Category: Unpresidential

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.

Leavitt Claims Soldiers Should Not Question Orders’ Legality

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that U.S. soldiers should not question the legality of their orders, defining such questioning as detrimental to military command. Speaking on Fox News, Leavitt criticized Democrats for allegedly encouraging active duty service members to defy orders from their commander-in-chief and claimed no orders given by the current administration have been illegal.

Leavitt’s remarks come despite the fact that the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) permits service members to be held accountable for following unlawful orders, which can include serious crimes like murder and assault. The UCMJ explicitly states that service members have a legal obligation to refuse orders that are against the law, highlighting a crucial tension with Leavitt’s assertions.

In her comments, Leavitt emphasized the importance of maintaining a strict chain of command in military operations, suggesting that doubt about the legality of orders could disrupt military effectiveness. Yet, her statements have been met with skepticism given the established legal framework governing military conduct.

Leavitt’s insistence that the administration has always acted within legal bounds raises important questions about accountability in the face of illegal orders, especially as historical instances have shown commands interpreted as unlawful can occur. This situation highlights a tension within military ethics and the executive’s role in issuing orders.

Critics have pointed out that Leavitt’s remarks seem to downplay the significant legal responsibilities that service members carry, as well as their duty to uphold the law even when under command. This debate underscores the ongoing struggles surrounding leadership and legal adherence in the military context under the current administration.

Sean Duffy Urges Civility and Better Dress for Holiday Travel

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has urged travelers to adopt more civilized behavior while flying, particularly during the holiday season. Speaking to Fox Business, Duffy emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately and maintaining a positive demeanor to improve the overall travel experience for both passengers and airline staff.

Highlighting the alarming rise in disruptive behavior on flights, Duffy noted that since 2019, in-flight incidents have surged by 400%, as reported by the Department of Transportation. He criticized current trends where travelers appear in pajamas and have escalated behavior towards airline personnel, suggesting that a shift towards civility could help alleviate some of these issues.

Duffy referenced former President Donald Trump’s discussions of a “golden age” of transportation, arguing that true improvements start with the actions of individual travelers. His comments coincide with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, a peak period for air travel, as airlines are preparing to handle a significant increase in passengers.

Spirit Airlines has even updated its policies, warning passengers that “inadequately clothed” individuals could be denied boarding. As the travel season approaches, Duffy’s message emphasizes personal responsibility and courtesy as essential components of a smoother travel experience.

By promoting better dress and behavior in airports, Duffy hopes to inspire a cultural shift that prioritizes respect and community, countering the current trend of incivility seen in travel environments.

Hegseth’s Authority Targets Senator Mark Kelly Over Dissent

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s so-called “Department of War” has issued a threat to court-martial Democratic Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona. This comes after Kelly’s recent comments on a video where he asserted that U.S. troops have a constitutional duty to disobey unlawful orders. The Department of Defense stated they are investigating allegations of misconduct against Kelly under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, suggesting serious repercussions could follow.

The DOD emphasized that all service members must follow lawful orders, cautioning that personal beliefs cannot excuse disobedience. This punitive response highlights the extreme measures the currently authoritarian Republican leadership is willing to pursue against those who advocate for constitutional rights and refuse unlawful directives.

President Donald Trump has further incited tensions, claiming that Democrats reminding troops of their obligation to resist illegal orders could be guilty of treason and suggesting they could face the death penalty. In response, Kelly defended his stance, stating that standing up for the Constitution is fundamentally American, contrasting it sharply against Trump’s authoritarian and fascistic inclinations.

This alarming sequence of events has raised concerns about rising authoritarianism within military and governmental institutions under Trump. Kelly’s insistence on constitutional duty underscores the essential role of dissent in safeguarding democracy, which is critically under threat from those in power.

The implications of Hegseth’s threats reflect a broader authoritarian push from the Trump administration, seeking to punish dissent and uphold compliance through fear, further undermining democratic principles essential to the U.S. political landscape.

Trump’s Disturbing Fascist Memes Prime His Base For A Forever Presidency

Donald Trump is mainstreaming extremist imagery and propaganda by sharing fascist-themed memes that portray him as a ruling god-emperor. In a striking image, Trump is depicted in golden armor while prominent Democrats, such as Schumer and Warren, bow in submission. This aesthetic echoes totalitarian propaganda, furthering Trump’s goal of a one-party state.

By leveraging artificial intelligence, Trump promotes content created by right-wing online communities, effectively merging crude, often racist memes with his political narrative. This engagement with fringe influencers not only amplifies their voice but legitimizes harmful ideologies within mainstream political discourse.

The normalization of such imagery and themes raises alarming questions about the trajectory of American politics. Trump’s consistent use of AI-generated content reinforces a dangerous precedent where traditional governance values are overwhelmed by authoritarian aesthetics and messages.

Experts highlight the implications of a sitting president amplifying extremist rhetoric, underscoring the erosion of democratic norms. Trump’s actions are not merely a personal campaign strategy but part of a broader strategy to reshape the power dynamics in America.

This trend marks a significant departure from established political processes, as Trump positions himself as a ruler who could effectively undermine the principles of democracy to entrench himself further in power.

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