Putin-Linked Media Mocks Trump With Cruel Jokes About Melania & 19-Year-Old Barron
David Morgan•
Putin-Linked Media Mocks Trump With Cruel Jokes About Melania & 19-Year-Old Barron
Kremlin propaganda counters U.S. criticism with personal mockery — marriage and mental fitness in the crosshairs
Russian state-aligned outlets have launched a sustained personal attack on President Trump amid his hardened stance against Putin’s Ukraine policy. The messaging now targets his marriage, suggesting Melania Trump has left Washington and casting doubt on Barron Trump’s maturity, sparking global backlash.(HT Syndication)
🧾 The Media Attack Unpacked
🎭 Marriage Speculation & Mental Dig
On Russia 1, commentator Malek Dudakov insinuated marital strain, stating, “Melania spends most of her time… in New York, along with her son… She doesn’t even live with Trump,” undermining both her position and Trump’s domestic image.(The Daily Guardian)
🧨 Degrading Commentary on Family
Kremlin mouthpieces referred to Melania as a “peligro para Rusia” and mockingly suggested Trump should “buy her shoes” rather than send Patriot missiles to Kyiv—leaning into misogynistic tropes and erasing her agency. Barron, meanwhile, became fodder as part of derision toward Trump’s family as “ineffectual”(The Huffington Post)
📸 Image Campaign
Propaganda has recirculated a 2000 GQ photoshoot featuring Melania nearly nude aboard Trump’s private jet—an attempt to recast her past to degrade her current diplomatic relevance. (Hindustan Times, The Daily Guardian)
🌐 Why Now?
Policy Retaliation: The campaign escalates following Trump’s pivot toward UUkraineapproving Patriot missile support and threatening Russia with tariffs. Putin’s media is clearly seeking to discredit his messaging with crude personal attacks.(ElHuffPost)
Cultural Weaponization: These attacks employ gendered mockery and psychologizing, questioning Trump’s sanity and domestic stability to undercut his leadership legitimacy.(Hindustan Times, The Daily Guardian)
🔍 SMH Takeaway: Discredit Without Debate
Rather than addressing policy or strategy, Kremlin media is opting for personal destruction—attacking Melania and Barron to get at Trump's character. It's a tactic seen in information warfare: humiliate to dominate, distract from substance, and polarize audiences.
In an information environment already fractured, personal mockery is cheaper—and often more viral—than a reasoned critique of foreign policy. But the cost is clear: civility falls away, and public conversation shrinks to unearned indignation.
The real question: Is Putin’s playbook just weak noise—or a dangerous blueprint for how state actors weaponize insult politics?
Congress Splits Over Epstein File Release—Trump’s Base Grows Restless, Democrats Push Hard
David Morgan•
Congress Splits Over Epstein File Release—Trump’s Base Grows Restless, Democrats Push Hard
As Trump denies wrongdoing, Capitol Hill faces fractures and pressure for transparency.
Across Capitol Hill, the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein controversy has escalated into a partisan flashpoint. Reports confirmed that President Trump was quietly briefed in May 2025 that his name appears in sealed DOJ files, though officials say the mentions are unverified hearsay (Wikipedia). As lawmakers debate how to respond, divisions are emerging—not just between parties, but within them as well.
📌 What’s Brewing in Washington
🔍 Mounting GOP Line Frays
Despite Trump’s denials and a DOJ declaration of no “client list,” many Republican lawmakers—feeling the heat from both MAGA activists and independent voters—have publicly supported releasing Epstein-related records. Senator Thom Tillis, breaking ranks, now echoes demands for transparency. House Republicans even backed a non-binding resolution to attempt release, despite party leadership resisting the effort (Axios, The Guardian).
🧑⚖️ Democrats Push Full Disclosure
House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are pressing into the August recess with subpoenas and public pressure tactics. Known Trump adversaries, such as Ron Wyden and Marc Veasey, are leading legislative efforts. Even conservative stalwarts, such as Mike Pence and Sen. Mike Johnson, have called for the release of the documents, spurred by rising public frustration and a handful of GOP defections (Axios).
🧭 Political Impact & Fallout
Issue
Stakes
Transparency vs. Coverup
Trump’s silence since learning his name appeared in Epstein's files damages his credibility among wavering supporters.
Base Frustration
Groups aligned with MAGA and QAnon accuse the administration of reneging on transparency promises—some even challenge Trump from within (The New Yorker).
Election Implications
The Epstein file controversy could shape 2026 Senate races and voter sentiment in swing districts that prioritize accountability over loyalty.
🔍 SMH Takeaway: Is This Trump’s Tipping Point?
When Donald Trump pledged to release Epstein records, he positioned himself as a champion of truth. Yet once briefed that his own name made the list, that promise turned into a political hot potato.
Now, embarrassed allies and restless voters alike are demanding answers. What happens next matters—not just for party optics, but for the question at the heart of modern U.S. politics: who holds power over the narrative?
Trump's silence may have saved him short-term, but in the long run, secrecy is rarely sustainable.
The Epstein controversy erupts into a full-blown partisan crisis
A new Wall Street Journal exposé revealed that on July 24, 2025, Justice Department officials informed President Trump in May that his name appeared multiple times among sealed investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein. Though officials assert the mentions were unverified hearsay, the disclosure has fractured GOP messaging and ignited sustained backlash from Democrats and Trump’s own base (Reuters).
📌 What Just Happened
🧾 Trump Briefed on Epstein Mentions
Attorney General Pam Bondi personally told Trump that his name—and those of other high-profile figures—were included in DOJ files related to Epstein. Neither prosecutors nor investigators found evidence warranting further inquiry (Reuters).
⚖️ Legal Roadblocks & Congressional Action
A Florida federal court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to unseal grand jury transcripts, emphasizing strict legal protections. Meanwhile, House Democrats forced a vote and won bipartisan support (8‑2) for a subpoena compelling the Justice Department to release Epstein-related files, spurning GOP leadership’s attempts to bury the issue (Reuters).
🏛️ Political Quake: Divide at Every Level
• Democrats Demand Full Transparency
Senators like Ron Wyden cite nearly $1.5 billion in suspicious Epstein-related transactions involving foreign banks. Rep. Marc Veasey introduced resolutions to force the release of files, gaining momentum from both parties. Even top Republicans—like former VP Mike Pence and GOP luminaries Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Johnson—called fothe r release of the documents, arguing public scrutiny is overdue. Subpoenas are also in motion for Ghislaine Maxwell, intensifying the oversight push (The Times, Vanity Fair, People.com, The Daily Beast, The Guardian).
• GOP in Crisis: MAGA Defections and Internal Scrutiny
Trump loyalists—including QAnon supporters like Jake Chansley—have turned on the former president, denouncing him for breaking transparency promises. Conservative commentators like Laura Loomer accuse his team of bait-and-switch tactics. Even polling shows alarm: only 17% of Americans—and a mere 35% of Republicans—approve of how Trump is handling the Epstein files ranting. Over 60% of Americans believe something is being hidden (Politico).
Trump wagered political capital on revealing Epstein secrets—but learned his own name was inside. Now he’s scrambling to spin it as "democrat hoax" while his base fractures, Congress subpoenas, and his political allies break ranks.
This issue has transcended Epstein. It’s about the limits of power, the hypocrisy of promises made, and whether today's leaders still believe in accountability—or simply control of the narrative.
💥 The bigger question: Does hiding the files only deepen suspicion? Or is this fight now about something else entirely—public trust, political betrayal, and accountability for elites?
Judge Blocks Trump Bid to Release Epstein Transcripts as Scandal Deepens—His Name Was Flagged in the Files
David Morgan•
Judge Blocks Trump Bid to Release Epstein Transcripts as Scandal Deepens—His Name Was Flagged in the Files
Trump’s legal promise meets internal chaos in the Epstein fallout.
A federal judge in Florida declined the Trump administration’s request on July 24, 2025, to unseal grand jury transcripts tied to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, citing strict legal protections that prohibit disclosure in this matter (Wall Street Journal, Financial Times). That same week, it emerged that Trump learned in May that his name appeared multiple times in Epstein-related internal DOJ files, though officials insist that mentions were “unverified hearsay” and do not imply criminal involvement (Wall Street Journal).
🧾 What Happened
Judge Denies Grand Jury Release
Federal Judge Robin Rosenberg ruled the court lacks authority to unseal grand jury records absent specific legal exceptions—the Trump administration failed to make such a case (Financial Times).
Trump Was Briefed in Secret
AG Pam Bondi and Deputy Todd Blanche informed Trump in May that his name appeared in the files. Trump publicly downplayed the briefing and changed course on his earlier pledge to unseal the documents. The DOJ memo stated there was no credible evidence of a client list or blackmail operation tied to Epstein (People.com).
DOJ & White House Pushback
Bondi insists no wrongdoing was found in the files. White House spokespersons dismiss the file’s release as politically driven, with criticisms coming from both Trump allies and opponents (The Times).
🏛️ Political & Media Fallout
Congressional Heat: House Oversight Democrats are calling for both Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to testify under oath. They’ve subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell, and legal experts say she may now offer new testimony in exchange for leniency (AP News).
Public Outrage & Breakdown: MAGA supporters, frustrated by the non-release, have turned on the administration. Meanwhile, late-night hosts like Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Josh Johnson are mocking the opacity, pointing out hypocrisy behind Trump’s promise of transparency (The Guardian).
🔍 SMH Takeaway: Transparency or Smoke Screen?
Trump marketed this as a crusade for exposure—“I’ll release the Epstein files,” he promised. But once briefed privately that his name appeared multiple times, clarity hardened into secrecy. Now there's an exposed fissure in his base: transparency or evasion?
With a judge refusing to lift the seal and Maxwell potentially negotiating for testimony, the issue is no longer just about files—it’s about who holds political power, who controls the narrative, and whether the administration can withstand this internal rebellion.
South Park’s Scorched‑Earth Season Premiere Roasts Trump & Paramount
David Morgan•
South Park’s Scorched‑Earth Season Premiere Roasts Trump & Paramount
Late-break humor in a high-stakes media era
South Park launched its 27th season on July 23, 2025, after a two‑and‑a‑half year hiatus. The premiere—“Sermon on the Mount”—drops hard on Donald Trump, his $16 million settlement with Paramount/CBS, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and the impending Paramount–Skydance merger, all mere hours after Trey Parker and Matt Stone inked a $1.5 billion deal with Paramount+ (Diario AS).
🔥 Episode Highlights
1. Trump Goes Full Scorched Earth
South Park unleashes a photorealistic cartoon Trump who sues the town for $5 billion, coercing residents into producing pro-Trump PSAs (The Guardian).
In one viral scene, Trump lies in bed with Satan. Satan laughs at his micro-penis and calls him out for dodging "Epstein list" questions (Politico).
2. Paramount Gets Roasted
Jesus returns, forced into schools under threat of lawsuit. He warns the townspeople: “Do you want to end up like Colbert?” pointing to CBS and The Late Show cancellation after CBS’s Trump settlement (The Guardian).
The creators self-consciously jab at their own massive deal—$1.5 billion with Paramount+—revealing tensions between creative freedom and corporate interests (The Guardian).
3. Woke Is “Dead”
The storyline also skewers the cultural shift, dubbing the death of “wokeness” and mocking both NPR cancellation and Collateral PC principal drama (Decider).
There’s even a loaded deepfake spot showing a naked Trump wandering the desert, complete with PSA-style voiceover calling out his loyalty pledge (The Guardian).
🌐 Political & Media Fallout
White House Response: A spokesperson slammed South Park as “irrelevant” and accused the “Left” of hypocrisy—though Trump himself notably stayed silent on Truth Social (The Daily Beast).
Media Attention: Outlets like The Guardian praised the “pointed” satire, calling this premiere “scorched earth” on Trump and his media ties (The Guardian).
🔍 SMH Takeaway: When Art Fights Back
South Park isn't pulling punches. Dropping jaws with naked deepfakes and barbed commentary, it dares to confront Trump’s legal muscle and corporate complicity—all at the very moment its creators signed a billion-dollar deal with the satire’s prime target.
👉 This isn’t just comedy—it’s a cultural flashpoint. With creators Parker and Stone effectively middle-fingering their own network, the episode questions who holds the power in today’s media: the artists or the moguls?
Will Paramount support this in future episodes, or will legal and corporate forces blunt the satire? One thing is clear: South Park is still burning the house down—and they own the matchbox.
Former Model Accuses Donald Trump of Groping in a ‘Twisted Game’ Involving Jeffrey Epstein
David Morgan•
Former Model Accuses Donald Trump of Groping in a ‘Twisted Game’ Involving Jeffrey Epstein
A former model, Stacey Williams, has accused Donald Trump of groping her in what she believes was part of a "twisted game" involving Jeffrey Epstein. Williams claims that in 1993, Trump inappropriately touched her after Epstein introduced them at Trump Tower. The incident occurred months after their initial meeting in 1992, during a Christmas party, where Williams was introduced to Trump by Epstein, who had shown interest in her and dated her casually for a few months.
Williams, a former professional model, alleges that Epstein and Trump had a close friendship. She recalls an incident in the late winter or early spring of 1993 when Epstein invited her to visit Trump at Trump Tower. Once there, Williams says Trump groped her by placing his hands on her breasts, waist, and buttocks. She claims she was shocked and confused, noticing that Trump and Epstein appeared to smile at each other during the incident.
Trump’s campaign has denied the allegations. Karoline Leavitt, his press secretary, issued a statement calling the claims “unequivocally false” and attributing them to political motivations. According to the statement, the accusations were connected to Williams' involvement in Democratic circles and timed for political impact, coming shortly before the 2024 election.
Williams shared that following the incident, Trump sent her a postcard from Mar-a-Lago, writing, “Stacey – Your home away from home. Love Donald,” using his signature black Sharpie. She shared this evidence with the Guardian.
On a recent Zoom call organized by the group "Survivors for Kamala," which supports Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Williams discussed her experience. The call featured prominent figures like actor Ashley Judd and academic Anita Hill. The group also placed an ad in the New York Times, signed by 200 survivors of sexual violence, reminding the public of Trump’s previous sexual abuse liabilities.
Williams said Epstein grew angry after the incident, berating her and asking, "Why did you let him do that?" She recalls feeling deeply ashamed and confused, suspecting the incident was part of a twisted scheme between Trump and Epstein.
Williams had kept quiet about the experience for years, choosing to live a private life. She explained that witnessing the treatment of other women who came forward with allegations against Trump discouraged her from speaking out publicly. However, as Trump’s misconduct allegations resurfaced, Williams began to share her story with friends and through social media posts.
Friends corroborate her claims, with one friend recalling Williams sharing the story as far back as 2005. Another friend, Ally Gutwillinger, remembers Williams talking about the alleged groping incident when Trump launched his presidential campaign in 2015. Gutwillinger also recalled seeing the Mar-a-Lago postcard Williams had mentioned.
Williams’ story adds to the already extensive list of women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct, dating back decades. Trump has denied all allegations, including those made by former model Amy Dorris and columnist E. Jean Carroll, the latter of whom won a $5 million judgment after a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing her in 1996.
While there is no evidence linking Trump directly to Epstein's crimes, the two men were friends for years, attending the same social events throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump distanced himself from Epstein after the financier's arrest on sex-trafficking charges in 2019, claiming they had a falling out years earlier.
Despite her reluctance to come forward initially, Williams is now more confident in speaking out, encouraged by the growing support for survivors. Her allegations, along with those of other women, continue to raise questions about Trump’s past behavior and his connections to Epstein, a man now regarded as one of the most notorious sexual predators in modern history.
These accusations, tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s twisted influence, continue to resonate as Trump faces ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny regarding his past actions.
Donald Trump to Appear on Joe Rogan's Podcast Ahead of 2024 Election
David Morgan•
Donald Trump to Appear on Joe Rogan's Podcast Ahead of 2024 Election
Reports are emerging that Donald Trump, former U.S. president and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is set to appear on the hugely popular "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast. The news has stirred considerable interest as both figures command significant attention in the media and political landscape.
According to multiple sources, including NBC News, Joe Rogan is scheduled to record a podcast with Trump this Friday in Austin, Texas. The episode is expected to be released in the lead-up to the pivotal November 5, 2024, presidential election. This Trump Joe Rogan podcast 2024 interview could have a significant impact on the political discourse as the election nears.
Trump’s upcoming appearance follows reports that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, was also in discussions about appearing on the podcast. However, it remains unclear if Harris has finalized her guest spot or if negotiations are still ongoing.
The relationship between Trump and Rogan has been dynamic. Rogan has expressed both agreement and criticism regarding Trump on various issues. Though Donald Trump on Joe Rogan's show has long been speculated, Rogan was previously reluctant to host the former president.
In a 2022 conversation with Lex Fridman, Rogan stated, “By the way, I’m not a Trump supporter in any way, shape, or form... I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once. I’ve said no every time. I don’t want to help him. I’m not interested in helping him.” Despite these previous remarks, the Joe Rogan podcast Trump interview is now set to take place as the election draws closer.
While Trump has generally praised Rogan in the past, tensions arose earlier this year after Rogan voiced support for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During a podcast episode, Rogan said Kennedy was “the only one who makes sense to me (for president),” sparking a sharp response from Trump on his Truth Social platform. Trump criticized Rogan, writing, “It will be interesting to see how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC Ring??? MAGA2024.”
This Trump Rogan podcast election 2024 appearance will likely be a key moment in the final stages of the campaign. Fans and critics alike will be closely watching the release of this highly anticipated Trump Joe Rogan podcast episode. The conversation is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including Trump’s policies, the state of the 2024 election, and Rogan’s evolving stance on politics.
With Trump Rogan podcast rumors 2024 swirling, it remains to be seen how the interview will influence voters. Regardless, the episode promises to be a significant media event, offering insights into both Trump’s campaign and Rogan’s political outlook as the election looms.
Giuliani Ordered to Forfeit Manhattan Apartment to Georgia Election Workers in Court Ruling
David Morgan•
Giuliani Ordered to Forfeit Manhattan Apartment to Georgia Election Workers in Court Ruling
A federal judge has ruled that Rudy Giuliani must surrender his Manhattan apartment and other assets to two Georgia election workers, following a $148 million defamation verdict against him. The U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman's decision marks a major setback for Giuliani, who has yet to pay any of the judgment.
In addition to his Upper East Side Manhattan apartment, the ruling requires Giuliani to turn over assets, including a Mercedes-Benz, several luxury watches, cash, and a $2 million legal claim for unpaid fees from the Trump 2020 campaign and the Republican National Committee. He has been given seven days to comply.
This ruling stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers, who were falsely accused by Giuliani of election fraud during the 2020 presidential election. His unfounded claims led to severe harassment and threats against the women, causing significant personal and professional harm.
The court ruling on Giuliani’s Manhattan property and assets is a result of his continued resistance to pay any part of the defamation judgment. Giuliani's failure to cooperate with bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year, along with his refusal to provide a clear financial picture, led to a dismissal of his bankruptcy case. This allowed Freeman and Moss, two of Giuliani's largest creditors, to pursue his assets.
While the court ordered Giuliani to forfeit his Manhattan apartment, the judge delayed a decision regarding his Palm Beach condo. This property is currently the focus of a separate lawsuit, with Freeman and Moss claiming Giuliani is attempting to shield the condo from creditors by falsely claiming it as his primary residence under Florida’s homestead law.
This court decision adds another layer to Giuliani’s legal struggles as he faces increasing pressure to settle the defamation case brought by the Georgia election workers.
Trump Thrusts McDonald’s Into the Political Arena in Final Days of 2024 Campaign
David Morgan•
Trump Thrusts McDonald’s Into the Political Arena in Final Days of 2024 Campaign
In the final push of his 2024 White House campaign, Donald Trump has pulled one of America’s most iconic companies, McDonald’s, into the political spotlight. On a visit to a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Trump swapped his usual suit jacket for an apron and briefly took on the role of fry cook. The visit, where he joked about making food for customers himself, adds a new twist to his campaign as it reaches its final days.
The former president’s love for McDonald’s is well-known, but this particular stop also reignited a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has previously shared her experience working at McDonald’s during her youth, a fact Trump has repeatedly questioned. His visit to the fast-food chain seemed aimed at sowing further doubt about Harris’s claims, stating, “I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s, but I never did. I’m running against somebody who said she did, but it turned out to be a totally phony story.”
Harris has largely avoided engaging with Trump’s comments, but her work at McDonald’s has been mentioned as part of her middle-class background during her 2024 campaign. Trump’s remarks come as part of his broader strategy of questioning the personal histories of his political rivals, a tactic he has employed before, including during the infamous "birther" movement targeting former President Barack Obama.
The McDonald’s visit isn’t the first time Trump has used his fast food preferences as a political statement. Earlier in his campaign, he visited another McDonald’s in East Palestine, Ohio, where he claimed to know the menu better than anyone. His connection with fast food has been a recurring theme throughout his public life, reflecting his broader appeal to working-class voters.
As Election Day approaches, Trump continues to mix politics with his personal branding, using stops like the McDonald’s visit to reinforce his relatable image while attacking his rivals. Whether this strategy will sway undecided voters remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Trump is doubling down on familiar tactics to energize his base in these final campaign days.
Trump Amplifies Baseless Claim About Immigrants 'Eating Pets' in Ohio
David Morgan•
Trump Amplifies Baseless Claim About Immigrants 'Eating Pets' in Ohio
Former President Donald Trump repeated an unfounded rumor during Tuesday’s presidential debate, claiming that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets.
"They're eating the dogs and the cats," Trump said when asked about immigration. "They're eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame."
The statement, one of the most startling moments in the debate’s opening 30 minutes, spread a baseless social media rumor to a national audience. Critics have labeled the claim as both inaccurate and racially charged. The incident highlights the role of misinformation in modern media and politics.
ABC News anchor David Muir, co-moderating the debate, quickly countered Trump’s claim, noting that the city manager in Springfield, Ohio, had reported no credible evidence of pets being harmed by immigrants in the area.
Unsubstantiated rumors about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, had circulated online for several days. Police in Springfield issued a statement earlier in the week debunking the claims, saying, "There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."
Despite the lack of evidence, some Republicans, including Ohio Senator and vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, have used these claims to argue that immigrants are causing disorder. While Vance acknowledged the rumors in a statement on social media, he admitted, “It’s possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.”
The rumors stem from vague and unverified social media posts, including a fourth-hand story in a Facebook group focused on local crime. Some statements made at public meetings referenced violence against animals but lacked credible evidence.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue reiterated Tuesday that the city had not documented any cases of immigrants eating pets. "These rumors distract from real issues like housing, schools, and healthcare needs," Rue said at a city commission meeting.
One alleged incident of animal cruelty, falsely attributed to a Haitian immigrant in Springfield, was found to have occurred 160 miles away in Canton, Ohio. The person charged in that case had no known connection to Haiti.
Immigration was a central topic at the city commission meeting, where Nathan Clark, a Springfield resident whose son was killed last year by a Haitian immigrant in a car accident, spoke out against politicians using his son’s death to stoke anti-immigrant sentiment.
Immigration remains a polarizing issue in the 2024 presidential race. According to an NBC News poll from April, 22% of voters rank immigration and border issues as their top concern, second only to inflation at 23%.
John Kirby, a national security spokesperson for the White House, condemned the claims about Haitian immigrants as a dangerous conspiracy theory that could provoke violence against immigrants.
“There are people who will believe this, no matter how ridiculous it is, and they could act on it in ways that hurt someone,” Kirby warned during a press briefing.
Trump’s claim about pets was just one of several statements in the debate that drew from misinformation. He also referenced debunked stories about Venezuelan gangs in Colorado and foreign influence on the Biden administration, none of which are supported by credible evidence.
During one segment, Trump revisited the false claim that Hunter Biden received $3.5 million from the wife of Moscow’s former mayor, an allegation that has been repeatedly disproven. Despite these statements, Trump continued to push narratives not backed by facts, underscoring the role of conspiracy theories in shaping public discourse.
US Army Criticizes Trump Campaign Over Incident at Arlington Cemetery
David Morgan•
US Army Criticizes Trump Campaign Over Incident at Arlington Cemetery
The US Army issued a strong statement condemning former President Donald Trump’s campaign following an incident on Monday at Arlington National Cemetery. According to a statement released on Thursday, participants in a ceremony at the cemetery were informed about federal laws prohibiting political activities on the grounds, yet an employee was “abruptly pushed aside” while attempting to enforce these rules.
“Those involved in the August 26th ceremony and the subsequent visit to Section 60 were made aware of federal laws, Army regulations, and Department of Defense policies, which clearly prohibit political activities at cemetery grounds. An ANC employee who tried to enforce these rules was abruptly pushed aside,” an Army spokesperson stated on Thursday. Section 60 is a part of the cemetery where many Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are buried.
The statement emphasized the seriousness of the incident and expressed disappointment over attacks on the professionalism of the ANC employee involved. The Army stressed that Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred place dedicated to honoring the military's fallen and that staff members are committed to ensuring that public ceremonies are conducted with the utmost respect and dignity.
Although the incident was reported to the police at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the employee chose not to press charges, leading the Army to consider the matter closed.
This statement marks a rare instance of the military publicly addressing a political issue. It also adds to the list of controversies involving Trump and the military, as his campaign seeks to highlight the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration as a critical election issue.
Trump was at the cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony honoring 13 US service members killed at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan three years ago. A video posted by the Trump campaign on TikTok showed Trump walking through Arlington and visiting gravesites, with audio criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Accounts of the Monday incident vary. The Trump campaign maintains that no laws were violated, while cemetery officials assert that participants were clearly informed to avoid political activities. NPR first reported a “verbal and physical altercation” during the cemetery visit, with a source indicating that a cemetery official tried to prevent Trump’s team from taking photos and filming in areas with recent US casualties. In response, Trump campaign staff allegedly “verbally abused and pushed the official aside,” according to NPR.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung denied any physical altercation, claiming that an unnamed individual attempted to “physically block members of President Trump’s team during a solemn ceremony.” Cheung suggested there is video evidence to support this claim, though no footage has been released.
Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita echoed this sentiment, stating that “President Trump was there at the invitation of the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families to honor their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
LaCivita criticized the conduct of the cemetery official, calling it a disgrace and accusing them of disrespecting the sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. He claimed that any allegations against Trump’s team dishonor the armed forces and those who sacrificed their lives.
However, a statement from Arlington National Cemetery, obtained by CNN, reiterated that federal law prohibits political campaign activities within Army National Military Cemeteries. The cemetery emphasized that this rule had been clearly communicated to all participants, including photographers and content creators.
Trump appeared to suggest that the controversy was related to his campaign’s use of photography, sharing a statement from the families of the fallen soldiers approving the presence of Trump’s official videographer and photographer to capture these moments of remembrance.
Despite this, it was not just the graves of the Abbey Gate victims that were featured in the media from Trump’s visit. At least one photo showed the grave of an Army Special Forces soldier who died by suicide, and whose family did not give permission for the campaign to use it. The family of Master Sgt. Andrew Marckesano, a Silver Star recipient, whose grave is next to that of Marine Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover expressed that the Trump campaign did not adhere to the rules set for the visit.
Michele Marckesano, speaking on behalf of her family, stated that while they supported the Abbey Gate families seeking accountability for the Afghanistan withdrawal, the Trump campaign did not follow the rules of Section 60. She stressed the importance of respecting the gravesites of those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Veterans groups have also criticized the Trump campaign for conducting political activities at Arlington. Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, emphasized that Arlington is not an appropriate place for politics, stating that any aspiring leader, especially one seeking to become commander-in-chief, should understand this.
VoteVets, a progressive organization advocating for US troops and veterans, condemned Trump’s actions at the cemetery, describing them as “an affront to all those hundreds of thousands of families who never agreed to allow their deceased loved ones to be dragged into politics.”
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