Latest news with #Pro-Trump
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'He's gotta go': The MAGA right cheers Musk-Trump rift
The Donald Trump-Elon Musk alliance ended like it started, 11 months ago: two of the world's most influential men, on the social networks that they own, posting about each other. But on Thursday afternoon, as Musk mused on X about supporting Trump's impeachment, launching a third party, and exposing his supposed ties to Jeffrey Epstein, nationalist conservatives celebrated the self-exile of a tech billionaire they never trusted. Their man was in the presidency. A South African immigrant who posted cringe, dreamed of microchipped brains, and didn't understand the importance of halting mass immigration was going to become irrelevant. 'Trump is a hero, and Elon Musk is not,' former Trump adviser Steve Bannon said on the Thursday episode of his podcast. Musk's eight-figure support for Trump in 2024 was 'deal baggage,' and the deal had been completed months ago. 'Elon Musk is illegal, and he's gotta go, too,' Bannon said. 'Deport immediately.' Bannon told Semafor late last year that Musk 'wrote a quarter-of-a-f*cking-billion-dollar check when we had no money,' and helped execute a winning GOP strategy. But Musk, he added, was out of sync with a populist economic project more than a decade in the public spat with Trump began on Tuesday, when the former DOGE head began attacking the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, warning that it would 'bankrupt' the country. Democrats rubbernecked from the sidelines, happy to watch Musk make some of their arguments, skeptical that it would amount to anything. Pro-Trump conservatives were on surer footing. They saw the end of Musk's advocacy for policies that clashed with their vision, including visas for highly skilled immigrants and tax credits for electric vehicles. And they spied victory over the GOP's libertarian wing — down to a handful of congressional Republicans, and Musk — who were more worried about deficit reduction than immigration. 'Debt is an important issue,' the pro-Trump influencer Jack Posobiec wrote on X. 'But there is one issue that is more important than all others, and that is Immigration. This bill funds the Mass Deportations.' This faction of MAGA notched one victory before Trump took office. The day after Christmas, when he was slated to lead DOGE alongside Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy defended tech companies that 'hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over 'native' Americans,' arguing that modern America didn't venerate the right skills or ethics. 'A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers,' Ramaswamy wrote. Ramaswamy left DOGE just hours into the Trump presidency, launching a run for governor of Ohio that Trump would soon endorse. But his riff on American competitiveness, and the need for more smart immigrants, became infamous on the nationalist right. 'When an outsider comes here, gets in your face, and starts throwing definitions at you, and you gotta Google sh*t? We're not doing that,' said the comedian Sam Hyde in a livestream dedicated to Ramaswamy. 'You're getting called a slur.' Musk, who had taken Ramaswamy's side in the argument, kept his role in the administration. He was publicly supportive of moves taken to cut grants for Ivy League schools. But as he exited DOGE, and the administration ramped up efforts to bar foreign students from those schools, Musk did not weigh in. 'I think we want to stick to the subject of the day, which is spaceships, as opposed to presidential policy,' he told CBS News last week, when reporter David Pogue asked about the foreign student MAGA self-deportation isn't a total victory for any political faction. The Department of Government Efficiency remains in place; Democrats and liberal groups are still suing to undo its work. And the Musk/DOGE effort to demolish USAID fulfilled a basic nationalist project, pulling back resources for noncitizens and giving the money to Americans. (The agency's offices are being refitted for Customs and Border Protection.) But the long-term Trump project, which has been succeeding all year, is transforming the Republican Party from Reaganite national greatness to nationalism — more like Viktor Orban's Fidesz than George W. Bush's GOP. As progressives and ex-Republicans fret about foreign scientists fleeing the country, as they quote Emma Lazarus and Martin Niemöller, Trump's Republicans are raising tariffs and funding more border wall construction. How far would Trump go to punish Musk? Maybe not as far as Bannon, who wants the government to seize SpaceX and his citizenship. The punishment matters less than the policy, which is to stop seeing the national debt as an existential threat, and understand immigration as an existential threat. Who wins if Trump-endorsed Republicans run on that, and candidates backed by a Musk PAC talk about cutting the deficit? The ending to that story is even more predictable than the ending of this Rep. Ro Khanna, a personal friend of Musk, believed that he could be brought back to the Democratic Party after his fight with Trump. Few Democrats agreed, even though some were using Musk's 'disgusting abomination' language against the OBBBA. Ben Wikler, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said that the donors and voters who helped beat Musk's candidate in the state's supreme court race 'drove a chisel into a crack in the Republican Hoover Dam,' and got a 'historic villain, who is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people,' to slink out of politics. 'A few months ago, politicians in both parties were terrified about crossing Trump, because they thought Musk might fund a primary campaign against them,' Wikler told Semafor. 'He was Trump's No. 1 enforcer. Now, he's been pushed out of the palace, and he's responding by trying to burn the whole thing down.' Musk's approval rating with Democrats, he said, was 'somewhere between anthrax and the bubonic plague.' Oren Cass, whose American Compass hosted Vice President JD Vance this week, predicted the Musk story's ending back in February. 'The good news is that Trump has historically shown himself highly attuned to what is politically achievable and what is politically unwise, and he seems unlikely to allow DOGE to run wild beyond the point of diminishing returns,' he wrote. 'Musk has shown no such judgment. Which likely puts an expiration date on his time in the president's favor.
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India.com
4 days ago
- General
- India.com
Explained: Why Trump Is Silent On Ukraine's Drone Daring Drone Attack On Russia
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has not so far said a word on Ukraine's daring drone assault deep inside Russian territory. The operation destroyed dozens of strategic bombers and reportedly dealt a $7 billion blow to Moscow's military power. But it is Trump's silence that is now making the loudest noise in American politics. As Ukraine and its allies cheered the historic 'Operation Spiderweb', Trump's base erupted not with support, but suspicion. 'Why did not they tell Trump?' asked one MAGA (Make America Great Again)-aligned account on X. Another wrote simply, 'Where is Trump?' Pro-Trump influencer Jack Posobiec speculated on Steve Bannon's War Room about whether the Biden administration had secretly backed the plan, which had been in the works for 18 months – possibly during Trump's final year in office. Charlie Kirk, a key MAGA figure, said the attack reached 'very deep into Russia' and questioned potential American involvement. Known online as DC Draino, Rogan O'Handley alleged without evidence that it was a 'false flag' designed to pull the United States into World War III. Former Pentagon official Dan Caldwell warned that attacking nuclear-capable bombers was reckless and could provoke Russian retaliation against the NATO. He urged the United States to halt any support that may have helped enable the strike. Base vs. Strategy In MAGA circles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is often dismissed as a 'globalist puppet'. While Russia's missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians receive scattered attention, Ukrainian military moves like this one spark immediate outrage. Now Trump finds himself trapped between two factions of his own party. On one side are establishment Republicans calling for tougher sanctions on Russia and continued military support for Ukraine. On the other is the MAGA base, which is loud, online and increasingly conspiratorial, demanding that the United States withdraw entirely and stop aiding Ukraine. They want Trump to condemn the drone strike. So far, he has not. In past comments, Trump has criticised both Russia and Ukraine, and he has long cast himself as the only leader capable of brokering peace. But now, as Ukraine lands one of its most strategic hits in the war, Trump is missing from the moment. Experts believe he is intentionally holding back to preserve his image as a neutral and peace-minded dealmaker. 'He wants to look presidential,' said one observer. But in a moment of global drama and domestic division, silence is beginning to look like indecision. Drones and Drama Codenamed as 'Operation Spiderweb', the Ukrainian strike took 18 months to plan. Over the weekend, Ukraine's military launched more than 100 drones at five separate Russian air bases – thousands of miles behind enemy lines. According to Ukrainian officials, intelligence operatives smuggled drones inside truck cabins, waited in Russian territory for the right moment and then launched the attack. A total of 117 drones struck strategic aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Tu-160 bombers and A-50 surveillance planes. Videos posted online showed drones zipping into the air from truck rooftops, a scene one viewer likened to a 'sci-fi movie'. The strike reportedly caused billions in damage and took out aircraft that are hard, if not impossible, for Russia to replace quickly. But while Ukraine celebrated, MAGA influencers fumed. And Trump, the man who has said he could end the war in 24 hours, said nothing. Peace at a Price Meanwhile, peace talks in Turkey failed to produce any breakthrough. Russia once again demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the territories it claims. Ukraine asked for a full ceasefire, the return of abducted children and a summit between Zelensky and Putin. Russia refused. The only progress came in the form of a prisoner exchange. Ukraine's defense minister said all POWs under 25 or in poor health would be swapped. Russia promised to return 6,000 bodies and at least 1,000 prisoners but refused to budge on territorial claims. The timing of Ukraine's drone strike, just before the talks, led to speculation it was meant to give Kyiv leverage. But in MAGA circles, it is being cast as a betrayal of Trump's ceasefire push. Now, as MAGA voices grow louder and more paranoid, a new question is taking shape. Is Trump still in control of his movement or is he falling behind it? For a man who built his brand on always having a line and always dominating the narrative, Trump's silence is no longer a strategy. It is a statement.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump's controversial theory on Joe Biden fuels meme war online
In a move that left the internet reeling, former President Donald Trump recently amplified a bizarre conspiracy theory suggesting that President Joe Biden was executed in 2020 and replaced by a "soulless, mindless" clone. Shared on his Truth Social platform, the claim ignited a wildfire of memes, debates, and digital mockery, further intensifying the already heated online political discourse. The theory, originating from an obscure online post, posits that Biden has been a robotic stand-in since 2020, unknown to the Democratic Party. While Trump didn't explicitly endorse the claim, his decision to share it added fuel to the fire, especially given his history of promoting unfounded theories. This latest episode underscores the former president's continued influence over online narratives and his knack for stirring controversy. The internet responded with characteristic fervor. Pro-Trump supporters flooded social media with memes highlighting alleged inconsistencies in Biden's appearance, such as changes in eye color and earlobe shape, presenting them as "evidence" of the clone theory. Conversely, critics and humorists seized the opportunity to lampoon the absurdity, creating a slew of satirical content that further blurred the lines between political discourse and entertainment. "I have questions for MAGA: 1. Was Joe Biden executed in 2020? If so, by whom? 2. Can you provide more information about this cloning technology? 3. If no, can you discuss the robotics technology used to duplicate President Biden? 4. Do you believe the assertions by llijh ?," one user has posted on X. "Trump is basically letting you know that it was a script and a clone playing Joe Biden," another user posted. "If Biden was replaced in 2020 by a robot or "clone," how did this robot/clone develop the dementia that Republicans have been focused on since 2022? Wouldn't that be just as impossible as replacing someone with a robot or clone that appears to be 82 years old?," writes another. The proliferation of such theories and the ensuing meme battles highlight the evolving nature of political engagement in the digital age. Social media platforms have become arenas where information, misinformation, satire, and genuine discourse intermingle, often making it challenging for the public to discern fact from fiction.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MAGA Erupts Over ‘60 Minutes' Correspondent's Viral Warnings About Trump
The MAGA faithful lashed out at Scott Pelley after the veteran CBS reporter delivered a thinly veiled attack on President Donald Trump during a commencement speech. Speaking to the graduating class of North Carolina's Wake Forest University, the 60 Minutes correspondent warned that 'freedom of speech is under attack' and that 'insidious fear' is creeping into schools. While Pelley didn't mention Trump by name, his comments appeared to reference troubling shifts since Trump returned to the White House in January, as well as the president's escalating feud with Harvard University. CBS News is also locked in its own battle with Trump, following a lawsuit from the president accusing the network of editing an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris to portray his 2024 rival in a more favorable light weeks before the election. 'To move forward, we debate, not demonize; we discuss, not destroy. But in this moment, our sacred rule of law is under attack,' Pelley said in the May 19 address, which is now going viral. 'Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack. And insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes, and into our private thoughts. The fear to speak, in America.' Clips of the speech have rocketed on social media, with one post criticizing Pelley racking up over 2.3 million views on X. 'This self-important, sermonizing propagandist is what passes for a legacy media 'journalist,'' the Western Lensman X account posted while sharing the footage. Other Trump supporters and Republican figures also criticized Pelley over the remarks. Curtis Houck, managing editor of the right-wing site NewsBusters, accused Pelley of being 'pompous,' sharing a separate clip in which the CBS anchor told graduates they are 'the vanguard against ignorance.' Pro-Trump podcaster Scott Adams added: 'Liberals who once controlled speech and the power to censor are now upset that a majority of Americans reject their lies and deception. 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley raged at Trump in an angry, unhinged commencement address at Wake Forest: as he speaks openly and freely in America.' 'It is very sad that CBS/60 Minutes' Scott Pelley chose one of the happiest days for graduates and their families to display his undeniable case of TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome],' one MAGA account with more than 220,000 X followers posted. 'Wake Forest University should be ashamed that it allowed this to take place.' CBS News did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Beast. Last month, Pelley delivered a strong on-air rebuke of Paramount, the parent company of CBS, claiming it was attempting to appease the Trump administration in order to win approval a merger deal with entertainment company Skydance Media. Pelley cited the recent departure of executive producer Bill Owens over claims the higher-ups were overly monitoring 60 Minutes' content. 'Stories we've pursued for 57 years were often controversial, lately the Israel-Gaza war and the Trump administration. Bill made sure they were accurate and fair—he was tough that way,' Pelley said during the broadcast. 'But our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger. The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways. 'None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.' Wake Forest University praised Pelley's speech in a press release, describing it as one filled with 'urgency and hope.' CBS News has called Trump's $20 billion lawsuit 'without merit' but are trying to settle with the president's lawyers. The network released a full transcript of its interview with Harris in February, following pressure from Trump and his supporters, to prove the footage was not 'doctored or deceitful.'
Euronews
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Fact-checking claims Pope Leo XIV is a registered US Republican
Weeks after Robert Prevost was elected the first US-born pope, speculation about his political leanings and affiliations continues to spread online. Some commentators are purporting that voting records show Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is formally affiliated to the US Republican Party. Pro-Trump influencer Charlie Kirk first planted the theory an hour after white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, indicating Pope Leo's election by the papal conclave. In a post on X, Kirk said: "Our Turning Point Action team pulled the voting history for Pope Leo XIV. He's a registered Republican who has voted in Republican primaries when not living abroad. Our data shows he's a strong Republican, and he's pro-life." The post is accompanied by a screenshot claiming to be Robert Prevost's voting card. Prevost's name, age and date of birth are correctly displayed. The word "Republican" also appears next to "party." But the state of Illinois does not register voters by political party affiliation, according to judicial advocacy group Alliance for Justice. It means this cannot be an authentic voting card as the state does not register voters as either Republican or Democrat. In other US states, voters do declare party affiliation when registering to vote, and this sometimes determines in which primary elections voters can cast their ballots. Primary elections, or primaries, are ballots that political parties in the US use to select candidates for a general election. Voters can chose in which party's primary they want to vote. Hoewever, state voting records shared with Euroverify by the office of the attorney general of Will County, Illinois, show that Prevost did vote in three Republican primary elections in 2012, 2014 and 2016. Voters in the state are, however, not bound to pick the same party's primary from year to year. This is therefore not conclusive proof that Prevost is affiliated to the Republican party. Prevost's party affiliation is also registered as "undeclared" in general elections between 2012 and 2024. According to Reuters, citing a public information officer for the Illinois state elections board, Prevost had requested ballots for the 2008 and 2010 Democratic primaries when registered to vote in Cook County, Illinois. Euroverify was unable to independently fact check this information. Social media users have also been searching for signs of Prevost's political leanings in content in content shared by him online prior to his election as pope. Months before his election, he shared an article published by the National Catholic Reporter criticising comments made by JD Vance. The article, titled "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others", blasts a comment made by Vance during a Fox News interview, suggesting that Christians should prioritise love for their "fellow citizens" and "own country" over "the rest of the world." In April, he also shared a post critical of Donald Trump's immigration policies, specifically the controversial decision to deport Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, which has been described as Supreme Court judges as "an error." In an emotional tribute on Sunday afternoon, tennis legend Rafael Nadal was honoured during a ceremony at the Roland Garros tournament in Paris. The record 14-time French Open winner, who officially retired in November, returned to the court not as a competitor but as a celebrated legend. Greeted by thousands of fans wearing orange 'Merci Rafa' shirts, Nadal received a standing ovation as he stepped onto the clay one final time. No longer in his signature headband or capri pants, the Spaniard arrived in a dark suit, visibly moved by the outpouring of affection. As the crowd cheered, Nadal fought back tears, delivering a speech in French, English, and his native Spanish, as he reflected on two decades of triumphs, setbacks, and unforgettable memories at Roland Garros. "I don't know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. Winning, losing — but especially being moved every time I've had the chance to be here.' Nadal retired with a staggering 112-4 record at the French Open and a flawless 14-0 record in finals, an achievement unmatched in the sport's history. His impact on the sport was acknowledged not only by the crowd but also by fellow greats Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, who joined him on court in a powerful moment of solidarity. Once fierce rivals, the quartet known as the Big Four stood together in celebration, not competition. 'We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respecting each other very well. And for me, it means a lot that you are all here,' Nadal said to his greatest rivals. In keeping with his family values, Nadal thanked his longtime coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, along with his wife and young son. His appreciation extended to fans and the French public, whom he credited with making him feel at home throughout his career. 'Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined. You can never know how gratifying it is to be appreciated in the place that matters most. ... You made me feel like a Frenchman,' Nadal said. 'I can no longer play in front of you anymore, but my heart and my memories will always be linked to this magical place.' The tribute culminated in two lasting symbols of his legacy: a commemorative trophy and a newly installed plaque on the Philippe-Chatrier central court, engraved with his 14 titles and his shoe footprint -- a literal symbol of the mark he left on the sport and on the clay of Roland Garros.
