trump's nato love affair: daddy issues and defense spending
President Trump and his new BFF, NATO's Mark 'daddy' Rutte, after a summit of mutual back-patting and defense spending pledges.
President Trump is back from his European tour de force at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where he magically warmed up to the alliance after a decade of trash talk. In other words, Trump discovered a new love for NATO when Secretary-General Mark Rutte called him 'daddy' and NATO agreed to throw more money at defense spending, because nothing says ‘international diplomacy’ like a mid-life crisis.
The summit was perfectly tailored to Trump's whims, featuring the pièce de résistance of Usher's 'Hey Daddy' playing on loop—an apparent nod to the bromance between him and Rutte. But sure, it’s all about national security. Meanwhile, in the realm of U.S. foreign policy chaos, Trump’s tales of obliterating Iran's nuclear sites were undermined by leaked intelligence. Yet, the CIA released a statement backing Trump's exaggerations—a move as typical as a unicorn sighting. You know, just another day of killing democracy through spin and spectacle.
#killing-democracy#imperialism
federal jobs vanish in trump's magical workforce 'optimization'
When life gives you rain, walk it off... preferably away from the USDA.
In a stroke of genius rarely seen outside of dystopian novels, President Trump has managed to 'optimize' the federal workforce by shedding 59,000 jobs since January, according to the Labor Department. But wait, there's more! 75,000 federal workers gleefully accepted the administration's generous offer to resign with pay and benefits until September. Because nothing says 'Thank you for your service' like a severance and a pink slip. Meanwhile, the courts are doing what they can to stop this bloodletting, leaving thousands more employees in a delightful state of limbo. In other words, it's just another day in Trump's America, where the only thing more unstable than a federal job is the administration itself.
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
trump: shrinking minds, one budget cut at a time
Trump’s idea of 'improving education': a 15% funding drop and a pat on the back for states. Sound familiar?
In a move that can only be described as inspired, Trump's latest budget proposal calls for a 15% cut to the already struggling Education Department. Because nothing says 'America First' like gutting education while pretending to return power to the states—where, coincidentally, they have no money to educate anyone. In other words, Trump is trying to wrap a lead balloon in a flag and call it a victory for states' rights.
Despite the grandiose attempt to 'return education to the states,' the proposed $66.7 billion still suggests the department's shutdown might just take forever. But sure, let's pretend that cutting funding for teacher training, literacy, and at-risk students is just about being 'efficient' while not touching the real sacred cow: Title I funding. You have to admire the administration's commitment to making sure students in poverty continue receiving their now bare minimum assistance, all while slapping a 'flexibility' label on slashing other crucial programs to the bone.
But don't worry, folks, because Trump's proposal offers a 'special education funding increase'—that is, if you squint and read between the lines like it's a Magic Eye picture.
#killing-democracy#forever-grifting
hegseth's innovative take on 'transparency': keep the press in the dark
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, perfecting his serious face as he signs away press freedoms. Who needs transparency when you've got hush-hush government escorts?
In a move that screams transparent governance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former FOX News host because who better to understand journalistic integrity, has set new limits on press access at the Pentagon. It's all about 'protecting national security,' you see. Because nothing says 'we've got nothing to hide' like banning reporters from rooms they once roamed freely, across multiple administrations. Hegseth claims the restrictions are to prevent sensitive information leaks—ironically after twice sharing military secrets on his private phone via Signal. But sure, let's blame the press for risks to national security. Meanwhile, the Pentagon Press Association and the National Press Club are, shockingly, not buying this nonsense, calling it a direct attack on press freedom and a surefire way to tank public trust. Because nothing restores confidence like shutting out the folks tasked with telling the truth.
#killing-democracy#national-security#lawlessness
press freedom? never heard of it
Trump chats with reporters, reminding them just how much he *loves* free press.
In a shocking turn of events, the Committee to Protect Journalists has announced that press freedom is "no longer a given in the United States." Apparently, a flurry of executive actions in Donald Trump's first 100 days have set a new standard for chilling press freedom, complete with barred access for the Associated Press and FCC investigations into major networks like NBC and NPR. But sure, the White House assures us that President Trump is the "greatest defender of freedom," because nothing says 'defend' like exclusion and scrutiny. Trickle-down press suppression is the new policy, creating a permission structure for local leaders to follow suit. In other words, it's another banner day for democracy.
#killing-democracy#fascism
truth on trial: suing your way to silence
Gavel, scales, and a US flag: perfect symbols of justice—unless you're a journalist.
In the grand tradition of 'if you can't beat them, sue them,' Trump's masterclass on lawsuit diplomacy is catching on like wildfire among the rich and powerful. After all, nothing screams 'defender of the First Amendment' like threatening to obliterate it with a slew of lawsuits designed to murder the truth. Trump, embroiled in a personal vendetta against those 'crooked' media outlets, has launched legal battles against CBS and The New York Times for the unforgivable crime of reporting. In other words, the Fourth Estate is now on life-support thanks to the masterstroke of using courtrooms to dismantle newsrooms. But sure, it's all for the sake of honesty and integrity, right?
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
trump's education revolution: close it all down
Trump signing away your child's educational future, because who needs the Department of Education anyway?
Ah, Trump, the great educational visionary, has decided that the best way to improve American education is to simply erase the Department of Education. Because nothing says 'supporting students' like dismantling the very institution meant to help them. With Linda McMahon at the helm, these bold changes are practically guaranteed to bring about the same success that WWE brought to acting. In other words, chaos and nonsensical storytelling. While 63% of Americans might oppose this reckless dismantling, Trump and his new BFF, Elon Musk, seem to believe that state-level chaos and privatization are the ultimate answers. Who needs teachers and federal oversight when you can just 'let the states handle it', right? It's a common sense thing to do, if your sense of common is, well, uncommon.
#killing-democracy#anti-science#full-stupid
federal layoffs: making america unemployed again
Protesters at the Department of Education bravely hold signs as they brace for the inevitable tsunami of layoffs. You know it's bad when the megaphone becomes your best friend.
In a move that surely screams 'winning', federal agencies are sharpening their axes as Trump's quest to 'optimize' the workforce rolls on. Because nothing says 'efficiency' like mass layoffs, the Department of Education is giving pink slips like they're going out of style, the Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to boot 80,000 employees, and the Social Security Administration is practically begging folks to jump ship. With Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the helm, we can rest assured that any semblance of rational governance is being rapidly erased. In other words, why spend money on competent staff and functioning programs when you can have a government run by tweets and tantrums? But sure, this is all in the name of better service for the American people. Next up, seances to contact the ghosts of fired workers for their opinions on 'future restructuring plans.'
#killing-democracy#forever-grifting
epa to the rescue: saving climate denial from the brink
The EPA building: where climate rules come to die for the sake of coal plant prosperity.
In a bold move to protect the environment from... well, protection, the EPA, under Trump 2.0, has announced a rollback of 31 climate rules. Administrator Lee Zeldin hailed it as 'the greatest day of deregulation,' because nothing screams environmental stewardship like unleashing unregulated fossil fuel pollution. In other words, it's a great day if you're a coal plant, and a terrible one if you enjoy breathing.
But fear not, the meticulously planned chaos will take time because, pesky federal laws require, you know, a process and public comments. So, while the EPA is busy reducing its own staff to ensure inefficiency, environmental advocates are already sharpening their legal knives to take down this Titanic of deregulation in court. But sure, let's pretend this is all about efficiency and not just another chapter in America's killing-democracy saga.
#killing-democracy#anti-science
learning loss: trump-style efficiency in education
Nothing captures the spirit of educational reform better than a man walking past the soon-to-be ghost town of the U.S. Department of Education.
In an audacious move towards 'efficiency', the Trump administration has decided to take a chainsaw to the U.S. Department of Education, slashing nearly 50% of its workforce. That's right, because nothing spells commitment to education like firing the very people who ensure students aren't discriminated against, especially those with disabilities. In other words, goodbye civil rights enforcement, hello 'self-directed learning'.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon assures us that resources will now be directed where they 'matter most': students, parents, and teachers. Of course, it's hard to provide resources when over a thousand positions are cut and another 600 employees were nudged towards retirement. But sure, let's pretend the remaining few can handle it all. As union leaders find themselves out of jobs, one can only wonder how effectively these 'political games' are preparing America's future generations: for chaos and understaffing, it appears.
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
When Fraud Detection Turns into a Witch Hunt
fucking ketamined out moron piece of shit
Welcome to the circus, folks! In the latest episode of "Making America Great Again", Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE has managed to unearth exactly zero instances of fraud while vigorously dismantling any semblance of efficient government, firing inspectors general left and right like it’s a game of musical chairs. Instead of tackling waste, DOGE has morphed into a glorified chop shop for programs that don't sit well with the Republican agenda — all while boasting about imaginary savings that even a toddler could call out as nonsense. If you thought incompetence had limits, think again; this administration is breaking records with its audacity!
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
the only person that nededs to justify his fucking job is making civil servants do it instead
ketamine kangaroo
Musk’s federal workforce purge just got even more absurd. Federal employees received an email Saturday demanding they justify their jobs in five bullet points—or else. Musk, taking cues from Trump’s call to “get more aggressive,” warned that failure to respond would be considered a resignation. The demand, blasted as illegal and “arson on a public asset,” has thrown agencies into chaos, with FBI Director Kash Patel instructing employees not to reply while unions vow to fight unlawful firings. Meanwhile, some federal workers are comparing the move to “burning down a house and then asking what chores you did this week.” Government by vibes and threats continues.
Source: washingtonpost.com
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
freedom of speech takes a deep dive in 'gulf of america'
Behold: the alternative map where the Gulf of Mexico magically becomes the 'Gulf of America' in Trump's Oval Office.
In a move that would make Orwell blush, the Trump administration has decided that geographic reality is a matter of executive order. The Associated Press is suing the White House for barring them from major presidential events after they refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America’. Because nothing screams ‘democracy’ like renaming international waters and punishing anyone who dares to stick with the facts.
In a dazzling display of the administration’s commitment to free speech, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung labeled the AP's reporters as having 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' In other words, Trump can't handle anyone who doesn't subscribe to his alternative geographical truths. The AP, with its quaint adherence to facts, is insisting on its First Amendment rights. But sure, let's call this a minor 'disagreement.'
#killing-democracy#unconstitutional
tweenage kid that goes by big balls and white nationalist pieces of shit are getting to decide who gets fired from their highly specialized government roles
protestors making good points
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is accelerating Trump’s DEI purge, going beyond gutting diversity offices to targeting civil rights workers and federal employees tied to equity programs—even if their roles have nothing to do with DEI. Internal DOGE documents reveal a three-phase plan: Phase 1 shut down DEI offices and placed employees on leave, Phase 2 expanded layoffs to staff in legally protected roles, and Phase 3, set for July, will push for mass firings under the guise of “reorganization.” Among those in the crosshairs? A Veterans Affairs office that ensures equal access to care, a Health and Human Services division monitoring minority health, and employees who simply attended diversity training in the past. Legal experts warn the strategy is on shaky ground, but the White House has made its stance clear: “If DEI is waste, fraud, and abuse, it’s gone.”
Source: washingtonpost.com
#killing-democracy#corruption
criminals fire cops that watch over them
cfpb logo
In a stunning display of bureaucratic efficiency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has axed its entire team of technologists—those pesky experts who dared to scrutinize Big Tech's foray into financial services. This mass termination, executed under the watchful eye of President Donald Trump and his ever-zealous Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, leaves the agency brilliantly unprepared to oversee the very industry it's meant to regulate. Employees were graciously informed of their immediate dismissal via a hastily crafted email, some addressed as "[EmployeeFirstName][EmployeeLastName]," because personalization is paramount. As the CFPB's mission to protect consumers from financial malfeasance crumbles, one can't help but marvel at the administration's commitment to efficiency over efficacy.
#killing-democracy#lawlessness#money
frump admin directs agencies to fire all probationary employees, making america less safe
vice president neck flaps
The Trump administration just fired thousands of federal workers in the most dystopian way possible—prerecorded videos, group calls, and emails that never even arrived. In a sweeping two-day purge, agency heads were ordered to dump most trial-period and probationary employees, a move that could wipe out over 200,000 federal jobs without cause. Some workers were given 30 minutes to leave their offices, while others were told their termination via an automated apartment complex hotline. (Because nothing says “streamlining government” like getting fired by a real estate voicemail.) The goal? Shrink the federal workforce under Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a plan Trump has openly celebrated as a way to gut the so-called bureaucratic “deep state.” Meanwhile, entire departments—including those working on special education and small business support—are now missing critical staff, not because of poor performance, but because they were the easiest to fire. So if government services suddenly start failing? Well, that’s just efficiency at work.
Source: washingtonpost.com
#killing-democracy
trump's diplomacy: because europe who?
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth discussing peace talks with NATO allies, who are all wondering if their invite got lost in the mail.
In the latest whimsical episode of Trump's political theater, he's preparing to play peace broker between Russia and a notably absent Ukraine. NATO allies are scratching their heads and probably Googling 'how to shake your head in all languages' as the administration hints at face-to-face talks with Putin, minus those pesky European stakeholders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, channeling his inner 'we're definitely not betraying Ukraine' vibes, assures us that this is all part of a 'negotiated peace.' Yes, because nothing screams 'peace' like starting negotiations by offering concessions to Russia and forgetting to invite Ukraine. Meanwhile, European diplomats are wondering how many synonyms for 'appeasement' they can diplomatically use in one speech. Bravo, Trump administration, for redefining 'talks' by excluding everyone they affect.
#killing-democracy#imperialism
trump's one-man mission to kill consumer protection
Elizabeth Warren rallies outside the CFPB. Because nothing says 'protect consumers' like firing the people meant to do just that.
In a display of peak efficiency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has decided the best way to 'protect' consumers is by firing dozens of employees. Who needs consumer watchdogs when you can just let Wall Street run wild? The agency, which remains conveniently shuttered, sent out termination emails that seem to have been written by a bot having a bad day. Just ask Taylor Sonne, who was apparently so incompetent that he earned a promotion and a stellar performance review right before being booted out. Jonathan McKernan is ready to step into the director's chair, ensuring the continued tradition of leaving consumers to fend for themselves in a marketplace that’s fair only to corporate giants. But sure, this is just what the agency needs: a complete lack of accountability and a mail merge blunder masquerading as a HR strategy.
#killing-democracy#corruption
doges cuts are not about saving money, surprise surprise
elmos bratty little shit telling cheetolini hes not president get out of here lmfao
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is on a mission to trim the federal fat, but instead of tackling the real budget busters, they're going after agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and USAID—because who needs consumer protection or international aid, right? Critics are pointing out that these moves seem less about actual cost savings and more about scoring political points with Trump's base. So, while Musk boasts about his massive $37.69 billion in savings—a mere drop in the $2 trillion bucket he's aiming for—the real impact on government waste is, unsurprisingly, negligible.
#killing-democracy
spineless bitch and drunkard wants to cave to russia
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, far left, attends Wednesday's gathering of the Ukraine Contact Group in Brussels. British Defense Secretary John Healey, center, led the meeting. Beside Healey is Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. (Johanna Geron/Reuters)
Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just told Ukraine to give up on reclaiming its lost land, calling it an “unrealistic objective” while pushing for peace talks that just so happen to align with Russia’s interests. Speaking at NATO headquarters, Hegseth made it clear the U.S. won’t send troops, won’t support Ukraine joining NATO, and thinks European allies should take the lead—because apparently, America First now means Ukraine Last. Meanwhile, Trump was cozying up to Putin on a “long and highly productive” phone call, setting off alarm bells across Europe as the administration openly leans toward a land-for-peace approach that could leave Ukraine out in the cold. But don’t worry—Trump’s Treasury Secretary was in Kyiv, negotiating a mineral deal that just might keep U.S. aid flowing. So the message is clear: if Ukraine wants support, it better start paying up.
Source: washingtonpost.com
#killing-democracy
