Category: Unpresidential

Trump Pledges Pardon for Corrupt Ex-Honduran President

Donald Trump has announced his intention to grant a full pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking. This declaration was made via Trump’s platform, Truth Social, where he asserted that Hernández has been treated “harshly and unfairly.”

Hernández, a former U.S. ally, was convicted last year for conspiring with drug cartels and facilitating the movement of significant amounts of cocaine through Honduras destined for the U.S. Prosecutors accused him of accepting millions in bribes which he allegedly used to bolster his political power.

Trump’s backing of Hernández coincides with the Honduran elections and is tied to support for another candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura. Trump’s statements on social media suggest that U.S. assistance will depend on Asfura’s electoral success, further entrenching the notion of quid pro quo in U.S.-Honduran relations.

This pardon signals Trump’s willingness to undermine judicial outcomes and restore leaders previously implicated in corruption and drug trafficking—a pattern seen throughout his dealings as president. Hernández’s attorney praised Trump, framing the pardon as a rectification of what they described as political prosecution.

The developments arrive amid heightened U.S. military operations in the Caribbean as part of a broader counter-narcotics effort, further complicating the interplay of U.S. foreign policy and local governance in Honduras.

Trump’s Panic as Supreme Court Reviews His Tariffs

President Donald Trump launched into a frantic tirade on social media, calling on his supporters to pray for the Supreme Court’s favorable ruling on his tariff policies. During this rant, he labeled critics of his trade approach as “evil, American hating forces,” demonstrating his growing desperation as legal challenges threaten his presidency.

Trump claimed that his implementation of tariffs has restored America’s international respect, saying, “Without which we would be a poor and pathetic laughingstock again.” Experts, however, predict that the Supreme Court may find his tariffs illegal, which could lead to significant financial repercussions and calls for the U.S. to return collected revenues.

The president’s assertions hinge on the argument that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act provides him with expansive authority to impose tariffs during perceived emergencies. Trump’s rhetoric indicates a fear that losing these tariffs could lead to a weakening of the U.S. economy, with warnings that it could fall to “almost Third World status.”

His social media posts touted claims of economic strength, boasting about low inflation and high stock market performance, while framing the tariffs as critical to national security and economic prosperity. The contradictory stance shows Trump’s attempt to divert attention from the real threats posed by his policies.

This alarming display reveals a president unwilling to confront the legal ramifications tied to his trade decisions, instead resorting to emotional pleas and inflammatory language. As his reliance on tariffs faces scrutiny, Trump’s narrative becomes increasingly detached from economic realities and grounded in fearmongering.

Trump’s Ukraine Plan is Admittedly a Russian Wish List

U.S. senators, including Mike Rounds and Angus King, disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed them that the recent peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump for Ukraine is nothing more than a “wish list” from Russia, rather than a legitimate framework for negotiations. Rounds emphasized that this assessment pointed to the plan’s significant concessions to Moscow, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected.

Despite Rubio’s assertions contradicting the senators’ claims and alleging their misinterpretation of his statements, the confusion surrounding the Trump administration’s approach to the peace plan has deepened. The leaked 28-point plan elicited concerns that it merely rewarded Russian aggression while undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Senators voiced that rather than advocating for legitimate peace negotiations, the plan might send a troubling message to other aggressors, essentially granting validation to their territorial ambitions. Rubio, under pressure, tried to clarify that the plan sought to be a productive starting point, yet many senators remained skeptical about its ethical grounding.

The unfolding situation highlights the increasing rift between Washington’s stance and the expectations of Ukrainian leadership. The implications of such a proposal raise serious questions regarding U.S. foreign policy and President Trump’s credibility on the international stage, particularly as nations observe the handling of this crisis.

As this scenario plays out, observers anticipate how both Ukraine and Russia will respond, while the Trump administration continues to navigate the backlash from U.S. lawmakers who view the peace plan as detrimental to international law and the sovereignty of nations.

Trump Degrades Reporter Over Afghan Gunman Vetting Query

President Donald Trump lashed out at a reporter during a press conference regarding the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., calling her a “stupid person.” The incident involved a suspected Afghan national, who reportedly had worked closely with the CIA, prompting the reporter to inquire about the vetting process for such individuals.

Despite assertions by U.S. officials that the suspect underwent thorough vetting by both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, Trump insisted that the Biden administration’s policies were to blame. He claimed that many Afghans entered the U.S. unvetted and should not have been allowed in, disregarding the reported vetting process.

During the heated exchange, Trump emphasized his frustration with what he termed “disgraceful” immigration practices. He dismissed the reporter’s claims, asserting that the vetting system was ineffective and that a law made it difficult to remove those who should not be in the country.

Trump announced the death of Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom, 20, due to the shooting, while another Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, remains critically injured. This event has drawn increased scrutiny on the handling of Afghan nationals in the U.S. amid ongoing public safety concerns.

The press conference illuminated Trump’s aggressive communication style and continued attempts to shift blame for the violence, further exacerbating tensions surrounding immigration policy discussions.

Trump Hints at Ground Invasion of Venezuela Amid Escalation

President Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. may soon expand military operations in Venezuela, suggesting a possible ground invasion. This statement follows the Trump administration’s ongoing military escalations, including recent strikes on drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 83 people.

During an address to U.S. troops, Trump highlighted that while Venezuelan drug traffickers are largely being targeted at sea, his administration plans to “start stopping them by land” in the near future. These remarks are the most explicit endorsement of land operations in Venezuela that Trump has made to date.

Republican lawmakers have expressed support for a full-scale invasion, with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) suggesting it would benefit U.S. oil interests. However, a majority of Americans oppose military action, with a recent YouGov and CBS News poll revealing that 70% of respondents are against a U.S. invasion.

This potential military operation raises significant concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy and its implications, as it demonstrates Trump’s willingness to deepen U.S. involvement in South America amid widespread public disapproval.

Trump’s ongoing rhetoric suggests an aggressive strategy that contradicts public sentiment and raises questions about the motivations behind enhancing military actions, including potential economic advantages for specific sectors.

Trump Pressures Japan’s Takaichi to Suppress Taiwan Support

Donald Trump reportedly contacted Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after an “angry” call with China’s President Xi Jinping. During this call, Trump allegedly advised Takaichi to avoid public expressions of support for Taiwan, which could provoke Beijing, according to the Wall Street Journal.

This guidance comes amid increasing tensions over Taiwan’s sovereignty, a key focus for China. Observers warn that any military action from Beijing to reclaim Taiwan could lead to severe consequences for both nations and potentially escalate into broader conflict.

Despite Trump’s comments, Japan later denied that such advice was given. A spokesperson for Takaichi claimed that the report from the Wall Street Journal was inaccurate, emphasizing that Trump’s suggestion to temper Taiwan-related rhetoric had not occurred.

In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Trump highlighted the importance of a positive U.S.-China relationship, suggesting this benefits both China and Japan while mentioning potential agricultural trade benefits.

The dynamics of the situation raise critical questions about U.S. foreign policy and its implications for allies within the Asia-Pacific region, especially as Trump’s administration seeks to balance trade relations following the fallout of his tariff policies.

Trump’s ‘Third World’ Immigration Ban Threatens Rights

Donald Trump announced a plan to “permanently pause” immigration from what he refers to as “third world countries” following a shooting incident involving National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. This announcement came just hours after the tragic death of Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and escalated Trump’s already inflammatory rhetoric on immigration. His proposal includes the “reverse migration” of millions of migrants currently residing in the U.S.

In a lengthy social media post, Trump vowed to eliminate Biden’s immigration policies and deport individuals he deems “non-compatible with Western Civilization.” He specifically indicated that visa issuance for Afghan nationals has been stopped, tying the pause to national security concerns despite the context of ongoing conflicts in those regions.

The president also threatened to strip federal benefits from noncitizens and to reassess the u.s. status of green card holders from 19 countries, particularly focusing on Somalia. Previous remarks directed at the Somali community in Minnesota had incited concern and drawn reactions of criticism from various advocacy groups.

Critics, including U.N. officials and migrant advocacy organizations, have condemned Trump’s actions and rhetoric as harmful and unconstitutional. They warn that using one tragic event to justify a crackdown on all immigrants, especially Afghan refugees, undermines fundamental American values and legal protections. These proposals are likely to face significant legal challenges if pursued.

Trump’s language and policies hark back to previous attempts to ban visas from majority-Muslim countries, which faced substantial opposition and legal scrutiny during his first term. The increasingly aggressive stance against immigrants reflects broader authoritarian tendencies and has sparked alarm among civil liberties organizations.

Larry Ellison Floated Axing CNN Hosts in Takeover Call

Larry Ellison, the largest Paramount shareholder and Trump ally, discussed firing CNN hosts Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar with senior White House officials during calls regarding Paramount’s bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, according to The Guardian. Ellison also proposed airing CBS properties like 60 Minutes on CNN, ideas said to draw interest inside the White House.

Ellison maintains frequent contact with Trump administration figures despite holding no executive role at Paramount, which is run by his son David Ellison. The informal exchanges occurred as Paramount prepares a full acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery ahead of a November 20 deadline following earlier unsuccessful offers.

Trump is viewed as sympathetic to the Ellisons after Paramount paid a $16 million settlement to him for the controversial Kamala Harris 60 Minutes interview. Multiple Washington consultants with Trump administration ties previously held contracts with Oracle, where Ellison serves as executive chairman.

Trump has demanded CNN be sold, backing the Paramount-Skydance bid. Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr stated he would be “very surprised if there was an FCC role” in the transaction, signaling regulatory alignment with the takeover.

Paramount faces competition from Comcast and Netflix for Warner Bros. Discovery’s acquisition. The discussions demonstrate direct coordination between Trump officials and a major shareholder to reshape CNN’s editorial personnel and content.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-officials-discussed-with-larry-ellison-axing-cnn-anchors-amid-takeover-bid-report/)

Trump Administration Is Taking Billions in Stakes in Firms Like Intel – The New York Times

The Trump administration has invested over $10 billion in taxpayer funds to acquire minority ownership stakes in at least nine private companies across steel, minerals, nuclear energy, and semiconductors within the past six months, with the bulk of deals occurring in October and November. The Commerce Department became the largest shareholder in Intel after an $8.9 billion investment, while the Defense Department took stakes in mining companies including MP Materials and Trilogy Metals. Trump personally purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Intel corporate debt shortly after the government secured its stake, according to financial disclosures released in November.

The administration justified the equity strategy as addressing national security vulnerabilities and reducing reliance on China for critical resources, with officials claiming targeted stakes ensure taxpayers receive fair value. However, multiple analysts and former officials directly contradicted this rationale. Aaron Bartnick, a former Biden White House official, stated that without a clearly articulated strategy, the intervention “could just devolve to arbitrary deals that favor friends or disfavor foes.” William A. Reinsch of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said Trump appeared to invest “by whim” rather than following a coherent plan, noting officials arranged several stakes in weeks while Biden officials took months for due diligence.

Darrell M. West of the Brookings Institution found that many investments involved high-risk areas with “almost no serious review,” putting taxpayer money at risk with no guarantee of profitability. Many target companies face financial headwinds and could require years to become profitable. Additionally, industry executives reported reluctance to meet with Trump officials out of fear the government would pressure them into surrendering company ownership, while Intel agreed to the equity deal only after Trump called for its chief executive’s firing over alleged China ties.

The approach contradicts traditional Republican free-market ideology but aligns with emerging bipartisan support for industrial policy driven by China’s dominance in strategic industries. The Commerce Department, led by former New York financier Howard Lutnick, has adopted investment-bank practices to facilitate the equity portfolio. The Defense Department’s Office of Strategic Capital and the Energy Department leveraged existing loan programs to expand stake acquisition across critical mineral and semiconductor sectors.

Concerns about the strategy include opacity in deal selection, potential favoritism and corruption, market distortion, and loss of taxpayer funds. The administration has discussed establishing price floors for minerals and taking cuts of export revenues alongside equity ownership. One deal involving Vulcan Elements, a rare earth magnet startup, raised questions given that the company received investment from 1789 Capital, where Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. is a partner.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/us/politics/trump-intel-steel-minerals-china.html?unlocked_article_code=1.308.BF-g.V_G-1OC57dmV&smid=nytcore-ios-share)

Trump EPA Abandons Vital Fine-Particle Pollution Regulation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Trump administration, is set to abandon a crucial regulation aimed at limiting fine-particle pollution, a decision met with significant backlash from scientists and experts. This rule, which was solidified during the Biden presidency, established stricter guidelines on fine particulate matter, notably soot, which is recognized as the deadliest air pollutant in the U.S.

In a recent announcement, the EPA justified its move by claiming the prior administration lacked the authority to enforce these tighter regulations. Critics argue that this reversal will likely result in increased air pollution and associated health risks, potentially leading to more premature deaths across the country.

Scientific consensus indicates that fine particulate matter is linked to serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The rollback of these protections could exacerbate existing public health crises, raising alarms among environmental advocates.

The Biden-era rule was implemented to protect vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by air pollution, specifically in urban and industrial areas. Environmental advocates are now warning that this latest action undermines years of progress in combating air quality issues and upholding public health standards.

This development reflects a broader trend under the Trump administration of prioritizing deregulation at the potential expense of environmental health and safety, which has drawn widespread condemnation from public health officials and environmentalists alike.

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