacy questions, signaling alignment with Kennedy’s anti-vaccination positions across federal health leadership.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/robert-f-kennedy-jr-slams-the-media-and-demagogue-politicians-for-making-americans-terrified-of-measles/)

Trump Threatens FCC Punishment Against NBC’s Kristen Welker

President Trump attacked NBC’s Kristen Welker on Truth Social, threatening FCC action against her after she accurately reported mixed results from his primary endorsements. Trump claimed a 99-100% success rate on endorsements while demanding FCC Chairman Brendan Carr punish Welker and NBC for what he characterized as false reporting, despite documented endorsement losses in recent races.

Welker’s comments on NBC 4 Washington noted Trump’s endorsement track record included both wins and losses, citing his recent backing of Senator Darline Graham, who narrowly defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolina. Graham’s primary victory was closer than anticipated by political experts, contradicting Trump’s claim of easy wins driven by his endorsement.

Trump escalated his attack by demanding the FCC investigate and punish NBC, calling the press “a disgrace to our nation” and framing accurate coverage of his endorsement record as a threat to the country. This follows Trump’s previous walkout from an NBC interview with Welker over her questioning of his claims, demonstrating a pattern of attacking journalists who report factually about his record.

The threat to weaponize federal regulatory authority against a news organization for unfavorable but accurate reporting undermines press freedom and reflects Trump’s broader use of government power against perceived opponents. Trump’s demand for FCC punishment represents direct executive pressure on the independent regulatory process to silence critical coverage.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-rages-at-nbcs-kristen-welker-after-she-reports-on-mixed-results-of-his-endorsements-threatens-fcc-punishment/)

Trump AI Video Shows Him Kicking Lake Ontario Sign

President Donald Trump posted an artificial intelligence-generated video on Truth Social Saturday depicting himself kicking over a “Lake Ontario” sign and replacing it with a “Lake America” sign along the shoreline. The fabricated clip shows Trump performing his signature “YMCA” dance to the Village People song while celebrating the toppled sign, escalating his ongoing dispute with Canada over trade negotiations.

Trump had signed an executive order Thursday directing the Interior Department to officially rename Lake Ontario to Lake America in the Geographic Names Information System, following the collapse of trade talks between the two nations. Trump justified the move by claiming Canada has been “ripping us off for a long time on trade” and stated the U.S. defends Canada militarily “for nothing.”

The video represented Trump’s second AI-generated post about the renamed lake in as many days. Earlier Saturday, Trump posted another fabricated video depicting “mutant Canadian geese with machine guns” patrolling the lake, which he captioned “Donald Ducks,” with the Toronto skyline visible in the background.

The posts are part of Trump’s escalating campaign to rename shared geography with Canada, mirroring his earlier pattern of distributing AI-generated self-aggrandizing images on his social media platform. The move prompted mixed reactions, with critics viewing it as inflammatory while Trump supporters characterized it as effective mockery during the trade dispute.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-kicks-down-lake-ontario-sign-and-does-ymca-dance-in-wild-ai-video-ratcheting-up-feud-with-canada/)

Trump Ripped by Critics for NASA Speech: ‘What the F*ck?’

Trump arrived more than an hour late to a NASA ceremony at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Friday, where he was scheduled to honor four astronauts from the Artemis II lunar mission and award them the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. During the event, Trump announced plans for a new U.S. Space Academy to train Space Force members, engineers, and civilian spaceflight personnel.

Trump injected partisan politics into the nonpartisan ceremony, speaking extensively about Venezuela and Iran for over an hour while the audience sat in silence. Aaron Rupar documented that Trump spoke “to complete silence at the NASA center. Not a single person applauding or reacting to anything he said during his brazenly partisan speech.” Trump also requested that a lunar crater be named after him, mirroring the crew’s naming of a crater for astronaut Reid Wiseman’s late wife, drawing a blunt “No” from Rep. Ted Lieu.

Trump made a rambling, incoherent statement during the ceremony, claiming his “uncle who was a great scientist” and “loved space,” then saying “I guess we have genetically, we sort of, I believe in that stuff.” Biographer Seth Abramson responded directly to this moment with “What is this even supposed to be??? What the f*ck is he talking about???” Adam Kinzinger mockingly tweeted “BREAKING NOW: Trump believes in space,” while critics noted Trump falsely claimed the U.S. had no military space program before him, despite U.S. Space Command existing since the Reagan administration.

Trump falsely presented himself as the architect of American space capabilities, contradicting the expertise of the scientists and engineers present. NASA has been undergoing significant workforce reductions under Trump’s administration, cutting over 20 percent of its staff, yet he used the astronauts’ achievement as a platform for self-promotion and partisan rhetoric.

Social media reactions focused on Trump’s narcissism, cognitive decline, and disrespect for accomplished scientists. Commentator Joanne Carducci wrote that “Making incredibly accomplished people wait for him makes him feel ‘powerful,’ when it’s really just pathetic.” Critics characterized the event as one of the most awkward public ceremonies on record, with Trump’s alternate reality clashing with the actual expertise of NASA personnel forced to witness his incoherent, self-serving performance at an event designed to honor their colleagues’ achievements.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-ripped-by-critics-for-nasa-ceremony-speech-what-the-fck-is-he-talking-about/),’ when it’s really just pathetic.” Critics characterized the event as one of the most awkward public ceremonies on record, with Trump’s alternate reality clashing with the actual expertise of NASA personnel forced to witness his incoherent, self-serving performance at an event designed to honor their colleagues’ achievements.

Trump Declares Mission Accomplished in Iran War, Echoing Bush Iraq Failure

President Trump declared “Mission Accomplished” in Iran on Wednesday, invoking language that echoes former President George W. Bush’s infamous 2003 Iraq War declaration aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Trump’s claim arrives despite significant unmet objectives: Iran maintains control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, the regime remains intact under new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and the U.S. has depleted much of its long-range precision missile supply.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated the Iran war on February 28 after Netanyahu lobbied the White House in the Situation Room, claiming the Islamic Republic was vulnerable to regime change through sustained bombing campaigns. While Israeli airstrikes killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump acknowledged the current leader is alive but claims he is “very seriously wounded.” Netanyahu’s initial objective of toppling the regime has demonstrably failed.

Trump’s central stated aim was eliminating Iran’s nuclear program, which he claimed was “totally obliterated” in earlier joint strikes. However, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee in March that Iran did not possess a nuclear weapons program when the war began in February. Additionally, Trump falsely claims the U.S. “totally” controls the Strait of Hormuz, a claim contradicted by Iran’s continued stranglehold on this critical global shipping lane.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, the aircraft carrier featured in Trump’s “Mission Accomplished” imagery, has deteriorated significantly during its Middle East deployment. Sailors aboard have reported declining conditions, with multiple service members attempting to abandon ship. The vessel has remained deployed since November without docking, but the Pentagon announced Wednesday that it will finally proceed to Thailand after more than 250 days at sea.

Trump’s declaration mirrors Bush’s 2003 premature victory announcement in Iraq, which preceded a prolonged insurgency lasting years. The comparison underscores a pattern of mission declarations that precede continued conflict, unmet objectives, and substantial resource expenditure without achieving stated strategic goals.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump/trump-declares-mission-accomplished-in-iran/)

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