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Ailia Zehra

'I Don't Feel Like A King': Facing Massive Resistance, Trump Complains

President Donald Trump expressed frustration on Thursday over the upcoming "No Kings" protests scheduled for June 14, coinciding with both his 79th birthday and a military parade he is holding in Washington D.C.

The demonstrations, organized by the 50501 movement, Indivisible and other organizations, aim to oppose Trump's policies and what participants perceive as authoritarian tendencies.

During a meeting with Republican lawmakers and allies at the White House, Trump reportedly dismissed the notion of being a monarch. “I don’t feel like a king, I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” he remarked.

His comments prompted laughter from the audience, per a New York Times report published Thursday.

He further stated, “A king would say ‘I’m not going to get this.’ A king wouldn’t even have the California mandate to even be talking,” referring to recent joint resolutions blocking California's efforts to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles.

“No, no. We’re not a king,” Trump added.

The "No Kings" protests are set to take place in over 2,000 locations across the United States, including major cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Chicago.

Organizers emphasize nonviolent resistance and aim to highlight concerns over the administration's policies. The issues they will be protesting include recent immigration raids and military deployments.

On Tuesday, in response to the planned demonstrations, Trump warned that protesters would be met with "very heavy force."

Meanwhile, governors in states like Texas have preemptively deployed law enforcement to manage potential unrest.

The military parade, marking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, is scheduled to feature 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles, and 50 helicopters.

Despite criticism from veterans as well as his opponents, Trump has defended the parade as a celebration of the nation's military history and service members. The event is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Constitution Avenue on Saturday, following an all-day festival.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet

Veterans Blast Trump Over 'Politicized' Military Event At Fort Bragg

A new report has claimed that there was a calculated effort to control the optics of President Donald Trump's visit to Fort Bragg, North Carolina on Tuesday, with selective screening of soldiers for both political views and physical appearance.

In his address, Trump targeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former President Joe Biden, and the media, urging military personnel to boo reporters in attendance as he lashed out at what he called "fake news."

The president's action of inciting active-duty soldiers to boo those he sees as his opponents was strongly criticized as a move that could politicize the military.

A Military.com report published Wednesday has revealed some even more noteworthy details regarding the event. It claims that soldiers were handpicked for the event based on their political leanings, with one message explicitly warning, “If soldiers have political views that are in opposition to the current administration and they don't want to be in the audience then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out.”

The guidelines extended to physical appearance as well, with one internal communication bluntly stating: "No fat soldiers."

Adding to the controversy, a pro-Trump merchandise shop reportedly operated on the Army base, selling campaign memorabilia, including "Make America Great Again" necklaces and "White Privilege Card: Trumps Everything" faux credit cards.

Such partisan merchandise on military property raised questions about potential violations of Department of Defense regulations designed to maintain political neutrality in the armed forces.

Military veterans have strongly reacted to these actions, calling them "dangerous."

Paul Rieckhoff, a veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War, wrote on the social platform X: "It keeps getting worse. These are dangerous and unprecedented moves. He’s broken glass that’s never been broken before. We’re all less safe for it."

Former U.S. national security official Adham Sahloul commented on a quote from the story, tweeting: "'This has been a bad week for the Army for anyone who cares about us being a neutral institution,' one commander at Fort Bragg told Military.com." Bad week for America."

John Jackson, an American veteran of the Ukrainian armed forces, wrote: "This is bad. I wonder what 'appearance' characteristics they were looking for. And where in the hell are the commanders who allowed this?"

Atlanta journalist Jay Bookman wrote: "Read the story. It's disgusting. There's just no one capable of telling these people no."

Orlando J. Pérez, a professor of political science at the University of North Texas, wrote: "To use soldiers as political backdrop undermines the institutional legitimacy of the armed forces because it erodes the political neutrality of the military. This is another dangerous step toward democratic backsliding."

"We are approximately six months away from Trump demanding US soldiers to take a « Trump Oath », Wehrmacht-style," remarked Olivier Schmitt, a professor of military operations at the Royal Danish Defense College.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Internet Erupts As Trade Court Strikes Down Unlawful Trump Tariffs

A federal trade court halted Wednesday President Donald Trump's attempt to impose broad tariffs on imports using an emergency-powers statute.

The decision, issued by a three-judge panel from the Court of International Trade in New York consisting of Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama and Donald Trump appointees, followed multiple lawsuits claiming that Trump overstepped his legal authority, destabilized U.S. trade policy, and triggered economic turmoil.

Currently, at least seven lawsuits are contesting the tariffs, which have been a central element of Trump’s trade agenda.

Social media users including legal commentators welcomed the decision. Graham Steele, who is a fellow at Stanford University's Rock Center for Corporate Governance, wrote: "IEEPA grants the President a lot of authority, and this President still found a way to exceed that authority."

"YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU DON'T FIGHT. ANOTHER EXAMPLE. FIGHT," writer Amanda Carpenter said in a post on the social platform BlueSky.

International Relations professor David Burbach wrote on Bluesky: "This could be gigantic, IIEPA's grant of unilateral emergency trade powers to the President has been the loophole through which they are trying to shove the whole tariff thing. I'm sure this gets to SCOTUS."

Legal journalist Chris Geidner posted one excerpt of the ruling to Bluesky in which the panel ruled that the tariffs were "unlawful to all," writing: "After forcing challengers out of district courts, here’s how the specialty court slaps Trump around."

"Trump’s first-term [U.S. Trade Representative] Bob Lighthizer built a very careful legal strategy to ensure tariffs wouldn’t be overturned in court," tweeted author and Columbia University researcher Eddie Fishman. "Second-term Trump admin hasn’t been so careful."

Small business owner Aaron Rubin wrote on X: "Unless the government wins an emergency stay on appeal, CBP has to stop charging all reciprocal and fentanyl related tariffs and refund any paid duties."

"So if you are a foreign government negotiating with the Trump administration about the IEEPA 'Liberation Day' tariffs, and the tariffs have now been struck down (pending a probable appeal), it may be time to recalibrate your negotiating position," China Trade Monitor co-founder Simon Lester tweeted.

AlterNet reached out to the White House for comment.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Former Harvard President Scorches Trump's 'Act Of Extortion'

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers said Tuesday the Trump administration's move to target Harvard University is an "entirely extralegal act of extortion against an American institution."

The Trump administration instructed federal departments Tuesday to terminate contracts valued at approximately $100 million with Harvard University, escalating tensions between the White House and the prestigious institution.

This move follows the government's prior withdrawal of over $2.6 billion in research funding from Harvard, amid disputes over the university’s resistance to implementing certain policy changes requested by the administration.

During an appearance on CNN Tuesday, Summers, who served as Harvard's president from 2001 to 2006, said the move is similar to "what was done to any number of law firms, just like what was done to government agencies that had appropriated funds."

He added there there are certain policies of Harvard that he has criticized, but said that "simply cutting off all funding for cancer research" does not make sense.

"That's not some gift Harvard got," he added.

Summers, who served in former President Bill Clinton's cabinet, said Harvard is "the tip of the iceberg in terms of what they're attacking."

"The homeland secretary made clear that Harvard was an example for everyone else," he noted.

"I frankly never thought that I would say it about anything in American government. But this is a step towards tyranny. It's a step towards an authoritarian government," the former secretary warned.

"It's the kind of thing that has happened in many other parts of the world. It's the kind of thing that the founding fathers worried about when they drafted the Constitution," he added.

In response to a question from host Erin Burnett, Summers said Harvard can indeed run down its $53 billion endowment. "But if it does, it will be running down the ability to provide scholarships to students. It will be running down the ability to hire new professors."

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

'The Worst Food': Trump Hosts 'Orgy Of Corruption' Crypto Banquet

Twenty-five year-old TikTok prankster Nicholas Pinto, who was among the guests at President Donald Trump's exclusive dinner for buyers of his meme coin Thursday, was unimpressed by the event.

“It was the worst food I’ve ever had at a Trump golf course.The only good thing was bread and butter," he told WIRED magazine.

Trump reportedly left the event immediately after his speech. He departed the venue in a golf cart bound for his helicopter, per the WIRED report. “Trump could have at least given the top people their watches himself," Pinto said.

The crypto-themed gathering drew a quirky and eclectic mix. Independent traders mingled with crypto executives, devoted Trump supporters, and even some professional athletes, according to the report.

Former NBA star Lamar Odom stood out in the crowd. A few attendees wore Bitcoin-orange bowties, while others showed off flashy gold Trump sneakers.

An independent crypto trader, who was not identified by WIRED, hadn’t originally planned on attending the dinner. Their goal was to profit from a potential price increase in the TRUMP token triggered by the competition.

However, with the trade currently in the red, they decided to make the most of the situation and enjoy the upscale dinner instead.Trump is said to have made a typically meandering and off-topic speech, which insiders say ran for about 25 minutes. Eventually, he addressed the topic of cryptocurrency.

“Did you see the helicopter?” Trump asked as he arrived at the venue in Marine One.

“Yeah, super cool!” someone shouted in reply.

Democratic lawmakers strongly criticized the president ahead of the private dinner.

“Donald Trump’s dinner is an orgy of corruption,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said Thursday at a press conference. “That’s what this is all about. We are here today to talk about exactly one topic: corruption, corruption in its ugliest form," she added.

Warren continued: “Donald Trump is using the presidency of the United States to make himself richer through crypto, and he’s doing it right out there in plain sight."

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Big Donors To Trump Military Parade Promised 'A VIP Experience'

President Donald Trump is promising a “dedicated VIP experience” to his donors at multiple events he is organizing with the military in June, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Donors who contribute to America250 — a group formed to back Trump’s vision for an expansive celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary next year — are being promised exclusive entry to three major events.

The Journal report cited a fundraising proposal shared with donors, according to which these events include a military parade coinciding with Trump’s birthday in June.

A “military readiness” showcase he plans to lead at Fort Bragg featuring thousands of service members will be included in the celebration. A Fourth of July event in Washington is also being promised, per the report.

According to the fundraising proposal, Trump is set to attend a military parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. The event is expected to feature tanks, flyovers, and historical military re-enactments.

The president is slated to view the spectacle from an “official review stand." He is reportedly scheduled to give a speech during the celebration.

The parade is planned for June 14, which also happens to be Trump's birthday.

In April, the Associated Press first reported that a military parade on Trump's birthday was under consideration. The AP report noted that organizing a parade of that scale would likely require tens of millions of dollars.

The proposal was strongly criticized on social media at the time.

Author Stephen King wrote on the social platform X: "I understand Trump is planning a military parade to celebrate his birthday, just like his pal and fellow dictator Kim Jong Un. Cost to taxpayers: About $91 million. Way to make Donald's ego great(er) again."

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

While Catholics Celebrate, MAGA Seethes Over 'Woke' New Pope Leo XIV

Supporters of President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have expressed their opposition to the new leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was elected pope on Thursday and took the name Pope Leo XIV.

Last month, Prevost reposted a post on the social platform X sharing a piece by Bishop Menjivar that criticized Trump's policy on immigrants.

Earlier in February, Prevost had posted about Vice President JD Vance that has now gone viral. Sharing an opinion piece from the National Catholic Reporter critical of Vance, he reposted the headline of the op-ed: "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."

The article was critical of Vance over his comments suggesting a hierarchy of Christian priorities.

MAGA influencer and political commentator Laura Loomer wrote a series of post on the social platform X Thursday, strongly criticizing Leo.

"The new Pope @drprevost supports illegal aliens and open borders. He retweeted tweets in support of “dreamers” aka illegals and attacked President Trump’s use of the phrase “bad hombres” to describe violent illegal aliens. He thinks it’s a “racist” phrase," she said in in one of the posts.

In another post, she wrote: "The new Pope once retweeted a post about how we need to keep praying for career criminal & drug addict George Floyd. The tweet said, 'May all hatred, violence and prejudice be eradicated.' What prejudice? Is that another way to spell FENTANYL OVERDOSE? MARXIST POPE!"

"THIS IS THE NEW POPE! His name is Robert Prevost. He’s the first American Pope. He is anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis. Catholics don’t have anything good to look forward to. Just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican," said another post from Loomer.

Several MAGA accounts on social media echoed this sentiment.

User @RedPilled1788 wrote on X: "He's as woke as Francis was. 'Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born prelate, and the late Pope Francis share many ideological alignments, particularly in their emphasis on pastoral care, inclusivity, and outreach to marginalized groups.'"

User @kyleraccio wrote: "And not a single tweet or prayer offering from him when President Trump was shot back in July."

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Slain Woman's Family Blasts Kristi Noem For 'Insult To Her Memory'

Parents of a 24-year-old woman who was murdered in Springfield, Illinois, in 2023 have slammed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for relocating her Illinois speech to the location where their daughter was killed, saying Noem is using the victim to "advance a cruel and heartless political agenda."

"Our daughter Emma radiated love and light everywhere she went and for all people. Even as a child, she was a friend to everyone and someone who spoke up for the less fortunate. She dedicated her life - her career and her free time - to causes of social justice and equity," wrote the parents of Emma Shafer in a statement released Wednesday, as reported by NBC Chicago.

"To see her used by Secretary Noem and others to advance a cruel and heartless political agenda is not just deeply painful to us — it is an insult to her memory," the statement added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Noem visited Springfield, where she criticized the state's Democratic leaders for their sanctuary policies that she said shield undocumented immigrants. In her remarks delivered close to the location of Shafer's murder, the secretary said Shafer's murderer was in the United States illegally at the time of the incident.

Noem stood alongside government officials and what she referred to as "angel families"— families she claimed had loved ones affected by crimes committed by individuals residing illegally in the U.S.

Shafer's parents chose not to attend the secretary's news conference and were reportedly holding a protest blocks away from Noem's news conference.

"Noem's words are in direct conflict with who Emma was as a person. Emma built up community and stood with all members, including immigrants," they said in their statement.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Why Trump Is Suddenly Backtracking On His 'Third Term'

President Donald Trump has stopped floating the idea that he would run for a third term — and CNN data analyst Harry Enten believes he knows why.

During an appearance on CNN Monday, Enten said the real reason Trump has stopped talking about a third term is because the idea is extremely unpopular among Americans, including Republicans.

“There’s a reason why Donald Trump is backtracking or saying, ‘No, I won’t actually do this,'" Enten said. "Because this idea is about as popular as New Coke was back in the mid-1980s.”

According to recent polling, there is strong opposition to Trump seeking a third term, with 76 percent of Americans against it. This includes a majority of Republicans, with only 21 percent expressing support overall — and even less support among Independents (16 percent).

During an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC on Sunday, Trump said he was not looking to run for a third time.

“It’s not something I’m looking to do,” the president said. “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward," he added.

Earlier, in March, Trump said he was serious about running for a third term, adding that his team was looking into “methods” that would enable him to do so.

“A lot of people want me to do it,“ he added. “But we have—my thinking is, we have a long way to go. I’m focused on the current," the president said at the time.

Watch the video below or at this link.

— (@)

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Trump's 'Toxicity' Drives Stunning Canadian Election Result

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who rallied his country against the United States President Donald Trump's threats to annex the country and make it the 51st U.S. state, won federal elections early Tuesday.

The Liberal Party is likely to win enough seats in the House of Commons to form a government in Canada and Carney will remain the country's prime minister.

“As I have been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. But these are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us,” Carney said following his victory. “That will never ever happen.”

Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat Tuesday.Political commentators and journalists took to social media to react to the surprising election results, noting that the Liberal Party was expected to lose the election but managed to secure a victory because it challenged Trump's threats against Canada.

Democratic pollster Matt McDermott wrote on the social platform X, "The impact of an unpopular American president on a foreign election is stunning. We’ve never seen anything like the seismic political shift Trump triggered in Canada to deliver a stunning Liberal win. Trump’s toxicity is rewriting global politics."

Political commentator Brian Cohen wrote, "Congratulations to Canada's Liberal Party and Mark Carney on their big election win, and a special thank you to Donald Trump for turning a runaway victory for the Conservatives into an upset win for the Liberals."

Political organizer Victor Shi said, "Turns out treating Canada like Russia or our enemy is not a good idea, because not only do they remember, but they turn out & vote. What a massive loss for Trump & huge win for democracy on the world stage."

Author Mike Madrid wrote, "Trump cost the Conservatives the election in Canada. He’s mobilizing the world against the United States."

Historian Tim Naftali said: "Donald Trump’s nastiness toward Canada didn’t produce conservative dominance there. J.D. Vance’s nastiness in Europe is producing the same result there. We can debate why nastiness seemed to have worked here in 2024 but it doesn’t travel well."

Journalist Zack Beauchamp said, "The Liberals went from a 20 point deficit in January to a win tonight because Canadians are *furious* at Donald Trump. That's not American provincialism: it's palpable on the ground here in Canada, and what every expert I spoke with told me."

The account @CalltoActivism wrote: "POETIC JUSTICE FOR TRUMP: On the same day Liberal candidate Mark Carney wins in Canada, Trump told a journalist that he runs the country…and the world."

Reprinted with permission from Alternet

Trump Approval Crater Gets Deeper, Even On Immigration

President Donald Trump's approval ratings appear to be plummeting because his voters are concerned about his approach of governance. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday revealed that only 37 percent of Americans agree with the way the president is handling the economy. This is the lowest rating he has ever received, dating back to the beginning of his first presidential term.

Axios highlighted three polls in a report Thursday, noting, "On the economy, the single most decisive issue of the 2024 election, Trump's polling has never been worse."

Gallup polling released this week also painted a bleak picture for the administration. For the first time since at least 2001, most Americans feel that their economic circumstances are deteriorating.

Another survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that Trump's overall approval rating has decreased to 40 percent, and his economic leadership approval has declined to 45 percent — the lowest levels recorded since tracking started in 2019.

"Trump's approval rating is cratering not because voters reject his goals — but because they're increasingly alarmed by his methods," Axios noted.

The report also highlighted an average of polls by data journalist G. Elliott Morris, which found Trump is not polling great even on immigration, which is considered his best issue.

"Trump is now almost underwater on approval of his handling of immigration, widely regarded as his strongest issue — and 20+ points negative on inflation. In 3 short months, he has completely lost his advantage on both the issues voters elected him to fix," Morris wrote Wednesday on the social platform X.

50 percent of the YouGov survey participants indicated that Trump should bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant from Maryland who was wrongly deported to El Salvador, back to the United States. Only 28 percent believed he should not be allowed to return.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Don Junior, Charlie Kirk And J.D. Vance Rush To Defend 'America First' Hegseth

As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains embroiled in a fresh controversy for sharing sensitive information in a group chat as well as his management of the Pentagon, President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement continues to back him.

According to a report published in The Hill on Wednesday, Hegseth is considered "a dyed-in-the-wool Trump backer who is attuned to the president on culture war issues." He is seen as a "government outsider capable of enacting change." This is why MAGA voices have continued to support him despite calls for his resignation.

The Hill report quoted a Trump advisor, who was not named, as saying, “Much like Trump himself, Hegseth is viewed by the base as a genuine outsider and disrupter. Hegseth's time on Fox, where he spent years, is another reason why MAGA feels "a real connection" with him.

The report notes that Hegseth's confirmation process was overshadowed by claims of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking at the outset.

However, as Hegseth's prospects seemed to be in jeopardy, prominent MAGA figures exerted pressure on GOP senators to support him. Influential voices like Vice President JD Vance, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump Jr., and right-wing media ramped up their efforts in the face of criticism from lawmakers such as Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), the report adds.

This week, MAGA once more came to Hegseth’s defense. As he received criticism from a former high-ranking spokesperson and new revelations that he disclosed sensitive military plans in a Signal chat with his wife, brother, and attorney, Trump Jr. defended him.

The president's son rejected an opinion article by John Ullyot, who stepped down last week as a senior Pentagon spokesperson and cautioned about disorder arising from Hegseth’s leadership. Ullyot was “not America First," Trump Jr. said.

In a Fox News interview Tuesday, Hegseth said the administration takes "leakers very seriously," adding that those who are leaking information are doing so to sabotage President Donald Trump's agenda.

"Once a leaker, always a leaker, often a leaker. We look for leakers because we take it very seriously. And we will do the investigation," Hegseth said.

But the secretary did not directly address the latest reports about sensitive information being shared in a Signal chat that included his wife and personal lawyer. There have been calls for Hegseth's resignation following the controversy, and Tuesday's interview did not seem to clear the air.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet

DOGE's Mass Deregulation Scheme Will Put Millions Of Lives 'At Risk'

At over 400 federal agencies, officials appointed by President Donald Trump are reportedly collaborating with tech billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Their goal is to initiate a significant new phase in their effort to reduce the size of the federal government through "deregulation on a mass scale."

According to a New York Timesreport published Tuesday, the president has devised a way to reverse regulations "swiftly and permanently" without going through the lengthy legal process that usually takes place before deregulations.

Following Trump's instructions, agency officials are gathering the regulations they plan to discard. They are working quickly to meet a deadline next week, per the report. Once they finish the job, the White House will create a comprehensive list to direct what the president refers to as the "dismantling of the overbearing and burdensome administrative state."

The agencies being targeted govern "almost every aspect of American life," the report said.

“Many people don’t realize how high the American quality of life is because of the competent and stable enforcement of regulations, and if that goes away a lot of lives are at risk,” Steve Cicala, co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Project on the Economic Analysis of Regulation, told the Times.

“This affects airplane safety, baby formula safety, the safety of meat, vegetables and packaged foods, the water that you drink, how you get to work safely and whether you’re safe in your workplace," he added.

According to interviews conducted by the Times, Trump and his supporters regard the recent actions as the final blow in a comprehensive restructuring of the federal government that started with significant job cuts and attempts to close down certain agencies.

They think that swiftly eliminating various regulations, along with halting the enforcement of others, will dismantle a wide array of rules that others consider essential protections, but that they perceive as burdensome.

AlterNet reached out to DOGE for comment.

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

Why Lutnick Displaced Musk As 'Most Loathed' Trump Adviser

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who passionately defended the administration's controversial tariff policy despite the resulting market chaos, is said to be the "most loathed" member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet.

According to a report by The New Republic, Lutnick has displaced tech billionaire Elon Musk as "the most loathed member of Trump's inner circle" for two reasons.

"The first is that he defeated efforts by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and National Economic Council Chair Kevin Hassett to limit the size and scope of Trump’s tariffs, which, if we’re lucky, will tip the United States economy into a recession. (If we’re unlucky, the tariffs will tip the global economy into a depression.)," the report said.

"The second reason Trump officials hate Lutnick is that nobody thinks he actually believes the hooey he spouts in furtherance of a maximalist tariff policy. In an administration overflowing with sycophants, no nose is burrowed more deeply inside Trump’s gluteus maximus than Lutnick’s," it added.

The report further notes that until last week, no one was more reviled within the Trump White House than "special government employee" Elon Musk. However, after Musk faced a significant setback with his $25 million investment in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, which shattered his image of invulnerability, that disdain shifted to Lutnick.

Last moth, Politico quoted a source close to the administration as saying that the commerce secretary “is constantly auditioning for Trump’s approval."

“He’s trying to be a mini-Trump," the individual added.

Politico reported at the time that White House and administration officials were “growing increasingly frustrated with Lutnick." His “abrasive personality” and comments on the media displayed “a lack of understanding of even the basics about how tariffs and the economy work," the officials reportedly thought of Lutnick.

Meanwhile, Lutnick made an appearance on CBS News's Face the Nation on Sunday to advocate for the tariffs.

He said, “We’ve got to start to protect ourselves,” adding, “and we’ve got to stop having all the countries of the world ripping us off. We have a $1.2 trillion trade deficit, and the rest of the world has a surplus with us. They’re earning our money. They’re taking our money, and Donald Trump has seen this, and he’s going to stop it.”

Reprinted with permission from Alternet.

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