Catégorie oBox : OBOXMA

Donald Trump, speaking to reporters the day after the shocking indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, one of his political opponents, declared that more will follow, saying:

«They’re corrupt.»

JUST IN: President Donald Trump told reporters he expects other political opponents to be prosecuted after the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey: https://cnn.it/4gOiEXQ

— CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-09-26T15:04:12.440118544Z

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on September 25 by a federal grand jury in Virginia on charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

«These were corrupt, radical left Democrats.»

A five-year statute of limitations

The indictment came just days before the expiration of the five-year statute of limitations, raising eyebrows about its timing.

It occurred under highly unusual pressure: Donald Trump had just forced out several Justice Department officials to install one of his personal attorneys, Lindsey Halligan, as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a move widely seen as an attempt to push forward charges against Comey, especially since she had no prior experience as a federal prosecutor before this appointment.

«They weaponized the Justice Department like nobody in history. What they’ve done is terrible.»

This episode has intensified accusations of political interference in the U.S. justice system and underscored the fraught relationship between Trump and federal institutions, a fact that does not appear to trouble Trump.

According to CNN, he predicted more indictments would soon follow, stating: «I think there will be others», and adding: «These were corrupt, radical left Democrats.»

Donald Trump presents his own justification for this unprecedented move, even as he is sharply criticized for using the justice system as a tool of personal revenge: «They weaponized the Justice Department like nobody in history. What they’ve done is terrible. I hope, frankly, there are others, because you can’t let this happen to a country.»

«My heart is broken for the Department of Justice.»

A dangerous politicization of justice

Former FBI Director James Comey released a defiant video statement on Instagram shortly after his indictment, forcefully rejecting the charges and casting the case as a dangerous politicization of justice.

In the video, Comey declared, «I’m innocent,» and urged that the matter be resolved openly in court: «So let’s have a trial and keep the faith.» Comey acknowledged his deep concern for the Department of Justice, saying, «My heart is broken for the Department of Justice,» but emphasized his enduring confidence in the federal justice system.

With a resolute tone, Comey vowed, «We will not live on our knees,» framing the indictment as part of a larger test of democratic resilience. He also invoked the words of his daughter, Maurene Comey, a former federal prosecutor who was recently dismissed, quoting her warning that «fear is the tool of a tyrant.»

Comey closed his message with an appeal to civic engagement: «I hope instead you are engaged, you are paying attention and you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it, which it does.»

— James Comey (@jamescomey.bsky.social) 2025-09-26T00:05:36.140Z

A long-running feud

The feud between Donald Trump and former FBI Director James Comey dates back to the earliest days of Trump’s presidency.

Comey, who had been appointed FBI director in 2013 by President Barack Obama, was leading the bureau’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible ties to Trump’s campaign. In May 2017, Trump abruptly fired him, later admitting in an interview that the Russia investigation was on his mind when he made the decision. The dismissal sparked a political firestorm and led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Since then, Trump has repeatedly attacked Comey, calling him «dishonest» and accusing him of trying to undermine his presidency. Comey, in turn, has publicly criticized Trump’s leadership, describing him as «unfit for office» and warning that Trump’s actions threatened democratic institutions.

The conflict deepened over the years, with Trump framing Comey as part of a so-called «deep state» working against him, while Comey cast himself as defending the integrity of the FBI and the rule of law.

The latest indictment of Comey, pushed forward under Trump’s return to power, has reignited their long-running feud. For Trump, it represents a measure of «retribution»; for Comey, it is the latest chapter in what he sees as an attempt to «weaponize the justice system» against political opponents.

President Trump’s pressure on the Justice Department to charge the former FBI director James Comey, one of his highest-profile retribution targets, could have profound consequences. Here are four takeaways.

— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) 2025-09-26T15:35:03.320812Z

The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup is just around the corner, as the competition takes place on the Black Course at Bethpage Black State Park in Farmingdale, New York.

This is a much-anticipated golf event for fans of the sport, but the expected presence of President Donald Trump on site is sure to complicate spectators’ curtain-raising plans.

Major restrictive measures

It’s well known that when Trump attends a public event, strict security measures must be put in place to protect him from possible external threats. His presidential visit to the Ryder Cup will be no exception: expect security measures similar to those at the airport. Tournament organizers have warned ticket holders a few days in advance, so that they have some leeway to become aware of certain items that will be prohibited on the premises.

The list of prohibited items around the first tee and clubhouse includes portable folding chairs, large vaping devices, torch-type lighters, as well as insulated metal or rigid plastic beverage containers. Large umbrellas are also prohibited, although small retractable models are permitted, subject to restrictions in certain areas of the course and main grandstand, where the use of rain ponchos is strongly recommended.

Rangefinders will be strictly forbidden on the golf course on Friday September 26, and all bags, personal effects and their contents will be subject to inspection.

Finally, laptops and tablets will not be allowed inside the Bethpage Black course.

JUST IN

The Ryder Cup has announced that there will be enhanced security for President Trump's visit on Friday, including TSA-style screening whenever people leave the area around the clubhouse/1st tee/18th green.

List of prohibited items around the 1st tee and clubhouse area… pic.twitter.com/3XB5dln5Ld

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) September 24, 2025

Not the first and not the last

His appearance at the Presidents’ Cup in 2017 also caused a stir, having resorted to bulletproof glass in place of regular windows. Trump is no stranger to visiting golf courses, having set foot on a total of 60 sites since the start of his second term, according to didtrumpgolftoday.com.

Not to mention his high-profile appearances at the Superbowl last February and the ATP US Open recently.

Trump’s presence had caused a delay of around 50 minutes, by the way.

Donald Trump was booed by the crowd at the US Open today. pic.twitter.com/Y2NbAGVWB9

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 7, 2025

Ryder Cup savior?

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt was full of praise for the American president, claiming that he saved the Ryder Cup tournament.

Karoline Leavitt says Trump saved the Ryder Cup golf match between the US and Europe. He said it would not be happening this weekend without him even though it has been played since 1927 somehow without his involvement. pic.twitter.com/EeRVqtOLun

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) September 22, 2025

According to Leavitt, the executive order signed by Donald Trump to prevent a strike at the Long Island Rail Road, one of North America’s most important mass transit systems, saved the tournament from a serious setback. This rail service remains the most convenient way to access the competition site, located in the heart of Long Island.

“This is one of the greatest sporting events in the world and it would not be taking place this year without President Trump's help.”

Trump saved the Ryder Cup. Thank you, Trump! Also hearing he just shot a 61 to give Team USA the early lead!

pic.twitter.com/LvpxulzssM

— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) September 23, 2025

Despite the accessibility of the LIRR, logistical constraints seem unavoidable, especially as the competition is due to open in front of a massive crowd estimated at 50,000 spectators…

Der Präsident drohte einem ABC News-Reporter, der ihn zur Meinungsfreiheit befragte, und deutete an, dass er die Generalstaatsanwältin Pam Bondi bitten könnte, ihn zu verfolgen.

The comments were the latest in a string of threats the president has made against the press in the last 24 hours.

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) 2025-09-16T18:00:12.209669Z

Nach dem Mord an Charlie Kirk versprach Pam Bondi, dass das US-Justizministerium gegen « Hassreden » vorgehen würde, die laut Trump und seinen Verbündeten der Linken zugeschrieben werden.

Bondis Äußerungen lösten einen Aufschrei aus, da viele befürchteten, sie würden die Meinungsfreiheit bedrohen. Vor diesem Hintergrund drohte Donald Trump einem Journalisten, der ihn auf diese Bedenken ansprach, die sogar in seinem eigenen politischen Lager geteilt werden. Auf dem Rasen des Weißen Hauses auf die Redefreiheit angesprochen, drohte Trump Jonathan Karl, dem Chefkorrespondenten von ABC News in Washington.

« Viele Ihrer Verbündeten sagen, dass Hassrede freie Rede ist », forderte der ABC News-Reporter Trump heraus. Er griff damit die Kritik an der Regierung in diesem Punkt auf und erinnerte an Charlie Kirks eigene Äußerungen, dass sogar Hassrede « durch den ersten Verfassungszusatz » geschützt werden sollte.

Unter Bezugnahme auf Pam Bondi antwortete Trump dem Reporter: « Sie würde wahrscheinlich gegen Leute wie Sie vorgehen, weil Sie mich ungerecht behandeln. Das ist Hass. Sie haben eine Menge Hass in Ihrem Herzen. »

Trump prahlte damit, dass ABC ihm « 16 Millionen Dollar » gezahlt habe, und fügte hinzu: « Dann werden sie vielleicht gegen Sie vorgehen. »

Geschützt durch den ersten Verfassungszusatz

Im Jahr 2024 hatte Charlie Kirk in einem Beitrag auf X erklärt: « Hassrede gibt es in Amerika rechtlich nicht. Es gibt hässliche Reden. Es gibt unhöfliche Äußerungen. Es gibt bösartige Äußerungen. Und alle sind durch den ersten Verfassungszusatz geschützt. Lasst uns Amerika frei halten. »

Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There's ugly speech. There's gross speech. There's evil speech.

And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment.

Keep America free.

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) May 3, 2024

Pam Bondi hatte vor kurzem in einem Podcast erklärt, dass das Justizministerium « Sie ins Visier nehmen und verfolgen wird, wenn Sie jemanden mit Hassreden verfolgen ». Diese Äußerungen zogen sofort Kritik von verschiedenen Seiten auf sich, darunter auch von einigen MAGA-Republikanern, die über eine mögliche Einschränkung der Meinungsfreiheit besorgt waren.

Bondi stellte später gegenüber Axios klar, dass das Justizministerium bloße Hassreden nicht strafrechtlich verfolgen oder untersuchen würde, es sei denn, es handele sich um eine ungesetzliche Aufstachelung zur Gewalt

Attorney General Pam Bondi tells Axios her office is not prosecuting or investigating anyone for alleged hate speech.

— Axios (@axios.com) 2025-09-16T17:25:17.298Z

A viral doomsday prediction called «The Rapture» spread on TikTok for weeks, claiming that on September 23 and 24 Jesus Christ would return to Earth and take believers to Heaven.

This week, dozens of Christian creators on TikTok prepared for what they thought would be a biblical Rapture. It never came.

— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) 2025-09-25T02:00:11Z

But nothing happened, and many followers are now demanding an apology from the pastor at the center of the apocalyptic prophecy.

«On the 23rd and the 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take my church.»

According to NBC, the prediction appears to have originated on YouTube from a South African pastor named Joshua Mhlakela, who shared his theory over the summer.

Insisting he was «100% certain» after receiving the vision in a 2018 dream, the pastor described the event as one where people would «disappear in the blink of an eye,» adding that he had received the message from Jesus himself: «On the 23rd and the 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take my church.»

“RaptureTok”: The Apocalyptic Prophecy That Took Over TikTok

The phenomenon quickly became known as «RaptureTok,» with the hashtag #RaptureTok exploding on the platform and generating thousands of videos ranging from testimonies of the faithful to viral parodies and skeptical breakdowns.

Extreme Reactions Fueled by Fear

Beyond the memes and satire, some TikTok users took the prophecy deadly seriously. Convinced the end was near, they made drastic decisions: quitting their jobs, selling off possessions, or even neglecting exams and schoolwork.

Videos of believers selling their possessions quickly went viral, but when the supposed day of the «Rapture» arrived and nothing happened, the hashtag turned into consternation among believers and mockery from others.

The prophecy backfired with videos of anxious anticipation quickly gave way to ridicule, disbelief, and even calls for public apologies from the pastor who inspired the prediction.

The viral story of the supposed «Rapture» spread far beyond TikTok and its more than 360,000 posts under the hashtag «rapture,» drawing widespread attention and coverage from major media outlets, including NBC, AP News, The Guardian and The New York Times.

The Rapture is upon us, according to TikTokers, some of whom have latched on to a prediction that on Tuesday, September 23 — today — Jesus Christ will return to Earth and take true believers to Heaven. Predicting the Rapture is a longstanding practice.

— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) 2025-09-23T16:40:04.199261Z

A few days after his speech before the UN General Assembly in New York, President Donald Trump still appeared unsettled by the mishaps that occurred upon his arrival and during his address.

The escalator escalation keeps escalating.

— NBC News (@nbcnews.com) 2025-09-25T12:46:08.753Z

He is now calling for an investigation into what he has described as a «triple sabotage,» even demanding that those responsible be arrested.

A REAL DISGRACE

-Donald Trump

The president voiced his frustrations in a lengthy post on Truth Social, describing his experience at the UN headquarters as «A REAL DISGRACE.»

While he had already pointed to two specific incidents, the escalator and the teleprompter, Trump added a third, declaring: «A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday — Not one, not two, but three very sinister events!»

A screeching halt

In his post, the president recounted the events beginning with his arrival at the UN building, where he was supposed to take an escalator to reach the hall for his speech. He claimed the escalator «came to a screeching halt,» adding that it was remarkable the First Lady and he were not injured and that they didn’t fall forward, face first, onto the sharp edges of the steel steps.

«Wow, first the escalator event, and now a bad teleprompter. What kind of a place is this?»

Trump demanded that «the people that did it should be arrested,» citing a newspaper article that described the incident as «absolutely sabotage.» He added that, according to rumors, UN workers had even «joked about turning off an escalator.»

Trump then turned to a second incident, which he claimed was deliberate, saying that «before a television audience of millions around the world, and with important leaders in the hall, my teleprompter didn’t work.»

The president said the teleprompter suddenly went «stone cold dark,» adding that, at that moment, he realized something unusual was happening: «Wow, first the escalator event, and now a bad teleprompter. What kind of a place is this?»

«This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN.»

Fantastic reviews?

He insisted the moment had been salvaged only because his speech had received «fantastic reviews,» calling it an achievement that «very few people could have done» to speak for 15 minutes without a teleprompter.

He added that when he later asked the First Lady if she had enjoyed his speech, she told him she «couldn’t hear a thing.»

«This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN,» he added in his post.

Saying that he was sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary General to demand an immediate investigation, Trump shamed the UN, declaring: «They ought to be ashamed of themselves. No wonder the United Nations hasn’t been able to do the job it was created to do.»

Big trouble

It is worth recalling that in the very first moments of his speech, Donald Trump opened his address at the United Nations by mocking the institution itself. Right from the start, he referred to his mishaps and told delegates that the two things he had received from the UN were «a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter.»

He recounted how the escalator stalled midway as he entered the building and complained that his teleprompter failed at the start of his remarks, warning that another malfunction could cause «serious problems» and even threatening the operator with «big trouble.» The comments drew a mix of laughter and uneasy silence from the hall.

He then turned to immigration, boasting of his hardline policies and declaring it was time to end what he called the «open borders experiment.» Trump also launched a lengthy attack on climate policies, branding global warming a «hoax» and a «scam made by stupid people.» Mocking environmentalists, he quipped, «No more cows, we don’t want cows anymore. I guess they want to kill all the cows.»

The former president praised America’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and lauded «clean, beautiful coal» as central to his vision of energy policy.

Trump is demanding an investigation following what he described as a “triple sabotage” during his UNGA visit, taking to social media to claim that a series of technical mishaps, involving a stopped escalator, a teleprompter failure and audio issues, were deliberate acts meant to undermine him.

— CNN (@cnn.com) 2025-09-25T02:01:01.866250332Z