A Report Card On The Trump Administration

[Sandy Shanks]

Because our Republican President wanted him, Republicans in the Senate made a sexual pervert with scant experience, a Fox news host, the second most powerful man on the planet.

Trump fired the inspectors general from more than a dozen federal agencies in a Friday night purge, according to a Trump administration official, paving the way for him to install his own picks for the independent watchdog roles.
The Senate confirmed Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary on Saturday, putting the South Dakota governor in charge of a sprawling agency that is essential to national security and President Donald Trump’s plans to clamp down on illegal immigration.

It is obvious what Trump is doing, and the Republican Party is a willing partner.

Trump does not want qualified persons in his government. He wants persons who will do what they are told.

He wants total control of the federal government with him making all the key decisions. He has the backing of a Republican Senate, the Republican House, and the support of six conservative judges on the Supreme Court, three of whom he appointed.

In other words, one-man rule.

The majority of American voters wanted this, and now they are silent. They have seen the results of their tragic vote.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

We have all seen the videos of the ransacking of our capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the horrible destruction, the right wing extremist mob loyal to Trump attacking police, cries of "Hang Mike Pence, and lawmakers fleeing for their lives or in hiding.

On that fateful day Trump gave the right wing mob his orders!

“We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”
"Now it is up to Congress to confront this egregious assault on our democracy. And after this, we’re going to walk down, and I’ll be there with you. We are going to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.”
********************************************************************************************************************Donald J. Trump, Jan. 6, 2021

Within 36 hours, six people died: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, three died of natural causes, and a police officer died after being assaulted by rioters. Many people were injured, including 174 police officers.

A majority of Americans made the convicted felon President again!

The Times reports, "Acting Attorney General James McHenry on Monday fired more than a dozen prosecutors who worked on the two criminal investigations into Donald J. Trump for the special counsel Jack Smith, saying they could not be trusted to “faithfully implement” the president’s agenda, a Justice Department spokesman said.

"The department did not name the prosecutors. But a person who worked with some members of Mr. Smith’s team said many of the firings appeared to target career lawyers and most likely violated civil service protections for nonpolitical employees."

Trump, the chief law enforcement officer, doesn't mind breaking rules as he goes along, rules like our Constitution and our laws.

Republicans won't say a word.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

"President Trump famously declared during his 2016 campaign that he loved the “poorly educated” because rural voters with lower levels of schooling delivered an overwhelming share of votes to him," the conservative Washington Times."

Only the poorly educated would agree with Trump. Note their silence on the issues.

Because our Republican President wanted him, Republicans in the Senate made a sexual pervert with scant experience, a Fox news host, the second most powerful man on the planet.

The forum's Republicans had nothing to say.

So, too, Senate Republicans.

Now Trump wants to change our military. I am beginning to think Trump wants to do great harm to our country. He has claimed to be Putin's friend.

CNN reports, "President Donald Trump on Monday is expected to sign four executive orders that would reshape the military, including banning transgender service members from serving in the US armed forces, gutting the military’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, and reinstating with back pay service members who were discharged for refusing to get vaccinated from Covid-19, two White House officials told CNN [this B.S.]."

"Moments after his arrival at the Pentagon on Monday, Hegseth told reporters that there are “more executive orders coming.”

Get the picture?

 

[Sandy Shanks]

"President Trump famously declared during his 2016 campaign that he loved the “poorly educated” because rural voters with lower levels of schooling delivered an overwhelming share of votes to him," the conservative Washington Times."

"Trump is wasting no time in following through on his frequent campaign trail vows for retribution – with a torrent of purges and pardons," CNN.

A large number of Americans who voted for Trump are asking themselves today, "What have I done?"

Today they are avoiding any mention of Trump.

Low income, educationally challenged Americans who live in the rural states predominately voted for Trump. For unknown reasons, possibly stupidity, Trump is taking retribution on rural America.

The AP reports, "The White House is pausing federal grants and loans starting Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending, causing confusion and panic among organizations that rely on Washington for their financial lifeline.

"Administration officials said the decision was necessary to ensure that all funding complies with Trump’s executive orders.

"They also said that federal assistance to individuals would not be affected, including Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans and scholarships.

"However, the funding freeze could affect trillions of dollars, at least temporarily, and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted.

"The pause was scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. ET, just one day after agencies were informed of the decision."

NBC reports, "It’s not clear exactly which programs will be halted, but OMB also sent a document to agencies asking for details on more than 2,600 programs, including school meals for low-income students, USAID foreign assistance, mine inspections, the WIC nutrition program for pregnant women and infants, and a reintegration program for homeless veterans.

"Local housing organizations were also unsure if they would have the funding available to help pay rents due Feb. 1 for thousands of low-income households in subsidized housing across the country."

CNN reports, "A federal judge on Tuesday afternoon temporarily blocked part of the Trump administration’s plans to freeze all federal aid, a policy that unleashed confusion and worry from charities and educators even as the White House said it was not as sweeping an order as it appeared.

"The short-term pause issued by US District Judge Loren L. AliKhan prevents the administration from carrying through with its plans to freeze funding for “open awards” already granted by the federal government through at least 5 p.m. ET Monday, February 3."

 

[Sandy Shanks]

The AP reports, "The White House is pausing federal grants and loans starting Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending, causing confusion and panic among organizations that rely on Washington for their financial lifeline.

"Administration officials said the decision was necessary to ensure that all funding complies with Trump’s executive orders.

Frequently Trump has infringed upon the powers granted to Congress.

Several times his executive orders have violated our Constitution and/or our laws.

How has the Republican Congress responded to their loss of power? Republicans in Congress are quietly lying down. Trump can do what he wants. If it means stripping powers away from Congress, so be it. That goes for Trump's lackluster choices for his government. He wants stooges, not qualified people.

The same can be said for the forum's Republicans.

Republicans strongly approve one-man rule

 

[Sandy Shanks]

ABC reports, "Google announced that it plans to update the names of two major geographical landmarks in accordance with an executive order from President Donald Trump.

"The tech giant said in an X post it plans to update the name of Alaska's Denali mountain to Mt. McKinley and the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America."

What happens when the next President, a Democrat, changes it back to the Gulf of Mexico? Will Google change it back?

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Now Trump wants to change our military. I am beginning to think Trump wants to do great harm to our country. He has claimed to be Putin's friend.

"The White House is pausing federal grants and loans starting Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending, causing confusion and panic among organizations that rely on Washington for their financial lifeline.

"Administration officials said the decision was necessary to ensure that all funding complies with Trump’s executive orders.

CNN reports,"Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, has for years battled US intelligence agencies over the handling of some of the government’s most sensitive national security secrets.

"As a Republican congressional aide and Trump national security staffer, Patel fought to declassify and release documents to try to undercut the FBI’s investigation into connections between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign.

"If confirmed, Patel would be in position to reignite his fight with the US intelligence community from one of the most powerful perches in Washington."

Republicans continue their silence.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

The Trump White House doesn't know what it is doing!

CNN reports, "The White House Office of Management and Budget has rescinded the federal aid freeze, according to a memo obtained by CNN from a Trump administration official.

“OMB Memorandum M-25-13 is rescinded. If you have questions about implementing the President’s Executive Orders, please contact your agency General Counsel,” the memo reads.

"The White House budget office had ordered the pause on federal grants and loans, according to an internal memorandum sent Monday, which unleashed confusion and anxiety even as the White House said it was not as sweeping an order as it appeared.

"Though White House aides publicly blamed the media for causing the confusion, arguing that none existed within the building, the administration had received a flood of calls from lawmakers and state officials with questions about its impact on their home states."

 

[Bighorn66]

We have all seen the videos of the ransacking of our capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the horrible destruction, the right wing extremist mob loyal to Trump attacking police, cries of "Hang Mike Pence, and lawmakers fleeing for their lives or in hiding.

On that fateful day Trump gave the right wing mob his orders!

“We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”
"Now it is up to Congress to confront this egregious assault on our democracy. And after this, we’re going to walk down, and I’ll be there with you. We are going to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.”
********************************************************************************************************************Donald J. Trump, Jan. 6, 2021

Within 36 hours, six people died: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, three died of natural causes, and a police officer died after being assaulted by rioters. Many people were injured, including 174 police officers.

A majority of Americans made this man President again!

The AP reports, "Congress certified President-elect Donald Trump as the winner of the 2024 election in proceedings that unfolded Monday without violence or mayhem, in stark contrast to the Jan. 6, 2021, violence as his mob of supporters stormed the Capitol.

"Lawmakers convened under heavy security and a snowstorm to meet the date required by law to certify the election, but the legacy of Jan. 6 leaves an extraordinary fact: The candidate who tried to overturn the previous election won this time and is legitimately returning to power.

"Layers of tall black fencing flank the U.S. Capitol complex in a stark reminder of what happened four years ago, when a defeated Trump sent his mob to “fight like hell” in what became the most gruesome attack on the seat of American democracy in 200 years. It is the tightest national security level possible.

"The whole process happened swiftly and without unrest. One by one, the state results were read aloud by the tellers as senators and representatives sat in seats in the House chamber. Within half an hour the process was done."

That is what should have happened four years ago, but President Trump prevented that from happening.

False advertising.

 

[ColdHardTruth]

In your bitter screed, you missed the actual point of your thread:

Grade - A

Nope.

This is utter and complete bullshit.

Just absolutely shameful.

The real grade is F-.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

We have all seen the videos of the ransacking of our capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the horrible destruction, the right wing extremist mob loyal to Trump attacking police, cries of "Hang Mike Pence, and lawmakers fleeing for their lives or in hiding.

Republican response.

False advertising.

Little wonder as to why Republicans don't say much.

They don't know much.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

RFK is a weirdo, backtracking countless statements he has made before Trump wanted him as a cabinet member.

NBC reports, "Under rigorous questioning from senators Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laid out his vision to lead the Department of Health and Human Services while backtracking on his past statements in support of abortion and against vaccines.

"Kennedy, a former independent presidential candidate, is one of President Donald Trump's more unorthodox Cabinet picks, as his nomination has drawn skepticism from those on the left and the right."

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Trump and Hegseth are being childish.

CBS reports, "Retired Gen. Mark Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Trump and Biden administrations, has had both his security detail and his security clearance revoked, the Pentagon says.

"New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "informed General Milley today that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well," Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot told CBS News in a statement Tuesday night.

"Ullyot said Hegseth "also directed" the Defense Department's Office of Inspector General to "conduct an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milley's conduct so that the Secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination."

 

[Jay59]

Trump gets an A for Activity in his first week.

It is being called the most consequential first week in history. What will 100 days bring?

Largely underreported, the Lyndon Johnson Executive Order that underpins EEO and Affirmative Action was rescinded.

The fight over birthright citizenship is looming. Although the kneejerk reaction is that the EO is unconstitutional, the White House prepared the wording carefully and there is a strong case to take to trial. One key point is that natives were universally understood to be excluded. It may get struck down but there will be good chance it will not be.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

"Without a hot war and during prosperous times, the government accumulated $7.8 trillion of gross federal debt while President Trump was in office," Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

How has the Republican Congress responded to their loss of power? Republicans in Congress are quietly lying down. Trump can do what he wants. If it means stripping powers away from Congress, so be it. That goes for Trump's lackluster choices for his government. He wants stooges, not qualified people.

Republicans strongly approve one-man rule

CNN reports, "This was the day that Donald Trump’s new strongman presidency crashed into reality.

"His latest attempt to wield vast and questionable executive power – this time by temporarily halting federal aid – sparked nationwide confusion and fear with programs including Meals on Wheels and low-income housing assistance suddenly in limbo.

"The methodical approach that characterized the intense opening week of Trump’s presidency yielded to chaos – reminiscent of the uproar that characterized his first term and helped him lose the 2020 election. Note: He didn't run against a woman in 2020.
Trump’s brand as a bombastic disrupter reflects the disdain many Americans have for the Washington establishment. And he can fairly argue he has a mandate for change after an impressive election victory. Note: Americans asked for this.

"But the spending freeze – along with other key moves early in this presidency, including the firing of Justice Department prosecutors and a bid to repeal birthright citizenship – also reflects Trump’s view that the presidency has almost unlimited power and he can simply decide what is legal and what isn’t.

"But the deepest questions raised by the now partially stayed funding freeze arise from Trump’s latest attempt to wield unrestrained authority in a new presidency already characterized by dubious power grabs.

"In seeking to freeze loans and grants and align them with his priorities laid out in a blizzard of executive actions, Trump was seeking to redirect or halt funding already appropriated by Congress.

“It is a direct challenge against Congress and its ability to be able to approve and authorize its expenditure of money.

"Winning an election doesn’t give a president a right to simply ignore the law – indeed Trump swore an oath to uphold it just nine days ago. And the government spending in question was contained in laws passed by Congress – which, under the Constitution, controls the power of the purse. Trump has the chance to write and propose new laws but can’t simply ignore those on the books."

Significantly, the forum's Republicans have nothing to say.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

Would you trust this man?

The Trump White House issued a memo Tuesday offering to pay federal workers who don't want to return to the office through Sept. 30, as long as they resign by Feb. 6.
NPR reports, "Federal employee unions and attorneys are urging government workers not to accept an offer from the Trump administration to resign from their jobs by Feb. 6 and be paid through the end of September.

"This 'fork' thing is not a buyout," said Jim Eisenmann, a partner with Alden Law Group who represents federal employees, referring to the "Fork in the Road" subject line that accompanied an email sent to federal workers Tuesday. "It's not based on any law or regulation or anything really other than an idea they cooked up to get federal employees out of the government."

"But there's no guarantee other things won't happen to them between now and then, like they won't get fired for some other reason or they won't get laid off pursuant to a reduction in force," Eisenmann added.

 

[eohrnberger]

"A Report Card On The Trump Administration"

​

That's about a good a report card from the electorate that you can get.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

We know why Republicans avoid discussing what Trump says and does.

Trump is a complete jerk!

There was a major air disaster last night.

"A midair collision between an Army helicopter and a jetliner killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft, officials said Thursday, as they scrutinized the actions of the military pilot in the country’s deadliest aviation disaster in almost a quarter century," AP.

Every President but the one we have now would attempt to console the nation and the families of the casualties of this air disaster.

Not Trump. At first he went through the motions, but then he quickly turned to scoring political points.

The AP reports, "President Donald Trump began his White House briefing Thursday with a moment of silence and a prayer for victims of Wednesday’s crash at Reagan National Airport. But his remarks quickly became a diatribe against diversity hiring and his allegation — so far without evidence — that lowered standards were to blame for the crash.

"Trump on Thursday variously pointed the finger at his predecessor, Joe Biden, and other Democrats including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whom he labeled a “disaster.”

"Trump was asked repeatedly to explain why he was blaming federal diversity and inclusion promotion efforts for the crash, at one point alleging that previous leadership had determined that the Federal Aviation Administration workforce was “too white.”

Trump's answer was gibberish. See for yourself. https://apnews.com/article/plane-cr...p-dei-claims-3ac5486ec594d81e919e8ebbd9733869

 

[Sandy Shanks]

With three uniquely unqualified choices for the President's cabinet, Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and the crackpot, RFK, Trump is challenging Republicans in the Senate to question his authority. It is a good move. If Trump is successful, he will have three more stooges in his cabinet who will do what they are told. They don't have the wherewithal to confront Trump.

And it is a good gamble. It is expected that Republicans in the Senate will approve the "three stooges."

The forum's Republicans will also approve the three by keeping their mouths shut about Trump's picks.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

CNN reports, "Another year of robust economic growth is in the books, underscoring how the Biden administration handed President Donald Trump what many consider a solid economy.

"The US economy grew 2.5% over the past year, according to new Commerce Department figures released Thursday, comparing the fourth quarter in 2024 with the one from a year earlier. A resilient labor market supported strong consumer spending last year. Americans’ spending accounts for about 70% of the US economy. Business investment also fueled growth in 2024."

 

[Sandy Shanks]

With three uniquely unqualified choices for the President's cabinet, Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and the crackpot, RFK, Trump is challenging Republicans in the Senate to question his authority. It is a good move. If Trump is successful, he will have three more stooges in his cabinet who will do what they are told. They don't have the wherewithal to confront Trump.

There is hope that maybe some Republicans Senators will grow some balls, and decide what is best for their country.

We can always hope as the forum's Republicans continue their silence.

CNN reports, "Three of President Donald Trump’s most controversial picks for his Cabinet and key administration roles were grilled in Senate committees today. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel faced sharp questions from Democrats as well as several Republican lawmakers in what amounted to the most direct skepticism from GOP senators over Trump’s nominees to date."

 

[Sandy Shanks]

CNN reports, "The Federal Reserve kicked off its second Trump era right where it left off: Doing exactly what it wanted to do, ignoring President Donald Trump’s demands that it lower rates.

"As one would expect, the move was poorly received by the president.

"Hours after the Fed announced its decision to hold rates steady on Wednesday, Trump, who nominated Fed Chair Jerome Powell in his first term, accused Powell and his colleagues of failing “to stop the problem they created with Inflation,” according to a post on Truth Social.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

"President Trump famously declared during his 2016 campaign that he loved the “poorly educated” because rural voters with lower levels of schooling delivered an overwhelming share of votes to him," the conservative Washington Times."

President Donald Trump began his White House briefing Thursday with a moment of silence and a prayer for victims of Wednesday’s crash at Reagan National Airport. But his remarks quickly became a diatribe against diversity hiring and his allegation — so far without evidence — that lowered standards were to blame for the crash.

"Trump on Thursday variously pointed the finger at his predecessor, Joe Biden, and other Democrats including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whom he labeled a “disaster.”

Why does Trump continuously say things that are untrue and unproven?

It's really quite simple. Republicans largely avoid responsible news sources and they believe him. In their minds, Trump is their main source of information.

Good Lord! No wonder why we have a serious problem for the next four years.

Republicans can't even respond.

 

[Sandy Shanks]

We know why Republicans avoid discussing what Trump says and does.

Trump is a complete jerk!

Trump is also a dumb jerk.

"The president is intent on ensuring that he effectively implements tariffs while cutting inflation and costs for the American people," Trump's press secretary said.

Trump doesn't know that ultimately the American consumer pays for tariffs. Obviously, a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods is inflationary. Prices on those goods will go up.

But our President doesn't know that.

Coming from our President, that is the dumbest statement I have ever heard!

Republicans will say nothing.