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Trump’s Law Enforcement Policies Better Than Obama’s?

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(Via Fox News)

As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump praised the virtues and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in his many campaign speeches. To beleaguered cops, the president’s inauguration signaled the welcome end of eight years of unwarranted criticism from the Obama administration.

In the President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, he cautioned against the path followed by President Obama. The new president said that Americans “must work with, not against – not against – the men and women of law enforcement. We must build bridges of cooperation and trust – not drive the wedge of disunity.”

President Trump added: “Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They’re friends and neighbors, they’re mothers and fathers, sons and daughters – and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry about whether or not they’ll come home safe and sound. We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.” I couldn’t agree more.

The applause from the assembled legislators would have been drowned out by those in law enforcement circles. Police had long been on their post-Ferguson heels after events involving the questionable use of force were pounced on by a race-focused president and a complicit media.

Rejecting those divisive narratives, President Trump shifted the nation’s focus to the rising number of violent crime victims. President Trump recognized the sacrifice of law enforcement in ways his predecessor refused to do, like ordering the White House bathed in blue during National Police Week.

In the months since, the president has responded to the crisis of opioid abuse and fatal overdoses by declaring a national health emergency. Expressing a determination to save lives, his public health approach to the problem muted natural critics who mistakenly assumed he would default to the “lock-em-up” tactics used during the crack epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s.

However, detractors are now suggesting the public health approach is itself racist, because predominantly white opioid abusers will escape the black “mass incarceration” of the criminal justice system of two decades ago.

President Trump’s pick for attorney general – Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions – has proven a stalwart asset, even while weathering Trump criticisms for his recusal from the ongoing Russia investigation.

Over the summer, President Trump and Sessions reversed Obama-era policies including those restricting the use of life-saving surplus military equipment by law enforcement. Within weeks, the value of that equipment was again evident as police responded to horrific active shooter tragedies in Las Vegas and tiny Sutherland Springs, Texas.

President Trump’s “America First” border policies have faced a barrage of challenges, including federal lawsuits to prevent their implementation. He’s endured the slanderous lie that he’s hate-filled and anti-immigrant.

The president’s commitment to secure our borders is now showing the intended consequence of reducing illegal border crossings. Recent Department of Homeland Security reports show arrests at the border at a 46-year low, with a 25 percent reduction from 2016.

Ignoring open-border globalists, the president understands that securing the U. S. border is fundamental to the integrity and security of a sovereign nation and fundamental to the rule of law.

Through Sessions, President Trump has challenged “sanctuary” jurisdictions that ignore Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention requests to hold criminal illegal aliens for enforcement actions.

The president responded to the incomprehensible loss of a child to a violent felon who shouldn’t be loose on American streets. He channeled the sentiments of millions about the sickening killing of Kate Steinle by a criminal illegal alien given refuge by San Francisco.

President Trump was right in rejecting the notion that jurisdictions that turn a blind eye to criminal illegal immigrants somehow make America safer.

The president will have much to do in 2018. His messaging to law enforcement is a solid first step, but faith and words need follow-up.

Our border is still too porous. Department of Homeland Security agencies tasked with shoring it up need people and resources – fast.

And the president needs to lean on the Senate to move bills like Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, while preparing for battle in the federal courts when liberal jurisdictions challenge steps toward responsible immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, the president and attorney general need to press the attack on savage gangs like MS-13, whose ranks are fed by the pipeline of illegal immigration.

Finally, we’ve again witnessed the specter of terror in America. Responding to the ISIS siren song, foreign-born actors executed terror attacks in our best-protected city. Eight innocents were fatally mowed down and a dozen injured in New York City’s deadliest attack since 9/11 and a second attacker detonated an improvised explosive device in midtown Manhattan.

The terrorist strikes fed the debate over the proper limitations on the federal Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act “702” intelligence collection authority, which is up for renewal.

President Trump can’t afford to rest on his words of support for law enforcement. He’s had an impressive, welcome start but dealing with law enforcement issues is a marathon, not a sprint.

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Iowa

Chad Pelley Lawsuit in Shambles – Free Speech Win Relieves Bailey Symonds, Strips Injunction

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In a pivotal legal ruling issued on May 14, 2025, the Iowa District Court in Linn County struck down nearly all of the speech-restricting injunctions in the high-profile case of Chad Pelley v. Dustin Mazgaj et al. The decision significantly weakens Pelley’s attempt to silence critics through civil court orders—and raises fresh questions about where the case goes from here.

Chad Pelley Injunction Dissolved Bailey Symonds by Populist Wire


Symonds Cleared, Mazgaj Partially Restricted

At the heart of the ruling is a clear rejection of Pelley’s broad effort to restrict speech. The court fully dissolved the injunction against Bailey Symonds, stating that Pelley failed to prove she caused harm or was likely to in the future. As of now, Symonds is under no legal restrictions, restoring her full right to speak about the case, attend public meetings, and post freely online.

In the case of Dustin Mazgaj, who operates under the name Butt Crack News Network, the court issued a narrowed injunction: Mazgaj is now only prohibited from publicly referring to Chad Pelley as a:

  • “Pedophile”
  • “Drug user”
  • “Drug dealer”

All other parts of the injunction—including no-contact orders and broad bans on speech or proximity—were dissolved.


Melissa Duffield Confirmed Unrestricted

The court also clarified that Melissa Duffield, another named defendant, was never placed under an injunction at any point. Attempts by Pelley’s legal team to restrict her speech in a separate post-trial filing were also rejected, with the judge referencing potential First Amendment concerns.


BCNN Not a Company, Just a Username

In a notable clarification, the court determined that Butt Crack News Network is not a separate business or legal entity—it’s simply the name of Mazgaj’s YouTube account. As such, any restrictions on BCNN are effectively just extensions of those on Mazgaj personally.


Skylar Price Still in Limbo

One original defendant, Skylar Price, has not responded to the lawsuit and was found in default. The court did not revisit the injunction as it applies to Price, meaning the original restrictions may still technically be in effect—but without any new legal activity or defense.


Beau Bish and Flex Your Freedoms Not Bound

Though Pelley filed a second motion earlier this year to add Beau Bish and the media group Flex Your Freedoms to the injunction, the court noted that they have not yet been formally served. As a result, they remain unrestricted by the court at this time.


Where Does Pelley’s Case Go From Here?

The judge’s ruling sends a clear signal: courts will not issue broad gag orders unless the speech in question is proven to be false and harmful—and even then, only in narrowly tailored ways.

Pelley may still pursue defamation claims, but without the broad powers of a speech-restricting injunction, he faces a steeper road. The ruling emphasizes the high bar courts place on prior restraint, especially when it involves criticism of someone involved in public matters like real estate development, civic boards, and local politics.

As for the remaining claims—libel, false light, and emotional distress—they will now move toward a full trial. But the public gag orders Pelley once used to silence his critics have been largely rolled back, and the spotlight on his case is only getting brighter.

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Politics

President Donald Trump 45 – 47

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Donald Trump’s political journey over the last eight years has been a vivid illustration of modern populism, defying conventional political odds. Starting with his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump, a real estate mogul and reality TV star, harnessed populist sentiments to propel his candidacy. His message resonated with many Americans feeling left behind by globalization and economic shifts, promising to restore jobs, combat what he described as unfair trade deals, and prioritize American interests over international cooperation. This populist wave was marked by his direct communication style, bypassing traditional media to connect with voters through rallies and social media, where he spoke of “draining the swamp” in Washington, suggesting a deep-seated distrust in the political establishment.

The struggle of Trump supporters has mirrored this populist movement, characterized by a sense of alienation from what they perceive as a detached political and cultural elite. This group, often labeled pejoratively by some in the mainstream, found in Trump a voice for their frustrations with immigration policies, economic policies favoring global trade over local jobs, and cultural shifts they felt were imposed without their consent. The Trump family, from Melania’s fashion choices to Ivanka’s political involvement, became symbols of this populist resistance against the perceived elitism of politics. The criticism they faced only deepened the solidarity among Trump’s supporters, who saw in his family a reflection of their own battles against the establishment.

The alt-media ecosystem was instrumental in this populist surge, serving as both a battleground and a bastion. Outlets like Breitbart and Infowars, and later platforms like Parler and Truth Social, became the echo chambers where Trump’s narrative of being a victim of political witch hunts and media bias was amplified. These platforms didn’t just report news; they crafted a narrative where Trump’s every move, from policy to personal tweets, was framed as part of a larger fight against a corrupt system. This interaction between Trump, his supporters, and the alt-media has redefined political discourse, showcasing how populism can harness media, both traditional and digital, to challenge and reshape political norms. Trump’s journey has thus not only defied odds but has also redefined what political success looks like in an era where populism can sway elections and influence policy discussions at the highest levels.

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Politics

President Trump Returns to Butler to FIGHT for America First

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Trump’s Return to Butler, PA: A Symbol of Tenacity and Defiance

Today, former President Donald Trump makes a symbolically charged return to Butler, Pennsylvania, the site where his resilience was tested in an unprecedented manner. This visit, on October 5, 2024, is not just another campaign stop but a poignant reminder of his enduring “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” mantra, which has become emblematic of his political persona.

A Historical Backdrop

On July 13, 2024, Butler was thrust into the national spotlight when an assassination attempt was made on Trump during a rally. Surviving with a mere graze to his ear, Trump’s immediate response was to raise his fist, a moment captured in what has now become an iconic image, symbolizing his defiance against adversity. This incident didn’t just scar him physically but also galvanized his supporters, turning Butler into a shrine of sorts for Trump’s resilience.

The Symbolism of the Return

Trump’s decision to return to Butler is laden with symbolism. Here’s why this visit resonates deeply with his campaign ethos:

  1. Defiance in the Face of Danger: Returning to the site where his life was threatened underscores Trump’s narrative of not backing down. It’s a physical manifestation of his “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” ethos, showcasing his refusal to be intimidated by violence or political opposition.
  2. Political Theatre and Momentum: This rally serves as a masterstroke in political theatre, aiming to convert the attempt on his life into a rallying cry for his supporters. It’s an attempt to reignite the fervor seen in the immediate aftermath of the incident, where his campaign saw a surge in support, portraying him as a fighter against all odds.
  3. Uniting the Base: By revisiting Butler, Trump not only honors the victims of the incident but also uses the location to unify his base. The rally is expected to be a blend of remembrance and a call to action, emphasizing themes of perseverance, security, and defiance against the establishment’s perceived failures.
  4. A Message of Strength: For Trump, every appearance since the assassination attempt has been an opportunity to project strength. Returning to Butler amplifies this message, suggesting that neither personal attacks nor political challenges will deter his campaign or his message.

The Broader Impact

The “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” mantra has transcended its initial context, becoming a broader call against what Trump describes as systemic failures, from immigration policies to disaster response, as seen in his critiques of the current administration’s handling of events in North Carolina, echoed in his and his allies’ posts on X.

This return to Butler isn’t just about revisiting the site of a traumatic event; it’s a strategic move to encapsulate his campaign’s spirit in one location, making it a pilgrimage of sorts for his supporters. It represents Trump not just as a politician but as a symbol of resistance and persistence, key themes in his narrative of reclaiming America.

In sum, Trump’s rally in Butler today is more than a campaign event; it’s a testament to his campaign’s core message: a relentless fight against adversaries, be they political opponents, critics, or even those who threaten his life. This event is poised to be a significant moment in the 2024 presidential race, leveraging trauma, resilience, and defiance into political capital.

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