OPINION
— Trump’s presidency kicks off with steep tariffs, market chaos and global backlash, despite lacking majority support. B Jay Cooper slams his economic logic as flimsy and fears looming fallout from retaliatory moves.
B. Jay Cooper
Former deputy White House press secretary to Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Also headed communications offices at the RNC, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Yale University.
OPINION
— B. Jay Cooper warns of creeping authoritarianism under Donald Trump, likening his leadership style to mob tactics — marked by vengeance, coercion, and disregard for democratic norms, institutions, and Constitutional protections.
OPINION
— Donald Trump claims he’s fulfilling campaign promises, but did voters back every extreme measure? Secret orders, deportations, and Elon Musk’s influence raise concerns. Transparency and trust in governance remain critical.
OPINION
— A step-by-step guide to dismantling American democracy: seize control of institutions, silence dissent, manipulate justice, embrace dictators, deceive voters, and undermine alliances — all within 100 days. Autocracy, achieved.
OPINION
— Elon Musk’s bizarre Oval Office appearance last week saw him boast about cutting $1 trillion in government spending, axing agencies, and rehiring a racist employee — without evidence or oversight, all while Trump cheered him on.
OPINION
— Trump’s second term is a whirlwind of theatrics — executive orders, tariffs, and controversial policies driven by spectacle rather than strategy. From Musk’s unchecked influence to dubious foreign deals, governance feels like performance art, B. Jay Cooper writes.
OPINION
— Donald Trump’s rapid executive actions, disregard for constitutional guardrails, and erosion of democracy demand vigilance. Resist disinformation, stay informed, and engage politically, B. Jay Cooper writes. Democracy survives only if we act decisively.
OPINION
— On his first day, Donald Trump pardoned January 6 rioters, emboldened extremists, and signed a vague economic order, raising deep concerns about his emboldened presidency and unpredictable future actions.
OPINION
— Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, marked by his divisive platform, dishonesty, and lack of accountability, leads B. Jay Cooper to argue that Trump’s conduct contradicts American values and lacks presidential integrity.
OPINION
— As Donald Trump prepares for another presidential term, B. Jay Cooper suggests a unifying gesture: acknowledging the 2020 election was not rigged. Such honesty could foster reconciliation amid widespread anxiety. Will he do it, though?
OPINION
— Despite a narrative suggesting a close race, B. Jay Cooper predicts that Kamala Harris will win decisively, bolstered by strong support from women, shifting demographics, and Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric, particularly following his campaign’s recent attacks on Puerto Ricans.
OPINION
— B. Jay Cooper criticises the Washington Post for avoiding a presidential endorsement before a critical election, accusing its owner, Jeff Bezos, of yielding to political pressure and risking democracy, signalling an authoritarian threat.
OPINION
— B. Jay Cooper rejects Trump due to his authoritarian rhetoric, dishonesty, and failure to deliver key promises. He argues Trump prioritises self-interest over national welfare and warns undecided voters against supporting him.
2024 US Presidential Election
— The vice-presidential debate was civil but uneventful. Gov. Tim Walz stumbled initially but gained momentum on abortion, while Sen. J.D. Vance deflected on key questions. Ultimately, the debate ended inconclusively.
OPINION
— Kamala Harris challenges Donald Trump with a sharp, strategic approach, contrasting his juvenile tactics. Her experience and assertiveness make her a formidable opponent, reinvigorating the Democratic race and appealing to undecided voters.
OPINION
— A failed assassination attempt on ex-President Trump highlights the dangers of political violence and the critical need for democratic processes. This incident may temporarily boost Trump’s sympathy, impacting voter perceptions.
