Category: Unethical

Trump’s GOP Targets Nursing Home Care Standards for Corporate Profits

Donald Trump and the Republican Party are gearing up to dismantle critical nursing home staffing regulations put forth by the Biden administration, a move that primarily benefits the for-profit home industry while endangering the welfare of residents and workers. This proposed repeal comes in the wake of overwhelming evidence that inadequate staffing led to the deaths of over 200,000 nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for minimum care standards.

The Biden administration’s rule mandated that nursing homes provide at least 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident daily, including essential oversight by registered nurses. This regulation is crucial to ensuring that residents receive appropriate medical attention and care. Yet, Republicans, led by figures like Senator Bill Cassidy, have criticized it, claiming it exacerbates workforce shortages rather than addressing them.

As GOP lawmakers introduce resolutions to overturn this rule, they falsely present their agenda as a means to protect seniors. However, the truth is that repealing these regulations will revert care standards back to a time when profit margins were prioritized over patient care, a clear indication of the party’s alignment with corporate interests rather than the needs of vulnerable populations.

Industry groups have rallied against the staffing requirements, arguing they are unrealistic and costly. However, research and advocates stress that minimum staffing standards are not only feasible but critical for improving care quality across the board. This pushback from the nursing home industry, which predominantly comprises for-profit facilities, reveals a blatant disregard for the lives at stake.

Consumer advocates and public health experts are urging Congress to reject any efforts to roll back these essential protections. The proposed repeal represents a clear shift toward a profit-driven model that undermines the health and safety of nursing home residents, reflecting the GOP’s broader agenda of catering to corporate elites at the expense of American democracy and social welfare.

(h/t: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-gop-expected-undo-biden-110000447.html)

Trump’s Lies and Racism Undermine Democracy

Donald Trump’s recent statements have further revealed his profound dishonesty and unethical behavior. In a series of interviews, Trump has perpetuated false claims about the 2020 election, insisting without evidence that it was stolen. This blatant disregard for the truth not only undermines democracy but also emboldens extremist factions within the Republican Party, who continue to spread misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Furthermore, Trump’s rhetoric has reached a new low, with inflammatory language that incites division and hatred among Americans. His comments about various ethnic groups and marginalized communities reflect a troubling trend of racism and bigotry that is increasingly normalized by his followers and Republican leaders.

In addition, Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol insurrection have raised significant concerns about his accountability and integrity. His refusal to take responsibility for the violence that occurred, and his continued support for those involved, highlights a dangerous pattern of behavior that threatens the rule of law and the very fabric of American society.

Moreover, Trump’s economic policies have proven to be detrimental, favoring the wealthy while neglecting the needs of everyday Americans. His administration’s mismanagement of critical issues like healthcare and job creation has left many struggling, while he boasts about accomplishments that largely benefit his rich allies.

As the GOP rallies around Trump, the party’s shift towards authoritarianism and white supremacy becomes evident. Their willingness to overlook Trump’s unethical behavior for political gain reveals a deep-seated corruption that threatens the core values of democracy. It is imperative for the American public to recognize these alarming trends and hold Trump and his enablers accountable.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/08/politics/trump-plans-immigration-pardons-nbc-interview/index.html)

Musk and Ramaswamy Advance Trump’s Dangerous DOGE Agenda in Congress

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy recently met with Republican lawmakers at Capitol Hill to discuss Donald Trump’s controversial initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at slashing federal programs and regulations. This meeting raised serious concerns about the prioritization of wealth and corporate interests over the needs of the American people, particularly vulnerable populations who rely on essential services like Medicare and Social Security.

The DOGE initiative is a thinly veiled attempt to fulfill Trump’s agenda of dismantling crucial government functions under the guise of efficiency. Musk and Ramaswamy, both wealthy entrepreneurs with limited public service experience, were tasked with leading this effort. Their lack of accountability and transparency threatens to undermine democratic processes and further enrich the oligarchs at the expense of everyday citizens.

During the closed-door meeting, lawmakers discussed potential cuts to various federal programs. Rep. Virginia Foxx even suggested reducing the Department of Education, a move that could devastate educational opportunities for countless students. Despite some lawmakers expressing a desire to maintain support for popular programs, the overall tone was one of prioritizing fiscal austerity without consideration for the human impact of these decisions.

Critics, including good-government advocates, are rightfully alarmed about the implications of allowing unelected individuals like Musk and Ramaswamy to influence federal budget cuts. Their advisory role lacks the traditional checks and balances that ensure a fair and transparent process. The Federal Advisory Committee Act, which was designed to uphold these standards, appears to be disregarded in favor of unaccountable decision-making.

The backdrop of this initiative is a staggering $6 trillion federal budget deficit, exacerbated by tax cuts for the wealthy, which Trump and his allies have historically championed. As these Republican lawmakers align themselves with Musk and Ramaswamy, it becomes clear that their focus is not on genuine budget reform but rather on advancing a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes corporate interests and undermines the fundamental rights of American citizens.

(h/t: https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Business/wireStory/elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-bringing-trumps-doge-capitol-116487139)

Trump’s Cronyism: Appointing a Convicted Felon as Ambassador

In a shocking display of nepotism and cronyism, former President Donald Trump has appointed Charles Kushner, a convicted felon, as the U.S. Ambassador to France. This move raises serious ethical concerns and exemplifies Trump’s blatant disregard for the law and ethical governance. Kushner’s criminal history, which includes serious convictions, highlights the troubling trend of Trump rewarding family members and allies with key positions, regardless of their qualifications or past actions.

The appointment of Kushner is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader pattern where Trump has consistently prioritized loyalty over competence. By surrounding himself with family members and loyalists, Trump has weakened the integrity of government positions, replacing seasoned professionals with those who are simply aligned with his interests. This approach undermines effective governance and raises questions about the motivations behind these appointments.

Furthermore, Trump’s re-election campaign has been plagued by allegations of funneling donor money to family members. Reports indicate that campaign funds are being funneled directly to Eric Trump’s wife and Donald Trump Jr.’s girlfriend, further illustrating the ongoing cronyism that characterizes Trump’s political strategy. This raises the question: is this truly how one ‘drains the swamp’?

Additionally, the economic policies pushed by Trump’s administration have directly benefited his family members. Jared Kushner, for instance, lobbied for tax breaks that his own investments profited from, showcasing a blatant conflict of interest. Such actions not only reveal the self-serving nature of Trump’s policies but also raise ethical dilemmas regarding the use of public office for personal gain.

In conclusion, the appointment of Charles Kushner as ambassador is emblematic of the authoritarian tendencies that have emerged under Trump’s leadership. By favoring family and loyalists over qualified individuals, Trump is not only compromising the integrity of the government but also setting a dangerous precedent that prioritizes loyalty to the Trump brand over the rule of law and ethical governance.

(h/t: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly49weqjy8o)

President-elect Donald Trump continues to avoid si…

President-elect Donald Trump continues to avoid signing the legally required ethics agreement mandated for a smooth presidential transition, raising serious ethical concerns about his leadership. This agreement is crucial for ensuring that Trump does not engage in conflicts of interest that could arise from his extensive business dealings, a fact that has been a significant point of contention throughout his presidency.

Trump’s reluctance to sign the ethics pledge illustrates his ongoing battle with transparency and accountability, as he attempts to shield his financial interests from scrutiny. Despite the fact that the ethics requirement was established under the Presidential Transition Act—legislation that Trump himself endorsed—his transition team has not prioritized compliance, jeopardizing national security as deadlines for essential agreements are missed.

Transition experts are alarmed by this delay, emphasizing that it could severely impair the incoming administration’s preparedness. The Biden administration’s General Services Administration had set deadlines for agreements that would provide Trump’s team with necessary resources and briefings, which are crucial for national security. The failure to comply with these requirements could leave the future administration unprepared to handle urgent issues from Day 1.

Furthermore, Trump’s ongoing business ventures, including his significant stake in Truth Social and other licensing deals, raise additional ethical questions. This lack of adherence to ethical standards, coupled with his refusal to sign the pledge, suggests a disregard for the foundational principles of governance that are essential for maintaining public trust.

As the transition process hangs in the balance, lawmakers like Rep. Jamie Raskin have expressed deep concerns about the implications of Trump’s actions, stating that ignoring established norms poses a threat to the fundamental institutions of American democracy. Without the necessary agreements in place, the implications for national security are dire, echoing past failures that have had catastrophic consequences.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/09/politics/trump-transition-ethics-pledge-timing/index.html?)

Trump Attacks Harris and Podcast Host Cooper at Pennsylvania Rally

Former President Donald Trump, during a rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and podcast host Alexandra Cooper following Harris’s recent interview on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast. In the interview, Harris engaged with a broader audience, particularly emphasizing her response to Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders regarding motherhood and humility.

Trump’s comments focused on his disdain for Cooper, whom he labeled as ‘dumber than Kamala.’ He expressed this sentiment by calling Cooper ‘one dumb woman’ and apologized to women for his remarks. His statement indicates a targeted attack on both women involved in the discussion, reflecting a pattern of dismissive rhetoric.

The backlash against Trump’s comments was swift on social media, with various commentators highlighting his history of misogynistic remarks. Attorney and activist Aaron Parnas expressed that ‘millions of Call Her Daddy fans will not forget this moment,’ signaling the potential impact on Cooper’s audience.

Veteran and commentator Allison Gill remarked on Trump’s perceived animosity toward women and other groups, questioning the competitiveness of his political race. Michelle Kenney, a women’s rights advocate, referenced former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s derogatory comment about Trump, adding to the critique of his intelligence and character.

Activist Olivia Julianna pointed out that Trump declined an invitation to join Cooper’s show, suggesting a reluctance to discuss women’s issues, further asserting that his comments stem from a deep-seated hatred toward women.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/donald-trump-2669368749/)

Trump Has ‘Financial Interest’ in Hydroxychloroquine Manufacturer

President Donald Trump has a “small financial interest” in the drugmaker of an anti-malarial drug that he has been touting as a “game changer” in treating coronavirus, according to The New York Times. Over the past two weeks, Trump and his Fox News allies have aggressively promoted hydroxychloroquine as a potential cure despite top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci urging caution and noting that there was not enough evidence of the drug’s efficacy.

The Times reports that the president’s family trusts all have investments in a mutual fund whose largest holding is Sanofi, the manufacturer of Plaquenil, the brand-name version of hydroxychloroquine. Associates of the president, such as major Republican donor Ken Fisher and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, have also run funds that hold investments in the pharmaceutical firm.

[The Daily Beast]

Trump complains he can’t execute drug dealers after ‘quick trials’ like they do in China

President Donald Trump on Tuesday complained that he can’t oversee the quick execution of drug dealers — and suggested that the United States should start taking its cues from China.

During a talk at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference, Trump said that authoritarian dictatorships do a better job of stopping illicit drug use in their countries because defendants don’t have all the constitutional protections that they’re entitled to in the United States.

“You go into China, you say, ‘How’s your drug problem,’ they don’t even know, President Xi doesn’t even know what you’re talking about!” the president said. “They have quick trials, and I won’t even tell you what the punishment is, but let me just say it’s very swift.”

The president then said he didn’t believe American citizens were ready to be “tough” on drug dealers like China was.

“I just don’t know whether or not this country is ready for that, but the only countries that don’t have drug problems are countries where the retribution is unbelievably tough,” the president said.

[Raw Story]

Trump administration refuses to release all available aid to Puerto Rico despite earthquakes

The Trump administration is refusing to release all available disaster aid to Puerto Rico despite this week’s earthquakes, citing concerns about “corruption” and “financial mismanagement” on the island, the Daily News has learned.

President Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development was supposed to start disbursing $9.7 billion in aid to Puerto Rico in September as part of a congressional allocation to beef up natural disaster readiness following the devastating hurricanes that battered the island in 2017 and killed nearly 3,000 people.

But HUD has to date only released about $1.5 billion of those funds, and a senior agency official said Thursday that the remainder of the relief cash won’t be released anytime soon despite a string of earthquakes that rocked the island this week and left thousands of residents without power.

“Given the Puerto Rican government’s history of financial mismanagement, corruption and other abuses, we must ensure that any HUD assistance provided helps those on the island who need it the most: the people of Puerto Rico,” the HUD official told The News, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal operations.

The official did not give a timeline for when the aid will be released and downplayed the island’s need for more assistance.

“Puerto Rico already has access to $1.5 billion and has so far only spent $5.8 million — less than 1% of those funds,” the official said.

Congressional Democrats were outraged and said the Trump administration is breaking the law by withholding the congressionally approved money.

“The ongoing withholding of funds appropriated by Congress to Puerto Rico is illegal,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) told reporters at a Thursday press conference.

Queens-Brooklyn Rep. Nydia Velazquez, who grew up in Puerto Rico, said HUD’s own inspector general recently concluded there’s nothing to suggest the island can’t properly manage the aid.

She also said it isn’t HUD’s prerogative to block the funds, as they were approved by Congress.

“The real motivation for withholding these dollars is Donald Trump’s disdain for the people of Puerto Rico and heartless disregard for their suffering,” Velazquez told The News.

Velazquez joined Queens-Bronx Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in sending a letter earlier this week to HUD Secretary Ben Carson demanding the outstanding $8.3 billion be released to Puerto Rico immediately, arguing the island needs whatever assistance it can get in the wake of the earthquakes.

Schumer said Carson had not responded as of Thursday and reiterated a call for the administration to end its “counterproductive vendetta” with Puerto Rico.

“As opposed to erecting hurdles to recovery, the administration should be clearing a path, righting past wrongs and delivering the support our fellow American citizens so clearly need,” he said.

At least one person has died since a magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Several major aftershocks have followed, destroying homes and leaving two-thirds of the island without electricity.

Trump declared a state of emergency for Puerto Rico earlier this week, opening up about $5 million in federal funds to be spent on emergency services in light of the earthquake.

But Democrats say that’s not close to enough and urged the administration to stop withholding the hurricane relief cash that was supposed to be released months ago.

“Holding these resources back means delaying the island’s economic and physical recovery, period,” Velazquez said.

Trump has had a thorny relationship with Puerto Rico’s leaders for years.

After the 2017 hurricanes, critics accused the president of racism after he expressed reluctance about releasing aid to Puerto Rico while pledging sweeping support for states like Texas and Florida when they suffered natural disasters.

Trump infamously tossed paper towels at a crowd of Puerto Ricans when he visited the island in the wake of Hurricane Maria in October 2017.


[New York Daily News]

‘Maybe we will, maybe we won’t’: Trump doubles down on threat to take oil from Syria

Donald Trump has renewed his threats to forcibly steal oil from Syria, a move which experts say would amount to a war crime.

The president defended his decision to leave a small number of American troops in the war-torn nation after a general withdrawal in October by claiming they were only there to secure Syria’s oilfields.

“They say he left troops in Syria… do you know what I did? I took the oil,” he said during a Fox News interview.

“The only troops I have are taking the oil, they are protecting the oil.”

When the interviewer, Laura Ingraham, attempted to correct Mr Trump by insisting the soldiers were not there to take the oil but to guard the facilities, the president cut her off.

“I don’t know, maybe we should take it, but we have the oil. Right now, the United States has the oil. We have the oil.”

This is not the first time the erratic former business tycoon has publicly mused about stealing Syria’s oil reserves.

In October, shortly after his abrupt withdrawal of US forces and abandoning of their Kurdish allies in the region, Mr Trump said he wanted an American oil firm to fly in to tap Syria’s oil on behalf of the government.

“What I intend to do, perhaps, is make a deal with an ExxonMobil or one of our great companies to go in there and do it properly,” he said.

However, such a move would likely constitute pillage and looting, actions which have long been designated as illegal under international law and the rules of war.

The Geneva Convention, which the US is a signatory to, explicitly prohibits the looting of property during conflict, defining it as a war crime.

“The president appears to believe that the US can sell the oil, based on his statements in the past about Iraqi oil and Libyan oil … thinking that we can loot countries,” Benjamin Friedman, policy director at think tank Defence Priorities and adjunct professor at the George Washington University, told The Independent last year.

“I am sure people in the White House have tried to explain to him that is not how it works.

“Taking the profits from the sale of Syrian oil for the US treasury would be illegal. That would probably qualify as pillaging under the law.”

Ironically, experts say Syria’s oil fields are not much of a prize anyway. Even before the country descended in a chaotic civil war, it only produced about 380,000 barrels of poor-quality oil a day.

In 2018, after its production was several hampered by the conflict, it produced about the same amount of oil as the state of Illinois.

Before he entered the White House, Mr Trump had said several times that the US should have “taken the oil” from the other Middle Eastern nations its armed forces had intervened in, including Iraq and Libya.

Some commentators have speculated that defence officials desperate to persuade the president to permit some US forces to remain in Syria as a counter-balance to Isis and the Assad regime were forced to appeal to his oil obsession to gain his approval.

[The Independent]

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