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WATCH: Donald Trump Doubles Down on ‘Black Jobs’ Comment At Post-Debate Rally

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Donald Trump Doubles Down on 'Black Jobs' Comment At Post-Debate Rally

Donald Trump faced backlash on Black Twitter and across the internet after claiming immigrants are “taking Black jobs” during last night’s debate. The remark quickly became the debate’s most viral moment, sparking a surge in Google searches for “Black jobs” and “who said Black jobs.”

Black elected officials, leaders, and media outlets joined in questioning Trump’s racist rant, asking what exactly he meant by a “Black job.”

Undeterred, Trump repeated his unhinged conspiracy theory at a rally in Virginia today, further igniting criticism and outrage over his divisive and baseless claims.

“Millions of people pouring into our country, they are taking their jobs, they are taking the Black jobs, people who had their jobs for a long time, and Hispanic jobs, people who have had them for a long time, they’re losing their jobs.”

In response, Biden-Harris 2024 Communications Director Michael Tyler released the following statement:

“In Trump’s mind there are certain jobs for Black people and certain jobs for everyone else. That’s why he launched his political career by questioning the legitimacy of the first Black president of the United States. In Trump’s mind, there was no way a Black man could possibly obtain the most powerful job in the world.

“Black voters dragged Trump throughout the night for his racist rant. They know Trump has done nothing for Black communities, so he tries to pit communities of color against one another as a distraction. We aren’t distracted. We see Trump’s racism clearly, and it’s why Black voters will reject him this November.”

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Charlamagne Tha God Believes Trump Is a ‘Threat to Democracy’

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Charlamagne Tha God Believes Trump Is a ‘Threat to Democracy’

Recently, Breakfast Club Radio host Charlamagne tha God criticized former President Trump on Tuesday, labeling him a “threat to democracy” and accusing him of leading an “attempted coup.”

On Fox News, Charlamagne stated, “Let the record show, I totally agree with Robert De Niro. I am one of the people who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome. I think he is a threat to democracy.”

He spoke on Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, and claimed that Trump sought to suspend parts of the Constitution to overturn the 2020 election results. “I think that he led an attempted coup of this country,” Charlamagne added.

Charlamagne came with receipts and highlighted a December 2022 Truth Social post where Trump wrote, “A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.” He commented, “He said we should suspend the Constitution to overthrow the results of the election. He said it on Truth Social, then said he didn’t say it.”

Last week, Charlamagne said he would vote for the candidate who he believes can “preserve democracy,” though he expressed dissatisfaction with both Trump and Biden, calling them “trash” candidates. No argument there, but this was all before Trump was just convicted on 34 felony counts. 

While he endorsed Biden in 2020, he declined to do so this time, telling The View, “If I think both candidates are trash, and I don’t feel like endorsing one, would you rather me endorse an individual or endorse the fact that, hey, we need to go out there and protect democracy?”

“If I’m sitting here telling my listeners that you have somebody out there who is a threat to democracy, you have somebody out there who said they want to suspend the Constitution to overthrow the results of an election, you saw this person try to lead an attempted coup of this country,” he said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Despite his straightforward critiques, Charlamagne has indicated he will vote for Biden, though he has not shied away from criticizing the incumbent. He even suggested last year that Biden should drop out of the race amid low poll numbers.

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Key Takeaways from Trump Trial Closing Arguments

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First Day of Trump Trial Ends After Opening Statements

Yesterday’s closing arguments centered on whether Trump knowingly engaged in illegal activities and relied heavily on the credibility of Michael Cohen’s testimony. Here are key takeaways from the marathon day of closing arguments. 

1. Did Trump Order Fake Invoices and Records, or Did Michael Cohen Create Them?

Defense attorney Blanche argued that Cohen, not Trump, created the 11 invoices for $35,000 each, intended to reimburse Cohen for paying hush money to Stormy Daniels. Blanche stated, “Trump had no part in creating the invoices,” which were marked as “legal expenses” by Trump Organization staff using their multi-data system dropdown menu.

2. Did Trump Willfully Violate Federal Campaign Finance Laws?

Blanche contended that Trump could not have conspired to influence the 2016 election unlawfully since he would need to have known that he was using “unlawful means” to influence the election. Blanche argued there was no evidence Trump knew the $130,000 payment to Daniels was an illegal campaign contribution that needed to be covered up.

3. The Case Rests on Cohen, a Proven Liar

Blanche attacked Cohen’s credibility, labeling him the “Gloat” or “greatest liar of all time.” He noted Cohen’s history of lying to Congress, federal judges, and the US justice department during this trial, making his testimony unreliable. Blanche suggested Cohen’s motivation was personal and financial gain, arguing that Cohen had an axe to grind against Trump.

4. Trump Didn’t Create the Invoices but ‘Caused’ Them to Be Made 

Lead prosecutor Joshua Steinglass argued that under New York state law, it only needed to be proven that Trump helped “cause” Cohen or others to create false records. Steinglass suggested that Cohen was executing an illicit repayment scheme devised by Trump.

5. Trump’s Unlawful Acts Were to Pay to Kill Negative Stories

Steinglass asserted that when money changed hands to benefit Trump’s 2016 campaign, it constituted “unlawful means” by exceeding federal campaign contribution limits of $2,700 per person per election. Whether the jury will accept this argument is still uncertain, as Judge Juan Merchan has not yet ruled on the standards jurors must use.

6. Attacks on Cohen’s Credibility Were Not Consistent

Steinglass countered the defense’s attacks on Cohen, pointing out that Cohen lied to Congress at Trump’s request about interactions with Russia, gaining no benefit other than staying in Trump’s favor. Additionally, Steinglass highlighted the inconsistency in Blanche’s claims, noting that if Cohen stole $60,000 by overbilling Trump, it contradicts the defense’s argument that Cohen was merely reimbursed for hush money.

The post Key Takeaways from Trump Trial Closing Arguments first appeared on The Source.

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Trump Trial Day 18: Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney

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Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney

Oh, it got live during the Trump criminal trial. It’s day 18, which may have marked a turning point for the defense. Donald Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, raised his voice and flailed his arms at Michael Cohen, accusing the prosecution’s star witness of fabricating a phone conversation with Trump just before Cohen sent $130,000 to Stormy Daniels’ attorney in October 2016. Blanche confronted Cohen with text messages exchanged with Keith Schiller, who Cohen claimed had put Trump on the phone, which was unrelated to Trump or Daniels.

This was the most dramatic moment in Cohen’s cross-examination in the hush money case and the clearest example yet of the defense’s effort to cast doubt on Cohen’s memory of phone calls and other significant interactions with Trump in 2016. To sum up, Cohen did not look good, and the prosecution may have been caught off guard. Still, Cohen never lost his composure, and that was the silver lining for himself and the DA’s office. 

The court is off Friday so Trump can attend his son Barron’s high school graduation. Cross-examination of Cohen will resume Monday, and summations could begin as soon as Tuesday.

Here are the key takeaways from Day 18 of the Trump hush money trial:

Blanche spent several hours on cross-examination before addressing the evidence directly related to the case. He focused on an October 24, 2016, phone call that Trump’s bodyguard, Schiller, allegedly placed to Cohen. Under questioning from prosecutors, Cohen testified that he was reaching out to Schiller to discuss “the Stormy Daniels matter and the resolution of it.”

Blanche spent hours highlighting Cohen’s inconsistent statements to undermine his credibility over the years. He questioned Cohen on various topics, including his recanted 2018 guilty plea on tax charges, his desire to work in the White House, and his statements about seeking a pardon from Trump.

Blanche challenged Cohen on his aspirations to join Trump’s White House, which was revealed through private communications with his daughter and others like Pastor Darrell Scott. Despite this, Cohen maintained that he only ever wanted to be Trump’s attorney. He also admitted that while he publicly testified to Congress that he never sought a pardon, he had sought one through his attorney and later informed lawmakers of this behind closed doors.

For much of Cohen’s testimony, Trump appeared disengaged, often sitting with his eyes shut. However, Trump’s demeanor changed on Thursday afternoon as the focus shifted to Cohen and the media. He sat up and faced Cohen directly while Blanche questioned the witness about his conversations with New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who had previously been mentioned in the trial via a Trump tweet attacking her in 2018.

Before adjourning for the weekend, Judge Merchan instructed the lawyers to be ready for summations on Tuesday, indicating that the jury could have the case as early as next week. Prosecutors stated they have no other witnesses after Cohen, while the defense plans to call one campaign finance expert, though this is not definite. The defense may also call additional witnesses to challenge testimony, and Trump’s team has not decided whether Trump will testify in his defense.

The post Trump Trial Day 18: Michael Cohen’s Credibility Takes a Hit in Brutal Cross Examination by Defense Attorney first appeared on The Source.

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Biden and Trump Agree to Debate in June and Sept.

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After persistent pressure from Donald Trump's presidential campaign and allies, the anticipation of a face-off between the former POTUS and President Joe Biden on the debate stage is growing as the most critical election of our time looms.

President Joe Biden and Republican candidate Donald Trump have agreed to debate. The two will meet twice before the Nov. 5 Election Day.

According to TIME, CNN will host the first debate on June 29. The second will be on ABC nearly three months later, on Sept. 10.

“Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then he hasn’t shown up for a debate,” Biden said a social media message. “Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Make my day pal. I’ll even do it twice.”

Biden doubled back with another message after the debate was agreed upon.

And then Trump clapped back.

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Prosecution’s Star Witness in Trump Criminal Trial Takes Stand

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The Rundown After Another Contentious Day of Testimony at Trump’s Trial

The prosecution’s star witness in the first criminal trial against a former US President took the stand yesterday. In a courtroom drama gripping the nation, Michael Cohen, once Donald Trump’s trusted lawyer and fixer, took the stand as the prosecution’s star witness in the former president’s hush-money trial, marking a pivotal moment in the proceedings.

Addressing the court on Monday, Cohen candidly admitted to his past misdeeds, acknowledging, “I lied and bullied on behalf of my former boss.” His gaze occasionally flickered towards Trump, who sat slumped at the defendant’s table, a palpable tension lingering in the air.

The prosecution’s allegations center on Trump’s alleged falsification of business records related to pre-election hush-money payments, notably a $130,000 transaction Cohen facilitated with adult film star Stormy Daniels to prevent her from publicly discussing her alleged 2006 liaison with Trump.

Dismissing Trump’s denials and claims of political vendettas, prosecutors maintain that Cohen’s testimony is instrumental in revealing the truth behind these transactions, even as Trump seeks reelection.

Key revelations emerged from Cohen’s testimony on this critical day of the trial:

1. Cohen’s Unwavering Loyalty: Cohen, 57, portrayed his role as Trump’s fixer, stating, “I took care of whatever he wanted,” underscoring his willingness to execute Trump’s directives without hesitation.

2. Efforts to Manipulate Media: Cohen disclosed a 2015 meeting with Trump and David Pecker, then-publisher of the National Enquirer, where they strategized using the tabloid to bolster Trump’s image while undermining his opponents. Trump instructed Pecker to alert Cohen of any negative press, with a tacit agreement to suppress unfavorable stories.

3. Publisher’s Demands for Reimbursement: Following a $150,000 payment by the National Enquirer to silence Karen McDougal’s allegations, Cohen revealed Pecker’s relentless pursuit of reimbursement from Trump, recounting a tense encounter at an Italian restaurant where Pecker expressed frustration over unpaid expenses.

4. Trump’s Anger Towards Daniels: Cohen divulged Trump’s fury over Stormy Daniels’ attempts to publicize their alleged encounter, indicating Trump’s strong desire to silence her. 

5. Direct Orders from Trump: Cohen provided intricate details of the hush-money payment to Daniels, asserting that Trump instructed him, “Just do it,” underscoring Trump’s direct involvement in the transaction.

As Cohen’s testimony unfolds, it casts a stark light on the inner workings of Trump’s inner circle and the extent of his involvement in the alleged financial improprieties.

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What Happened on Day 15 of Trump Criminal Hush Money Trial

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trump day 15

Today’s developments in Donald Trump’s criminal trial shed light on crucial aspects of the case:

Cohen’s Testimony:

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer and lawyer, is set to testify on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the trial. His testimony is expected to implicate Trump in the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels and shed light on the reimbursement process through retainer payments. However, given his previous legal troubles and changing accounts, Cohen’s credibility poses a significant challenge for prosecutors.

Judge’s Order to Cohen:

Ahead of Cohen’s testimony, Trump’s attorney requested the judge to order Cohen to refrain from discussing the trial with Trump, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the case.

Westerhout’s Testimony:

Trump’s former White House aide, Madeleine Westerhout, concluded her testimony with a seemingly friendly exchange with Trump in the courtroom. Prosecutors introduced key text and call records into evidence after Westerhout’s testimony, providing crucial documentation for the case.

Prosecution’s Evidence: 

Prosecutors introduced a series of text messages between Stormy Daniels’ manager and National Enquirer’s editor-in-chief, along with other cell phone records. These records aim to bolster the prosecution’s argument of Trump’s guilt in falsifying business records.

Prosecution’s Timeline: 

The prosecution anticipates resting its case by the end of next week and plans to call two more witnesses. However, a potential issue arises concerning the admission of Trump Organization CFO Weisselberg’s settlement agreement into evidence, which Trump’s lawyers object to, citing prejudice against their client.

These key takeaways underscore the complexity and significance of the ongoing trial, with each development shaping the narrative and outcome of the proceedings.

The post What Happened on Day 15 of Trump Criminal Hush Money Trial first appeared on The Source.

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Jurors Try to Keep Straight Faces during Stormy Daniels Colorful Testimony; Judge Warns Prosecutors Some Graphic Details Are Unnecessary

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Jurors Try to Keep Straight Faces during Stormy Daniels Colorful Testimony

During Tuesday’s Trump’s hush money trial, jurors found it a bit challenging to keep their composure as adult film star Stormy Daniels delivered a vivid and titillating account during her testimony on the witness stand.

Get this: Daniels, born Stephanie Clifford, recounted an incident where she playfully spanked the former president with a magazine. This alleged spanking session prompted smirks from some jurors … Okay done giggling. Anyway, their demeanor remained stoic when Daniels delved into the details of her sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, describing it as occurring in “the missionary position” on a hotel bed. The 45-year-old Daniels spoke rapidly and expressed concern about Trump not using a condom during their brief encounter. Ick. 

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan sustained objections from Trump’s legal team, deeming Daniels’ testimony as overly graphic. Daniel wore a black kimono-style garment over a tight shirt. She energetically recounted her thing with Trump, recalling how she was over his arrogance and suggested someone should “spank” him with a magazine that had his face on the cover.

Sitting hunched, Trump signaled to his defense attorney, Susan Necheles, who raised multiple objections that the judge upheld. Occasionally glancing at Trump, Daniels reminisced about meeting the real estate mogul at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe when she was 27 years old. Their flirtatious banter eventually led to their liaison, she testified.

Daniels revealed that her decision to meet Trump was influenced by her publicist, who encouraged her to forgo a work event in favor of the encounter, promising it would be a remarkable story. Before their rendezvous, Daniels encountered Trump’s security guard, Keith Schiller, further solidifying the meeting’s arrangements. Upon arriving at Trump’s opulent hotel suite, Daniels was taken aback to find him dressed in Hugh Hefner-style pajamas, which she insisted he change out of. She admitted to feeling ashamed and chose not to disclose the affair to her then-boyfriend and former publicist.

The trial centers on allegations that Trump directed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to pay Daniels $130,000 before the 2016 election to prevent her from publicizing their affair. Trump is further accused of concealing the payment by categorizing it as a legal expense. Denying the charges, Trump has dismissed the case as a politically motivated vendetta.

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Emotional Day 11 in Trump Hush Money Criminal Trial

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Emotional Day 11 in Trump Hush Money Criminal Trial

Hope Hicks, former campaign press secretary and White House communications director for Donald Trump found herself in the hot seat on Friday. She faced questions about pivotal moments during Trump’s presidential campaign and his subsequent occupation of the White House. Sitting just feet away from her former boss, Hicks recounted the chaotic fallout from the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape and the subsequent response from the Trump administration regarding allegations of hush money payments.

Appearing visibly nervous, Hicks struggled to maintain eye contact with Trump. She answered questions from prosecutors for over two hours. The courtroom was tense, with Trump occasionally exchanging notes with his attorneys while closely observing the proceedings. Guess he wasn’t sleeping for this one. The gist of Hicks’ testimony centered around her role in the Trump campaign in October 2016, particularly in the aftermath of the “Access Hollywood” tape revelation. You know where he was exposed on a hot mic bragging about grabbing women by the you know what. She described the tape’s release as a “crisis” for the campaign, which subsequently influenced their response to reports of hush money payments involving Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. Hicks adamantly denied allegations of Trump’s affairs with these women. Hopefully, no pun intended she can sleep well at night after her public stance.

During cross-examination, Hicks revealed Trump’s concerns regarding the impact of these scandals on his family, particularly his wife Melania. Jurors were presented with a full transcript of the “Access Hollywood” tape, exposing Trump’s incendiary remarks. Thankfully. Prosecutors meticulously outlined the timeline of events surrounding the hush money payments, inching closer to establishing Trump’s culpability in the alleged cover-up. Hicks recounted Trump’s reaction upon learning about the payments, emphasizing his desire to mitigate any potential damage to his reputation. Hicks still denied direct knowledge of any coverup. 

Then, Trump’s legal team relentlessly attacked the credibility of Michael Cohen. Hicks corroborated these assertions, portraying Cohen as a self-proclaimed “fixer.” The trial also saw contentious exchanges regarding the integrity of digital evidence, with Trump’s lawyers attempting to cast doubt on the reliability of Cohen’s cell phone data. Despite efforts to undermine the prosecution’s case, forensic experts testified to the absence of tampering or manipulation in the evidence presented. As the trial adjourned for the day, the courtroom buzzed with anticipation for the testimonies yet to come, promising further revelations in the unfolding saga of the Trump hush money scandal.

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Here’s How the 10th Day of the Trump Trial Went Down

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Donald Trump Reportedly Teases 2024 Presidential Run at CPAC

On the 10th day of Trump’s hush money trial, the former President’s legal team attempted to discredit Keith Davidson, a central witness in the Stormy Daniels hush money deal, by portraying him as someone accustomed to extracting money from celebrities without crossing the line into extortion. Trump’s attorney, Emil Bove, cited Davidson’s past dealings with celebrities like Hulk Hogan, Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen, and Tila Tequila to argue that his actions in the deals involving Trump followed a familiar pattern.

Judge Juan Merchan presided over a second hearing regarding Trump’s alleged violations of a gag order. Prosecutors accused Trump of breaching the order by discussing witnesses and the jury. This comes after Trump was fined $9,000 for nine previous violations earlier in the week.

During testimony, Davidson faced scrutiny from Bove, who questioned whether his actions in negotiating deals with AMI and Michael Cohen for the Daniels and Karen McDougal agreements bordered on extortion. Davidson denied the implication, stating he didn’t understand the question.

Merchan did not immediately rule on the latest allegations of gag order violations. Prosecutor Chris Conroy highlighted four recent comments made by Trump, including remarks about Cohen and former AMI chief David Pecker. The district attorney’s office seeks fines for the violations but is not pushing for Trump to be jailed, citing potential disruptions to the trial.

Davidson portrayed Cohen as difficult to work with, noting his unreliable behavior and disappointment after not receiving a White House position. Davidson testified about a phone call in December 2016 where Cohen expressed frustration, saying, “I can’t believe I’m not going to Washington after everything I’ve done for that guy.”

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