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On May 12 2025 23:54 Gorsameth wrote:Show nested quote +On May 12 2025 22:16 Byo wrote: Am I the only one that thinks this jet gift thing is a bit weird.
If it was a personal gift then why would the POTUS use his personal jet... Isn't that not really a "benefit" like using your own car for business. Even if trump sees this as perpetual gig, and there's no distinction between POTUS or himself then the POTUS should have no trouble commissioning a jet of his liking, he doesn't need to buy it per say. And what's a one time payment of a billion bucks truely mean in terms of the USA as a whole... Then there is the security concerns... Just doesn't feel right to me. This is Qatar buying Trump his own Airforce One with all the bells and whistles and making the US government pay for it. Could Trump just have bought one for himself as President and make the US pay for it? technically yes but I imagine he might get more pushback against it compared to Qatar 'gifting' the plane. And yes this plane would be a security nightmare. Basically 100% guaranteed to be full of the most advanced listening devices on the planet. If its retrofit were to finish before Trumps term ends then it would be an insane security breach to actually use it, but we have defense secretaries talking over uncontrolled chats while the world is listening in so... /shrug.
I'm cool with it because the soft-MAGA types have to stare at the situation for what it is:
1: Pam Bondi was a registered Qatar lobbyist 2: Pam Bondi declared this transaction is entirely legal 3: Trump suddenly shit talking Israel shortly before this is announced is the most transparent thing in the entire universe
Its just a huge dump on the face of anyone who is trying to frame Trump as even slightly principled or non-corrupt. And while plenty of people openly embrace it and don't mind it, not really concerned with them. If this is happening anyway, may as well admire the giant pile of shit on some people's faces.
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United States42655 Posts
On May 12 2025 23:54 Gorsameth wrote:Show nested quote +On May 12 2025 22:16 Byo wrote: Am I the only one that thinks this jet gift thing is a bit weird.
If it was a personal gift then why would the POTUS use his personal jet... Isn't that not really a "benefit" like using your own car for business. Even if trump sees this as perpetual gig, and there's no distinction between POTUS or himself then the POTUS should have no trouble commissioning a jet of his liking, he doesn't need to buy it per say. And what's a one time payment of a billion bucks truely mean in terms of the USA as a whole... Then there is the security concerns... Just doesn't feel right to me. This is Qatar buying Trump his own Airforce One with all the bells and whistles and making the US government pay for it. Could Trump just have bought one for himself as President and make the US pay for it? technically yes but I imagine he might get more pushback against it compared to Qatar 'gifting' the plane. And yes this plane would be a security nightmare. Basically 100% guaranteed to be full of the most advanced listening devices on the planet. If its retrofit were to finish before Trumps term ends then it would be an insane security breach to actually use it, but we have defense secretaries talking over uncontrolled chats while the world is listening in so... /shrug. That doesn't make any sense. If they want to know US state secrets they just need to ask Kid Rock or check in the bathrooms of golf resorts or ask members of the extended families of his DUI hires.
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On May 13 2025 01:38 KwarK wrote:Show nested quote +On May 12 2025 23:54 Gorsameth wrote:On May 12 2025 22:16 Byo wrote: Am I the only one that thinks this jet gift thing is a bit weird.
If it was a personal gift then why would the POTUS use his personal jet... Isn't that not really a "benefit" like using your own car for business. Even if trump sees this as perpetual gig, and there's no distinction between POTUS or himself then the POTUS should have no trouble commissioning a jet of his liking, he doesn't need to buy it per say. And what's a one time payment of a billion bucks truely mean in terms of the USA as a whole... Then there is the security concerns... Just doesn't feel right to me. This is Qatar buying Trump his own Airforce One with all the bells and whistles and making the US government pay for it. Could Trump just have bought one for himself as President and make the US pay for it? technically yes but I imagine he might get more pushback against it compared to Qatar 'gifting' the plane. And yes this plane would be a security nightmare. Basically 100% guaranteed to be full of the most advanced listening devices on the planet. If its retrofit were to finish before Trumps term ends then it would be an insane security breach to actually use it, but we have defense secretaries talking over uncontrolled chats while the world is listening in so... /shrug. That doesn't make any sense. If they want to know US state secrets they just need to ask Kid Rock or check in the bathrooms of golf resorts or ask members of the extended families of his DUI hires.
Did you misspell DEI hires? He has done a lot of those as I see it.
Can't understand how so under-qualified people get hired otherwise. Republicans claim that is how you get them hired, so has to be the process they picked.
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On May 13 2025 02:03 Yurie wrote:Show nested quote +On May 13 2025 01:38 KwarK wrote:On May 12 2025 23:54 Gorsameth wrote:On May 12 2025 22:16 Byo wrote: Am I the only one that thinks this jet gift thing is a bit weird.
If it was a personal gift then why would the POTUS use his personal jet... Isn't that not really a "benefit" like using your own car for business. Even if trump sees this as perpetual gig, and there's no distinction between POTUS or himself then the POTUS should have no trouble commissioning a jet of his liking, he doesn't need to buy it per say. And what's a one time payment of a billion bucks truely mean in terms of the USA as a whole... Then there is the security concerns... Just doesn't feel right to me. This is Qatar buying Trump his own Airforce One with all the bells and whistles and making the US government pay for it. Could Trump just have bought one for himself as President and make the US pay for it? technically yes but I imagine he might get more pushback against it compared to Qatar 'gifting' the plane. And yes this plane would be a security nightmare. Basically 100% guaranteed to be full of the most advanced listening devices on the planet. If its retrofit were to finish before Trumps term ends then it would be an insane security breach to actually use it, but we have defense secretaries talking over uncontrolled chats while the world is listening in so... /shrug. That doesn't make any sense. If they want to know US state secrets they just need to ask Kid Rock or check in the bathrooms of golf resorts or ask members of the extended families of his DUI hires. Did you misspell DEI hires? He has done a lot of those as I see it. Can't understand how so under-qualified people get hired otherwise. Republicans claim that is how you get them hired, so has to be the process they picked.
That's the joke. Only if you're drunk would you think these are the most qualified candidates.
this may be getting lost in translation. DUI stands for driving under the influence (of alcohol or other drugs). It's also pretty close to DEI, hence the joke.
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United States42655 Posts
On May 13 2025 02:03 Yurie wrote:Show nested quote +On May 13 2025 01:38 KwarK wrote:On May 12 2025 23:54 Gorsameth wrote:On May 12 2025 22:16 Byo wrote: Am I the only one that thinks this jet gift thing is a bit weird.
If it was a personal gift then why would the POTUS use his personal jet... Isn't that not really a "benefit" like using your own car for business. Even if trump sees this as perpetual gig, and there's no distinction between POTUS or himself then the POTUS should have no trouble commissioning a jet of his liking, he doesn't need to buy it per say. And what's a one time payment of a billion bucks truely mean in terms of the USA as a whole... Then there is the security concerns... Just doesn't feel right to me. This is Qatar buying Trump his own Airforce One with all the bells and whistles and making the US government pay for it. Could Trump just have bought one for himself as President and make the US pay for it? technically yes but I imagine he might get more pushback against it compared to Qatar 'gifting' the plane. And yes this plane would be a security nightmare. Basically 100% guaranteed to be full of the most advanced listening devices on the planet. If its retrofit were to finish before Trumps term ends then it would be an insane security breach to actually use it, but we have defense secretaries talking over uncontrolled chats while the world is listening in so... /shrug. That doesn't make any sense. If they want to know US state secrets they just need to ask Kid Rock or check in the bathrooms of golf resorts or ask members of the extended families of his DUI hires. Did you misspell DEI hires? He has done a lot of those as I see it. Can't understand how so under-qualified people get hired otherwise. Republicans claim that is how you get them hired, so has to be the process they picked. He's hiring alcoholics on the basis of their sex and skin colour.
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On May 12 2025 23:45 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:Show nested quote +On May 12 2025 23:40 GreenHorizons wrote:Trump announced he's signing an EO to lower drug prices. The order Trump is promising will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to tie what Medicare pays for medications administered in a doctor’s office to the lowest price paid by other countries.
“I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World,” the president posted Sunday on his social media site, pledging to sign the order on Monday morning at the White House.
“Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before,” Trump added.
His proposal would likely only impact certain drugs covered by Medicare and given in an office — think infusions that treat cancer, and other injectables. But it could potentially bring significant savings to the government, although the “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS” Trump boasted about in his post may be an exaggeration.
He came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with murder” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans.
On Sunday, Trump took aim at the industry again, writing that the “Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the ‘suckers’ of America, ALONE.”
Referring to drug companies’ powerful lobbying efforts, he said that campaign contributions “can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party.” apnews.com Didn't he just allow a rise in drug prices? And now he's going to lower them back? It sounds a lot like when businesses raise prices right before Black Friday / the holiday season, so that the "50% off" sale is really on goods that had just secretly doubled in price, meaning that it averages out to no savings at all.
He magicly waves the wand of centralized government controlled economy (=Marxism) and poof the drug prices go down by 80%.
It's just another idea. Like the tariffs that would make taxes obsolete... and now are basicly all off the table, with another price hike and serious supply chain issues to be dealt with.
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To be clear hes not lowering the price of prescription drugs he's just directing the government to pay less for the drugs. At the same time as he wants to onshore prescription drugs he's deciding to make it much harder to onshore prescription drugs.
You do not make manufacturing in america better by making it less competitive than other nations.
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Northern Ireland25244 Posts
In some positive news, Dozens of white South Africans land in US under Trump refugee plan - BBC
Asked directly on Monday why the Afrikaners' refugee applications had been processed faster than other groups, Trump said a "genocide" was taking place and that "white farmers" specifically were being targeted. Very uplifting to hear this administration is open to helping the victims of genocide, I assume they’ll be fast-tracking other peoples beset by such a process.
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On May 13 2025 07:40 WombaT wrote:In some positive news, Dozens of white South Africans land in US under Trump refugee plan - BBC Show nested quote +Asked directly on Monday why the Afrikaners' refugee applications had been processed faster than other groups, Trump said a "genocide" was taking place and that "white farmers" specifically were being targeted. Very uplifting to hear this administration is open to helping the victims of genocide, I assume they’ll be fast-tracking other peoples beset by such a process.
Massive sarcasm detected. (It's only a genocide if white people are the victims, apparently.)
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Northern Ireland25244 Posts
On May 13 2025 07:48 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:Show nested quote +On May 13 2025 07:40 WombaT wrote:In some positive news, Dozens of white South Africans land in US under Trump refugee plan - BBC Asked directly on Monday why the Afrikaners' refugee applications had been processed faster than other groups, Trump said a "genocide" was taking place and that "white farmers" specifically were being targeted. Very uplifting to hear this administration is open to helping the victims of genocide, I assume they’ll be fast-tracking other peoples beset by such a process. Massive sarcasm detected. (It's only a genocide if white people are the victims, apparently.) Sarcasm? Moi?
In truth, an issue I’d like to know a bit more about, but there’s only so many hours in the day. My previous brushes in the wild, I’ve largely rejected out of hand based on who’s telling me.
If there are legitimate issues there I don’t mean to be entirely dismissive, although if there are I highly doubt they hit the genocide threshold. I’ve just only ever be exposed to it by folks who subscribe to things like the ‘great replacement’ theory,
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United States24676 Posts
A guy I know through work has a Senate confirmation hearing tomorrow. Bold move becoming a political appointee right now hahaha
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On May 13 2025 07:55 WombaT wrote:Show nested quote +On May 13 2025 07:48 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:On May 13 2025 07:40 WombaT wrote:In some positive news, Dozens of white South Africans land in US under Trump refugee plan - BBC Asked directly on Monday why the Afrikaners' refugee applications had been processed faster than other groups, Trump said a "genocide" was taking place and that "white farmers" specifically were being targeted. Very uplifting to hear this administration is open to helping the victims of genocide, I assume they’ll be fast-tracking other peoples beset by such a process. Massive sarcasm detected. (It's only a genocide if white people are the victims, apparently.) Sarcasm? Moi? In truth, an issue I’d like to know a bit more about, but there’s only so many hours in the day. My previous brushes in the wild, I’ve largely rejected out of hand based on who’s telling me. If there are legitimate issues there I don’t mean to be entirely dismissive, although if there are I highly doubt they hit the genocide threshold. I’ve just only ever be exposed to it by folks who subscribe to things like the ‘great replacement’ theory, My uncle who lives in South Africa had this to say:
Dad: Well, now's your chance to leave for the US😄 Uncle: Yes, that is what I always wanted. Living in a racist country as I was, I thought the USA would be heaven. But I never got an offer. 😕
Maybe the US doesn't think the genocide is happening to 80-year-olds with heart problems? But my cousin and his kids are also not keen to request asylum in the US. Seems like, surprise surprise, maybe there's no genocide?
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On May 13 2025 09:07 micronesia wrote: A guy I know through work has a Senate confirmation hearing tomorrow. Bold move becoming a political appointee right now hahaha
Wasn't trump about to make political and professional appointees the same thing?
Fireable for not praising dear leader.
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Nice to see the US implementing a skin colour based aslyum decision system. Very nice.
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As a white South African, the idea that we need asylum is laughable. I am sure living in rural areas it can be a bit more frightening, but asylum worthy? That is insane.
On the bright side, exporting our turbo racists means less of them to deal with here.
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On May 12 2025 23:33 oBlade wrote:Here's the background about Air Force One. The current two planes are about 35 years old, from when the Berlin Wall fell. Boeing doesn't make 747s anymore, but Trump had negotiated (proudly) a $3.9 billion contract for them to deliver two replacements. This contract doesn't involve them building planes that aren't on their assembly line anymore, but modifying two 747s that were built but not delivered to anyone else. That was supposed to be $3.9 billion and done by this year. Now, it is, briefly, more than $3.9 billion and not going to be done until after Trump's term. Which is bullshit. Boeing by the way is the leading alternative to Mars-Man-Bad's company when it comes to space. The Qatar jet is also a 747 that had been parked in Florida. Either nobody is/was using it, or not often. The goal is to have a different company retrofit that aircraft to serve as an interim plane. https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/see-inside-trumps-lavish-new-air-force-one-complete-with-gold-walls-and-opulent-furnishings/To me the interesting questions aren't being asked. Like you have to screen the whole plane, and retrofit it. The communications are one thing. But the current planes have nuclear bomb proofing and serious countermeasures for missiles and stuff. I don't know how much of that is from Boeing vs. from other people. And so it's interesting to see what the capabilities of the new plane would or wouldn't be, and who that's ultimately up to. Because the USSS doesn't even let the president drive. So what's the process for screening and retrofitting a plane that wasn't purpose-built, or at least wasn't in the custody of a defense contractor the whole time (like the unsold 747s being modified in the current $3.9 billion contract). Are the capabilities going to be the same? Better? Is that one just for domestic flights or something? And why is it better to pay for a plane than get it for free?
the interesting question is... really?
you are the US. who needs a country that's a big gas station with a lot of desert and very little cities and people. and an authoritarian monarchy to boot... for a new plane? and not just any - Air Force One. the one POTUS is going to be using for the next couple of decades on critical and less critical visits to foreign countries.
your country lost the plot mate. just considering this is a bad idea. actually trying to rationalize it is a dereliction of duty to uphold whatever the US once stood for. crazy times.
thankfully even the faithful of mango mussolini are having quite a lot of doubts
Loomer: Qatari jet gift a ‘stain’ on Trump presidency
Conservative provocateur Laura Loomer, who has been a staunch supporter of President Trump, called him out over the weekend as the White House prepares to receive a $400 million Boeing jet from the Qatari government.
“I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him,” Loomer wrote in a post on the social platform X. “But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
“This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true,” Loomer said.
“I’m so disappointed.”
+ Show Spoiler +
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On May 13 2025 19:34 Doublemint wrote:Show nested quote +On May 12 2025 23:33 oBlade wrote:Here's the background about Air Force One. The current two planes are about 35 years old, from when the Berlin Wall fell. Boeing doesn't make 747s anymore, but Trump had negotiated (proudly) a $3.9 billion contract for them to deliver two replacements. This contract doesn't involve them building planes that aren't on their assembly line anymore, but modifying two 747s that were built but not delivered to anyone else. That was supposed to be $3.9 billion and done by this year. Now, it is, briefly, more than $3.9 billion and not going to be done until after Trump's term. Which is bullshit. Boeing by the way is the leading alternative to Mars-Man-Bad's company when it comes to space. The Qatar jet is also a 747 that had been parked in Florida. Either nobody is/was using it, or not often. The goal is to have a different company retrofit that aircraft to serve as an interim plane. https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/see-inside-trumps-lavish-new-air-force-one-complete-with-gold-walls-and-opulent-furnishings/To me the interesting questions aren't being asked. Like you have to screen the whole plane, and retrofit it. The communications are one thing. But the current planes have nuclear bomb proofing and serious countermeasures for missiles and stuff. I don't know how much of that is from Boeing vs. from other people. And so it's interesting to see what the capabilities of the new plane would or wouldn't be, and who that's ultimately up to. Because the USSS doesn't even let the president drive. So what's the process for screening and retrofitting a plane that wasn't purpose-built, or at least wasn't in the custody of a defense contractor the whole time (like the unsold 747s being modified in the current $3.9 billion contract). Are the capabilities going to be the same? Better? Is that one just for domestic flights or something? And why is it better to pay for a plane than get it for free? Air Force One. the one POTUS is going to be using for the next couple of decades on critical and less critical visits to foreign countries. No, the deal is that at the end of Trumps term it gets gifted to his foundation so that he can keep using it privately.
This isn't the US getting a new Airforce One, this is Trump getting a personal 747
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On May 13 2025 19:40 Gorsameth wrote:Show nested quote +On May 13 2025 19:34 Doublemint wrote:On May 12 2025 23:33 oBlade wrote:Here's the background about Air Force One. The current two planes are about 35 years old, from when the Berlin Wall fell. Boeing doesn't make 747s anymore, but Trump had negotiated (proudly) a $3.9 billion contract for them to deliver two replacements. This contract doesn't involve them building planes that aren't on their assembly line anymore, but modifying two 747s that were built but not delivered to anyone else. That was supposed to be $3.9 billion and done by this year. Now, it is, briefly, more than $3.9 billion and not going to be done until after Trump's term. Which is bullshit. Boeing by the way is the leading alternative to Mars-Man-Bad's company when it comes to space. The Qatar jet is also a 747 that had been parked in Florida. Either nobody is/was using it, or not often. The goal is to have a different company retrofit that aircraft to serve as an interim plane. https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/see-inside-trumps-lavish-new-air-force-one-complete-with-gold-walls-and-opulent-furnishings/To me the interesting questions aren't being asked. Like you have to screen the whole plane, and retrofit it. The communications are one thing. But the current planes have nuclear bomb proofing and serious countermeasures for missiles and stuff. I don't know how much of that is from Boeing vs. from other people. And so it's interesting to see what the capabilities of the new plane would or wouldn't be, and who that's ultimately up to. Because the USSS doesn't even let the president drive. So what's the process for screening and retrofitting a plane that wasn't purpose-built, or at least wasn't in the custody of a defense contractor the whole time (like the unsold 747s being modified in the current $3.9 billion contract). Are the capabilities going to be the same? Better? Is that one just for domestic flights or something? And why is it better to pay for a plane than get it for free? Air Force One. the one POTUS is going to be using for the next couple of decades on critical and less critical visits to foreign countries. No, the deal is that at the end of Trumps term it gets gifted to his foundation so that he can keep using it privately. This isn't the US getting a new Airforce One, this is Trump getting a personal 747
well who says he is leaving office...? 2028 hats are being printed as we speak! 
but (sad...) jokes aside, this is yet another harebrained scheme. seems to be the theme of this admin.
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On May 13 2025 19:34 Doublemint wrote:Show nested quote +On May 12 2025 23:33 oBlade wrote:Here's the background about Air Force One. The current two planes are about 35 years old, from when the Berlin Wall fell. Boeing doesn't make 747s anymore, but Trump had negotiated (proudly) a $3.9 billion contract for them to deliver two replacements. This contract doesn't involve them building planes that aren't on their assembly line anymore, but modifying two 747s that were built but not delivered to anyone else. That was supposed to be $3.9 billion and done by this year. Now, it is, briefly, more than $3.9 billion and not going to be done until after Trump's term. Which is bullshit. Boeing by the way is the leading alternative to Mars-Man-Bad's company when it comes to space. The Qatar jet is also a 747 that had been parked in Florida. Either nobody is/was using it, or not often. The goal is to have a different company retrofit that aircraft to serve as an interim plane. https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/see-inside-trumps-lavish-new-air-force-one-complete-with-gold-walls-and-opulent-furnishings/To me the interesting questions aren't being asked. Like you have to screen the whole plane, and retrofit it. The communications are one thing. But the current planes have nuclear bomb proofing and serious countermeasures for missiles and stuff. I don't know how much of that is from Boeing vs. from other people. And so it's interesting to see what the capabilities of the new plane would or wouldn't be, and who that's ultimately up to. Because the USSS doesn't even let the president drive. So what's the process for screening and retrofitting a plane that wasn't purpose-built, or at least wasn't in the custody of a defense contractor the whole time (like the unsold 747s being modified in the current $3.9 billion contract). Are the capabilities going to be the same? Better? Is that one just for domestic flights or something? And why is it better to pay for a plane than get it for free? the interesting question is... really? you are the US. who needs a country that's a big gas station with a lot of desert and very little cities and people. and an authoritarian monarchy to boot... for a new plane? and not just any - Air Force One. the one POTUS is going to be using for the next couple of decades on critical and less critical visits to foreign countries. your country lost the plot mate. just considering this is a bad idea. actually trying to rationalize it is a dereliction of duty to uphold whatever the US once stood for. crazy times. thankfully even the faithful of mango mussolini are having quite a lot of doubts Loomer: Qatari jet gift a ‘stain’ on Trump presidencyShow nested quote +Conservative provocateur Laura Loomer, who has been a staunch supporter of President Trump, called him out over the weekend as the White House prepares to receive a $400 million Boeing jet from the Qatari government.
“I love President Trump. I would take a bullet for him,” Loomer wrote in a post on the social platform X. “But, I have to call a spade a spade. We cannot accept a $400 million ‘gift’ from jihadists in suits.”
“This is really going to be such a stain on the admin if this is true,” Loomer said.
“I’m so disappointed.” + Show Spoiler +
The way I read Loomer's comment there isn't that she's upset he's accepting a $400m bribe. It's that the bribe is coming from brown people, or as she herself so eloquently put it "jihadists in suits".
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you gotta get your wins with those ghouls where you can.
//edit: scratch winning, it is the wrong word. with those people everyone loses. what is the superlative to insane?
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