Trump Flashcards
Trump says he is refusing additional post office funding as part of his fight against mail-in voting - CNBC; 2020
President Donald Trump stated that additional coronavirus relief funding has stalled largely because Democrats want to allocate billions of dollars for the U.S. Postal Service and mail-in voting. Trump claims that without this funding, universal mail-in voting is not feasible. He asserts mail-in voting could lead to a “rigged” election, though experts dispute this. Democrats wish to include $25 billion for the Postal Service and $3.6 billion for election funding in their $3 trillion relief proposal to ensure safe voting conditions amid the pandemic. Talks have broken down as both sides are far apart on a deal.
New Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump supporter, has implemented operational changes at the Postal Service, causing widespread delays, which critics argue could affect the election’s integrity. DeJoy, criticized for these changes, insists he is not influenced by Trump and that the Postal Service can handle increased mail volume. Congressional Democrats have called for reversing these changes and propose legislation to prevent further changes during the pandemic. Trump, while supporting DeJoy, condemns the USPS for past mismanagement and continues to push for in-person voting despite health risks.
Inside Trump’s war on the postal service - Fortune; 2020
President Trump admitted to blocking federal funding for the U.S. Postal Service to prevent widespread mail-in voting for the upcoming election. He indicated that Democrats’ push to fund the USPS was stalling the next round of COVID-19 relief. Rapid changes and controversial decisions by new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump ally, have led to significant mail delivery delays and internal restructuring within the USPS. Critics argue these changes are politically motivated and detrimental ahead of an election heavily reliant on mail-in ballots. Additionally, DeJoy’s financial ties and proposed costly changes to mail classification for ballots have sparked further controversy. The Postal Service has struggled financially for years, worsened by a 2006 law requiring pre-funding of retiree health benefits and recent pandemic impacts. Despite assurances from DeJoy, there is ongoing concern about the USPS’s readiness to handle the election.
Trump admits he is undermining USPS to make it harder to vote by mail - The Guardian; 2020
Donald Trump admitted to opposing additional funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to hinder the delivery of mail-in ballots, adding weight to accusations that he is deliberately trying to undermine the USPS to aid his re-election bid. He linked the delay in congressional stimulus negotiations partly to Democratic proposals that included $3.6 billion for state elections and $25 billion for the USPS, stating that without this funding, universal mail-in voting would be infeasible. Critics, including Joe Biden’s spokesman Andrew Bates, accused Trump of sabotaging a crucial service to suppress safe voting during the ongoing public health crisis. Meanwhile, allegations about the new postmaster general Louis DeJoy’s cost-cutting measures causing mail delays add to the controversy. USPS officials, however, have downplayed the need for additional funds and assured their capacity to handle election mail on time.
Trump Opposes Postal Service Funding But Says He’d Sign Bill Including It - NPR; 2020
President Trump attempted to clarify earlier remarks where he seemed to oppose additional funding for the U.S. Postal Service, suggesting it was to ensure election integrity rather than to hinder mail-in voting. In a briefing, Trump asserted he wouldn’t veto a relief bill due to Postal Service funding but maintained that mail-in voting could lead to fraud. Trump discussed how Democrats’ request for $3.5 billion for election funding and $25 billion for the Postal Service was a sticking point in relief negotiations. He said without this funding, universal mail-in voting wouldn’t be possible, emphasizing the need for in-person voting for a secure election.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign criticized Trump’s stance, suggesting it undermines democracy and essential services. Trump’s continued attacks on mail-in voting come amid expectations that 70% of votes might be cast by mail due to the pandemic, raising concerns about the Postal Service’s capacity. Election watchdogs condemned Trump’s actions as an abuse of power, potentially affecting voters of all political affiliations.
Timeline: The Trump Administration and the U.S. Postal Service - Just Security; 2020
January 2017: Trump inherits an empty USPS Board of Governors.
Apr. 12, 2018: Trump creates the Task Force on the United States Postal System to recommend reforms.
April-May 2018: Trump pressures Postmaster General Megan Brennan to increase USPS rates for Amazon.
Dec. 4, 2018: Task Force releases a report recommending changes including a revamped governance structure and new revenue streams but rejects postal banking.
Feb. 5, 2020: The House passes the USPS Fairness Act to repeal the requirement for prefunding future retirement health benefits.
March 2020: Postal workers report inadequate PPE and safety measures amid the pandemic.
Apr. 8, 2020: Trump tweets that mail-in voting could lead to voter fraud.
Apr. 9, 2020: Brennan testifies that USPS could lose $13 billion in FY2020 and requests $75 billion in aid.
Apr. 10, 2020: Brennan announces significant financial losses due to decreased mail volumes.
Apr. 11, 2020: Reports reveal Trump administration blocked USPS aid in the CARES Act.
Apr. 24, 2020: Trump threatens to block USPS access to the CARES Act loan unless the Postal Service raises package prices.
May 4, 2020: USPS Board of Governors member David C. Williams resigns.
May 6, 2020: Louis DeJoy is selected as Postmaster General, effective June 15, 2020.
May 24-28, 2020: Trump tweets baseless claims about absentee voting fraud.
June 1, 2020: Attorney General Barr questions the security of absentee ballots against foreign interference.
June 14, 2020: Senate Minority Leader Schumer expresses concerns about DeJoy’s appointment.
June 25, 2020: Barr reiterates claims of absentee ballot vulnerability to foreign interference.
July 2, 2020: USPS Board of Governors declines to disclose documents related to DeJoy’s appointment.
July 10, 2020: USPS announces major changes to mail delivery procedures, including overtime restrictions.
July 22, 2020: USPS claims recent memos are not official policy.
July 25, 2020: USPS begins Expedited to Street/Afternoon Sortation pilot initiative.
July 29, 2020: USPS agrees to terms for a $10 billion loan from the Treasury Department, with conditions on financial and operational oversight.
July 29–31, 2020: The Postal Service warns 46 states and the District of Columbia that their mail-in ballot deadlines may not align with USPS delivery standards. The letters from USPS General Counsel Marshall suggest states at risk of disenfranchising voters if ballots are requested too close to Election Day or not mailed back in time. Some state officials criticize the letters as unhelpful.
Aug. 7, 2020: Democratic lawmakers, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, request an investigation into DeJoy’s service changes and potential financial conflicts of interest. DeJoy announces a major restructuring at USPS, which some view as a consolidation of power under him.
Aug. 11, 2020: USPS states it is in a “financially unsustainable position” and defends new efficiency measures. House Oversight Chair Maloney introduces the Delivering for America Act to prevent changes that would impede service and to allocate $25 billion in emergency funding. Schumer criticizes DeJoy’s suggestion that election mail be sent First Class to avoid delays.
Aug. 12, 2020: Financial disclosures reveal DeJoy’s $30 million stock in XPO Logistics, raising conflict of interest concerns. Trump encourages North Carolina voters to vote absentee, continuing a trend of supporting in-person voting for his base. Reports indicate USPS is deactivating sorting machines.
Aug. 13, 2020: Trump connects opposition to USPS funding with the expansion of vote-by-mail, citing political advantage. A group of 31 Democratic Senators express concerns about delays in veterans’ prescriptions due to USPS changes. Reports confirm USPS deactivating sorting machines.
Aug. 14, 2020: Lawmakers, led by Pelosi, request more information on USPS policy changes. USPS suspends the removal of collection boxes. Reports confirm plans to decommission 671 sorting machines. The USPS Inspector General reviews DeJoy’s policy changes and ethics compliance.
Aug. 16, 2020: Trump aides debate voting-by-mail issues on news shows. Meadows downplays concerns about sorting machine removals and expresses openness to a standalone Postal Service relief bill, though prefers combining it with other stimulus measures.
Aug. 16, 2020: Speaker Pelosi calls the House back to D.C. to vote on the Delivering for America Act, stressing the importance of the Postal Service during the pandemic.
Aug. 17, 2020: Senate Majority Leader McConnell addresses USPS issues, indicating support for up to $10 billion in aid. White House Chief of Staff Meadows downplays funding needs for USPS. The National Postal Mail Handlers Union criticizes DeJoy’s removal of equipment and schedule changes. DeJoy and USPS Board Chairman Duncan agree to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Aug. 24.
Aug. 18, 2020: Trump casts an absentee ballot in Florida. Republicans circulate a revised relief bill without new USPS funding but include forgiveness of a $10 billion loan. Over 20 states announce plans to sue over USPS changes. DeJoy suspends changes to USPS procedures until after the election.
Aug. 19, 2020: Pelosi criticizes DeJoy’s pause in changes as insufficient. Schumer requests release of a search firm’s NDA. White House Press Secretary McEnany shows openness to $25 billion in aid if other relief is included. USPS prohibits employees from serving as witnesses for absentee ballots. Discussions with JPMorgan Chase for ATM rentals in post offices surface. Reports reveal ongoing dismantling of postal machines despite DeJoy’s order.
Aug. 20, 2020: Ex-USPS Board member David C. Williams testifies that Treasury Secretary Mnuchin sought extensive control over USPS operations and that DeJoy’s appointment was politically motivated. Internal memos suggest USPS instructed against reinstalling mail sorting machines.
Aug. 21, 2020: Treasury Department contests Williams’ testimony. DeJoy testifies before the Senate, refusing to reinstall sorting machines and asking for more control over USPS operations.
Aug. 22, 2020: The New York Times reports Mnuchin played a key role in DeJoy’s appointment. Postal workers in Washington State defy orders and reinstall mail sorting machines. House passes the Delivering for America Act, providing $25 billion in aid to USPS and banning service changes until 2021.
Separating Fact From Fiction On Trump And The Post Office - And Why It Matters - Forbes: 2020
Recent discussions highlight President Trump’s opposition to providing additional funds to the USPS, suggesting it aligns with his efforts to limit mail-in voting ahead of the November election. Trump mentioned in a Fox Business interview that not funding the USPS means they can’t handle the expected surge of mail-in ballots, potentially resulting in voting chaos. Despite differing interpretations, his stance seems more like a negotiation tactic than an admission of intent to cause chaos.
On the practical side, the USPS warned 46 states that delayed mail-in ballots could disqualify votes, potentially disenfranchising many voters. Critics suggest this warning increases fears about the USPS’s ability to manage the election demands, although the USPS letters simply outlined practical delivery times and state deadlines.
The USPS’s chronic financial issues, attributed partly to its unique requirement to pre-fund retiree benefits, differ from private competitors. Long-term declines in first-class mail and underpriced postage compared to other countries exacerbate the issue. Advocates note USPS as a subsidized service, unlike profit-driven entities like FedEx, reflecting a shift in public perception.
The broader conversation touches on whether the USPS should be seen as a subsidized government service, similar to a social insurance program, with public funding addressing its financial sustainability. Topics such as appropriate mail delivery costs and who should bear these costs remain contentious, linked to broader structural discussions similar to those around Social Security.
Trump’s “Poisoning Blood Comment”
At a New Hampshire rally on 12/16/23, Donald Trump declared that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country,” a phrase widely condemned for its echoes of white supremacist language. “They’re poisoning the blood of our country. That’s what they’ve done,” Trump told the crowd. “They poison mental institutions and prisons all over the world, not just in South America … but all over the world. “They’re coming into our country, from Africa, from Asia, all over the world.”
It is the second time Trump has used the poisoned blood phrase (October 2023), which has been widely condemned for echoing white supremacist rhetoric. This follows his previous remarks where he referred to certain Americans as “vermin” and vowed to “root out” various groups he dislikes. (On November 11, 2023 - Trump said, “We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country,” he told a New Hampshire crowd). Trump has promised to expand hardline immigration policies if re-elected, including reinstating travel bans and detaining undocumented immigrants.
Trump Fake Elector Plot
The Trump fake electors plot was a key part of efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election. After losing the election, Donald Trump, his associates, and Republican officials in seven states created and submitted fraudulent certificates of ascertainment to falsely claim Trump had won those states. The scheme, supported by a fringe legal theory from attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and John Eastman, aimed to have Vice President Mike Pence count these fake electors instead of the legitimate ones, thereby overturning Joe Biden’s victory. Trump, fully aware the plan violated the Electoral Count Act, pressured Republican legislators and the Justice Department to act on baseless claims of election fraud. Rudy Giuliani played a central role in coordinating the scheme across multiple states. Investigations by the January 6 committee and the Justice Department revealed Trump’s involvement, with indictments issued against dozens of Republican officials and Trump associates by mid-2024.
Trump fined $355 million and barred from his NY business temporarily.
In a significant legal setback for Donald Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron issued a 92-page order late Friday, demanding Trump to pay $355 million (likely rising to over $450 million with interest). New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the penalties as measures to prevent further fraud. Trump plans to appeal, asserting higher courts will reverse Engoron’s ruling. The Trump Organization now faces legal, financial, and personnel challenges, while Trump’s costly presidential campaign coincides with ongoing legal battles. The appeal process could extend for years, impacting Trump’s business liquidity and potentially necessitating asset sales. The payment order stems from a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General, alleging that Donald Trump and his children used the Trump Foundation for self-dealing and coordinated unlawful political activities. Self-dealing refers to using charitable funds for personal benefit, and coordinated unlawful political activities involve using the foundation’s resources for political purposes, which is prohibited for tax-exempt organizations. The lawsuit claimed that the Trump Foundation engaged in a pattern of persistent illegal conduct, including transactions that benefited Trump personally and politically. The court found that Trump had violated his fiduciary duties as the head of the foundation, leading to the financial penalties and restrictions imposed by the judge. The judge also imposed restrictions on Trump and his sons’ ability to lead their businesses or seek financing temporarily.
Trump’s trials throw a wrench in his campaign schedule as Biden gets busy
The Biden campaign aims to turn the tables on Donald Trump’s previous criticism of Joe Biden’s sparse campaign schedule, now highlighting Trump’s legal obligations and limited campaign events, as Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris ramp up their campaigning efforts across key battleground states, contrasting Trump’s two rallies post-Super Tuesday with his previous 2016 campaign activity, while Trump’s campaign emphasizes cost-saving measures and maintains a sizable war chest to compete with Democratic fundraising efforts. While the Trump campaign hasn’t explicitly stated that they are cutting costs due to his legal troubles, there is speculation that their financial strategy may be influenced by his legal challenges. Trump’s extensive legal obligations, including upcoming trials and court appearances, could potentially impact his campaign’s budget allocation and resource management decisions, leading to a more cautious approach in spending. Donald Trump faces several upcoming trials and court appearances:
Trial over a hush payment to Stormy Daniels: Jury selection for this trial is scheduled to begin on April 15.
Trial concerning classified documents: This trial is scheduled for May 20.
Trial related to 2020 election interference in Georgia: The start date proposed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is August 5.
Federal election interference case in Washington, D.C.: No specific date has been scheduled for this trial.
These trials represent significant legal challenges for Trump and could impact his availability and focus during the campaign period.
Special counsel slams idea that Trump could claim classified docs as personal records
Special counsel Jack Smith responded to Judge Aileen Cannon overseeing former President Donald Trump’s classified documents case, urging her to reject Trump’s claim of personal ownership over the materials. Smith argued that accepting such a claim would be “pure fiction” and “meritless,” citing evidence gathered, including interviews with Trump’s own Presidential Records Act representatives and high-ranking White House officials who never heard Trump designate records as personal. Smith’s office warned that entertaining this interpretation of the Presidential Records Act could lead to appellate review and cited previous rulings by the 11th Circuit overturning Cannon’s decisions. Trump, who pleaded not guilty to charges related to handling classified materials, faces accusations of refusing to return documents containing classified information and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. The special counsel’s filing revealed communications between Trump’s team and Judicial Watch’s president, Tom Fitton, suggesting Trump acknowledged the records as presidential rather than personal. Additionally, Trump’s team proposed jury instructions guaranteeing his acquittal, asserting his authority to classify and declassify information as president. Trump’s trial is scheduled for May 20, but a delay is expected following recent arguments from both sides.
Current signs don’t point to partisanship as Trump shooter’s motive, despite Republican claims - USA Today - 2024
Investigators found Crooks’ web browsing history included searches about President Biden, the Democratic National Convention, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and FBI Director Christopher Wray, but this conflicts with claims of a political motive.
Evidence of Crooks’ political views are a mysterious jumble. In January 2021, just one day after Biden’s presidential inauguration, Crooks donated $15 to ActBlue, a Democrat-supporting political action committee. However, after he turned 18 later that year, he registered as a Republican.
One former high school classmate told the Philadelphia Inquirer that Crooks, who shot guns in a sportsmen’s club, “definitely was conservative.”
Describing a classroom debate, the student said, “the majority of the class were on the liberal side, but Tom, no matter what, always stood his ground on the conservative side.”
Another former classmate told CNN that Crooks’ friend group was conservative, and some of them wore Trump hats. But she and others described him personally as quiet and shy, and none said they knew his political views.
That recollection was echoed by a friend from Crooks’ math book club. He recalled to The Wall Street Journal that Crooks would get animated when the group discussed logic concepts but had little to say when conversation turned to politics.
Donald Trump Built a National Debt So Big (Even Before the Pandemic) That It’ll Weigh Down the Economy for Years - ProPublica - 2021
Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. national debt surged by almost $7.8 trillion, reaching historic levels relative to the economy—near the World War II peak. Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and lack of significant spending cuts fueled this increase, even before the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated additional emergency spending. Economists argue that while pandemic stimulus was essential, federal finances had already become strained, making the debt situation critical. Despite Trump’s promises to reduce the debt, his administration saw primary deficit growth (deficit minus interest costs) rank as the third-largest in U.S. history, behind only George W. Bush and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom faced costly wars.
Key contributors to the debt increase included a reduction in corporate tax rates, which reduced federal revenue by $1.9 trillion over 11 years, and tariffs intended to offset debt but which provided limited fiscal relief. By 2020, the national debt hit 130% of GDP, with interest costs becoming one of the fastest-growing budget categories. Although low-interest rates temporarily mitigated these costs, reliance on short-term borrowing has increased future interest payment risks. Experts project that, without intervention, debt interest will drive annual deficit growth, further straining national finances and limiting budget allocations for future-focused investments like education and infrastructure.
The national debt contributes to inflation in a few key ways, though the relationship isn’t direct or automatic. Here’s how it can happen:
1. Government Spending & Demand: When the government increases debt to finance spending, it injects money into the economy, often leading to higher demand for goods and services. If the economy is already at or near full capacity (i.e., near its potential output), this extra demand can outpace supply, pushing prices up—thus leading to inflation. 2. Interest Rates & Borrowing Costs: As debt grows, the government may need to offer higher interest rates on bonds to attract buyers. Higher rates make borrowing more expensive, not just for the government but also for businesses and individuals, which can lead to a “crowding-out effect” where less private investment occurs. This can slow growth but also raise inflation expectations. 3. Federal Reserve & Money Supply: The Federal Reserve may buy government debt (Treasury securities) to keep interest rates low, effectively creating money. This increase in the money supply, if not matched by an increase in economic output, can lead to inflation. During crises like COVID-19, the Fed bought large amounts of Treasury securities to support economic stability, but doing so can contribute to inflation when it boosts overall liquidity. 4. Future Inflation Expectations: High debt can lead to expectations of inflation if people and businesses believe that the government might “inflate away” its debt—that is, allow inflation to rise to reduce the real value of debt over time. When these expectations rise, workers may demand higher wages, and businesses may increase prices, leading to a self-fulfilling cycle of inflation.
In short, rising national debt doesn’t always result in inflation, but under certain economic conditions—like high demand, limited supply, or significant monetary easing—it can contribute to it.
Trump’s economic plans would worsen inflation, experts say - AP News - October, 2024
Donald Trump claims he’ll end inflation if re-elected, but economists argue his policies would increase it instead. His proposed tariffs, deportations, and Federal Reserve interference would likely drive up consumer prices. Sixteen Nobel-winning economists and the Peterson Institute for International Economics predict these policies could push inflation to 6-9.3% by 2026, compared to an expected 1.9% without them.
Trump’s plans include a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and 10-20% on other imports, which economists say would raise costs for U.S. consumers. A 60% tariff alone could cost American households about $2,600 annually. Food tariffs, as Trump suggested, would especially increase grocery prices, with 60% of U.S. fresh fruit and 38% of vegetables being imported.
His mass deportation proposal targets millions of undocumented workers, but economists like those at the Brookings Institution find that recent immigration has helped the U.S. meet labor demand and avoid recession, thus keeping inflation low. Deporting workers would reverse this trend, possibly raising inflation by 3.5% by 2026.
Trump also wants influence over Fed rate decisions, a move that would likely weaken its inflation-fighting capacity. Historically, when presidents pressured the Fed, it led to higher inflation, as seen in the 1970s. The Peterson Institute warns that compromising Fed independence could increase inflation by 2% annually.
Trump officials back away from 2020 Taliban peace deal after withdrawal chaos - Axios
Several former senior Trump officials are distancing themselves from the 2020 peace agreement with the Taliban, which has come under renewed scrutiny following the recent chaotic fall of Kabul. The deal, signed under the Trump administration, set the stage for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, contingent on the Taliban’s commitment to peace negotiations and preventing terrorist groups from gaining ground. While President Biden extended the withdrawal deadline to August 31, he argued that honoring the agreement was necessary to avoid further conflict. Former officials like Nikki Haley, Christopher Miller, and Mark Esper have criticized the deal’s terms, with some claiming it lacked sufficient conditions and emboldened the Taliban. Meanwhile, Biden defended his decision, acknowledging that any withdrawal would have been fraught with challenges. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who met with Taliban officials, insisted the agreement was conditions-based and claimed the Trump administration would have responded if the Taliban failed to comply.
