Category: Not Factual

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 Falsely Claims to Have Visited Gaza, No Evidence Found

Donald Trump claimed during a recent radio interview that he had visited Gaza, a statement for which there is no documented evidence. This assertion was made while discussing the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks, an event linked to Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza.

When prompted for clarification, a Trump campaign aide noted that Gaza is located within Israel, implying that Trump’s travels to Israel could include Gaza. However, this interpretation is misleading as Gaza is a separate territory and has never been part of Israel since its withdrawal in 2005.

Trump’s previous travels to the region, including a visit to Israel in 2017, did not include Gaza. Instead, he traveled to the West Bank, which is approximately 20 miles from Gaza, to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

During the interview, the host Hugh Hewitt posed a hypothetical question regarding the potential for Gaza to be rebuilt into a prosperous area akin to Monaco, reflecting on the extensive destruction in the region due to ongoing conflicts.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/us/politics/trump-gaza-israel.html)

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.

 

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Did Not Endorse Donald Trump

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has not endorsed Donald Trump for president, directly contradicting claims made by the former president. Rumors surfaced online, particularly on Truth Social, where Trump asserted that Dimon had thrown his support behind him. However, a spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase confirmed that these assertions are inaccurate, clarifying that Dimon has not made any endorsements in the current presidential race.

In a recent interview, Dimon explicitly stated, “I’m not endorsing anyone at this time,” emphasizing his focus on policy issues rather than political endorsements. This aligns with previous reports indicating that Dimon had supported Trump’s GOP primary rival, Nikki Haley, as he sought to rally other business leaders behind her candidacy.

Trump then laughably denied any knowledge of his own post

Despite the false claims of Dimon’s endorsement circulating on social media, it is evident that he has maintained a position of non-partisanship in this election cycle. The misinformation has been propagated by various users on platforms like X, amplifying Trump’s false narrative.

Furthermore, while Trump has previously mentioned considering Dimon for a Treasury Secretary position should he regain the presidency, he later retracted those comments, suggesting uncertainty about the origins of such reports. This inconsistency highlights the ongoing pattern of misleading statements from Trump regarding endorsements and support.

Ultimately, Jamie Dimon’s stance remains clear: he has not endorsed Donald Trump, and the claims made by Trump are unfounded. This incident underscores the need for accurate reporting and fact-checking in the political discourse surrounding the upcoming presidential election.

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.

 

Trump Lays the Groundwork for More Bogus Stolen Election Claims: ‘They Cheat’

 

Former President Donald Trump has begun laying the groundwork for future claims of a rigged election ahead of the upcoming November elections. Speaking at a rally in Walker, Michigan, Trump expressed doubts about a potential loss, asserting that any defeat would be due to widespread cheating, a claim he has made numerous times since the 2020 elections. He stated, “If we lose, the next time we’re gonna have the same group of people in Caracas, Venezuela because it’s much safer than any place in our country if she wins. Much safer,” referencing Vice President Kamala Harris and continuing his pattern of baseless allegations against immigrants and crime rates.

Trump’s assertion that he could only lose due to cheating resonates with his supporters, who have previously engaged in violent acts, such as the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. His rhetoric at the rally reflects a longstanding narrative that he has pushed since 2016, where he claimed that illegal voting had deprived him of the popular vote victory. This pattern of rhetoric is critical to understanding Trump’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party and among his voter base.

As he continues to propagate these unfounded claims, Trump has also been encouraging law enforcement to be vigilant against alleged voter fraud. At another event, he urged police officers to monitor polling places, suggesting that their presence could intimidate potential fraud. This approach raises significant concerns about the implications for voter intimidation and the integrity of the electoral process.

Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric not only undermines trust in democratic institutions but also poses a threat to public safety. The Attorney General of Michigan has initiated legal proceedings against individuals involved in a fake elector scheme stemming from the 2020 election, highlighting the ongoing repercussions of Trump’s claims and the organized efforts to challenge legitimate electoral outcomes.

In summary, Trump’s continued allegations about election fraud are not only a repeat of his past rhetoric but also serve to mobilize his base ahead of the upcoming elections. This strategy has far-reaching implications for the political landscape, as it fosters an environment of distrust and potential violence, reminiscent of the events that transpired on January 6, 2021. The responsibility lies not only with Trump but also with Republican leaders and media outlets, such as Fox News, that amplify these narratives without scrutiny.

 

Trump Hints at Iran Link to His 2 Assassination Attempts, Despite the Available Evidence

Former President Donald J. Trump hinted at a potential link between Iran and the two assassination attempts against him, despite officials stating no evidence supports this claim. Intelligence agencies had been monitoring a possible Iranian plot before a gunman targeted Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania and another man attempted to shoot him at a Florida golf course. However, investigations have not found any connection to Iran in these incidents.

During a speech in North Carolina, Trump criticized the FBI for allegedly slow progress in investigating the assassination attempts and suggested Iranian involvement. He also accused the FBI of being too focused on him and individuals arrested for the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, which he referred to as ‘J6 hostages.’

Despite frequently accusing President Biden of warmongering, Trump claimed he would have threatened military action against Iran if they had made such threats. He stated that as president, he would warn Iran that any harm caused to him would result in severe consequences for the country.

Trump’s False Claims About Immigrants Eating Pets Spark Controversy During Debate

During a recent presidential debate, Donald Trump propagated a baseless and racially charged rumor regarding Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, claiming they were consuming pets. This statement, made in front of an audience of 67.1 million viewers, has been criticized for reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The rumor originated from fringe online communities, particularly from a neo-Nazi group known as Blood Tribe, which initially circulated the idea of pets being eaten in August. Trump’s comments were seemingly amplified by his running mate, Senator JD Vance, who has made similar claims about the influx of immigrants in the area.

Trump’s assertion was not only unfounded but also drew immediate backlash from various quarters, including his own party members. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed concern, emphasizing that the focus should be on serious issues related to immigration, such as crimes committed by undocumented individuals, rather than whimsical claims about animals. This reflects a broader trend where Trump has consistently highlighted immigration issues, often framing them in a controversial manner.

The spread of the rumor on social media has been significant, with a notable increase in posts discussing the issue leading up to the debate. Research indicated that mentions of Haitians allegedly eating pets surged dramatically on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in the days prior to Trump’s comments. Vance himself contributed to this narrative, posting about the supposed dangers posed by Haitian immigrants, which helped transition the rumor from fringe discourse to a mainstream debate topic.

Despite the sensationalism surrounding the issue, local law enforcement in Springfield reported no credible evidence supporting claims of pets being harmed. In fact, the claims about pets being abducted and eaten have been dismissed by the Springfield police, highlighting a disconnect between the online narrative and reality. Vance later acknowledged that these rumors could be false, yet continued to leverage them politically.

The incident underscores how fringe conspiracy theories can permeate high-profile political discourse, especially through the lens of social media. Trump’s use of this rumor during a prime-time debate illustrates a tactic of drawing attention to specific grievances that resonate with his base, despite their lack of factual basis. This approach is indicative of a broader strategy to mobilize support by highlighting perceived threats associated with immigration.

The debate echoed a long-standing pattern in Trump’s political career, where he has utilized inflammatory rhetoric regarding immigration, often to stoke fear and division among his supporters. Critics argue that such tactics detract from substantive discussions about immigration policy and public safety, instead prioritizing sensationalism and fear-mongering.

As the fallout continues, political analysts and commentators are left to ponder the implications of Trump’s comments and the role of misinformation in shaping public perception. This incident serves as a reminder of the potent intersection between social media, political rhetoric, and the dissemination of false information, particularly concerning immigration.

Ultimately, the Springfield rumor illustrates the challenges faced in combating misinformation and the potential consequences it holds for public discourse and policy discussions.

 

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