标签： North America

Former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by accusing six Democratic lawmakers of ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death.’ The accusation came after the lawmakers released a video urging U.S. service members to refuse unlawful commands. Trump took to social media to express his outrage, labeling the lawmakers as ‘traitors’ and calling for their arrest and trial. The six lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, responded by stating that Trump’s remarks were dangerous and amounted to threats against elected officials. They emphasized their commitment to upholding the Constitution, regardless of threats or intimidation. The video, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, features Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. In the video, the lawmakers stress that military personnel have the right to refuse illegal orders and warn that the current administration is pitting the military and intelligence community against American citizens. Trump’s response, posted on TruthSocial, included calls for severe punishment and even referenced historical figures like George Washington in his rhetoric. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s comments, accusing the lawmakers of encouraging defiance of lawful orders. The incident has heightened concerns about politically motivated violence in the U.S., with recent polls indicating that a majority of Americans believe such violence is on the rise. The U.S. House of Representatives is working with Capitol Police to ensure the safety of the lawmakers and their families. This exchange occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing political tensions and high-profile incidents of violence, including the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home. Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has also reported an increase in threats since opposing Trump on certain policies. The situation underscores the growing polarization and the potential for further escalation in political discourse.

In a rare display of unity, prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away in early November at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. His funeral, held at the Washington National Cathedral, drew a diverse crowd of political leaders, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden. Bush, in his heartfelt eulogy, praised Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ in a profession often dominated by talkers, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty and competence as a second-in-command. Cheney, a pivotal figure in shaping Bush’s ‘war on terror’ post-9/11 and a staunch advocate for the Iraq invasion, was remembered as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. However, his later years saw him fall out of favor within the Republican Party after he publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results. This rift extended to his daughter, former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, who also clashed with Trump. Notably, both Cheneys endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 White House election. Harris, along with former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Al Gore, attended the funeral, while Trump and Vice President JD Vance were absent. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Cheney’s enduring impact on American politics, despite the controversies that marked his career.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an inquiry into the BBC following a controversial episode of its Panorama program that spliced parts of a 2021 speech by former US President Donald Trump. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr sent letters to the BBC’s outgoing Director General Tim Davie, as well as executives at US public service broadcasters NPR and PBS, which occasionally air BBC content. Carr’s letter seeks to determine whether the BBC provided the edited material to any FCC-regulated broadcaster for airing in the US. The Panorama episode, titled ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’, allegedly misrepresented Trump’s speech by editing together separate segments, creating the impression that he directly incited violence during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump has threatened legal action, accusing the BBC of defamation and demanding financial compensation. The BBC has apologized for the misleading edit but maintains it did not distribute the episode in the US and restricted its availability to UK viewers on BBC iPlayer. The broadcaster also argued that the documentary did not harm Trump, as he was re-elected shortly after its release. The FCC’s investigation hinges on whether the edited clip was broadcast in the US, which could establish jurisdiction. Media experts suggest the FCC is unlikely to find evidence supporting Trump’s claims if the program was not aired in the US. The controversy has led to the resignation of BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News chief Deborah Turness. The BBC is regulated by the UK’s Ofcom, while US broadcasters fall under the FCC’s jurisdiction. The FCC has yet to comment further on the matter.