The Trump Presidency Timeline
Documenting the chaos since day one. 1019 entries and counting.
fascism
european le pen pals: austerity chic
Marine Le Pen and AfD: Europe's new champions of selective social justice—or, you know, the usual suspects.
As Europe braces for a 'decisive' transformation, the Democrats are still in shock therapy after the Trump comeback—because who needs strategy when you have disbelief? Meanwhile, the EU's solution to its existential crises? Austerity, of course! In other words, let's cut pensions and public services so the working class can really feel the love.
With Marine Le Pen and Germany’s AfD leading in the polls thanks to their 'welfare chauvinism' tactics—essentially, promising welfare only to 'the right' kind of citizens—mainstream parties are scratching their heads. But sure, don't tax the rich or invest in public goods. That might actually help people. Instead, let's shower the less well-off with budget cuts and call it empowerment!
With Marine Le Pen and Germany’s AfD leading in the polls thanks to their 'welfare chauvinism' tactics—essentially, promising welfare only to 'the right' kind of citizens—mainstream parties are scratching their heads. But sure, don't tax the rich or invest in public goods. That might actually help people. Instead, let's shower the less well-off with budget cuts and call it empowerment!
Source: theguardian.com
#fascism
forever grifting
trump's touching tribute: rob reiner had tds
Rob Reiner speaks at an event, blissfully unaware that his future eulogy would be penned by the prolific wordsmith, Donald Trump.
In a heartwarming display of class and empathy, Trump took to Truth Social to express his condolences for the late Rob Reiner by diagnosing him posthumously with Trump Derangement Syndrome. Because nothing spells out a 'Golden Age of America' like dragging a grieving family through the mud. Reiner, a vocal critic of Trump, was described as having a 'raging obsession,' which, in other words, means he dared to disagree with the infallible leader of the free world. Even Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump's former ally, found the remarks distasteful, but sure, let's make it about TDS.
Source: npr.org
#forever-grifting#killing-democracy
unconstitutional
supreme court's tiktok ban: because censorship is patriotic now
Supreme Court Justices seen contemplating their next move in the never-ending game of 'Who Needs the First Amendment Anyway?'
Ah, the US Supreme Court, always finding new ways to dazzle us with their breathtaking commitment to freedom of speech—by unanimously upholding a TikTok ban straight out of a fascist playbook. Apparently, nothing screams 'national security' like nuking a social media platform because some lawmakers got their knickers in a twist over videos of Gaza airstrikes. Let's all pretend that banning a foreign media app is not something usually done by repressive regimes.
But sure, let's give the government
But sure, let's give the government
Source: theguardian.com
#unconstitutional#killing-democracy
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
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
anti immigration
trump's grand finale: the citizenship encore nobody asked for
Just a heartwarming snapshot of the American Dream slipping further out of reach, courtesy of the Trump administration.
In what can only be described as the perfect celebration of the holiday spirit, the Trump administration has decided to cancel citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 'undesirable' countries. Because nothing says 'peace on earth' quite like snatching away the American Dream from those who have already endured a bureaucratic jungle gym. Sanam, an Iranian immigrant, was all set to take her oath, but the administration had other plans—namely, leaving her life in a perpetual state of limbo. But sure, let's pretend this is all about 'national security' and not about fulfilling xenophobic fantasies. Mario Bruzzone from the New York Immigration Coalition rightly points out that this move is more about creating indefinite bans under the guise of temporary pauses. Meanwhile, poor Jorge from Venezuela is left wondering why he can't enjoy the same 'great' America he was so close to joining. But hey, nothing screams 'American values' like crushing hopes and dreams during the happiest time of the year, right?
Source: bbc.com
#anti-immigration#fascism#racism
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
forever grifting
trump's paper-thin peace deals unraveling like cheap toilet paper
Trump, who apparently thinks peace can be brokered with FIFA awards and photo ops, at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw. Because nothing says 'peace in our time' like soccer.
Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed peace whisperer, is once again patting himself on the back for a series of 'peace deals' that are, well, unraveling faster than you can say 'Nobel Peace Prize'. From the oh-so-stable agreements between Thailand and Cambodia to the 'glorious triumph' in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Trump proves that nothing says long-lasting peace like a photo op and some empty promises. As former U.S. ambassador Ivo Daalder puts it, resolving deeply rooted conflicts requires more than just signing a piece of paper in Washington—who knew? But sure, let's applaud the man for his groundbreaking 'ceasefires', which are basically just pauses in the chaos waiting to explode again. Bravo, Mr. Trump, bravo.
Source: npr.org
#forever-grifting#killing-democracy
lawlessness
military personnel fear trump's boat strikes will sink them legally
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens to Trump at Marine Corps Base Quantico, contemplating if he can swim out of this legal quagmire.
Ah, the Trump administration—where relentless chaos meets dubious legality. U.S. service members are scrambling for legal advice as they fear ending up the fall guys for the administration's latest escapade: sinking supposed drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. In other words, because nothing says 'protect and serve' like potentially unlawful pirate-style warfare and leaving your own soldiers to clean up the legal mess. As Trump flexes his Article II powers (read: imagines he's a sea captain in an action movie), service members are left pondering if they'll be the ones walking the plank—into a courtroom.
Source: npr.org
#lawlessness#national-security
anti immigration
trump's merry band of immigration enforcers
Because nothing screams 'welcome to America' like transforming naturalization ceremonies into a relic of the past. Photo: Eric Gay/AP
Ah, the Trump administration—where transforming U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services into an anti-immigration fortress makes perfect sense. Because nothing says 'land of the free' quite like turning the agency that helps immigrants into the latest arm of Big Brother. Joseph Edlow, the new USCIS director, boldly declared the agency's core is now immigration enforcement. In other words, if you're hoping to become an American, you might want to start working on your Plan B. This brilliant strategy includes slashing programs for legal migration and hiring 'homeland defenders' ready to catch fraud—which, in Trump’s America, might just mean anyone who isn't waving a MAGA flag. Welcome to the new USCIS, where dreams come to die.
Source: npr.org
#anti-immigration#fascism#lawlessness
corruption
trump's international narco-pardon extravaganza
Farmers in Honduras, clearly *thrilled* by Trump's pardon, take to the streets to express their gratitude in the most sarcastic way possible.
In a bold move to ensure international chaos, President Donald Trump has pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, a convicted cocaine trafficker. Honduras, ever the spoilsport, has requested Hernández's arrest, citing minor inconveniences like fraud and money laundering charges. Because nothing says 'I'm tough on crime' quite like releasing a key player in a global drug trade. In other words, Trump has managed to redefine 'law and order' in ways we never thought possible.
Source: npr.org
#corruption#lawlessness
fascism
supreme court looks to crown a single king in dc
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter: Another casualty of presidential whims, because who needs 'reasons' when you have 'priorities'?
Breaking news from the land of the free—or not so much anymore. The Supreme Court seems all too eager to grant President Trump the ultimate magic wand of democracy: the ability to fire independent agency members whenever his heart desires, because who needs checks and balances when you have a monarchy? In other words, the high court's conservative justices are practically salivating at the thought of overturning a 90-year-old precedent that prevents presidents from ousting independent agency officials at will.
Justice Samuel Alito, in a stunning display of concern, asked if the Trump administration's plan to upend government structure might be a tad drastic. Solicitor General D. John Sauer assured everyone the sky wouldn't fall—just democracy. But sure, because nothing says 'accountability to the people' like eliminating independent oversight. Meanwhile, Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out the obvious: Congress’s role in maintaining some shred of governmental independence might actually matter.
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, originally appointed by Trump himself (surprise!), was abruptly removed from her FTC position via a casual email. Apparently, her continued service clashed with Trump's 'priorities,' because 'inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance' now translates to 'not aligning with the agenda.' But who cares about legal reasons, right?
Source: npr.org
#fascism#unconstitutional
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
unconstitutional
supreme court to ponder if constitution means what it says
In the meantime, Jenny Harris protests in support of a concept as radical as 'following the Constitution'.
The Supreme Court, clearly tired of predictability, has agreed to hear arguments on the Trump administration's imaginative interpretation of the 14th Amendment. You know, the one that’s only been around since the Civil War—so obviously due for a modern twist. Trump’s executive order aims to redefine 'birthright citizenship' based on the completely reasonable argument that some babies should be less American than others, depending on their parents' travel plans. Because nothing says 'upholding American values' like debating who truly deserves to be an American.
In a move that surprises exactly no one, the administration argues that tourists and other temporarily present individuals aren't 'subject to U.S. jurisdiction'. In other words, their children are apparently ghosts floating through the land of the free without the pesky burden of citizenship. Lower courts have been such buzzkills by citing the actual text of the Constitution, blocking this reimagined civics lesson. But sure, let’s take it to the Supreme Court and see if they decide that words still have meaning.
Source: npr.org
#unconstitutional#anti-immigration#killing-democracy
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
unconstitutional
trump vs npr: public radio's epic court showdown
Just another day at NPR headquarters—where unbiased news is somehow a radical concept in Trump's America.
In the ongoing saga of Trump's war on the media, NPR finds itself defending the radical notion that public broadcasters are, in fact, not the enemy of the state. Who knew wanting unbiased news coverage would be so controversial? Trump's executive order to slash federal funds for NPR and PBS—for their alleged 'ideological bias'—is the latest episode of this reality show masquerading as a presidency. Because nothing screams 'unconstitutional' like blatant retaliation against the press, right? Meanwhile, the Justice Department argues that NPR hasn't 'suffered true damage,' as if layoffs and programming cuts are just minor inconveniences. Judge Randolph D. Moss seemed to have a skeptical eyebrow raised higher than Trump's approval ratings. Will truth and justice prevail? Or will this just be another chapter in the 'make Orwell fiction again' chronicles?
Source: npr.org
#unconstitutional#lawlessness
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
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
anti science
trump gives environment a big thumbs down with fuel rollback
Motorists blissfully unaware that the only thing more toxic than their morning commute is the policy driving it.
In a move that will have climate scientists bursting into spontaneous applause (or was that spontaneous combustion?), President Trump has triumphantly announced the rollback of fuel economy standards put in place by the environmentally-obsessed Joe Biden. Surrounded by car company executives, Trump assured the world that this will save consumers money by making gas-guzzlers even cheaper. Because nothing screams 'savings' like a future filled with higher fuel costs and a planet slowly turning into a smoldering wasteland.
CAFE standards, which previously nudged automakers toward more efficient cars, are now being dialed back to levels best described as 2022-esque. Under the guise of consumer savings, the administration forgets to mention those pesky little facts from Consumer Reports—like how stringent standards actually save money over time. But sure, let's prioritize cheap cars now and figure out how to breathe later.
In other words, America's second chance at 'Make America Gasp Again' is well underway, because why not make sure those tailpipe standards and consumer tax credits for electric vehicles are also a thing of the past?
CAFE standards, which previously nudged automakers toward more efficient cars, are now being dialed back to levels best described as 2022-esque. Under the guise of consumer savings, the administration forgets to mention those pesky little facts from Consumer Reports—like how stringent standards actually save money over time. But sure, let's prioritize cheap cars now and figure out how to breathe later.
In other words, America's second chance at 'Make America Gasp Again' is well underway, because why not make sure those tailpipe standards and consumer tax credits for electric vehicles are also a thing of the past?
Source: npr.org
#anti-science#full-stupid