The Trump Presidency Timeline
Documenting the chaos since day one. 81 entries and counting.
Category: imperialism
imperialism
world’s dumbest armada solves venezuelan socialism with starvation and b-roll redactions
US warships ring Venezuela in a freedom-branded oil chokehold, heroically demanding the return of ‘our’ land and assets like it’s 1898 with better Wi‑Fi.
Trump has announced a naval "blockade" of “sanctioned oil vessels” around Venezuela, proudly declaring the country "completely surrounded" by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America — because nothing says freedom like threatening a poorer country until it hands over its "Oil, Land, and other Assets" it supposedly "stole" from the United States. In other words, it’s not regime change, it’s just old-school gunboat extortion with better graphics and worse spelling.
The Pentagon, now starring Fox News personality Pete Hegseth as Secretary of "Totally Normal" War, says it won’t release the full video of a Caribbean strike where survivors clung to burning wreckage for an hour before being killed in a second attack. So we’re surrounding a country, blowing up boats, killing people in the water, and then hiding the tape — but sure, this is all about "drug trafficking" and not a live-fire demo of American imperialism for Truth Social.
Back home, Trump signed yet another proclamation tightening entry for foreign nationals from a fresh batch of mostly Black and Muslim-majority countries, while Republicans used a mass shooting in Australia to demand a Muslim ban here. At the same time, he’s escalating personal attacks on Ilhan Omar and openly trying to get her deported, prompting her to warn that his dehumanizing rhetoric is fueling political violence. The GOP’s message remains consistent: when in doubt, blame Muslims, ban refugees, and call it "security" — then act shocked when the worst people alive hear it as a green light.
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles cheerfully tells Vanity Fair that Trump believes there is “nothing he can’t do, nothing, zero” as president and compares his personality to an alcoholic’s, which is certainly one way to describe a man suing the BBC for $10bn while insisting his White House ballroom construction is a matter of national security. So yes: we’re blockading Venezuela, hiding war footage, expanding the travel ban, menacing a Black Muslim congresswoman, and litigating over a gaudy ballroom — but remember, the real threat to democracy is still protesters and pronouns.
The Pentagon, now starring Fox News personality Pete Hegseth as Secretary of "Totally Normal" War, says it won’t release the full video of a Caribbean strike where survivors clung to burning wreckage for an hour before being killed in a second attack. So we’re surrounding a country, blowing up boats, killing people in the water, and then hiding the tape — but sure, this is all about "drug trafficking" and not a live-fire demo of American imperialism for Truth Social.
Back home, Trump signed yet another proclamation tightening entry for foreign nationals from a fresh batch of mostly Black and Muslim-majority countries, while Republicans used a mass shooting in Australia to demand a Muslim ban here. At the same time, he’s escalating personal attacks on Ilhan Omar and openly trying to get her deported, prompting her to warn that his dehumanizing rhetoric is fueling political violence. The GOP’s message remains consistent: when in doubt, blame Muslims, ban refugees, and call it "security" — then act shocked when the worst people alive hear it as a green light.
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles cheerfully tells Vanity Fair that Trump believes there is “nothing he can’t do, nothing, zero” as president and compares his personality to an alcoholic’s, which is certainly one way to describe a man suing the BBC for $10bn while insisting his White House ballroom construction is a matter of national security. So yes: we’re blockading Venezuela, hiding war footage, expanding the travel ban, menacing a Black Muslim congresswoman, and litigating over a gaudy ballroom — but remember, the real threat to democracy is still protesters and pronouns.
Source: theguardian.com
#imperialism#anti-immigration
imperialism
trump invents gunboat healthcare for venezuela’s oil
US warships circle Venezuela in the name of ‘freedom’, ‘democracy’, and definitely-not-stealing-your-oil-we-promise.
Donald Trump has ordered a “TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, because nothing says defending democracy like flirting with an illegal naval blockade to shake down a country’s oil. He bragged on Truth Social that Venezuela is now “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America” – in other words, we’ve gone from sanctions to live‑fire oil embargo cosplay with a side of international piracy.
US forces have already seized a tanker carrying about 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and launched more than two dozen strikes on boats in the Pacific and Caribbean, killing at least 95 people, but don’t worry, the White House swears this is all about “stopping drugs” and totally not regime change. That line held for about five minutes, until chief of staff Susie Wiles helpfully told Vanity Fair that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle” – a lovely little confession that the drug war is just the marketing department for old‑school imperialism.
Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is refusing to release video of a 2 September strike, calling it “top secret” and citing “longstanding Department of War policy” – which is a refreshingly honest rebrand for the Pentagon, if nothing else. So we’ve got undeclared naval warfare, lethal strikes, oil seizures, and a public promise to keep bombing until a foreign leader surrenders, but sure, tell us more about how this is all about narcotics and the rule of law.
Source: theguardian.com
#imperialism#national-security
imperialism
trump discovers new foreign policy tool: random naval blockade button
USS Gerald Ford looms off Venezuela’s coast, bravely defending America from the terrifying threat of unapproved oil shipments.
Trump hopped on Truth Social to announce he is ordering a "TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE" of all sanctioned oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela, because nothing says sober, lawful diplomacy like waking up and unilaterally declaring a naval blockade on a whim. He helpfully labeled Nicolás Maduro's government a "foreign terrorist organisation" and accused it of "Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking"—in other words, he described a cartoon villain and then gave himself permission to launch what Congressman Joaquin Castro correctly pointed out is "unquestionably an act of war." But sure, it’s all just another post on the app where coups go to get beta-tested.
Trump bragged that Venezuela is now "completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America," which is both not how geography works and also a nice casual way of saying "we moved a giant floating airbase and thousands of troops into striking distance of a country we haven’t declared war on." The USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is now parked off Venezuela like a foreclosure notice with fighter jets. Meanwhile, the US has already been killing people in "drug" strikes on boats and seizing tankers like the Skipper, which Maduro describes as Washington "kidnapping" the crew and "stealing" the ship—because nothing says defending freedom like high-seas asset repossession backed by an armada.
Both Trump and Biden have spent years trying to topple Maduro with sanctions, but Trump has now hit the big, shiny "naval blockade" button—historically known as the thing you do after Congress declares war, not before a House resolution telling you to knock it off. Washington insists it’s stopping "illicit oil shipping" and "drug terrorism"; Venezuela insists the US is after its oil. Given that we’ve surrounded one of the world’s largest proven reserves with warships while screaming about stolen assets, this is definitely about democracy and not at all about hydrocarbons, why do you ask?
Source: bbc.com
#imperialism#national-security#lawlessness
imperialism
trump's caribbean boat parade for democracy
US boat strikes: Bringing democracy one missile at a time.
In a shockingly candid moment—or perhaps just another Tuesday—White House chief of staff Susie Wiles lets slip that Trump's aquatic adventures in the Caribbean have little to do with combating drugs and everything to do with overthrowing Venezuela's Maduro. Because nothing screams war on drugs like a regime change fiesta. Meanwhile, Wiles adds that Trump's tendency to exact revenge is as predictable as his late-night Twitter rants, casually admitting that his approach to Letitia James might be his 'one retribution'—in other words, just a typical day in Trump's America. But sure, let's focus on the economic 'success' of a 4.6% unemployment rate and the looming possibility of more of Trump's historical 'accomplishments' in a national address. Can't wait.
Source: theguardian.com
#imperialism#killing-democracy#retribution
imperialism
pentagon perfects hide-and-seek with caribbean strike footage
Pete Hegseth: master of the 'nothing to see here' diplomacy.
In a shocking turn of events, the Pentagon has decided to keep the full video of a Caribbean strike under wraps. Because nothing screams 'transparency' like hiding footage of an operation where US forces allegedly turned a boat into a floating bonfire and its passengers into collateral damage. Pete Hegseth assures us this is all in line with 'longstanding department policy,' a.k.a. we'll show you what we want, when we want.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham are doubling down on their roles as Trump’s military cheerleaders, refusing to acknowledge any pesky 'war crime' allegations. After all, in Trump’s America, blowing up boats is the new diplomacy. As for the legalities, Rand Paul is questioning the morality of this floating game of Battleship, while Don Bacon teeters on the edge of logic, asking for congressional approval over a campaign so reckless it makes a toddler with a hammer look responsible. But sure, let's keep that video under wraps—wouldn't want the truth to spoil the fun.
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham are doubling down on their roles as Trump’s military cheerleaders, refusing to acknowledge any pesky 'war crime' allegations. After all, in Trump’s America, blowing up boats is the new diplomacy. As for the legalities, Rand Paul is questioning the morality of this floating game of Battleship, while Don Bacon teeters on the edge of logic, asking for congressional approval over a campaign so reckless it makes a toddler with a hammer look responsible. But sure, let's keep that video under wraps—wouldn't want the truth to spoil the fun.
Source: theguardian.com
#imperialism#national-security
imperialism
trump's cannabis reform: a joint venture for capitalism
Trump: Turning cannabis reform into a business high, not a social justice win.
Trump has taken a massive hit from the reality bong and is very strongly considering rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to III, because nothing screams progress like putting weed in the same category as codeine. In other words, welcome to Trump's America where cannabis is totally okay as long as the billion-dollar industry can grab some tax breaks and investors can swim in green cash, not green leaves.
But don't put away those protest signs just yet. While cannabis stocks are getting high, the criminal justice system remains a sticky situation—people are still locked up for trafficking while Trump's cronies puff away on profits. Remember, rescheduling isn't decriminalizing. The 'war on drugs' may be getting a facelift, but it's still business as usual abroad, where Trump is ready to bomb anyone who dares drop a dime bag near U.S. borders. Hyper-commercialization at home, imperialism abroad—it's the Trump way.
But don't put away those protest signs just yet. While cannabis stocks are getting high, the criminal justice system remains a sticky situation—people are still locked up for trafficking while Trump's cronies puff away on profits. Remember, rescheduling isn't decriminalizing. The 'war on drugs' may be getting a facelift, but it's still business as usual abroad, where Trump is ready to bomb anyone who dares drop a dime bag near U.S. borders. Hyper-commercialization at home, imperialism abroad—it's the Trump way.
Source: theguardian.com
#imperialism#forever-grifting
imperialism
trump brings back gunboat diplomacy, because why not?
Trump's version of foreign policy: When in doubt, send in the fleet.
In a move that would make Theodore Roosevelt proud, Donald Trump is reviving the art of gunboat diplomacy in Venezuela. With a military ensemble large enough to make a Broadway show jealous, Trump has decided that the best way to stem the flow of drugs is to deploy an aircraft carrier, destroyers, cruisers, and a special forces support ship to the Caribbean Sea. Because nothing says 'stop drugs' like a full-fledged naval invasion, right? Meanwhile, Pam Bondi is playing the role of the administration's PR wizard, claiming the seizure of an oil tanker is somehow linked to 'illicit oil shipping networks' and foreign terrorists. Sure, Pam, whatever you say. In other words, Trump's handling of Venezuela is about as clear as mud, but hey, who needs clarity when you have military might and a penchant for drama? As for Congress and the OAS, they're left scrambling to figure out how to reel in this 21st-century imperialist spectacle before it spirals into a full South American quagmire. But let's be real, who needs peace and diplomacy when you can just wave some big guns around?
Source: theguardian.com
#imperialism#national-security
imperialism
another day, another deadly misadventure in syria
Syria's new president: redefining 'progress' one ISIS surprise at a time.
Ah, Syria, where the new president who once flirted with Al-Qaeda now extends heartfelt condolences to President Trump over a deadly attack on U.S. forces. Because nothing says 'fresh leadership' like a surprise visit from ISIS at your doorstep. In other words, the Middle East remains as stable as a Jenga tower in an earthquake.
Meanwhile, Trump, ever the man of few coherent words, has threatened 'serious consequences' without, of course, bothering with details. After all, why spoil the suspense when dealing with international crises? And just like clockwork, American troops are still playing whack-a-mole with ISIS and protecting oil installations because, priorities!
In a land where dictators and foreign interventions are as common as kebabs, Syria's president is trying to reassert control over a nation that seems to have not gotten the memo about moving on from decades of conflict. But sure, a few more arrests ought to do the trick.
Meanwhile, Trump, ever the man of few coherent words, has threatened 'serious consequences' without, of course, bothering with details. After all, why spoil the suspense when dealing with international crises? And just like clockwork, American troops are still playing whack-a-mole with ISIS and protecting oil installations because, priorities!
In a land where dictators and foreign interventions are as common as kebabs, Syria's president is trying to reassert control over a nation that seems to have not gotten the memo about moving on from decades of conflict. But sure, a few more arrests ought to do the trick.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#national-security
imperialism
envoy peace talks: how to lose an invasion in 10 days
Zelenskyy records a video, presumably to say, 'Welcome to the latest episode of 'Why Diplomacy Is Hard,' starring Jared Kushner.'
Because nothing screams effective diplomacy like sending Trump's real estate guru, Steve Witkoff, and his favorite son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to Berlin to solve a war that experts have been grappling with for years. Zelenskyy's hopeful address suggests we're on the brink of a peace deal—pushed by Trump with the same enthusiasm he once reserved for hotel openings. Meanwhile, Putin's demands would make Santa's naughty list look reasonable, and the real sticking point is, surprise, surprise—who controls the Donetsk region. In other words, the negotiations are as smooth as a sandpaper handshake.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#national-security
imperialism
defense department considers transparency, hilarity ensues
Pete Hegseth, contemplating the fine art of selective censorship at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
Because nothing screams accountability like a government agency debating whether to show us a video of a military strike that may or may not have adhered to pesky things like laws. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the man of the hour, assures us he's just being responsible by reviewing the video footage of a September 2 attack on a Venezuelan 'drug boat'.
Meanwhile, President Trump, that beacon of informed decision-making, admits he's open to releasing the footage—though he has no idea what's even on it. But sure, let's just trust them to do the right thing. After all, who needs Congressional approval when you can just unleash the military and hope nobody asks too many questions? Or, you know, sees the aftermath of turning the full force of the U.S. military on people clinging to debris. But hey, transparency, right?
Meanwhile, President Trump, that beacon of informed decision-making, admits he's open to releasing the footage—though he has no idea what's even on it. But sure, let's just trust them to do the right thing. After all, who needs Congressional approval when you can just unleash the military and hope nobody asks too many questions? Or, you know, sees the aftermath of turning the full force of the U.S. military on people clinging to debris. But hey, transparency, right?
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#national-security#unconstitutional
imperialism
putin can't agree to losing: in other news, water is wet
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff bravely tackle international diplomacy in their favorite roles as B-list negotiators.
In a shocking twist that will undoubtedly surprise nobody, Vladimir Putin has deemed certain points in the U.S. proposal to end the Ukraine war as 'unacceptable.' Apparently, the idea of giving back land conquered through aggression doesn't sit well with the Kremlin. Color us stunned. Trump's diplomatic dream team, featuring his son-in-law Jared Kushner and real estate mogul turned special envoy Steve Witkoff, are valiantly trying to 'stop the fighting' with their boundless expertise in things not involving peace or war.
Putin, who had his five-hour tête-à-tête with these brilliant minds, found the discussions 'necessary' but conveniently 'difficult.' Because nothing screams 'constructive diplomacy' like hashing out points that one side already knows it will reject. Meanwhile, European leaders are left out of the loop, scrambling to Beijing for help, because surely Xi Jinping will be the voice of reason in this geopolitical circus. But sure, let's continue this charade of 'peace talks' while missiles are still striking civilian areas in Ukraine. After all, what's a little war between 'friends'?
Putin, who had his five-hour tête-à-tête with these brilliant minds, found the discussions 'necessary' but conveniently 'difficult.' Because nothing screams 'constructive diplomacy' like hashing out points that one side already knows it will reject. Meanwhile, European leaders are left out of the loop, scrambling to Beijing for help, because surely Xi Jinping will be the voice of reason in this geopolitical circus. But sure, let's continue this charade of 'peace talks' while missiles are still striking civilian areas in Ukraine. After all, what's a little war between 'friends'?
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#killing-democracy
imperialism
trump's navy takes the plunge into potential war crimes
An artist's impression of Trump's unique approach to international diplomacy—complete with explosive consequences.
Ah, the Caribbean—known for its pristine beaches, rum cocktails, and now, potential war crimes. The Trump administration, ever the fan of high-stakes drama, allegedly decided to play a twisted game of Battleship with a Venezuelan boat, resulting in the deaths of all 11 people on board. But don't worry, folks, the administration claims they were narcoterrorists—because when has the U.S. ever needed actual evidence before dropping bombs?
In a dazzling display of military precision, Admiral Frank Bradley, taking orders from the illustrious Secretary Pete Hegseth, ensured that the two survivors clinging to wreckage didn't make it out alive. After all, nothing says 'war on drugs' like 'blowing people up in international waters.'
As lawmakers scramble to figure out if this qualifies as a war crime or just a typical Tuesday in Trump's America, one can't help but marvel at the administration's commitment to keeping us on our toes. With 20 other vessels targeted in recent months, who knows what other diplomatic masterpieces we have to look forward to?
In a dazzling display of military precision, Admiral Frank Bradley, taking orders from the illustrious Secretary Pete Hegseth, ensured that the two survivors clinging to wreckage didn't make it out alive. After all, nothing says 'war on drugs' like 'blowing people up in international waters.'
As lawmakers scramble to figure out if this qualifies as a war crime or just a typical Tuesday in Trump's America, one can't help but marvel at the administration's commitment to keeping us on our toes. With 20 other vessels targeted in recent months, who knows what other diplomatic masterpieces we have to look forward to?
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#killing-democracy
imperialism
nothing says ‘war on drugs’ like an aircraft carrier battle group
Nicolás Maduro kisses the flag while Trump parks a nuclear-powered carrier off his coast, because subtlety is for countries that aren’t running on pure performative imperialism.
Trump has decided the best way to fight fentanyl overdoses in Ohio is to park the USS Gerald R. Ford off Venezuela and start playing oil-tanker battleship in the Caribbean. He’s ordered a naval blockade on all sanctioned tankers in and out of Venezuela, just days after U.S. forces seized one at sea—because nothing says measured foreign policy like reenacting the 1980s drug war with more hashtags and fewer laws.
On paper, this is about migrants and narcotics. Trump is blaming Nicolás Maduro for Venezuelans fleeing a collapsed economy and for supposedly “emptying his prisons and insane asylums” into the U.S.—with, of course, zero evidence. He’s also designated two Venezuelan criminal networks as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and then helpfully decided that Maduro himself, his government, and basically anyone near an oil well are now “Drug Terrorists.” In other words: if it moves and exports crude, it’s Al-Qaeda now.
Analysts note that “Cartel de los Soles” isn’t even a single cartel but a catch-all term for corrupt officials involved in trafficking, but the Trump administration simply slapped on the terrorist label, doubled the bounty on Maduro, and called it a day. Meanwhile Trump is on Truth Social accusing Caracas of using “stolen oil” to fund “Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping,” while deploying 15,000 troops and the world’s largest aircraft carrier to stop cocaine—because nothing screams serious anti-drug strategy like risking a shooting war in the Caribbean to juice your tough-guy polling numbers.
Maduro, a corrupt authoritarian presiding over a rigged 2024 election and mass repression, is calling it “international piracy” and accusing the U.S. of trying to steal Venezuela’s oil. When the guy waving Simón Bolívar’s sword while jailing opponents is accusing you of imperialism and somehow has a point, you’ve really nailed the “rules-based international order” branding exercise. But sure, this is about fentanyl, not regime change plus offshore drilling rights.
On paper, this is about migrants and narcotics. Trump is blaming Nicolás Maduro for Venezuelans fleeing a collapsed economy and for supposedly “emptying his prisons and insane asylums” into the U.S.—with, of course, zero evidence. He’s also designated two Venezuelan criminal networks as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and then helpfully decided that Maduro himself, his government, and basically anyone near an oil well are now “Drug Terrorists.” In other words: if it moves and exports crude, it’s Al-Qaeda now.
Analysts note that “Cartel de los Soles” isn’t even a single cartel but a catch-all term for corrupt officials involved in trafficking, but the Trump administration simply slapped on the terrorist label, doubled the bounty on Maduro, and called it a day. Meanwhile Trump is on Truth Social accusing Caracas of using “stolen oil” to fund “Drug Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Murder, and Kidnapping,” while deploying 15,000 troops and the world’s largest aircraft carrier to stop cocaine—because nothing screams serious anti-drug strategy like risking a shooting war in the Caribbean to juice your tough-guy polling numbers.
Maduro, a corrupt authoritarian presiding over a rigged 2024 election and mass repression, is calling it “international piracy” and accusing the U.S. of trying to steal Venezuela’s oil. When the guy waving Simón Bolívar’s sword while jailing opponents is accusing you of imperialism and somehow has a point, you’ve really nailed the “rules-based international order” branding exercise. But sure, this is about fentanyl, not regime change plus offshore drilling rights.
Source: bbc.com
#imperialism#national-security
imperialism
trump's masterclass in 'peace' negotiations
When peace talks look more like a reality show plot twist.
Ah, the Trump administration, redefining 'progress' by deftly shifting deadlines as if diplomacy were a game of pin the tail on the donkey. Apparently, offering Ukraine a 'deal' to give up territory they haven't even lost is just the kind of bold, innovative strategy we've come to expect from the art of the dealmaker himself. Because nothing says victory like ceding more ground to Putin.
In other words, the U.S. is now sending Steve Witkoff and Dan Driscoll to play diplomats in the world's most confusing chess match. And while Secretary Marco Rubio flies off to Geneva to smooth over controversial points, the real question remains: who's playing who in this geopolitical circus? With Russia continuing to launch attacks on Ukraine, it's unclear if Trump's 'fine-tuned' plan will actually fine-tune anything other than his own public relations narrative.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#killing-democracy
imperialism
peace through capitulation: trump’s ukraine plan
Trump and Putin: Redefining 'peace' one concession at a time.
In a bold move that would make even Neville Chamberlain blush, President Trump unveiled his 'peace plan' for Ukraine—a masterpiece of diplomatic genius that pretty much hands over everything Russia ever wanted and then some. Because nothing says 'peace' like telling Ukraine to give up territory to Russia, cap its military, and renounce NATO ambitions. Oh, but Ukraine gets to try to join the EU, something they should've been able to do regardless, and a sort-of-kind-of NATO protection for 10 years. In other words, a 'temporary' security promise that's as reliable as a cheap umbrella in a hurricane.
Meanwhile, back in Moscow, Putin is playing it cool, surely thrilled that the plan caters to Russian demands while warning that Moscow will achieve its goals one way or another—because why not dangle the threat of war over an already fraught situation? But sure, let's call this a 'peace deal.' Zelenskyy, caught between a rock and an orange place, is now considering counterproposals, because who wouldn't want to negotiate with a gun to their head?
Meanwhile, back in Moscow, Putin is playing it cool, surely thrilled that the plan caters to Russian demands while warning that Moscow will achieve its goals one way or another—because why not dangle the threat of war over an already fraught situation? But sure, let's call this a 'peace deal.' Zelenskyy, caught between a rock and an orange place, is now considering counterproposals, because who wouldn't want to negotiate with a gun to their head?
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#killing-democracy
imperialism
nailing international waters: trump's new hobby
Trump, Rubio, and Hegseth: the Three Musketeers of 'Narco-Terrorist' Elimination, strategizing over their next game of international whack-a-mole.
Ah, the smell of burning vessels in the open seas—President Trump's latest strategy to rid the world of 'narco-terrorists', one alleged drug vessel at a time. Because nothing says 'justice' like obliterating boats with scant evidence that they're actually trafficking drugs. Grainy video footage of these high-seas heroics, courtesy of Trump's and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's social media feeds, is the only proof we have that these were indeed drug boats. The administration hasn't bothered with any pesky 'further evidence'.
Meanwhile, the definition of 'unilateral' is getting a real workout here. Legal scholars question the executive branch's authority to conduct these strikes without Congress's go-ahead, but Trump insists he's got it covered. Why bother with a declaration of war when you can just play Battleship in real life? Imperialism is clearly in vogue this season.
Meanwhile, the definition of 'unilateral' is getting a real workout here. Legal scholars question the executive branch's authority to conduct these strikes without Congress's go-ahead, but Trump insists he's got it covered. Why bother with a declaration of war when you can just play Battleship in real life? Imperialism is clearly in vogue this season.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#lawlessness
imperialism
trump rolls out red carpet for former al-qaida buddy turned syrian president
Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa: from wanted list to White House guest list. Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/AP.
In a stunning display of diplomatic gymnastics, President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state since 1946. Because nothing says 'progress' quite like hosting someone who once had a $10 million bounty on his head from the U.S. But sure, let's roll out the red carpet and call it a victory for peace. Sharaa, now hailed as a 'strong fighter' by Trump, graciously entered the Oval Office through the back door - a thoughtful move to avoid comparisons to the more, shall we say, traditional leaders. Diplomacy at its finest, folks.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#national-security#killing-democracy
imperialism
trump's pacific target practice: now with extra aircraft carriers
Pete Hegseth, master of ceremonies in the 'find and terminate' strategy, speaking at yet another press conference—because speeches are cheaper than evidence.
In the latest episode of the Trump administration's high-seas adventure, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the 16th deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific—because nothing says war on drugs like turning international waters into a live-action Call of Duty match. This latest act of nautical aggression has left two more people dead, bringing the Trump administration's 'deterrent' campaign to a heartwarming total of at least 66 casualties.
Of course, President Trump insists that the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with drug cartels, and these boats are piloted by foreign terror outfits—though any actual evidence is, predictably, as elusive as Trump's tax returns. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is sailing towards the Caribbean, because apparently, nothing screams peace quite like a floating fortress heading to Latin America.
In other news, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is crying foul over the U.S.'s apparent fabrication of a war against his country, while Trump coyly dangles the possibility of further military action. But sure, let's keep pretending this isn't an unconstitutional military overreach with a side of imperialism.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#lawlessness
imperialism
trump bends time: peace talks from his alternative timeline
Trump, peace deal maestro, proving geography and reality are mere suggestions.
Ah, President Trump, the master of 'Art of the Deal', strikes again, this time attempting to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. Bold move, considering the only peace he's known is the kind that comes from his Trump Tower penthouse. With Russia still dreaming of a glorious Soviet reunion and Ukraine fighting for its very existence, Trump thinks a little pressure on India's oil purchases will bring Putin to his knees. In other words, Trump's peace plan is like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole, but sure, let's applaud the effort.
Meanwhile, the Europeans, who are now leading the charge in support for Ukraine, scratch their heads wondering if America's foreign policy is now written in crayon or if it's just Trump's two-week promises running on loop like a broken record. But hey, at least he made Alaska feel important by holding a meeting there. Remember, folks, nothing says diplomatic triumph like gathering world leaders in the Last Frontier.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#killing-democracy
imperialism
florida's everglade extravaganza: jailbirds and gators
President Trump tours the new migrant detention facility, a visionary blend of incarceration and wetlands conservation.
In the latest installment of the Sunshine State's dystopian dramedy, a federal judge has mercifully interrupted the growth of 'Alligator Alcatraz'—a charmingly nicknamed immigration detention center parked in the middle of the Everglades. Because, obviously, nothing says welcome to America quite like being caged in a swamp alongside real-life dinosaurs. In other words, Florida's bold plan for immigration reform involved nature documentaries and muddy misadventures.
Judge Kathleen Williams, clearly not a fan of Jurassic Park reenactments, pointed out that the rush to build this wonderfully situated facility seems to have overlooked trivial matters like environmental laws and basic human decency. But sure, let's file an appeal, because who wouldn't want a detention facility threatening billions of dollars in environmental restoration? As Trump's tour suggested, it's clearly a model for nationwide expansion—assuming the goal is to cage humans like zoo animals while courting environmental disaster.
Source: npr.org
#imperialism#anti-immigration