The Trump Presidency Timeline
Documenting the chaos since day one. 541 entries and counting.
Category: killing democracy
killing democracy
trump turns kennedy center into mar-a-lago of the arts
The Kennedy Center: Now with 100% more Trump and 100% less bipartisanship.
Because nothing says 'cultural enrichment' like Donald Trump and Richard Grenell dismantling a cornerstone of American arts. The Kennedy Center, once a bipartisan beacon, is now a hollow mausoleum for Trumpian ego. Who needs high-minded ideals when you can have a portrait of Trump and Melania glaring from the walls? Eradicating 'woke' programming seems to be their top priority—because Stravinsky and Mozart are clearly threats to national security.
Ticket sales have plummeted, audiences are avoiding the venue like the plague, and entire productions are fleeing to anywhere they won't be suffocated by political toxicity. But sure, claim victory with fundraising wins from curious places like the Kazakh government. Nothing screams 'American arts' like foreign influence and a FIFA 'peace prize' for Trump—because why not?
And let's not forget the gala of lifetime achievements, now a Trump vanity project. Renaming it the Trump-Kennedy Center? Why stop there? Maybe replace JFK’s stirring words with 'Make America Great Again'. The arts have never been more alive—if by 'alive' you mean 'staged in alternative venues to escape this absurdity.'
Source: theguardian.com
#killing-democracy#imperialism
killing democracy
trump's new national security strategy: insult allies, embrace authoritarians
President Trump lays out his *world-class* strategy as Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth try not to cringe. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
In a bold move that surely screams 'diplomacy,' President Trump has unveiled a national security strategy that essentially tells our European allies to get it together or face 'civilizational erasure.' Because nothing solidifies alliances like questioning their very existence. In other words, Trump is here to remind Europe that their immigration policies and declining birthrates are apparently the real threats to Western civilization. Meanwhile, the administration is busy cozying up to Russia, eager to brush off years of being a 'global pariah.' But sure, let's be concerned about Europe's 'loss of national identities.' This strategy is a masterclass in how to alienate your friends while trying to woo past adversaries.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#imperialism
killing democracy
hegseth's silent service: sinking shipwrecked sailors
Pete Hegseth, demonstrating the latest in 'defense by ignorance,' as President Trump shows off his 'I wasn't involved' face.
In the latest episode of 'America's Got Military Ethics,' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces the music for using Signal to chat about a U.S. attack on Yemen, because nothing screams national security like encrypted messaging apps. Meanwhile, lawmakers were treated to a closed-door screening of a delightful video showing a U.S. strike on a Caribbean drug boat. The video, described as 'one of the most troubling things' seen by Rep. Jim Himes, shows U.S. forces going full Titanic on survivors of a shipwreck. But sure, according to Sen. Tom Cotton, this was just a regular day at sea where sailors flip boats for fun.
While President Trump claims ignorance of the second strike—because why bother with pesky details like human lives?—Hegseth, ever the multitasker, watched the first strike 'live' before moving on to his next war meeting. Yet, lawmakers like Sen. Jack Reed are left with 'serious questions' about legality, reminding us that if we don't follow the rules of war, who will? But hey, in Trump's America, why not play fast and loose with international norms?
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#national-security
killing democracy
trump's gift to special education: a time machine to 1975
Celebrating 50 years of special education by potentially dismantling it—because who needs progress anyway?
Ah, the golden anniversary of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, where Trump decided to gift wrap a crisis instead of celebration. Fifty years later, we're at the brink of unraveling decades of progress because the administration apparently took the phrase 'back to basics' a bit too literally. Linda McMahon assures us it's not about cutting funding, just severing the 'centralized bureaucracy'—because nothing says progress like handing control back to states that once considered special needs kids as 'invisible.' Super reassuring, isn't it?
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#anti-science
killing democracy
education department's surprise vanishing act
Linda McMahon: Peeling back bureaucracy, one federally required program at a time.
In yet another masterclass of governance by chaos, the Trump administration has revealed its latest magic trick: making the Education Department disappear without bothering Congress. Because who needs legislative approval when you can just outsource education like it's a laundry service? The plan is to shuffle essential responsibilities like Title I funds for low-income students to the Labor Department and hand over Indian Education to the Department of the Interior—because nothing screams 'focus on education' like pairing it with workplace safety and national parks. Education Secretary Linda McMahon assures us this is about 'peeling back the layers of federal bureaucracy,' a euphemism for 'we didn't feel like dealing with it.' You know, because nothing says efficiency quite like handing education over to departments that have nothing to do with, well, education.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#lawlessness#imperialism
killing democracy
education department layoffs: trump administration's latest masterstroke
A person walks past the hollowed-out shell of what was once the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., now a monument to the Trump administration's commitment to 'helping' kids in need.
In a stunning display of priorities, the Trump administration has decided to gut the Department of Education's office for special education. Because nothing says 'supporting the vulnerable' like leaving 7.5 million children with disabilities to fend for themselves. In other words, the office tasked with overseeing $15 billion in funding and ensuring states comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is now a ghost town. The administration's solution to the ongoing shutdown? Firing those pesky employees who actually make sure children receive their legally guaranteed education. But sure, the 'pro-life' party really cares about kids... as long as they're not out of the womb, need special assistance, or have a legal right to education.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
killing democracy
trump's 12-day masterclass on diplomacy
Because peace deals are best served with a side of 12-day ultimatums and economic threats.
In a move that screams 'expert diplomacy', President Trump has decided to dramatically shorten the time he originally allocated for Russia to shake hands with Ukraine over a peace deal. Why wait the full 50 days when you can give Putin a cool 12-day deadline to just stop invading? After all, peace talks are just like a summer sale—limited time offers get results, right?
The Russian stock market took a little dip—because nothing says 'economic stability' like a wildcard ultimatum from Trump. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Zelenskyy is presumably restraining his eye-rolls long enough to thank Trump for his 'clear stance'. Because who wouldn't be grateful for a promise of weapons, paid for by someone else, while dangling the carrot of NATO membership that Ukraine already knows will never happen under this administration?
Moscow's response? A collective shrug mixed with a hint of 'sure, Jan.' Putin hasn't publicly reacted, leaving his minions to remind Trump that Russia doesn't care for ultimatums—especially not when they come from someone who's mixed up the art of the deal with Russian roulette.
Source: npr.org
#fascism#imperialism
killing democracy
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.
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#imperialism
killing democracy
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
killing democracy
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#forever-grifting
killing democracy
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#national-security#lawlessness
killing democracy
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#fascism
killing democracy
america’s hostage situation, now with trendlines
A tidy approval-rating chart bravely pretending this is just another normal presidency and not a longitudinal study of how fast people will normalize chaos.
NBC News has thoughtfully produced a real-time mood ring for a country being run by a man whose second term highlights include a record-breaking government shutdown, weaponized tariffs, and immigration raids that play like dystopian B-roll. Instead of asking whether any of this is catastrophic policy, the tracker dutifully plots how many Americans are currently saying, “sure, let’s keep driving toward the cliff, but faster.”
Rather than measuring success by functioning institutions or basic competence, we’re now benchmarking Trump against Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton like it’s a presidential Rotten Tomatoes score. The charts calmly compare approval ratings while the underlying reality is a government periodically turned off like a misbehaving router, a tax-and-spend blowout designed to supercharge inequality, and a presidency that treats protests against creeping authoritarianism as just another PR problem.
So yes, the page will be “updated as new NBC News polls are released,” which is a polite way of saying: we’ll keep graphing how many people are still on board with tariffs, shutdowns, and strongman cosplay, long after the damage is baked in. Democracy may be wobbling, but at least the data visualization is clean.
Source: nbcnews.com
#killing-democracy#full-stupid
killing democracy
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?
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
killing democracy
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#anti-science#full-stupid
killing democracy
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.'
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#forever-grifting
killing democracy
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#anti-science
killing democracy
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.
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.
Source: npr.org
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
killing democracy
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!
Source: publicnotice.co
#killing-democracy#lawlessness
killing democracy
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