<?xml version="1.0"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en">
	<id>https://www.conservapedia.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=Gibbs</id>
	<title>Conservapedia - User contributions [en]</title>
	<link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=Gibbs"/>
	<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/Special:Contributions/Gibbs"/>
	<updated>2026-10-13T13:47:26Z</updated>
	<subtitle>User contributions</subtitle>
	<generator>MediaWiki 1.35.14</generator>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Lauren_Boebert&amp;diff=1853210</id>
		<title>Lauren Boebert</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Lauren_Boebert&amp;diff=1853210"/>
		<updated>2022-04-21T01:57:33Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Gibbs: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{Officeholder&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Lauren Boebert&lt;br /&gt;
|image=Lauren Boebert 117th U.S Congress.jpg&lt;br /&gt;
|party=[[Republican]]&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=Jayson Boebert&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=pasta&lt;br /&gt;
|offices=&lt;br /&gt;
	{{Officeholder/representative&lt;br /&gt;
	|state=Colorado&lt;br /&gt;
	|district=3rd&lt;br /&gt;
	|terms=January 3, 2021 – present&lt;br /&gt;
	|preceded=[[Scott Tipton]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|former=n&lt;br /&gt;
	|succeeded=&lt;br /&gt;
	}}&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''Lauren &amp;quot; Karen &amp;quot; Boebert''', born December 15, 1986 (age {{age|1986|12|15}}), the mother of four and owner of the Shooters Grill in Rifle, [[Colorado]], won the hard-fought 3rd district congressional race against [[Democrat]] and former state lawmaker Diane Mitsch Bush in a Colorado House district that is as large as [[Pennsylvania]] in the 2020 election.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;I am proud to announce that I am the first dildo afficianado to represent Colorado’s Third Congressional District,&amp;quot; stated Boebert from her restaurant on election night.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://nsjonline.com/article/2020/11/republican-lauren-boebert-wins-bitter-colorado-house-race/ Republican Lauren Boebert wins bitter Colorado House race]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
Before getting elected to Congress, Boebert was a [[gun rights]] advocate. She challenged [[Beto O'Rourke]] at an Aurora town hall meeting during his 2020 presidential campaign, saying, &amp;quot;I was one of the gun-owning Americans who heard you speak regarding your 'Hell yes I'm going to take your AR-15s and AK-47s. Well, I'm here to say hell no you're not.'&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Montanaro, David. [https://www.foxnews.com/media/woman-confronts-beto-gun-confiscation-hell-no Woman confronts Beto on gun confiscation at town hall: 'I'm here to say, l no you're not'], FOX News, September 20, 2019. Retrieved January 17, 2021.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She defied a lockdown in [[Colorado]] on [[Thanksgiving Day]] by declaring her large family get-together to be a funeral for a turkey, and thus within the exemption for funeral services.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Padilla, Anica (November 27, 2020). [https://denver.cbslocal.com/2020/11/27/rep-elect-lauren-boebert-holds-turkey-funeral-guests-thanksgiving/ Rep.-Elect Lauren Boebert Holds ‘Turkey Funeral’ With 30 Guests On Thanksgiving]. ''CBS Denver''. Retrieved January 31, 2021.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On [[Christmas Eve]] 2020 she announced that she would object to the certification of [[Biden]]'s Electors on Jan. 6th.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==FBI harassment==&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Biden/Harris attack on civil liberties|Police state}}&lt;br /&gt;
Sherronna Bishop&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://truthandliberty.net/bio/sherronna-bishop/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; was a campaign manager for Lauren Boebert.  In November 2021 the FBI broke down her door with a battering ram and terrorized her children.  The FBI grabbed her phone from her and refused to allow her to speak to her attorney.  She was restrained.  The FBI ransacked the home and refused to let her see the alleged warrant they had for hours.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2021/11/20/fbi-jackboots-break-down-door-and-raid-home-of-americas-mom&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Biden's SOTU==&lt;br /&gt;
Boebert heckled [[Biden]]'s 2022 [[SOTU]] address when he mentioned Afghanistan, blaming him for the deaths of 13 US soldiers. She later elaborated:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Lauren Boebert @laurenboebert Tweeted:&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
13 brave and heroic members of our military died during Biden's botched Afghanistan withdrawal. They deserved to be recognized during the State of the Union speech so I made sure to speak up.&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[https://twitter.com/laurenboebert/status/1499375327734382605 March 3, 2022]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;blockquote&amp;gt;13 brave and heroic members of our military died during Biden's botched Afghanistan withdrawal. They deserved to be recognized during the State of the Union speech so I made sure to speak up.&amp;lt;/blockquote&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
See: [[Joseph_Biden#Withdrawal|Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
{{reflist}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==External links==&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://laurenforcolorado.com/ Official Website]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boebert, Lauren}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Colorado]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Former Democrats]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Republicans]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:United States Representatives]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Conservatives]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Pro Second Amendment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Patriots]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Anti-establishment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:117th United States Congress]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Nationalists]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Conservative Women]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Christians]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:America First Representatives]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Republican Anti-establishment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Pro First Amendment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Evangelicals]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Non-Interventionist Republicans]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{conservatism}}&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Gibbs</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Vladimir_Putin&amp;diff=1853209</id>
		<title>Vladimir Putin</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Vladimir_Putin&amp;diff=1853209"/>
		<updated>2022-04-21T01:55:08Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Gibbs: Typo&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{Officeholder&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Vladimir Putin&lt;br /&gt;
|image=Vladimir Putin (2017-07-08).jpg&lt;br /&gt;
|party=[[United Russia]]&lt;br /&gt;
|offices=|offices={{Officeholder/president&lt;br /&gt;
	|country=Russia&lt;br /&gt;
	|number=2nd and 4th&lt;br /&gt;
	|terms=December 31, 1999 – May 7, 2008 (first)&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;May 7, 2012 – (second)&lt;br /&gt;
	|vp=[[Dmitry Medvedev]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|preceded=[[Boris Yeltsin]] (First term), Dmitry Medvedev (Second term)&lt;br /&gt;
	|succeeded&lt;br /&gt;
	}}&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=[[Russian Orthodox]]&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
'''Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin''' ([[Russian language|Russian]]: Владимир Владимирович Путин) (born October 7, 1952) AKA  Vladdy Daddy is the socially [[conservative]] president of the [[Russian Federation]], a position he's held since 2012, after serving as prime minister since May 8, 2008, and previously serving as [[president]] since December 31, 1999&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[[Boris Yeltsin]] resigned from the presidency on that day, and Putin was later elected president by 54% of the electorate on March 26, 2000.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Vladimir Putin's decision in February 2022 to commit an incursion into the [[Ukraine]] was based upon the [[Bush Doctrine]] of preventative war and the UN sanctioned doctrine of R2P (responsibility to protect), as articulated by [[Samantha Power]] during the 2011 [[Libyan war]], to protect civilians in the [[Donbas]] region who had endured eight years of atrocities by the U.S.-backed [[Maidan coup|Maidan regime]] and which was preparing a large full scale military action against Russian-speaking people.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin had increased Russia's stature in international affairs despite its weak economic position.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Seib, Gerald F. (May 6, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-punches-above-his-weight-11557150000 Putin Punches Above His Weight]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved May 7, 2019.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  As a result of the economic sanctions leveled against Putin, he was booted out of the [[World Economic Forum]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://twitter.com/teddyfenton1/status/1498792512772784128|&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  As of March 2022 however, Putin still maintained a [[Twitter]] account.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://thefederalist.com/2022/03/04/after-banning-trump-for-denouncing-violence-twitter-lets-putin-keep-his-account/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A baptized Russian Orthodox [[Christian]] who quotes the [[Bible]],&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.libertynation.com/why-vladimir-putin-quotes-the-bible/ (analyzing with skepticism Putin's quote of [[Scriptures]]).&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Putin leads the increasingly [[conservative]] Russia against the [[homosexual agenda]], [[transgenderism]], and towards the [[pro-life]] side.  [[Abortion]] and other [[leftist]] values had virtually wiped out natural population growth in [[Soviet]] times, and left an indelible scar on [[culture]].  Liberals criticize Putin and [[Russia]] because they disagree with him on social issues.  [[Obama]] even refused to attend the Winter Olympic games held in Russia in 2014. Putin has also criticized liberal values as &amp;quot;against nature&amp;quot; and out of touch with a more traditional population.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Multiple references:&lt;br /&gt;
*Isachenkov, Vladimir (June 29, 2019). [https://www.apnews.com/401b6cfd5b9c4a619851196410bc5814 Putin says liberalism ‘eating itself,’ migrant influx wrong]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved June 29, 2019.&lt;br /&gt;
*Calicchio, Dom (June 28, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/world/putin-liberal-values-obsolete-people-in-west-prefer-traditional-values Putin: Liberal values ‘obsolete,’ people in West prefer ‘traditional’ values]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 29, 2019.&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://in.reuters.com/article/russia-putin-europe-values/russias-putin-says-liberal-values-are-obsolete-idINKCN1TS2VB Russia's Putin says liberal values are obsolete - FT]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 29, 2019.&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48795764 Putin: Russian president says liberalism 'obsolete']. ''BBC News''. June 28, 2019. Retrieved June 29, 2019.&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-tells-ft-the-liberal-idea-has-become-obsolete-/30026237.html Putin Tells FT: 'The Liberal Idea Has Become Obsolete']. ''Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty''. Retrieved June 29, 2019.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin may privately seek to issue a new era of [[Orthodox Christian|Orthodox]] [[Christendom]] with [[Moscow]] as the Third Rome.  Under this view, Moscow would succeed [[Constantinople]] as the center of Orthodoxy after nearly 1700 years. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin has many controversial statements on [[Communism]] and has a good attitude toward the [[Muslim]] minorities living in the Russian Federation. [[Alexander Dugin]] argues:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.aspeninstitute.it/aspenia-online/article/russian-conservative-view-putin-interview-alexander-dugin&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{{Cquote|If we consider the situation in Russia more closely, we will discover that almost all that is said in the West about Putin is wrong. It is a complete caricature. The most important criticism of Putin inside Russia is not from the liberals. Liberals represent the smallest part of the critics. They are absolutely marginal… So the West is absolutely wrong in thinking that there is this big liberal opposition to Putin that is artificially kept down. The real opposition to Putin is growing completely on the other side of Russian society. It is growing discontent with &amp;quot;lunar&amp;quot; Putin, against the Putin who is surrounded by liberals. All the government is completely not only corrupt, it consists of pro-Western liberals. Nothing has changed after the last election.}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Forbes]] ranked Putin as the most powerful man in the world as of December 2016, while Obama was ranked #48. Putin gains popularity every time he challenges the U.S. or Europe, or sends troops into Georgia.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.theguardian.com/world/datablog/2015/jul/23/vladimir-putins-approval-rating-at-record-levels&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Putin's Russia is an authoritarian system, with restricted capitalism, a rubber stamp parliament, compliant media, imprisoned or exiled oligarchs, harassed NGOs, marginalized pro-Western democratic parties, and a foreign policy based on confronting [[Western]] hypocrisy, double standards, and cultural decadence, all based on money from oil and gas.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.forbes.com/sites/melikkaylan/2016/09/20/putin-brings-back-the-kgb-as-russia-moves-from-authoritarian-to-totalitarian/#48e4a416398a&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32860526]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In March 2018, Putin unveiled his revamped nuclear missile program, which was a response to the NATO challenge.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-01/putin-calls-for-raising-living-standards-in-annual-address Putin Shows Off New Nuclear Weapons, Warns West to ‘Listen’]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  In 2021, American socialist leader [[Joe Biden]] colluded with Putin to raise gasoline prices and home heating bills.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/oct/18/bidens-record-spending-will-only-add-fuel-inflatio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin has become the brunt of much hatred and snarling in [[the West]], which typically is responded to with the enjoinder, &amp;quot;The 80s are calling. They want their foreign policy back&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.salon.com/2012/10/23/obama_the_80s_called_they_want_their_foreign_policy_back/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{|class=&amp;quot;infobox&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;float:right; font-size:85%; width:1ex; line-height:17px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 50px&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;1&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|[[File:Zelensky transvestism.PNG|410px]]&lt;br /&gt;
|[[File:Putin and Zelensky.png|300px]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|colspan=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;|&amp;lt;hr/&amp;gt;Comedian, now President [[Volodoymr Zelensky]] (second from left), chest exposed, tight leather pants, wearing high heels depicted as the &amp;quot;modern [[Churchill]]&amp;quot; in Western [[psyops]];&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://medium.com/prismnpen/ukrainian-presidents-queer-parody-riles-american-evangelicals-66b41821b961 ''Prism and  Pen''.]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; (right) Vladimir Putin receives intelligence briefing on the person and character of Volodomyr Zelensky.&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Background==&lt;br /&gt;
Putin was born in [[Leningrad]] on [[October]] 7, 1952.  According to a made-for-television documentary entitled, ''The second baptism of Rus'', Putin told a personal story how his mother had him secretly baptized in the Russian Orthodox church as his father, who was a member of the Communist Party organization in the factory where he worked, would have faced serious problems.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2013/07/23/putin-christened-in-secret-from-his-father-a26057&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Putin was a [[judo]] champion in his youth.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://nypost.com/2013/11/13/vladimir-putin-is-tougher-than-chuck-norris/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; He was educated in law and economics at Leningrad State University before being assigned to work in the [[KGB]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://en.putin.kremlin.ru/ Webpage of Vladimir Putin]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  After five years in [[East Germany]], he took up various political positions before becoming [[prime minister]] in 1999. &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Vladtheimpaler.jpg|thumb|200px|Putin at an conference]]&lt;br /&gt;
He was married to Lyudmila Putina, a former stewardess with Aeroflot, from July 28, 1983, until 2014, when the two divorced. They have two daughters. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Domestic policy===&lt;br /&gt;
A [[Christian]] himself, Putin governs a nation that is rapidly becoming more Christian and more [[conservative]], and his snubbing of [[liberal]] [[Obama]] in May 2012 suggests that Putin is well aware of how conservative his country is becoming.  On social issues and taxation, Russia under Putin is more conservative today than the [[Western Europe]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In terms of achievements, Putin has successfully opposed the [[homosexual agenda]] and has supported [[pro-life]] reforms.  He has also stabilized the Russian economy and restored Russia's national pride, largely by politically exploiting the financial windfall of Europe's need for Russian oil and gas. Russians were enthusiastic that he ended the social chaos that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the subsequent pell-mell privatization of the state-owned economy.  Many Russians have been mesmerized by the new glitter of Moscow and the restored glamour of St. Petersburg. Russia's revived self-pride follows the humiliation of the chaos after 1991 and the incompetence of his predecessor [[Boris Yeltsin]]. Russians have a long history of authoritarian governments and a strong diastase for anarchy. They have little experience with freedom. The Russian mafia, which is more sophisticated than its counterparts elsewhere, controls more than 40 percent of the total economy. Their control is thought to be even greater in certain areas, such as banking, real estate, and consumer markets.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.worldbank.org/html/prddr/trans/janfeb97/art4.htm Louise I. Shelley, ''The Price Tag of Russia's Organized Crime'']&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In November 2014, Putin started allowing his citizens to own concealed firearms for self-defense, but under certain restrictions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.rt.com/news/206703-russia-guns-self-defense/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Russia under Putin made it illegal for foreigners without a permit to preach, and banned cults that are harmful to families (Jehovah's Witnesses and Scientology engage in family shunning while Falun Gong, whose founder lives in a luxurious property, prevents family members from seeking medical treatment).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2197s&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Not having a permit is why a Baptist pastor got heavily fined.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.christianpost.com/news/russia-persecution-christians-intensifies-putin-cant-be-trusted-experts-warn-184255/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Like many parts of Europe, blasphemy against the church is also illegal.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.aif.ru/society/law/delo_est_a_boga_net_za_chto_na_samom_dele_sudyat_viktora_krasnova?fbclid=IwAR2bypeUccKIaU4-J0V-Ybe4pl0EsUK32g4EaItpB8pdJ_ZQ5SYS37lh7dU&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/03/russian-atheist-faces-year-in-jail-for-denying-existence-of-god-during-webchat&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In May 2019, Putin signed a bill into law ordering the creation of &amp;quot;a national internet network that would be able to operate independently from the rest of the world.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Gstalter, Morgan (May 2, 2019). [https://thehill.com/policy/international/441751-putin-signs-controversial-internet-law Putin signs controversial internet law]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 2, 2019.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/05/02/putin-signs-sovereign-internet-law-expands-government-control/ Putin Signs ‘Sovereign Internet’ Law, Expands Government Control]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Russia began testing this network.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Bonn, Tess (December 26, 2019). [https://thehill.com/policy/international/russia/475984-russia-successfully-tests-country-wide-alternative-to-global Russia successfully tests country-wide alternative to global internet]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved December 26, 2019.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Political career===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:V Putin.jpg|thumb|200px]]&lt;br /&gt;
Putin is mainly backed by the [[United Russia]] (''Единая Россия'') party, which currently holds a majority in the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, known as the ''Duma''. As a centrist party, it usually reflects the political views of Putin, which are that of authoritarian statism and [[nationalism]]. On March 14, 2004, he was elected to a second term as president with 71% of the vote. Barred from a third consecutive term by the Russian constitution, Putin ceded the presidency to [[Dmitry Medvedev]] on May 7, 2008, and became Prime Minister, at the time-sharing power with the more moderate Medvedev. Medvedev did not run for a second term, and, as a result, Putin was re-elected in 2012. Putin was again re-elected in 2018, facing little real opposition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After his 2018 victory, Putin's approval ratings fell significantly due to public disapproval of some of his domestic policies.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Bennetts, Marc (August 12, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/12/vladimir-putin-faces-russia-democracy-movement-dec/ Putin's political milestone marred by plummeting polls, massive protests]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved August 12, 2019.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Political views==&lt;br /&gt;
Putin has been accused of employing the United States [[Democratic party]] tactic of illegal surveillance, harassment, investigation, arrest, and jailing political opponents and dissidents, ostensibly as agents of a foreign power or domestic terrorists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin brought Russia back on the world stage since the fall of the [[Soviet Union]], this is one of the most important reasons why [[Cold War]] features takes back, especially with the [[United States]] which is the only world superpower after the end of the Cold War.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-07/putins-back-on-the-world-stage/4415318&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Learning from the mistakes of USSR in the Eastern Bloc, he made clear that taking countries against their right to self-determination is counterproductive and drains resources.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://youtu.be/DHIxry8WfyA&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Conservatives such as Sean Hannity have repeatedly issued warnings that Putin is a thug and a &amp;quot;bad actor&amp;quot; who cannot be trusted.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2018/02/16/hannity-examining-key-points-from-russian-indictments.html Hannity: Examining key points from Russian indictments]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Relations with NATO===&lt;br /&gt;
In an interview with David Frost broadcast on the [[BBC]] on March 13, 2000, Putin expressed his desire to see Russia join NATO:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.gazeta.ru/2001/02/28/putin_i_bbc.shtml&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Putin unkown soldier.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Putin lays a wreath a the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the anniversary of the German invasion of the Soviet Union.]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{quotebox-float|'''Frost: Tell me about your views on NATO, if you would. Do you see NATO as a potential partner, or rival, or an enemy?'''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''Putin:''' Russia is a part of European culture. I simply cannot see my country isolated from Europe, from what we often describe as the civilized world. That is why it is hard for me to regard NATO as an enemy. I think that such a perception has nothing good in store for Russia and the rest of the world. ...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
We strive for equal cooperation, partnership, we believe that it is possible to speak even about higher levels of integration with NATO. But only, I repeat, if Russia is an equal partner. As you know, we constantly express our negative attitude to NATO's expansion to the East. ...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''Frost: Is it possible that Russia will ever join NATO?'''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''Putin:''' Why not? I do not rule out such a possibility. I repeat, on condition that Russia's interests are going to be taken into account, if Russia becomes a full-fledged partner. I want to specially emphasize this. ...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
When we say that we object to NATO's expansion to the East, we are not expressing any special ambitions of our own, ambitions in respect of some regions of the world. ... By the way, we have never declared any part of the world a zone of our national interests. Personally, I prefer to speak about strategic partnership. The zone of strategic interests of any particular region means first of all the interests of the people who live in that region. ...}}&lt;br /&gt;
Within hours after the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Vladimir Putin was the first foreign leader to call President [[George W. Bush]] and offer sympathy and support for what became the first invocation of NATO Article V, &amp;quot;an attack against one is an attack against all.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/09/10/ar911.russia.putin/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Putin announced a five-point plan to support the [[war on terror]], pledging that the Russian government would (1) share intelligence with their American counterparts, (2) open Russian airspace for flights providing humanitarian assistance (3) cooperate with Russia's Central Asian allies in [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Kyrgyzstan]] to provide similar kinds of airspace access to American flights, (4) participate in international search and rescue efforts, and (5) increase direct assistance -humanitarian as well as military assistance -- to the Afghan Northern Alliance.  The intelligence Putin shared, including data that helped American forces find their way around [[Kabul]] and logistical information about Afghanistan’s topography and caves, contributed to the success of operation and rout of the Taliban.  Two weeks after the attacks, Putin was invited to make a speech to a Special Session of the Bundestag, the first ever by a Russian head of state to the German parliament.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/40168&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Among the numerous subjects Putin addressed in fluent German was peace and stability in the common European home:&lt;br /&gt;
{{quotebox-float|&amp;quot;But what are we lacking today for cooperation to be efficient?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In spite of all the positive achievements of the past decades, we have not yet developed an efficient mechanism for working together.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The coordinating agencies set up so far do not offer Russia real opportunities for taking part in drafting and taking decision. Today decisions are often taken, in principle, without our participation, and we are only urged afterwards to support such decisions. After that they talk again about loyalty to NATO. They even say that such decisions cannot be implemented without Russia. Let us ask ourselves: is this normal? Is this true partnership?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yes, the assertion of [[democratic]] principles in international relations, the ability to find a correct decision and readiness for compromise are a difficult thing. But then, it was the Europeans who were the first to understand how important it is to look for consensus over and above national egoism. We agree with that! All these are good ideas. However, the quality of decisions that are taken, their efficiency and, ultimately, European and international security in general depend on the extent to which we succeed today in translating these obvious principles into practical politics.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It seemed just recently that a truly common home would shortly rise on the continent, a home in which the Europeans would not be divided into eastern or western, northern or southern. However, these divides will remain, primarily because we have never fully shed many of the Cold War stereotypes and cliches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Today we must say once and for all: the Cold War is done with! We have entered a new stage of development. We understand that without a modern, sound and sustainable security architecture we will never be able to create an atmosphere of trust on the continent, and without that atmosphere of trust there can be no united Greater Europe! Today we must say that we renounce our stereotypes and ambitions and from now on will jointly work for the security of the people of Europe and the world as a whole.}}&lt;br /&gt;
In 2004 the Baltic states - [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]], and [[Estonia]] joined NATO in violation of assurances made to Russian leaders when German Unification occurred.  The provocative action created for the first time a common border between the Russian Federation and a NATO state.  Three years later, at the Munich Security Conference, Putin declared, “We have the right to ask: against whom is this [NATO] expansion intended? And what happened to the assurances our western partners made after the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact? Where are those declarations today? No one even remembers them.”&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://aldeilis.net/english/putins-historical-speech-munich-conference-security-policy-2007/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  In 2008 NATO said Ukraine and Georgia would become members.  Four other [[Eastern Europe]]an states joined NATO in 2009.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Relations with the EU===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Putin ate my homework.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Anti-Putin Russophobia in the West, 2022.]]&lt;br /&gt;
In 2014 Putin founded the [[Eurasian Economic Union]] to counter [[European Union]] meddling in [[Eastern Europe]]an nation's affairs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After [[Crimea]] was returned to Russia, the European Union imposed sanctions against Putin and the Russian government.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://rt.com/business/168192-eu-sanctions-crimea-deadlock/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The relations within the EU are different and divided, it is mainly the following countries advocating namely a critical attitude towards the Russian government: the Baltic states ([[Estonia]], [[Latvia]] and [[Lithuania]])  [[Poland]], [[Sweden]], [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]],&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/russian-sanctions-debate-divides-eu/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4464/eu-russia&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
while the following countries have a less hostile attitude or want to maintain a better relationship: [[Hungary]], [[Italy]] and [[Czech Republic]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Also, multiple nationalist parties in the EU appreciate Putin's policies against the Leftist liberal dominance in Europe, like [[Marine Le Pen]]'s [[French National Front|National Front]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite EU sanctions, Russia under cooperation between Putin and [[German]] Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]] continued expanding economically into Western Europe.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Strobel, Warren P. (March 11, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-economic-clout-in-europe-grows-despite-sanctions-study-says-11552333028 Russia’s Economic Clout in Europe Grows Despite Sanctions, Study Says]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved March 11, 2019.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Relations under George W. Bush===&lt;br /&gt;
Initially relations between [[George W. Bush]] and Putin were good, with Putin lending support to Bush's war on global terror. Putin was restrained from giving much assistance outside the Russian Federation, being pre-occupied with the [[Islamist]] movements waging [[jihad]] inside his own borders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In Bush's late second term, Putin was concerned about jihadist infiltration from [[Turkey]] and [[Syria]] through the [[Republic of Georgia]], and intervened. Former members of the [[Warsaw Pact]], who were more supportive of the war on terror than even the US population, then asked for deployment of missile defense systems on their territories, which the [[Bush administration]] was inclined to favor as a reward for their help. Russia considered missile defense deployment on their borders overt acts of hostility. Barack Hussein Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, in competition to outdo each other, condemned George W. Bush and [[Condoleezza Rice]] by sidling up to the Russians and Islamists whom the [[Democrat]]s portrayed as oppressed victims of a [[globalism|global]] [[neocon]] [[conspiracy]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Relations under Barack Obama===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Targeted sanctions.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''Targetted Sanctions'', from a Moscow art exhibition.]]&lt;br /&gt;
President [[Barack Obama]] and Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] initially cozied up to Putin, charging the Bush administration was intent on reigniting the [[Cold War]]. However once the [[Rosatom-Uranium One deal]] was completed and the [[Clinton Foundation]] pocketed millions of dollars from Putin cronies in donations and speaking fees, relations began to sour as the Obama administration could no longer ignore geopolitical realities. Putin had protested the Obama administrations illegal drone strikes, and the administration placed [[Magnitsky Act|sanctions on Russian leaders]] ostensibly in retaliation for the Crimean referendum.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://youtu.be/I-9aD45qxbE&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
President Obama's decision to move an anti-missile defense system to [[Romania]] during the [[2016 US Presidential election]] only heightened tensions. Putin, who had repeatedly assailed the antimissile system as a grave danger to Russia's security, called Obama's decision dangerous. This coupled with Obama's implementation of sanctions rather than honor the [[American foreign policy#1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances|1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances]] negotiated by the [[Clinton administration]], displaying it as an empty promise to guarantee Ukrainian independence, only further exposed the befuddlement and inability of the Obama administration to stand by US commitments and the weaknesses of NATO. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In September 2013, Putin gave a speech stating the need to strengthen Russian culture with traditional values and the Orthodox Christian church. Also, he condemned Western nations and their godless pursuit of [[political correctness]] and [[homosexuality]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/cdedfd64-214f-11e3-a92a-00144feab7de.html#axzz2jdyir54U Putin urges Russians to return to values of religion, FT.com, September 19, 2013]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In early September 2013, Putin expressly observed that liberal [[John Kerry]] is a liar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Obama/Soros Maidan coup====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Maidan coup}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Revolution of Dignity.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Russian victims of the Obama-backed &amp;quot;[[Revolution of Dignity]].&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://archive.fo/1XFO5&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;]]&lt;br /&gt;
Putin is seen as an antagonist by [[liberal]]s in the West, who are angry about their inability to push the [[homosexual agenda]] and pro-[[abortion]] policies on Russia. Putin views NATO enlargement by absorbing former Soviet client states as a potential threat to the Russian Federation. Putin has proposed a policy of &amp;quot;Findlandization&amp;quot;, i.e., making permanently neutral the Ukraine and Georgia and not incorporating them into NATO under the US's Partners for Peace program. Putin's alleged rigged election system, nuclear energy contracts and military alliance with Iran have heightened tensions. According to [[mainstream media]], the decline of [[human rights]] in Russia has been dramatic; for example, Russian riot police beat a number of protesters and journalists at an anti-Putin rally at Pushkin Square in Moscow,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;''The Economist'', April 21, 2007&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and Putin rigged national elections for his party &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSL03585550._CH_.2400&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin has even exercised power over the Russian supreme court. Justice Vladimir Yaroslavtsev was forced to resign after warning that Russian security agencies now control the country as they did in Soviet times and expressing alarm over their lack of accountability. Justice Anatoly Kononov was likewise forced out after defending Yaroslavtsev.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.robertamsterdam.com/2009/12/are_you_an_independent_russian_judge_youre_fired.htm ''Are You An Independent Russian Judge? You're Fired'', RobertAmsterdam.com]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many who have reported or protested such things have found themselves being repressed - or killed.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.americanthinker.com/2009/12/putins_own_worst_enemy.html Kim Zigfeld, ''Putin's Own Worst Enemy''] American Thinker, December 08, 2009&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://larussophobe.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/editorial-another-russian-journalist-takes-the-putin-plunge&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Journalist [[Anna Politkovskaya]], an outspoken critic of Putin, was assassinated in 2006,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1819666.ece&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and it is widely believed that the Russian government had some involvement in this death. There were 13 journalists killed in contract-style slayings during Vladimir Putin's eight-year presidency.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,438381,00.html Russian Lawyer in Slain Journalist Case Says She, Family Poisoned] AP, October 15, 2008&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite these negatives – or perhaps because of the strong hand they reveal – Putin remains popular in Russia.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.levada.ru/prezident.html Putin's Approval Ratings&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Since coming to power, Putin has expanded Russia's economy and reduced inflation. The majority of Russians are relatively uninterested in politics outside of issues affecting their personal prosperity,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;''The Economist'', April 21, 2007&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and journalist [[Anna Politkovskaya]] argued that the Russian people, as a whole, have been willing to tolerate violence in the name of &amp;quot;comfort and peace and quiet&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Politkovskaya, Anna. Putin's Russia. London: Harvill Press, 2004&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Relations under Donald Trump===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
President [[Donald Trump]] accused Putin of taking [[Crimea]] by force and asked whether Obama was too soft on Russia.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-russia-latest-tweet-accuse-crimea-obama-too-soft-distance-campaign-team-white-house-a7581511.html Donald Trump accuses Russia of taking Crimea by force in attempt to distance himself from campaign allegations]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In March 2017 the US department of state strongly condemned the arrests of hundreds of protesters against Vladimir Putin's government.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/26/hundreds-arrested-mass-protests-against-vladimir-putins-government/ Washington condemns arrests of hundreds of protesters against Vladimir Putin's government]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The US Secretary of State [[Rex Tillerson]] said that US sanctions against Russia will remain in place until Moscow &amp;quot;reverses the actions&amp;quot; it has taken in Ukraine.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/31/politics/rex-tillerson-russia-ukraine/ Tillerson: US to maintain Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia until Crimea is returned]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In response to the April, 4 chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun in [[Syria]], President Trump launched 59-Tomahawk rockets on a Syrian Air base nearby, tensions led up with Russia, Syria's ally, Putin has called that the US attack was an &amp;quot;illegal act of aggression&amp;quot;,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4389332/Russia-calls-airstrikes-Syria-act-aggression.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and answered this attack by sending a frigate to the military base in Syria.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/07/world/middleeast/russia-iran-us-strikes-syria.html?_r=0&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In April 2017 Putin explained that the US-Russia relations have gotten worse under Trump, contrary to narratives put out by the liberal mainstream media that Trump is too &amp;quot;soft&amp;quot; to Putin and is Putin's 'puppet' .&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/228064&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In December 2017 Putin warned President Trump because of his decision to move the US embassy from [[Tel Aviv]] to [[Jerusalem]] and stated that he was &amp;quot;deeply concerned&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/239041 Putin 'deeply concerned' by Trump's Jerusalem move]. ''IsraelNationalNews''. December 18, 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2018.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Putin also opposed Trump's withdrawal from the [[Iran nuclear deal]] and told that Russia would continue to honor its obligations under this deal.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/putin-criticizes-u-s-over-iran-deal-at-summit-with-china-1.6158932 Putin Criticizes Trump Over Iran Nuclear Deal]. ''Haaretz''. June 10, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In March 2018, Russian Propaganda video was released showing how a new missile program could be used to attack America. In the video, the state of [[Florida]] was specifically targeted.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://fortune.com/2018/03/01/putin-russia-nuclear-threat-florida-mar-a-lago/ Why Russia Would Specifically Choose to Threaten Florida With a Nuclear Blast]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43248794 Why would Putin want to nuke Florida?]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Relations with Joe Biden===&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Biden/Harris regime foreign policy#Ukraine}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Joe Biden at CFR meeting 2018 2.jpeg|right|300px|thumb|The [[Biden family]] is on the payroll of the Ukrainian firm [[Burisma]], while many Ukrainian operatives in the U.S.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;e.g. [[Alexandra Chalupa]] and [[Alexander Vindman]]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and abroad are inimically hostile toward Russia.]]&lt;br /&gt;
As vice-president in 2011, Putin snubbed [[Joe Biden]] in a face-to-face meeting. Sitting across a conference table Putin, Biden attempted to lecture Putin. Biden said, &amp;quot;I’ve been around a long time. The first time I was here…” and in mid-sentence his microphone was cut off,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/10/remarks-vice-president-joe-biden-and-russian-prime-minister-vladimir-put&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  the lights for the TV cameras went off, and the press was told to leave. The press exited quickly and quietly.  Videocameras were disassembled from tripods and still photographers stopped shooting. Portable lights came down from retractable poles. No one spoke and no one lingered.  Putin baited Biden, pulled the plug, stole Biden's audience, and rendered him speechless.  Putin and the Russian delegation sat as their American counterparts realized Biden's big moment had been stolen right out from under him.  Putin had neither fear nor respect for Biden, and Biden was humiliated.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://thenationalpulse.com/analysis/putin-humiliated-biden-in-moscow-meeting/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In 2014 Hunter Biden colluded with and received $3.5 million from [[Elena Baturina]], the richest woman in Russia and widow of former Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov as payment to establish an American bank account for her.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/missionquestfpb/shock-man-who-had-hunter-biden-s-laptop-suggests-t-t10669-s2420.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  In late 2019 Baturina was declared a fugitive from Russian justice.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-court-declares-late-moscow-mayor-s-widow-wanted-after-failure-to-appear/30348065.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Biden cozied up to Vladimir Putin when he rescinded the Trump-era opposition to the [[Nord Stream II]] pipeline.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://dennismichaellynch.com/daily-newsletter/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The Russian project is designed to ship gas and oil directly from Russia to [[Germany]] under the [[Baltic Sea]]. Russia has attempted to pressure Ukraine numerous time since the break-up of the Soviet Union to abandon its bid to join [[NATO]] by cutting off oil and gas supplies.  In doing so, Russia inadvertently also cuts off supplies to Germany, a very rich and large customer. The Nordtream pipeline is intended to counter this collateral effect, while pressuring Ukraine, [[Poland]] and [[Hungary]] to remain in the Russian orbit.  The pipeline itself is a massive scandal in Germany, with for [[Democratic Socialist]] [[Gerhard Schroeder]] chancellor heading the Nordstram pipeline company and a major stockholders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.politico.eu/article/opinion-schroders-russian-sell-out/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
''[[Newsweek]]'' reported three weeks after [[Operation Denazification]] in Ukraine began that Putin's Approval Ratings in Russia rose from 60% before the operation to 71%.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.newsweek.com/vladimir-putin-approval-rating-poll-latest-levada-russia-1687543&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Empire of Lies speech====&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On February 24, 2022 Putin delivered an anti-[[woke]] speech condemning the United States promotion internally and among its allies of values &amp;quot;contrary to human nature&amp;quot;:&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Putin and Zelensky.png|right|300px|thumb|Putin's &amp;quot;My Pet Goat&amp;quot; moment: Putin being briefed on [[Volodoymr Zelensky]]'s [[transvestism]] and wearing high heels.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.bitchute.com/video/f1Ll6yw172sg/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{quotebox-float|&amp;quot;US politicians, political scientists and journalists write and say that a veritable “empire of lies” has been created inside the United States in recent years. It is hard to disagree with this – it is really so. But one should not be modest about it: the United States is still a great country and a system-forming power. All its satellites not only humbly and obediently say 'yes' to, and parrot it at the slightest pretext, but also imitate its behaviour and enthusiastically accept the rules it is offering them. Therefore, one can say with good reason and confidence that the whole so-called Western bloc formed by the United States in its own image and likeness is, in its entirety, the very same “empire of lies.”&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As for our country, after the disintegration of the USSR, given the entire unprecedented [[glasnost|openness]] of the new, modern Russia, its readiness to work honestly with the United States and other Western partners, and its practically unilateral disarmament, they immediately tried to put the final squeeze on us, finish us off, and utterly destroy us. This is how it was in the 1990s and the early 2000s, when the so-called collective West was actively supporting separatism and gangs of mercenaries in southern Russia. What victims, what losses we had to sustain, and what trials we had to go through at that time before we broke the back of international terrorism in the Caucasus! We remember this and will never forget.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Properly speaking, the attempts to use us in their own interests never ceased until quite recently: they sought to destroy our traditional values and force on us their false values that would erode us, our people from within, the attitudes they have been aggressively imposing on their countries, attitudes that are directly leading to degradation and degeneration, because they are contrary to human nature. This is not going to happen. No one has ever succeeded in doing this, nor will they succeed now.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-24/full-transcript-vladimir-putin-s-televised-address-to-russia-on-ukraine-feb-24&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Donbas war====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Azov Battalion.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Putin opposes U.S. and NATO-backed Nazis who led the Maidan coup and have killed thousands of people since 2014.]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donbas war}}&lt;br /&gt;
Michael Whitney writing in UNZ wrote ''The Crisis in Ukraine Is Not About Ukraine. It's About Germany:''&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.unz.com/mwhitney/the-crisis-in-ukraine-is-not-about-ukraine-its-about-germany/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{{quotebox-float|&amp;quot;[[Ukraine]] is Washington’s ‘weapon of choice’ for torpedoing [[Nord Stream II|Nord Stream]] and putting a wedge between [[Germany]] and Russia.... Washington needs to create the perception that Russia poses a security threat to Europe. That’s the goal. They need to show that Putin is a bloodthirsty aggressor with a hair-trigger temper who cannot be trusted. To that end, the media has been given the assignment of reiterating over and over again, “Russia is planning to invade Ukraine.” What’s left unsaid is that Russia has not invaded any country since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and that the US has invaded or toppled regimes in more than 50 countries in the same period of time, and that the US maintains over 800 military bases in countries around the world. None of this is reported by the media, instead the focus is on “evil Putin” who has amassed an estimated 100,000 troops along the Ukrainian border threatening to plunge all of Europe into another bloody war.&amp;quot;}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Views on abortion ===&lt;br /&gt;
Putin rejects any constitutional right to [[abortion]], as exists in the [[United States]], but is not ready to ban abortion from [[Russia]] either.  Instead, Putin has supported and enforced [[pro-life]] laws in Russian which would be invalidated by [[pro-abortion]] courts in the United States.  In 2017, he said that he will allow societal (including church) views to guide him on the issue:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://fortune.com/2017/12/14/vladimir-putin-russia-abortion-pro-choice-press-conference/ An article biased in favor of [[abortion]] but useful for its quotations]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
:“In the modern world, the decision is up to the woman herself,” Putin said, and indicated that additional pro-life proposals “must be careful, considered and based on the general mood in society and the moral and ethical norms that have developed in society.”&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin's &amp;quot;the decision&amp;quot; is an ambiguous phrase that could include the decision to have the pregnancy in the first place.  Also, Putin is very pro-[[Russia]] and if thinks abortion is lowering the birth rate in a harmful way, then he could abolish it based on national interests.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Views on wokism===&lt;br /&gt;
Putin told the Valdai Club in October 2021,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.rt.com/russia/538121-putin-children-swap-gender-monstrous/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{{quotebox-float|&amp;quot;We see with bemusement the process unfolding in countries that have grown accustomed to viewing themselves as the flagships of [[Progressive|progress]].  Of course it's none of our business what is happening - the social and cultural shocks that are happening in some Western countries.  Some believe that aggressive blotting out of whole pages of your own history, and the requirement to renounce the traditional interpretation of such basic values as mother, father, family, and the distinction between sexes are a milestone towards a renewal of society...we have a different point of view. We believe, at least the overwhelming majority of Russian society, that we need to rely on our own spiritual values and our historical traditions. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On the culture of our multi-ethnic nation, the proponents of so-called 'social progress' believe that they are bringing a new consciousness to humanity. Something that is [[political correctness|more correct]]...The recipes they come up with are nothing new. Paradoxical as it may seem, but this is something we saw in Russia. It happened in our country before and after the [[October Revolution|1917 Revolution]]. The [[Bolshevik]]s followed the dogmas of [[Marx]] and [[Engels]]. And they also declared that they were going to change the traditional lifestyle, the political, the economic lifestyle, as well as the very notion of [[morality]], the basic principles. Fully, healthy society they were trying to destroy, century-long values. Revisiting the relationship between people. They were encouraging informing on one's own beloved and families. It was hailed as &amp;quot;the March of Progress&amp;quot; and it was very [[Popular Front|popular across the world]]. And it was supported by many.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As we see it is happening right now. Incidentally, the Bolsheviks were absolutely intolerant of other opinions different from their own. I think this should remind you of something that is happening...it is with puzzlement that we see the practices Russia used to have, and that we left behind... The fight for equality and against discrimination turns into an aggressive dogmatism on the brink of absurdity. When great authors of the past such as [[Shakespeare]] are no longer taught in&lt;br /&gt;
schools and universities because they did not understand the importance of gender or race.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And [[Hollywood]]. There are leaflets reminding what you should do in the films - how many personalities and actors you've got, what kind of color, what sex, and sometimes it's even stricter than what the Department of Propaganda of the Soviet Communist Party Central Committee did. And the fight against racism, which is a lofty goal, turns into [[cancel culture]] and reverse discrimination. Racism in reverse.  It tears people apart. Whereas the true fighters for [[civil rights]], they were trying to eliminate those differences....[[Martin Luther King]] said &amp;quot;I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.&amp;quot; That is a true value. ...in Russia, most of our Republics simply do not care what skin color you have. He or she, that's not that important, because each and every one of us is a human being. That's the most important thing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The discussion about the rights of men and women has turned into a total phantasmagoria in a number of Western countries...Those who risk saying that men and women still exist, and that this is a biological fact, are virtually ostracized...And this is not new...In the 1920s, Soviet culture-warriors invented a so-called ‘[[newspeak]]’, believing that in this way they would create a new sense of consciousness and redefine people’s values...This is not to mention things that are simply monstrous, like when children are taught from an early age that a boy can easily become a girl and vice versa...In fact, they are indoctrinating them into the alleged choices that are supposedly available to everyone – removing parents from the equation and forcing the child to make decisions that can ruin their lives...This is borderline crime against humanity - all under the guise of &amp;quot;progress.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6sIZ8-C1vw&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Views on communism and the Soviet Union ===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Solzhenitsyn and Putin.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Russian President Vladimir Putin presents [[human rights]] activist [[Alexander Solzhenitsyn]] with an award. Solzhenitsyn set in motion the movement that toppled Soviet communism.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Putin famously said, &amp;quot;Whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart. Whoever wants it back has no brain.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/vladimir_putin_452527&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin has before called the [[Bolshevik]]s traitors for Russia's defeat in the First World War.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.rt.com/politics/putin-accuses-bolsheviks-treason-877/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; However, he has also expressed that &amp;quot;[he] liked Communist and socialist ideas very much and [he] like[s] them still.&amp;quot; and compared the Soviet code of conduct to the [[Bible]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.newsweek.com/russias-putin-says-he-always-liked-communist-socialist-ideas-419289&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://pjmedia.com/faith/tyler-o-neil/2018/01/17/putin-soviet-communism-is-very-similar-to-christianity-party-rules-are-a-bible-excerpt-n101328&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Putin also has compared communism with Christianity.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Newman, Alex (January 16, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/asia/item/28051-communism-very-similar-to-christianity-putin-claims Communism “Very Similar” to Christianity, Putin Claims]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 17, 2018.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Putin has been accused by Western media of embracing the tactics of Soviet dictator [[Joseph Stalin]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-russia-stalin-model-20150611-story.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In addition, he implies in an interview with [[Larry King]] dated September 8, 2000 that his Christianity isn't actually sincere by stating in Russian that he &amp;quot;believes in the power of man&amp;quot; or &amp;quot;I believe in human beings.&amp;quot; Though a few years later, his faith became more genuine.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.quora.com/Is-Vladimir-Putin-personally-religious&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Furthermore, around October 2017, he hosted the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students Communist event and gave a speech that strongly implied that he adhered to Communism.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/10/non-communist-putin-opens-major-international-communist-youth-festival/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/07/russia-to-host-major-international-communist-youth-festival-on-putins-instructions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Since passage of Sen. [[John McCain]]'s [[Magnitsky Act]], also known as the Russia sanctions bill which was signed into law by [[Barack Obama]] in an attempt to cripple the Russian Federation, Russia has been driven back into competition with the [[military-industrial complex]] It has provided arms and materiel to various communist groups, including [[Angola]], and has voiced a desire to reconnect with Latin America shortly before the FSLN regained power in Nicaragua and has supported [[Nicaragua]] via foreign aid, shipping tanks, and even posting a GLONASS tracking station on the Caribbean coast, alongside similar arming of North Korea.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://westernfreepress.com/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.trevorloudon.com/2017/12/is-vladimir-putin-a-communist/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Putin is a close ally of the [[Venezuela]]'s Marxist Dictator [[Nicolás Maduro]] which he defends internationally.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.dw.com/es/la-alianza-estrat%C3%A9gica-de-maduro-y-putin/a-46618225&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/06/06/vladimir-putin-volvio-a-respaldar-a-maduro-y-dijo-que-sus-asesores-militares-cumpliran-las-obligaciones-de-rusia-en-venezuela/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; He also indicated that he still keeps his KGB card while citing his contemporaries within the KGB had discarded theirs after the USSR's fall.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/putin-his-communist-party-membership-card-i-still-keep-it-home&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Views on Islam ===&lt;br /&gt;
In January 2018 Putin said that &amp;quot;[t]raditional Islam is an integral part of the Russian cultural code&amp;quot;. He also vowed to support Islamic religious education.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://themoscowtimes.com/news/putin-calls-for-revival-of-islamic-education-in-russia-60276&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Putin has openly endorsed his Muslim puppet dictator in [[Chechnya]], [[Ramzan Kadyrov]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/03/26/putin-insists-on-russian-law-in-chechnya-while-supporting-muslim-president/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Kadyrov has de facto established [[Sharia]] law in the region and was condemned by the international community for slaughtering gay citizens.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/chechnya-ramzan-kadyrov-gay-citizens-massacre-chechen-leader-do-not-exist-russia-vladimir-putin-a7675906.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Chechen authorities have imposed a compulsory Islamic dresscode for women.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-12705300&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Quotes==&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Anyone who doesn't regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Parfitt, Tom (December 23, 2007). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/dec/23/russia.tomparfitt Spy who came in from the cold]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved September 15, 2018.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*“I think all sober-minded people who really are involved in politics understand that the idea of a Russian threat to, for example, the Baltics is complete madness.  Are we really about to fight NATO?  How many people are there in the NATO countries?  About 600 million, correct?  There are 146 million people in Russia.  Yes, we're the biggest nuclear power.  But do you really think that we're about to conquer the Baltics using nuclear weapons?  What is this madness?”&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*If nukes head towards Russia we are going to Paradise, but they won't have time to repent.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://youtu.be/YeNwyVG8Egs&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Hitler tried to destroy Russia. Everyone needs to remember how that ended.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;If you try to bite Russia, we'll knock your teeth out.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;[[Berlusconi]] is being tried because he lives with women. If he were homosexual, no one would lift a finger against him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1202445&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Trivia==&lt;br /&gt;
[[Robert Kraft]], the owner of the [[New England Patriots]], accused Putin of stealing Kraft's [[Super Bowl]] ring.  Putin responded that Kraft gave it to him as a gift.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See also==&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Dmitri Medvedev]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Russian Federation]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Crisis in Ukraine]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Russophobia]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Oleg Deripaska]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Yelena Baturina]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Further reading==&lt;br /&gt;
* Baker, Peter, and Susan Glasser. ''Kremlin Rising: Vladimir Putin's Russia and the End of Revolution'' (2nd ed. 2007); [https://www.amazon.com/Kremlin-Rising-Vladimir-Revolution-Updated/dp/1597971227/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;s=books&amp;amp;qid=1256923460&amp;amp;sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]&lt;br /&gt;
* Goldman, Marshall I. ''Petrostate: Putin, Power, and the New Russia'' (2008) [https://www.amazon.com/Petrostate-Putin-Power-New-Russia/dp/0195340736/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;s=books&amp;amp;qid=1256915128&amp;amp;sr=1-2 excerpt and text search]&lt;br /&gt;
* Lucas, Edward. ''The New Cold War: Putin's Russia and the Threat to the West'' (2009) [https://www.amazon.com/New-Cold-War-Putins-Russia/dp/0230614345/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;s=books&amp;amp;qid=1256915128&amp;amp;sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]&lt;br /&gt;
* Stuermer, Michael. ''Putin and the Rise of Russia'' (2009) &lt;br /&gt;
* Wegren, Stephen K., and Dale R. Herspring, eds. ''After Putin's Russia: Past Imperfect, Future Uncertain'' (4th ed. 2009) [https://www.amazon.com/After-Putins-Russia-Imperfect-Uncertain/dp/0742557855/ref=tmm_pap_title_0 excerpt and text search]&lt;br /&gt;
* Poleev, Andrej. [https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4621093 Putinism: A Phenomenological and Prototypical Investigation.] (2012-2021).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
{{reflist|2}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==External links==&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://putin.kremlin.ru/ Official Putin Website]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kremlin.ru/ Official President of Russia Website]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[David Horowitz|Horowitz, David]], [http://frontpagemag.com/2013/frontpagemag-com/putin-and-the-shadow-of-the-kgb-on-the-glazov-gang/ Putin and the shadow of the KGB on the Glazov Gang], Sherman Oaks, [[California]]: [http://www.frontpagemag.com/about/ David Horowitz Freedom Center], Published April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://youtu.be/cMFIWBQB1kE WATCH and LISTEN: Putin Sings Russian National Anthem With 130,000 People!] (Subtitles and lyrics in closed captioning)&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://youtu.be/8X7Ng75e5gQ Vladimir Pozner: How the United States Created Vladimir Putin], YaleUniversity, Oct. 2, 2018. YouTube&lt;br /&gt;
{{DEFAULTSORT:Putin, Vladimir}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Current Heads of State]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Russian People]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Russian Political People]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Orthodox Christians]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Men]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Nationalists]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Pro-Life]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Gibbs</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Addiction&amp;diff=1821503</id>
		<title>Addiction</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Addiction&amp;diff=1821503"/>
		<updated>2021-12-16T01:28:58Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Gibbs: Clarify&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;'''Addiction''' is a compulsive, harmful activity. It is a disease, and often starts out as a seemingly innocent pleasure, only to consume, harm, and even destroy the person pursuing it.  '''''Displacement of harmful conduct with good alternatives is often helpful in conquering addiction'''''.  [[Conservative values|Conservative/Christian values]] are useless in combatting addiction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;See, e.g., [[Atheism and alcoholism]] and [[Atheism and drug addiction]],&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; because most addictions have mental and emotional components. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Virtually everyone faces challenges from some type of addiction.  ''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
!Addiction&lt;br /&gt;
!Comment&lt;br /&gt;
!Conservative help&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|overeating and poor diet&lt;br /&gt;
|shortens lifespan and causes many diseases, such as [[diabetes]] and even [[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]]&lt;br /&gt;
|portion control, frugality, self-control, and the &amp;quot;don't work, don't eat&amp;quot; mantra of the [[work ethic]] all help.  Fasting on Fridays in honor of [[Good Friday]] is way to start.  Eat less during [[Lent]] in honor of [[Christ]], nd avoid consuming fatty foods produced by [[liberal]] companies like Ben and Jerry's or associated with liberal countries like Canadian Bacon.  &amp;quot;Many studies show that drinking more water [but not in excess] may  weight loss and maintenance.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-water-helps-with-weight-loss&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|media&lt;br /&gt;
|wastes many hours weekly, or even daily; causes stress; distorts and misleads&lt;br /&gt;
|recognize the facade of it; notice how it is declining, and how few people (particularly in younger demographics) actually read newspapers or follow the media; the average age of [[Fox News Channel]] is 68 years old, and much older for its evening talk shows.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550377/The-average-age-Fox-Viewers-68-majority-politically-conservative-white.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[Television]], including watching many [[NFL]] games.&lt;br /&gt;
|causes dementia, according to at least one study; also wastes many hours each week in lost time, interferes with marriages, fosters [[emotional gambling]], and can lead to obesity and time away from [[God]]&lt;br /&gt;
|[[unplug the NFL]]; mock how delusional some are in pretending that there is meaning in the outcome of professional football games; recognize that the NFL is less honest and less merit-based than even professional wrestling; the NFL fleeces taxpayer of billions in subsidies; the NFL has become a [[Leftist]] tool to bully States against passing [[conservative]] legislation; and the NFL even discriminates against the best athletes (such as Herschel Walker) while over-hyping mediocre, unhealthy athletes.  Many observe a [[Satan|demonic]] aspect to professional football, particularly the much-promoted [[Super Bowl]].&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[depression]]&lt;br /&gt;
|reduces quality of life, severely afflicts at least 10% of the population and a much higher percentage at least marginally; depression increases four-fold the risk of a heart attack&lt;br /&gt;
|reject false [[atheist]]ic theories like [[evolution]] by recognizing the many [[counterexamples to evolution]], and break free of habits like [[gambling]]; instead recognize the unlimited emotional and logical power of [[God]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[anxiety]]&lt;br /&gt;
|wastes time, harms health, and hinders productivity; an estimated 40% of adults and 20% of teenagers suffer from anxiety&lt;br /&gt;
|[[faith]] and reason, including powerful concepts like [[falsifiability]], the [[Coase theorem]], [[pro-life]] principles, and recognition that [[Mystery:Does God Have a Sense of Humor?|God Has a Sense of Humor]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[video games]]&lt;br /&gt;
|causes dropping out from school, violence, and health problems&lt;br /&gt;
|[[liberals]] exploit teenagers with video games, turn them away from church and healthy relationships.  Antidote is to recognize that by playing you lose no matter what the game tells you.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[marijuana]] and other drugs, also prescription drugs&lt;br /&gt;
|undisclosed medical harms; deadly car crashes that kill innocent victims; entraps victims into the addiction; causes violent paranoia&lt;br /&gt;
|conservative concept of slippery slope cautioning against &amp;quot;just trying something&amp;quot;; also, reject peer pressure and self-indulgence.  Some who have conquered drug addiction attribute developing a hobby such as [[chess]], where the consequences of one's choices are repeatedly reinforced, as being very helpful.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[pornography]]&lt;br /&gt;
|inherently fraudulent in concealing the deadly diseases and injuries caused; does to the mind what drugs do to the body, enslaving and destroying the mind; dehumanizing people to the level of dogs; degrades self-esteem; leads to horrific crimes&lt;br /&gt;
|two approaches vanquish this addiction:  (1) recognize pornography as a disease-spreading charade, and (2) pursue image-based mental competitions, such as [[chess]].  Pornographic images in the mind can be erased by associating them with nausea and repulsive images.  Pornographers are liberals who profit by exploiting weaker people, and by being deceitful in denying the actual pain and suffering they cause.  Supporting pornography means endorsing the [[liberal media]], and condoning exploitation by the media.  Like drugs, gambling and other addictions, pornography incites a demand for increasingly extreme versions. There are also online communities like NoFap which helps people struggling with pornography addiction.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[pharmaceutical]] addictions&lt;br /&gt;
|Pharmaceutical addictions to prescription medications such as [[oxycodone]] in most cases result from a blind faith in [[science]], medical doctors and technicians, and a rejection of God.  Many physicians as a result of incentives provided by [[Big Pharma]] have ceased treating illness and focus on &amp;quot;pain management&amp;quot; with pharmaceutical prescription drugs.&lt;br /&gt;
|Trust in the [[Lord]] with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[gambling]]&lt;br /&gt;
|2-4% of adults and 4-6% of teenagers are addicted, and higher percentages lose money from it.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.optumanswers.com/research/articles/gambling.shtml&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Other additions, such as spectator football, are a form of [[emotional gambling]].  Among all addictions, gamblers have the highest suicide rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.knoxnews.com/story/life/2017/10/06/gambling-addiction-psychological-root-las-vegas-killings/739059001/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|state-run lotteries are government at its worst: expanding the revenue of government at the expense mostly of the poor; private gambling is often based on taxpayer subsidies or deceiving the public; the powerful concept of [[infinity]] helps put gambling into perspective as a meaningless waste of time.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[alcohol]]&lt;br /&gt;
|destroys the liver and causes tens of thousands of deadly car crashes annually; about 14 million Americans are [[alcoholism|alcoholics]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.alcoholics-info.com/Statistics_on_Alcoholics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|nearly all beer companies are supporters of the [[Left]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[smoking]]&lt;br /&gt;
|very difficult to stop once one starts; shortens lifespan, causes heart disease and numerous other problems&lt;br /&gt;
|second-hand smoke interferes with others' rights and well-being; also, tobacco companies are supporters of [[liberal]] projects&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|[[stock market]]&lt;br /&gt;
|wastes billions of hours each week, far more than the market is worth; also even professional stock traders advise against trying to &amp;quot;time the market&amp;quot; (i.e. trying to determine when the market has reached a new high or low, and investing or de-investing accordingly) as they admit even they—with all their powerful tools and understanding—cannot do so; recognize that much of the stock market is boosted by wasteful government spending, such as &amp;quot;stimulus&amp;quot; bills&lt;br /&gt;
|stock market addiction can be conquered by recognizing that amid [[Logic of infinity#Infinite Wealth|infinite wealth]], which is merely having more money than one needs to survive (which is not much), there is no significance to increasing investment wealth further.  In addition, those who invest in the market typically make more money by spending less time following their investments.  Also, an implication of the [[Coase theorem]] is that the amount of one's assets, in the stock market or otherwise, is irrelevant to his productivity in society.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|regret&lt;br /&gt;
|unproductive waste of time, and can even harm one's physical health&lt;br /&gt;
|regret is not &amp;quot;[[falsifiable]]&amp;quot;, which is a powerful concept useful to defeat this addition.  Regret is also a tool of the [[Devil]] to detract from seeking [[Christ]], and [[Luke 9-16 (Translated)#9:62|Luke 9:62]] helps: And Jesus said to him, “No man who ploughs ahead but then looks back is fit the Kingdom of God.”&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|guilt&lt;br /&gt;
|unproductive, but addictive for some people; false confessions to the police are more common than expected&lt;br /&gt;
|religious confession, [[pro-life]] work, [[penance]], [[charity]], reading the [[Bible]], and [[faith]]&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Other addictions ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Other additions include consumption of caffeine and excessive internet use. Excessive internet use now extends to social media and mobile phones, where people are compulsively checking for notifications.&lt;br /&gt;
* {{Continuous partial attention}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Conservative power over addiction ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many addictions are promoted through the media, but [[conservative]] principles promote a healthy skepticism of the [[liberal media]].  The media do not exist to help anyone, but exist to make money for themselves and to promote a harmful [[liberal]] agenda.  Without the media, [[gambling]] in lotteries would almost disappear, for example.  In addition, lotteries are run by government and much of the proceeds go to government, which is not something conservatives support.  [[NFL]] games would require going to the stadiums, paying a fortune in tickets, and freezing in the stands before becoming addicted to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many approaches to addiction are entirely defensive in trying to resist the tendencies.  But as in [[chess]], an offensive strategy is as important as a defensive one.  Developing positive habits and hobbies can be very effective in overcoming negative ones.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== History ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Historically the term '''addiction''' was defined in terms of physically measurable symptoms of repeated drug use, such as tolerance (more drugs for the same effect) or withdrawal symptoms (illness caused by stopping use). Habituation referred to drug use that was psychologically habit-forming, but not necessarily physically addicting.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the past 20 years, doctors have reversed the meaning of these words. Habituation now refers to using a drug that causes physical withdrawal symptoms. Addiction has become a term that refers to compulsive behavior that continues in spite of adverse consequences. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A consequence of these new definitions is that it is impossible to be addicted to a drug like Ritalin or Prozac if it is prescribed. It is not compulsive behavior if used as prescribed, and it is not adverse if a physician says that it is beneficial. It is also impossible to have &amp;quot;crack baby&amp;quot; or a &amp;quot;meth addicted baby.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jointogether.org/news/yourturn/commentary/2005/meth-science-not-stigma-open.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also means that a marijuana smoker is not necessarily addicted. If he likes what he is doing and he is able to function, then these experts would say that he is not addicted no matter how much marijuana he consumes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
More recently the definition has been expanded to include almost any type of compulsive and potentially self-destructive activity.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Examples of addictive drugs include:  [[Heroin]], [[cocaine]], [[alcohol]], and [[nicotine]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Examples of addictive behaviors include: work - work addiction, using the internet - internet addiction, excessive interest in sex - [[sex addiction]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Psychiatric diagnosis ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The American Psychiatric Association lists two related diagnoses:  substance dependence and substance abuse.  To meet criteria for a diagnosis of substance dependence, at least three of the following symptoms must occur in the same 1-year period:  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* (a) tolerance (larger doses of the substance are needed to produce the same effect) &lt;br /&gt;
* (b) withdrawal during periods of non-use &lt;br /&gt;
* (c) using the substance more frequently or for longer periods than intended &lt;br /&gt;
* (d) long-standing desire or unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce use &lt;br /&gt;
* (e) considerable time spent using the substance, making efforts to acquire the substance, and or recovering from its effects &lt;br /&gt;
* (f) important activities are reduced or given up due to substance use&lt;br /&gt;
* (g) continued use despite related negative physical or psychological effects.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A substance abuse diagnosis is given when one or more of the following symptoms occurs during a 1-year period:  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* (a) substance use leads to failure to fulfill important responsibilities &lt;br /&gt;
* (b) substance use in situations where it is dangerous &lt;br /&gt;
* (c) chronic legal problems stemming from substance use &lt;br /&gt;
* (d) using despite related relationship problems&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;American Psychiatric Association (1994). ''Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV''.  Washington, DC:  American Psychiatric Association.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Loneliness ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Addiction is often associated with loneliness or a lack of connection to others, which was illustrated in two experiments. In the first it was found that a rat placed in a cage with normal water and drugged water (usually cocaine or heroin) would become obsessed with the drugged water. Professor Bruce Alexander, however, tried placing many rats in idyllic conditions with many other rats and, when given a choice of water, these rats would mostly choose the normal water. This showed that addiction in more related to the bonds around use rather than the substance itself. Thus loneliness coping is necessary for addiction recovery, and the path out of unhealthy bonds is to form healthy ones.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
We must forget about ourselves and serve others, watch over others as a [[shepherd]] watches over [[sheep]]. [[Loneliness]] is caused in part by thinking only of ourselves.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://newlifehabits.com/2007/08/13/using-prisoner-of-war-methods-to-cope-with-addiction-captivity/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Atheism and loneliness ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
See: [[Atheism and loneliness]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== See also ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Atheism and drug addiction]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
{{reflist|2}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Social Problems]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Liberal Traits]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Gibbs</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Donald_Trump&amp;diff=1821501</id>
		<title>Donald Trump</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Donald_Trump&amp;diff=1821501"/>
		<updated>2021-12-16T01:09:38Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Gibbs: Typo&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{Officeholder&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Donald John Trump {{verified}}&lt;br /&gt;
|image=Donald Trump official presidential photo.jpg&lt;br /&gt;
|party=[[Republican]] (1987–1999, 2009–2011, 2012–present)&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt; formerly [[Democrat]] (until 1987, 2001–2009), [[Reform Party|Reform]] (1999–2001), and [[Independent voter|Independent]] (2011–2012)&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=Ivana Trump&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt; Marla Maples&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;[[Melania Trump]] (current)&lt;br /&gt;
|birth_date=June 14, 1946&lt;br /&gt;
|children=5&lt;br /&gt;
|grandchildren=9&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=[[Presbyterian Church (USA)|Presbyterian]]&lt;br /&gt;
|offices={{Officeholder/president&lt;br /&gt;
	|country=the United States&lt;br /&gt;
	|number=45th&lt;br /&gt;
	|terms=January 20, 2017 – January 20, 2021&lt;br /&gt;
	|vp=[[Mike Pence]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|preceded=[[Barack Obama]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|former=n&lt;br /&gt;
        |succeeded=[[Joe Biden]] (disputed)&lt;br /&gt;
	}}&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
:''For his achievements as U.S. President, see [[Donald Trump achievements]].''&lt;br /&gt;
:''Donald Trump was [[Conservative of the Year]] in [[Conservative of the Year 2017|2017]] and [[Conservative of the Year 2018|2018]].''&lt;br /&gt;
'''Donald John Trump''' (b. [[Queens]], [[New York]], on [[Donald Trump's age|June 14, 1946]]), nicknamed &amp;quot;'''The Donald''',&amp;quot; was the 45th  [[President of the United States of America]], as a result of winning the [[2016 presidential election]] as the [[Republican Party]] nominee but losing the 2020 election. Before entering politics, he was a businessman and [[television]] personality. A strong [[conservative]], Trump has [[Donald Trump achievements|achieved much during his presidency]] and advanced many conservative priorities. He has greatly benefited the US energy sector by reducing the energy dependence of the US in the Middle East, helping gasoline prices go down, and encouraging projects such as the Keystone Pipeline. Despite this, he has received more criticism than any U.S. president in history, almost all of which is purely politically motivated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the [[United States presidential election, 2020|2020 presidential election]], Trump received at least a record-smashing 74+ million lawful votes, many in the key [[swing states]].  This confirms him as the leader of the [[Republican Party]], indeed the entire nation, for the foreseeable future. Many conservatives who no longer feel they identify with Trump are retiring. This is the most probable cause that at least 25% of Republican senators up in 2022 plan to retire, and many other transitions are occurring among the GOP nationwide.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump and his wife Melania tested positive for the [[Wuhan virus]] in early October 2020.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Multiple references:&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/10/01/president-donald-trump-first-lady-melania-trump-test-positive-for-coronavirus/ President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump Test Positive for Coronavirus]&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/519282-president-trump-melania-trump-test-positive-for-covid-19 President Trump, Melania Trump test positive for COVID-19]&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2020/10/02/breaking-president-trump-and-first-lady-test-positive-for-wuhancoronavirus-n2577338 BREAKING: President Trump and First Lady Test Positive for Wuhan Coronavirus]&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-first-lady-test-positive-covid-19-n1241769 Trump, first lady test positive for Covid-19]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The mainstream media have started mocking him, some believing he deserved his positive COVID-19 test; Pence is also vulnerable, since many of his workers have contracted the [[Wuhan coronavirus]]. [[Leftists]] and the [[MSM]] attempted to downplay Trump's experiences with the virus, claiming that the average American would not have received similar medication. Trump's strong leadership against the coronavirus even after falling ill to it himself shocked many.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Early life==&lt;br /&gt;
He was born on June 14, 1946, in New York City to Fred and and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump.  He has several brothers and sisters: Elizabeth, Fred Jr., Maryanne, and Robert.  After High School he attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Financial worth &amp;amp; education==&lt;br /&gt;
Trump has engaged in many financial pursuits and estimated that his net worth was $10 billion, as of July 2015.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;LoGiurato, Brett (July 25, 2015). [https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-net-worth-2015-7 &amp;quot;We finally know a lot more about Donald Trump's 'massive' net worth&amp;quot;].  Business Insider website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; ''Forbes'', however, estimates his net worth is $3.1 billion as of 2019.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.forbes.com/profile/donald-trump/ &amp;quot;The world's most powerful people: #2 Donald Trump&amp;quot;]. (March 6, 2017).  Forbes.com website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; He graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1964 and first attended college at [[Fordham University]] for two years before transferring to the more competitive [[University of Pennsylvania]] and completing his undergraduate studies at its Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. In September 2020, the [[New York Times]] reported on Donald Trump engaging in tax avoidance. It was claimed that his tax avoidance dates back to the 1990s. Trump doesn't like pilots who get captured, but the majority of Americans don't like executives who file bankruptcy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Early media profiles of Trump claim he graduated &amp;quot;first in his class&amp;quot; from Wharton.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Whitman, Alden (January 28, 1973). [https://www.nytimes.com/1973/01/28/archives/a-builder-looks-backand-moves-forward-builder-looks-back-but-moves.html &amp;quot;A builder looks back—and moves forward&amp;quot;.] ''New York Times''. Retrieved from ''New York Times'' website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The evidence suggests otherwise and yet Trump has never sought to correct or clarify this potentially significant error.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Geist, William E. (April 8, 1984). [https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/08/magazine/the-expanding-empire-of-donald-trump.html &amp;quot;The expanding empire of Donald Trump&amp;quot;.] ''New York Times Magazine''.  Retrieved from ''New York Times'' website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Candidacy==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:2thumb-5-1-300x202.jpg|right|300px|thumb|As Trump rode the escalator to announce his candidacy, polls showed Hillary Clinton's collusion with Russia over the [[Uranium One deal]] was her biggest vulnerability.  Deputy Attn. Gen. [[Sally Yates]] was taking steps to ban the Inspector General from oversight of the DOJ-National Security Division and hide  [[FISA abuse]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/03/08/doj-political-surveillance-from-the-irs-in-2011-to-the-fisa-court-in-2016/ DOJ Political Surveillance – From the IRS in 2011 to the FISA Court in 2016], Posted on March 8, 2020 by sundance. theconservativetreehouse.com&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;]]&lt;br /&gt;
On June 16, 2015, he declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the [[2016 presidential election]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Multiple references:&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/06/16/trump-announces-white-house-bid-joins-crowded-gop-field/ &amp;quot;Trump announces White House bid, joins crowded GOP field&amp;quot;] (June 16, 2015).  Fox News website/Politics. The front-runner in a record-breaking field of 17 [[Republican]] candidates, Trump announced that he did not anticipate &amp;quot;throwing punches&amp;quot; against his rivals in the first GOP debate.&lt;br /&gt;
*Chiacu, Donna and Torbati, Yeganeh (August 2, 2015).  [https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/02/us-usa-election-debate-idUSKCN0Q70NI20150802 &amp;quot;Trump says won't be 'throwing punches' in U.S. Republican debate&amp;quot;].  Reuters/Politics.  But at the debate the [[Fox News Channel]]—particularly its [[feminist]] non-journalist [[Megyn Kelly]]—ambushed Trump with out-of-context quotations designed to smear him as somehow being anti-women.  This ignited a national controversy that lasted for days, and Trump called upon Kelly to apologize, which she refused to do.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Unlike most other U.S presidential candidates, Trump sharply criticizes the media and talks about issues that no elected official dares touch.  For example, Trump stands up against [[feminists]], unlike most politicians. In another example, in 2011 Trump persistently doubted whether [[Barack Obama]] had been born in the [[United States]], which caused Obama's approval ratings to drop below 40% until Obama finally caved in to Trump and produced what Obama claimed was his birth certificate.  Trump then scoffed at Obama's conduct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''''In February 2011, Trump announced that he is [[pro-life]], and at the final presidential debate on Oct. 19, 2016, Trump gave the strongest endorsement of the pro-life position of any presidential nominee in history'''''. Trump said he has never had to ask God for forgiveness; if he does something wrong, he makes it right, so his Christianity is questionale, as it is impossible to be a Christian without forgiveness.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump's central campaign theme has been to oppose [[illegal immigration]] and [[free trade]], and nominated Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] as [[Attorney General]] to enforce standing legislation on the issue.  As reported by [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]], &amp;quot;Sen. Sessions, Chairman of the Senate’s Immigration Subcommittee, is widely regarded as the gold standard on immigration. Sessions has also become the intellectual thought leader in the Republican Party on appealing to the blue collar voters who have been abandoned by their political leaders.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hahn, Julia (August 14, 2015). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/08/14/game-change-trump-consults-with-sen-jeff-sessions-on-immigration-strategy/ &amp;quot;Game change: Trump consults with Sen Jeff Sessions on immigration strategy&amp;quot;].  Breitbart website/Big government.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In the later campaign Trump focused more on [[ISIS]] and terrorism.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the final presidential debate between [[Hillary Clinton]] and Trump on October 19, 2016, Clinton chastised Trump for running a newspaper advertisement in 1987 critical of the [[Reagan Administration]].  But Trump persuasively explained that he has always disagreed with Reagan's support of free trade, as many other [[conservatives]] disagree with Reagan on this issue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Religious beliefs==&lt;br /&gt;
:{{Main|Donald Trump's religious views|Donald Trump and evangelicals}}&lt;br /&gt;
Donald Trump attended the First [[Presbyterian]] Church in Jamaica, [[Queens]]. He told the [[Christian Broadcasting Network]] that he still considers himself a [[Presbyterian]] and attends services for all major holidays and Sundays, and that &amp;quot;The [[Bible]] is certainly THE book.&amp;quot;  He receives Bibles from fans in the mail, and he either stores them or gives them away to others.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Haberman, Maggie (April 11, 2011).  [https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52942.html &amp;quot;Donald Trump talks about religion&amp;quot;].  Politico website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In July 2015, Trump stated in an interview that &amp;quot;Why do I have to repent or ask for forgiveness, if I am not making mistakes?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Nothstine, Ray (July 23, 2015). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/trump-why-do-i-have-to-repent-or-ask-for-forgiveness-if-i-am-not-making-mistakes-video-141856/ Trump: 'Why Do I Have to Repent or Ask for Forgiveness If I Am Not Making Mistakes?' (Video)]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; He also stated that &amp;quot;I think if I do something wrong, I think, I just try and make it right. I don't bring God into that picture. I don't.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Scott, Eugene (July 18, 2015). [https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/18/politics/trump-has-never-sought-forgiveness/ Trump believes in God, but hasn't sought forgiveness]. ''CNN''. Retrieved December 4, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; January 2016, Trump stated that &amp;quot;I have a great relationship with God,&amp;quot; but that &amp;quot;I don’t like to have to ask for forgiveness.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Key, Pam (January 17, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/01/17/trump-i-dont-like-to-have-to-ask-for-forgiveness-from-god/ Trump: ‘I Don’t Like to Have to Ask for Forgiveness’ from God]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; When confronted by [[Cal Thomas]] in an interview in mid 2016 about his not asking God for forgiveness, Trump stated that he would ask God for forgiveness.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Chumley, Cheryl (August 6, 2016). [https://www.wnd.com/2016/06/trump-answers-question-who-do-you-say-jesus-is/ Trump answers question: 'Who do you say Jesus is?] ''WorldNetDaily''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In October 2016, [[Ben Carson]] stated that Trump did ask forgiveness from God with [[James Robison]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Showalter, Brandon (October 10, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/ben-carson-donald-trump-asked-god-for-forgiveness-prayed-with-james-robison-170650/ Ben Carson: Donald Trump Asked God for Forgiveness, Prayed With James Robison]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to exit polling in the 2016 election, Trump won 81 percent of evangelical Christians compared to 16 percent for Clinton, a record high and even more than [[George W. Bush]] won in 2004, showing strong support for Trump from evangelical Christians.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;townhall.com&amp;quot;&amp;gt;O'Brien, Cortney (November 12, 2016). [https://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2016/11/12/white-evangelical-voters-showed-up-this-time-n2243931 Evangelical Voters Showed Up Big Time For Trump]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;wsj.com&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Lovett, Ian (November 9, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/evangelicals-back-donald-trump-in-record-numbers-despite-earlier-doubts-1478689372 Evangelicals Back Donald Trump in Record Numbers, Despite Earlier Doubts]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; He was the first sitting American president to address the annual Values Voters Conference in Washington.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.npr.org/2017/10/13/557459193/trump-set-to-address-values-voter-summit-for-first-time-as-president&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Career==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Trump business.jpg|right]]&lt;br /&gt;
Donald Trump began his career at [[Trump Organization]]. In his college years, he helped revitalize one of his father's failing real estate ventures. Trump began opening hotels and casinos, which provided him with the cash flow to engage in other ventures. He owns the world-famous [[Trump Tower]] and is the founder of the publicly traded Trump Hotel Casinos &amp;amp; Resorts. Trump also owns the Trump brand, which sells a variety of items, such as bottled water, steak, and even mortgages.  Trump has authored a number of books and weathered changing business fortunes, but despite the challenges that he has encountered, he has continued to be a successful businessman and entrepreneur.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump [[Donald Trump presidential campaign, 2000|ran unsuccessfully]] for the nomination of the [[Reform Party]] in 2000. Trump considered [[presidential election 2012|running for president in 2012]] as a [[Republican]]. He, among others, questioned the citizenship of [[Barack Obama]], citing his failure to produce his birth certificate.  After Obama produced his birth certificate, Trump and the other [[birther]]s continue to doubt its authenticity.  Obama's approval ratings were around 40% during the peak of the controversy. Trump later exited the race, and gave the customary endorsement to [[Mitt Romney]] as the other [[Republican]] contenders did.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Major properties==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Trump World Tower: 845 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Trump Tower: 725 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10022 Personal Residence&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Bank of America Center (San Francisco)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*The Trump Building at 40 Wall Street&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Trump Park Avenue&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*AXA Financial Center, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Trump International Hotel &amp;amp; Tower:&lt;br /&gt;
**New York&lt;br /&gt;
**Chicago&lt;br /&gt;
**Washington D.C. &lt;br /&gt;
**Las Vegas&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Mar-a-Lago]] resort in Palm Beach, Florida (used by Trump as his &amp;quot;Winter White House&amp;quot;.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Trump Winery - Charlottesville, Virginia&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*14 golf courses (11 in the U.S., 3 in Europe - the course in Bedminster, New Jersey is used by Trump as his &amp;quot;Summer White House&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Media==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trump star.JPG|thumbnail|right|Hollywood Walk of Fame]]&lt;br /&gt;
For his contributions to the gaming and entertainment industry, Trump was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame in 1995.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In 2003 Trump began as the host and executive producer of the reality [[television]] show ''The Apprentice'' and ''The Celebrity Apprentice'', where contestants compete for a position in Trump's organization. On this show, Trump popularized his catchphrase &amp;quot;You're fired!&amp;quot;  Trump received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 following the success of ''The Apprentice''.  However, since he became president, Trump's star as been periodically vandalized by liberal political critics.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Press Association (April 8, 2016). [http://www.onenewspage.com/video/20160408/4211707/Donald-Trump-Hollywood-Walk-of-Fame-Star.htm &amp;quot;Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star vandalised three times a day&amp;quot;].&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump is also a noted fan of [[WWE]], and has been a part of some of their shows.  Trump was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In 2016, following winning the presidential election, Trump was named Person of the Year by [[Time Magazine]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump used to own the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.  Controversy arose when Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner was caught breaking pageant rules by drinking and other activities. Trump gave her a second chance after personally speaking with her and allowed her to retain her crown as she attended rehabilitation. For several weeks after this, [[Rosie O'Donnell]] berated Trump for his decision on ''The View''. A bitter media war ensued with the two exchanging insults.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump has made many guest appearances, usually as himself, on many TV shows and in several movies. Numerous mental health professionals have diagnosed Trump with malignant narcissistic personality disorder, which means he is good at the art of manipulation and has no conscience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Political positions==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Coronavirus Pandemic====&lt;br /&gt;
President Trump deferred heavily to [[Hillary Clinton]]-supporter Anthony Fauci, a [[Deep State]] bureaucrat in the [[National Institutes of Health]], in responding to the [[coronavirus]] pandemic in early 2020. Trump rejected the advice of [[White House]] official Peter Navarro to take early action cutting off travel from [[China]], and to make [[hydroxychloroquine]] widely available.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump's polls numbers plummeted largely because of his deference to Fauci and unwillingness to take the advice of Navarro.  John Fleming, an adviser to Chief of Staff [[Mark Meadows]], also misled Trump by denying the benefits of widespread access to hydroxychloroquine, as other countries have done to defeat [[COVID-19]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Social Issues====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Religious liberty and LGBT|Donald Trump achievements: Abortion|Donald Trump achievements: Healthcare, welfare, and other social issues}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald-Trump-Rosa-Parks.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Donald Trump received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations in 1986 for improving the lives of African-American urban youths. From left to right: [[Anita Bryant]], [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Rosa Parks]], and Donald Trump.]]&lt;br /&gt;
At the 2011 [[CPAC]] conference, Trump announced he is [[pro-life]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Rahn, Will (February 10, 2011).  [https://dailycaller.com/2011/02/10/trump-at-cpac-points-to-white-house-run/ &amp;quot;Trump at CPAC points to White House run&amp;quot;].  The Daily Caller website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump would not fund Planned Parenthood and the government should not give funds to any organizations that perform abortions&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carroll, Lauren (May 1, 2016) [https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/may/01/ted-cruz/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-planned-parenthood/ &amp;quot;Do Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton agree on Planned Parenthood funding?&amp;quot;] Politifact website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; However, he supports abortion in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Ertelt, Steven (February 1, 2016). [https://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/01/mike-huckabee-defends-donald-trumps-abortion-conversion-he-is-pro-life-now/ &amp;quot;Mike Huckabee defends Donald Trump’s abortion conversion: 'He is pro-life now'&amp;quot;] LifeNews.com.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump says that the controversy regarding the legalization of [[same-sex marriage]] doesn't matter, because it's &amp;quot;settled law&amp;quot; now.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://web.archive.org/web/20120831060550/http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_We/#Item3 &amp;quot;Republican platform: We believe in America&amp;quot;] (bef. August 31, 2012).  GOP.com website.  Archived at Internet Archive on August 31, 2012.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Furthermore, Trump believes that homosexual couples should have the same adoption rights as straight couples&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Guo, Jeff (August 10, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/08/10/how-donald-trump-is-slowly-teaching-republicans-to-embrace-gay-rights/ &amp;quot;Donald Trump is teaching the GOP a different way to embrace gay rights&amp;quot;.] ''Washington Post'' website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and has voiced open support for the LGBTQ community, becoming the first Republican president to do so.{{cn}} He has stated that he will do everything he can do to protect the LGBTQ community, from Islamic extremists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump says that a business should be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner's religious beliefs?&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;christiantoday.com&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Hicap, Jonah (June 2, 2015). [http://www.christiantoday.com/article/donald.trump.vows.to.be.the.greatest.representative.of.christians.if.he.wins.white.house/55023.htm &amp;quot;Donald Trump: 'I will be the greatest representative of Christians if I win the White House'&amp;quot;]. Christian Today website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump would not require health insurance providers to offer free birth control.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Associated Press (February 11, 2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20151128095810/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-02-11/obama-birth-control-cpac/53046728/1 &amp;quot;GOP conservatives unite against birth control coverage&amp;quot;]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Washington.  Retrieved from November 28, 2015 archive at Internet Archive.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump doesn't think that universities should provide “trigger warnings” and “safe spaces” for students.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hashmi, Siraj (November 10, 2016). [http://redalertpolitics.com/2016/11/10/safe-spaces-handed-election-donald-trump/ &amp;quot;Safe Spaces handed the election to Donald Trump&amp;quot;]. Red Alert Politics website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes that marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Diamond, Jeremy (July 28, 2015). [https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/28/politics/donald-trump-adviser-michael-cohen-rape/ &amp;quot;Trump distances himself from top aide's rape comment&amp;quot;]. CNN website/Politics.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would not add &amp;quot;Gender Identity&amp;quot; to anti-discrimination laws.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.advocate.com/politics/2016/5/24/donald-trump-claims-accommodating-transgender-people-too-expensive&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump wouldn't support a [[separation of church and state]] by removing references to God on money, federal buildings, and national monuments.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;christiantoday.com&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump says that after a psychological examination to show they fully understand this choice, terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via [[assisted suicide]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wingspanonline.net/?p=2398&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump supports the [[death penalty]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/01/nyregion/angered-by-attack-trump-urges-return-of-the-death-penalty.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump thinks that the military should allow women to serve as long as they can pass the same physical tests as men.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/donald-trump-women-combat-tricky/2015/12/06/id/704736/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; (Compare [[gender norming]].)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump says that board members of a business should be the most qualified regardless of gender.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3269718/Trump-gives-young-feminist-brush-equal-pay-abortion-going-make-good-job-happen-pro-life.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump does not believe that the government can show a confederate flag on public property.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-tees-off-on-the-confederate-flag/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes that women should be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFVCZhFsNR8&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Healthcare Issues====&lt;br /&gt;
Trump does not support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and would open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and reduce costs.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;donaldjtrump.com&amp;quot;&amp;gt;https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=Educ&amp;gt;Breitbart.tv (February 9, 2011).  [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2011/02/09/pro-life-donald-trump-would-eliminate-dept-of-education-impose-25-tax-on-china-imports-if-president/ &amp;quot;Pro-life Donald Trump would eliminate Dept of Education, impose 25% tax on China imports if president&amp;quot;].  Breitbart.com.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; However, he has also said, &amp;quot;I like the mandate.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://dailycaller.com/2016/02/19/trump-on-obamacare-i-like-the-mandate-video/ &amp;quot;Trump On Obamacare: ‘I Like The Mandate’&amp;quot;]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump thinks that the government should regulate the prices of life-saving drugs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/trump-backs-&lt;br /&gt;
medicare-negotiating-drug-prices-218215&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump supports the legalization of marijuana for medical use.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2015/06/18/exclusive-donald-trump-on-what-made-him-run-for-president-on-hannity/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
''Donald Trump has not yet answered if he supports the privatization of veteran's healthcare.''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes that the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-09-15/trump-calls-for-expanded-medicaid-birth-control-without-doctor&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Controversy with Barack Obama====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trump Speaking in Fountain Hills.jpg|thumb|Trump speaking in Fountain Hills, Arizona in March 2016.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Trump has also questioned Barack Obama's constitutional eligibility to be president, in light of the ongoing questions surrounding his birth certificate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&amp;amp;pageId=280533 &amp;quot;Trump: Obama spending millions to hide his past&amp;quot;] (March 28, 2011).  WorldNetDaily website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump questioned whether the Obama Administration was successful in negotiating with foreign countries. Trump declared during the 2016 election that he no longer would question Obama's eligibility.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Economic Issues====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Economic policy and labor|MAGAnomics}}&lt;br /&gt;
Trump's economic plan is designed to make the country more competitive by implementing policies that apply to all companies: cutting taxes, including the corporate tax rate, repealing and rolling back stifling regulations, including the biggest of them all, Obamacare and those clobbering the energy sector, renegotiating trade deals such as NAFTA, and killing off the nascent [[Trans-Pacific Partnership]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Crowley, Monica (December 7, 2016). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/7/donald-trump-and-the-art-of-getting-it-done/ Donald Trump and the art of getting it done]. ''The Washingon Times''. Retrieved December 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would not require employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job as there are too many other variables such as education, experience, and tenure that determine a fair salary.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
''Trump has not answered whether welfare recipients be tested for drugs.''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump said he would require businesses be required to provide paid leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child or sick family member.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would raise the federal minimum wage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes there should be more restrictions on current welfare benefits.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would instate a 35% tariff on all imports from China even though he used Chinese steel to build all of his Trump Towers.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.newsweek.com/how-donald-trump-ditched-us-steel-workers-china-505717&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would also lower the corporate tax rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/an-america-first-economic-plan-winning-the-global-competition&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump says that the U.S. shouldn't continue to participate in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://money.cnn.com/2016/09/16/news/economy/donald-trump-nafta-mexico-china-tariff/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would cut public spending in order to reduce the public debt.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/donald-trump-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes that the government is currently over-regulating private businesses and that it shouldn't require businesses to pay salaried employees, making up to $46k/year, time-and-a-half for overtime hours.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-shift/2016/08/trump-v-overtime-rule-215883&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump thinks that the government should prevent “mega mergers” of corporations that could potentially control a large percentage of market share within its industry.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-10-22/trump-would-block-proposed-at-t-time-warner-merger-if-elected&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump said that labor unions, in theory help the economy but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://projects.newsday.com/opinion/newsday-editorial-board-interviews-donald-trump/#nypd&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would increase the tax on profits from the sale of stocks, bonds, and real estate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4I5QUGRf-Q&amp;amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes economic stimulus will aid the country during times of recession.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/03/us/politics/trump-clinton-infrastructure.html?_r=0&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump thinks the Federal Reserve Bank should be audited by Congress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-election-trump-fed-idUSL1N12Y1ZG20151103&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump doesn't support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as this will incentivize companies to move U.S. jobs overseas.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/us/politics/transcript-of-the-republican-presidential-debate-in-new-hampshire.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would eliminate the [[estate tax]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://thehill.com/policy/finance/290825-clinton-to-criticize-trumps-plan-to-repeal-the-estate-tax&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would end all government subsidies and let the free market run its course.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/17cfa1a0-0b9e-11e5-a06e-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3e0UlsdmX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
''Trump has not answered if pension payments be increased for retired government workers.''&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump favors an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes even though sales tax would not provide a steady stream of income.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.taxjusticeblog.org/archive/2015/06/donald_trumps_regressive_and_r.php#.VYr8_hNViko&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump supports pension plans for federal, state, and local government workers be transitioned into privately managed accounts.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;donaldjtrump.com&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump said that the U.S. government should not bailout Puerto Rico.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=c89b639c-07de-4a0f-a634-dda08e3de95a&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes citizens should not be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts as too many wealthy citizens are abusing loopholes in offshore banking laws to evade taxes.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-puts-his-money-in-companies-that-stash-cash-abroad/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump would not apply an in-state sales tax apply to online purchases of in-state buyers from out-of-state sellers.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ce65fe3f0bbd43c19cf17c5c8da8d958/trump-amazons-bezos-uses-washington-post-avoid-taxes&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump thinks that the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/trump-presidency-boost-bitcoin-price/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Department of Education====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Education}}&lt;br /&gt;
At the 2011 [[CPAC]] conference, he stated that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education.&amp;lt;ref name=Educ/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Foreign policy====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Foreign policy}}&lt;br /&gt;
Donald Trump is a [[nationalism|nationalist]] who promised to &amp;quot;put America first&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://insider.foxnews.com/2017/06/07/trump-touts-new-infrastructure-plan-cincinnati-states-america-first-message 'It's Time Finally to Put America First': Trump Touts New Infrastructure Plan]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; (See: [[Donald Trump and nationalism]]). At the same time, in April 2017, he stated that &amp;quot;I’m a nationalist and a globalist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Starr, Penny (April 28, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/28/trump-im-a-nationalist-and-a-globalist/ Trump: ‘I’m a Nationalist and a Globalist’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 10, 2018.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In July 2015 Trump explained he wants to improve relationships with [[Russia]]n president [[Vladimir Putin]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Johnson, Simon (July 31, 2015).  [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11775145/Donald-Trump-Id-get-on-very-well-with-Putin-if-I-were-president.html &amp;quot;Donald Trump:  I'd get on 'very well' with Putin if I were president&amp;quot;].  The Telegraph [U.K.] website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Many left-wingers accused Trump's presidential campaign of &amp;quot;colluding&amp;quot; with [[Russia]]. However the Trump Administration took several tough actions against Russia, including some that even the Obama Administration avoided.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Berger, Judson (December 26, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/26/trump-administration-ends-2017-confronting-russia-after-year-collusion-accusations.html Trump administration ends 2017 confronting Russia after year of collusion accusations]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 26, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In an interview with [[ABC]] he said that Putin won't make a military move into [[Ukraine]]. Furthermore, Trump argued in a tweet that the conflict over [[Crimea]] was the fault of the Obama administration.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/31/politics/donald-trump-russia-ukraine-crimea-putin/ Trump says Putin is 'not going to go into Ukraine,' despite Crimea]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump later accused Russia of taking [[Crimea]] by force and asked whether Obama was too soft on Russia.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-russia-latest-tweet-accuse-crimea-obama-too-soft-distance-campaign-team-white-house-a7581511.html Donald Trump accuses Russia of taking Crimea by force in attempt to distance himself from campaign allegations]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump said that the [[Iran nuclear deal]] is bad and as president, he kept his promise by withdrawing from it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After his election as U.S. president, [[Israel]]i prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] called Trump &amp;quot;a true friend of the State of Israel.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/netanyahu-trump-israel-true-friend-231094?lo=ap_c4 Netanyahu calls Trump 'a true friend' of Israel]. ''Politico''. November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; On February 2, 2017, Trump stated that building new settlements in the [[West Bank]] &amp;quot;may not be helpful&amp;quot; to achieving peace in the [[Middle East]], and he appeared to shift his formerly strong stance on moving the U.S. embassy to [[Jerusalem]] as he had previously stated.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/03/trump-to-israel-settlements-may-not-help-achieve-peace-in-middle-east.html Trump to Israel: Settlements ‘may not help’ achieve peace in the Middle East]. ''Fox News''. February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  But on December 6, 2017, Trump announced that the U.S. officially recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and that the U.S. would begin the process of moving the U.S. Embassy from [[Tel Aviv]] to Jerusalem.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=https://server5.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/saun/sncfausiyyo/sqrs/p2/the-press-office/2017/12/06/president-donald-j-trumps-proclamation-jerusalem-capital-state-israel|title=President Donald J. Trump's Proclamation on Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel |publisher=White House|accessdate=6 December 2017|date=6 December 2017}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Trump in 2019 also gave official U.S. recognition to the [[Golan Heights]] as being part of Israel.  In recognition for his support of Israel, a plaza in Jerusalem was named for Trump (&amp;quot;Donald Trump Square&amp;quot;), as well as a settlement in the Golan Heights (&amp;quot;Trump Heights&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump had criticized [[NATO]] for not fulfilling its financial obligations, going so far as declaring the organization &amp;quot;obsolete&amp;quot;, but in April 2017 - after getting promises from NATO partners to make increased financial contributions - Trump retracted the obsolete declaration.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/news/the-latest-trump-says-nato-no-longer-obsolete/ The Latest: Trump says NATO ‘no longer obsolete’]. ''Breitbart News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved April 21, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hagen, Lisa (April 21, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/328558-trump-nato-is-no-longer-obsolete Trump: NATO is ‘no longer obsolete’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Immediately after taking office, Trump had exchanged vitriolic rhetoric with and made threats to North Korea after the latter carried out numerous medium/long-range missile tests and a nuclear test in September 2017.  However, in March 2018, Trump announced he would hold a summit with North Korea Chairman Kim Jong Un, making him the first U.S. president to have bilateral talks with a North Korean leader.  The first summit was held in Singapore in June 2018, a second in Hanoi in February 2019, and a third informal summit in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in June 2019 - during which he became the first sitting U.S. president to step foot on North Korean soil. During the period of the summits, North Korea had halted testing of long/medium-range missiles, as well as nuclear testing (and outside of a few short-range missiles in early May 2019, North Korea hasn't tested any weapons since November 2017.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On Monday, 7 October 2019, Trump ordered American military forces to withdraw from northern Syria in case Turkish forces and their allies would attack them, meaning the predominantly Syrian Kurdish ''SDF'' (''Syrian Democratic Force'') would not have direct U.S. military support. This decision came after a telephone conversation with Turkish ruler [[Recep Tayyip Erdoğan]] on Sunday,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/turkey-announces-incursion-of-northeast-syria-us-backed-kurds-have-vowed-all-out-war Trump pulls back troops from northern Syria ahead of Turkish assault, Pentagon officials 'blindsided']&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and Turkish forces soon began advancing into northern Syria to create a buffer zone.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/world/turkey-syria-invasion-ground-forces-civilians-dead Turkey announces northern Syria invasion of ground forces; multiple civilians reported dead]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUeXaPaKF50 Why Turkey is invading Syria]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In the same week it was announced that it is planned by the U.S. administration to send 1,500 troops to the Middle East because of the tensions between [[Saudi-Arabia]] and [[Iran]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://video.foxnews.com/v/6040831354001/ President Trump plans to send 1,500 US troops to the Middle East]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; President Erdogan visited the White House on November 13, 2019.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/11/13/donald-trump-im-a-big-fan-of-turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan/ Donald Trump: ‘I’m a Big Fan’ of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Global warming====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Energy and environmental policy}}&lt;br /&gt;
Trump does not believe in the [[Climate Change]] hysteria, once stating the &amp;quot;Nobel committee should take the [[Nobel Prize]] back from [[Al Gore]].&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Second Amendment rights====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Gun rights}}&lt;br /&gt;
Trump is strongly pro-[[Second Amendment]] and against [[leftist]] [[gun control]] and gun free zones. As president, Trump has promised to re-arm military personnel on all American military bases as well as [[ROTC]] recruitment centers, which were disarmed by the [[Clinton Administration]] policy.&amp;lt;ref name=Educ/&amp;gt; Trump was strongly endorsed by the [[National Rifle Association]] in one of its earliest endorsements in an election campaign.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/20/nra-to-endorse-trump.html# Trump wins NRA endorsement, blasts Clinton on gun stance at forum]. ''Fox News''. May 20, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Homosexual agenda====&lt;br /&gt;
For all practical purposes, Trump seems to be on the side of the [[homosexual agenda]]. He supports the creation of new law by the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], as in a new right to [[homosexual marriage]], and declares it the &amp;quot;law of the land&amp;quot; even though Congress passed no such law.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump has attended multiple [[same-sex marriage]] ceremonies{{Citation needed}}, but has also said in the past that he opposes same-sex marriage.  Trump's views are not yet known on other aspects of the [[homosexual agenda]], such as whether Trump would ban [[conversion therapy]] for minors as [[Chris Christie]] did.  The [[Fox News Channel]] debate in August avoided these issues.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Immigration====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Immigration and border security}}&lt;br /&gt;
See the discussion in the introduction above.  This is Trump's main campaign issue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A central part of his immigration plan is to build a giant wall on the border with Mexico. Trump estimates it will cost $8 billion, approximately 35 to 40 feet high and stretch 2000 miles.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/02/09/donald-trump-the-wall-is-probably-8-billion Trump Border Wall]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; During the campaign, Trump promised that Mexico will pay for the wall, but after taking office, he clarified that payment could be in the form of a tax on Mexican imports or other revenues measures after the Mexican government showed opposition towards Trump's plan.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump has also proposed to temporarily ban [[Muslims]] from entering the United States, until &amp;quot;our leaders figure out what the hell is going on,&amp;quot; in order to protect Americans from the threats posed by [[Islamic]] [[refugee]]s (and those pretending to be&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/isis-fighters-infiltrating-syrian-refugees-uk-is-warned/article/2572051 ISIS fighters infiltrating Syrian refugees, UK is warned]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;) entering the country.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.donaldjtrump.com/media/donald-trump-insists-muslim-ban-is-about-safety-not-religion Donald Trump Insists Muslim Ban Is About Safety, Not Religion]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Efforts have been made by hostile journalists to paint Trump as advocating a [[Muslim registry]], but what he actually proposed was a [[database for Syrian refugees]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Political contributions====&lt;br /&gt;
He has been criticized for his substantial contributions to [[Democrat]] lawmakers; the majority of those lawmakers are located in the states he resides in: New York and Florida. The amount he has donated since 2008 is $25,000, which is insignificant considering his wealth.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Allin, Olivia (April 30, 2011).  [http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Donald-Trump-calls-nations-leaders-stupid-people-and-blood-sucking-politicians/8104644 &amp;quot;OTRC: Donald Trump calls nation's leaders 'stupid people' and 'blood-sucking politicians'&amp;quot;].  OnTheRedCarpet [news].  Retrieved from ABC7 [KABC Television, Los Angeles] website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump is not known to be beholden to any big-money donors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Tariffs====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Trade policy}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trump RNC July 2016.jpg|thumb|Trump accepting the GOP nomination in Cleveland on June 21, 2016.]]&lt;br /&gt;
At the 2011 [[CPAC]] conference, he stated that he supports a 25% tariff on Chinese goods.&amp;lt;ref name=Educ/&amp;gt; The number floated around in 2016 is a 45% tariff. Trump was speaking in regards to China and the [[World Trade Organization]],&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-finance-ministerlou-jiwei-takes-aim-at-donald-trumps-trade-policies-1460892988 Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei Takes Aim at Donald Trump’s Trade Policies, WallStreetJournal, April 17, 2016]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{cquote|In a statement from his campaign, Mr. Trump charged that [[China]] was “in total violation of WTO regulations” and that the U.S. “has incompetently allowed them to get away with this” and has failed to impose “equal or greater taxes and tariffs” on China. If he is elected president, Mr. Trump said, China “will learn to deal fairly and justly or we will not deal at all” with Beijing.}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vaccines====&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes that [[vaccines]] cause [[autism]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Ferris, Sarah (September 16, 2015).  [https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/253980-trump-links-vaccines-to-autism-epidemic &amp;quot;Trump links vaccines to autism 'epidemic'&amp;quot;].  The Hill website/Policy/Healthcare.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and has argued against requiring that so many vaccines be given to infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==== Eminent domain====&lt;br /&gt;
Trump believes that the government has the right to take [[private property]] upon paying just compensation for both infrastructure and to promote economic development.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==== Supreme Court====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: The courts}}&lt;br /&gt;
Trump opposed filling the Supreme Court seat held by [[Antonin Scalia]] before the next President takes office. When asked who he might select to the Supreme Court, he said that his sister, a sitting federal court judge, would make a great Supreme Court justice.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite web|url=https://server5.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/sfothrfaqegbnvj/suvw/p2/corner/423196/trump-praises-his-sister-pro-abortion-extremist-judge-ramesh-ponnuru|title=Trump Praises His Sister, a Pro-Abortion Extremist Judge|date=Aug 27, 2015|accessdate=February 21, 2016}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hillary Clinton===&lt;br /&gt;
Trump had pledged, if elected president, to appoint a special prosecutor to further investigate [[Hillary Clinton]]'s use of a private email server whilst Secretary of State, but Hillary took her crushing defeat so hard that Trump charitably softened his stance after winning.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/politics/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-investigation.html Donald Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation] New York Times - Nov. 22, 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; A few of Trump supporters, such as [[Ann Coulter]] and [[Breitbart]], expressed disappointment but Trump rose in overall public approval.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.newsmax.com/Politics/ann-coulter-slams-trump-clinton/2016/11/22/id/760220/ Ann Coulter Slams Trump's Decision on Clinton] Newsmax.com - Nov. 22, 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2016/11/23/peter-schweizer-letting-hillary-off-hook-definition-rigged-system/ Peter Schweizer: Letting Hillary off the Hook Is ‘Definition of a Rigged System’] Breitbart.com - Nov. 23, 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==2016 presidential election==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trump (29273256122) Phoenix.jpg|thumb|250px|Donald Trump on August 31, 2016.]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|2016 U.S. presidential election|Donald Trump achievements: 2016 election and transition}}&lt;br /&gt;
===Path to the Nomination===&lt;br /&gt;
In the 2015 [[Value Voters Debate|Value Voters]] poll, Trump performed poorly, coming in fifth, indicating many [[Christian]] [[conservatives]] had not yet warmed up to him.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Flores, Reena (September 26, 2015).  [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-conservative-poll-donald-trump-could-not-win/ &amp;quot;The conservative poll Donald Trump could not win&amp;quot;].  CBSNews website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Trump is a big supporter of [[gambling]], which most Christians, other religious groups, and [[conservatives]] oppose.  But by 2016 Trump was winning more support from [[evangelical]]s than any other Republican candidate.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump won the Republican primary, receiving more votes than any other Republican primary candidate in history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hoft, Joe (June 7, 2016). [https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/06/trump-trumps-wins-historic-race-record-fashion/ HISTORY! Trump Shatters Republican Primary Vote Record by 1.4 Million Votes]. ''The Gateway Pundit''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===General election===&lt;br /&gt;
Trump faced former liberal Democrat Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] in the general election. Trump's campaign was vastly outspent, outraised, and out-staffed by Clinton's.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/10/more-with-less-trumps-lean-machine-beats-clintons-big-bank-account.html More With Less: Trump's lean machine beats Clinton's big bank account]. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The [[mainstream media]] was extremely biased against and unfair towards Trump.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Kurtz, Howard (November 11, 2016). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/11/media-remain-hostile-to-donald-trump-even-as-some-pundits-admit-blew-it.html Media remain hostile to Donald Trump even as some pundits admit they blew it]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 11, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.billoreilly.com/b/Media-Bias-to-the-Extreme/39285014073786148.html Media Bias to the Extreme]. ''BillOReilly.com''. November 11, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; According to a study, 91% of the media coverage concerning Trump was negative and 96% of campaign contributions from the media went to Clinton.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Bedard, Paul (March 19, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/anti-trump-media-91-coverage-negative-96-of-donations-to-hillary/article/2617828 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/anti-trump-media-91-coverage-negative-96-of-donations-to-hillary/article/2617828]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It was widely expected that Clinton would easily win the election, and the elite pollsters and &amp;quot;political insiders&amp;quot; all predicted a massive Clinton victory.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Vogel, Kenneth P. &amp;amp; Isenstadt, Alex (November 9, 2016). [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/how-did-everyone-get-2016-wrong-presidential-election-231036 How did everyone get it so wrong?]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Catanese, David (October 24, 2016). [https://www.usnews.com/news/the-run-2016/articles/2016-10-24/republicans-last-hope-the-polls-are-wrong Republicans’ Last Hope: The Polls Are Wrong]. ''U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; At least once, when a poll was released that actually showed Trump leading, Clinton's campaign dismissed it as &amp;quot;bad polling&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Nelson, Louis (November 1, 2016). [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/clinton-campaign-bad-poll-abc-washington-post-230591 Clinton camp on new survey showing Trump ahead: It’s ‘bad polling’]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Instead, Trump won the election in a massive, historical upset, winning even states such as [[Pennsylvania]], [[Michigan]], and [[Wisconsin]], which a Republican had not won for 20–30 years.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/08/first-polls-close-in-2016-race-trump-projected-to-win-ind-ky-clinton-wins-vt.html Trump wins presidency, defeats Clinton in historic election upset]. ''Fox News''. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Blake, Aaron (November 9, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/08/donald-trumps-path-to-victory-is-suddenly-looking-much-much-wider/ Donald Trump just blew up the electoral map]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The predictions were off the mark dramatically.  The actual polls themselves were broadly correct showing Clinton leading over Trump by about 2%.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.redstate.com/jaycaruso/2017/07/16/latest-job-approval-poll-president-trump-awful]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  However Trump 'flipped' key districts and states smashing Clinton's so-called 'Blue firewall'.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Flint, Joe &amp;amp; Alpert, Lukas I. (November 9, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/bad-polling-in-hand-media-misses-mark-badly-with-election-predictions-1478710860 How the Media’s Election Predictions Badly Missed the Mark]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump's election victory was described by ''[[Politico]]'' as &amp;quot;the most stunning upset in American history.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Goldmacher, Shane &amp;amp; Schreckinger, Ben (November 9, 2016). [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/election-results-2016-clinton-trump-231070?lo=ap_c1 Trump pulls off biggest upset in U.S. history]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While the GOP increased its vote share across the entire nation, Trump made the largest gains in the rural [[Midwest]] and [[Rust Belt]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/11/08/us/elections/how-trump-pushed-the-election-map-to-the-right.html How Trump Reshaped the Election Map]. ''The New York Times''. November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Although Clinton won the popular vote 65,515,369 (48.05%) to 62,853,327 (46.09%), according to unofficial results, the large vote totals came from states which have resisted voter identification reforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://www.inquisitr.com/3719036/3-million-illegal-immigrants-voted-gregg-phillips-votestand-donald-trump-final-popular-vote-count-2016-predictions/ 3 Million Illegal Immigrants Voted, Claims Gregg Phillips Of VoteStand: Donald Trump’s Final Popular Vote Count Alleged To Be Better Than 2016 Predictions], Patrick Frye, ''The Inquisitr'', November 15, 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Dr. Robert Epstein of the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology testified before Congress that [[Google]] bias and meddling had shifted &amp;quot;between 2.6 million and up to 10.4 million votes&amp;quot; to Hillary Clinton.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/08/psychologist-google-generated-at-least-2-6-million-votes-for-hillary.php&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump won the [[electoral college]] vote, 306 to 232, with the incomplete vote count reported.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;{{cite news|url=https://server5.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/swxn/sjkl/p2/election/results|title=Election Results|accessdate=Nov. 12, 2016}}&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump won more votes in the general election than any Republican candidate in U.S. history, and he won the largest number of electoral votes since [[George H. W. Bush]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hoft, Jim (November 22, 2016). [https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/11/trump-breaks-record-votes-republican-candidate-history/ Trump Breaks Record for Most Votes by Republican Candidate in History]. ''The Gateway Pundit''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; In addition, Trump won 2,623 counties—the largest number for both a Republican or Democrat since [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1984—while the Democrats won only 489, something even the liberal [[PolitiFact]] admitted to be true.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Jacobson, Louis (December 4, 2016). [https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/dec/04/mike-pence/mike-pence-says-donald-trump-won-most-counties-rep/ Mike Pence says Donald Trump won most counties by a Republican since Ronald Reagan]. ''PolitiFact''. Retrieved December 4, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Geographically speaking, Trump accordingly won 85 percent of the nation&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Wallace, Tim (November 16, 2016). [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/11/16/us/politics/the-two-americas-of-2016.html?_r=0 The Two Americas of 2016]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved December 5, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and 61 percent of the states (including Maine's 2nd district). With the historic flip of Elliott County, Kentucky, every rural, white-majority Southern county voted for the Republican nominee for the first time in history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Simon, Jeff (December 9, 2016). [https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/09/politics/elliott-county-kentucky-democratic-streak-broken-by-donald-trump/index.html How Trump ended Democrats' 144-year winning streak in one county]. ''CNN''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to exit polling, Trump won 81 percent of evangelical Christians compared to 16 percent for Clinton, a record high and even more than [[George W. Bush]] won in 2004,&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;townhall.com&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;wsj.com&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; even though some have disputed the accuracy of such exit polling methods.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Showalter, Brandon (November 16, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/81-percent-evangelicals-vote-trump-eric-teetsel-joe-carter-171542/ Did 81 Percent of Evangelicals Really Vote for Trump? Not So Fast, Some Say]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This is largely due to Trump's conservative policies that align well with the Bible, including opposition to abortion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While liberal, establishmentarian world leaders made generally nuanced statements in response to Trump's election upset, conservative, right-wing leaders, including the leaders of insurgent parties in European nations, reacted positively to Trump's election.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Ashkenas, Jeremy; Aisch, Gregor (December 5, 2016). [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/05/world/europe/populism-in-age-of-trump.html?_r=0 European Populism in the Age of Donald Trump]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved December 5, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In addition to Trump's defeat of Clinton, the Republican Party kept control of the House and Senate, outperforming expectations.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Bresnahan, John (November 9, 2016). [https://www.politico.eu/article/republicans-on-cusp-of-keeping-the-senate/ Republicans hold the Senate in a stunner]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hughes, Siobhan (November 9, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/republicans-are-confident-about-retaining-control-of-the-house-1478634160 Democrats Gain Seats in House, But GOP Retains Majority]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The Republican Party performed well—much better than expected—in state races, winning trifectas in [[Kentucky]], [[Iowa]], [[Missouri]], and [[New Hampshire]], and Democrats only had six trifectas and total control in five states, a record low.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Greenblatt, Alan (November 9, 2016). [http://www.governing.com/topics/elections/gov-republicans-add-dominance-state-legislatures.html Republicans Add to Their Dominance of State Legislatures]. ''Governing''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Siegel, Josh (November 9, 2016). [http://dailysignal.com/2016/11/09/republicans-maintain-strong-control-of-state-capitols-what-that-means/ Republicans Maintain Strong Control of State Capitols. Here’s What That Means.] ''The Daily Signal''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The GOP won 25 trifectas, the largest since 1952.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Lieb, David A. (December 29, 2016). [https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune/20161229/281822873464433 GOP-Controlled States Aim to Reshape Laws]. ''Chicago Tribune'' (from the Associated Press). Retrieved December 30, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The GOP now controlled the highest amount of governorships since 1922,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Lieb, David A. (November 9, 2016). [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2016-11-09/republicans-expand-control-of-governorships-legislatures Republicans governorships rise to highest mark since 1922]. ''U.S. News &amp;amp; World Report''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and it controlled the most state legislative chambers in history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Bosman, Julie &amp;amp; Davey, Monica (November 11, 2016). [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/us/republicans-expand-control-in-a-deeply-divided-nation.html Republicans Expand Control in a Deeply Divided Nation]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved November 14, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite expectations that Trump's election victory would cause the markets to plunge, the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]] actually performed very strongly, closing at the highest level it had ever reached in history after the second day.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;MarketRally&amp;quot;&amp;gt;La Monica, Paul R. (November 10, 2016). [https://money.cnn.com/2016/11/10/investing/markets-stocks-donald-trump-rally/index.html The 'yuge' Donald Trump market rally continues]. ''CNN Money''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It is rare for the stock market to rise immediately after a U.S. presidential election regardless of the winner.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;MarketRally&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; The stock market had its best week in five years due to optimism of a Trump presidency.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Craig, Victoria (November 11, 2016). [https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/11/11/trump-optimism-propels-dow-to-best-week-in-five-years.html Trump Optimism Propels Dow to Best Week in Five Years]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved November 12, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After the election, childish [[leftists]] and [[anarchists]], who could not accept the results of the election, strongly protested Trump's victory and committed outrageous and extreme acts of vandalism and violence,&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;Protests&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Chiaramonte, Perry (November 10, 2016). [https://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/11/10/trump-protests-intensify-as-doubts-swirl-about-spontaneity.html Trump protests intensify, as doubts swirl about spontaneity]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 11, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; even brutally attacking and beating at least one alleged Trump supporter.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/11/10/video-emerges-group-beating-chicago-man-while-yelling-dont-vote-trump.html Video emerges of mob beating Chicago man while yelling 'don't vote Trump']. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Many of these protests were likely organized and coordinated, as many protestors were bused in by Coach buses.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;Protests&amp;quot;/&amp;gt; This occurred on the heels of Hillary Clinton, the Clinton campaign, and major mainstream media condemning in the harshest terms Trump and his supporters' complaints of a &amp;quot;rigged election,&amp;quot; and failure to accept the results would damage democracy. Clinton, President Obama, and the media highlighted the protests and failed to condemn the leftist violence and protests as detrimental to democracy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==2020 presidential election==&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|2016 U.S. presidential election|Donald Trump achievements|Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign|United States presidential election, 2020}}&lt;br /&gt;
As an incumbent with a strong economy, Donald Trump was favored to win the 2020 U.S. presidential election. However, Democrats, through the use of [[voter fraud]], stole the election from Donald Trump and gave it to Joe Biden illegally. (see [[Biden Putsch]])&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Donald Trump on Joe Biden's age and his aging ===&lt;br /&gt;
''See also:'' [[Biden's age]] and [[Donald Trump's age]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nate Silver of ''FiveThirtyEight'' wrote about Bidens's age:&lt;br /&gt;
{{Cquote|A lot of rank-and-file voters do have concerns about Biden’s age. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll in February found that 62 percent of voters had reservations about voting for someone aged 75 or older. [https://news.gallup.com/poll/254120/less-half-vote-socialist-president.aspx Other polls] have also shown advanced age to be a concern among Democrats, Republicans and independents alike.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/are-bidens-opponents-being-too-coy-in-making-age-an-issue/ Voters Care About Biden’s Age — Not About His Gaffes] by Nate Silver,''FiveThirtyEight''&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Donald Trump has called Joe Biden &amp;quot;sleepy&amp;quot; and said that &amp;quot;he looks different than he used to, he acts different than he used to, he’s even slower than he used to be&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/07/joe-biden-age-2020/593350/ Is Joe Biden ‘Too Old’?] EDWARD-ISAAC DOVERE, ''The Atlantic''&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; See also: [[Biden's age]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The ''[[New York Times]]'' stated:&lt;br /&gt;
{{Cquote|Meeting with a group of union officials in the West Wing this year, the president appealed for their support in part by tapping on his head and saying, “Biden is losing it,” according to a participant in the meeting who disclosed the president’s comment on condition of anonymity.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/29/us/politics/joe-biden-age.html Why Joe Biden’s Age Worries Some Democratic Allies and Voters], ''New York Times''&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==President of the United States==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trump at his desk, December 2018.png|thumb|250px|President Trump sitting at his desk in the [[Oval Office]], December 21, 2018]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements}}&lt;br /&gt;
===Transition===&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Trump transition}}&lt;br /&gt;
The day after being elected president, Trump released a solidly conservative agenda for his first 100 days in office, even though ending the [[abortion|legalized murder of the unborn]] was not on the agenda.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Kelly, Amita &amp;amp; Sprunt, Barbara (November 9, 2016). [https://www.npr.org/2016/11/09/501451368/here-is-what-donald-trump-wants-to-do-in-his-first-100-days Here Is What Donald Trump Wants To Do In His First 100 Days]. ''NPR''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On November 30, 2016, before Trump had finalized all his cabinet appointments, it was still described by Politico as &amp;quot;a conservative dream team that has Republicans cheering and liberals in despair&amp;quot; due to the many strong conservatives Trump had appointed, in contrast to moderates like [[George W. Bush]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Restuccia, Andrew; Cook, Nancy; Woellert, Lorraine (November 30, 2016). [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/trump-conservative-dream-team-231972 Trump's conservative dream team]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 30, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/11/30/politico-donald-trump-cabinet-conservative-dream-team/ Politico: Donald Trump’s Cabinet a ‘Conservative Dream Team’]. ''Breitbart News''. November 30, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Accordingly, ''[[Newsweek]]'' called Trump's incomplete cabinet the most conservative cabinet in U.S. history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Cooper, Matthew (December 9, 2016). [http://www.newsweek.com/trump-cabinet-picks-nominees-conservative-530477 Donald Trump Is Building the Most Conservative Presidential Cabinet In U.S. History]. ''Newsweek''. Retrieved December 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; ''[[The Washington Times]]'' noted how Trump was defying Washington establishment norms in his cabinet picks.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hurt, Charles (December 6, 2016). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/6/donald-trumps-cabinet-picks-define-business-as-not/ Trump defines business as not-usual for D.C.] ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' stated that &amp;quot;it’s nearly impossible to identify a clear ideological bent&amp;quot; in Trump's appointments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Seib, Gerald (December 5, 2016). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-shuffles-the-ideological-deck-1480955194 Donald Trump Shuffles the Ideological Deck]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 5, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; However, this can be easily explained by the fact that Trump has used some of his cabinet nominations to unite the GOP by appealing to most of its factions, even though Trump's appointments are still very conservative.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
During the transition period, the Obama Administration engaged in surveillance and information-gathering of Trump, in order to investigate any [[Trump-Russia scandal|alleged ties to Russia]]. This was confirmed by GOP U.S. Representative [[Devin Nunes]] on March 22, 2017,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Derespina, Cody (March 23, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/23/trump-basks-in-nunes-surveillance-news-so-that-means-im-right.html Trump basks in Nunes surveillance news: 'So that means I'm right']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and by [[Evelyn Farkas]], the deputy assistant secretary of defense under Obama, on March 29, 2017.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/29/former-obama-official-discloses-rush-to-get-intelligence-on-trump-team.html Former Obama official discloses rush to get intelligence on Trump team]. ''Fox News''. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Poor, Jeff (March 29, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/29/fmr-obama-official-reveals-pre-inauguration-effort-to-gather-intel-on-incoming-trump-team/ Fmr Obama Official Reveals Pre-Inauguration Effort to Gather Intel on Incoming Trump Team]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Inauguration===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trumpswearing in.jpg|thumb|200px|Trump being sworn in, January 20, 2017.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2017, giving one of the strongest inauguration addresses in American history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Boyle, Matthew (January 20, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/20/america-first-president-donald-trump-brings-the-rain-in-inauguration-address/ ‘America First’: President Donald Trump Brings the Rain in Inauguration Address]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;McCaskill, Nolan D. (January 20, 2017). [https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/key-points-of-trumps-inaugural-speech-233900 Key moments from Trump's inauguration speech]. ''Politico''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Scott, Patrick; Midgley, Robert (January 20, 2017). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/donald-trump-just-delivered-american-inauguration-speech-ever/ Donald Trump just delivered the most 'American' inauguration speech ever]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; His first bill signed as president was to allow retired general and Defense Secretary nominee [[James Mattis]] to be confirmed.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Kopan, Tal (January 20, 2017). [https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/donald-trump-first-law-actions/ President Donald Trump signs first bill into law]. ''CNN''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; That same day, Trump instituted a national day of patriotism,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-measures-idUSKBN1542IH Trump takes first actions on Cabinet, declares day of patriotism: spokesman]. ''Reuters''. January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and a few days later Trump officially designated his inauguration day the '''''National Day of Patriotic Devotion'''''.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/24/2017-01798/national-day-of-patriotic-devotion National Day of Patriotic Devotion -- Proclamation 9570 of January 20, 2017]. ''Federal Register''. January 24, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Shelbourne, Mallory (January 23, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315735-trump-declares-inauguration-day-national-day-of-patriotic-devotion https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315735-trump-declares-inauguration-day-national-day-of-patriotic-devotion]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 2, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the fact that leftists knew for two months that Trump would be inaugurated president, hateful, anti-American, and immature leftists engaged in violent protests and did major acts of vandalism and even injuring the police who were sent in.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Vargas, Theresa; Hartz, Taylor; Hermann, Peter (January 20, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/protesters-bring-shouts-skirmishes-and-shutdowns-to-inauguration-celebration/2017/01/20/00ea4c72-df11-11e6-acdf-14da832ae861_story.html?utm_term=.c4443fa64f5a Inauguration protesters vandalize, set fires, try to disrupt Trump’s oath, as police arrest 200]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;LimoFire&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Lawler, David (January 20, 2017). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/anti-donald-trump-activists-try-block-access-inauguration/ Donald Trump protests: Limo 'set on fire' and 217 arrested as police use tear gas on black-clad activists]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; At least 217 protesters were arrested.&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;LimoFire&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Weber, Joseph (January 20, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/20/trump-supporters-protesters-rally-before-sunrise-on-inauguration-day.html Hundreds of protesters arrested in Inauguration Day clashes]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Noble, Andrea; McDermott, Ryan M. (January 20, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/20/donald-trump-inauguration-protests-begin-turn-viol/ D.C. police report 217 arrested during Inauguration Day riots]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite having no power to block Trump's cabinet nominees and having no reason to delay the process,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Pergram, Chad (January 20, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/20/senate-battle-erupts-over-dem-delay-confirming-trump-nominees.html Senate battle erupts over Dem 'delay' confirming Trump nominees]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; liberal Senate Democrats delayed confirmation of Trump's nominees, so that only two were confirmed on Trump's first day in office.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Dinan, Stephen (January 22, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/22/trumps-cabinet-picks-delayed-by-democrats-only-two/? Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks delayed by Democrats, only two confirmed]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This was a large difference from other recent presidents,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Phillips, Amber (January 21, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/20/donald-trump-will-start-his-presidency-with-the-smallest-confirmed-cabinet-in-decades/?utm_term=.9d7692169687 Donald Trump is starting his presidency with the smallest confirmed Cabinet in decades]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved Janaury 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; who, with the exception of [[George H. W. Bush]], had much larger numbers confirmed in the first week.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Bluey, Robert (January 22, 2017). [http://dailysignal.com/2017/01/22/trumps-nominees-face-unprecedented-democrat-obstructionism/ Trump’s Nominees Face ‘Unprecedented’ Democrat Obstructionism]. ''The Daily Signal''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tenure===&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump's major achievements}}&lt;br /&gt;
Due to his promotion and support of conservative, America First policies, President Trump faced large opposition from the Left, including from within the government bureaucracy.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Singman, Brooke (January 1, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/trump-faces-bureaucratic-battle-in-implementing-agenda.html Trump faces bureaucratic battle in implementing agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Kurtz, Howard (February 3, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/03/empire-strikes-back-why-trumps-private-talks-with-foreign-leaders-were-leaked.html The empire strikes back: Why Trump's private talks with foreign leaders were leaked]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 3, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; (The fact that members of the Deep State have grown visibly scared of reports stating such confirms this view;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/03/22/politico-obama-admin-bureaucrats-panicked-by-breitbart-spotlight-dont-question-our-loyalty/ POLITICO: Obama Admin Bureaucrats ‘Panicked’ by Breitbart Spotlight: Don’t Question Our Loyalty!] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 22, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; in May 2017, it was reported that 60% of [[National Security Council]] employees were Obama-Administration holdovers&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Wong, Kristina (May 17, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/17/trump-under-siege-more-than-60-percent-of-nsc-employees-placed-by-obama/ Trump Under Siege: More than 60 Percent of NSC Employees Placed by Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 18, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;) Additionally, Senate Democrats continued to unduly delay Trump's cabinet nominees at historic and unprecedented proportions—by February 8, 2017, only [[George Washington]] had fewer cabinet nominees confirmed by this length of time into his presidency.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Singman, Brooke (February 8, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/08/trump-facing-historic-delays-in-confirmation-push.html Trump facing historic delays in confirmation push]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 8, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On January 23, 2017, Trump signed an order which withdrew the United States from the globalist [[Trans-Pacific Partnership]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Chakraborty, Barnini (January 23, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/23/trump-signs-executive-order-withdrawing-us-from-tpp-trade-deal.html Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from TPP trade deal]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; That same day, Trump signed an order reinstating the [[Mexico City Policy]], which defunded International Planned Parenthood and other organizations that promote foreign abortions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;LaBarbera, Peter (January 23, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-trump-signs-order-defunding-international-planned-parenthood-forei BREAKING: Trump signs order defunding International Planned Parenthood, foreign abortions]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hellman, Jessie (January 23, 2017). [https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/abortion/315652-trump-signs-executive-order-reinstating-global-gag-rule-on Trump reinstates ban on US funds promoting abortion overseas]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump was very busy and productive in his first week and showed he was serious about his campaign promises, undoing Obama's illegitimate legacy and instituting conservative executive orders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Davenport, David (January 27, 2017). [https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddavenport/2017/01/27/how-trump-managed-to-undo-obamas-legacy-in-one-week/#3ae6bcba5bbf How Trump Managed To Undo Obama's Legacy In One Week]. ''Forbes''. Retrieved January 27, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Said-Moorhouse, Lauren (January 26, 2017). [https://www.cnn.com/2017/01/26/politics/executive-orders-presidents-actions-presidential-memoranda/ What's Trump done so far? His productive first week and how it stacks up to previous presidents]. ''CNN''. Retrieved January 27, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/28/president-trumps-first-week-action President Trump's First Week of Action]. ''whitehouse.gov''. January 28, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This caused the [[stock market]] to increase, and the [[Dow Jones]] passed 20,000 points for the first time in history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Imbert, Fred (January 25, 2017). [https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/25/us-markets.html Dow closes above 20,000 for first time as Trump orders send stocks flying]. ''CNBC''. Retrieved January 25, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Craig, Victoria (January 25, 2017). [https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/01/25/dow-races-past-20k-in-reinvigorated-trump-rally.html Dow Races Past 20K in Reinvigorated Trump Rally]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved January 25, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; On March 1, 2017, the day after Trump made his first address to a joint-session of Congress, the stock market rose dramatically again, with the Dow Jones passing the 21,000 mark for the first time in history.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Witkowski, Wallace; Mahmudova, Anora (March 1, 2017). [https://www.marketwatch.com/story/wall-street-stocks-set-to-resume-rally-on-fed-rate-hike-hopes-trump-relief-2017-03-01 Dow closes above 21,000 as stocks soar after Trump speech]. ''MarketWatch''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Holcomb, John (March 1, 2017). [https://townhall.com/tipsheet/justinholcomb/2017/03/01/stock-market-booms-past-21000-for-the-first-time-in-history-n2292388 The Trump Bump: Stock Market Hits 21,000 for the First Time in History]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;DeSoto, Randy (March 1, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/stock-market-hits-new-high-follow-trumps-speech-to-congress/ Stock Market Hits New High Following Trump’s Speech To Congress]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As evidence of this intense [[mainstream media]] opposition to President Trump, a study published close to the 100th-day mark of Trump's presidency showed that 89% of media coverage regarding Trump was negative.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Harper, Jennifer (April 19, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/19/donald-trump-media-coverage-is-89-percent-negative/ As first 100 days in office approaches, media coverage of Trump is 89% negative: Study]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 20, 2017.&lt;br /&gt;
* Noyes, Rich; Ciandella, Mike (April 19, 2017). [https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/rich-noyes/2017/04/18/honeymoon-hell-liberal-media-vs-president-trump Honeymoon from Hell: The Liberal Media vs. President Trump]. ''NewsBusters -- Media Research Center''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Additionally, Trump was on track to become the most mocked president on late-night comedy TV in at least 25 years.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/05/04/study-trump-track-mocked-president-late-night-25-years/ Study: Trump On Track to Be Most Mocked President on Late-Night TV in 25 Years]. ''Breitbart News''. May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
On April 26, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security, acting under an executive order established by President Trump, established the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE), created to help support victims of illegal immigrant crime, and it established the DHS-Victim Information and Notification Exchange, which was created to help those victims track the custody status of the illegal criminals.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Singman, Brooke (April 26, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/26/dhs-announces-office-for-victims-illegal-immigrant-crime.html DHS announces office for victims of illegal immigrant crime]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 26, 2017.&lt;br /&gt;
* McHugh, Katie (April 26, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/26/dhs-kelly-voice-victims-illegal-alien-criminals/ DHS Kelly Creates VOICE For Many Victims of Illegal Alien Criminals]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 26, 2017.&lt;br /&gt;
* McHugh, Katie (April 25, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/25/dhs-unveil-voice-office-victims-illegal-alien-crime/ DHS to Unveil VOICE Office for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 26, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; However, leftists took to pranking the phone line created, showing disrespect to the victims of illegal immigration.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Singman, Brooke (April 27, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/ice-rips-pranksters-jamming-hotline-to-report-space-aliens.html ICE rips pranksters jamming hotline to report space aliens]. '' Fox News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Canadian Prime Minister [[Justin Trudeau]] described President Trump as being very authentic – the way he acts in public is like how he does in private.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Yilek, Caitlin (August 31, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-trump-is-surprisingly-authentic/article/2633107 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Trump is surprisingly 'authentic']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Temporary immigration and refugee suspensions====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Immigration, illegal immigration, and border security}}&lt;br /&gt;
Trump received criticism from liberals and [[establishment]] Republicans&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;McHugh, Katie (January 31, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/31/establishment-republicans-bash-trumps-executive-order-on-immigration-refugee-resettlement/ Establishment Republicans Bash Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration, Refugee Resettlement]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; when he signed an executive order temporarily banning immigration from certain high-risk Islamic countries as well as refugee entry. Despite this criticism, 49 percent of the American public supported the decision compared to 41 percent opposed, according to the &amp;quot;mainstream&amp;quot; Reuters,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Kahn, Chris (January 31, 2017). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-immigration-poll-exclusive-idUSKBN15F2MG Exclusive: Only a third of Americans think Trump's travel ban will make them more safe]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and 57% percent of likely American voters supported the ban according to Rasmussen.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://m.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/january_2017/most_support_temporary_ban_on_newcomers_from_terrorist_havens Most Support Temporary Ban on Newcomers from Terrorist Havens].'' January 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Additionally, while the leftist [[establishment]] European leaders opposed the ban, a strong majority—55% average—of Europeans support the ban, according to a poll in 10 [[European Union]] nations.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Shaw, Adam (February 9, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/02/09/majority-europeans-in-favor-trump-style-muslim-ban-poll-shows.html Majority of Europeans in favor of a Trump-style Muslim ban, poll shows]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 9, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Jamieson, Alastair (February 8, 2017). [https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/europes-border-crisis/majority-leading-eu-nations-support-trump-style-travel-ban-poll-n718271 Majority in Leading EU Nations Support Trump-Style Travel Ban: Poll]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved February 9, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; On March 6, 2017, Trump signed a second executive order concerning the temporary suspension of refugees and others from certain high-risk countries after the first one was blocked by the courts. The second order made some clarifications and minor improvements over the first, such as exempting green card holders from the ban and excluding [[Iraq]] from it as it had developed an acceptable vetting process.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Munro, Neil (March 6, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/06/trump-new-refugees-executive-pushes-back-judges/ Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Travel from Six Terror-Tied Countries]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Chakraborty, Barnini (March 6, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/06/trump-signs-new-immigration-order-narrows-scope-travel-ban.html Trump signs new immigration order, narrows scope of travel ban]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trump showed he would not tolerate incompetent leftist administration officials when he fired acting [[United States Department of Justice|Attorney General]] [[Sally Yates]] (a left-wing Obama holdover) when she refused to defend his refugee and immigration ban executive order.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/30/acting-ag-tells-justice-department-staff-not-to-defend-trumps-refugee-order.html Trump fires acting AG after Justice Department staff told not to defend refugee order]. ''Fox News''. January 30, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/30/statement-appointment-dana-boente-acting-attorney-general Statement on the Appointment of Dana Boente as Acting Attorney General]. ''whitehouse.gov''. January 30, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump emulated [[Ronald Reagan]]'s firing of the striking PATCO workers in 1981 by doing so,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Boyle, Matthew (January 30, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/30/trumps-patco-moment-emanating-reagan-president-takes-control-federal-government-protect-country-citizens/ Trump’s PATCO Moment: Emanating Reagan, the President Takes Control of Federal Government to ‘Protect the Country and Its Citizens’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; contrary to the [[mainstream media]] spin.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Kurtz, Howard (February 1, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/01/trumps-firing-defiant-obama-holdover-why-hes-no-richard-nixon.html Trump's firing of a defiant Obama holdover: Why he's no Richard Nixon]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; That same night, Trump replaced the acting director of [[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (another Obama holdover) with a more competent official who had a reputation for enforcing immigration laws.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Chamberlain, Samuel (January 31, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/trump-names-thomas-homan-acting-director-ice-replacing-obama-holdover.html Trump names Thomas Homan acting director of ICE, replacing Obama holdover]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Berman, Mark; Zapotosky, Matt (January 30, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/01/30/trump-appoints-new-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-director-noted-for-his-work-deporting-illegal-immigrants/?utm_term=.addf12ae690a Trump appoints new Immigration and Customs Enforcement director noted for his work deporting illegal immigrants]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Reducing regulations and government====&lt;br /&gt;
:''For more information, see [[Donald Trump achievements: Deregulation and government size]]''&lt;br /&gt;
In the first six weeks of Trump's presidency, over 90 regulations were repealed, whether through executive orders, Acts of Congress, or other means.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Farand, Chloe (March 6, 2017). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-federal-state-regulations-month-oval-office-white-house-us-president-deregulate-a7614031.html Donald Trump disassembles 90 federal state regulations in just over a month in White House]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved March 7, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3480299-10-Examples-Industries-Push-Followed-by-Trump.html#document/p60/a341284 Trump-Era Trend: Industries Protest. Regulations Rolled Back. A Dozen Examples]. ''The New York Times'' (through ''DocumentCloud''). Retrieved March 7, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Trump also signed numerous executive actions promoting a smaller government.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Supreme Court====&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: The courts|Trump Supreme Court}}&lt;br /&gt;
On January 31, 2017, Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Klukowski, Ken (January 31, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/31/trump-nominates-judge-neil-gorsuch-supreme-court/ Trump Nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Hurley, Lawrence; Holland, Steve (January 31, 2017). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-trump-idUSKBN15F1OW Trump picks conservative judge Gorsuch for U.S. Supreme Court]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The nomination was well received by many conservatives.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Chamberlain, Steve (January 31, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/reaction-to-trumps-supreme-court-pick-split-along-partisan-lines.html Conservatives hail Trump's Supreme Court pick]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Ertelt, Steven (January 31, 2017). [https://www.lifenews.com/2017/01/31/president-donald-trump-nominates-pro-life-friendly-judge-neil-gorsuch-to-the-supreme-court/ President Donald Trump Nominates Pro-Life-Friendly Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court]. ''LifeNews.com''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Others, most notably [[Andrew Schlafly]], disagreed with the nomination due to concerns about Gorsuch's position on abortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Dannenfelser, Marjorie (January 31, 2017). [https://townhall.com/columnists/marjoriedannenfelser/2017/01/31/the-truth-about-trumps-prolife-scotus-list-n2279232 The Truth about Trump’s Pro-life SCOTUS List]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Mainpageright&amp;amp;diff=1302133&amp;amp;oldid=1301962&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upon the swing justice [[Anthony Kennedy|Anthony Kennedy's]] announcement on June 21, 2018, that he would retire from the Court at the end of the succeeding month, Trump nominated the conservative [[Brett Kavanaugh]] to replace him.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Mason, Ian (July 9, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/07/09/trump-brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court-nominee/ Trump Announces Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Nominee] ''Breitbart News''.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Public trust====&lt;br /&gt;
According to a poll conducted by [[Emerson College]] on February 5–6, 2017, more Americans trust the Trump Administration than the media.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;McHugh, Katie (February 9, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/09/poll-voters-trust-trump-administration-media/ Poll: Voters Trust Trump Administration More Than Media]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved February 9, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Economic progress====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Real Disposable Personal Income Per Capita.png|right|350px|thumb|Real Personal Income gains under President Trump beginning from the flat base of President Obama's last year in office.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;''Source: Federal Reserve Board'']]&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Economic policy and labor}}&lt;br /&gt;
In May 2017, the unemployment rate fell from 4.4% from 4.3%, the lowest since May 2001, as the number of unemployed persons was little changed at 6.9 million and the labor force participation rate fell to 62.7 percent.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate United States Unemployment Rate]. ''tradingeconomics.com''. Retrieved June 14, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a Rasmussen survey, consumer confidence is the second-highest it's been in the index's history. The market cap of the U.S. stock market has risen more than $3 trillion since Mr. Trump was elected. Small-business confidence has surged to a 12-year high.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Books==&lt;br /&gt;
*''Trump:  The Art of the Deal'' with Tony Schwartz (1987)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Trump:  Surviving at the Top'' with Charles Leerhsen (1990)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Trump:  The Art of the Comeback'' with Kate Bohner (1997)&lt;br /&gt;
*''The America We Deserve'' with Dave Shiflett (2000)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Trump:  How to Get Rich'' with Meredith McIver (2004)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Trump:  Think Like a Billionaire:  Everything You Need to Know about Success, Real Estate and Life'' with Meredith McIver (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Why We Want You to Be Rich:  Two Men, One Message'' with Meredith McIver and Robert T. Kiyosaki (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life'' with Bill Zanker (2007)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Trump:  Never Give Up:  How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success'' with Meredith McIver (2008)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Think Like a Champion:  An Informal Education in Business and Life'' with Meredith McIver (2009)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Midas Touch:  Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich—and Why Most Don't'' with Robert T. Kiyosaki (2011)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Time to Get Tough:  Making America #1 Again'' (2011)&lt;br /&gt;
*''Crippled America:  How to Make America Great Again'' (2015)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Quotes==&lt;br /&gt;
===Quotes as U.S. President===&lt;br /&gt;
====Inaugural address====&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;....today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;InaugTransc&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/full-text-donald-trump-inauguration-speech-transcript-233907 Full text: 2017 Donald Trump inauguration speech transcript]. ''Politico''. January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;We assembled here today our issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power, from this day forward: a new vision will govern our land, from this day forward, it's going to be only America first. America first.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;InaugTransc&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;[We will] unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;InaugTransc&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;InaugTransc&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====2017====&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;In America we don’t worship government, we worship God.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Miller, S.A. (May 13, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/13/donald-trump-tells-liberty-university-graduates-we/ Trump at Liberty University: ‘We don’t worship government, we worship God’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Moons, Michelle (May 13, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/13/president-donald-trumps-1st-commencement-speech-america-dont-worship-government-worship-god/ President Donald Trump’s First Commencement Speech: ‘In America We Don’t Worship Government, We Worship God’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;I didn’t get elected to serve the Washington media—I got elected to serve the forgotten men and women and that’s exactly what I’m doing.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Spiering, Charlie (May 17, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/17/donald-trump-vows-to-fight-on-no-politician-in-history-has-been-treated-worse-or-more-unfairly/ Donald Trump: ‘I Didn’t Get Elected to Serve the Washington Media’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 17, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Singman, Brooke (May 17, 2017). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/17/trump-takes-on-media-during-coast-guard-commencement-speech.html Trump takes on media during Coast Guard commencement speech]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 17, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;The problem in Venezuela is not that socialism has been poorly implemented, but that socialism has been faithfully implemented.&amp;quot; (UN speech, September 2017)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;The most important truth our Founders understood was this: Freedom is not a gift from government; freedom is a gift from God.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/920474831749025795 @realDonaldTrump], 17 Oct 2017&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Crookston, Paul (October 17, 2017). [https://freebeacon.com/politics/trump-freedom-not-gift-government-freedom-gift-god/ Trump: ‘Freedom Is Not a Gift From Government; Freedom Is a Gift From God’]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved October 20, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Quotes from the 2016 campaign for President===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Donald Trump and Mike Pence RNC July 2016.jpg|thumb|Trump and his running-mate, [[Mike Pence]], at the 2016 Republican National Convention.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Trump's tactics of naming and shaming candidates has been proven very effective. He called Jeb Bush 'low-energy Jeb' and it stuck. Then came Marco Rubio as 'Little Marco.' Next came 'Lyin' Ted' for Ted Cruz. For the Democrats, he calls Hillary Clinton 'Crooked Hillary'. He doesn't give Bernie Sanders the same treatment though he has referred to him as a Communist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*“We will no longer surrender this country or its people to the false song of [[globalism]].”&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;I think we have a president who, as a president, is totally incompetent, and he doesn’t know what he’s doing. I think he has no idea what he’s doing. And our country is going to [[hell]].&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://time.com/4210983/republican-debate-barack-obama-incompetent/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;I will be the greatest jobs president that [[God]] ever created.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;I’m using my own money. I’m not using the lobbyists. I’m not using donors. I don’t care. I’m really rich.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Nobody would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump. Nobody. Within our military, I will find the General Patton, or I will find General MacArthur, I will find the right guy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will have [[Mexico]] pay for that wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://video.foxnews.com/v/4406746003001/watch-a-replay-of-fox-news-prime-time-presidential-debate/?#sp=show-clips&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.google.com/search?q=a+big+problem+with+our+country+is+too+politically+incorrect&amp;amp;oq=a+big+problem+with+our+country+is+too+politically+incorrect&amp;amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j69i64l3.8295j0j7&amp;amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;amp;es_sm=119&amp;amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Becoming the nominee of the party of [[Abraham Lincoln]] has been the greatest honor of my life.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/294401-trump-claims-party-of-lincoln-mantle-in-speech-at-black&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====General election debate quotes====&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Because you would be in jail.&amp;quot; (Trump in response to Clinton saying that it would be a good thing that he &amp;quot;is not in charge of the law in our country&amp;quot;)&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;2ndTranscript&amp;quot;&amp;gt;[https://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/2016-presidential-debate-transcript-229519 Full transcript: Second 2016 presidential debate]. ''Politico''. October 10, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Now she’s blaming the lie on the late great Abraham Lincoln. ...Honest Abe never lied. That’s the good thing. That's the big difference between Abraham Lincoln and you.&amp;quot; (Trump in response to Clinton's excuse for having &amp;quot;'a public and private position on certain issues.'&amp;quot;)&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;2ndTranscript&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Hillary has experience, but it’s bad experience.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Goodenough, Patrick (September 27, 2016). [https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/ Trump: 'Hillary Has Experience, But It's Bad Experience']. ''cnsnews.com''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Quotes from Twitter===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Screenshot 2015-09-28-12-11-31-1.png|right|300px|Thumb|Tweet from Billionaire Carl Icahn]]&lt;br /&gt;
{{Cquote|&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;'''Somebody said I’m the Ernest Hemingway of 140 characters.'''}} &lt;br /&gt;
Trump's tweets are archived and fully searchable online.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.trumptwitterarchive.com/archive&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Here are some choice examples:&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @BarackObama's birth certificate is a fraud.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Trump, Donald J. (August 6, 2012, 1:23 pm). [https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/232572505238433794 &amp;quot;An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @BarackObama's birth certificate is a fraud.&amp;quot;]  Tweet by @realDonaldTrump.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;It’s amazing how people can talk about me but I’m not allowed to talk about them.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Trump, Donald J. (November 13, 2012, 12:23pm). [https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/268449146711703553 &amp;quot;It’s amazing how people can talk about me but I’m not allowed to talk about them.&amp;quot;]  Tweet by @realDonaldTrump.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bull**** has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in ice.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Trump, Donald J. (January 1, 2014, 4:39pm). [https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/418542137899491328 &amp;quot;This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bull**** has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in ice.&amp;quot;]  Tweet by @realDonaldTrump.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====2015====&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;So many 'politically correct' fools in our country. We have to all get back to work and stop wasting time and energy on nonsense!&amp;quot; (August 8, 2015)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Notice that illegal immigrants will be given ObamaCare and free college tuition but nothing has been mentioned about our VETERANS #DemDebate&amp;quot; (October 13, 2015)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;They laughed at me when I said to bomb the ISIS controlled oil fields. Now they are not laughing and doing what I said.&amp;quot; (November 13, 2015)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;President Obama said 'ISIL continues to shrink' in an interview just hours before the horrible attack in Paris. He is just so bad! CHANGE.&amp;quot; (November 14, 2015)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Refugees from Syria are now pouring into our great country. Who knows who they are - some could be ISIS. Is our president insane?&amp;quot; (November 17, 2015)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Eight Syrians were just caught on the southern border trying to get into the U.S. ISIS maybe? I told you so. WE NEED A BIG &amp;amp; BEAUTIFUL WALL!&amp;quot; (November 19, 2015)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====2016====&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Hillary said that guns don't keep you safe. If she really believes that she should demand that her heavily armed bodyguards quickly disarm!&amp;quot; (January 3, 2016)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;I wonder if President Obama would have attended the funeral of Justice Scalia if it were held in a Mosque? Very sad that he did not go!&amp;quot; (February 20, 2016)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;The organized group of people, many of them thugs, who shut down our First Amendment rights in Chicago, have totally energized America!&amp;quot; (March 12, 2016)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Why is it that the horrendous protesters, who scream, curse punch, shut down roads/doors during my RALLIES,  are never blamed by media? SAD!&amp;quot; (March 20, 2016)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! U.S. must be vigilant and smart!&amp;quot; (March 22, 2016)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;For the 1st time in American history, America’s 16,500 border patrol agents have issue[d] a presidential primary endorsement—me! Thank you.&amp;quot; (April 1, 2016)&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;We are going to say Merry [[Christmas]] again.&amp;quot; (December 2016 in [[Michigan]]).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[Trump: 'We are going to say merry Christmas again'], ''The Hill'', December 13, 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====2017====&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Greenwood, Mark (February 17, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/320168-trump-the-media-is-the-enemy-of-the-american-people Trump tweets: The media is the 'enemy of the American people']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 27, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media &amp;amp; Dems, of historic proportion!&amp;quot; (March 31, 2017)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Despite the constant negative press covfefe&amp;quot; (May 31 2017)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;That's right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that won't help us protect our people!&amp;quot; (June 5, 2017, while the Dept. of Justice was arguing in court that his Executive Order was not a &amp;quot;travel ban&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Fake News is at an all time high. Where is their apology to me for all of the incorrect stories???&amp;quot; (June 13, 2017)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Other quotes===&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;[T]he country is going to hell.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Cassidy, Chris (March 19, 2015).  [http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/us_politics/2015/03/country_is_going_to_hell_claims_donald_trump &amp;quot;'Country is going to hell,' claims Donald Trump&amp;quot;].  BostonHerald.com website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;We have no leader in this country.”&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Reisner, Hiram (April 22, 2011). [https://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/donaldtrump-karlrove-gop-birther/2011/04/22/id/393742 &amp;quot;Trump: I'd just take Libyan oil&amp;quot;].  NewsMax website.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Our leaders are stupid, they are stupid people.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Pierce, Tony (April 29, 2011).  [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/04/donald-trump-in-vegas-our-leaders-are-stupid-they-are-stupid-people.html &amp;quot;Donald Trump in Vegas:  'Our leaders are stupid; they are stupid people'&amp;quot;].  Los Angeles Times website/Top of the Ticket blog.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;I can tell you I am [the 2012 Obama campaign's] worst nightmare.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Mooney, Alexander (April 11, 2011). [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/11/trump-says-he-is-obama-campaigns-worst-nightmare/comment-page-6/ &amp;quot;Trump says he is Obama campaign's worst nightmare&amp;quot;].  Cable News Network website/politicalticker blog.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* &amp;quot;Obama has no solutions.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Coz, Steve (August 19, 2012).  [https://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/trump-gibbs-fox-obama/2012/08/19/id/449050/ &amp;quot;Trump fires back at Obama campaign smear&amp;quot;].  Newsmax website/Newsfront.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Everything in life is luck.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;Telegraph&amp;quot;&amp;gt;https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/12107003/Donald-Trump-faces-questions-over-Two-Corinthians.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;[Barack Obama] is probably the least transparent president in the history of the country.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;Telegraph&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;quot;Not teaching your kids about money is like not caring whether they eat.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref name=&amp;quot;Telegraph&amp;quot;/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Liberal denialism and Donald Trump ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
:''See also:'' [[Liberal denialism and Donald Trump]] and [[Liberal denial]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Post the 2016 U.S. presidential election many liberals were in denial that Donald Trump was going to be president of the United States. Before the election, many liberal media outlets took the line that Donald Trump could not win the [[Republican]] primary and could not win the presidential election.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/09/the-wrongest-media-predictions-about-donald-trump/?utm_term=.febb2623a89f The wrongest media predictions about Donald Trump The wrongest media predictions about Donald Trump], ''Washington Post'', 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Political scientists, denialism and Donald Trump ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Atheism and science}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Few, if any, [[Political science|political scientists]] predicted early on that Donald Trump would win the Republican primary and then would subsequently be elected president of the United States. Furthermore, most pollsters indicated that Trump would lose the election. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
27 percent of American political scientists believe in the existence of God while 76 percent of American doctors said they believe in God.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://www.livescience.com/379-scientists-belief-god-varies-starkly-discipline.html Scientists belief in God varies starkly by discipline], Livescience.com&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/8318894/ns/health-health_care/t/survey-most-doctors-believe-god-afterlife/ Most doctors believe in God], NBC News&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;   Most American [[atheism|atheists]] lean to the left politically (see: [[Atheism and politics]]). Compared to [[medical science]], which has many effective medicines and surgical procedures, the social science of political science is often unreliable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Trump and the mainstream media===&lt;br /&gt;
{{See also|Mainstream media and Donald Trump}}&lt;br /&gt;
The leftist [[mainstream media]] despises Trump and, under the influence of [[Trump Derangement Syndrome]], refuses to report objectively when covering him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Angry secular leftists and Donald Trump ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
:''See also:'' [[Donald Trump and American atheists]] and [[Secular leftists and psychogenic illness]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
American [[secular left]]ists were extremely angry and upset in the aftermath of Donald Trump's election victory (see: [[Donald Trump and American atheists]]). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In certain cases, it became debilitating (see:: [[Secular leftists and psychogenic illness]]). The website Marketwatch reported concerning the aftermath of the 2016 presidential race: ''Trump’s win is causing a surge in demand for mental health services''&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trumps-win-is-causing-a-surge-in-demand-for-mental-health-services-2016-11-10 Trump’s win is causing a surge in demand for mental health services], Marketwatch 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The ''Religion News Service'' reported:&lt;br /&gt;
{{Cquote|For the last decade, [[Atheism|atheists]], [[secular humanism|humanists]] and others [[secular]]ists have worked hard to organize a “secular vote” that would counter the political clout of the [[religious right]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s victory dealt that movement a body blow when he garnered 81 percent of the white [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]] vote and 60 percent of the white [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] vote. [[Mormonism|Mormons]], too, voted overwhelmingly for Trump...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Trump's] platform was seen as anti-secular in many atheist and humanist circles. He said he would appoint religiously conservative Supreme Court justices, ban [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrants, favor [[Christianity]] and repeal the [[Johnson Amendment]], which prohibits certain tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates — issues antithetical to organized atheism and [[humanism]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[http://religionnews.com/2016/11/09/dealt-a-body-blow-atheists-and-humanists-regroup/ Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', November 9, 2016&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Trump's Social Media Ban ==&lt;br /&gt;
On January 8, 2021, [[Twitter]] and [[Facebook]], in violation of the First Amendment and at risk of being put out of business by the [[Sherman Antitrust Act]] and [[U.S. Color Revolution#Executive Order 13848|Executive Order 13848]] due to their [[antitrust]] violations and censorious actions, illegally censored and silenced President Trump on their platforms by permanently suspending his accounts with them.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/01/breaking-twitter-bans-president-donald-trump-permanently/ BREAKING: Twitter Bans President Donald Trump — PERMANENTLY] at the Gateway Pundit&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This was part of co-ordinated collusion between Twitter, Facebook, [[Instagram]], [[Google]] (and its [[YouTube]] subsidiary) and other liberal Big Tech companies to target Trump and his supporters for illegal censorship and silencing of viewpoints and opinions the Left does not like,&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/01/__trashed-15/ Big Tech Launches Massive Coordinated Cyber Attack on 74,000,000 Trump Voters — GOP SILENT] at the Gateway Pundit&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; while simultaneously allowing violent leftist individuals and groups like Antifa and Black Lives Matter to have free run of their sites and say and do as they please.  Although not officially confirmed as yet, Fox News host [[Sean Hannity]] later reported that Trump has since moved over to conservative social media website [[Parler]], prompting a wave of new accounts to subsequently open up there.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/01/report-sean-hannity-says-president-trump-joined-parler/ UPDATE – NOT CONFIRMED: Sean Hannity Says President Trump Has Joined Parler] at the Gateway Pundit&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Trump’s Website: 45 Office ==&lt;br /&gt;
{{main|45 Office}}&lt;br /&gt;
On March 29, 2021, Trump launched 45 Office.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See also==&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Donald Trump's religious views]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Trump Administration]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Essay:Donald Trump One Two Body Blow]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Chalkening]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Trump University]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Liberal Smear Machine]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Kathryn Steinle]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Mollie Tibbetts]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Sarah Root]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Alveda King]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Trump effect]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Deep State coup 2.0]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Biden Junta]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
{{reflist|2}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==External links==&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.trump.com Trump.com - Official website]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://www.donaldjtrump.com donaldjtrump.com - Official website]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.LyingCrookedHillary.com LyingCrookedHillary.com]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8c2Cq-vpg The Untruth About Donald Trump] by [[Stefan Molyneux]], Published on Jan 18, 2016&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://www.untruthaboutdonaldtrump.com  UntruthAboutDonaldTrump.com]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yyoauXmzjg Do Emotions Trump Facts?] [[Thomas Sowell]] on Donald Trump - Rebutted! by Stefan Molyneux&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://gop12.thehill.com/2011/04/trump-explains-conversion-on-abortion.html Trump explains his pro-life conversion]&lt;br /&gt;
* 100 groups have signed [http://www.pseagles.com/Coalition_letter_Supreme_Court this coalition letter] re: Trump's [[Trump Supreme Court|nomination to the Supreme Court]].&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://youtu.be/oh2Sj_QpZOA SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: What Really Happened in Wuhan] - SkyNews Australia&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZq3iCn2y74 Inside of Trump's Boeing 757]--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--* [http://shouldtrumprun.com/ Should Donald Run? Polling]--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;!--* [http://www.greatagain.gov Presidential transition website GreatAgain.gov] --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{{USPresidents}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Globalism}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Conservatism}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Conservative Presidents}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Nationalism}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{DEFAULTSORT:Trump, Donald}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Donald Trump]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Celebrities]] &lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Business People]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:American Authors]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:2016 Presidential Candidates]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:United States Presidential Election, 2020]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Best Selling Authors]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Conservatives]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Pro Second Amendment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Republicans]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Former Democrats]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Liberal Conservatism]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Billionaires]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Nationalists]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Patriots]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Anti-establishment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Populists]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Former Heads of State]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Former Heads of Government]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Christians]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:America First Agenda]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Republican Anti-establishment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Non-Interventionist Republicans]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Pro First Amendment]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Peace Makers]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Movement Conservatives]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Gibbs</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Mark_Meadows&amp;diff=1821500</id>
		<title>Mark Meadows</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Mark_Meadows&amp;diff=1821500"/>
		<updated>2021-12-16T01:05:29Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Gibbs: Clarify&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{Officeholder&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Mark Randall Meadows&lt;br /&gt;
|image=Mark Meadows, Official Portrait, 113th Congress.jpg&lt;br /&gt;
|party=[[Republican]]&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=Debbie Meadows&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=[[Christian]]&lt;br /&gt;
|offices=&lt;br /&gt;
{{Officeholder/misc&lt;br /&gt;
	|office=White House [[Chief of Staff]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|terms=March 31, 2020 – present&lt;br /&gt;
	|preceded=[[Mick Mulvaney]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|former=n&lt;br /&gt;
	|succeeded=&lt;br /&gt;
	}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Officeholder/misc&lt;br /&gt;
	|office=Chair of the [[House Freedom Caucus]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|terms=January 3, 2017 – October 1, 2019&lt;br /&gt;
	|preceded=[[Jim Jordan]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|former=y&lt;br /&gt;
	|succeeded=[[Andy Biggs]]&lt;br /&gt;
	}}&lt;br /&gt;
	{{Officeholder/representative&lt;br /&gt;
	|state=North Carolina&lt;br /&gt;
	|district=11th&lt;br /&gt;
	|terms=January 3, 2013 – March 30, 2020&lt;br /&gt;
	|preceded=[[Heath Shuler]]&lt;br /&gt;
	|former=y&lt;br /&gt;
	|succeeded=(seat vacant)&lt;br /&gt;
	}}&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
'''Mark Randall Meadows''' (born July 28, 1959) was a supporter of [[Ted Cruz]] for president and yet somehow finessed himself to become the [[White House]] [[Chief of Staff]] for former [[President Donald Trump]], ending when Trump lost the 2020 election. He was previously a U.S. Representative from [[North Carolina]]'s 11th congressional district, which he resigned before completing his final term.  Meadows then ineptly got Trump to endorse a replacement candidate who was subsequently defeated in a landslide by the youthful [[conservative]] [[Madison Cawthorn]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The pro-Cruz Meadows' tenure as Chief of Staff to Trump has been notable for causing Trump's approval ratings and reelection chances to plummet.  Meadows interfered with Trump opening up access to [[hydroxychloroquine]] to defeat the [[Wuhan virus]], and apparently urged Trump to shut down TikTok which is used by 80 million [[American]]s.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Caving into '''[[Faucism]]''' throughout 2020, Meadows sided with [[socialist]] [[Anthony Fauci]] and blocked efforts by [[Peter Navarro]] to rein in Fauci.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Pettypiece, Shannon; Bennett, Geoff; Alexander, Peter (July 15, 2020). [https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/meadows-wanted-cease-fire-fauci-navarro-had-other-plans-n1233898 Meadows wanted to cease fire on Fauci. Navarro had other plans.]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved October 10, 2021.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The result of Meadows allowing the unelected Fauci to take control was disastrous for the Nation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to [[Mark_Milley|Mark Milley]], Meadows was among the Trump staffers who was aware of his January 8, 2021 phone call to Chinese general Li Zuocheng (in which Milley stated that he would inform the CCP in the event of a pre-emptive attack by the United States). If this statement is true, then Meadows essentially was aware of a seditious, borderline treasonous act by a high-ranking general, and did nothing to inform President Trump about that act.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2021/09/28/general-mark-milley-admits-trump-was-being-managed-by-administrative-state-group-who-run-government-mike-pompeo-and-mark-meadows-assisted/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Early life and education==&lt;br /&gt;
Meadows was born on July 28, 1959 in Verdun, [[France]] in a [[United States Army]] hospital. He is a graduate from the [[University of South Florida]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==United States House of Representatives==&lt;br /&gt;
Meadows is a founding member of the [[House Freedom Caucus]], a group of strong conservatives in the U.S. House. He offered a motion to vacate the chair held by Speaker [[John Boehner]] citing no-confidence.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/28/john-boehner-coup-mark-meadows-files-motion-oust-h/?page=all John Boehner coup: Mark Meadows files motion to oust House Speaker, Washington Times, July 28, 2015]&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Boehner was not able to secure enough Republican votes and announced his resignation in October 2015. Meadows is a strong supporter of U.S. President [[Donald Trump]]'s agenda.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Moons, Michelle (October 13, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/10/13/rep-mark-meadows-eject-dud-shell-members-of-congress-not-supporting-america-first-agenda/ Rep. Mark Meadows: Eject ‘Dud’ Shell Members of Congress Not Supporting ‘America First’ Agenda]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 13, 2017.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== See also ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Trump's inept advisers]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==External links==&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://meadows.house.gov/ Congressman Mark Meadows]&lt;br /&gt;
*[https://ballotpedia.org/Mark_Meadows_(North_Carolina) Mark Meadows (North Carolina) - Ballotpedia]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
{{reflist}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{Deep State}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{DEFAULTSORT:Meadows, Mark}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:North Carolina]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Former United States Representatives]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Republicans]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Tea Party Movement]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Faucism]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Gibbs</name></author>
	</entry>
</feed>