‘Watch Him With The Hands’: Trump Tests The Limits Of His Hypocrisy, Takes Jab At Gavin Newsom’s Body Language In Tone-Deaf Rant
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Tag Archives: Washington DC
USA Today: Protesters call President Trump ‘the Hitler of our time’ during Washington DC dinner [Video]
Protestors confront President Trump at DC restaurant calling him the ‘Hitler of our time’.
Slingshot News: ‘You Don’t Know This’: Trump Makes Freudian Slip, Infers His GOP Underlings Are Dumb During White House Dinner Event
‘You Don’t Know This’: Trump Makes Freudian Slip, Infers His GOP Underlings Are Dumb During White House Dinner Event
Donald Trump held a dinner event for Republican members of Congress several days ago at the Rose Garden in the White House. Trump talked down to his GOP underlings, telling them they don’t know that grass has a “life,” inferring they’re too dumb to understand that grass is a living organism.
For once, Trump was right!
Guardian: Texas attorney general wants students to pray in school – unless they’re Muslim
Ken Paxton, who is running for US Senate, is urging schools to say the Lord’s Prayer as a Republican law goes into effect
Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general running for US Senate, has long believed in school prayer. Now, he’s prescribing precisely what type of prayer he wants the state’s 6 million public school students to recite.
“In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up,” Paxton said in a statement on Tuesday, encouraging students to say “the Lord’s Prayer, as taught by Jesus Christ”.
The press release included the full text of the Lord’s Prayer as it is written in the King James version of the Bible, the latest example of Paxton and other Texas officials seeming to endorse Christianity over other faiths.
“Twisted, radical liberals want to erase Truth, dismantle the solid foundation that America’s success and strength were built upon, and erode the moral fabric of our society,” Paxton said. “Our nation was founded on the rock of Biblical Truth, and I will not stand by while the far-left attempts to push our country into the sinking sand.”
Paxton’s statement was released as Senate Bill 11 went into effect across Texas; it’s a piece of Republican legislation allowing schools to set aside time for “prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts” during the school day. Critics have condemned the bill as an attempt to imbue a secular public education in the state with the practice of Christianity, in violation of the US constitution’s separation of church and state.
“They’re blowing right through separation of church and state,” said Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism.
“They have no respect for other faiths. And in fact, that includes a lot of Christians who don’t agree with this far-right version of Christianity. They’re trying to indoctrinate children into this agenda and it’s outrageous, and it’s breaking one of the most important constitutional principles we have in this country with the first amendment and the separation of church and state.”
Beirich added that Paxton, along with figures in Washington DC, such as the House speaker, Mike Johnson, were “people who believe that this country is a Christian nation, that Christianity should have primacy”.
Paxton’s office did not respond to a request for comment about whether he was trying to push Christianity on Texas’s public school students.
It is instructive, however, to revisit how Paxton once reacted to a report of Muslim students praying in a Dallas-area school. In 2017, the attorney general’s office published an open letter to the superintendent of schools in Frisco, Texas, expressing “concerns” over Muslim students at Liberty high school using a spare classroom to pray during school hours.
“It appears that the prayer room is ‘dedicated to the religious needs of some students’,” the letter stated, quoting an article in the school’s newspaper, “namely, those who practice Islam.”
In a subsequent press release, Paxton’s office stated: “Recent news reports have indicated that the high school’s prayer room is … apparently excluding students of other faiths.”
Again, “recent news reports” seemed to refer to a single article in the high school newspaper.
But that article, written by an 11th-grader, made no mention of the room being off-limits to students of other faiths. Rather, the article quotes the principal observing how “the trademark of what makes Liberty High so great” is the “diversity” of the faiths and cultures on campus.
“As long as it’s student-led, where the students are organizing and running it, we pretty much as a school stay out of that and allow them their freedom to practice their religion,” the principal said.
Had Paxton’s office checked with the school district before publishing its open letter, school officials would have noted the spare classroom was available for all students – not just Muslims – to practice their faith.
Paxton, it seemed, had tried to create a culture-war controversy out of thin air.
“It is unfortunate that our state’s top law enforcement officer would engage in a cheap Islamophobic publicity stunt that could very well result in increased bullying of Muslim students and the creation of a hostile learning environment,” the Texas chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (Cair) said in a statement at the time.
That Paxton once fearmongered about Muslims praying in class but is now encouraging students to say the Lord’s Prayer is consistent with his particular brand of Christian nationalism or dominionism, which seeks to erode any wall between church and state, establishing a government run according to a far-right interpretation of Christian scripture.
During his time in public office, Paxton has received considerable financial support from a coterie of ultraconservative west Texas billionaires who, as ProPublica reported, have made the state into “the country’s foremost laboratory for Christian nationalist policy”.
On Thursday, Paxton announced he would appeal a “flawed ruling by a federal judge” that stopped another Christian nationalist piece of legislation from going into effect, this one requiring Texas schools to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
“The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of American law, and that fact simply cannot be erased by radical, anti-American groups trying to ignore our moral heritage,” Paxton seethed in another statement.
“There is no legal reason to stop Texas from honoring a core ethical foundation of our law, especially not a bogus claim about the ‘separation of church and state,’ which is a phrase found nowhere in the Constitution.”
Paxton’s wife publicly accused him of disobeying the seventh commandment – “Thou shall not commit adultery” – earlier this summer while stating in a divorce petition that he had had an extramarital affair.
His Christian nationalist statements this week, Texas political observers have noted, might be an attempt to repair his reputation, and to shore up ultraconservative support in his battle to unseat John Cornyn in the US Senate.
If his agenda, and the GOP’s broader Christian nationalist agenda, is allowed to move forward, Beirich said, it will be “absolutely punishing for people of other faiths”.
In a statement to the Guardian, the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, was wary of Paxton’s insistence that students say the Lord’s Prayer in public schools: “Although protecting religious freedom in schools would be a noble pursuit, Attorney General Paxton’s rhetoric and his history of anti-Muslim bigotry raises the obvious suspicion that his embrace of religious liberty will not extend beyond his own claimed faith.
“If Attorney General Paxton wants schools to set aside time for praying and reading scripture, that must include time for Texas Muslims to read the Quran, Jewish students to read the Torah, and on and on,” the group added.
“Only if students of all faiths can freely worship on the same terms without any coercion or favoritism from the government will the Constitution be upheld.”
Texas attorney general wants students to pray in school – unless they’re Muslim
Ken Paxton, who is running for US Senate, is urging schools to say the Lord’s Prayer as a Republican law goes into effect
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/07/texas-ken-paxton-christians-muslims
MSNBC: How Trump’s takeover is fueling a ‘crisis’ at a Virginia ICE office
How Trump’s takeover is fueling a ‘crisis’ at a Virginia ICE office
A Virginia ICE facility is facing criticism over inhumane conditions that appears to be a direct result of the Trump administration’s ramped-up arrests in Washington DC, according to Laura Barron-Lopez’s reporting. Former DHS official and FWD.us Vice President of Immigration Policy Andrea Flores joins The Weekend to discuss.
Daily Express: US spies ‘collected names of Greenlanders opposed to Donald Trump’
At least three Americans with connections to Trump have reportedly been carrying out covert influence operations in the territory
At least three Americans with connections to President Donald Trump have reportedly been carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland, prompting Denmark to summon a top US diplomat to the country.
Danish public broadcaster DR reported on Wednesday that unnamed government and security sources in Greenland and the U.S. believe that at least three people with ties to Trump have been carrying out covert influence operations in the territory.
It comes after Trump’s repeated threats to annex the territory via military force.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., strongly rejects Trump’s proposal to take over the strategically located, mineral-rich Arctic island, making clear that the land is not for sale.
At least eight sources within Greenland’s government and security apparatus believe that a handful of Americans with ties to Trump are conducting covert intelligence operations, DR reported.
One of those people allegedly compiled a list of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders, collected names of people opposed to Trump and got locals to point out cases that could be used to cast Denmark in a negative light in in U.S. media. Two others have tried to nurture contacts with politicians, businesspeople and locals, DR reported.
An influence operation is an organized effort to shape how people in a society think in order to achieve certain political, military or other objectives.
The local sources told DR about the alleged American operation believe that the U.S. is attempting to weaken relations between Denmark and Greenland.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said “any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will of course be unacceptable.”
“We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a statement. “It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead.”
“In that light, I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the U.S. chargé d’affaires for a meeting at the Ministry,” he added.
Cooperation between the governments of Denmark and Greenland “is close and based on mutual trust,” he added.
US spies ‘collected names of Greenlanders opposed to Donald Trump’
At least three Americans with connections to Trump have reportedly been carrying out covert influence operations in the territory
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2101032/greenland-trump-Denmark-influence-spies
MSNBC: Maddow Blog | As Trump militarizes the nation’s capital, his ‘proof’ of success falls apart
The president claims to have evidence that his deployments in Washington, D.C., are working. A closer look suggests his proof is entirely made up.
The week after Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to the streets of Washington, D.C., and placed local police officers under federal control, the president has expressed delight over the effects of his controversial power-grab. In fact, the Republican has already convinced himself that the militarization of the nation’s capital has been a great success.
“I’ve made Washington, D.C., just an incredible place in literally four days,” he boasted during his latest Fox News appearance. The comments came the day after the president wrote on his social media platform, “People are flocking to D.C. again,” pointing to a trend he appears to have made up.
Trump has even presented proof — or at least, something he perceives as proof — of his triumph. During an Oval Office event on Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Republican told reporters, “The restaurants [in D.C.] the last two days were busier than they’ve been in a long time.” A day later, he repeated the claim on Fox News.
“Did you see what’s happening with the restaurants?” he asked rhetorically. “They’re bursting.”
It’s worth emphasizing that some might see room for a debate about the tradeoffs. Perhaps, some might argue, it’s worth tolerating authoritarian tactics and the militarization of the nation’s capital if it creates conditions for a more robust local economy.
But before that debate happens, it’s important to grapple with the fact that Trump’s boast is ridiculously untrue. The Washington Post reported:
Since President Donald Trump announced his takeover of the D.C. police force last week, restaurant reservations have dropped in the city by as much as 31 percent year over year for a single day, according to restaurant booking data. Business owners are concerned that the continued surge in law enforcement could impact their revenue during a vital period of the summer.
The Post spoke to Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld, co-owner of El Secreto de Rosita, which is about a mile and a half north of the White House, and across the street from a police station where he said federal troops have often assembled.
“Reservations are low, low, low” compared to last year,” Fraga-Rosenfeld said, adding, “The city is dead. … People are scared.”
WUSA, the local CBS affiliate, ran a related report, noting data that showed “reservations at restaurants in the district dropped by more than 30% just two days after Trump announced he would take emergency control of police.” WTOP, a local radio station, highlighted similar statistical evidence.
So why did the president claim the opposite? It likely has something to do with the fact that he routinely struggles to the tell the difference between what’s real and what he thinks ought to be real.
But, some might say, maybe it’s all worth it if the streets of D.C. really are significantly safer. Sure, the president is engaging in authoritarian tactics, and sure, local businesses are struggling, but if crime rates have shown a sharp improvement, maybe it’s worth paying the cost?
That’s a tough argument to take seriously for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that recent crime data for D.C. found only marginal differences from before and after the federal takeover.
So let’s take stock. Despite the fact that Trump has peddled some absurd claims, we’re left with a legally dubious deployment that (a) is hurting the local community’s economy; (b) isn’t making much of a difference on crime rates; and (c) is wildly unpopular with local residents.
This isn’t a triumph; it’s the latest in a series of fiascos.
Daily Express: Fox News abruptly ends Donald Trump’s call in after he rants about ‘loving couple’
Donald Trump called into Fox and Friends to discuss his summit with Vladimir Putin and his ongoing strategy in the Russo-Ukraine war, but he couldn’t resist talking about one host’s relationship
Fox News, known for its support of Donald Trump and happily accepting calls from the president during broadcasts, had to make a swift about-face during an episode of Fox and Friends after he repeatedly brought up Aisnley Earhardt’s off-screen relationship with Sean Hannity.
The president dialed into the Tuesday, August 19 episode of the show to discuss his ongoing strategy to try and bring an end to the Russo-Ukrainian war, after his summit with Vladimir Putin failed to deliver an immediate ceasefire, although he hailed the “great progress” that was made.
However, despite Earhardt being open about her unique relationship arrangement with fellow Fox News host Hannity, she and her co-hosts were left scrambling as Trump made her relationship a major focus of his call-in to the show. It comes after a lip exposed the 3-word promise that Trump whispered into Putin’s ear before their Alaska summit.
Covering a range of topics, from the war to his takeover of the Washington, D. C. police force last week, the president veered off on one of his infamous tangents, shifting the topic to focus solely on Earhardt and Hannity’s romance, reports the Irish Star.
And despite the hosts’ numerous attempts to steer him back on track, he continued to discuss it.
“A guy named Sean Hannity, he might take a very lovely young lady that he knows very, very well, to dinner in Washington, and they don’t have to–and she’s sitting right next to you by the way-I don’t want to get her in trouble, so I better explain exactly, we don’t want any secrets here, but that’s the greatest relationship,” he said as Lawrence Jones tried to interrupt.
Nevertheless, Trump persisted with his line of thinking despite Jones’ efforts to divert him from discussing Earhardt.
“Hey, this could be the most important thing I’ve said, but those two are great. Ainsley and Sean, great people, and when they go out to dinner, I don’t want to see them get mugged,” he continued.
“Now they can go out, they can hold hands, and then they can both walk down the street. They’re both superstars.”
He then strangely pondered about their respective salaries at the network before Jones managed to steer the conversation back to the conflict in Ukraine.
Yet, it proved to be only a brief reprieve. As the phone call concluded, the President once more referenced their romance, clearly making Earhardt feel uneasy.
“And Aisnley, I hope I didn’t get you in trouble with Sean,” he said, which earned her a reply in which she thanked him for the support.
“I’ll say it, you know, I like this, it’s a great couple, we love ’em,” he said again, as Earhardt let out an awkward chuckle, before the call was officially cut off. The incident was swiftly picked up on social media, with numerous users commenting and drawing comparisons to various awkward everyday situations.
“Like an embarrassing great grandparent at dinner-only it’s 8 am,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), while another remarked “The lesson…DON’T INVITE YOUR CRAZY UNCLE TO LUNCH,” and a third commented “it’s like when your dog won’t stop trying to hump your company and you have to put them on the back porch.”
Additional observers suggested the digression indicated he was either experiencing mental decline or focusing too heavily on trivial matters rather than his presidential duties-with some joking that he was attempting to divert attention from the failed Putin meeting.
“Dementia Don let it slip. Trump is clearly going through cognitive decline,” one individual stated.
“Why is he always paying attention to things that don’t matter…” one questioned, while another remarked “like all alpha macho men, Trump just loves him some celebrity gossip.
“His summit with Putin and meeting with Zelenskyy went so poorly he retreated to his safe space over at Faux Spews, then proceeded to show how nuts he is and even they couldn’t cover for it,” another user quipped.
Nevertheless, some noted that the President hadn’t actually revealed any confidential information, since the romance has been public knowledge, with the couple announcing their engagement in December.
“They’re engaged? I’m not sure he ‘outed’ them. Lol,” one social media user commented, while another chimed in with “I thought everybody knew,” and a third added “it’s gross and everything but didn’t everyone already know those two were fooling around? They haven’t exactly been keeping it a secret.”
It comes after Earhardt posted a candid photo as she shared an ultra-rare personal update.
Fox News abruptly ends Donald Trump’s call in after he outs hosts relationship
Donald Trump called into Fox and Friends to discuss his summit with Vladimir Putin and his ongoing strategy in the Russo-Ukraine war, but he couldn’t resist talking about one host’s relationship
https://www.the-express.com/entertainment/tv/180857/fox-news-donald-trump-cut-off
Slingshot News: ‘We Won’t Change’: Gov. Bob Ferguson Stands Tall Against AG Pam Bondi After Her Baseless Threats Are Exposed In Presser
‘We Won’t Change’: Gov. Bob Ferguson Stands Tall Against AG Pam Bondi After Her Baseless Threats Are Exposed In Presser
Governor Bob Ferguson stood tall against President Donald Trump in a recent press conference, saying that he would refuse to change his policies on immigration in the face of her letter threatening him with arrest over sanctuary city policies.
Independent: War-torn Ukraine’s Zelensky reacts as Trump calls DC ‘the most unsafe place anywhere’
The president of war-torn Ukraine looked shocked when Donald Trump described Washington DC as “the most unsafe place anywhere” during a meeting at the White House.
Volodymyr Zelensky was in the Oval Office for talks about bringing an end to Russia’s brutal invasion of his country which has seen civilians bombed on a near-daily basis.
During questions from the press, President Trump began discussing his federal takeover of the capital which he described as “the most unsafe place anywhere” before his unprecedented deployment of the National Guard.
Zelensky looked surprised and shocked by Trump’s words as the Commander-in-Chief began telling a story about a friend whose golfer son now felt “safe” to go out for dinner.
Trump went on to claim restaurants are now booming thanks to his actions. Statistics show restaurants have suffered as much as a 30% drop since troops were deployed.
Zelensky reacts as Trump calls DC ‘the most unsafe place anywhere’
The president of war-torn Ukraine looked shocked when Donald Trump described Washington DC as “the most unsafe place anywhere” during a meeting at the White House. Volodymyr Zelensky was in the Oval Office for talks about bringing an end to Russia’s brutal invasion of his country which has seen civilians bombed on a near-daily basis. During questions from the press, President Trump began discussing his federal takeover of the capital which he described as “the most unsafe place anywhere” before his unprecedented deployment of the National Guard. Zelensky looked surprised and shocked by Trump’s words as the Commander-in-Chief began telling a story about a friend whose golfer son now felt “safe” to go out for dinner. Trump went on to claim restaurants are now booming thanks to his actions. Statistics show restaurants have suffered as much as a 30% drop since troops were deployed.