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deadpresidents · 8 months ago

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"Somehow disruption doesn't begin to cover it. Upheaval might be closer. Revolution maybe. In less than two weeks since being elected again, Donald J. Trump has embarked on a new campaign to shatter the institutions of Washington as no incoming President has in his lifetime.

He has rolled a giant grenade into the middle of the nation's capital and watched with mischievous glee to see who runs away and who throws themselves on it. Suffice it to say, so far there have been more of the former than the latter. Mr. Trump has said that 'real power' is the ability to engender fear, and he seems to have achieved that.

Mr. Trump's early transition moves amount to a generational stress test for the system. If Republicans bow to his demand to recess the Senate so that he can install appointees without confirmation, it would rewrite the balance of power established by the Founders more than two centuries ago. And if he gets his way on selections for some of the most important posts in government, he would put in place loyalists intent on blowing up the very departments they would lead.

He has chosen a bomb-throwing backbench congressman who has spent his career attacking fellow Republicans and fending off sex-and-drugs allegations to run the same Justice Department that investigated him, though it did not charge him, on suspicion of trafficking underage girls. He has chosen a conspiracy theorist with no medical training who disparages the foundations of conventional health care to run the Department of Health and Human Services.

He has chosen a weekend morning television host with a history of defending convicted war criminals while sporting a Christian Crusader tattoo that has been adopted as a symbol by the far right to run the most powerful armed forces in the history of the world. He has chosen a former congresswoman who has defended Middle East dictators and echoed positions favored by Russia to oversee the nation's intelligence agencies.

Nine years after Mr. Trump began upsetting political norms, it may be easy to underestimate just how extraordinary all of this is. In the past, none of those selections would have passed muster in Washington, where a failure to pay employment taxes for a nanny used to be enough to disqualify a cabinet nominee. Mr. Trump, by contrast, has bulled past the old red lines, opting for nominees who are so provocative that even fellow Republicans wondered whether he is trolling them.

The message to Washington is simple, according to Roger Stone, the longtime Trump friend who relishes his own reputation as a political dirty trickster. 'Things are going to be different,' he said by text."

-- Peter Baker, "Trump Signals a 'Seismic Shift,' Shocking the Washington Establishment,' The New York Times, November 17, 2024.

Here's another incisive article about President-elect Donald Trump's transition and his frightening Cabinet nominees, who are abnormal even for Trump and the personality cult that has been built around him since 2015. For the past quarter-century, Peter Baker has been one of the very best, most level-headed analysts of the contemporary American Presidency, and he seems be stunned by the direction the incoming Trump Administration is already heading. Once again, all of these links are gift links to bypass the New York Times paywall so that you may read and share these important pieces and remain alert to the very real consequences of the 2024 election which are already taking shape.

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priestofdumat · 1 month ago

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Mild Shock

Peter Thiel likes 'em dumb

#fuck trump #fuck maga #fuck the gop #fuck elon musk #fuck bezos #fucking idiots #fuck mark zuckerberg #fuck jd vance #fuck trump supporters #fuck peter thiel #fuck pete hegseth

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ladybugmania · 3 months ago

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Trump's Promises vs. Performance:

Evaluating Donald Trump’s 2024 Campaign Agenda in 2025

When Donald Trump launched his 2024 campaign under the banner of Agenda 47, he reignited the fiery populist rhetoric that defined his first term, this time with even more urgency and sweeping declarations. Pledging to “save America,” Trump’s platform was centered on hard-hitting immigration reform, economic protectionism, aggressive federal purges, and bold foreign policy goals. Now, as the calendar turns to 2025, the realities of his presidency reveal a mixed bag of rapid execution, political resistance, and unsettling unfulfilled ambition.

Immigration: Rapid Action Meets Legal Resistance

Trump wasted no time in pushing for significant immigration changes. Within his first 100 days, he ramped up deportation efforts and sought to bypass judicial review for undocumented immigrants, an initiative that was quickly challenged by civil rights organizations and the Supreme Court. While his crackdown has energized his base, it has also reignited heated constitutional debates and sparked widespread humanitarian outcry. Despite swift action, the legal resistance suggests his policies may be more contentious than initially promised.

Many legal experts now argue that Trump's rapid immigration policies are both unconstitutional and counterproductive. The legal battles unfolding in the courts not only delay his plans but also demonstrate the pushback against what many see as an authoritarian overreach. The public discourse around his hardline approach has only deepened the polarization, as opponents argue that this rhetoric plays to the fears of the American public rather than offering long-term solutions.

Economic Policy: Tariffs, But at What Cost?

True to his campaign pledge, Trump enacted a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, with higher penalties for Chinese goods. The policy aimed to reshore manufacturing and protect American industries, but economists have warned of inflationary effects and retaliatory trade barriers. Some U.S. factories have reported slight gains, but the broader economic picture is less clear. Trump’s attempts to shield American industries have raised the risk of sparking a deeper economic downturn, with some analysts suggesting that his protectionist approach may be pushing the country closer to recession.

The mounting tension between Trump’s protectionism and global trade has resulted in stagnation in key industries, with consumers bearing the brunt of higher prices. In some sectors, American businesses are caught in the crossfire of trade wars, with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports leading to further job losses and a decline in international competitiveness. Despite his promises of bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., the long-term outlook remains uncertain.

Additionally, his focus on isolationist policies has left America with fewer global partnerships, forcing the nation to contend with more limited economic avenues. As the recession looms, critics argue that Trump's economic policies have not only failed to meet his promises but may be deepening America's financial woes.

'Drain the Swamp' 2.0: Loyalty Over Legacy

Trump's infamous “drain the swamp” mantra resurfaced with vengeance as he removed career officials he deemed disloyal and filled federal agencies with his political allies. This sweeping restructuring has raised concerns over the erosion of institutional independence and the growing weaponization of government. Critics argue that his appointments of loyalists are undermining democratic norms, further consolidating power and diminishing the checks and balances that are fundamental to the system.

This “loyalty over competence” approach has drawn ire from both political sides, as it threatens the foundation of a balanced, functioning government. Trump's supporters see these moves as necessary to dismantle what they view as a bureaucratic deep state, while his detractors argue that this focus on loyalty has led to incompetence and a lack of accountability within critical institutions.

Many believe that this restructuring of federal agencies and courts reflects an alarming shift toward autocracy. As Trump continues to consolidate power in the executive branch, there are increasing fears that checks on presidential authority are being removed, potentially paving the way for future abuses.

Foreign Policy: Unfulfilled Peace Promises

Among the most dramatic promises from Trump’s 2024 campaign was his vow to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours.” As 2025 unfolds, the conflict continues unabated, with Trump admitting that peace negotiations are more complex than anticipated. Similarly, his promises to broker peace in Gaza and strike a new nuclear deal with Iran have made little headway, hindered by entrenched regional tensions and international skepticism.

His foreign policy, which was once driven by bold promises of reshaping global dynamics, has foundered on the harsh realities of diplomacy. Trump's attempts to bypass international protocols and negotiate from a position of strength have alienated traditional allies, and his desire to prioritize unilateral action has left the U.S. isolated on the global stage. Whether his “America First” foreign policy will prove effective in the long run remains to be seen, but so far, many of his promises have failed to come to fruition.

Energy & Environment: Turning Back the Clock

Trump’s administration has moved aggressively to reverse environmental policies, consistent with his “America First” energy vision. Major offshore wind projects, like Empire Wind off the coast of New York, were halted in the name of protecting the environment. However, critics argue that this is less about conservation and more about rolling back clean energy initiatives to favor fossil fuel industries. These moves have led to growing concerns about the future of renewable energy in the U.S.

His decision to prioritize fossil fuel industries over renewable energy comes at a time when climate change remains a pressing global issue. Trump’s rollback of environmental protections not only contradicts global sustainability goals but also threatens the country’s future energy security. Many are left wondering if his short-term focus on reviving coal and oil industries is worth the long-term damage to the planet.

Domestic Economy: Uneven Gains, Growing Pains

While Trump promised to bring back jobs and revitalize American manufacturing, states like Michigan—once central to his base—are experiencing significant economic challenges. Rising unemployment and sluggish industrial recovery have prompted many to question the effectiveness of his economic policies. The strategy of placing tariffs and pushing for protectionism has contributed to a growing sense that the U.S. may be on the verge of a recession, despite Trump’s frequent claims of economic success.

The discrepancy between Trump's promises and economic realities has raised serious concerns. While his administration has touted job growth in certain sectors, the broader impact on the average American worker has been uneven at best. In many rust belt states, industries continue to struggle, and Trump’s economic vision has left some working-class communities feeling abandoned.

Moreover, Trump's economic policies have increased the national debt significantly, and critics argue that his reckless fiscal decisions will have lasting negative effects on future generations.

Big Promises, Bigger Questions

Several of Trump’s most ambitious campaign goals, like revitalizing infrastructure, balancing the federal budget, and protecting entitlement programs, remain largely untouched. With the national debt continuing to climb and infrastructure bills stalled in Congress, voters are left wondering whether these promises were ever truly prioritized, or if they were simply a means of rallying support.

Trump’s failure to address long-term fiscal issues, such as the deficit and public debt, signals a troubling disregard for America’s financial future. The promises made during his 2024 campaign have begun to feel more like empty rhetoric than actionable goals, and many are now questioning his commitment to tackling the pressing issues that continue to affect everyday Americans.

Rhetoric vs. Reality: A Dangerous Shift?

Trump’s rhetoric has become increasingly erratic in 2025, fueling concerns that he is steering the country toward authoritarianism. His aggressive political purges, inflammatory language, and attacks on the media and judiciary have drawn comparisons to the rise of dictatorial regimes. As his administration moves forward, it is becoming clear that Trump’s promises may not only be falling short, they are pushing the country toward a deeper, more dangerous divide.

Many are questioning whether his actions reflect an attempt to consolidate power at the expense of democratic institutions, with some arguing that his base of loyalists is following him blindly, like “muts” under his command. As America grapples with rising inflation, unemployment, and political instability, it’s evident that Trump’s “America First” vision might be steering the country into a dangerous ideological direction. His unhinged rhetoric, while appealing to his supporters, has alienated moderates and centrist voters, increasing the likelihood of deepened societal fractures.

Conclusion: Bold Moves, Broken Dreams

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has been marked by bold rhetoric and sweeping actions that have deeply polarized the nation. While some promises have been swiftly acted upon, like the crackdown on immigration and the purging of federal agencies, many of his larger goals, such as peace deals abroad and a revitalized domestic economy, remain unrealized. As the country moves forward into 2025, the growing gap between Trump’s promises and the reality of his administration raises significant concerns about the future direction of the United States. With his increasingly authoritarian tone and failure to steer the economy away from recession, the question remains: will Trump’s campaign agenda truly save America, or push it into a dangerous new era of division and unrest?

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justinspoliticalcorner · 5 months ago

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Gabriel Sherman at Vanity Fair:

In the past week, Donald Trump has signaled a desire to rule like a strongman rather than a president constrained by constitutional norms. Last Friday, Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, scolded democratic NATO allies and met with the leader of Germany’s extreme-right AfD party. On Saturday, Trump declared on social media: “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.” This Tuesday, Trump blamed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the brutal war that was launched by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. “You should have never started it,” Trump falsely said of Zelenskyy, when in fact Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The US president then doubled down on the feud Wednesday, calling Zelenskyy a “dictator.” Democrats are in the minority in both the House and Senate, which means the federal courts and congressional Republicans are the only guardrails on Trump’s second term. So far the judicial system seems to be holding—though a Trump-packed Supreme Court is now destined to rule on all manner of alleged overreach in the coming months. (And it’s an open question as to whether Trump will actually abide by rulings that go against him.)

Republicans in Congress, however, have consistently folded—approving all of Trump’s Cabinet picks, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, with only a faint whiff of pushback on some of their boundary-scorching backgrounds. The confirmations predictably short-circuited many Democratic observers, but the rolling headlines of late have even some Republicans decrying the seeming erosion of checks and balances in recent weeks. “These are the heirs of the Greatest Generation, and they turned out to be the worst generation,” says Stuart Stevens, who served as a chief strategist on Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign and has since left the GOP, joining the anti-Trump Lincoln Project as a senior adviser. “It’s tempting to compare Republicans to Prussian aristocrats in 1930s Germany. But Prussian aristocrats were more responsible. They were dealing with civil unrest and the threat of a communist takeover. Republicans today have historically low unemployment, a record stock market. What’s their excuse?”

Political survival is one. Senate and House Republicans know Trump will orchestrate the running of a primary challenger backed by Elon Musk’s unlimited resources if a member defies him. But this is not the whole story of Republican subservience to the president. In private, Republicans talk about their fear that Trump might incite his MAGA followers to commit political violence against them if they don’t rubber-stamp his actions. “They’re scared shitless about death threats and Gestapo-like stuff,” a former member of Trump’s first administration tells me. According to one source with direct knowledge of the events, North Carolina senator Thom Tillis told people that the FBI warned him about “credible death threats” when he was considering voting against Pete Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary. Tillis ultimately provided the crucial 50th vote to confirm the former Fox & Friends host to lead the Pentagon. [...]

From the moment Trump descended his golden escalator in June 2015 to announce his first run for president, he injected menace into his political rhetoric. On the campaign trail he talked about wanting to punch protesters in the face. During his first term, he praised Montana’s then representative Greg Gianforte for physically attacking Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs in 2017. “Any guy that can do a body slam, he is my type!” Trump said. (Gianforte later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and received a six-month deferred jail sentence.) When protests erupted after a Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd in 2020, Trump called protesters “thugs” and said: “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” The phrase echoed a remark made in the 1960s by a Miami police chief associated with stoking racial tensions in the city (Trump claimed he wasn’t aware of its origins). In a September 2020 debate against Joe Biden, Trump refused to condemn white supremacist violence and told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.”

January 6 further catalyzed GOP fear of Trump-inspired violence. Romney told his biographer, McKay Coppins, that an undercurrent of anxiety thwarted Republican efforts to formally punish Trump for his role in inciting the riot. “One Republican congressman confided to Romney that he wanted to vote for Trump’s second impeachment, but chose not to out of fear for his family’s safety,” Coppins wrote in his book. “When one senator, a member of leadership, said he was leaning toward voting to convict, the others urged him to reconsider. You can’t do that, Romney recalled someone saying. Think of your personal safety, said another. Think of your children. The senator eventually decided they were right.” Former Wyoming representative and prominent anti-Trump Republican Liz Cheney told CNN that House GOP members confided to her that they were “afraid for their own security—afraid, in some instances, for their lives.” Representative Jason Crow of Colorado told NBC News after January 6: “I had a lot of conversations with my Republican colleagues last night, and a couple of them broke down in tears—saying that they are afraid for their lives if they vote for this impeachment.”

Republican Peter Meijer, then a Michigan representative, told Atlantic writer Tim Alberta in 2021 that one colleague seemed to nearly have a nervous breakdown over fears of being harmed by MAGA supporters if he were to vote to certify the 2020 election results: “He asked his new colleague if he was okay,” Alberta reported. “The member responded that he was not; that no matter his belief in the legitimacy of the election, he could no longer vote to certify the results, because he feared for his family’s safety. ‘Remember, this wasn’t a hypothetical. You were casting that vote after seeing with your own two eyes what some of these people are capable of,’ Meijer says. ‘If they’re willing to come after you inside the US Capitol, what will they do when you’re at home with your kids?’” Trump’s mass pardoning of January 6 participants has recentered those events in Republican minds of late.

Gabriel Sherman wrote a solid column in Vanity Fair on how the threat of political violence from far-right MAGA cultists serve to keep Republicans onside in enacting the dangerous Trump agenda.