Trump Hints At Sending Law Enforcement To Polling Places, But Has No Authority To Do So
In what many have called another tactic of voter suppression, President Trump has hinted at sending law enforcement agents to polling place across the country.
However, Department of Homeland Security’s acting secretary Chad Wolf told CNN Sunday neither he nor President Trump has the authority to do such a thing.
“We don’t have any authority to do that at the department,” acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
When asked by Tapper if Trump asked Wolf to send federal agents to polling locations, Wolf said voting oversight is not a job for the agency.
“No, absolutely, he has not. Again, that’s not what we do at the Department of Homeland Security.” Wolf told Tapper. “We have law enforcement authorities and law enforcement officers at the department, we have express authorities given to us by Congress and this is not one of them,” he said, adding, “This is not a mission for the Department of Homeland Security.”
Trump initially made the comments during the call-in interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
“We’re gonna have everything,” Trump told Hannity. “We’re gonna have sheriffs and we’re gonna have law enforcement and we’re going to have, hopefully, US attorneys, and we’re going to have everybody, and attorney generals.”
Federal law prohibits intimidation at polling locations and for any “civil” or “military” federal officer to order “troops or armed men” to polling places, unless needed to “repel armed enemies of the United States.”
Trump has repeated unfounded claims of voter fraud in recent months attacking mail-in voting. The NAACP, private citizens, and more than 20 states have already filed lawsuits against Trump and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for their actions, which include pulling post office boxes and disconnecting sorting machines in multiple states.
DeJoy told the Senate last week that he would suspend all changes to the agency until after the election, but many believe the damage is already done.
$100 Million Lost in Stimulus Check and COVID-19 Fraud; Black Americans Most Vulnerable To Such Scams
As a demographic group, African Americans face a greater risk of being victims of fraud than the nation’s overall population.
That eye-popping statistic is part of a report that revealed African Americans and Latinos under-report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) even though they are the hardest hit consumers when it comes to experiencing fraud. The scams often focus on an individual’s income and debt as well as prey on a person’s needs for financial stability.
While the FTC report was done in 2016, African Americans may do very well to protect themselves and pay attention to it today. That is because Americans this year have lost more than $100 million to stimulus check and COVID-19 fraud, according to a new study by The Ascent. Though reports of fraud have trended down since May, they could rise again if another round of stimulus checks is approved.
And now with the federal government considering another relief package with potentially billions of more dollars being issued in stimulus payments, scammers will pursue ways to cash in. That could be bad news for Black Americans who don’t take steps quickly to identify and avoid any new such scams on the horizon.
The Ascent analyzed data from the FTC to spot where consumers are most at risk of stimulus check and COVID-19 fraud occurring. A Motley Fool firm, The Ascent reviews financial products like credit cards, savings accounts, mortgages, and other items to help people make informed decisions on money matters.
Here are some key findings from its fresh report:
Consumers reported 9,677 cases of fraud were contacted by phone. That’s more than any other contact method. But fraud via email resulted in the most losses, almost $18 million.
People between the ages of 30 and 39 had the highest number of fraud reports, but only the fourth-highest dollar losses. Those 40 to 49 had the largest losses, over $12 million.
Individuals in 15 states, along with Puerto Rico, had median fraud losses of at least $300. That’s at least a full quarter of their $1,200 stimulus checks–if they got one.
Californians lost the most due to fraud ($15.63 million) by a wide margin, with losses that are more than double that of second-place New York.
Credit cards were the most common payment method used by victims of COVID-19 scams, yet wire transfers posted the largest losses ($24.64 million), possibly because there are far fewer consumer protections.
Online shopping posted the most fraud reports, meaning that some of the most common COVID-19 scams are products and services that either don’t arrive on time or don’t work as they should. Yet, travel and vacations have led to the most fraud losses ($35.48 million in 18,667 reports, versus $14.17 million in 24,403 online shopping fraud reports). The Ascent claims that’s understandable because it’s the category that includes reports about trip-related refunds and cancellations.
Dann Albright, a data analyst at The Ascent who helped compile the report, said the study on COVID-19 and stimulus-related fraud is interesting for several reasons. He says it shows how fast scammers react to what’s happening in the world. The CARES Act passed at the end of March; fraud cases rose greatly early that month. As more people were talking about COVID-19 and possible stimulus payments, fraudsters jumped on the opportunity.
Fortunately, guidance and information from the FTC have warned more Americans about these scams, so there’s hope that the next round of fraud doesn’t rake in another $100 million.
Albright says it’s clear that people are uninformed about travel scams. He added it’s not surprising that type of fraud took in the most money. He says with millions of people changing or canceling travel plans, they’re looking for ways to do so without losing all the cash they put into those plans in the first place.
He also was surprised that Americans have lost over $1 million to scams involving postal mail.
“I didn’t expect that scammers would invest in physical mail, that this many people actually open their mail, or that it would be so effective. Email, sure. And maybe phone, which is the most common contact method in the reports. But mail? I didn’t see that coming.”
All told, Albright says this data is worrying. “Americans are hurting right now, with high unemployment, reduced part-time hours, and a lot of uncertainty. The fact that people are taking advantage of them at this point is particularly loathsome.”
So how can you avoid stimulus check and COVID-19 fraud? The Ascent offered some tips:
If your stimulus payment was stolen, or if you suspect it was stolen, file a report here. The report will be sent to the IRS and the FTC.
Don’t buy at-home COVID-19 testing kits or treatments. These popular items with scammers do not work.
If you get any robocalls (calls that start with pre-recorded messages), hang up. Criminals use such calls to get your information and potentially steal your money.
Avoid sending money unless you’re absolutely certain you’re dealing with a reputable business. Don’t wire money as this type of transaction is typically impossible to reverse after the money is picked up, making it a favorite for scammers. Stay updated and aware of the latest COVID-19 scams here.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Enacts Law Stripping Voting Rights From Protesters
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee quietly signed a bill last week that could result in some protesters losing their right to rock the vote.
The bill, which Gov. Lee signed into law Thursday, increases the penalties for people who illegally camp on state property to a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison. Residents registered to vote in the state lose their right to vote if convicted of a felony.
The law will also implement a mandatory 45-day sentence for aggravated rioting, boosts the fine for blocking highway access to emergency vehicles and enhances the punishment for aggravated assault against a first responder to a Class C felony.
“This bill increases the punishment for illegal camping on state property from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days imprisonment and an order of restitution for any property damage or loss incurred as a result of the offense,” the bill, HB 8005 reads.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, told the Associated Press, it would be observing enforcement of the law.
“We are very disappointed in Governor Lee’s decision to sign this bill, which chills free speech, undermines criminal justice reform and fails to address the very issues of racial justice and police violence raised by the protesters who are being targeted,” ACLU of Tennessee Executive Director Hedy Weinberg said in a statement. “While the governor often speaks about sentencing reform, this bill contradicts those words and wastes valuable taxpayer funds to severely criminalize dissent.”
The bill passed the General Assembly after more than two months of sustained protests outside the state Capitol, where demonstrators have been protesting for racial justice reforms and a defund the police movement in the aftermath of George Floyd‘s killing by Minneapolis police in May.
Lee, who was elected last year, and Tennessee Republicans have defended the legislation, saying protesters set fires inside and outside a courthouse in May, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Lee however, did acknowledge there were portions of the bill he “would have done differently.”
Twitter Reacts to Candace Owens Being Snubbed As Speaker For Republican National Convention
Despite being one of the biggest Black conservative voices on the Internet and her unwavering support for President Donald Trump, Candace Owens will not speak at this week’s Republican National Convention (RNC).
Why the snub? Maybe the Black quota was filled and there was no need for the fiery Black woman who takes every opportunity to take a swipe at the Black community while pumping her love for President Trump and the Republican agenda.
Burgess Owens, former NFL player and GOP Congressional nominee
Ja’Ron Smith, White House assistant
But, no Candace Owens. Twitter took notice.
Seeing that Candace Owens is trending because all of her championing white supremacy didn’t get her invited to the Republican National Convention cookout
Lol all that tap dancing and Candace Owens still gets reminded she is a black woman by the party who doesn’t love her back. How’s that working out? pic.twitter.com/yLadwRMLl8
Candace Owens has been shocking and jiving for the GOP and tRump for 4 years now …and they didnt even give her a spot at the convention…..they dusted her down …. i love to see it pic.twitter.com/b24nLqZSoY
Me reading that Candace Owens got left off the list for the RNC because the anti-quota party decided that Tim Scott added enough Nergo-ness to the card. pic.twitter.com/3WCMGvOTWn
despite a brilliant display of advanced coonery, candace owens and ben carson will not be speaking at the republican national convention. pic.twitter.com/n31W6zojjw
Erik Moses Becomes NASCAR’s First Black Track President
Erik Moses, a veteran sports executive and seasoned venue management leader, has been named the first Black president of Nashville Superspeedway.
“I am excited to join the team at Dover Motorsports to lead the reopening of the Nashville Superspeedway and bring the excitement of Cup Series racing to Middle Tennessee,” Moses said in a statement. “I have long admired NASCAR for its commitment to the fan experience and am thrilled to have the opportunity to create the optimal race day experience that NASCAR fans deserve in a market that has such a rich history with the sport.
“Nashville is one of the hottest markets for sports, entertainment, and live events in the entire country and I look forward to working with local stakeholders and partners to leverage that momentum to establish the Superspeedway as a premier live events venue serving the greater Nashville region.”
Excited to join the Dover Motorsports and @NASCAR families. @nashvilleSuperS Erik Moses to head Nashville Superspeedway, becoming first Black track president in NASCAR history https://t.co/qieX1a43MG
Moses had recently served as the founding president of the DC Defenders for the XFL, the reboot of the short-lived football league.
Before working in the XFL, Moses’ prior roles included serving as CEO of the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, where he worked with local and national sports teams in organizing live events in the nation’s capital and as director of the D.C. Department of Small & Local Business Development.
“We are very excited and fortunate to hire an outstanding leader and executive such as Erik, who has tremendous experience in all areas of sports, events, and live entertainment,” said Mike Tatoian, executive vice president and COO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “Erik’s addition to our company and the outstanding reputation he has in the industry punctuates our commitment to revitalizing Nashville Superspeedway and serving the Middle Tennessee community.”
The West Coast rapper, who has been very vocal as of late regarding the Black vote, shared his thoughts about the elected officials and political leaders who participated in last week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC).
“So, over the last four days, the Democratic National Party held their convention,” Cube says in a video. “Lot of people, you know what I mean, getting up there and talking and, you know, everybody really, you know, eating it up, you know, throwing their hands in the air like they just don’t care damn near. So, it’s, it’s uh, what I didn’t hear is, what’s in it for us? What’s in it for the Black community? Besides the same old thing, we been getting from these, um, parties? What’s in it for us, for real?’”
You know, um, I didn’t hear anybody mention a ‘Contract with Black America,’ and I don’t know why because it’s one of the most comprehensive, um, reform, uh, documents that’s come about in a long time that could really address the problem. The way it look, they don’t have a plan. Everybody’s you know, talking about, Get Trump out, get Trump out, get Trump out. If you vote, that’s gonna happen on the first day. So, now what? Trump out, now what? What? What do we get in the first 100 days? That’s what we’re trying to figure out. What do we actually get that, we, they could give us overnight like that?”
The video in its entirety which includes graphic language:
Trump Boasts That Lower Black Voter Turnout Helped Him Win The White House in 2016
At a private Trump Tower meeting before his inauguration, President Trump touted that lower turnout by Black voters helped him win the 2016 election.
“Many Blacks didn’t go out to vote for Hillary ’cause they liked me. That was almost as good as getting the vote, you know, and it was great,” Trump, then president-elect, said in the audio of the meeting, which was confirmed in reports by Politico and The Hill.
The meeting in which Trump made the claims was reportedly held with members of the voting rights group the Drum Major Institute. The institute was founded by Martin Luther King Jr. Those in the meeting included Martin Luther King III, William Wachtel, James Forbes, Johnny Mack, and Scott Rechler.
Tootsie Warhol, Wachtel’s former chief of staff, who gave Politico the audio of the president, said the meeting was supposed to be about voter ID laws and voting access.
According to Warhol, Trump started the meeting by name dropping Black celebrities and friends he knew before showing off some memorabilia, including a sneaker that once belonged to Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Tyson’s championship belt.
“The first thing that I can never forget was how when you walked in, [Trump] name-drops all these Black celebrities and tries to give the illusion that they’re his friends,” Warhol told Politico.
During the meeting, which included former Trump staff members Reince Priebus and Omarosa Manigault, Trump praised the turnout of Black and Hispanic voters who supported his campaign.
In another bizarre moment of the meeting, Trump walked out for a few minutes to take a phone call and when he walked back in, told the room it “was your friend [Former President] Barack [Obama]” and said they have “a very good relationship.”
Later in the meeting, Trump told the room he listens “better to the African American people than anybody else,” including those at the meeting. Trump’s made similar claims in his press conferences, saying he’s done more for Black Americans than any president since Lincoln.
Georgia Police Officer Terminated After Tasing Unarmed Black Woman On Her Porch
A white police officer in Georgia was terminated from the Gwinnett County Police Department after a video surfaced of him tasing an unarmed Black woman outside her mother’s home last week, according to WSB-TV.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Gwinnett County Police after investigators conducted a three-pronged investigation into the officer, who was identified as Michael Oxford. They addressed concerns about the arrest of the Black woman, Kyndesia Smith, the use of force by Oxford, and the conduct of the officers involved.
Police officials said that it wasn’t the officer’s use of force or the arrest that led to the firing of Officer Michael Oxford, but the way he conducted himself in the field.
“The Gwinnett County Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards of conduct and integrity. Prior to the viral social media video being discovered, the conduct of Officer Oxford was already flagged by supervisors and an investigation had begun. That investigation looked at whether proper de-escalation techniques were used, and whether Officer Oxford violated our policy based on the manner in which he handled the incident. Our policy states that each member of this department shall consider it his or her duty to be of service to the general public and to render that service in a kind, considerate, and patient manner.
“One of our core values is courtesy. We strive to conduct ourselves in a manner that promotes mutual respect with the community and our peers. The investigation in this case has shown that Officer Oxford violated our policy and did not meet our core values. For this reason, the employment of Officer Oxford has been terminated as of August 21st.”
Smith was charged with felony obstruction and simple battery against a police officer and was released Wednesday after paying a $5,900 bond.
Bloomberg cited four unnamed sources, at least one of who said the Justice Department and IRS agents have been investigating Smith for the past four years. Bloomberg also reported a key factor in the investigation is whether he was the beneficial owner of Caribbean entities, which received proceeds from Vista’s private-equity fund. Some of those proceeds flowed through offshore entities into an American charitable foundation where Smith is the founding director.
Smith has not been charged with a crime at this time and, according to Bloomberg, the investigation might find him not to owe taxes on the assets. However, Bloomberg added the report also said he may be seeking leniency in return for cooperating in multiple investigations.
A possible conviction may lead to a hefty fine and other penalties for the billionaire philanthropist and entrepreneur.
One of the investigations is focused on Robert Brockman, a Houston businessman who gave Smith $1 billion to start a private equity firm using funds that originated from a charitable trust based in Bermuda, and Brockman benefits from.
In 2019, Smith donated $1.5 million to Morehouse most of which went toward creating the Robert Frederick Smith Scholars Program. The remainder was used for the design and creation of a park serving as a new outdoor study area for students.
The incident, which took place on Aug. 3, was caught on home security cameras. The graphic footage reveals a white pit bull barking at the police officer’s canine before the pit bull clamps down on the dog’s face through the fence. This is when the police officer takes out her weapon and shoots the dog directly in the head, killing it.
A Detroit police officer shot someone’s dog that posed no threat inside its own fence after he lost control of his own K9.
The police officer will not be reprimanded for the action as police department officials say the officer acted according to protocol.
“Her partner was being attacked and we demand that our officers protect not only themselves but their partners and citizens. At this point it was a clear and present danger; her dog was being viciously harmed,” said Police Commander Darin Szilagyi in an interview late last week. “It’s unfortunate it came to this, we don’t like to see any animal hurt.”
Szilagyi stated that the home’s front gate, a 6-foot wrought iron fence, which is situated on the border of the front yard and the sidewalk, is inconsistent with city code. Insisting that the narrative of this incident would have been entirely different if the victim had been a small child or senior citizen walking along the sidewalk.
“I’m a dog lover, I own several dogs, I have a responsibility to protect the public from my animals, just like anyone else,” Szilagyi said. “Keep your dogs in the backyards and this won’t be an issue.
“No matter what, when force is used on a person or animal, it is ugly. No one likes it, I don’t like it, I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I don’t like it,” Szilagyi said. “But unfortunately it’s necessary if you have life or death situations, and this was a life or death situation, that is the option that a police officer has to use, and I commend the officer for making a decision and coming back to work and taking care of her partner.
