Thoughts on the Trump presidency

[Krokodil]

As yet we don’t know what is said about Trump in the papers

What we do already know is enough. It makes you wonder how much worse the stuff they're hiding must be.

 

[CMS1]

Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world. Those criticising this attack need to have a rethink (putting it mildly)

 

[thenorthern]

What we do already know is enough. It makes you wonder how much worse the stuff they're hiding must be.

Problem is given it's a two party system is is largely coming out of it better than the Democrats are. While the Epstein files are damaging to Trump and the GOP there is no question at the same time the Democrats seem to be having a slightly harder time.

First of all the Democrats most notably Kamala Harris and Chuck Schumer were pushing the files to be released. Many reporters questioned why the Democrats didn't release them. Kamala Harris let's not forget was Vice President but made no effort to release the files. Chuck Schumer pointed out that in 2019 and 2020 he called for the files to be released but he was strangely silent during the Biden administration. Also given the GOP control the house they also control the narrative of how the committees work meaning that they largely controlled the Clinton interviews last week.

As I say the Epstein files are very bad for Trump and the GOP but so far I would say that for the Democrats it's slightly worse. They only have themselves to blame for that though.

 

[Cowley]

Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world. Those criticising this attack need to have a rethink (putting it mildly)

I don’t think anyone on here has come out in support of the current Iranian regime. However, it’s hard to see what the plan is here and any previous attempts at regime change in that part of the world have very much not gone well.

 

[edwin_m]

As I say the Epstein files are very bad for Trump and the GOP but so far I would say that for the Democrats it's slightly worse. They only have themselves to blame for that though.

I don't see it that way. There have been some revelations against people on both sides but despite the Republicans having the scope to highlight those that harm their opponents, and quite possibly suppress those that would harm themselves, any dirt on Democrats doesn't seem to be cutting through. Instead, the main story seems to be the Republicans' ducking and dodging to protect themselves. Thus the conspiracy theorists that form a large part of the Trump base assume he must have something to hide.

 

[dgl]

The problem with Iran is that they won't care about bombing other countries, or planning terrorist attacks in retaliation, a regime change is needed but one has to tread carefully lest they make things a whole lot worse.

 

[martin butler]

All of this happening in the era of AI taking off will no doubt muddy the waters too.

You have to say that Trump was incredibly lucky winning his second term. I have no doubt that he would be in a serious amount of trouble at the moment if he wasn’t in power and able to block things, pardon people, alter laws etc.

We may end up only finding out what unpleasant deeds he got up to after he’s passed away. If ever really.

I think he was Epstein's business partner, Mar a largo seemed to be at the forefront of what went on as regards underage girls and trafficking them, he was far more involved than he claims, and that's what he is afraid of coming out,

Once he is no more, that's when the victims will speak out, and that's when the whole sordid truth will be exposed not just about Trump, but those who protected him.

 

[EYFanatic]

Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world

I thought the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world are those fools that elected Trump

Those or US weapons makers

Im looking at stuff online and it's a bloodbath in parts of Iran - US seems to be hitting military targets mostly but Israel is doing a Gaza and bombing anything it likes

 

[Krokodil]

As I say the Epstein files are very bad for Trump and the GOP but so far I would say that for the Democrats it's slightly worse. They only have themselves to blame for that though

Cobblers. There were sound legal reasons why the files couldn't have been released earlier.

 

[thenorthern]

I don't see it that way. There have been some revelations against people on both sides but despite the Republicans having the scope to highlight those that harm their opponents, and quite possibly suppress those that would harm themselves, any dirt on Democrats doesn't seem to be cutting through. Instead, the main story seems to be the Republicans' ducking and dodging to protect themselves. Thus the conspiracy theorists that form a large part of the Trump base assume he must have something to hide.

Some very fair points there. I would still say personally that the GOP is coming out slightly better. Although the whole Epstein Files and wider Epstein scandal thing is something that neither side is coming out well from.

In the United Kingdom it's clear that the Labour Party is coming out the worst from the whole scandal although I do think the Conservatives and in particular, Kemi Badenoch could and should be doing better. Although that is a story for another day.

Cobblers. There were sound legal reasons why the files couldn't have been released earlier.

What reasons were they?

 

[brad465]

Netanyahu now suggesting Supreme Leader is "gone":

Trump says ‘there will likely be more’ US deaths as Iran strikes to continue until ‘all’ goals achieved

Three American service members have been killed and casualties are reported in the UAE, Israel and Kuwait as Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes.

www.bbc.co.uk

Growing signs that Iran's supreme leader is 'gone' - Netanyahu

Netanyahu discusses the attack on the Tehran compound of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which we reported on earlier.

There are growing signs "this dictator" is "gone", Netanyahu says.

The Israeli prime minister ends his remarks by calling on the citizens of Israel to listen to safety advice from the country's Home Front Command after suggesting the operation against Iran will continue "as long as necessary".

 

[EYFanatic]

This must be the first time that a rogue nuclear nation has attacked another rogue nuclear nation

 

[Peterthegreat]

This must be the first time that a rogue nuclear nation has attacked another rogue nuclear nation

Not quite. They were at it a couple of months ago.

 

[thenorthern]

Netanyahu now suggesting Supreme Leader is "gone":

Trump says ‘there will likely be more’ US deaths as Iran strikes to continue until ‘all’ goals achieved

Three American service members have been killed and casualties are reported in the UAE, Israel and Kuwait as Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes.

www.bbc.co.uk

If that is true now we have the hard part. History tells us that removing that "bad guy" in Islamic countries creates a terrorist safe haven, a civil war and a lot of insurgency. As we have seen in Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan.

This must be the first time that a rogue nuclear nation has attacked another rogue nuclear nation

Not quite. They were at it a couple of months ago.

We will now finally find out if Iran actually has usable nuclear weapons. It's a possiblity but realistically if they did I think they would have probably used them by now as a final stand.

 

[Krokodil]

What reasons were they?

Because there was an ongoing investigation.

 

[nw1]

Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world. Those criticising this attack need to have a rethink (putting it mildly)

This action will make the West more vulnerable to terrorism, not less.

You say "Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism" - may well be the case, but they're only going to sponsor it more as a result of this.

This is an act to distract us from what is going on with Trump back home, no more, no less.

 

[AlterEgo]

Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world. Those criticising this attack need to have a rethink (putting it mildly)

According to the US, who have a vested interest in saying that. The US is sponsoring genocide in Palestine.

 

[ainsworth74]

I don’t think anyone on here has come out in support of the current Iranian regime. However, it’s hard to see what the plan is here and any previous attempts at regime change in that part of the world have very much not gone well.

Quite. I'll shed no tears for the murderous Iranian regime. But as far as I can tell the plan appears to boil down to:

Step 1: Bomb the Iranian Regime.
Step 2: Kill the Iranian leadership and enable them to be toppled from power.
Step 3: ????
Step 4: Iran becomes a prosperous, safe, vibrant country with equal rights for all.

Which isn't much of a plan.

Maybe it all works out grand and in six months we'll look back and say how silly we were to worry. But equally in six months time Iran might be in the grips of a brutal civil war with tens of thousands dead and millions fleeing for safety across the Middle East and further.

 

[Gloster]

Quite. I'll shed no tears for the murderous Iranian regime. But as far as I can tell the plan appears to boil down to:

Step 1: Bomb the Iranian Regime.
Step 2: Kill the Iranian leadership and enable them to be toppled from power.
Step 3: ????
Step 4: Iran becomes a prosperous, safe, vibrant country with equal rights for all.

Which isn't much of a plan.

Maybe it all works out grand and in six months we'll look back and say how silly we were to worry. But equally in six months time Iran might be in the grips of a brutal civil war with tens of thousands dead and millions fleeing for safety across the Middle East and further.

I think you are being a bit optimistic about ‘equal rights for all’: there are plenty in the US hierarchy who do not believe in equal rights for women, gays, minorities, etc. What they really want is equal rights for Coca-Cola and General Dynamics.

 

[brad465]

Dubai and other tax haven countries/cities in the Middle East have been a magnet for emigration from European countries, particularly the UK. However stories like this could do a lot of reputational damage to the prospects of this, especially if this conflict drags on:

Iran launches retaliatory strikes at targets across Middle East

Smoke and flames rose from Dubai's Fairmont The Palm hotel as civilian targets came under fire along with the US military bases across the Middle East.

www.bbc.co.uk

A luxury hotel in Dubai was hit as Iran launched strikes across the region in retaliation for a "massive" and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel.
Video verified by the BBC shows a fire raging at Fairmont The Palm Hotel. Thick black smoke rises into the sky.
Dubai authorities also said four people were injured in a blaze at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area, and that the fire was brought under control. The statement did not go into further detail on the incident.
Elsewhere in the region, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait - all home to US military bases - said they had intercepted missiles fired towards them.
Huge plumes of black smoke were seen rising from an area near the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. The extent of any damage is unclear and the US has not commented.
In Doha, Qatar's defence ministry said it had intercepted several missiles apparently targeting the al-Udeid air base, the largest US base in the region.

 

[thenorthern]

Because there was an ongoing investigation.

Which investigation was this and when did it end?

Also Kamala Harris when calling on Trump to release the files, was asked why Biden didn't release the files she said that the Biden admin didn't want to interfere with the justice system politically. But what does she know she was only Biden's vice president, a member in good standing of the California State Bar and a former attorney general of California.

Chuck Schumer on the other hand when he was pushing for Trump to release the files was asked why Biden didn't release the files. His response was that he has been pushing for the release of files since 2019 which is true although he was silent between 2021 and 2024. Let's not forget that Chuck Schumer is a member in good standing of the New York State Bar. Also he was Senate majority leader during the Biden administation so could have easily introduced a bill to release the files.

If the claim that there was an ongoing investigation is true then why aren't Chuck Schumer and Kamala Harris saying this. Also it the claims that there was an ongoing investigation are true then why was Chuck Schumer by his own admission calling for the files to be released?

The claims of it being an ongoing investigation would make a lot more sense than the explanation given by Harris and Schumer and if they are true then why aren't they saying it themselves?

As I say Trump and the GOP aren't coming out of this badly but at the same time the Democrats are not coming out of it well either.

 

[Peterthegreat]

Netanyahu now suggesting Supreme Leader is "gone":

Trump says ‘there will likely be more’ US deaths as Iran strikes to continue until ‘all’ goals achieved

Three American service members have been killed and casualties are reported in the UAE, Israel and Kuwait as Israel and Iran continue to trade strikes.

www.bbc.co.uk

Trump has stated the Supreme Leader is dead.
Khamenei is dead, Trump says
published at 21:40
21:40
Breaking
"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," US President Donald Trump writes on Truth Social.

 

[brad465]

Trump has stated the Supreme Leader is dead.

And now follows mass celebrations in Iran followed by several months (if not years) of complete chaos.

 

[nw1]

"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," US President Donald Trump writes on Truth Social.

While Trump, the most evil US President in history, will attempt to use this to detract from ICE, Epstein, etc.

Hopefully the US public are not stupid enough to be taken in. In particular, AFAIK one of the key beliefs of the MAGA lot is not to get involved in foreign wars.

 

[thenorthern]

And now follows mass celebrations in Iran followed by several months (if not years) of complete chaos.

There is also the issue that the Supreme Leader has a significant religious role within Shia Islam which will be a significant problem in the near future.

He is like the pope while the pope is the Sovereign of the Vatican City he is also obviously the spiritual leader to over a billion Roman Catholics worldwide. While the Supreme Leader was not a spritual leader to anywhere near as many people as the pope he was still the spiritual leader to a significant number of people which will need to be addressed with sensitivity and very quickly.

 

[Russel]

Dubai and other tax haven countries/cities in the Middle East have been a magnet for emigration from European countries, particularly the UK. However stories like this could do a lot of reputational damage to the prospects of this, especially if this conflict drags on:

Iran launches retaliatory strikes at targets across Middle East

Smoke and flames rose from Dubai's Fairmont The Palm hotel as civilian targets came under fire along with the US military bases across the Middle East.

www.bbc.co.uk

The Middle East has been a volatile place for a long time, I think anyone emigrating there should accept the risks attached, it's not like this is the first conflict the region has seen and certainly no where near the last.

 

[Purple Train]

And now follows mass celebrations in Iran followed by several months (if not years) of complete chaos.

Quite. We cannot even begin to consider how much blood will be on the hands of Trump and Netanyahu in this matter, given the undoubted chaos that will result from this greedy and ill-planned attempt at regime change.

To be clear, I likewise shed absolutely no tears for the end of the Iranian regime. Anyone who has hitherto supported it, as I understand some groups have, from some kind of anti-Israeli "enemy of my enemy is my friend" standpoint is most definitely not somebody I agree with: I would have been overjoyed at the sight of Khamenei and his associates being brought to account for these atrocities.

I do, however, unequivocally condemn the murder of Khamenei in this manner, if these reports are correct. Yes, his regime was appalling and he was, in my judgement, an evil man. But this is not justice.

I freely admit I have no idea what the solution is when a belligerent and heavily-armed country is committing grievous human rights abuses. (Obviously there are other countries and regimes which are more egregious on that score, and I have no wish to get into that.) But this warmongering vigilantism is not peace, as countless annals of history have taught us.

"Peace prize" my foot. More like two old, sick, twisted men desperately trying to smother their own domestic popularities in as much blood as will distract from them. So-called heroic dictators gorging on money and power, but don't look too closely; ignore the goblets full of the little people's blood and anguish; ignore the ulterior motives, because really what Trump and Netanyahu are after is the deepest peace and security, reflective of the deep love they bear to all humans everywhere... give me a break.

But it works. War is the most powerful propaganda tool. And yet again, however much we swear honour and remembrance, however much we swear "never again", I am sure that opinion polls from Texas to Tel Aviv will fulfil their half of a bargain which grows more and more terrible with each passing day.

Evil has never overcome evil, and such wars never end up in a lasting peace, as we have had far too much terrible proof of in the past two years. This cynical escalation only proves one of two things: either that Trump doesn't know what he's doing, in which case he needs to be swiftly wheeled out of the White House to spend the rest of his days playing Risk on the dining table in Mar-a-Lago; or he does know what he's doing, in which case he is a warmongering lunatic with as much understanding of diplomacy as a medium-sized canteloupe, in which case he needs to be swiftly wheeled out of the White House before he demands a Peace Prize for pushing us ever closer to the brink of World War Three.

And if he and Netanyahu fall out, as people of such a persuasion are wont to do...

(Apologies if I have worded any of this too strongly: it is not, and never has been, my intent to offend by my choice of wording and I am more than happy to amend or remedy this if necessary.)

 

[Cloud Strife]

Hopefully the US public are not stupid enough to be taken in. In particular, AFAIK one of the key beliefs of the MAGA lot is not to get involved in foreign wars.

I think the problem is that Trump is simply a god to them, so they'll simply justify it by repeating what he says. It's one of the most interesting things about Trump, in that he appears to genuinely be at the head of a cult. You can already see this on Twitter, where people who were previously parroting stuff about being against war are now suddenly praising Trump for using various new weapons. They're already claiming that Iran was going to attack American interests and that's why this has happened, etc etc.

 

[Russel]

I do, however, unequivocally condemn the murder of Khamenei in this manner, if these reports are correct. Yes, his regime was appalling and he was, in my judgement, an evil man. But this is not justice.

He has the death of thousands of his own people on his hands, for the shocking crime of protesting...

What is there to condone here?

 

[PGAT]

Hopefully the US public are not stupid enough to be taken in.

Even if that was actually the case, they are far beyond the point of being able to do anything about it.