Category: Unethical

Trump Suggests Switzerland Tariffs Stemmed From Friction With Swiss President – The New York Times

President Trump disclosed that he imposed a 39 percent tariff on Switzerland in August 2024 after a personal dispute with then-President Karin Keller-Sutter during a phone call he characterized as adversarial. Trump stated he initially planned a 30 percent rate but increased it to 39 percent after Keller-Sutter repeatedly objected, saying her repetitive pushback and aggressive tone “rubbed me the wrong way.” The tariff far exceeded rates negotiated with the European Union at 15 percent and Britain at 10 percent, revealing that personal friction—not trade policy analysis—determined the rate.

Trump recounted that Keller-Sutter emphasized Switzerland’s small size and inability to absorb such tariffs, to which Trump responded by referencing the U.S. trade deficit with the country. The Swiss central bank had noted that gold bullion and bars—which comprised roughly two-thirds of Swiss exports to the United States at that time—should not be counted in trade balance calculations, undermining Trump’s rationale. Trump’s acknowledgment that the tariff was retaliatory rather than economically justified contradicts any legitimate trade policy framework.

After the rate hike, Trump said “all hell really broke out” and that Rolex and other Swiss representatives lobbied to reduce the tariff. Trump eventually cut the rate to 15 percent, matching the European Union’s rate. Keller-Sutter’s presidential term ended in December, and Trump later remarked that Switzerland exists only because of U.S. support, stating “They’re only good because of us,” a comment that prompted gasps from World Economic Forum attendees in Davos.

Trump’s public explanation reveals how personal grievance and authoritarian impulse shape his trade decisions rather than coherent economic strategy. Using tariffs as punishment for perceived disrespect weaponizes trade policy as a tool for enforcing personal loyalty, establishing a pattern where foreign leaders must defer to Trump’s demands or face economic retaliation regardless of factual merit or proportionality.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/us/politics/trump-switzerland-tariffs-personal-friction.html)

Trump Posts Private Macron Message Threatening French

President Trump posted a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron to Truth Social on Monday evening, revealing Macron’s explicit rejection of Trump’s Greenland annexation ambitions. The message, which Macron sent inviting Trump to dinner in Paris, stated “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland” while offering cooperation on Syria, Iran, and a potential G7 meeting. Trump’s decision to publicly expose the private communication occurred just one hour after he threatened Macron with a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes for declining an invitation to join Trump’s controversial “Board of Peace.”

Macron had formally rejected Trump’s Board of Peace invitation on Monday, asserting that the board’s charter “goes beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions, in particular with respect to the principles and structure of the United Nations, which cannot be called into question.” Trump responded to reporters by dismissing Macron, claiming “nobody wants him because he’s gonna be out of office very soon” and threatening economic retaliation through punitive tariffs if Macron continued to resist his demands.

Trump’s breach of diplomatic confidentiality demonstrates his pattern of weaponizing personal communications for public humiliation. By posting Macron’s private message without consent, Trump violated established norms of executive-level diplomacy and transformed a confidential appeal for constructive engagement into a public spectacle on his Truth Social platform. The move reflects Trump’s documented hostility toward allied leaders who resist his territorial ambitions, as evidenced by his continued promotion of annexing Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela.

Macron’s message attempted diplomatic persuasion by emphasizing areas of agreement on Syria and Iran while directly confronting Trump’s Greenland agenda. However, Trump’s response—combining economic threats with public exposure of private communications—signals his abandonment of traditional diplomatic channels in favor of coercive tactics. The incident underscores the deteriorating state of U.S.-France relations under Trump’s leadership, characterized by contempt for allied leadership and disdain for confidentiality.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-posts-private-message-from-french-president-macron-to-truth-social-i-do-not-understand-what-you-are-doing/)

Trump Posts AI Map Adding Greenland Canada Venezuela to US

President Trump posted an AI-edited image on Truth Social depicting a map of North America that incorporates Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela as U.S. territory, taken during a meeting with European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in August 2025. The image reinforces Trump’s stated intent to annex these territories, which he has publicly pursued since returning to office in January 2025.

Trump has repeatedly demanded U.S. acquisition of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, citing national security concerns regarding Russian and Chinese threats to the Arctic. He has threatened escalating tariffs on eight European nations—10 percent starting February 1, rising to 25 percent on June 1—unless Denmark agrees to what he calls a “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.” Trump has declined to rule out military force to achieve this objective and has threatened additional tariffs on European allies resistant to the annexation plan.

Trump has directed military planners to develop invasion contingencies for Greenland, following the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The timing reflects Trump’s broader pattern of territorial expansion rhetoric, which now extends to claims that the United States should absorb Canada as a 51st state and control Venezuela.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen publicly rejected the annexation proposal, stating “Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.” Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Canada have deployed military personnel to Greenland in response to Trump’s annexation threats, with multiple European nations issuing joint statements affirming solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.

The European Union has convened emergency ambassadorial meetings to discuss retaliatory trade measures against U.S. tariffs, signaling deepening transatlantic fracture over Trump’s unilateral territorial ambitions and coercive economic threats directed at NATO allies.

(Source: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-shares-map-of-us-including-greenland-canada-venezuela-11384438)

Trump Tells Jared Polis and Colorado ‘RINO’ to ‘Rot in Hell’

President Trump attacked Colorado Governor Jared Polis and a Republican district attorney in a December 31st Truth Social post, calling Polis a “scumbag” and the DA “disgusting” while telling both to “rot in Hell.” Trump’s outburst targeted officials responsible for prosecuting former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who is serving nine years in prison for seven state-level charges related to 2020 election interference, including providing MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s associate unauthorized access to county election software.

Trump falsely claimed earlier in December that he had pardoned Peters, stating she was being “relentlessly” targeted for “demanding honest elections.” However, Trump lacks authority to pardon individuals convicted of state-level crimes; Peters’ conviction and imprisonment remain valid regardless of any presidential pardon claim. Trump characterized her prosecution as evidence that Democrats prosecute election-security advocates while ignoring their own alleged mail-in ballot fraud, assertions contradicted by documented fact patterns showing no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Colorado or nationally.

Trump previously weaponized disaster aid to Colorado, denying federal assistance following wildfires and flooding while Governor Polis governed the state. This pattern of targeting Colorado’s Democratic leadership demonstrates Trump’s use of presidential authority to punish political opponents, further illustrating the authoritarian consolidation of power through weaponized governance.

Trump’s attack on a fellow Republican official as a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) reflects his ongoing purge of party members who do not demonstrate absolute loyalty to him personally. His refusal to accept Peters’ lawful conviction—despite her documented actions undermining election integrity through unauthorized system access—prioritizes Trump’s electoral narrative over institutional accountability and rule of law.

The Truth Social post exemplifies Trump’s pattern of attacking state officials and judicial processes when outcomes conflict with his interests, framing legitimate prosecutions as political persecution while simultaneously attempting to overturn state convictions through false pardon claims that carry no legal weight.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-tells-scumbag-governor-and-disgusting-rino-to-rot-in-hell/)

Trump Claims to be ‘Best Physical Specimen’ in Navy Speech

During a recent celebration of the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump boasted that he is the “best physical specimen” among recent presidents, citing praise from his former doctor, Ronny Jackson. This statement stands in stark contrast to the numerous health concerns raised during and after Trump’s presidency, including his irregular diet and questionable lifestyle choices.

Trump asked the audience if they had heard of Jackson, who has transitioned from being Trump’s doctor to serving as a congressman. He recounted a past press conference where Jackson allegedly crowned him the healthiest among his presidential predecessors, which has been widely critiqued given Jackson’s controversial assessments of Trump’s health and mental acuity. Many have questioned the veracity of Jackson’s statements, particularly in light of Trump’s frequent health issues and behavior.

Jackson, who also served as the doctor for Barack Obama and George W. Bush, claimed in 2018 that Trump had “incredibly good genes.” Such statements were met with skepticism, as experts have pointed to the unlikelihood of Trump’s physical condition being as favorable as portrayed. Jackson’s past comments have come under fire, especially since they seemed to downplay serious health risks associated with Trump’s habits.

Moreover, Trump’s repeated references to Jackson during his speech highlight a troubling trend of elevating figures who align with his narrative while dismissing critical scrutiny. This type of rhetoric not only serves to promote false narratives around health but also undermines the seriousness of medical evaluations carried out by professionals.

This incident is emblematic of a broader issue within Trump’s rhetoric and behavior, where he often positions himself as superior not just in health but in numerous aspects, all while doling out praise to those who reinforce his narrative. It continues to raise questions about the integrity of information coming from Trump and his administration, illustrating how he manipulates facts for personal gain.

Trump Scolds Reporter Over Wealth Corruption Question

During a recent press conference on the White House lawn, Donald Trump reacted furiously to a question from an Australian reporter regarding his rising wealth while in office. The inquiry came amid reports suggesting that the Trump family had earned an astonishing $5 billion from a cryptocurrency venture. Rather than addressing the potential impropriety of mixing personal business with the responsibilities of the presidency, Trump deflected, claiming that his children manage his businesses.

Trump attempted to divert attention by boasting about a luxurious new ballroom project at the White House, projecting a cost upwards of $250 million. He framed this extravagant renovation as a patriotic act, insisting it would serve the country despite the extensive personal profit he stands to gain from his ongoing business activities. Such comments highlight Trump’s prioritization of personal gain over ethical governance, cementing suspicions of corruption.

This confrontation underscores a pattern of Trump’s dismissiveness toward inquiries that challenge his integrity or financial dealings. As he escalated his rhetoric against the reporter, Trump accused him of being detrimental to Australia’s interests, threatening to relay this perception to Australia’s leadership. This reaction not only evades legitimate scrutiny but also illustrates Trump’s authoritarian tendencies in punishing those who oppose or question him.

By attempting to silence dissent with aggressive language, Trump demonstrates a troubling disregard for the principles of accountability that underpin democratic governance. His administration’s ongoing mix of personal and presidential matters raises significant ethical questions about the integrity of his actions and the implications for American democracy.

Overall, this incident reflects Trump’s consistent approach of portraying himself as a victim whenever his legitimacy is questioned, while simultaneously advancing his personal interests at the cost of ethical governance. Such behavior is emblematic of the authoritarian tactics he employs, whereby criticism is met with hostility rather than an effort to engage constructively.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-attacks-reporter-asking-about-his-making-money-in-office-you-are-hurting-your-country-right-now/)

NOAA Officials Suspended Amid Trump Administration’s Stranglehold

Recent reports reveal that two senior officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Steve Volz and Jeff Dillen, were placed on administrative leave. Both played key roles in the investigation of the controversial “Sharpiegate” incident, where President Trump misleadingly altered a hurricane map to suggest a threat to Alabama.

The decision to remove Volz and Dillen arises amid tensions with the Trump administration. It is suspected that their departure coincides with the upcoming Senate Committee vote on Neil Jacobs, nominated by Trump to lead NOAA. Inquiries into why their leave was timed with this critical moment raise serious questions about integrity and political interference in scientific matters.

A former NOAA employee has noted the questionable timing, suggesting that it appears aimed at silencing those who previously held the administration accountable for altering scientific findings. The NOAA spokesperson cited performance issues for Dillen’s leave and a separate matter for Volz, yet both officials hinted their removals may be strategic to facilitate policies contrary to NOAA’s mission.

Volz’s service history and advocacy for maintaining NOAA’s operational integrity conflict with current administration plans to privatize some of its satellite operations. This privatization is outlined in Project 2025, a Republican initiative advocating for significant changes in NOAA’s operations, hinting at broader GOP strategies to commercialize and undermine scientific integrity in public agencies.

The departure of these officials not only raises concerns about the politicization of NOAA but also reinforces the administration’s pattern of purging those who challenge its directives. As recruiting and maintaining Trump loyalists continues to shape federal agencies, the alarming precedent set here threatens to erode the independence of scientific research and policy-making foundational to American democracy.

(h/t: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/noaa-sharpiegate-investigation-trump-b2796556.html)

Trump Administration Targets Hospitals with Cost-Cutting Proposals

The Trump administration has launched a direct attack on hospitals with a proposed rule that undermines the Medicare reimbursement structure. This plan, aimed at equalizing payment rates for outpatient services across various medical settings, threatens the financial stability of hospitals, particularly affecting those that serve vulnerable populations. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed to cut payments for outpatient drugs provided in hospitals, positioning it as a move to save taxpayers millions, but at the expense of healthcare providers.

This initiative reflects a trend within the Trump administration to prioritize budget cuts over patient care, a stance that disregards the complexities of healthcare delivery. Hospitals have expressed their concerns that the new policy penalizes facilities that treat higher-acuity patients, particularly in rural or impoverished areas. They argue that this reallocation of funds harms Medicare beneficiaries who may already be facing significant health challenges and require more comprehensive care.

The financial implications of this policy shift are stark. CMS estimates that the proposed site-neutral payment structure could save Medicare $210 million while simultaneously reducing costs for beneficiaries by $70 million. While proponents argue this policy will standardize care costs, critics underscore that it ignores the reality that hospital outpatient departments often cater to a sicker, more disadvantaged patient demographic than independent offices.

This policy proposal follows a trend of avoiding substantive discussions about healthcare reform, with the recent bipartisan attempts in Congress failing to yield results. The pushback from the American Hospital Association highlights the pitfalls of the administration’s approach, which prioritizes cost-cutting measures over the need for equitable healthcare access. As hospitals brace for the fallout, the long-term consequences of such policies could further exacerbate disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

The ongoing attempts by the Trump administration to regulate healthcare through stringent fiscal policies reveal an alarming trend towards undermining hospitals that serve essential roles in their communities. Ultimately, this undercuts the fundamental principles of healthcare accessibility and equity, pushing the system closer to a crisis where those who are the most in need face increased barriers to vital medical services.

(h/t: https://thehill.com/newsletters/health-care/5405321-trump-administration-takes-shot-at-hospitals/)

Maurene Comey Fired Amid Controversy Surrounding Trump and Epstein

Maurene Comey, the daughter of former FBI Director James Comey and a prominent prosecutor of high-profile cases, was recently dismissed from her role in the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office. Known for her work on the Jeffrey Epstein case, Maurene’s termination raises questions about the motives behind the decision, especially amid ongoing investigations involving her father, who has been a target of President Donald Trump’s administration.

In her nearly decade-long tenure, Maurene Comey prosecuted both Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking. Her firing follows increased scrutiny of the Justice Department for its handling of Epstein-related documents, an issue that has fueled partisan attacks, particularly from Trump loyalists. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have faced public backlash for not releasing additional files that could shed light on Epstein’s alleged criminal activities.

The exact reason behind Maurene Comey’s dismissal remains unclear, with speculation suggesting her firing could be linked to her father’s contentious history with the Trump administration. James Comey’s role in investigating ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia has long placed him at odds with Trump, who has consistently disparaged the former FBI Director.

Notably, Maurene has also endured public criticism from Trump’s alt-right allies, with figures like Laura Loomer calling for her dismissal over the handling of Epstein-related documentation by the Justice Department. These coordinated efforts highlight the political weaponization of law enforcement, aiming to undermine those associated with investigations of powerful individuals.

The dismissal has led to unrest within the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office, mirroring a broader trend of turmoil that started when the acting U.S. attorney and other prosecutors resigned following orders to drop a corruption investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams. On her last day, numerous colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s office showed their support for Maurene Comey by accompanying her out, signaling a united front against what they perceive as politicized justice.

(h/t: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/16/maurene-comey-fired-doj-00458921)

Trump Openly Admits to Quid Pro Quo Corruption in Eric Adams Case

Donald Trump recently claimed to have played a role in the decision to drop federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. During a press conference in Florida, Trump asserted that he “helped out” Adams after the Justice Department indicted him on multiple corruption charges, primarily concerning dealings with Turkey. His boastful remarks come in the midst of ongoing tensions surrounding the integrity of political dealings within his administration.

Trump’s comments followed a question about Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, during which he also threatened to arrest him if he interfered with ICE operations. Trump characterized Adams as a “very good person” before making his controversial statement. This tone-deaf commentary disregards the serious nature of the allegations and the implications surrounding their dismissal.

The charges against Adams, which were dismissed by a judge in April, included accusations of receiving luxury gifts in exchange for expediting permits for the Turkish government. Despite these serious allegations, Trump claimed that the indictment was “phony” and politically motivated, reflecting a broader pattern of undermining judicial accountability. In a ruling that challenged Trump’s narrative, Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case with prejudice, asserting that there was no evidence to suggest that the indictment was politically motivated.

The atmosphere surrounding this incident is compounded by Trump’s broader attacks on the Justice Department led by Biden-appointed officials. His comments about the indictment and subsequent dismissal raise ethical concerns, particularly as they suggest a quid pro quo arrangement. This behavior exemplifies the troubling reality of political interference in judicial processes, a hallmark of fascist governance.

Ultimately, the dependence of the prosecution’s fate on political pressure calls into question the integrity of the legal system. Trump’s casual bragging about manipulating the legal framework highlights an alarming trend among Republicans to prioritize political gain over justice. By undermining the justice system, Trump not only threatens democracy but also establishes a dangerous precedent for future political leaders.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/i-helped-him-out-trump-brags-about-getting-prosecution-of-eric-adams-shut-down-in-shocking-remark/)

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