Tag: news

  • Trump’s False Mandate:  Disapproval Polling Numbers Stacking Up

    Trump continues to falsely claim he has a mandate, but the numbers tell a different story. The president 1.5-point advantage over Harris was, as a post election analysis by the Council on Foreign Relations notes, “the fifth smallest of the thirty-two presidential races held since 1900.” Trump won 4 million fewer ballots than Joe Biden did in 2020. In 2024, if roughly 120,000 voters had switched their preferences in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Harris would have won the Electoral College and the presidency. He won 4 million fewer votes than Joe Biden in 2020.

    Despite starting his presidency with a positive approval rating, Trump’s numbers have taken a nosedive. His handling of the economy and various controversies have led to growing criticism and sinking favorability ratings. It’s no surprise that his approval rating has dropped below 45 percent.

    The latest polls show Trump with a disapproval rating of 51.7 percent, the highest of his second term. His approval on the economy is at a dismal 37 percent, the lowest of either of his terms. With a net approval rating of -8 points, it’s clear that Trump is not winning over the majority of Americans.

    Perhaps Trump should stick to playing golf in Florida, where his ratings might be a bit better. After all, it seems like the less he does, the more people like him. But hey, who needs a mandate when you’ve got a golf club.

  • Upholding the Values of Free Speech and Press Freedom in the World (VOA)

    Voice of America is a global radio station that provides access to pro-democracy media in nations without a free press. Its mission is to support democracy and provide a platform for free speech. However, recent actions by the Trump Administration have raised concerns about its commitment to these values.

    On March 14th, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies, including the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), to reduce the functions and personnel of Voice of America. This move was seen as an attempt to silence a vital source of information and undermine democratic principles.

    Fortunately, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth intervened to block Trump’s efforts to shut down Voice of America. Established during World War 2 to counter Nazi propaganda, Voice of America broadcasts in 48 languages and reaches 425 million listeners worldwide. Despite accusations of being radical and anti-Trump, Voice of America remains a beacon of free speech in nations where the press is censored.

    Lamberth, a Reagan-appointed judge, criticized the administration’s actions as arbitrary and capricious. He emphasized the importance of Voice of America’s longstanding mandate and congressional support, which have allowed it to cultivate a loyal audience over the past eighty years.

    It is clear that Voice of America plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and providing a voice for those who are silenced. Its continued operation is essential for upholding the values of free speech and press freedom around the world.

  • Trump is Leading America down the Wrong Path

    America has historically led the international community after World War II, but now President Trump is single-handedly destroying all the goodwill built with democracies around the world.

    President Donald Trump has spent the first three months of his second term imposing his will on the rest of the globe, telling long-time allies that they “don’t have the cards.” However, in capitals across Europe and beyond, debates are raging over the strategies they can employ.

    “There’s a change in mindset. We’ve moved on from seduction to strategy,” one EU diplomat said about dealing with Trump. “We’ll take decisions to protect ourselves.”

    The diplomat added: “We need to strike a path that works without Washington.” This includes finding alternative suppliers of military equipment, enacting stronger counter-tariffs, rolling back intellectual property protections for U.S. companies, and reducing reliance on American tech giants.

    Trump’s pursuit of a transactional, mercantilist, and imperialist foreign policy has rattled leaders across the globe. From talking about annexing Canada and Greenland to imposing massive tariffs on U.S. trading partners, his actions have caused many allies to shed any last remnants of hope that they could manage or contain this unpredictable American president.

    Trump is leading America down the wrong path, but we must resist. Let’s stand together and fight against the destruction of democracy and goodwill on the global stage.

  • The Point about Kilmar Abrego Garcia is Due Process and the Law

    President Donald Trump is spreading lies about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Trump, a convicted felon, is denying others the due process that he himself received through the legal system. On Easter Day, Trump escalated his attacks on the wrongly deported Maryland immigrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, by threatening legal action against those who do not support his false claims. Too bad the same does not apply to him!

    In a post on Truth Social, the platform he owns, Trump stated, “Those who lie to the American people on behalf of violent criminals must be held accountable by the agencies and the courts.”

    Despite the guarantees of a free press and the First Amendment in the United States, Trump and his administration continue to falsely portray Abrego Garcia as a violent gang member. They refuse to acknowledge the possibility that he was deported in error, which he was as they admitted in court. 

    Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador, fled his country in 2011 due to fear of persecution by gangs. A federal judge found it reasonable to believe that he would face persecution if sent back. Multiple courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have upheld the protective order granted to Abrego Garcia and have instructed the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S.

    It is absolutely clear that Abrego Garcia stands innocent of any felonies, in stark contrast to Trump. The Trump team is shamefully trying to mislead the public with their unfounded claims. In a shocking display, Trump posed with a manipulated image, falsely alleging that it showcases Abrego Garcia’s hands, supposedly featuring the tattooed words “MS-13.” However, that’s nothing but a phony picture, and it only serves to highlight their desperate tactics.

    This is not just about Abrego Garcia; it is about due process and the law. If Trump can deny someone their rights, it sets a dangerous precedent for all Americans. Stand up for justice and the rule of law.

  • Trump Defying Upholding the Rule of Law

    Never before in the history of the United States have we been faced with a president who so blatantly disregards the law. The implications of this lawlessness are immense and affect us all.

    The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has unequivocally rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to appeal a court order mandating the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Despite the government’s claims that Garcia is a terrorist and a member of MS-13, which is false, he is still entitled to due process. If the government truly believes in its position, it should have faith that it will prevail in the legal proceedings. The fact that Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported further emphasizes the need to right this injustice.

    It is worth noting that Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, who delivered this decision, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan – hardly a liberal figure. This is not a matter of political ideology, but a matter of upholding the rule of law.

    The Supreme Court has also ordered the administration to facilitate Garcia’s return, yet the Justice Department and President Trump have obstructed this process with lies and deceit. The government’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for due process and the constitutional order that our country is built upon.

    It is clear that the Trump administration has no respect for the law, and we must not forget that the president himself is a convicted felon. We cannot allow Trump to continue flouting the law. If we do not hold him accountable, no one is safe from his disregard for justice. Stand up for the rule of law, for justice, and for the integrity of our democracy.

    Remember, the president is entrusted with the solemn duty to faithfully uphold the law! Yet, shockingly, he fails to do so!

  • UPDATE: Fourth Circuit Rejects Trump’s Appeal

    The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has decisively rejected the Trump administration’s appeal in the Abrego Garcia case, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported and is now being held in El Salvador without any charges or due process. This is not just a legal matter, but a fundamental issue that should concern all Americans.

    The court made it clear that the government cannot simply hide away residents of this country in foreign prisons without following due process. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not just a name on a piece of paper – he is a human being who was taken from his home and unjustly sent to a foreign prison.

    Under federal regulations, the government must prove that an individual is no longer entitled to protection from removal. This process must be carried out according to the law, not through shady deals with foreign governments. The government cannot correct its mistakes by further perpetuating injustice.

    The Fourth Circuit’s ruling serves as a stark warning to all Americans about the erosion of our liberties. The Trump administration’s disregard for due process and defiance of judicial orders has plunged us into a constitutional crisis. It is imperative that we stand up for justice and demand accountability from our government. This case is not just about one man – it is about the very fabric of our democracy.

  • Voting Rights Group Challenges Trump’s Directive

    This week, a federal judge will be hearing arguments in three cases brought forth by national Democrats and voting rights groups. These cases challenge President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on elections, which includes a provision requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

    The crux of the issue lies in the fact that Trump’s order oversteps his authority by attempting to exert control over an independent agency – the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. This agency is responsible for setting voluntary voting system guidelines and maintaining the federal voter registration form.

    The Constitution clearly states that the power to determine the “times, places, and manner” of elections lies with the states, not the president. Additionally, the Elections Clause grants Congress the authority to “make or alter” election regulations for federal offices, without mentioning any presidential involvement in election administration.

    In an exciting turn of events, 19 Democratic attorneys general have already taken action by asking the court to reject Trump’s executive order. Stay tuned as this legal battle unfolds and the future of voting rights in federal elections hangs in the balance!

  • Is Trump Playing with a Full Deck?

    The ongoing saga of Trump’s tariff decisions has left many wondering if he’s playing with a full deck. It’s like he wakes up each morning in a parallel universe and decides to shake things up just for fun. The fact that no one is questioning his mental fitness is mind-boggling.

    The stock market took a nosedive earlier this month when Trump announced his grand tariff plans. While the market did recover slightly after he backtracked on some of them, consumer confidence is still in the dumps. It’s like a rollercoaster ride in the market, and not the fun kind.

    Trump claims he took a cognitive test during his physical exam, but can we really trust those results? Probably not. His reckless tariff decisions could end up costing American families big time. A study from Yale University estimates an average of $4,700 per year per family. Ouch.

    It seems like Trump is just winging it with no real plan in sight. Some folks on Wall Street are starting to wonder if he’s not just unpredictable, but maybe a few fries short of a Happy Meal. The Yale Budget Lab analysis paints an even bleaker picture, predicting higher prices and job losses.

    So here we are, with a guy running the country and the economy that most people didn’t even vote for. God help us all.

  • US Consumer Sentiment Drops off the Cliff

    US consumer sentiment has fallen to its second-lowest point in more than 70 years, signaling a concerning trend that is likely to deteriorate further in the coming months.

    The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers, released on Friday, revealed that U.S. consumer sentiment took a nosedive of 11% at the beginning of April compared to the previous month. This decline was widespread and unanimous across all demographics, including age, income, education, geographic region, and political affiliation.

    The latest report indicates that overall consumer sentiment has now dropped to its second-lowest level since the early 1950s. Lindsay Owens, the executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, expressed her concerns in a statement, emphasizing that today’s plummeting consumer sentiment numbers may just be the tip of the iceberg.

    Thanks to Trump’s reckless trade policies, markets are in chaos, retirement accounts are in shambles, and shipping orders have come to a screeching halt. Brace yourselves for price spikes, shortages, and the looming threat of a recession in the near future, according to Owens. 

    To add insult to injury, as consumers brace themselves for impending disaster, Congress is recklessly tearing apart the safety net they might desperately need when the economic catastrophe hits. President Trump isn’t just failing to lead; he’s plunging us headfirst into a reckless kamikaze mission, oblivious to the chaos he’s creating.

    If the administration can secure even a few deals in this chaotic time, we should brace ourselves for the heavy weight of drastically increased tariffs, effectively slapping tax hikes on American consumers and businesses. It is utterly baffling why the world is being forced to endure such pointless drama!

  • Justice, Almost but Not Quite

    Justice, almost but not quite. The Trump administration has been ordered by the Supreme Court to “facilitate” the release of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, the man who was mistakenly deported to a labor camp in El Salvador last month. The Court made it clear that the government must ensure Abrego Garcia’s release and handle his case properly, as if he had never been wrongly sent to El Salvador.

    The decision forces the Trump administration to take action to bring back Abrego Garcia, who was deported on March 15 despite an immigration court order prohibiting his removal. His accidental deportation was part of a larger plan by the administration to quickly deport a large number of Venezuelans to El Salvador, regardless of their gang affiliations.

    The details of how Abrego Garcia ended up in this mess are still murky. The Trump administration has used the state secrets privilege to avoid explaining what happened, only admitting that he was mistakenly deported due to a paperwork error.

    In a scathing statement by Justice Sonia Sotomayor,  criticized the government’s actions and argued that there was no legal basis for Abrego Garcia’s arrest, deportation, or imprisonment in El Salvador. The Trump administration’s defense was so outlandish that it claimed courts have no authority to correct wrongful deportations.

    So, justice is almost served, but not quite. The Trump administration’s antics continue to baffle and frustrate those seeking accountability and fairness in our legal system.