Following a shooting in New Orleans, former President Trump asserted his claims about the incident were accurate, despite inaccurately linking the crime to immigration. His statements directly contradicted law enforcement reports. The incident highlighted a recurring pattern of Trump making unsubstantiated connections between crime and immigration. This instance further fueled ongoing debates surrounding his rhetoric and its impact on public discourse.
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A truck attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter, resulting in 15 deaths and numerous injuries, was immediately politicized. Despite the attacker being identified as a U.S.-born citizen and Army veteran, President-elect Trump and several Republican figures falsely linked the incident to lax border policies and undocumented immigrants. This misinformation, initially spread by Fox News, was amplified on social media, ignoring the FBI’s investigation into the attacker’s potential terrorist affiliations. The ongoing political exploitation of the tragedy overshadows the mourning process and the investigation into the attack itself.
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The Independent relies on reader support to fund its unbiased journalism covering crucial issues like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Their reporting, exemplified by the recent documentary “The A Word,” prioritizes fact-checking and presenting diverse perspectives. Despite this commitment to providing accessible information, President-elect Trump used a recent New Orleans terrorist attack, committed by a US citizen, to falsely reiterate his claims about immigrant crime. This incident highlights the need for accurate reporting in a time of misinformation, which The Independent strives to provide.
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Trump falsely suggested that the New Orleans suspect, who drove a truck into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers, was an immigrant. This claim, made on his Truth Social platform, directly followed the tragic event and attempted to tie the incident to his past rhetoric on immigration. The timing of the statement, made hours after the tragedy, felt exploitative, using a horrific event to further his political agenda.
This assertion was demonstrably false. Authorities quickly identified the suspect as a U.S.-born citizen and a veteran of the U.S. Army, shattering Trump’s narrative. The suspect’s identity, readily available from official sources, directly contradicted Trump’s attempt to paint the perpetrator as an undocumented immigrant.… Continue reading
A Trump presidency will likely reverse recent pro-labor NLRB decisions, potentially reinstating anti-union practices like mandatory anti-union meetings. The incoming administration is expected to replace pro-worker appointees, including General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, and overturn rulings that protect worker rights during unionization efforts, such as the Cemex decision and the reinstatement of “quickie elections.” This could significantly curtail workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively, reversing the gains made during the Biden administration. Legal challenges to the NLRB’s authority further threaten its ability to protect workers’ rights.
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President-elect Trump denied changing his stance on the H-1B visa program, asserting he’s always favored attracting highly skilled workers to the U.S. His recent comments align with statements made to the New York Post and echo the views of supporters like Elon Musk. This position contrasts with previous criticisms of the program and may alienate some within his base who prioritize American workers. Trump’s evolving stance on the H-1B visa program reflects a potential balancing act between his populist rhetoric and appealing to business interests.
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President-elect Trump’s recent support for H-1B visas highlights a significant rift within his base. After prominent Trump supporters attacked the program and its proponents, including new AI advisor Sriram Krishnan, tech billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defended the visas, sparking outrage amongst the anti-immigrant faction. Trump ultimately sided with Musk and Ramaswamy, prioritizing the financial contributions of the tech industry over the concerns of his loyal, yet economically disadvantaged, base. This decision exposes a blatant disregard for his core supporters’ concerns, and demonstrates a prioritization of personal financial gain over ideological consistency. The incident underscores a deep-seated hypocrisy within the Trump administration and its relationship with its supporters.
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A Russian Il-96 aircraft, belonging to the Rossiya Special Flight Squadron responsible for transporting high-ranking officials, traveled from Moscow to Washington D.C. in late December. Russian officials described the flight as carrying a diplomatic rotation, downplaying its significance. This visit occurred amidst severely strained U.S.-Russia relations, heightened by the ongoing war in Ukraine and speculation surrounding President-elect Trump’s potential dealings with Vladimir Putin. The flight’s purpose remains unclear, though it adds to the ongoing tension between the two nations.
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President Biden’s suggestion that Donald Trump could learn “decency” from the late Jimmy Carter sparked outrage on Fox News’ Outnumbered. Co-hosts vehemently criticized Biden’s comment, accusing him of bitterness and indecency. Biden’s remarks followed Carter’s death and contrasted with Trump’s mixed reaction, which included acknowledging Carter’s efforts while highlighting their philosophical disagreements. The ensuing seven-minute segment featured harsh condemnations of the President’s advice.
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Donald Trump’s reported annoyance with Elon Musk stems from Musk’s considerable influence and the resulting media attention. This rift follows Musk’s substantial financial contribution to Trump’s reelection campaign and his close proximity to Trump at Mar-a-Lago. While Trump initially welcomed Musk’s involvement, including appointing him to a new government role, a recent public disagreement over H1B visas has exacerbated tensions. Despite Musk’s growing political clout, sources suggest Trump ultimately retains control and can easily dismiss Musk if needed.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood