The Apprentice Season 2 - The Second Presidency of Donald Trump

[Alefroth]

Why does he even need the pretense? If he really wanted to attack, he'd just do it. Sorry Nike.

[Holman]

Trump hasn't had time to replace officers with compliant MAGAs. And he would need to replace *tens of thousands* of them at all levels of command to even begin to trust that the US military would act as his personal Wehrmacht. (There are more than half a million officers in the US military.)

It took a century+ tradition of obedience to a monarch, and never really to a democracy at all, to give Hitler the officer corps he needed.

The POTUS is "Commander in Chief," sure, but soldiers take their oath to uphold the Constitution, not to follow illegal orders. And everyone in uniform has been taught that illegal orders are illegal. Trump can't turn that on a dime.

[Alefroth]

Those same soldiers won't invade Canada just because Trump says fentanyl is a WMD.

[Rumpy]

And classifying fentanyl as a WMD is a massive overreach. Not to mention, I don't think a drug has ever been classified as a weapon.

[Max Peck]

Why does he even need the pretense? If he really wanted to attack, he'd just do it. Sorry Nike.

He's following Putin's playbook for everything, but speed-running it. Putin crafted a pretense for invading Ukraine, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Victoria Raverna]

Those same soldiers won't invade Canada just because Trump says fentanyl is a WMD.

[LawBeefaroni]

The POTUS is "Commander in Chief," sure, but soldiers take their oath to uphold the Constitution, not to follow illegal orders. And everyone in uniform has been taught that illegal orders are illegal. Trump can't turn that on a dime.

I can imagine the administration struggling to come up with a false flag for Canada. Fentanyl as WMD is shaky as hell. What next? Vaccine mandates as a human rights crisis? Declare a Global War on Kindness?


Also, haven't seen the numbers but I'd bet more fentanyl goes north than south. Hell, I've been on both sides of the Sault Ste Marie border and the shit flowing from the US side into Canada at that border alone probably dwarfs the 43lbs or whatever of fentanyl Trump wants to go to war over.


I think the only reason there is a pipeline going south is because China sends a lot of shit through Vancouver that gets down to Seattle and Portland.

[GreenGoo]

You suggested in the other thread that Americans are going to keep their heads down as they lose democracy. You asked "are you willing..."

I think that applies doubly so to the military, who are used to doing as told even when they don't like it. Add in unreasonable and unjust punishment for disobedience, and I don't see any need for a false flag at that point.

The only way to avoid being picked off one by one, is to protest en masse. Good luck.

[El Guapo]

Trump hasn't had time to replace officers with compliant MAGAs. And he would need to replace *tens of thousands* of them at all levels of command to even begin to trust that the US military would act as his personal Wehrmacht. (There are more than half a million officers in the US military.)

It took a century+ tradition of obedience to a monarch, and never really to a democracy at all, to give Hitler the officer corps he needed.

The POTUS is "Commander in Chief," sure, but soldiers take their oath to uphold the Constitution, not to follow illegal orders. And everyone in uniform has been taught that illegal orders are illegal. Trump can't turn that on a dime.

Today, yes. But give Trump enough time and he'll get the military to where it would obey an order to invade Canada. Whether that's 2028, 2026, 2030, one can debate, but that he would get there eventually there isn't much doubt.

[LawBeefaroni]

You suggested in the other thread that Americans are going to keep their heads down as they lose democracy. You asked "are you willing..."

I think that applies doubly so to the military, who are used to doing as told even when they don't like it. Add in unreasonable and unjust punishment for disobedience, and I don't see any need for a false flag at that point.

The only way to avoid being picked off one by one, is to protest en masse. Good luck.

Absolutely true. But as I said earlier, it would be one of the most unpopular wars (or police actions or whatever it would be called). It would wreck recruiting and lead to an exodus from the Armed Forces.

Of course, this attrition could line right up wirh Hegseth's vision of an Aryan Brotherhood fighting force....

Lots of moving parts.

[El Guapo]

Trump fires democratic FTC commissioners.

Not sure if this has been discussed elsewhere, but another move to bring the independent agencies to heel. Also disgusting that the move is backed by the FTC chair.

[Rumpy]

Also, haven't seen the numbers but I'd bet more fentanyl goes north than south. Hell, I've been on both sides of the Sault Ste Marie border and the shit flowing from the US side into Canada at that border alone probably dwarfs the 43lbs or whatever of fentanyl Trump wants to go to war over.

That's it exactly, and it's completely ridiculous to want to put together a military op over 43 pounds of fentanyl. Not only a massive overreach, but entirely wasteful of tax dollars. I bet it looks great on paper!

[gilraen]

Also, haven't seen the numbers but I'd bet more fentanyl goes north than south. Hell, I've been on both sides of the Sault Ste Marie border and the shit flowing from the US side into Canada at that border alone probably dwarfs the 43lbs or whatever of fentanyl Trump wants to go to war over.

That's it exactly, and it's completely ridiculous to want to put together a military op over 43 pounds of fentanyl. Not only a massive overreach, but entirely wasteful of tax dollars. I bet it looks great on paper!

Egg interceptions up 116% so far this year, while seizures of fentanyl down 32%.

No, it's not the Onion.

[Rumpy]

I don't think eggs have ever been allowed across the border, so that's not exactly new. I think what's new is the amount. I know that if I'm ever crossing the border to do camping in the U.S, border officials always ask if we have eggs on board, and we always have to buy eggs when we get to our location. But yeah, I have to admit that does sound like an Onion article.

[Isgrimnur]

If it's a half dozen and some Canadian bacon, is that a pig-six?

[Hyena]

If it's a half dozen and some Canadian bacon, is that a pig-six?

Well played.

[Isgrimnur]

Thank you.

[LordMortis]

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congre ... rcna197278

LARAMIE, Wyo. — Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman faced a torrent of heckles and boos during a town hall in deep red Wyoming as she repeatedly tried to downplay constituents' concerns about the Trump administration's actions.

"It’s so bizarre to me how obsessed you are with federal government," Hageman told attendees, prompting more outbursts from the crowd.

"You guys are going to have a heart attack if you don’t calm down," she added. "I’m sorry, your hysteria is just really over the top."

Hageman, who ousted former Rep. Liz Cheney in a primary, ended up cutting her scheduled hourlong town hall 15 minutes short as the crowd continued to berate her through the entirety of the event.

She's not wrong you know. I wonder where that started and why? Only what are your actual answers to the criticisms?

[stessier]

"It’s so bizarre to me how obsessed you are with federal government," Hageman told attendees,

This might be the weirdest stance I've seen an elected representative to the federal government take when meeting with the people who elected them.

[Holman]

"It’s so bizarre to me how obsessed you are with federal government," Hageman told attendees,

This might be the weirdest stance I've seen an elected representative to the federal government take when meeting with the people who elected them.

She has already adopted the official MAGA/DOGE/GOP stance that the federal government should be drowned in a bathtub.

What she really means is "It's bizarre to me that you want to protect the federal government from us."

[Rumpy]

And people should absolutely be concerned. I'm glad to see people are standing up for the democracy they believe in.

[IceBear]

Trump keeps invoking "war time" powers to do shit (I see a new one for mining critical minerals). I didn't realize the US was at war...other than this trade war that he started

[Blackhawk]

He's trying to get around that by declaring that certain gangs are terrorists operating on American soil. Oh, and fentanyl.

[stessier]

Like his net worth, the US's state of war depends on how Trump feels at any given moment.

[LawBeefaroni]

Trump weighs in on report King Charles will offer U.S. membership to British Commonwealth: ‘Sounds good!’

Why? Does he want an OBE?

Just more noise and chaos I guess.

Nearly 250 years after America declared independence from Great Britain, President Donald Trump suggested he was open to taking a small step back towards the warm embrace of the British monarchy after a media outlet reported that King Charles III intends to extend an offer for the United States to join the Commonwealth of Nations.

[IceBear]

Is that just so when he annexes Canada he can say he's keeping it in the Commonwealth?

[Rumpy]

He loves King Charles?? Hahaha, sorry if I find that funny.

But the King making that offer is likely a way to appease him and to be able to sternly disabuse him of the notion that he can take over Canada. Bop him over the head with a ceremonial sword.

This reads like an Onion article though, particularly given its source. And even if true, I don't see the MAGA crowd being very happy to be aligned with the Commonwealth.

[stessier]

Wow. I heard about this case on Serious Trouble this week and just assumed they would fight it. This is really embarrassing and I can only assume makes people reconsider working with them.

Paul Weiss’s Shameful Surrender Makes Every Lawyer There Complicit In Trumpian Constitutional Desecration

This is what Paul Weiss released today:

Today, President Donald J. Trump agreed to withdraw his March 14, 2025 Executive Order regarding the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP law firm (“Paul, Weiss”), which has entered into the following agreement with the President: 1. Paul, Weiss agrees that the bedrock principle of American Justice is that it must be fair and nonpartisan for all. Our Justice System is betrayed when it is misused to achieve political ends.

Lawyers and law firms play a vital role in ensuring that we live up to that standard as a Nation. Law firms should not favor any political party when it comes to choosing their clients. Firms also should not make decisions on whom to hire based on a person’s political affiliation. To do otherwise is to deny some Americans an equal opportunity for our services while favoring others.

Lawyers abandon the profession’s highest ideals when they engage in partisan decision-making, and betray the ethical obligation to represent those who are unpopular or disfavored in a particular environment.

2. Paul, Weiss affirms its unwavering commitment to these core ideals and principles, and will not deny representation to clients, including in pro bono matters and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.

3. Paul, Weiss will take on a wide range of pro bono matters that represent the full spectrum of political viewpoints of our society, whether “conservative” or “liberal.”

4. Paul, Weiss affirms its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, and will not adopt, use, or pursue any DEI policies. As part of its commitment, it will engage experts, to be mutually agreed upon within 14 days, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all of its employment practices.

5. Paul, Weiss will dedicate the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services over the course of President Trump’s term to support the Administration’s initiatives, including: assisting our Nation’s veterans, fairness in the Justice System, the President’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and other mutually agreed projects.

Statement from the White House: “The President is agreeing to this action in light of a meeting with Paul, Weiss Chairman, Brad Karp, during which Mr. Karp acknowledged the wrongdoing of former Paul, Weiss partner, Mark Pomerantz, the grave dangers of Weaponization, and the vital need to restore our System of Justice.”

In response to the President’s announcement, Paul, Weiss’s Chairman Brad Karp said: “We are gratified that the President has agreed to withdraw the Executive Order concerning Paul, Weiss. We look forward to an engaged and constructive relationship with the President and his Administration.”

[Enough]

He loves King Charles?? Hahaha, sorry if I find that funny.

But the King making that offer is likely a way to appease him and to be able to sternly disabuse him of the notion that he can take over Canada. Bop him over the head with a ceremonial sword.

This reads like an Onion article though, particularly given its source. And even if true, I don't see the MAGA crowd being very happy to be aligned with the Commonwealth.

Yep, I had to keep scratching my head to remind myself this was not an Onion article. Wild stuff.

[Max Peck]

Trump is reacting to a story that appeared in the Sun, claiming that Chuck3 will invite the US to join the Commonwealth as an "associate member" (which is not an actual thing, afaik). I'd bet that the story is fake, and Trump's reaction is real.

[El Guapo]

Can we try to trick Trump into having us re-join Great Britain and thereby get rid of the current American government?

[Rumpy]

Trump is reacting to a story that appeared in the Sun, claiming that Chuck3 will invite the US to join the Commonwealth as an "associate member" (which is not an actual thing, afaik). I'd bet that the story is fake, and Trump's reaction is real.

That makes sense given how outlandish it sounds.

[Kurth]

Wow. I heard about this case on Serious Trouble this week and just assumed they would fight it. This is really embarrassing and I can only assume makes people reconsider working with them.

Paul Weiss’s Shameful Surrender Makes Every Lawyer There Complicit In Trumpian Constitutional Desecration

This is what Paul Weiss released today:

Today, President Donald J. Trump agreed to withdraw his March 14, 2025 Executive Order regarding the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP law firm (“Paul, Weiss”), which has entered into the following agreement with the President: 1. Paul, Weiss agrees that the bedrock principle of American Justice is that it must be fair and nonpartisan for all. Our Justice System is betrayed when it is misused to achieve political ends.

Lawyers and law firms play a vital role in ensuring that we live up to that standard as a Nation. Law firms should not favor any political party when it comes to choosing their clients. Firms also should not make decisions on whom to hire based on a person’s political affiliation. To do otherwise is to deny some Americans an equal opportunity for our services while favoring others.

Lawyers abandon the profession’s highest ideals when they engage in partisan decision-making, and betray the ethical obligation to represent those who are unpopular or disfavored in a particular environment.

2. Paul, Weiss affirms its unwavering commitment to these core ideals and principles, and will not deny representation to clients, including in pro bono matters and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.

3. Paul, Weiss will take on a wide range of pro bono matters that represent the full spectrum of political viewpoints of our society, whether “conservative” or “liberal.”

4. Paul, Weiss affirms its commitment to merit-based hiring, promotion, and retention, and will not adopt, use, or pursue any DEI policies. As part of its commitment, it will engage experts, to be mutually agreed upon within 14 days, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all of its employment practices.

5. Paul, Weiss will dedicate the equivalent of $40 million in pro bono legal services over the course of President Trump’s term to support the Administration’s initiatives, including: assisting our Nation’s veterans, fairness in the Justice System, the President’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and other mutually agreed projects.

Statement from the White House: “The President is agreeing to this action in light of a meeting with Paul, Weiss Chairman, Brad Karp, during which Mr. Karp acknowledged the wrongdoing of former Paul, Weiss partner, Mark Pomerantz, the grave dangers of Weaponization, and the vital need to restore our System of Justice.”

In response to the President’s announcement, Paul, Weiss’s Chairman Brad Karp said: “We are gratified that the President has agreed to withdraw the Executive Order concerning Paul, Weiss. We look forward to an engaged and constructive relationship with the President and his Administration.”

They will never get a call from me. Ever.

[LawBeefaroni]

F-47 will be the bestest, most deadly, most beautiful and great shooty war plane ever!

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3y04vxe48o

President Donald Trump has awarded Boeing a multi-billion dollar contract to build the US Air Force's most advanced fighter jet, the Next Generation Air Dominance aircraft.

Trump described the high-speed stealth aircraft, dubbed the F-47, as the "most lethal aircraft ever built" and said a version has been secretly flying for the last five years.
...

"There's never been anything even close to it, from speed to manoeuverability, to what it can have, to payload," Trump said.

The president also mentioned that the US military had selected the number 47 - which he described as a "beautiful number" - for the aircraft. He is the 45th and 47th President of the US.

"The generals picked that title," he said.

Yeah, sure. No pressure there on the name choice. What a fucking child.

[Holman]

F-47 will be the bestest, most deadly, most beautiful and great shooty war plane ever!

Boondoggle incoming.

If this is actually a thing, you can bet that Trump will intervene in the design and manufacturing. "It has to be colored gold! The missiles have to be the biggest, loudest, and fanciest available! And it has to be built by companies owned by my new surrogate best first son, Elon!"

(Seriously, I do wonder if Junior and Eric aren't seething at Musk's usurpation of their father's so-called love.)

[LawBeefaroni]

F-47 will be the bestest, most deadly, most beautiful and great shooty war plane ever!

Boondoggle incoming.

If this is actually a thing, you can bet that Trump will intervene in the design and manufacturing. "It has to be colored gold! The missiles have to be the biggest, loudest, and fanciest available! And it has to be built by companies owned by my new surrogate son, Elon!"

The Cybertruck of warbirds.

[Blackhawk]

F-47 will be the bestest, most deadly, most beautiful and great shooty war plane ever!

Boondoggle incoming.

If this is actually a thing, you can bet that Trump will intervene in the design and manufacturing. "It has to be colored gold! The missiles have to be the biggest, loudest, and fanciest available! And it has to be built by companies owned by my new surrogate best first son, Elon!"

And extra tail fins, and gigantic cup holders, and three horns, because you can never find a horn when you're mad.

[Smoove_B]

[Holman]

"And it is so stealth that it is literally invisible! Seriously, you can't even see it in the hanger when you're standing next to it! Boeing executives assured me of this when I went to inspect the prototype."

[Rumpy]

"And it is so stealth that it is literally invisible! Seriously, you can't even see it in the hanger when you're standing next to it! Boeing executives assured me of this when I went to inspect the prototype."

And I can totally picture him saying that. There is so much grandstanding in everything he says. It's even coming out of his ears.