President Trump has asserted his right to allocate taxpayer funds to his own chosen charities, suggesting that such a move would be met without public concern. He is currently involved in multiple lawsuits against the U.S. government, seeking over $10 billion in damages, and plans to settle these cases by directing funds to charity. Despite the fact that his own foundation was shut down in 2018, he is considering donating to organizations like the Trump Accounts initiative. This comes as Trump has grown his net worth by billions, and after tax returns revealed he paid minimal federal income tax in certain years.
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California’s proposed bill targeting ICE agents, specifically aiming to bar them from teaching and policing jobs, immediately sparks thoughts about public safety and the nature of these professions. It’s hard not to consider this a crucial step, and many feel it’s a bare minimum requirement. The idea that individuals involved in practices that cause deep societal harm should not be entrusted with positions of authority, particularly those involving vulnerable populations, is a powerful sentiment. It resonates with the core belief that those in positions of power should uphold ethical standards and protect those they serve, not contribute to their fear and suffering.… Continue reading
Avelo Airlines recently announced it would cease deportation flights for ICE after facing public scrutiny for its contract with the agency. Human Rights First’s report revealed Avelo operated nearly one in five ICE flights between May and December, primarily domestic transfers, but also deportation flights to various countries. Avelo began reducing these flights in November before ultimately closing its Arizona base for the work on January 28th. An Avelo spokesperson cited insufficient revenue as a factor in the decision.
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The White House account shared a digitally altered image of Nekima Levy Armstrong, who was arrested for disrupting a church service, depicting her as if she was crying, without disclosing the manipulation. This follows a pattern of the White House using AI-generated images to portray targets, including those arrested or critical of law enforcement actions, in a negative light. The altered image, part of the case against Levy Armstrong, raises ethical concerns and could potentially prejudice the case. This action also brings to light the administration’s willingness to publish deceptive information pertaining to criminal investigations and the administration’s disregard for truth.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized six federal prosecutors who resigned, reportedly due to pressure to investigate the widow of a woman killed by an ICE officer. Bondi accused the prosecutors of not supporting ICE agents and stated one was involved in a photo shoot with The New York Times while the incident unfolded. The Trump administration has blamed the deceased woman for the incident and Bondi’s Justice Department has requested an investigation of the widow. Bondi announced on Fox News that the prosecutors were fired, claiming they were part of the “resistance” and were interviewing with liberal law firms before resigning.
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A second Native American-owned corporation recently terminated a multi-million dollar contract with ICE following community pressure, mirroring a similar decision by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation last month. The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin’s subsidiary cancelled a $3.8 million contract for federal facility engineering and inspection after the Oneida government condemned the deal. These contracts are rooted in affirmative action programs designed to benefit historically disadvantaged, minority-owned businesses, particularly through the federal 8(a) program, which allows for no-bid awards. While some tribal corporations are severing ties, others, like Akima, continue to hold contracts with ICE, including detention services, raising concerns about the ethics of such arrangements and the potential for a new form of colonization.
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After a Hampton Inn in Lakeville, Minnesota, denied rooms to Department of Homeland Security staff, Hilton issued an apology and assured the public the issue was being resolved. However, a video surfaced showing the hotel continuing to refuse rooms to DHS agents. As a result, Hilton announced it was removing the franchise from its system due to the hotel’s failure to meet its standards. The DHS had accused Hilton of a “coordinated campaign” to deny service to its employees.
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The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing criticism for unauthorized use of artwork, specifically from Japanese artist Hiroshi Nagai, whose work was used in a post promoting deportations. This marks another instance of the department utilizing artists’ work, including a Thomas Kinkade painting, without permission to promote its immigration agenda. Previously, DHS faced backlash from pop stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter for using their music in videos that encouraged deportation efforts. The agency has defended its actions, stating their commitment to keeping Americans informed and safe, despite the growing condemnation from artists and the public.
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Despite promises to “drain the swamp,” the Trump administration is rife with corruption, as evidenced by officials allegedly receiving payments, violations of ethics rules, and questionable contracts benefiting Trump’s associates. Polling indicates that a majority of Americans perceive increasing corruption under Trump, creating an opportunity for Democrats. However, Democratic leadership is slow-rolling efforts to address corruption, including protecting incumbents accused of wrongdoing and delaying a vote on ending congressional stock trading. This inaction undermines the party’s ability to capitalize on public dissatisfaction and presents a self-inflicted ethical problem for Democrats.
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President Donald Trump made significant investments in corporate and government bonds, totaling at least $22.1 million and potentially reaching $65.3 million, according to a recent financial disclosure. The investments, made between late October and mid-November, include bonds from companies like Netflix, Oracle, and Amazon, as well as local government bonds from Wayne County, Michigan, and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. These purchases raise conflict of interest concerns given Trump’s potential influence over policies affecting these entities, including financial institutions and local governments, and they add to his already extensive bond holdings and other investments.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
California Bill Proposes Ban on ICE Agents in Teaching and Policing Roles
California’s proposed bill targeting ICE agents, specifically aiming to bar them from teaching and policing jobs, immediately sparks thoughts about public safety and the nature of these professions. It’s hard not to consider this a crucial step, and many feel it’s a bare minimum requirement. The idea that individuals involved in practices that cause deep societal harm should not be entrusted with positions of authority, particularly those involving vulnerable populations, is a powerful sentiment. It resonates with the core belief that those in positions of power should uphold ethical standards and protect those they serve, not contribute to their fear and suffering.… Continue reading