Would be no shocker to find that Trump doesn’t know what Netflix is, or does, or thinks it mails people stuff kind of like Amazon but in red envelopes.
How many people watch CNN? I stopped when they toned down on Trumps BS. That and the fact that they give a platform to Scott Jennings and WTF Katie Miller now.
He steals what he can until he dies. Then the real fascists come out into the open. I think that was always the agreement, tacit or otherwise. Fortunately the fascists are mostly focused on fighting each other, at least for now.
Actually, we're turning more into what happened to Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. Kleptocracy by the oligarchs and bread lines for the peons.
“The largesse of the emperor is never earned—it is freely bestowed by his gracious will and graciously received by the unworthy! The baldness of Ellison’s pitch seems to have rankled at least some in Trump’s orbit, who offered some real howlers of complaint to Semafor: The Paramount team seems to “believe the worst tropes” about corruption in the administration, they groused. They’re “leaning into all the stereotypes.””
All true Edward, but this is part of Project 2025; consolidate all critical industries, especially the media into the hands of a select few, who will gladly or reluctantly do Trump’s bidding, or at the very least, downplay the significance of Trump’s worst policies and instincts.
Therefore, while there may be some in the administration appalled by what’s happening, they will ultimately do nothing since Trump, and his family are the worst offenders when it comes to monetizing the presidency for their own personal gain!
And where is Congress you ask? Let’s just say this bunch of useless invertebrates will never grow a spine; they’re cowering in fear from the mob! IMHO…:)
The old *liberal* media companies getting consolidated under the control of Trump friends and allies is the Orban play book. Indirectly controlling the media is one of the ways he has stayed in power for so long.
That avenue is getting smaller with the ascendancy of The Bulwark, The Contrarian, Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Reich, and so many more on line activist groups. Their population grows daily, and MSM’s diminishes.
They are diminishing, but they still have wide reach and can shape media narratives. I am worried about how their influence will be used particularly as we head into the midterms next year. While I appreciate the role outlets such as the Bulwark play, we are somewhat of a niche audience.
That is my point. From very few, these group’s audience grows daily. As long as their growth continues, the MSM looses influence. It is possible to get 10 million or more if this administration keeps up the chaos.
I think it's because some of the older Bulwark staff (I'm looking at you Bill) backed the GOP's support for the unitary executive theory (now known as Project 2025), trickle down theory, and other "theories" to create a country for the rich, by the rich.
Can I just say that I appreciate so much that this is a place where the writers and editors are totally fine with a comparison between Epstein documents and Banquo?
“On that same note, Trump announced yesterday a $12 billion bailout of U.S. farmers hurt by his trade wars—news that probably came as a surprise to anyone who spent the entirety of his first term in a coma. “We love our farmers,” Trump said, “and as you know, the farmers like me.””
Cheers for Trump, he figured out a solution to his own manufactured crisis.
Unfortunately, the $12 billion is pocket change compared to the way in which Argentina made off like a bandit; they took $40 billion in taxpayer money, which allowed them to steal the Chinese agricultural exports of soy from the very same people who put Trump in power.
One wonders, who exactly is Trump’s true constituent? Just saying!…:)
Didn't the republicans complain about Obama "picking winners" in the economy? Where are they now that farmers "win" bailout dollars for the second time while the small businesses getting crushed by the tariffs get squat??
I have a question or two: if/when SCOTUS rules against his tariffs, and refunds must be made to businesses which have paid tariffs, will farmers be able to keep the $12B? And, if international buyers of soy beans and other products have found other, cheaper and more reliable producers, so don't buy US products anymore, will farmer bailouts become a routine, annual thing?
Good questions, and I don’t have any answers. Although, I doubt SCOTUS will completely reverse the tariffs, it would mean repaying $200 billion in newly created taxes, which would be a disaster, since the money has already been spent on Trump pet projects and bailing out industries he inadvertently hurt by his inept and callous decisions.
My guess, SCOTUS will ultimately punt; the decision will be a mixed bag, and like several decisions in the past; they’ll allow some of the tariffs to stay, while sending the case back to the district courts will new rules….:)
I hate to use this word, but, ‘in fairness’ this is only the continuation of a fiscal policy that began with the belief that, “job creators” didn’t need to pay taxes, and that we should be grateful to them for all their good works. This current version may be more blatantly corrupt, but what was brought forth in the 1980’s (or was it the 1880’s? I dunno) is the same story with the exception of current payoffs are mostly in full view. And our stupid citizens don’t see it or don’t care to see it because it would require a few minutes away from their favorite pastime, be that porn, kittens, or pre-pubescent dance crazes…..
Well said, I think most people see it, it’s just they’ve been conditioned to see the other party as worse and the ultimate enemy.
I’d equate this to the NFL Effect. If they get you hooked as a kid, or even later in life, it doesn’t matter that your team sucks, the other team will always be the enemy or worse.
Bottom line, we’re becoming a country filled with masochists; willing to burn the house down as long as the other teams inside as well!….:)
The modern version was started in the 1970's- 80's. We're now seeing their "trickle down" scheme coming to fruition. They wanted oligarchy, they got oligarchy.
And ‘Muricans’ don’t seem to mind. They’re too busy checking to see if their “T-rump coin” investments have matured into a new (fill in the blank_______ A. RV, B. Fishin’ boat, C. “For Patriots Generator”. D. Package of gummy bears
Rob, you’re acting like money is a real thing. In the USA today, money = debt. And there is no ‘debt ceiling’, there are only new levels to reach. When the bill comes due, the Dear Leader will be but a memory and the massive incalculable debt will be the fault of the radical left according to the successor of the new Republican Party, whatever they call themselves - MAGAAgain, New South, whatever
Yup, the economic plans of MAGA are "your grandchildren are going to pay, but don't worry, you'll be dead." Which is why I don't see too many young people signing up.
Constantly feeling the mental discord that occurs when one hears Republicans complain about the government debt and then throw enormous sums around that don't actually accomplish any purpose other than make friends or their wealthy.
Very true, and he’s counting on it; the bill won’t come due until after he’s dead and buried. The true definition of leadership these days; cause a tsunami, and leave it for the next guy to fix..:)
I guess he isn’t planning on announcing the termination of elections and formalizing rights of succession yet. That would require an act of humanity and demonstrate affinity for his namesake - whom he may or may not even remember exists depending on what day it is….
I think it was in that same meeting that Trump opined that John Deere’s prices were too high, and that they needed to be lowered. I think that sets the stage for some Nixonian era price controls! Yay free market Republicans 🤣
Not that this has to do with anything, but I did chuckle at a t-shirt down in Mexico that I saw last week...it was labelled John "Beer" and it used the John Deere colors and styling, but had a picture of a deer with a beer gut sitting on the ground surrounded by a bunch of empties...
Great question, and Congress didn’t allocate any funds for a bailout. Trump said he’s going to take it out of the tariff revenues (he said so in a press conference yesterday).
It’s as though he’s building his own private stash of tax payer dollars that will be under his full control, not Congress’s. I’m not even sure any of this is legal, but then again, is anything he’s managed to do during this administration actually LEGAL?????
Just great. Trump is making consumers pay more for everything because of his tariffs and higher health insurance premiums, putting a hefty burden on many Americans. Now he wants to use taxpayer money to give a bailout to farmers, who are going broke because of his tariffs. This is absolutely ridiculous monetary policy. How long before people revolt against this stupidity?
Trump's constituency is Trump. It has always and ever been Trump. He will lie and pay lip service to others to serve Trump and then turn around and do whatever the F he wants once he has power.
He will continue to lie and hand out largesse from the treasury if necessary to keep the howling down... because, after all, it isn't HIS money. Suckers.
This is where, if we had a real opposition party, there would be Democrats out in red areas making that case. "You're all super happy because you got your $12 billion bailout? How is it that Argentina got $40 billion PLUS all your customers in China? Still happy about that red hat stuff? How far is that $12 billion going to go? How much are you gonna get? As much as the guys funding the White House ballroom? As much as the Netflix guys?"
The contrast just needs to be drawn every single day until these people in red American figure out that they've been had.
I want to find the string theory dimension where Kamala won and move there. Between this and HCR’s LFAA today, this is the stupidest fucking timeline. I appreciate the reporting but man if there’s not accountability for all these anti-American grifting dickheads after this, then, in the parlance of my kids, we’re cooked.
We really need to simplify the deal making here. Paramount or Netflix should offer $1 billion to Trump for the rights to his life story. If Melania was worth a $40 million payout from Amazon for her life story (I know everyone here is waiting with bated breath for the release and Sonny Bunch’s review), then The Donald’s story has to be worth at least $1 billion. Especially the part where he single handed stopped Epstein from abusing more girls.
If Sonny gets that assignment, I'd advise him to invoke his 8th Amendment right to not be the subject of cruel and unusual punishments.
Let Tim Miller handle it.
Anyone who can totally immerse themselves in the insanity of CPAC the way he has on more than one occasion in the past in order to report on it - and then apparently come out of it none the worse for wear - probably has the requisite psychological armor to avoid a serious case of Melania Mania.
Yes, or Will Sommer. I think Will actually thrives on the insanity of those he reports on -- like, he's found the key to being an observer in a psychiatric ward without worrying that the diseases could be contagious.
100 billion, we are using trump thinking or donnie-speak ( only in his mind, king of the moutain, a cruel childhood game, he actually believes that at times he is imperial)
I have to say, Bill: that what keeps DJT up at night is likely nothing more than an old man’s inability to sleep (my grandmother, and most people who are really old, suffer from this malady—they nap during the day and haunt the halls at night). I continue to believe that the only thing he “worries” about is the stuff that he thinks makes him look bad. And this not because he is afraid of any consequences (he is convinced that he is invincible), but because too much bad press will force him to work harder. I suspect that whatever is in the Epstein files is pretty darned damning, and his worst fear is that too many people, upon learning the truth, will stop showing up to his parties, throwing money at him and kissing his a**.
That old line about shooting someone on Fifth Avenue? I think he still truly believes it. He also has presidential immunity (thanks SCOTUS!). But as his brain becomes more weak and feeble, the ability to self delude has got to be getting harder, and there must be some end to the number of billionaires willing to keep throwing money at him. That, if anything, is likely what is keeping his up at night.
Nothing moral or legal is of concern to him. Only his ability to rack in money and feel abject adoration motivate him.
I was appalled that Republicans were apparently not offended by the boast about getting away with murder on 5th Avenue. They didn't object to what it revealed about Trump's ethical code - or what it suggested about their own judgment. Instead, they've been proving him right - about them.
The insistence that he SHOULD have vast moral and legal impunity has been tremendously damaging to our country. It also reveals a preexisting moral rot that allowed such a person to rise - and be celebrated as a hero of Christian conservatism.
Speaking of bailing out the farmers again, Trump's tariffs have been lighting up the wrong rocket economy. China now has a projected 1 trillion dollar trade surplus. Trump's rocket economy had an Elonesque unscheduled disassembly and we hit record trade deficits in July.
How is this effing legal? Since when did the president become the arbiter of winners and losers in this country? The FTC and other entities are supposed to decide on the merits of competitiveness, not play favorites.
This is Putin-level meddling and the execs who are cozying up to him are playing a very dangerous game. Tell me how that worked in Russia over time; how many enterpreneurs were jailed or stripped of their companies because Putin declared they were no longer convenient.
It's legal because the Supreme Court says Trump can do anything he wants, and if anyone tries to stop him from doing illegal things, the Supreme Court smacks them down hard. Eventually people will realize John Roberts and Sam Alito are actually the ones in charge.
It became "legal" when most of the supposed "conservatives" decided that this particular president should never be held to any rules or conventional standards of ethics, and that "being Trump" was the highest standard he ever needed to meet. And then the self-styled "originalists" rewrote the Constitution to permit him to violate law without consequence.
The worst part is that they did that for this particular man, knowing his character, what he'd done, and what more he was capable of doing. How could they? How in God's name could they?
"Tariffs don't cause price increases, but removing them can help lower costs"
"The first missile strike was perfectly fine to be immediately released to the public, but the 2nd strike...well....we'll have to review this for security concerns....because of intelligence gathering methods, etc...don't you know?"
"It's perfectly fine to spill Top Secret real time attack operation details on a non-secure line....but don't you dare release that 2nd missile strike footage!"
It's so disheartening that 1/2 our fellow citizens can't see this obvious incompetency and corrupt behavior by our current administration. We need to remove them forcefully and to really do a reset on our government's laws and policies so this unitarian executive shix never can raise it's ugly head again.
That half is moving down to one third. Gallup has his approval at 34%. Yes, polls are not so good for what we need. Still, so many groups of people’ lives are being upended, they may be inclined to vent their opinions in ways they never did in the past.
Gallup had his approval at 36%, not 34%. But I would caution people to not focus on one poll which may prove to be an outlier. Most polls don't have Trump anywhere near that low. Most have him at 43% or 44%. Best to look at the average.
I’m not jumping on the poll bandwagon. I remember 535 got it nailed on Obama, but not on Clinton, and few get it close to correct. What I saw with Gallup, thank you for the correction, is that the numbers are consistently dropping. He is floundering. That’s a good sign, and it’s worth taking with a grain of salt any good news I get.
…or howsabout a The Voice rip off? Her, Lara Trump, and Kid Rock… crossed with Survivor, so they sing on an island, far away. Maybe in the Carribean, sort of a Hunger Games tie in with gamers participating online as Hegseth’s Heroes: Drone Force One? Produced by Harvey Weinstein in exchange for a full and complete pardon.
Jeeeze! I was just thinking they could start in matching sequins for the anthem, and then Habba-Dabba-doo could change outfits for each match. It will remind her and the crowd of the act she pulled when she so skillfully defended the dear leader in court. But I’m not gonna rain on your parade. I think we could combine our ideas and make a great new show on FOX!!!!
If I am correct, Felon Trump can’t sleep well because he knows he’s trapped. Trapped because he has no one to blame. First administration, everyone who tried to tell what to do was fired or left. The mainstream media was making money on him so they didn’t interfere much, and his adoring base didn’t care that he lied because they really thought he was the one they could depend on. They sent him back to complete his mission of MAGA. Now, too many people see that he is corrupt, and incompetent. His people are inept, stupid, and are not making him look great. His policies are imploding the economy. The Epstein files won’t go away, and fewer and fewer are believing or accepting his ridiculous story about the right to kill people on the high seas just because someone says they are criminals. He really has no way out of this mess. He blew up the validity of tariffs as good for us; he’s bailing out farmers. Using tax money to bail out those who lost money because tariffs killed their livelihoods is not taught in business schools. This has been his way for his entire life. Six bankruptcies, numerous failed businesses, one failed university and one failed charity. His father did nothing good for his second son by giving DonOld all that money. Sometimes getting what you ask for is not good for you. Unfortunately we are paying the price not him.
"Using tax money to bail out those who lost money because tariffs killed their livelihoods is not taught in business schools."
Winner of the "Best Use of the Ironic Understatement" Award, Katherine!
You won the award honestly and deservedly -- unlike someone else we know who wins a fabricated "Peace Prize" when his words and actions are belligerent and bellicose.
What you say is correct but maybe we read too much into Trump's insomnia. Maybe it's simply too much caffeine in his Diet Cokes and he has to pee every 90 minutes.
Good point Tony. If it is insomnia, too much soda, or a bladder on overdrive, then it’s a nothingburger. However, as someone who is in complete control over his time in the Oval Office, he has the option of changing his schedule so he can get a better night’s sleep, and, if not, schedule these meetings when he won’t need a nap.
Honduras issuing an international arrest for their recent president, Juan Orlando Hernández, after Trump's US pardon - granted for the oligarchs building a libertarian enclave there called Prospera - shows what a PARIAH nation we have become.
The same can be said of the recently released National Security Strategy (NSS), which is quite easily viewed as an extremely racist and pro-Russia, and to some degree pro-China, document all to the detriment of Europe, racial tolerance, and liberal democracy.
This is just a small part of the sordid Trump legacy that he'll leave. If anyone watched the Republican 2016 primaries, they could see this and so much more int'l and national destruction coming. No one should be shocked, unless their brain dead or in Trump's cult, which may be the same thing.
My dream would be to put all the Billionaire Robber Barons into a locked room with knives and water. Check it out in 4 weeks. One can go without food for 3 weeks to 2 months.
I know I won't get up votes. More of a chance than the Gaza residents or the Venezuelan fishermen have been given.
He will decide about the merger when he figures out which buyer will prove more lucrative to him and his family.
I’m not sure he can do the math. Jared will inform him.
It's about CNN which is owned by Disney/Warner. Control over CNN is desirable, just like control over 60 Minutes and CBS was.
Would be no shocker to find that Trump doesn’t know what Netflix is, or does, or thinks it mails people stuff kind of like Amazon but in red envelopes.
How many people watch CNN? I stopped when they toned down on Trumps BS. That and the fact that they give a platform to Scott Jennings and WTF Katie Miller now.
I'm afraid CNN could be on it's way out!
Trump likes the Ellisons, but I admit he’s pretty fickle. Doesn’t take much to set him off.
Bribes may well be on table too.
Every high profile deal now needs to include a bribe to the President. Right?
I'm so glad that American greatness included turning our nation into a corrupt banana republic.
A banana republic implies that we are like the corrupt governments in Central America.
Really, we are a frozen tundra republic, more like Belarus, a Putin puppet state.
I like socialism that functions well.
Better not call it that, however.
Excellent point!
He steals what he can until he dies. Then the real fascists come out into the open. I think that was always the agreement, tacit or otherwise. Fortunately the fascists are mostly focused on fighting each other, at least for now.
Scream for the Epstein files and the boat video.
lifelong stealing from anyone and everyone
Very much like, “The Golden Age”!
Actually, we're turning more into what happened to Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. Kleptocracy by the oligarchs and bread lines for the peons.
Good morning, Mike!
Yo! 😀
Mike, Mike, Mike...we now refer to them as "gratuities", not bribes. They're simply payments after the fact that are an expression of appreciation.
I stand corrected. 😀
“The largesse of the emperor is never earned—it is freely bestowed by his gracious will and graciously received by the unworthy! The baldness of Ellison’s pitch seems to have rankled at least some in Trump’s orbit, who offered some real howlers of complaint to Semafor: The Paramount team seems to “believe the worst tropes” about corruption in the administration, they groused. They’re “leaning into all the stereotypes.””
All true Edward, but this is part of Project 2025; consolidate all critical industries, especially the media into the hands of a select few, who will gladly or reluctantly do Trump’s bidding, or at the very least, downplay the significance of Trump’s worst policies and instincts.
Therefore, while there may be some in the administration appalled by what’s happening, they will ultimately do nothing since Trump, and his family are the worst offenders when it comes to monetizing the presidency for their own personal gain!
And where is Congress you ask? Let’s just say this bunch of useless invertebrates will never grow a spine; they’re cowering in fear from the mob! IMHO…:)
The old *liberal* media companies getting consolidated under the control of Trump friends and allies is the Orban play book. Indirectly controlling the media is one of the ways he has stayed in power for so long.
That avenue is getting smaller with the ascendancy of The Bulwark, The Contrarian, Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Reich, and so many more on line activist groups. Their population grows daily, and MSM’s diminishes.
They are diminishing, but they still have wide reach and can shape media narratives. I am worried about how their influence will be used particularly as we head into the midterms next year. While I appreciate the role outlets such as the Bulwark play, we are somewhat of a niche audience.
1 million subscribers is nice, but really the Bulwark needs to be at 10 million or even 100 million to really be moving the needle with the public.
That is my point. From very few, these group’s audience grows daily. As long as their growth continues, the MSM looses influence. It is possible to get 10 million or more if this administration keeps up the chaos.
We need to watch carefully for any attempt to force the sale of Substack (which I think is privately held?) to a Trump-friendly owner.
Exactly!…:)
I would love for the Bulwark to discuss Project 2025 more. Trump is following a road map we refuse to consult. It's odd.
I think it's because some of the older Bulwark staff (I'm looking at you Bill) backed the GOP's support for the unitary executive theory (now known as Project 2025), trickle down theory, and other "theories" to create a country for the rich, by the rich.
Be interesting to know exactly what caused each staff member to bail.
Agreed!…:)
I haven’t seen it talked about anywhere in detail but I admit I haven’t gone looking.
Can I just say that I appreciate so much that this is a place where the writers and editors are totally fine with a comparison between Epstein documents and Banquo?
They're an eclectic bunch!
“On that same note, Trump announced yesterday a $12 billion bailout of U.S. farmers hurt by his trade wars—news that probably came as a surprise to anyone who spent the entirety of his first term in a coma. “We love our farmers,” Trump said, “and as you know, the farmers like me.””
Cheers for Trump, he figured out a solution to his own manufactured crisis.
Unfortunately, the $12 billion is pocket change compared to the way in which Argentina made off like a bandit; they took $40 billion in taxpayer money, which allowed them to steal the Chinese agricultural exports of soy from the very same people who put Trump in power.
One wonders, who exactly is Trump’s true constituent? Just saying!…:)
Didn't the republicans complain about Obama "picking winners" in the economy? Where are they now that farmers "win" bailout dollars for the second time while the small businesses getting crushed by the tariffs get squat??
Ah geez...Bob...that'll be your first strike for posting something ladened with fact and common sense.
You only get 2 more...so post responsibly, ok?
Sorry Bob, you are letting sane judgement against fuzzy MAGA thinking. Felon Trump’s like facts as well as vampires like garlic. /s
Excellent points…:)
And I forgot to mention looks like Trump is ready to anoint a "winner" in the battle between Netflix and Paramount.
sigh
I have a question or two: if/when SCOTUS rules against his tariffs, and refunds must be made to businesses which have paid tariffs, will farmers be able to keep the $12B? And, if international buyers of soy beans and other products have found other, cheaper and more reliable producers, so don't buy US products anymore, will farmer bailouts become a routine, annual thing?
Good questions, and I don’t have any answers. Although, I doubt SCOTUS will completely reverse the tariffs, it would mean repaying $200 billion in newly created taxes, which would be a disaster, since the money has already been spent on Trump pet projects and bailing out industries he inadvertently hurt by his inept and callous decisions.
My guess, SCOTUS will ultimately punt; the decision will be a mixed bag, and like several decisions in the past; they’ll allow some of the tariffs to stay, while sending the case back to the district courts will new rules….:)
I hate to use this word, but, ‘in fairness’ this is only the continuation of a fiscal policy that began with the belief that, “job creators” didn’t need to pay taxes, and that we should be grateful to them for all their good works. This current version may be more blatantly corrupt, but what was brought forth in the 1980’s (or was it the 1880’s? I dunno) is the same story with the exception of current payoffs are mostly in full view. And our stupid citizens don’t see it or don’t care to see it because it would require a few minutes away from their favorite pastime, be that porn, kittens, or pre-pubescent dance crazes…..
Well said, I think most people see it, it’s just they’ve been conditioned to see the other party as worse and the ultimate enemy.
I’d equate this to the NFL Effect. If they get you hooked as a kid, or even later in life, it doesn’t matter that your team sucks, the other team will always be the enemy or worse.
Bottom line, we’re becoming a country filled with masochists; willing to burn the house down as long as the other teams inside as well!….:)
The modern version was started in the 1970's- 80's. We're now seeing their "trickle down" scheme coming to fruition. They wanted oligarchy, they got oligarchy.
And ‘Muricans’ don’t seem to mind. They’re too busy checking to see if their “T-rump coin” investments have matured into a new (fill in the blank_______ A. RV, B. Fishin’ boat, C. “For Patriots Generator”. D. Package of gummy bears
Rob, you’re acting like money is a real thing. In the USA today, money = debt. And there is no ‘debt ceiling’, there are only new levels to reach. When the bill comes due, the Dear Leader will be but a memory and the massive incalculable debt will be the fault of the radical left according to the successor of the new Republican Party, whatever they call themselves - MAGAAgain, New South, whatever
Yup, the economic plans of MAGA are "your grandchildren are going to pay, but don't worry, you'll be dead." Which is why I don't see too many young people signing up.
Which conveniently is what conservatives always was The Left's plan when I was growing up. Really wild to watch.
Constantly feeling the mental discord that occurs when one hears Republicans complain about the government debt and then throw enormous sums around that don't actually accomplish any purpose other than make friends or their wealthy.
Yet MAGA says MOAR!
Very true, and he’s counting on it; the bill won’t come due until after he’s dead and buried. The true definition of leadership these days; cause a tsunami, and leave it for the next guy to fix..:)
I guess he isn’t planning on announcing the termination of elections and formalizing rights of succession yet. That would require an act of humanity and demonstrate affinity for his namesake - whom he may or may not even remember exists depending on what day it is….
Even if they do rule against them there’s other laws that could be used instead.
The farmers will have to give up on soybeans if that happens.
I think it was in that same meeting that Trump opined that John Deere’s prices were too high, and that they needed to be lowered. I think that sets the stage for some Nixonian era price controls! Yay free market Republicans 🤣
Not that this has to do with anything, but I did chuckle at a t-shirt down in Mexico that I saw last week...it was labelled John "Beer" and it used the John Deere colors and styling, but had a picture of a deer with a beer gut sitting on the ground surrounded by a bunch of empties...
Nobody knows more about tractors than Donald “Farmer John” Trump.
I keep wondering where/if Congress appropriated the $12B? But I suppose that's stupid of me to even ask.
Great question, and Congress didn’t allocate any funds for a bailout. Trump said he’s going to take it out of the tariff revenues (he said so in a press conference yesterday).
It’s as though he’s building his own private stash of tax payer dollars that will be under his full control, not Congress’s. I’m not even sure any of this is legal, but then again, is anything he’s managed to do during this administration actually LEGAL?????
Just a formality.
Not even a formality. Trump spends money that's not appropriated all the time.
yeah, he is not a REAL U S President, a stooge, a thief
Trump’s only looks out for himself and (perhaps) his family.
Just great. Trump is making consumers pay more for everything because of his tariffs and higher health insurance premiums, putting a hefty burden on many Americans. Now he wants to use taxpayer money to give a bailout to farmers, who are going broke because of his tariffs. This is absolutely ridiculous monetary policy. How long before people revolt against this stupidity?
Trump's constituency is Trump. It has always and ever been Trump. He will lie and pay lip service to others to serve Trump and then turn around and do whatever the F he wants once he has power.
He will continue to lie and hand out largesse from the treasury if necessary to keep the howling down... because, after all, it isn't HIS money. Suckers.
Fair enough, and well said!…:)
Well, if the farmers still "love" The Chief felon, then they are was more stupid, than the many
I've known over the years.
This is where, if we had a real opposition party, there would be Democrats out in red areas making that case. "You're all super happy because you got your $12 billion bailout? How is it that Argentina got $40 billion PLUS all your customers in China? Still happy about that red hat stuff? How far is that $12 billion going to go? How much are you gonna get? As much as the guys funding the White House ballroom? As much as the Netflix guys?"
The contrast just needs to be drawn every single day until these people in red American figure out that they've been had.
I want to find the string theory dimension where Kamala won and move there. Between this and HCR’s LFAA today, this is the stupidest fucking timeline. I appreciate the reporting but man if there’s not accountability for all these anti-American grifting dickheads after this, then, in the parlance of my kids, we’re cooked.
Well done... both your comment *and* the degree to which we're probably cooked.
We really need to simplify the deal making here. Paramount or Netflix should offer $1 billion to Trump for the rights to his life story. If Melania was worth a $40 million payout from Amazon for her life story (I know everyone here is waiting with bated breath for the release and Sonny Bunch’s review), then The Donald’s story has to be worth at least $1 billion. Especially the part where he single handed stopped Epstein from abusing more girls.
If Sonny has to watch that Melania documentary, he deserves a raise, I don't care how much he's making.
If Sonny gets that assignment, I'd advise him to invoke his 8th Amendment right to not be the subject of cruel and unusual punishments.
Let Tim Miller handle it.
Anyone who can totally immerse themselves in the insanity of CPAC the way he has on more than one occasion in the past in order to report on it - and then apparently come out of it none the worse for wear - probably has the requisite psychological armor to avoid a serious case of Melania Mania.
Yes, or Will Sommer. I think Will actually thrives on the insanity of those he reports on -- like, he's found the key to being an observer in a psychiatric ward without worrying that the diseases could be contagious.
Yea, I was gonna suggest Will. He seems fairly immune, if not just amused, by the wacky antics of the lunatics that have taken over the asylum.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
100 billion, we are using trump thinking or donnie-speak ( only in his mind, king of the moutain, a cruel childhood game, he actually believes that at times he is imperial)
top of the heap of _______
Back in my day, we used to think monopolies were bad. Competition was good, American even! But that was back in my day.
When Grandpa Simpson begins to sound reasonable, you're toast.
*snort*
When you start using the phrase ‘back in my day’, you’ve passed tne expiration date for being young and hip.
Back in my day I was young and hip! Now I'm old with a bad hip!
"Hip Hop" describes my trip up from the couch to the fridge with a percussion accompaniment provided from my joints along the way.
Occasionally...I have a tuba section too....but it's a bit early to engage in potty humor...
Thanks all youse guys above for helping me laugh.
Just one of the services The Bulwark's comment sections provide!
Back in my day, that was true. Now, it’s ‘TRUDAT’!
Wasssuuuuup?!?
I have to say, Bill: that what keeps DJT up at night is likely nothing more than an old man’s inability to sleep (my grandmother, and most people who are really old, suffer from this malady—they nap during the day and haunt the halls at night). I continue to believe that the only thing he “worries” about is the stuff that he thinks makes him look bad. And this not because he is afraid of any consequences (he is convinced that he is invincible), but because too much bad press will force him to work harder. I suspect that whatever is in the Epstein files is pretty darned damning, and his worst fear is that too many people, upon learning the truth, will stop showing up to his parties, throwing money at him and kissing his a**.
That old line about shooting someone on Fifth Avenue? I think he still truly believes it. He also has presidential immunity (thanks SCOTUS!). But as his brain becomes more weak and feeble, the ability to self delude has got to be getting harder, and there must be some end to the number of billionaires willing to keep throwing money at him. That, if anything, is likely what is keeping his up at night.
Nothing moral or legal is of concern to him. Only his ability to rack in money and feel abject adoration motivate him.
I was appalled that Republicans were apparently not offended by the boast about getting away with murder on 5th Avenue. They didn't object to what it revealed about Trump's ethical code - or what it suggested about their own judgment. Instead, they've been proving him right - about them.
The insistence that he SHOULD have vast moral and legal impunity has been tremendously damaging to our country. It also reveals a preexisting moral rot that allowed such a person to rise - and be celebrated as a hero of Christian conservatism.
Speaking of bailing out the farmers again, Trump's tariffs have been lighting up the wrong rocket economy. China now has a projected 1 trillion dollar trade surplus. Trump's rocket economy had an Elonesque unscheduled disassembly and we hit record trade deficits in July.
Honestly trade deficits have never mattered. Trump's obsession on them gave us tariffs we didn't need.
It matters to farmers since their inability to export crops is tanking their markets and a big reason for the record trade deficit.
trump has some concern for corporate farmers, ask a farmer
How is this effing legal? Since when did the president become the arbiter of winners and losers in this country? The FTC and other entities are supposed to decide on the merits of competitiveness, not play favorites.
This is Putin-level meddling and the execs who are cozying up to him are playing a very dangerous game. Tell me how that worked in Russia over time; how many enterpreneurs were jailed or stripped of their companies because Putin declared they were no longer convenient.
Or defenestrated.
It's legal because the Supreme Court says Trump can do anything he wants, and if anyone tries to stop him from doing illegal things, the Supreme Court smacks them down hard. Eventually people will realize John Roberts and Sam Alito are actually the ones in charge.
This will be remembered as the Supreme Court's reign of terror as much as it was Trump's. Six unapologetic fascists hiding inside judge's robes.
Well, they didn't quite say the President "can do anything he wants." They are moving in that direction, however.
It became "legal" when most of the supposed "conservatives" decided that this particular president should never be held to any rules or conventional standards of ethics, and that "being Trump" was the highest standard he ever needed to meet. And then the self-styled "originalists" rewrote the Constitution to permit him to violate law without consequence.
The worst part is that they did that for this particular man, knowing his character, what he'd done, and what more he was capable of doing. How could they? How in God's name could they?
They must approve of him and what he does.
Yes, and that's the truly frightening part.
Than you for saying "supposed conservatives." They are definitely not conseveratives.
"Tariffs don't cause price increases, but removing them can help lower costs"
"The first missile strike was perfectly fine to be immediately released to the public, but the 2nd strike...well....we'll have to review this for security concerns....because of intelligence gathering methods, etc...don't you know?"
"It's perfectly fine to spill Top Secret real time attack operation details on a non-secure line....but don't you dare release that 2nd missile strike footage!"
It's so disheartening that 1/2 our fellow citizens can't see this obvious incompetency and corrupt behavior by our current administration. We need to remove them forcefully and to really do a reset on our government's laws and policies so this unitarian executive shix never can raise it's ugly head again.
That half is moving down to one third. Gallup has his approval at 34%. Yes, polls are not so good for what we need. Still, so many groups of people’ lives are being upended, they may be inclined to vent their opinions in ways they never did in the past.
KBB - I sure do appreciate that point of light your post brought my way. Thx!
Jeff. You are welcome!
Gallup had his approval at 36%, not 34%. But I would caution people to not focus on one poll which may prove to be an outlier. Most polls don't have Trump anywhere near that low. Most have him at 43% or 44%. Best to look at the average.
I’m not jumping on the poll bandwagon. I remember 535 got it nailed on Obama, but not on Clinton, and few get it close to correct. What I saw with Gallup, thank you for the correction, is that the numbers are consistently dropping. He is floundering. That’s a good sign, and it’s worth taking with a grain of salt any good news I get.
Alina Habba has a bright future. There’s a big UFC event planned in DC for America’s 250th anniversary. Alina for ring girl, 2026!
And Kash’s Gal can Sing the National Anthem!
😄
…or howsabout a The Voice rip off? Her, Lara Trump, and Kid Rock… crossed with Survivor, so they sing on an island, far away. Maybe in the Carribean, sort of a Hunger Games tie in with gamers participating online as Hegseth’s Heroes: Drone Force One? Produced by Harvey Weinstein in exchange for a full and complete pardon.
Huge
Jeeeze! I was just thinking they could start in matching sequins for the anthem, and then Habba-Dabba-doo could change outfits for each match. It will remind her and the crowd of the act she pulled when she so skillfully defended the dear leader in court. But I’m not gonna rain on your parade. I think we could combine our ideas and make a great new show on FOX!!!!
Sign me up, bro. This'll be bigger than bitcoin 💰💵😁
Aw, come on! Think bigger (again) Timothy...
Alexis Wilkins & MTG vs Alina Habba & Laura Loomer in a steel cage tag team match on the White House lawn: a MAGA cat fight for the ages!!
It will be huge! Absolutely HHUUuuuggee, I'm tellin' ya'!!
If I am correct, Felon Trump can’t sleep well because he knows he’s trapped. Trapped because he has no one to blame. First administration, everyone who tried to tell what to do was fired or left. The mainstream media was making money on him so they didn’t interfere much, and his adoring base didn’t care that he lied because they really thought he was the one they could depend on. They sent him back to complete his mission of MAGA. Now, too many people see that he is corrupt, and incompetent. His people are inept, stupid, and are not making him look great. His policies are imploding the economy. The Epstein files won’t go away, and fewer and fewer are believing or accepting his ridiculous story about the right to kill people on the high seas just because someone says they are criminals. He really has no way out of this mess. He blew up the validity of tariffs as good for us; he’s bailing out farmers. Using tax money to bail out those who lost money because tariffs killed their livelihoods is not taught in business schools. This has been his way for his entire life. Six bankruptcies, numerous failed businesses, one failed university and one failed charity. His father did nothing good for his second son by giving DonOld all that money. Sometimes getting what you ask for is not good for you. Unfortunately we are paying the price not him.
Nice summary of Trump's plummeting ratings and his life-long incompetence.
Leading the league since 1985. All you had to do was read the box score.
"Using tax money to bail out those who lost money because tariffs killed their livelihoods is not taught in business schools."
Winner of the "Best Use of the Ironic Understatement" Award, Katherine!
You won the award honestly and deservedly -- unlike someone else we know who wins a fabricated "Peace Prize" when his words and actions are belligerent and bellicose.
Thank you! I’ll still be the usual commenter you know, won’t let it go to my head, and start gold plating my home!
What you say is correct but maybe we read too much into Trump's insomnia. Maybe it's simply too much caffeine in his Diet Cokes and he has to pee every 90 minutes.
Good point Tony. If it is insomnia, too much soda, or a bladder on overdrive, then it’s a nothingburger. However, as someone who is in complete control over his time in the Oval Office, he has the option of changing his schedule so he can get a better night’s sleep, and, if not, schedule these meetings when he won’t need a nap.
Honduras issuing an international arrest for their recent president, Juan Orlando Hernández, after Trump's US pardon - granted for the oligarchs building a libertarian enclave there called Prospera - shows what a PARIAH nation we have become.
The same can be said of the recently released National Security Strategy (NSS), which is quite easily viewed as an extremely racist and pro-Russia, and to some degree pro-China, document all to the detriment of Europe, racial tolerance, and liberal democracy.
This is just a small part of the sordid Trump legacy that he'll leave. If anyone watched the Republican 2016 primaries, they could see this and so much more int'l and national destruction coming. No one should be shocked, unless their brain dead or in Trump's cult, which may be the same thing.
LOL! Your last line really got me!
My dream would be to put all the Billionaire Robber Barons into a locked room with knives and water. Check it out in 4 weeks. One can go without food for 3 weeks to 2 months.
I know I won't get up votes. More of a chance than the Gaza residents or the Venezuelan fishermen have been given.
"I know I won't get up votes."
Although I'm more of a guillotine guy myself, I'll up-vote any variation of "eat the rich."
I'd cough up some reduced value dollars for that pay per view!