Author: Stephanie Gauthier

Singer Ariana Grande sparked backlash all the way to the White House with an Instagram post questioning MAGA voters after 250 days of Trump’s presidency.

In an Instagram story over the weekend, pop star Ariana Grande reposted a message directed at Trump supporters, beginning with: «I want to check with Trump voters. I have one genuine question.»

«It’s been 250 days […] has your life gotten better?»

Trump’s first 250 days back in office

In the text reshared by the Wicked star, the message expressed her views on Trump and his administration since his return to the White House:

«It’s been 250 days, now that immigrants have been violently torn from their families and communities have been destroyed, now that trans people have been blamed for virtually everything and live in fear, now that free speech is on the brink of collapse for us all…»

This statement reflects many of the flashpoints of Trump’s first 250 days back in office, from mass deportation raids to escalating battles over free speech on college campuses and in the media, while the transgender community has been singled out and broadly blamed by the right and the Trump administration for the actions of a few.

«Has the widespread suffering of others paid off for you in the way he promised it would, or are you still waiting?»

Grande’s message goes on:

«Has your life gotten better? Have your groceries gotten cheaper? Have your health insurance premiums gone down? Has your work/life balance improved? Can you take a vacation yet? Are you happier?»

Despite campaign promises, grocery prices remain high, with inflation easing only slightly while everyday costs for families continue to bite. Health insurance premiums have not meaningfully decreased, and critics argue that Trump’s efforts to roll back parts of the Affordable Care Act risk pushing costs higher for vulnerable Americans. Labor advocates also note that stagnant wages and weakened worker protections make work–life balance harder to achieve.

Meanwhile, polls show many households still unable to afford vacations or discretionary spending.

Grande’s post resonate as a cultural reflection of the growing skepticism about whether Trump’s policies have improved the daily lives of ordinary Americans.

The message shared by Grande concludes with:

«Has the widespread suffering of others paid off for you in the way he promised it would, or are you still waiting?»

A fierce backlash from Trump supporters

Ariana Grande’s post quickly drew fierce backlash from Trump supporters online, many of whom attacked her personally with body-shaming and derogatory comments rather than addressing the substance of her message.

«Save your tears, Ariana»

The controversy eventually reached the White House, where spokesperson Kush Desai fired back at Grande with a jab of his own, telling reporters:

«Save your tears, Ariana … President Trump’s actions ended Biden-era inflation and are bringing in trillions in new investments.»

Electronic Arts (EA), the video game giant behind Battlefield, The Sims, and Madden NFL, is going private in a record $55 billion buyout.

The buyout was led by a consortium including private equity firm Silver Lake Partners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Affinity Partners, the investment company founded by Jared Kushner, the husband of Ivanka Trump.

«By taking EA private, we’ll have greater freedom to invest, innovate, and deliver the kind of groundbreaking experiences players expect from us.»

More than 30 years

The video game industry remains one of the fastest-growing segments in entertainment, a market so attractive that investors are scrambling to get a stake in it.

Together, the group carried out the biggest leveraged buyout the video game industry has ever seen, according to CNN, a deal funded mostly with borrowed money. It will take EA private after more than 30 years on the stock market, ending public trading of its shares and putting the company fully under the control of its new investors.

EA’s leadership team, including CEO Andrew Wilson, will remain in place to steer the company through the transition. In a statement, Wilson said: «By taking EA private, we’ll have greater freedom to invest, innovate, and deliver the kind of groundbreaking experiences players expect from us.»

A pioneer in the video game industry

Founded in 1982 by Trip Hawkins, Electronic Arts (EA) quickly established itself as a pioneer in the video game industry.

The company gained early recognition with computer games like Pinball Construction Set before rising to global prominence with sports titles under its EA Sports label, especially Madden NFL (launched in 1988). In the 2000s, EA expanded its portfolio with blockbuster franchises including The Sims, Battlefield, FIFA, and Need for Speed, solidifying its dominance in both console and PC markets.

Over four decades, EA has grown into one of the world’s largest publishers, shaping modern gaming culture worldwide.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, the U.S. president announced that starting October 1 he will impose a new round of tariffs on a variety of products, going up to «100%», citing a national security threat.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Foreign Heavy Trucks

In his first announcement on Truth Social, President Trump declared that beginning October 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all «Heavy (Big!) Trucks» manufactured abroad.

Trump said the measure is designed to shield American truck makers from what he described as «unfair outside competition.» He specifically cited leading U.S. manufacturers such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks as beneficiaries of the new policy.

Emphasizing the importance of the trucking industry, Trump argued that protecting domestic truckers is vital not only for economic reasons but also for national security. «We need our Truckers to be financially healthy and strong, for many reasons, but above all else, for National Security purposes!» he wrote.

«We must protect, for National Security and other reasons, our Manufacturing process.»

Trump Targets Furniture Imports With Tariffs Up to 50%

In his second announcement on Truth Social, President Trump revealed that beginning October 1, 2025, the United States will impose steep tariffs on a range of imported home products. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related goods will face a 50% tariff, while upholstered furniture will be subject to a 30% tariff.

Trump justified the move by denouncing what he described as a large-scale «FLOODING» of such products into the U.S. market from abroad. Calling the practice «very unfair,» he argued that the tariffs are necessary to safeguard American manufacturers and linked the issue to national security.

«We must protect, for National Security and other reasons, our Manufacturing process,» Trump wrote.

Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Imported Pharmaceuticals Without U.S. Production

In his third announcement on Truth Social, President Trump declared that beginning October 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 100% tariff on all branded or patented pharmaceutical products imported into the country, unless the company is actively building a manufacturing plant in America.

The statement specified that the term «IS BUILDING» will be defined as «breaking ground» or «under construction.» Companies that have already started construction will therefore be exempt from the tariff.

Trump presented the measure as a necessary step to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign sources for critical medicines.

Reactions to Trump’s Tariff Announcements

Trump’s new tariffs sparked swift backlash across industries: trucking groups warned the 25% duty on heavy trucks will raise costs (Truck News), and furniture retailers said the 50% and 30% tariffs will hit consumers (Furniture Today).

The 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals drew the sharpest criticism, with hospitals warning of shortages (Washington Post) and European officials citing trade deals (Reuters), even as Roche and Novartis pointed to U.S. investments (AP News).

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.»

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.»

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In a significant and unexpected policy reversal, President Donald Trump declared that Ukraine has the capacity to reclaim all the territory lost to Russia, a statement from the U.S. president that has drawn mixed reactions from both Ukraine and Russia.

As the United Nations gathered in New York, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: «I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option.»

The remarks marked a dramatic shift from his earlier calls for Kyiv to make concessions and bring the war to an end through diplomacy.

Ukrainian officials and citizens greeted the reversal with cautious optimism, but also with deep uncertainty about whether it would translate into concrete action. Behind the scenes, Ukraine is watching closely whether Trump will follow up his words with tangible commitments: military, financial, or diplomatic.

A forceful call for global action

«Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act,» Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Many fear that Trump’s shift may prove rhetorical rather than translating into substantive action from the United States.

In his address to the United Nations this morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a forceful call for global action against Russian aggression. He warned that failure to act could unleash «the most destructive arms race in history,» pointing to the growing dangers posed by military AI and drone technologies, which he described as even more threatening than nuclear weapons.

Zelensky urged nations to adopt binding limitations on autonomous weapons and bolster security guarantees for Ukraine.

«I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!»

Unsurprisingly, the Kremlin was quick to push back, rejecting Trump’s portrayal of Russia as weakened and balking at the idea that Ukraine can reclaim all territory.

«I wish both Countries well»

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked the idea of a «paper tiger» Russia, according to the Associated Press, saying: «Russia isn’t a tiger, it’s more associated with a bear … There are no paper bears. Russia is a real bear.»

These comments referred to Trump’s post on Truth Social: «Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger.»

Trump ended his post with a striking sign-off that underscored both the ambiguity and the controversy of his stance:

«I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!»

As Jimmy Kimmel marked his return as host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, after being taken off the air last week following his remarks about Trump and Republican reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk and his killer, Donald Trump completely lost it on Truth Social:

«I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.»

Donald Trump has erupted on Truth Social following Jimmy Kimmel’s return to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, lashing out at both the comedian and ABC.

In a lengthy tirade, the former president accused the network of making a big mistake by reinstating the late-night host, and even suggested legal action might follow.

«I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there,» Trump wrote.

«I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative.»

Never seen before in American history

The president went on to question why the network would want Kimmel back at all, attacking both his performance and political leanings:

«Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.»

In a statement that carried a clear intent to intimidate ABC into steering away from content critical of his presidency, while simultaneously raising the specter of legal consequences over its editorial decisions, Trump’s move shattered the boundary between political power and media independence in a way never seen before in American history.

«This one sounds even more lucrative»

Trump also hinted that ABC could once again face a costly lawsuit. «I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative.»

That reference was to Trump’s previous legal battle with the network, when he sued over what he claimed was defamatory coverage and won a multi-million-dollar settlement. For Trump, that case has become a proof point that taking on major media companies can yield financial victories, and he now suggests that history might repeat itself with ABC.

Trump concluded his post with a blunt attack on both the network and Kimmel himself:

«A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.»

While Trump lashed out at Kimmel’s «bad ratings,» the comedian’s 28-minute monologue posted on YouTube racked up nearly 12 million views within just 12 hours.