Taake, who participated in the Capitol riots while out on bond, was convicted of attacking a police officer. Before the riots, Taake faced charges in Harris County, Texas, for sending explicit messages to an undercover police officer posing as a minor. Despite being sentenced for his Capitol crimes, and having exhibited no remorse for his actions, Taake was released from a federal prison just months into his six-year term due to the time served and a blanket pardon from Trump.

Read the original article here

Fox Host Corrects Trump on How Mortgages Work as He Touts 50-Year Plan – Donald Trump doesn’t seem to understand what the average mortgage looks like for Americans. This whole situation really highlights how out of touch some people are with the realities of everyday life, especially when it comes to the financial burdens most Americans face. A 50-year mortgage? The idea feels like something pulled straight from a parallel universe where financial sense has taken a permanent vacation.

The core issue here is that Trump, seemingly, doesn’t grasp the fundamental mechanics of a mortgage, or at least, the implications of extending it to an astonishing 50 years. The average American is acutely aware of how interest accrues over time. The concept of paying substantially more in interest over the lifespan of the loan, for only a marginal reduction in monthly payments, is the real problem. It’s like a financial bait-and-switch, drawing people in with seemingly lower monthly costs, but trapping them in a cycle of debt.

The comparisons are telling. A 30-year mortgage at a certain rate will lead to significant interest payments, but a 50-year mortgage at the same rate? The interest paid practically doubles. This isn’t just a minor detail; it’s the difference between owning a home outright and essentially renting for half a century, with the bank raking in the real benefits. It’s a lot like the saying, “The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer,” which seems very applicable to the 50-year mortgage idea.

One can’t help but wonder if this misunderstanding stems from a genuine lack of knowledge or, perhaps, a deliberate strategy to benefit the wealthy. Is it a case of being completely disconnected from the financial realities of ordinary citizens, or is it a calculated move to further enrich the banking industry? It’s tough to say for sure, but the implications are the same. This would lead to a system in which banks and lenders would benefit greatly, while the average homeowner would be stuck with the bill.

The financial instruments Trump seems to propose are difficult to grasp for most people. Anyone who has ever battled student loans understands this. You pay forever. Barely scratch the principal and turn a $200k house into a million for the banks, which highlights the way the system is set up. Many see this as a way to exploit financial vulnerability, rather than an innovative solution.

The idea of a 50-year mortgage is essentially an admission of never paying off the mortgage during one’s lifetime, especially if you are of retirement age. The long-term costs far outweigh any potential short-term benefits. It’s not a path to homeownership, but a longer, more expensive route to financial servitude. This speaks volumes about his financial literacy and, frankly, his understanding of the average American’s financial struggles.

The suggestion that real estate agents are already pushing this plan, by highlighting the lower monthly payments and glossing over the long-term cost, is even more concerning. It’s a tactic designed to exploit a lack of financial understanding and to profit at the expense of potential homebuyers. It’s a sign of a market that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term financial health. The long-term effects of this, like the housing market crashing, are what people are concerned about.

Furthermore, his lack of basic financial knowledge seems to extend beyond mortgages. His apparent confusion regarding life insurance versus health insurance demonstrates a broader ignorance of essential financial concepts. This isn’t just about a misunderstanding of mortgages; it’s a symptom of a deeper disconnect from the lived experiences and financial realities of the average American.

Ultimately, this whole episode serves as a clear indication of a severe lack of understanding of the American people’s daily lives and financial realities. It’s hard to imagine how someone so wealthy and out of touch could accurately represent the interests of the average person. It underscores the importance of electing leaders who have a grasp on the financial challenges faced by everyday citizens.