Category: Unpresidential

Trump Orders Military Strike on Drug Traffickers, Killing Three

The U.S. military conducted a lethal strike against a vessel in international waters, allegedly linked to drug trafficking from Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. This second strike, ordered by President Donald Trump, reflects his administration’s aggressive stance on what Trump labels “narcoterrorists” threatening national security.

In a message on Truth Social, Trump stated that the military action targeted “extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels,” claiming these groups pose a severe risk to U.S. interests and safety. The operation follows a recent earlier strike that killed eleven supposedly related to the Tren de Aragua gang, heightening scrutiny and skepticism regarding the administration’s justifications for military engagement in such contexts.

Despite these claims, criticism emerged about the legality and evidence supporting the strikes. Senator Jack Reed, attending to oversight duties, noted that there is no confirmed evidence necessitating such military action against what were civilian vessels. This raises significant legal concerns under both U.S. and international law regarding the use of force against non-combatants.

The escalation in military readiness correlates with increasing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, underscoring an aggressive U.S. foreign policy approach under Trump. While U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, assert that ongoing operations are justified, the lack of transparency surrounding intelligence and operational details fuels further scrutiny of their motives and methods.

As the situation develops, this aggressive posturing may have implications for U.S.-Venezuelan relations, with Venezuelan officials asserting their desire to avoid conflict. The ramifications of these military actions could lead to increased tensions and challenges in achieving diplomatic resolutions.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/15/politics/trump-strike-international-waters)

Memphis Mayor Refutes Trump’s False Claims on National Guard Support

Memphis Mayor Paul Young publicly rejected President Trump’s assertion that he is “happy” about the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis, emphasizing his deep concerns about the situation. Young made it clear that he does not support federal intervention and the manner in which it has been proposed to curb crime in the city.

In an interview, Young expressed his belief that the authority to call in the National Guard lies with the governor and the president, leaving local leaders with limited influence over the decision. He stated, “it is something that we don’t have a choice in,” underscoring the mayor’s discontent with Trump’s framing of the deployment as welcomed.

Trump’s comments during a Fox News interview suggested that both Young and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee were enthusiastic about the plan, which Young categorically denied. The mayor highlighted that, while additional assistance is always welcome, the city is actively working to reduce crime through its own initiatives, demonstrating significant progress in recent years.

Young reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the National Guard’s involvement aligns with the community’s needs. This response comes amid Trump’s broader initiative that has targeted other Democrat-led cities, positioning their leadership as supportive of authoritarian measures.

As Memphis faces challenges linked to crime rates, the mayor’s insistence on maintaining local control over safety measures intends to resist Trump’s narrative and approach, already criticized as heavy-handed and out of touch with community needs.

(h/t: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5503919-national-guard-deployment-memphis/)

Donald Trump Capitalizes on Charlie Kirk’s Murder to Initiate Investigation Against “The Left”

President Donald Trump has once again attempted to shift blame onto the political left following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During comments made while boarding Air Force One at Morristown Airport, Trump claimed that radical leftists were responsible for Kirk’s death, despite the actual circumstances surrounding the incident remaining unclear. He characterized the left as a source of societal issues, dismissing any notions that responsibility might lie with the right or within his own supportive base.

Trump’s comments came after recent investigations uncovered little information about the ideology of the alleged assassin, who is currently in custody. Nonetheless, Trump declared that individuals on the left were already under “major investigation.” This alarming rhetoric serves to fuel division and undermine discourse, rather than seriously address the complexities of political violence.

During his remarks, Trump specifically targeted purportedly antagonistic conduct by left-wing individuals, invoking images of “agitators” and other derogatory terms that serve to demonize opposing viewpoints. His narrative aims to distract from any negative scrutiny directed toward his supporters and their extremist actions, which have previously raised serious questions about the incitement of violence.

Additionally, Trump hinted at pursuing the names of foreigners who allegedly celebrated Kirk’s death, claiming the celebrations were indicative of sick behavior. This statement further seeks to stoke fear and create an atmosphere of hostility against perceived enemies, underscoring his inclination to frame any protest or dissent against his administration as radical or extreme.

Ultimately, this incident showcases Trump’s ongoing strategy of utilizing violence to fortify his ideological stance and galvanize his base by portraying any negative outcomes as the fault of those who diverge from his views. By reiterating these narratives, he continues to play into the dangerous cycle of blame and hostility that undermines American democratic principles and threatens political stability.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-declares-hes-already-investigating-people-on-the-left-who-share-blame-for-charlie-kirks-murder/)

Trump Attacks Fed Governor Lisa Cook Over Fraud Allegations

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is under fire from Donald Trump, who has threatened her dismissal amidst allegations of mortgage fraud. The claims, made by Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, suggest that Cook falsely represented properties as primary residences to secure favorable loan terms. This maneuver aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to reshape the Federal Reserve and push for aggressive interest rate cuts.

Documents reveal that Cook characterized a condominium as a “vacation home” in her loan estimate, a detail that could undermine Trump’s accusations. Ironically, she identified it as a “second home” on a security clearance application, which contradicts Trump’s claims of her misrepresentation of property statuses. The accusations have sparked a Justice Department investigation, further complicating Cook’s precarious position.

Citing these allegations, Trump demanded Cook’s immediate resignation, marking a rare challenge to the independence of a Federal Reserve governor. It is unprecedented for a sitting president to seek the removal of a board member, indicating Trump’s willingness to undermine institutional integrity to fulfill his agenda. Cook has preemptively filed a lawsuit to prevent her firing, successfully obtaining an injunction that allows her to stay in office while the appeal process unfolds.

As the Federal Reserve is poised for a crucial meeting to decide on potential interest rate adjustments, Trump’s actions reflect a broader strategy to exert control over economic policy. The tension between Trump and Cook highlights the administration’s inclination to prioritize partisan objectives over regulatory independence, further eroding the checks and balances that are essential to fair governance.

Ultimately, this scandal underscores a troubling pattern in the Trump administration, where financial oversight and accountability are compromised in service of political machinations. Trump’s aggressive targeting of Cook demonstrates an alarming trend toward authoritarianism, threatening the very foundations of the institutions designed to maintain economic stability and fairness in the United States.

(h/t: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lisa-cook-property-home-donald-trump-b2825933.html)

Trump’s Misguided NATO Demands Highlight Failure to Acknowledge Accountability in Russo-Ukraine Conflict

President Donald Trump aggressively criticized NATO allies in a recent early morning post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He demanded that these countries align with his directives to supposedly expedite the end of the Russo-Ukraine War. Trump attempted to deflect responsibility for the conflict from himself, framing it as a product of President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s actions rather than any consequence of his own previous policies.

In asserting his influence over NATO, Trump stated that their compliance was crucial for salvaging lives in the conflict, emphasizing an alarming figure of over 7,000 lives lost in just one week. He claimed that if allied nations heeded his call to cease purchasing Russian oil, it would facilitate major sanctions against Russia and help bring about a swift resolution to the war. This self-aggrandizing approach suggests a troubling mentality that places his directives above established international diplomatic practices.

This recent outburst is not an isolated incident; it reflects Trump’s pattern of shifting blame and avoiding accountability for complex international issues. His previous assurances to resolve the war “within 24 hours” of taking office have proven to be hollow, and current indications show that his administration’s attempts to mediate peace have largely failed. Trump’s rhetoric demonstrates a misunderstanding of the intricate dynamics of international relations, showcasing his authoritarian streak and disdain for collaborative governance.

Moreover, Trump’s comments come on the heels of a series of controversial moves, including a previous high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ultimately advanced no meaningful resolution. While he claims readiness to act against Russia, Trump’s proposals lack substantive strategies or engagement with European allies, further complicating diplomatic relations.

Trump Condemns Media Over Charlie Kirk Comments Amid Violence

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the media, stating they should be “ashamed” for allegedly justifying the murder of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk. This reaction comes after Trump was questioned about the media’s coverage of the incident, highlighting his attempts to manipulate narratives surrounding violence and blame others for his own supporters’ actions.

In his remarks, Trump expressed disdain for media outlets he claims failed to condemn the killing, describing their reactions as “terrible.” His comments reflect a broader tendency among right-wing figures to deflect accountability by shifting blame to the media, thus weaponizing public relations during times of political violence.

MSNBC faced backlash after commentator Matthew Dowd suggested that Kirk was partly responsible for the violence that led to his assassination. The network swiftly cut ties with Dowd and issued an apology, emphasizing their stance against violence in any form. This reveals the ongoing conflict in the media about how to responsibly cover politically charged incidents involving violence.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there have been instances of inappropriate reactions in the media, including laughter in the background during coverage on TMZ, which led to a public apology from the outlet. These moments contribute to the ongoing discourse on how media should handle topics of violence and tragedy.

As investigations into Kirk’s assassination continue, Trump’s response illustrates a focus on preserving his political narrative rather than fostering a constructive dialogue on violence in politics. His insistence on a hidden motive reflects a broader pattern of denying accountability and instead pointing fingers at the media and perceived enemies.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/trump-says-media-ought-to-be-ashamed-of-themselves-for-justifying-murder-of-charlie-kirk/)

Trump Officials Plan to Link Child Deaths to COVID Vaccines

Trump administration officials are preparing to present alarming claims about COVID-19 vaccines at an upcoming meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They plan to link 25 reported child deaths to the vaccines, based on data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). However, the CDC has made it clear that merely reporting an adverse event does not confirm causation, emphasizing that further investigation into such reports is essential.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic and a key figure in Trump’s health initiatives, is expected to play a significant role in these claims. He has appointed several individuals to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) who are known for their criticism of COVID-19 vaccination policies. This strategic move raises concerns about bias within the committee and its potential impact on public health guidance.

This announcement comes as the FDA recently approved new COVID-19 vaccines, creating further controversy around Kennedy’s leadership and policies. His alignment with anti-vaccine rhetoric places public health initiatives at risk, especially amidst the ongoing pandemic recovery efforts.

The politicization of vaccine safety data under the Trump administration reflects a disturbing trend of undermining scientific integrity for political gain. Such actions not only threaten public trust in health institutions but also endanger the lives of children who are part of the vaccination program designed to protect them from severe illness.

As the CDC prepares to meet, the implications of these claims could have widespread ramifications for vaccination campaigns across the country, compounding the challenges faced in combating vaccine hesitancy and safeguarding public health.

(h/t: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-covid19-vaccine-deaths-b2825762.html)

U.S. Defense Secretary’s Purge Targets Dissenting Military Voices Amid Right-Wing Intimidation

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken drastic measures by relieving several military service members of their duties for posting on social media concerning right-wing figure Charlie Kirk. This action, reportedly motivated by Hegseth’s orders to target military personnel who mocked or approved of Kirk’s killing, raises serious questions about the politicization of the military and the suppression of free speech within its ranks.

Reports indicate that Hegseth instructed staffers to actively seek out and penalize service members perceived to support the condemnation of Kirk’s death. This directive comes amid a broader climate where influential right-wing figures are emboldening a culture of intimidation, leveraging social media to orchestrate witch hunts against those who oppose their views. The ongoing campaign has already resulted in job losses, investigations, and violent threats against those expressing dissent.

High-profile right-wing activists, including Laura Loomer and Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok, have been involved in naming individuals who they claim celebrated Kirk’s demise, further inciting harassment and hostility. This disturbing trend is emblematic of the escalating divisiveness in American politics, where even expressions of criticism can lead to dire consequences for military personnel within a hyper-partisan environment.

Former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric has fueled these tensions, as he continues to vilify perceived political opponents. By blaming the so-called “radical left” for violence and destabilization, Trump has contributed to an atmosphere of fear and retribution, threatening action against those he views as culpable in political discord. Such behavior aligns with the authoritarian tendencies observed in his administration, where dissent is marked by serious ramifications.

The ramifications of Hegseth’s actions extend beyond mere personnel changes; they epitomize the militarization of political discourse and the potential undermining of democratic values. As threats of violence permeate the political landscape, moderated and rational debate is increasingly jeopardized, leaving vulnerable voices silenced in the face of right-wing domination.

Trump Dismisses Russian Attack on Poland as Possible ‘Mistake

In a concerning display of geopolitical negligence, President Donald Trump downplayed the recent Russian attack on Poland, a NATO ally, by suggesting it “could have been a mistake.” This comment, made during a press briefing, effectively absolves Russian President Vladimir Putin of responsibility for an unprecedented military violation involving 19 drone incursions into Polish airspace.

The attack marks a significant escalation in NATO’s history, as it triggered armed defense measures for the first time. Trump’s lack of a strong condemnation contrasts sharply with statements from key U.S. officials and NATO, with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker emphasizing that the U.S. would “defend every inch of NATO territory” in response to this aggression.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterized the situation as the closest the world has come to open conflict since World War II and affirmed ongoing consultations with NATO allies regarding the threat. Trump’s remarks diminish the gravity of these statements and sow confusion regarding U.S. commitment to its NATO allies, which may encourage further Russian provocations.

Prior to the briefing, Trump had only made vague comments on his Truth Social account regarding the situation. This lack of clarity and robust leadership raises alarms about the administration’s foreign policy strategy, particularly in relation to maintaining international alliances against authoritarian aggression.

As NATO invoked Article 4, a protocol signaling serious discussions about military engagement, Trump’s casual treatment of this serious breach calls into question his administration’s commitment to collective defense. In the face of a significant security crisis, Trump’s approach illustrates a troubling trend of prioritizing personal politics over national and allied security.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-lets-putin-off-the-hook-after-russian-attack-on-nato-ally-poland-could-have-been-a-mistake/)

Trump Exploits Charlie Kirk’s Death to Target Leftism Amid Violence

President Donald Trump has seized on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to deflect blame onto the political left. Speaking at Morristown Airport while en route to a different engagement, Trump accused “radical leftists” of being responsible for Kirk’s killing, despite the specifics of the case still being unclear. This tactic underscores Trump’s long-established pattern of exploiting tragedies to shift attention away from his own controversial rhetoric.

In emotional remarks, Trump referred to Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” but his comments quickly veered into politicization. He claimed that aggressive progressive rhetoric is directly linked to rising political violence in the United States. This narrative serves not only to galvanize Trump’s base but to deflect from the violent tendencies seen within his own supporters and faction.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s assassination, and details about the suspect remain scarce. Yet, Trump remains fixated on painting the left as responsible for violence, further inflaming partisan tensions. His remarks came amid an increasingly troubling climate in which political figures face threats and violence, raising questions about the ramifications of incendiary language used by leaders.

Despite Trump’s assertions, research analyzing his speeches has indicated a marked increase in violent terminology utilized by the former president. The very language he employs could arguably contribute to the cycle of hostility and violence that he now seeks to condemn. By focusing on blaming the left, Trump avoids confronting his own role in perpetuating a divisive and dangerous political atmosphere.

As investigations into Kirk’s murder continue, it becomes vital for Americans to scrutinize the narratives being advanced by political figures. Trump’s immediate response highlights a troubling trend where accountability is sidestepped, and blame is rapidly shifted. In doing so, he continues to erode the trust necessary for constructive political discourse, further polarizing an already divided nation.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/charlie-kirk-trump-2673982070/)

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