Donald Trump (did/said) WHAT?

News about Donald Trump's Latest Antics

President Trump SUES House Democrats To Halt Demands For His Financial Records
Source: The Daily Wire
April 22, 2019
President Donald Trump and the Trump Corporation filed suit Monday against House Democrats, led by House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), to prevent the committee from issuing subpoenas seeking the president's financial records, both from his companies and from an accounting firm hired to handle Trump finances.

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DUCKWORTH, DURBIN HELP RE-INTRODUCE BILL REQUIRING PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT TO FULLY DISCLOSE AND DIVEST CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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by: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D - IL)

Washington, D.C. - April 1, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and 28 of their colleagues in re-introducing legislation requiring the President and Vice President to disclose and divest any potential financial conflicts of interest. The Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act would also require presidential appointees to recuse themselves from any specific matters involving the president's financial conflicts of interest that come before their agencies.

"It should never be a question whether the President and the Vice President of the United States are doing what's best for themselves or what's best for the American people,” said Duckworth. “That's why I am joining Senators Warren and Durbin in re-introducing the Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act to ensure every presidential administration meets what have been the strongest ethical standards for decades. Government officials must do everything in their power to eliminate conflicts of interest because the American people-not personal profit-always come first.”

“Elected officials have a solemn responsibility to always put the interests of the American people above their own,” Durbin said. “I’ve been concerned that President Trump and his cabinet’s financial entanglements could impact their ability to lead our nation and make choices without conflicts of interest. I’m reintroducing this bill because transparency and accountability is sorely needed in this Administration.”

“Corruption has always been the central stain of this presidency,” said Senator Warren. “This bill would force President Trump to fully divest from the same Trump properties and assets that special interests have spent two-plus years patronizing to try and curry favor with this administration – all while lining the President’s pockets.”

Currently, Presidents and Vice Presidents are exempt from many federal financial conflicts of interest laws, but for decades presidents have addressed concerns regarding foreign and domestic conflicts of interest by divesting their financial interests and placing them in a true blind trust or the equivalent. To ensure compliance with the Constitution's Emoluments Clause, the bill would codify this longstanding practice by:

Requiring the President, Vice President, their spouses, and minor or dependent children to divest all interests that create financial conflicts of interest by placing those assets in a true blind trust, which would be managed by an independent trustee who would oversee the sale of assets and place the proceeds in conflict-free holdings;

Adopting a sense of the Congress that the President's violation of financial conflicts of interest laws or the ethics requirements that apply to executive branch employees constitute a high crime or misdemeanor under the impeachment clause of the U.S. Constitution; and

Prohibiting presidential appointees from participating in matters that directly involve the financial interests of the president.

In June of 2017, Duckworth and Durbin both joined a lawsuit alleging President Trump has violated the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause. Last October, they wrote a letter to President Trump asking for full disclosure on any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Warren, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

THE PRESIDENT’S TAX RETURNS

By Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska, 3rd)

As most of us know by now, President Trump was the first candidate for president in 40 years not to release his tax returns prior to taking office. With full knowledge of this fact, the American people elected him president, and under federal law he is entitled to the same privacy and legal protections as any other American citizen. I therefore do not support the unilateral disclosure of the president’s tax returns by Congress or any of its members, though I would have preferred he voluntarily release them to avoid our current situation.

Democrats have promised since President Trump was first elected that, if given the opportunity, they would request his tax returns from the IRS and release them publicly. Now in the majority, my Democrat colleagues can legally attempt to do this with a majority vote in the House, though such a move would set a dangerous and inappropriate precedent.

I take this issue very seriously not only because I would have to vote on any action before the House of Representatives to disclose the president’s tax returns, but also because the House Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, has jurisdiction over the IRS. Any request for private tax returns must originate in one of the tax committees: Senate Finance, House Ways and Means, or the Joint Committee on Taxation.

In the past, Congress has requested tax returns from the IRS on a limited basis to inform policymaking. When the IRS was discovered to have engaged in targeting of conservative non-profit groups, congressional investigators requested the returns of all known affected parties but not of specific individuals. The law is specific on public disclosure of tax returns or information about them by Congress or the executive branch, which can also request them, without a majority vote - it’s explicitly illegal.

Conspiracy theories range far and wide as to what we can expect from such disclosure, but the current debate is more about trying to embarrass the president than performing actual oversight. We have no reason to believe tax evasion is taking place for the simple reason the IRS audits the tax returns of every president and vice president annually while in office. Any explicitly illegal activity would therefore be prosecuted.

The practice of unilaterally releasing tax returns would set a dangerous precedent eroding our most basic privacy rights. Congress is rightfully vested with a great deal of power in our constitutional democracy, but this also means there is virtually no check on its power. Weaponizing the president’s tax returns against him because political parties don’t agree on policy would be undignified, dangerous, and could lead to retribution.

Bullies Meet Their Match

By Shonda Ponder

Senator Kirsten E.Gillibrand (D-NY) attacked Donald Trump and called for his resignation. Conceding that he wouldn't resign, she called on her colleagues to harass him and make life miserable for him until he does. Okay, so she didn't say that exactly, but that's the gist of it. Democrats don't like someone, they punch and punch and punch until they get what they want -- no matter how irrational or wrong they are for doing it, just like the bullies they are.

People, we have a President in office who isn't afraid of bullies. He responded to her attack with:

Of course, this riled the Democrats up, and true to their mob(ster) mentality and circling the wagon, Congressman John A. Yarmuth (D-KY, 3rd) released the statement below on President Donald Trump’s tweet regarding Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

“Responding to allegations of sexual misconduct by trying to publicly shame yet another woman, the president has shown us exactly what kind of person he is. This is not about politics. Donald Trump has proven to be a poison for the presidency, a cancer on the country, and a truly disgraceful human being.”

Well, what do you expect? He's dealing with disgraceful human beings. In order to deal with the dirt, sometimes you get dirty. The Ponder thinks that what is disgraceful is bullying someone, then whining when you get punched in the face, then calling them a bully because they fight back.

Why I love Donald Trump

By Shonda Ponder

I was not a Donald Trump fan. I didn't want to see him win the White House. As a Christian, I found him obnoxious and brazen. I didn't like his gambling business ventures, or the fact he was a rich man married to an ex-porno star The operative word here is "ex". Come on, we all have a past we are not proud of. If that were not so, WE would be running for President. Trump just had the courage to.

No, I didn't want to see Donald Trump elected at all.

But, he was.

And, because he was, I decided that I would do as I always do when a new president comes to office to represent my interests as an American. I was going to give him my full support, and watch him like a hawk -- and when he messed up, I was gonna grind him into the ground with everything I had -- web sites, op-eds, social media. I was gonna rip him to shreds when he messed up.

The people elected him because he wasn't a politician. I could get behind that. It was preferable to what we've had. But, with all his money, could he really pull off not being just another politician?

Then he did the unexpected: He started keeping his promises. He started hammering away at everything that we've lost over the last generation and replacing it with policies and practices that really do "Make America Great Again".

He pulled us out of the Paris Climate Agreement. He socked it to the United Nations. He stood up and proclaimed that the NFL should fire anyone who disrespects America by kneeling during the National Anthem. He stood alone...and he kept standing until millions decided to stand with him. Again. He's making deals right and left that benefit the American people, and he's making the American People proud to be American again.

When he went on that long trip to Asia, not once did he apologize for being American, or for anything we have stood for. Not once did he concede any ground in order to move an agenda along. Instead, he focused on how he could gain the support of the world around us in order to be able to be what God made us to be: Americans.

​He doesn't give up. He doesn't give in. He keeps going like the Energizer Bunny. And, when he makes a mistake, he owns it -- like the time when he endorsed Luther Strange over Roy Moore. When Roy Moore won, he realized that the American people want more of who he really is, and he went full force into giving it to them, in spite of what kind of waves were forming.

Now he fully endorses Roy Moore, and the people love him even more for it.

Jobs are up. Stock Market is up. Unemployment is down. Business is good. Our allies feel better and respect us as a country more.

And, it's all because Donald Trump is not a politician.

No, he's one of us.

For the first time in American History...or, at least, in my lifetime, we have a President who is president because the People wanted someone they felt comfortable with; someone they wanted to feel was their "friend" in the White House. A man who was prone to make mistakes, but could lead us in spite of them by example, learning and growing as he did so.

That is why I love Donald Trump.

He's not just some untouchable politician. He's a man. A real red-blooded American man who loves America because America has made his American Dream come true, and he foresaw that it was increasingly becoming difficult for others to do the same, and the reasons why, and he was in the unique position to be able to do something about it. America is about opportunity -- and Donald Trump decided the time was right for him to take the opportunity to make America Great Again.

I did not support Donald Trump.

But, when he became president, he spoke the name of God in gratitude and heart-felt joy. He stood up for God by declaring that Christmas was going to be Merry because Christ was in the name. No more of this "Happy Holidays crap." We were going to wish people an un-apologetic Merry Christmas and mean it.

He has Bible studies in the White House.

No, he's not a perfect Christian, but it's obvious he is a member of Christ's Church. After all, if there were only perfect people who loved God, God would be lonely. God gave me grace in spite of my imperfections, so I now feel obligated to be graceful and accept that this obnoxious, brazen man who married a Porn star (who, by the way, has shown more grace in the White House than any First Lady I've seen in a long, long time) could lead us back to the blessings God promised to those who follow Him.

As if that wasn't enough, he befriended Israel, drew them close, and gave them the respect of recognition of Jerusalem as their capitol. And, being the man of action that he is, he didn't just say it -- he did it. Our embassy is now moving to Jerusalem.

If Donald Trump isn't genuine, then he's playing a spectacular role.

I can't think of anyone who, day after day, continues to meet the "Fake News" talking heads head on like a wild bull who sees red at every turn, without tiring.

I pray that he retains his strength and that his successes energize him more.

I did not support Donald Trump -- and now I regret that. But, like "The Donald", "The Ponder" knows when to admit she's wrong. She knows how to fix her mistakes and make it right -- and, she's thankful that she doesn't have to live with her mistake today.

Next election, I hope he runs again. I'll be the first in line to vote for him.

If I am alone in voting for him, I'll still vote for him. He is making America Great Again.

And, he's doing it in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He's making such mountains look like pebbles beneath his feet.

He's only a man -- one we can all relate to.

But...he's a BIG, BIG man.

He's MY President.

And, I fully support Donald Trump.

Read all of Shonda Ponder's Opinions and Articles at The Ponder News by clicking HERE

FRC: President Trump to Address 12th Annual Values Voter Summit

Source: Family Research Council

Washington, D.C. - October 11, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On Friday, October 13, President Donald Trump will address the 12th annual Values Voter Summit taking place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. President Trump will be the first sitting president to address the Values Voter Summit. This will be Donald Trump's third trip to the Summit, including last year when he attended VVS as the Republican presidential nominee.

"Values voters have waited eight years for a leader who puts America's mission first and respects the values that made America into a great nation," said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins.

"Values voters are coming to our nation's capital thankful to hear from a president who is fulfilling the promises that he campaigned on. Since the early days of the campaign, President Trump allied himself with values voters, promising to put an end to the 8 years of relentless assault on the First Amendment," added Perkins.

"President Trump's executive order on religious liberty and the follow up actions last week by HHS and DOJ, demonstrate that he is committed to undoing the anti-faith policies of the previous administration and restoring true religious freedom," concluded Perkins.

Thousands of grassroots activists from around the country will gather in the nation's capital to hear from President Trump and other confirmed speakers which include House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), RSC Chairman Mark Walker (R-N.C.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Dr. Bill Bennett, Laura Ingraham, Dana Loesch, "Duck Dynasty's" Phil Robertson, Todd Starnes, Steve Bannon, Judge Roy Moore, Sebastian Gorka, Lt. Col. Oliver North, and more.

FRC Action's Values Voter Summit is co-sponsored by AFA Action, American Values, Christian Healthcare Ministries, Association of Mature American Citizens, The D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, The Heritage Foundation, United in Purpose, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Family Research Council. An exhibit hall, book signings, radio row, media row, and much more will be packed into this three-day conference.

For a schedule and more information on this year's Values Voter Summit, please click HERE

Statements about Trump's UN Speech

Not too many House Representatives weighed in on their thoughts after the President spoke at the United Nations. I guess most of them were left speechless by the audacity the President showed the world by stating loud and clear that America's priorities were for America FIRST. Below are all the statements I could find so far:

House Representative Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)

“President Trump’s speech was clearly one of the best and most consequential speeches of his presidency thus far. He gave a spirited defense of American values and interests to the UN, and he put America first.”

“In addition, he sent a direct, blunt and clear message that unambiguously called out North Korea, Iran and Venezuela for activities at odds with the best interests of the civilized world. In doing so, President Trump made it clear that America continues to lead and uphold the international order. He was also quick to remind other countries to do their part in reigning in rogue nations and terrorist organizations.”

“Make no mistake about it, this speech was a major statement defining America’s role on the international stage. I believe historians will look back on this speech as a defining moment in the Trump presidency. It asserted and redefined America’s role as the leader of the free world.”

House Representative Ron DeSantis (R-FL, 6th)

“President Trump’s speech before the UN General Assembly was a tour de force. Trump directly addressed key foreign policy issues and laid out an agenda rooted in America's national interests.

Trump forthrightly condemned those who threaten global security, including the Rocket Man’s suicide mission in North Korea and Iran’s malevolent nuclear ambitions. His speech also empowered those fighting for freedom and democracy in places such as Venezuela and Cuba by acknowledging their courageous struggle against socialist governments.

President Trump bluntly challenged the UN to live up to its mission – something that is sorely needed given the utter fecklessness that the UN has characteristically displayed when confronting serious global problems.”

House Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN, 4th)

"I'm heartened to see President Trump reasserting American values and strength. The days of apologizing for our country's greatness and leading role in the world are over. The United States will protect itself and our allies and hold the United Nations to the same promise."

House Representative Daniel Donovan (R-NY, 11th)

“President Trump delivered a forceful and inspired vision for a peaceful and prosperous world order based on sovereignty and mutual interest. President Trump emphasized his commitment to putting America first, and called on world leaders to do the same in their own countries. He’s right to meet provocations from rogue regimes with strength, especially after years of ‘strategic patience’ haven’t stopped Kim Jong-Un.

“International progress comes from the productivity and innovation of the world’s diverse people. They should all be free to pursue their interests within their own countries – countries that respect one another’s sovereign rights to seek peace and prosperity.

“I wholeheartedly support President Trump’s vision. America has been the greatest force for good in history based on the principles he embraced in this morning’s speech.”

House Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, (R PA, 8th)

“I appreciate the President’s strong address to the United Nations today in New York. He was right to call out regimes in North Korea, Iran, Syria and Venezuela; each of these regimes have subjugated their own people and continue to make threats and acts against world order and peace. The UN must help align an international coalition against these states and their leaders. The President also highlighted the importance of reforming the UN to carry out its noble mission of promoting freedom, cooperation and human rights. This is crucial, and something Ambassador Haley has been an outspoken advocate for. I support that endeavor wholeheartedly. I will continue working with both parties in Congress and on the Foreign Affairs Committee to advance an American foreign policy that promotes peace and stability for all people.”

House Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ, 7th)

“President Trump once again delivered an embarrassing performance with the whole world watching. But more than his various cringe-worthy statements, it was his continuing failure to project the kind of calm, steady leadership that the international community has come to expect from American presidents that was most alarming.

“As a veteran, Trump’s speech only served to heighten my grave concerns that he could steer the United States into war through bluster or sheer incompetence.

“At the United Nations, the President implied that he would pull out of the Iran Deal, despite the fact that the agreement has unquestionably slowed or stopped Iranian progress toward a nuclear weapon. Scrapping the deal would isolate us from the world community, encourage Iran to seek a nuclear breakout, and prime the Middle East for a massive conflict. Without the deal, Trump is choosing a nuclear Iran, a war with Iran, or both.

“The President also fundamentally misunderstands what a war with North Korea would entail. There is no ‘winning’ a war with Pyongyang. Destruction of the North is within our power, but doing so would mean the deaths of millions of South Koreans, Japanese, and yes, American troops and civilians in South Korea and perhaps farther away. It could – and likely would – mean war with China. That is no ‘victory.’

“Simply put, every time President Trump opens his mouth, America’s leadership and global standing diminishes.”

It is becoming more and more apparent how unpatriotic and against America's best interest Democrats are.
Just listen every time they open their mouth.

House Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)

“President Trump’s speech to the United Nations will be remembered not for rallying the international community around our common challenges, but instead for threatening another nation with annihilation. Let us be clear: the issue is not whether the U.S. is capable of destroying North Korea, but rather whether we are willing to allow South Korea, Japan, and potentially Guam to be destroyed in the process—along with hundreds of thousands of American lives."

“Name-calling and brash rhetoric make America neither great nor safe. I am also disappointed that President Trump failed to include a single mention of climate change, which poses an existential threat to America and the world.”

North Korea is about to Nuke us, ISIS is taking over the world, people are being kidnapped and sold for sex slaves and people are dying because they are Christian, and this man is focused on climate change. Is there any doubt that the Democrats have the wrong priorities?

House Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)

“President Donald Trump’s speech at the United Nations today betrayed America’s values and abandoned our nation’s legacy of global leadership. The world witnessed a provocative, unstable demagogue threaten to start a conflict that would risk nuclear war and imperil millions of lives.

“President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric, coming from a man with the nuclear codes, is a global threat that puts every American at risk. I strongly condemn both his speech and the foundation of ignorance in which it was rooted.”

Thank God it doesn't matter what the Democrats think about Trump. What matters is what the UN thinks about Trump's speech.

House Representative David Price (D-NC, 4th)

“President Trump’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly served only to further alienate the United States from its allies, and to sow doubts among our adversaries and rivals as to our steadfastness and resolve. In an incoherent series of brash threats, the President called on the international community to ‘totally destroy’ a nuclear-armed North Korea, while undermining the international effort to restrain Iran’s nuclear program. Furthermore, the President failed even to mention serious concerns like climate change, cyber-warfare, and heightened tensions with Russia. The President’s hypocritical threats and childish name-calling do nothing to advance American interests or project American strength. Instead, they send a clear signal of incoherence and incompetence.”

Really? I thought he was quite clear and coherent. The only people alienated are those who wish to take away our sovereignty. We will work with anyone to preserve their sovereignty, is it too much to ask for them to do the same? AMERICANS SHOULD BE FOR AMERICA FIRST.

House Representative Todd Rokita (R-IN, 4th)

“President Trump has shown our world tremendous leadership since taking office. His speech to the United Nation’s General Assembly showed a strong, and clear stance in regards to North Korea, Iran and the threats they pose to the United States and the world. As a Member of Congress during this Administration and President Obama’s, I can confidently say that this is a night and day difference from President Obama’s stance eight years ago.”

“President Trump reminded the rest of the world that we have fought for them, and we have lost American lives because of this fight. We continue to support our allies and the rest of the world. But, the American people must always come first just like the citizens of each other country should come first for their government. This is the way to achieve peace and I am proud to stand with President Trump to work towards this goal.”

“Our great friend and ally, the State of Israel, was also in the audience for the President’s speech. Israel is represented by another great leader, Prime Minister Netanyahu.”

CONGRESSMAN EVANS INTRODUCES NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST PRESIDENCY ACT OF 2017

Washington, D.C. - August 10, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) introduced the No Conflict of Interest Presidency Act of 2017.

The No Conflict of Interest Presidency Act of 2017 requires the conversion of the Trump Organization’s businesses, which include real estate, golf courses, hotels, resorts and a range of other investments, into cash; with which he would then be required to buy treasury bills and widely diversified mutual funds, which are considered conflict free under federal law.

“The American people have heightened concerns about President Trump’s untamed business interests,” Congressman Evans said. “The No Conflict of Interest Presidency Act of 2017 aims to calm fears of conflict and collusion by creating a clear wall between President Trump’s duty to govern and his family and business interests.”

“There is a big difference between campaigning and governing,” Evans said. “It is time for President Trump to govern for the well-being of the American people. Their needs to be a clear wall, a clear line between President Trump’s business connections and his role as President. My hope is that the No Conflict of Interest Presidency Act of 2017 will provide much needed clarity so that the Trump Administration can start to focus on issues that matter such as improving the quality of life for Philadelphians, Pennsylvanians and Americans—things like food policy, school modernization and necessary home repairs that give the residents in our cities and suburbs the tools they need to build strong, healthy neighborhoods.”