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Elena Carter's avatar

Here’s one victim (just one of many)—Kilmer Abrego Garcia. And here’s a lie (just one of many)—Trump stated he would follow Supreme Court order but now is not. So now that you have this information, what do you think? And I know I should wait for your response before I say this, but I just can’t—do not use the argument that he can’t because he no longer has jurisdiction since countries negotiate release for “prisoners” all the time. And remember, he is buddies with this tyrant and dictator so I am certain he could convince him to return Garcia…or his body.

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Free Will's avatar

Apologies, Elena. I should have said "US citizen victim." With 12 million+ newly imported, and potentially voting, criminals illegal immigrants in the US it is possible a few mistakes will be made. President Trump has promised to abide by any decision SCOTUS passes down. To date, Trump has not broken that vow.

A Supreme Court ruling on April 10, 2025, ordered the administration to facilitate the return of a man mistakenly deported, and Trump stated he would comply, if the Court ordered such an action. However, critics have raised concerns about potential defiance, citing past rhetoric and actions, like ignoring verbal directives from lower courts. Without concrete actions contradicting a Supreme Court ruling, any claims of ignoring verdicts remain speculative.

"Buddies with this tyrant" like Obama was trading sketchy favors with Putin but asking for patience "until after the election?" You have no idea who Trump is truly friends with. According to Trump, he's friends with almost everyone...because it is easier to negotiate with friends.

So, until you have any proof of anything or can construct a persuasive argument, I would suggest you reject the current mainstream narrative until they try to prove any of their insults.

Good luck.

Much love,

Will

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Elena Carter's avatar

Thanks for your reply, Will. I want to address a few points you brought up.

First, you mentioned that I only pointed to "undermining democratic institutions" as an example of authoritarian acts. I offered one concrete example with Kilmer Abrego Garcia—an actual victim of a system that failed him. It’s a real issue that deserves attention. Whether or not Trump directly caused this, as you said, it’s a problem that can’t be overlooked, and if he's going to follow through on Supreme Court rulings, he needs to demonstrate that with actions, not just words. That’s the responsibility of leadership.

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect: If this happened to someone you love—your son, your father, your brother—how would you feel? Would you still be okay with dismissing this as just a "mistake?" Imagine if it were your loved one who was wrongfully deported, or whose life was negatively affected by a broken system. These aren't abstract ideas; they’re real lives, and we must hold our leaders accountable for the consequences of their actions.

I also want to address the idea that Trump is somehow less narcissistic than his critics. The thing about narcissism in leadership isn't just about self-aggrandizement; it's about how one treats others—especially those who are seen as "opponents." In Trump’s case, he repeatedly attacked individuals, undermined institutions, and disregarded democratic processes, which raises serious questions about the nature of his leadership.

You also referenced Obama’s relationships with Putin, but the issue isn’t about individual friendships; it’s about how those relationships affect policies and national interests. Yes, Obama had controversial foreign policies, but that doesn’t excuse similar patterns in Trump's behavior, especially given his rhetoric on authoritarian figures and his seeming admiration for them.

Regarding the Supreme Court ruling on April 10, 2025, ordering the administration to facilitate the return of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, there’s a growing concern that Trump may not follow through on the ruling. While he’s stated that he would comply with SCOTUS decisions, his past rhetoric and actions—including defying or ignoring directives from other courts—raise legitimate questions about whether he will actually comply. If Trump refuses or delays acting on this order, it would further undermine confidence in his commitment to the rule of law, which is essential for the functioning of our democracy. In fact, as of today, April 14, 2025, it appears that Trump may indeed be defying the Supreme Court's order. Both Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele are deflecting responsibility for Garcia's return, despite the clear ruling from the Court. If this trend continues, it could set a dangerous precedent for the disregard of legal orders from the highest court in the land.

As for mainstream narratives, I completely agree that questioning the narrative is important, but let’s also question what’s being left out or misrepresented when it comes to Trump’s actions. It's not about blind support for any side—it’s about holding all leaders accountable for their promises, their failures, and their impact on the country.

Thanks for engaging in this discussion, Will. It’s important to have these conversations, even when we don’t agree.

Best,

Elena

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Free Will's avatar

Dear Elena,

"'undermining democratic institutions" as an example of authoritarian acts. I offered one concrete example with Kilmer Abrego Garcia—an actual victim of a system that failed him."'

Is that statement a fact or an opinion? Kilmer Abrego Garcia is a convicted felon, in his home country, and the president of that country refuses to release/return him(Her?) to the US. A district judge's hysterical order does not change that fact. If President Trump is unable to comply, on a foreign policy issue, what institution is he undermining?

You state that "(narcissism is)how one treats others—especially those who are seen as 'opponents.' In Trump’s case, he repeatedly attacked individuals, undermined institutions, and disregarded democratic processes, which raises serious questions about the nature of his leadership."

Is that a fact or an opinion? Has that been the nightly headline on CNN and MSNBC for the last ten years? As far as I know, Trump has verbally attacked nobody who did not personally smear Trump, with zero evidence of guilt, first. He refrained from responding to Pelosi's insults for over two years. The Swamp thugs started law fare against President Trump, top Trump advisors and lawyers, and millions of his supporters and Trump merely responds with "those are sick people."

There is now video and audio evidence that Nancy Pelosi never believed that 1/6 was an insurrection. Pelosi's stormtroopers and legal goons and judges incarcerated thousands of peaceful 1/6 protesters, often in solitary confinement, for years. Lives were destroyed. Capitol police, who were ordered to use tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters, committed suicide. Pelosi and the DNC blamed Trump, but their incessant attacks on Trump and his administration, which continue to this day, are much more of a threat to democracy than a few thousand protesters who trespassed, defended themselves, or merely posted skepticism on social media. People were arrested who were not even in Washington, DC.

Trump has tried to keep most of his promises, in my opinion. I can not remember one promise kept by Obama or Biden, both of whom just tripled down on the Shrub Bush policies they claimed to detest. Perhaps you can refresh my memory. The swamp is full of evil people who try to cancel anyone who challenges their power. Nobody ever got hurt for lying in DC. People get killed all the time for telling unapproved truths. Isn't there a chance that President Trump is just too honest for their liking? Everyone who actually meets and talks to Trump ends up liking him. The TDS media is not journalism. If you like I can provide dozens of centrist news points to provide different perspectives on the accusations against Trump.

Start with my Substack. It's delightful. :-)

Best,

Will

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