131 Comments
User's avatar
joated's avatar

Trump should have said something along the lines of: "Name the sources or it never happened, you made it up, and you are a liar." He needs to be blunt--like a baseball bat--with these folks at every opportunity.

Wim de Vriend's avatar

I believe he did exactly that. I watched and heard him say: "Anybody that told you that is a liar. Why don’t you go back to your source and tell them they’re liars? -- “If the source even exists.”

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

Or as he said to another "journalist".... "get a real job"! LOL.

Shrugged's avatar

If Trump teamed up with John Kennedy (Senator from Louisiana), he could have a ready list of a dozen or more quick witty comebacks that might set them on their heels when they ask stupid questions or make unfounded statements.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Ala Rickles and Dangerfield on stage.

Shrugged's avatar

That would make this a lot more fun on these days of Congressional BS, although Trump has an excellent stage presence of his own.

EODMom's avatar

I like it. Everyone in his administration should be blunt, specific and speak in full sentences of fewer than 15 words (unless they are Kennedy or Rubio) about principle behind the answer to the question. (I just broke my own rule.) no euphemisms or vague, meaningless marble mouth stuff. Then they should follow through and act on said principle.

Too many act as if it’s just an academic exercise. (Republicans in both Houses of Congress I’m thinking of you.) This is not an audition or practice exercise.

Jim Nelson's avatar

I agree. Unnamed sources could just be the voices in the "reporter's" head or the guy who runs the shoeshine stand in Capitol men's room. It's time to tell the fake news media to name names or go piss up a rope.

Deb Hill's avatar

Ben Rhodes boasted during Obama's presidency. The average reporter we talk to is 27 years old, and their only experience is covering political campaigns. We created an echo chamber. They were saying things that validated what we had given them to say.

geraldsd's avatar

Journalist…Dems/communists/liars

Forbes's avatar

For Republicans, the era of unnamed sources and "leaks" should be over and dead. Any question or report relying on said anonymous sources should get an automatic, "name the source, or it's BS?"

The use of such sources and leaks is to generate conflict and controversial for the purpose of boosting eyeballs for media's advertising revenue business model. It's entirely disconnected to facts, context, and information germane to the public interest. And in the modern era, such reports are purposed for supporting The Narrative espoused by Democrat-aligned media and other agenda-driven partisan interests.

Were media interested in informing the public, rather than playing partisan politics, they would report with complete transparency--where accountability resides.

But that's isn't their agenda.

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

Think we can all be sure this "Big, Beautiful Bill" has enough fat, graft and Green New Deal subsidies to keep the debt clock running as fast as ever. And the Uniparty alive, well and thriving.

Shrugged's avatar

It's a step in the right direction on maintaining tax cuts, but it carries a heavy load of spending that makes me sick to my stomach. And, I didn't get my promised 'no tax on Social Security' so I am contributing to the cause with my meager retirement . . . . .

We need a bigger miracle at the mid-terms in the form of some RINOs getting replaced with MAGA candidates that give us a safe majority in the House and Senate.

Long shot, but I still believe in miracles. We'll need it for the mid-terms.

No's avatar

If medicaid and medicare are not reformed they will blow up the country. social Security is actually in good shape, but the medical industry will kill us and soon. Trump should just walk away from Ukraine and the mid east.

When the oxygen mask drops, you save yourself first. Time is running out.

Shrugged's avatar

Yes. DOGE hasn't touched the largest sources of fraud and abuse: Medicare/Medicaid and the Pentagon. As for Social Security, there are millions of illegals - in addition to the fraud and abuse that was there before - walking around getting benefits they didn't earn.

Now that Elon is mostly out of the picture (I hope he let his wiz-kids stay on), we need a renewed focus on cutting spending by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Doge can only reveal and recommend, congress must act on these for change to happen.

Shrugged's avatar

Yes, but they have avoided even looking at these. I think they are such a hot potato, especially in the first half of his term, they have avoided them.

As you say, once issues are identified, Congress doesn't have much of a reputation for addressing them.

These are 'third rail' issues. I'd like to toss most of Congress onto the third rail.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

The waste and fraud when traced to origins probably benefitted all of them ergo no actions to be taken derailing the GRAVY TRAIN !!

Lawsy0's avatar

Don't scare me any worse, please. My new great-grand-daughter will be one year old in July. Ever since Edith Wilson took over for Woodrow, all the "kings' women" have tried to latch on to the crown & scepter. All except for Mrs. Trump. she is a joy to behold and a treat to hear even though she rarely speaks in public.

Jeff's avatar

Wait a minute, Don. You liked this great comment yet your article screams "We must pass this bill no matter what's in it!"

Alice Ball's avatar

Codify DOGE 100%……. Get those slimy politicians’ paws off of our tax dollars.

Wim de Vriend's avatar

Only problem is ... DOGE personnel may need 24-hour protection from vengeful do-nothing bureaucrats.

Alice Ball's avatar

Don’t you mean vengeful do-nothing Democrats?😂 but we can’t forget the RINOs!

Wim de Vriend's avatar

Not all of DC's do--nothing bureaucrats may be Democrats, though 98% may be.

Aaron Jones's avatar

Get DOGE into granite, limestone, under glass in the National Archives and into the political conscience. Better stewards of America's treasure should be a given in DC but, the entitlement class there is all about taking.

I'm trying to get used to saying Senator Ken Paxton. It's likely but at the same time, the Texas House has a HUGE RINO problem. More like democrats masquerading as Republicans. Paxton being local has kept them subtle. IF/when he goes to DC in '29, the RINO's will likely get bolder.

To any daily X users, tell the CNN's, WaPo's, NYT's, etc., that they're liars. We know they don't read their mentions, but WE should NEVER FORGET how badly they lie, minute-by-minute.

RevMikeyMac's avatar

Add Congress to that list; chronic liars - on both sides of the aisle. Remember the old adage, "If their lips are moving..."

CactusMatt32's avatar

At least Texas Legislature only meets 1 year out of 2…

Joseph Kaplan's avatar

What happened to no tax on soc security?

PJT36's avatar

I saw no taxes on tips, and no taxes on overtime, but what about no taxes on Social Security?

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Excellent noticing of we seniors going under the bus.

Lawsy0's avatar

April 15, 2025, Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) co-sponsored the "You Earned It, You Keep It Act," which aims to eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits. Maybe we should lean on Riley. Hobble his horse, maybe?

Jim Murray's avatar

Demographers create graphs depicting the past and projecting the future based on historic data. Every graph extended into the future assumes no changes in conditions. A hundred years ago, it was common for couples to have many children, ergo Earth's population was predicted to be surely insupportable by the 1960's. We were all going to starve. The demographers were wrong. Conditions changed. The pill. Women went to college and entered the workforce. Farming became more efficient. Today, the world population of 8 billion is decreasing. *** As long as Don has been alive, scare mongers have predicted technology was going to destroy jobs. "Humans won't be needed." "Computers will do everything!" Facts: New factories bring new jobs where there were none before. No matter where they are, every auto plant uses robots. Robots are efficient but need to be built in another factory, delivered, installed, supplied with parts, and maintained at their workplace, all done by human workers. Auto plants generate hundreds of supplier related jobs. Someone needs to deliver those parts and take away the finished product. Trump is creating real jobs generating real economic growth and new tax bases. He is changing basic economic conditions to create prosperity for America while the posers in Congress are doing everything they can to maintain the status quo.

William Coulter's avatar

At some point entitlements must be dealt with.

Waste, abuse and fraud will get some of the savings and deficit down but the federal debt is a killer.

Some ones will have to gored and both sides of the isle need to do the right thing and quit promising things we can’t afford.

One another note, Don, I notice a 2006 Bentley for sale on Bring a Trailer. Low miles.Price was around $25,000. Maybe worth a look for you and the Missus.

Retirednottired's avatar

"Don't touch Medicare! Don't touch Medicare! Don't touch Medicare! " Please. I'm retired now about 7 years. I pay more every year for Medicare than I EVER paid for health insurance when I was working, and coverage now is worse. If Medicare went away tomorrow, I would not shed ONE tear; I would go get my own insurance and would likely SAVE money. When has Government EVER had the best price for anything?

Suzie's avatar

Notice Congress-critters always get a microphone when they are obstructing Trump.

The country is in this dire situation because they have done barely anything to stop it - in many cases even helped it along for decades!

For them to now be “standing upon their principles”, destroying the good in pursuit of their perfect, is nothing short of hubris, and hypocrisy.

There is MUCH not to like in this Big, so-called Beautiful Bill, but we no longer have the luxury of time or a large enough majority for “perfect”.

This Bill is merely a step in the right and necessary direction, with all its faults.

Getting the tax cuts made into law is key to unleashing a huge economic driver for the economy, which will have a direct impact on ALL Americans, and just in time for the midterms.

If we can then get a larger majority via the midterms THEN we can get nearly everything we want through, maybe even the perfect.

Timing is everything. And we’re running out of it.

Just pass the damn thing already.

Danimal28's avatar

Tariffs = choices. You can buy a bottle of water from Canada at $1.25 or one here at $1.00.

PM's avatar

👍-doesn't get much simpler.

Dr. Gonzo's avatar

When are the arrests coming?

RevMikeyMac's avatar

According to Ed Martin (see his hour long interview with Tucker), they're coming. And in those unfortunate cases where the statute of limitations has run the clock out, Martin says, "We will still name names and shame them."

I want prison for many of these people (Schiff, Cheney, Raskin), but we may have to settle for shaming - and primarying those who are still in office.

CactusMatt32's avatar

Even if 5 year statute runs, procedurally involve them where they have to spend $500k on attorneys to defend themselves…just like Trump, Flynn, lazy/greedy Guliani, and lots of other 45 staffers had to do…

Shrugged's avatar

The statute of limitations didn't stop Alvin Bragg from prosecuting Trump in NY. They found a loophole around it. Can we - for once - give these crooks a taste of their own medicine?

Retirednottired's avatar

No Statute of Limitations on treason or sedition....

Lawsy0's avatar

Tar and feathers is another great American-made combination just made for shaming. Also running a perp out of town on a railroad track, sans any locomotive.

RevMikeyMac's avatar

Yep - and I wouldn't even care of the tar and feathers were made in China! Just apply them to every member of Congress that has EVER taken a penny from a lobbyist, kickback, etc.

Lee's avatar

Great column especially: Failure to read is an industrywide problem. 404 Media reported, “Chicago Sun-Times Prints AI-Generated Summer Reading List With Books That Don't Exist.”

Also, highlights "patience" which the MSM slants views of Trump.

Dennis's avatar

News Media Math

They say mathematics is an exact science. And yet the media keeps trying to defy geometry. The problem is they can’t corner Trump in an Oval Office, or anywhere else for that matter. These days when something doesn’t add up, you can bet the media is part of the equation.

Michael Davis's avatar

Getting more manufacturing in the states is a hugely big win! Plants are more automated, but they require inside and outside jobs and support services for construction, operation and maintenance. And glass, tires, fabric, radiators, brakes, etc are provided by outside suppliers. Plus transportation to deliver those parts. Lots of domestic labor opportunities.

Brian LeMay's avatar

Yep , working in municipal fleet management I have discovered that more quality control people will be needed as automation's final product is terrible !

Playswithneedles's avatar

That response from President Trump reminded me of Canadian conservative Pierre Poilievre eating an apple while being interviewed by an idiot reporter and his responses to idiot questions. Brilliant!

Cheech's avatar

Hey Don.Try to find a couple hundred acres in Poca for a Bentley plant; you'll be one step closer to owning. The wife might even find employment there to ease the marital strife.

I have profound respect for Bentley. True story: Twenty years ago, I'm driving on the West Side Highway just north of the Trade Center debris/construction site. I pull up behind Geraldo Rivera in his convertible Bentley, stopped at a light. To his right, a Porsche 911. After some congenial discussion between the two, the 911 driver displays the universally known digital symbol of disrespect. Green light, Bentley roars off. By the next block, the 911 is already 100 feet behind!

Retirednottired's avatar

I've never heard a Bentley V-12, but a Jag with a V-12 makes a sound straight from heaven....

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Tesla is faster.

Cheech's avatar

True; but I was comparing REAL cars.

Houdini Trooper's avatar

Cheech, that is what I said to a long time friend from highschool. He got a Olds 442 W-30 our senior year 1970. He bought a Tesla about 3 years ago and was here visiting his grand children. He called me and wanted to take me for a ride. He said and showed me that it was faster then his 442. I informed him to back it off as I could see the local paper telling about the two old farts getting wrapped around a tree at 130 mph. I told him his 442 was a real car.

Cheech's avatar

Thank you Houdini. I love TESLA in design and execution; I love the smell of gas just a touch more! 4-4-2: four barrel, four on the floor, dual exhaust.

BTW, my '68 GTO could chirp the tires going into third gear.

Lawsy0's avatar

You guys should sign up for the choir; we're singing "Gaudeamus Igitur" in English

Cheech's avatar

Sorry. I'm more of a "No Man is an Island" type of guy.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

I feel the need for a Cyber truck but my reasoned thinking bride of decades disagrees.She likes the 64 Impala ss 2 dr hdtp /327 4bbl 4 sp from the factory.

Retirednottired's avatar

I thought the ugliest car ever built was a Pontiac Aztek, until I saw a Cybertruck on the road.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

I do not own a Tesla but several friends do and swear by them.

Cheech's avatar

True, Marian. There are three (3) in my family. All of them are nice people, just like their cars, but they're a bit snooty. (Thanks to the Almighty that they don't know I write as "Cheech".)

Brian LeMay's avatar

Maybe , but they won't pass a charging station .

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

He was Gerry Rivera while in high-school on Long Island.

Cheech's avatar

As I recall, on one episode of "Geraldo", a guest called him Jerry Rivers, and he became visibly upset.

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

He didn't mind being called Gerry in high-school. Obviously that all changed when he discovered the financial benefits of minority status.