Ted Rall

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Updated: 2 hours 26 min ago

DMZ America Podcast Ep 203: “SCOTUS to Decide Birthright Citizenship”

9 hours 39 min ago
LIVE 1:30 pm, Streaming Thereafter:

This week’s DMZ America podcast delivers a compelling deep dive into the Supreme Court’s high-stakes oral arguments on national stays, separation of powers, and the 14th Amendment. Hosts Ted Rall and Scott Stantis, joined by legal expert Ricardo Aparicio, unpack a case that could reshape the core of American governance. The Court is grappling with the controversial use of nationwide injunctions that halt federal policies, the boundaries of authority between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the 14th Amendment’s role in safeguarding rights in today’s polarized climate. These arguments strike at the heart of how power is balanced and how laws are enforced across the nation. With the potential to set precedents that will echo for decades, the outcome could redefine judicial reach and constitutional interpretation. What’s at stake for democracy when the justices weigh these monumental issues? How will their rulings impact the fabric of American law? Tune in for an incisive, serious discussion that cuts through the complexity, offering sharp insights into a defining moment for the nation’s highest court.

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DeProgram: “Global Crises, Domestic Battles”

10 hours 3 min ago

Join hosts Ted Rall and John Kiriakou on this riveting episode of DeProgram as they tackle three seismic issues in U.S. foreign and domestic affairs. First, they dive into the high-stakes Ukraine peace talks, where U.S. diplomacy navigates a delicate path amid Russia’s advances and global pressure for resolution. Next, they unpack the intensifying U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, fueling economic chaos and regional instability with far-reaching consequences. Finally, they explore the Supreme Court’s latest clash over the 14th Amendment, a domestic showdown with profound implications for civil rights and constitutional law. With their sharp insights and fearless commentary, Rall and Kiriakou cut through the spin, delivering clarity on these pivotal moments. This episode is essential for anyone craving a deeper understanding of the forces shaping America’s role at home and abroad. Tune in to DeProgram for unfiltered analysis that challenges conventional narratives and equips you with the knowledge to navigate today’s complex world. Subscribe now, catch the episode on your favorite platform, and join the conversation about the future of U.S. policy and justice. Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.

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TMI Show Ep 140: “Europe Plans for Life After NATO”

13 hours 18 min ago

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

On this riveting episode of The TMI Show, hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan dive into France’s ambitious quest to build a “Collective European Defense,” a seismic shift in the continent’s security framework. With global power dynamics in flux, France is leading the charge to unite European nations, fostering military cohesion and reducing dependence on NATO. This episode unravels the implications of this bold strategy, exploring how France aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy amid rising tensions with powers like Russia and China. What obstacles lie ahead for a unified European defense? How will this reshape alliances across the Atlantic? Tune in for a sharp, serious breakdown of a development poised to transform global geopolitics.

Plus:

  • Trump’s Iran nuclear proposal: The U.S. delivers a plan to address Iran’s advancing nuclear program, with talks reaching expert-level intensity. Tehran demands the right to enrich uranium, while the Trump administration insists on a total halt.
  • Aviation data sold to ICE: A massive aviation clearinghouse sells passenger data to the Trump administration for its immigration crackdown.
  • CRISPR baby’s historic treatment: A U.S. infant with a rare genetic condition receives a groundbreaking personalized gene-editing therapy.

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Trump Outruns the Nazis: Niemoller’s Chilling Echo

20 hours 15 min ago

A widely recognized poem by Martin Niemoller illustrates the gradual expansion of oppression as it targets one group after another. Niemoller’s work, often titled First They Came, reflects on the Nazi era, noting how inaction enabled broader persecution: initially targeting socialists, then trade unionists, followed by Jews, and eventually the speaker, with no one left to protest. The Trump Administration has intensified its deportation efforts at a pace that exceeds the early progression of Nazism. Within three months the scope of roundups broadened significantly. Authorities first focused on gang members. They then moved to individuals wrongly accused of gang ties. Next came campus protesters followed by green card holders. The policy soon reached people nearing citizenship and finally extended to babies holding United States citizenship. This swift escalation shows a widening net that engulfs diverse populations rapidly. Each phase builds momentum surpassing historical examples in speed. The strategy of this leadership highlights risks of unchecked overreach.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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How Zionism Causes Anti-Semitism

Thu, 05/15/2025 - 09:07

Anti-Semitism as we know it has resulted from a complex witch’s brew of historical stereotypes, economic resentments, ignorance and political extremism. Anti-Semites believe that Jewish people “have too much power,” “have too much control and influence,” and “are more willing than others to use shady practices to get what they want.”

A central, paranoid canard of anti-Semitism is that Jews secretly manipulate the media, business, politics, academia and other institutions via a shadowy cabal. Rational people know this is not and cannot be true. One in five Jewish households in the U.S. is either poor or near-poor, meaning they cannot make ends meet or are barely managing to do so. If practitioners of their 4,000-year-old religion is dedicated to conniving and getting rich, they’re doing a lousy job.

Anti-Semitism is poisonous and stupid. Yet, after decades of subsiding, it appears to be spreading again. Zionism is a contributing factor to the recent increase—or, more specifically, the tactics being deployed by some Zionists to stifle their political opponents.

Supporters of Israel have long argued that criticism of the Jewish state and/or the policies of its government is tantamount to anti-Semitism. Since many of the most strident enemies of Zionism are ultra-religious Jews and many of the most passionate opponents of Israel and its treatment of the Palestinians are Jewish, this too is not and cannot be true. After Hamas broke through the Gaza-Israel Barrier and attacked Israelis on October 7, 2023, Americans who back Israel have come closer than ever before to institutionalizing a presumed equivalence between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly declared the two to be one and the same in a bipartisan resolution, the once-staid Anti-Defamation League began counting reports of anti-Israel speech as anti-Semitic incidents, and Ivy League colleges like Columbia and Harvard adopted disciplinary codes that ban speech against Israel, including protest demonstrations.

Criticizing Israel has long been fraught. Now, it’s more dangerous than ever. You can be doxxed, fired, blacklisted, suspended, expelled, stripped of your college degree, arrested, overcharged with felonies, or disappeared and deprived of medical care to the point of imperiling your life. You can even have your application for citizenship summarily denied or be deported.

If the idea is to make people afraid of speaking their minds, these strongarm tactics are working—discussion of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the Middle East has all but vanished from campuses and workplaces. Zionists and their Trump Administration allies don’t seem to mind. They say they’re fighting anti-Semitism, a goal all decent people agree with.

One wonders if they’ve considered the consequences of their aggressive approach, which brooks no dissent or criticism—and operates ruthlessly behind the scenes to get people. When you violate the privacy of and endanger passionate young antiwar protesters, and you derail their educations, and you pull strings at the White House to get them violently deported, will they start supporting Israel? It’s far likelier that they, their friends and family members, and those who read about what happened to them, will conclude that Zionists are vicious, disgusting people—that they “have too much control and influence.” Since Zionists have conflated their loyalty to a country with the practice of a religion, some may start to resent Jewish people as well.

Let’s say you’re one of the 30% of American voters who already believe Jews control the media. Supporters of Israel are working overtime to confirm your bigotry.

News coverage of Israel’s war in Gaza spills nearly as much ink on the few hundred hostages seized by Hamas as the few hundreds of thousands of Gazans killed by Israel. Few Democratic or Republican politicians are willing to criticize Israel, much less call for severing military and diplomatic relations to force Israel to stop its war—because they’re both afraid of AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying group. That, obviously, is influence.

Or, let’s say you think American Jews are like the man behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz, pulling strings to get their way. Then you read how Angelica Berrie, a wealthy donor to Columbia, lit up her private direct line to that university’s president for months, threatening to withhold future payments unless the school provided “evidence that you and leaders across the university are taking appropriate steps to create a tolerant and secure environment for Jewish members of the Columbia community.” Yet when you scour the Internet for evidence that Jewish students at Columbia have suffered intolerance, there’s little there there. Instead, the university has banned Jewish groups that support Palestine, suspended and expelled their members, had them arrested and roughed up by the cops, and when that wasn’t enough for the donors, they got the president fired too, and convinced Trump to cancel hundreds of millions in federal research grants.

Even after all that, Columbia didn’t issue a peep of protest when one of its recent master’s degree graduates, Mahmoud Khalil, was dragged off into the night by unidentified goons in an unmarked car in front of his eight-month-pregnant wife and dumped in a private Louisiana prison, where he remains. His crime, according to Trump: peacefully protesting Israel’s war against the people of Gaza. Tufts student Rümeysa Öztürk, currently out on bail, was similarly kidnapped off the street; her offense, according to the authorities, was co-authoring an op-ed in the student newspaper asking Tufts to support the Palestinians. The president and his secretary of state say these and other recent roundups are just the beginning, and that anyone who criticizes Israel risks deportation and similar abuse at the hands of the U.S. government.

Whatever one’s opinions on Israel, it’s impossible to deny that this tiny country the size of the state of New Jersey, with no natural resources to speak of, enjoys unique lèse-majesté status—a special don’t-go-there zone that has become even more ferociously defended under Trump. France is a close U.S. ally, yet Americans can say anything you want about it or its president, Emmanuel Macron. If you’re a green-card holder or attending an American college on a student visa, you need not fear deportation for insulting Eritrea on social media, or protesting Brazil on campus, or penning an op-ed about the rascals who govern South Korea.

The right-wing crackdown on anti-Israel commentary orchestrated by Zionists and their MAGA allies of convenience did not evolve organically, resulting from a vigorous and open exchange of views in a free society. There has been no buy-in, nor any effort by individuals and organizations who support Israel to reach out to people with moderate views, much less those who believe Israel is waging genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians. There has only been bullying. If you dare speak out against Israel, sinister forces, that you may or may not ever be able to identify, will declare you an anti-Semite and crush you.

Which might prompt you to conclude that you’d been the victim of people who “use shady practices to get what they want.”

For the time being, Zionist bullying will continue to be effective. But it cannot and will not seduce any hearts and minds into seeing things from Israel’s perspective. To the contrary, support for Israel in the United States has plunged to a 25-year low over the last two years. It will keep dropping.  If you’re truly worried about anti-Semitism, and you ruin people’s lives for expressing anti-Zionist thoughts while you equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, you will not only turn Americans against Israel, you will turn them against Jews. Some of your victims—and those who care about them—will become vulnerable to the toxin of actual anti-Semitism.

(Ted Rall, the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, is the author of “Never Mind the Democrats. Here’s WHAT’S LEFT.” Subscribe: tedrall.Substack.com.)

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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TMI Show Ep 139: “SCOTUS Tackles Birthright Citizenship”

Thu, 05/15/2025 - 05:52

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Get ready for a gripping episode of The TMI Show with hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan, diving into one of the most pivotal legal battles of 2025! The main focus is the U.S. Supreme Court’s oral arguments on May 15, tackling whether federal courts can issue sweeping temporary stays to block President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. This historic case, rooted in the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship for those born on U.S. soil, pits the Trump administration against 22 Democratic-led states and immigrant rights groups. Federal judges in Washington, Massachusetts, and Maryland issued nationwide injunctions, calling the order “blatantly unconstitutional,” but the administration argues these broad blocks overstep judicial power.

With arguments set to explore the scope of universal injunctions, the outcome could reshape how courts check executive actions, impacting millions and redefining citizenship rules. Tune in for a deep dive into this constitutional showdown, its implications for immigration policy, and the balance of judicial authority.

Plus:

  • An Israeli airstrike in Northern Gaza killed 50, including 22 children, as Israel escalates its offensive to “capture” the enclave.
  • Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired missiles at Israel, prompting evacuation orders for Yemeni ports amid rising tensions.
  • U.S. drug overdose deaths dropped 27% in 2024 to 80,000, the largest decline on record, driven by naloxone and methadone access.

Join The TMI Show for unfiltered analysis of these critical issues, streaming live and 24/7!

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DeProgram: “Trump’s Desert Deals, Iran Standoff, Syria Shift, Menendez Twist & Qatar Jet Jolt”

Wed, 05/14/2025 - 09:56

Get ready for a powerhouse episode of DeProgram with hosts Ted Rall and John Kiriakou, delivering a no-filter take on today’s hottest global and domestic stories! This week, they unpack President Trump’s blockbuster Saudi Arabia trip, dissecting the $600 billion investment deal reshaping U.S.-Middle East dynamics.

Next, they dive into the Iran nuclear talks’ deadlock, where Tehran’s defiance meets Trump’s hardline stance, fueling Gulf tensions. The focus shifts to Syria, where Trump’s surprise sanctions lift and talks with interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa spark debate—is this diplomacy or a risky gamble? Then, the hosts explore the Menendez brothers’ resentencing drama, as fresh evidence and public pressure challenge their life sentences.

Finally, buckle up for the Qatar jet scandal, with Trump’s luxury plane gift igniting Senate fury and ethical firestorms. Rall’s biting commentary and Kiriakou’s whistleblower savvy make this episode a must-listen, blending serious analysis with sharp humor. From Saudi deserts to D.C. courtrooms, DeProgram cuts through the spin, connecting the dots on power, politics, and justice. Whether you’re a news junkie or just curious, this episode serves up bold insights to keep you informed and engaged. Don’t miss the chance to join Rall and Kiriakou as they decode the chaos of our world with wit and wisdom. Plug in and get DeProgrammed—stream now for a front-row seat to the stories shaping our future!

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TMI Show Ep 138: “Trump Chillaxing with Radical Jihadis”

Wed, 05/14/2025 - 06:36

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time, Streaming Anytime:

Get ready for a thrilling episode of The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan as they dive into Donald Trump’s Gulf tour. Fresh into his second term, Trump visits Saudi Arabia and Qatar, securing a $142B arms deal and pursuing $1T in investments. Will his rapport with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords? Or will Gaza’s war and Palestinian statehood demands derail it?

The stakes rise with Trump’s plan to use a $400M Qatari jet as a temporary Air Force One. Defense officials warn of security risks, citing missing secure comms and nuclear command systems. Is this a daring move or a constitutional violation? Ted and Manila dissect the emoluments clause controversy and debate if it’s a “Qatari bribe.”

Tune in for bold takes, heated debates, and gripping geopolitics. #TMI #TrumpGulfTour

Plus:

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: Ted and Manila tackle Zelenskyy’s Istanbul peace talks with Russia, the first since 2022. Putin’s ceasefire aims to dodge EU sanctions, but will Lavrov lead? With sanctions looming, expect fiery debates. Tune in for bold insights. #TMIPeaceTalks

Jake Tapper’s Biden Book: Ted and Manila rip into Tapper’s Original Sin on Biden’s decline. Clooney snub stuns. Is Tapper exposing truth or rewriting history? TMI debates the scandal. #TMIBidenScandal

UnitedHealth CEO Exit: Ted and Manila probe UnitedHealth CEO Witty’s sudden exit. Personal reasons or scandal? Hemsley steps up. TMI delivers hot takes on the shakeup. #TMIHealthShakeup

Menendez Brothers Resentencing: Ted and Manila break down the Menendez resentencing to 50 years. Parole looms, but will Newsom approve? TMI dives into the gripping drama. #TMIMenendez

 

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Trump’s Policy Tsunami: Drowning Democrats in Chaos

Tue, 05/13/2025 - 23:55

Stephen Miller, a senior adviser, predicted that the Trump Administration would flood media outlets and Democrats with rapid policy shifts to hinder their ability to respond effectively. During a Fox News interview on November 7, 2024, Miller stated that deportations would begin the moment Trump takes office. He emphasized a strategy of immediate action, signaling a broader plan to overwhelm critics with a barrage of changes. This tactic ensures that by the time opposition forms, public focus has already moved to the next initiative. The relentless pace keeps adversaries reactive, struggling to address each new policy. Media outlets, driven by the need for fresh content, amplify this whirlwind, often unable to sustain coverage on any single issue. This approach allows the Administration to advance its agenda while keeping opponents off balance, constantly addressing the latest development rather than mounting a cohesive defense.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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Trump’s Fascist Deportations: Will Economic Ruin Break the Spell?

Sun, 05/11/2025 - 23:00

Many policies of President Trump spark division among voters, yet his deportation measures retain strong support. A Fox News poll from late April 2025 showed Americans approve of Trump’s border security policies, 55% to 40%. To shift public opinion against him, a significant economic downturn might be necessary. Polls indicate economic concerns could erode his base: a Reuters/Ipsos poll (April 30, 2025) reported only 36% approve of Trump’s economic stewardship, with 56% disapproving, as fears of recession grow (82% of voters worried, per Decision Desk HQ/NewsNation). This highlights a troubling reality where economic stability overshadows other issues. If jobs vanish or inflation spikes—91% of voters are concerned about rising prices—support for deportations may wane, revealing our misplaced priorities.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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How About Three Saturdays From Now?

Thu, 05/08/2025 - 23:31

The Hands Off! rallies signal a vibrant public urge to challenge Donald Trump, yet true resistance demands more than sporadic sunny Saturday gatherings. History, like the French Revolution, teaches us that authentic rebellion is relentless, unpredictable, ceaseless, and boldly confrontational. It thrives not in fleeting moments of fervor but in sustained, gritty determination that disrupts the status quo daily. Imagine a movement that pulses through streets, workplaces, and communities, refusing to relent. Such resistance would unsettle power, forcing accountability through constant pressure. The spark of defiance is there; now it must grow into a fire that burns consistently, reshaping the political landscape with unwavering resolve and fearless action.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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DeProgram: Crackdowns, Chaos, and Covert Schemes

Thu, 05/08/2025 - 16:00
On DeProgram, hosts John Kiriakou and Ted Rall dissect a series of urgent issues dominating today’s headlines. They begin with the arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University, where NYPD buses hauled off demonstrators amid a Trump administration crackdown targeting student activism. The hosts explore how these arrests, including that of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student detained during a citizenship interview, reflect a broader assault on free speech. Next, they tackle Senator John Fetterman’s bizarre behavior, questioning the motives behind his increasingly erratic public statements and private actions. The discussion shifts to the case of Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish Ph.D. candidate detained for co-authoring a pro-Palestinian op-ed. A federal appeals court recently ordered her transfer to Vermont by May 14th, marking a setback for Trump’s aggressive deportation policies.  Finally, they expose disturbing reports that Trump’s team is exploring deporting Asian immigrants to Libya, a move lawyers argue violates international law. With their incisive commentary, the hosts connect these stories to reveal a chilling pattern of authoritarianism, eroded civil liberties, and systemic overreach. This episode is essential listening for those seeking unfiltered insights into the forces shaping our world. Join Kiriakou and Rall as they challenge the establishment narrative and call for resistance—stream now on your favorite podcast platform.

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Trump Is Shocking But Not New

Tue, 05/06/2025 - 23:14

The philosopher Nigel Warburton shrugged: “Users of slippery slope arguments should take skiing lessons—you really can choose to stop.” But slippery slopes are a thing precisely because people often choose to keep cruising along until they smash into Sonny Bono’s tree.

Critics from both parties describe Donald Trump’s behavior and policies as unprecedented. This presidency, however, did not emerge from a vacuum. Everything Trump does builds on presidential politics of the not-so-recent past—mostly, but not always, Republican.

Trump has shocked free speech advocates and civil libertarians by ordering his masked ICE goons to abduct college students off city streets for participating in campus protests criticizing Israel for carpet-bombing Gaza. (An aside: what will he say when someone avails themselves of their Second Amendment rights rather than allow themselves to be chucked into an unmarked van by random strangers?)

Government oppression of dissidents in America has a rich and foul history. During the 1999 Seattle WTO protests, which included many college students, Bill Clinton’s Immigration and Naturalization Service (the predecessor of ICE) detained and initiated deportation proceedings against students from Canada and Europe who were arrested for opposing free trade agreements. Under Reagan, the INS moved to deport African students who participated in rallies urging colleges to pull investments out of apartheid-era South Africa. Nixon’s FBI and INS worked to revoke the visas of students who protested the Vietnam War, particularly those from Canada and Latin America. George W. Bush conducted “extraordinary renditions,” including off U.S. streets, where individuals like Maher Arar, who was entirely innocent, were detained without charge and sent to third countries for interrogation that included torture, under the guise of national security.

Trump is demanding that universities and major law firms bend the knee, insisting that college administrators surrender to federal oversight and eliminate DEI policies, and that attorneys allocate hundreds of millions of dollars in pro bono legal work to clients allied to Trump.

It’s freaky—but there is precedent for this kind of bullying.

Even though universities like UC Berkeley, Columbia and Kent State viciously suppressed anti-Vietnam War protesters, Nixon threatened to cut federal funding unless they unleashed even more police violence. The FBI’s COINTELPRO program spied on professors and students and Nixon’s Justice Department fired off letters to university presidents demanding that activist students be suspended or expelled. Nixon’s INS visa revocations normalized targeting student activists; Trump exploits that now.

The Education Department, under Reagan, threatened to withhold federal funds from colleges whose admission and financial aid policies included affirmative action. Bush went after universities like MIT, NYU and the University of Michigan for allowing international students and faculty to criticize U.S. foreign policy. The DOJ and FBI demanded student visa records and monitored campus groups—especially Muslim Student Associations—for links to radical Islamists.

FDR attacked “Wall Street lawyers” for obstructing his New Deal, and his top officials leaned on firms to represent labor unions pro bono in order to make up for their alleged pro-business bias.

Though the Trump Administration will almost certainly fall short of its goal of deporting a million people it alleges are in the United States illegally, this White House looks exceptionally aggressive against illegal immigration due to moves like deporting 238 alleged (but probably not) Venezuelan gang members to a private for-profit gulag in a third country with which they have no affiliation, El Salvador, and refusing to bring back one it admits was expelled illegally as the result of an “administrative error.”

But the real Deporters in Chief were Bill Clinton, who “removed” 11.4 million undocumented workers from the U.S., and George W. Bush, with 8.3 million. The Bush Administration kidnapped “enemy combatants” without due process and shipped them the U.S. concentration camp at Guantánamo Bay.Detainees from countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and others were held in a third country (Cuba) without being returned to their home nations. Some were later transferred to fourth countries like Albania or Qatar for resettlement or further detention.

You have to go back further to find antecedents for Trump’s 10% universal tariff on all imports, up to 145% on China, and reciprocal tariffs on about 90 countries. Still, here too, there’s nothing new under the sun. Biden continued Trump’s first-term 25% tariffs against China. Reagan slapped tariffs against Japan and Canada. Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which added an average of 45% tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods to try to protect farms and industries during the Depression.

Then there are the DOGE mass firings orchestrated by Elon Musk. Musk’s chainsaw-wielding theatricality aside, going after federal bureaucracy with an axe instead of a scalpel is anything but new.

Through his National Performance Review (later renamed “Reinventing Government”), Clinton eliminated 377,000 federal jobs—17% of the total workforce. He got rid of about 100 programs and consolidated 800 agencies. Not unlike Musk’s “fork in the road” mass email offers, Clinton offered buyouts up to $25,000 to about federal 100,000 workers. Reagan, Carter and Nixon each fired tens of thousands of federal workers. Like Trump, Reagan called for the elimination of the Department of Education; probably like Trump, he failed.

In most cases, such as Nixon’s surveillance or Clinton’s deportations, liberals and mainstream media offered brief, muted criticism. If there had been broader and more sustained outrage in response to these previous outrages, odds are that Trump would be operating with somewhat less untrammeled volition today.

We can’t go back in time. Hopefully this moment will remind us that there are consequences for every decision not to protest and not to raise hell—and that those consequences may play out in the distant future.

(Ted Rall, the political cartoonist, columnist and graphic novelist, is the author of “Never Mind the Democrats. Here’s WHAT’S LEFT.” Subscribe: tedrall.Substack.com.)

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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History Warns, Courage Wanes

Tue, 05/06/2025 - 23:11

A World War I propaganda poster warned that individuals failing to support war efforts would face future shame for cowardice. Combat required immense bravery. Today, democracy falters as Trump enacts deportations without due process and censors universities. Courage remains scarce. Will people standing silent now face judgment later?

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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ICE Grabs Students. Self-Defense Clash Looms.

Sun, 05/04/2025 - 23:14

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents grab college students and migrants from American city streets, igniting fury over reckless tactics. Plainclothes agents, lacking uniforms or visible badges, use unmarked vehicles to detain people like a Tufts student in Massachusetts and a Columbia graduate in New York, often targeting visa holders tied to protests. Fears are rising that unclear identity risks deadly mix-ups. Some warn that a detainee, mistaking agents for thugs, might claim Second Amendment self-defense, sparking violence. Communities demand clarity as tensions climb. With over 32,000 arrests since January 2025, debate rages: lawful action or wild overreach? The nation braces for what looms in this heated clash.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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“What’s Left” Book Tour?

Sat, 05/03/2025 - 17:11

I’m trying to determine whether it would be viable to do public appearances in support of my new book, a manifesto that carefully explains what the Left is, what it should fight for, and how radical demands are realistic.

On the one hand, early sales are promising, and there would be value in holding discussions about how the real Left outside the Democrats can rebuild.

On the other hand, travel is expensive so it’s only worthwhile if there is a host–bookstore, community group, library, university–to sponsor and to promote an event.

If you’re interested, and you have connections to such a host, please contact me: Rall.com/contact.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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TMI Show Ep 130: “Judge Nixes Trump’s Deportation Power Grab”

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 06:45

Streaming Anytime, LIVE 10 AM Eastern time!

Get ready for TMI with hosts Ted Rall and Manila Chan, as they dive into a seismic legal showdown that’s rocking the core of U.S. immigration policy! This week, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas, Fernando Rodriguez Jr., dropped a bombshell ruling that’s sending shockwaves through the administration’s playbook. Tune in as Ted and Manila unpack the dramatic decision that struck down Donald Trump’s controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process—a move that saw over 130 migrants fast-tracked to El Salvador, skipping standard hearings.

In a scathing 36-page opinion, Judge Rodriguez dismantled the administration’s legal stance, ruling that the wartime-era law—meant for enemy nationals during conflict—cannot be weaponized for routine immigration enforcement. The decision, which found Trump’s actions in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act, marks a historic first in challenging the misuse of this centuries-old statute. While the ruling is limited to South Texas, its implications are monumental, potentially shaping future legal battles nationwide as Trump weighs an appeal. Immigrant rights advocates, including the ACLU, are hailing the decision as a victory for justice.

Expect a gripping discussion as Ted and Manila bring their signature blend of sharp insight and unfiltered analysis to this landmark case. Why does this ruling matter? It’s a pivotal moment in the fight over presidential power, immigration rights, and the rule of law. Don’t miss this episode of TMI—where hard-hitting truths meet fearless commentary. Catch it live and join the conversation that everyone will be talking about!

 

 

The post TMI Show Ep 130: “Judge Nixes Trump’s Deportation Power Grab” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

Hogg Zaps Boomers, Message Still MIA

Thu, 05/01/2025 - 23:56

David Hogg, DNC Vice President, vows to challenge older incumbent Democrats in primaries, arguing age limits their leadership. The Democratic Party, viewed as led by elderly figures, faces a graver issue, record low poll ratings from an unclear, unappealing message. While age sparks debate, the party fails to offer a unified vision voters embrace. Hogg pushes for younger leaders to revive enthusiasm, yet primaries alone cannot resolve the crisis without a strong platform. Democrats must forge a clear, compelling message to restore trust, counter declining support, and navigate a divided political landscape effectively.

What IS the Left? What should we fight for? How can we rebuild outside of the Democrats? Order my latest book “WHAT’S LEFT” here at Rall.com. It comes autographed to the person of your choice, and I’ll deliver it anywhere. Cost including shipping is $29.95 in the USA.

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TMI Show Ep 129: “What’s Left?”

Thu, 05/01/2025 - 06:27

LIVE 10 AM Eastern time & Streaming Anytime:

On The TMI Show with Ted Rall and Manila Chan, streaming live on May 1, 2025, at 10 AM ET— it’s International Workers’ Day! This isn’t just a broadcast; it’s a battle cry for justice, airing on YouTube and Rumble, perfectly synced with the launch of Ted Rall’s groundbreaking book, “What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems” (ISBN: 979-8-8898622-0-1). Available live or on demand, this episode is set to ignite a movement.

As the world honors workers, “The TMI Show” confronts the raw truths of a system bleeding $3.8 trillion annually on wars and billionaire tax breaks while 770,000 Americans sleep on the streets. Rall and Chan bring their razor-sharp insight to the fight, exposing a government that preaches “for the people” but serves the elite. It’s unfiltered, urgent, and loaded with the kind of truth that demands action.

Enter “What’s Left”—a fearless manifesto for a true Left rooted in socialism and dignity. Rall, the incisive cartoonist and columnist, unleashes 20 radical demands: cut Pentagon spending by 90% to fund free healthcare and education; hike the minimum wage to $60/hour; turn 15 million vacant homes into housing for the homeless. With 40% of Americans warming to socialism, this book is a wake-up call—offering a roadmap to end poverty and inequality with resources we already have. It’s a provocation that dares the powerful to refuse, exposing their greed.

This episode fuses global worker solidarity with a vision for revolution. “The TMI Show” and “What’s Left” deliver a one-two punch: bold ideas, fierce critique, and a call to rise up. Don’t miss it—tune in and join the fight for a world where everyone thrives!

The post TMI Show Ep 129: “What’s Left?” appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.

What’s Left

Thu, 05/01/2025 - 04:55

Now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/fimtBfr

Or via your local bookstore.

Or here at Rall.com, where the copy comes autographed.

The post What’s Left appeared first on Ted Rall's Rallblog.