Target: Donald Trump, President of the United States
Goal: Do not predicate badly needed funds for hurting people on election outcomes.
The President of the United States has previously threatened other allied countries — like Brazil and Israel — about upcoming elections with lessened support unless his preferred candidate wins, or in the case if the Israeli Prime Minister, skates on corruption charges. With forthcoming midterm elections, this troubling pattern is repeating itself on a whole new level. In short order, President Trump has promised to push through fuel sales in Kansas, but only if his endorsed candidate wins. Likewise, he has dubiously pledged that every American citizen will get $5,000 if Republicans maintain control following the elections. And he has also leveled plentiful threats, musing about withholding federal funds from Ohio unless controversial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (notorious for his recent attack ad invoking the childhood sexual abuse his opponent reportedly endured) wins and likewise stating he would withhold hurricane disaster relief from North Carolinians unless his candidate won. Although he later claimed to be joking about the latter claim, the president does have a track record of denying states he did not win in the presidential election emergency aid.
But the president’s latest threat has arguably caused the most backlash. During a rally in North Carolina, President Trump said to the crowd regarding Camp Lejeune settlements for soldiers: “If we win the House and Senate, I am directing the Department of Justice to settle all remaining legitimate claims as soon as possible and get it off the books and get it finished. So, if we don’t win, there’s no money. If we do win, you’re getting it.” Notably, the president made no assertions about “joking” or “just kidding” afterward. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 mandated financial compensation for military members adversely impacted by contaminated drinking water on the base. Over a period of decades, this toxicity was linked to a wide range of health conditions, from birth defects to cancer. Victims and their families have long fought for compensation and are still fighting to this day. For the commander in chief of the armed forces to tie the suffering of these heroes to a political outcome is unconscionable…and likely illegal.
Federal prosecutors have indicated these various statements coming from the world’s biggest megaphone constitute election interference at best and criminal bribery and extortion – impeachable offenses – at worst. Sign the petition below to demand the leader of the free world remember and acknowledge that he serves all Americans.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Trump,
“If you elect a Republican House and Republican Senate on Nov. 3, you get $5,000. If we lose, you get absolutely nothing,”
“You’re waiting for some additional money. I’m gonna get that to you. Now if Michael loses, I’m not sending it, OK?”
“We will make year-round E15 permanent. But if Adam Hamilton is in, I’m not doing it. That’s it.”
“If we win the House and Senate, I am directing the Department of Justice to settle all remaining legitimate claims as soon as possible … if we don’t win, there’s no money.”
Mr. President, if there is money for ballrooms and arches and golf course upgrades, there is money for the American people…the same people who elected someone to do a job, not merely to make empty promises to do a job — and only if he got his way. Natural disaster survivors, military veterans who suffered for their government’s failures, and the millions of Americans currently suffering economically deserve their due now, not later. Stop the blackmail, stop the bribes, and start doing your job for them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: RDNE Stock Project
