Trump and the Dept. of Education

[Loyal Coug1]

Ok - so Trump is determined to abolish the Dept of Education. Fine. But Geezus F-ing Christ - he backdrops with a bunch of kids, one in a tie (yeah I wore those every day in elementary school). others in uniform (not required in any public school I know of). All I want to know is who the parents of these kids are (Matt Gaetz probably supplied a couple before their date) and how could you possibly pimp your innocent child in front of the nation and world like that? Absolutely F-ing disgusting.

MSN

And speaking of the Dept of Ed, in general I have no idea what their reach is in K-12. In Higher Ed, I would be the first to scrutinize some (well all) of the grants they dole out. I've seen them first hand. It's like what? So methodically and judiciously review all of these and prioritize those funds against all the other federal spending. Like any rational human being.

 

[UberCougars]

You just hate Trump. Never once did it bother you when any other politician made an appearance with kids

 

[Coug90]

You just hate Trump. Never once did it bother you when any other politician made an appearance with kids

The department of education obviously never did you any favors so not surprised you won’t miss it.

 

[95coug]

Ok - so Trump is determined to abolish the Dept of Education. Fine. But Geezus F-ing Christ - he backdrops with a bunch of kids, one in a tie (yeah I wore those every day in elementary school). others in uniform (not required in any public school I know of). All I want to know is who the parents of these kids are (Matt Gaetz probably supplied a couple before their date) and how could you possibly pimp your innocent child in front of the nation and world like that? Absolutely F-ing disgusting.

MSN

And speaking of the Dept of Ed, in general I have no idea what their reach is in K-12. In Higher Ed, I would be the first to scrutinize some (well all) of the grants they dole out. I've seen them first hand. It's like what? So methodically and judiciously review all of these and prioritize those funds against all the other federal spending. Like any rational human being.

What kills me is his whole justification is “returning control to the states,” but that’s where it is. Dept of Education doesn’t set curriculum, graduation requirements have been state and district based for as long as as I can remember.

What he’s going to do is privatize loans, and make tax funds available to private school groups (which already have money). So K-12 education will turn into a marketplace, with the best teachers and equipment following the funding to the wealthy schools - which will more and more be charter and private. Public schools will fall further behind…but those will only be for poor kids and minorities, so nobody will care.

At the college level, he’s clearly trying to de-fund any school that doesn’t bend to his whims, as well as any school that has actual science research. Removing financial aid eligibility from any school will completely and immediately devastate their ability to enroll students. They’ll be forced to either adopt his dictated stances, lean on rich alumni, or close.

 

[Flatlandcoug]

What kills me is his whole justification is “returning control to the states,” but that’s where it is. Dept of Education doesn’t set curriculum, graduation requirements have been state and district based for as long as as I can remember.

What he’s going to do is privatize loans, and make tax funds available to private school groups (which already have money). So K-12 education will turn into a marketplace, with the best teachers and equipment following the funding to the wealthy schools - which will more and more be charter and private. Public schools will fall further behind…but those will only be for poor kids and minorities, so nobody will care.

At the college level, he’s clearly trying to de-fund any school that doesn’t bend to his whims, as well as any school that has actual science research. Removing financial aid eligibility from any school will completely and immediately devastate their ability to enroll students. They’ll be forced to either adopt his dictated stances, lean on rich alumni, or close.

The highlighted text above is the key. I see it where I live because private schools have been trying to get federal money for decades here.

Wouldn't it be great if you could send your kid to a school without all those dirty minorities and poor people and use your own tax money to do so rather than subsidizing those vampires? And the beautiful thing about private schools is that if a kid is underperforming or causing trouble....expel them and send them to public school! That's a problem for the Poors to deal with. Take money away from the overall pot of money and concentrate it as much as possible in wealthy white schools.

The trouble with this movement is that if it is successful, the MAGA crowd is willfully creating a less educated minority population that is more likely to end up in criminal activity. Of course, that plays right into their narratives of hating anyone that isn't white...so it's actually a win for MAGA if crime rises as long as its minorities committing the crimes. The Us vs Them narrative gets strengthened.

On that same thread, everyone should be able to own a fully automatic rifle to fend off those dirty minority criminal gangs so it turns into a win for the second amendment crowd. There are victories to be had everywhere!

I'm obviously being melodramatic....but it's also not inaccurate. I get the arguments that there is excessive administrative bloat and that some of the initiatives are misguided and a lot of that needs to change....but gutting everything is going to lead to bad long term results.

 

[UberCougars]

LSD is a helluva drug.

 

[95coug]

The highlighted text above is the key. I see it where I live because private schools have been trying to get federal money for decades here.

Wouldn't it be great if you could send your kid to a school without all those dirty minorities and poor people and use your own tax money to do so rather than subsidizing those vampires? And the beautiful thing about private schools is that if a kid is underperforming or causing trouble....expel them and send them to public school! That's a problem for the Poors to deal with. Take money away from the overall pot of money and concentrate it as much as possible in wealthy white schools.

The trouble with this movement is that if it is successful, the MAGA crowd is willfully creating a less educated minority population that is more likely to end up in criminal activity. Of course, that plays right into their narratives of hating anyone that isn't white...so it's actually a win for MAGA if crime rises as long as its minorities committing the crimes. The Us vs Them narrative gets strengthened.

On that same thread, everyone should be able to own a fully automatic rifle to fend off those dirty minority criminal gangs so it turns into a win for the second amendment crowd. There are victories to be had everywhere!

I'm obviously being melodramatic....but it's also not inaccurate. I get the arguments that there is excessive administrative bloat and that some of the initiatives are misguided and a lot of that needs to change....but gutting everything is going to lead to bad long term results.

You forgot another piece - when the poor and minorities are dumb criminals, there will be nobody studying why, because that’s not the kind of research we provide funding for.

 

[UberCougars]

… like I said.

 

[KRUSTYtheCOUG]

The highlighted text above is the key. I see it where I live because private schools have been trying to get federal money for decades here.

Wouldn't it be great if you could send your kid to a school without all those dirty minorities and poor people and use your own tax money to do so rather than subsidizing those vampires? And the beautiful thing about private schools is that if a kid is underperforming or causing trouble....expel them and send them to public school! That's a problem for the Poors to deal with. Take money away from the overall pot of money and concentrate it as much as possible in wealthy white schools.

The trouble with this movement is that if it is successful, the MAGA crowd is willfully creating a less educated minority population that is more likely to end up in criminal activity. Of course, that plays right into their narratives of hating anyone that isn't white...so it's actually a win for MAGA if crime rises as long as its minorities committing the crimes. The Us vs Them narrative gets strengthened.

On that same thread, everyone should be able to own a fully automatic rifle to fend off those dirty minority criminal gangs so it turns into a win for the second amendment crowd. There are victories to be had everywhere!

I'm obviously being melodramatic....but it's also not inaccurate. I get the arguments that there is excessive administrative bloat and that some of the initiatives are misguided and a lot of that needs to change....but gutting everything is going to lead to bad long term results.

We are going backwards to Virginia after Brown vs The Board of Educationnin the early 50s...because that's exactly what accelerated the drive for private schools so the white kids wouldn't have to go to school with the black kids and be free from federal oversight.

They've already been successful in getting federal education dollars for their clearly religious charter schools which would certainly seem to be a clear violation of the precedent of separation of church and state. Christian Nationalism...here we come! That's all I have to say about that

 

[dgibbons]

Ok - so Trump is determined to abolish the Dept of Education. Fine. But Geezus F-ing Christ - he backdrops with a bunch of kids, one in a tie (yeah I wore those every day in elementary school). others in uniform (not required in any public school I know of). All I want to know is who the parents of these kids are (Matt Gaetz probably supplied a couple before their date) and how could you possibly pimp your innocent child in front of the nation and world like that? Absolutely F-ing disgusting.

MSN

And speaking of the Dept of Ed, in general I have no idea what their reach is in K-12. In Higher Ed, I would be the first to scrutinize some (well all) of the grants they dole out. I've seen them first hand. It's like what? So methodically and judiciously review all of these and prioritize those funds against all the other federal spending. Like any rational human being.

It's a free country, so do as you please. Your ignorance is your bliss.

Fast Facts: School uniforms (50)

The NCES Fast Facts Tool provides quick answers to many education questions (National Center for Education Statistics). Get answers on Early Childhood Education, Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education here.

nces.ed.gov

If you have no idea what DOE's reach into K-12, why are you against this?

 

[UberCougars]

Other than increasing autonomy in the State of Washington for K-12 education along with zero federal funding cuts to Washington State k-12 education, how did Trump’s executive order change anything in Washington State?

(hint: it’s 2025, not 1950)

 

[Coug90]

Every word of this is true, especially today

 

[Flatlandcoug]

Every word of this is true, especially today

View embedded media

It's amazing to think that he's been gone almost 17 years and that view is even more accurate now.

 

[95coug]

Other than increasing autonomy in the State of Washington for K-12 education along with zero federal funding cuts to Washington State k-12 education, how did Trump’s executive order change anything in Washington State?

(hint: it’s 2025, not 1950)

Well, it didn’t affect autonomy at all, since the state and districts were already setting curriculum and priorities.
Other impacts are uncertain as yet, because nobody knows how the currently funded grants and programs are going to be managed…or by who. That’s assuming that the grant hasn’t already been eliminated by another order.

 

[UberCougars]

Well, it didn’t affect autonomy at all, since the state and districts were already setting curriculum and priorities.
Other impacts are uncertain as yet, because nobody knows how the currently funded grants and programs are going to be managed…or by who. That’s assuming that the grant hasn’t already been eliminated by another order.

Yes, we already know. You should try and keep up.

 

[95coug]

The next unknown…yesterday, DOGE made it to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an agency that provides funding for museums and public libraries around the country. It represents 0.0046% of the federal budget, so is obviously a tremendous source of waste and inefficiency. Their staff is expected to be slashed by half over the weekend, and existing grants may be shut off. Impact is expected to be reduction in access to libraries, particularly digital resources, with the largest impacts in rural areas.

Yet another reduction in access to information in the name of efficiency.

 

[95coug]

Yes, we already know. You should try and keep up.

Believe me, I’m up to date on this one. That’s how I know you’ve completely swallowed his totally inaccurate excuse for cutting the department.
You really should try some critical thinking, maybe some exploration beyond social media posts from the far right. The truth is out there…but it’s rarely on X.

 

[UberCougars]

We get it. You hate Trump and you’re afraid of the fraud he will find and publicize.

#ProtectTheCriminals

 

[95coug]

We get it. You hate Trump and you’re afraid of the fraud he will find and publicize.

#ProtectTheCriminals

I’m more afraid of the fraud him and his pals are perpetrating, hiding, and setting up for the future.

There’s not a damn thing being done by DOGE that’s really about efficiency.

 

[UberCougars]

a lot of people are scared of ghosts. You’re not alone

 

[Coug90]

We get it. You hate Trump and you’re afraid of the fraud he will find and publicize.

#ProtectTheCriminals

When you are a career conman and fraudster you learn your best friend is to create distractions and accuse others of what you are guilty of yourself.

 

[UberCougars]

did you learn that from Mom?

 

[Flatlandcoug]

I’m more afraid of the fraud him and his pals are perpetrating, hiding, and setting up for the future.

There’s not a damn thing being done by DOGE that’s really about efficiency.

Everyone knows that the real scam going on is that Trump, Musk and their cronies want to cut everything down and when there is a demand to replace the lost services....the private sector will happily step in and provide those services at a healthy profit. It may not be cheaper than before....but it will be profitable to the owners of the companies and that's all that really matters in our oligarchic future.

 

[UberCougars]

interrupting your delusion to bring you some breaking news you can use!

 

[Flatlandcoug]

interrupting your delusion to bring you some breaking news you can use!

View embedded media

Moving Special Needs Services and Nutrition Programs to HHS may make sense if they retain the staff necessary to provide the services. I don't see how making the SBA responsible for student loans makes any sense...but I guess we'll see.

EDIT: it should be noted that shuffling things around is not necessarily "efficient"

 

[Cougar_Guy]

We get it. You hate Trump and you’re afraid of the fraud he will find and publicize.

#ProtectTheCriminals

-Grok, President Trump has empowered Elon Musk and his team to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the Federal Government, a team colloquially referred to as DOGE . Fraud of course is a violation of the law. Can you search all available data on the internet to determine how many arrests have been made connection with the DOGE team's work and the fraud they have found thus far?

"I've searched the available data on the internet and posts on X to determine the number of arrests made in connection with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team's work on fraud in the Federal Government as of March 21, 2025. Here's what I found:
The DOGE team, led by Elon Musk, was established by President Donald Trump via executive order on January 20, 2025, with a mission to modernize federal technology and root out waste, fraud, and abuse. Trump and Musk have claimed to have uncovered significant fraud, with Trump mentioning "billions and billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse" during a February 11, 2025, Oval Office appearance. However, specific evidence of new fraud cases directly tied to DOGE's efforts that have led to arrests is not clearly documented in the available sources.
The search results and X posts provide some context but no definitive tally of arrests specifically attributed to DOGE's work:

• A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from April 2024, cited by the White House, estimated annual federal fraud losses between $233 billion and $521 billion. However, this predates DOGE's establishment and isn't directly linked to their findings.
• Posts on X, such as one from March 15, 2025, mention a Maryland fraud bust on February 7, 2025, involving 10 arrests in a multi-million dollar scheme with proceeds laundered to Nigeria and China. While this aligns with the timeframe of DOGE's activity, there's no explicit evidence connecting these arrests to DOGE's investigations.
• General reports indicate that inspectors general (IGs) across federal agencies have historically led to thousands of prosecutions annually (e.g., over 4,000 in 2023 per the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency). However, Trump fired 17 IGs early in his term, and DOGE has taken a different approach, focusing on broad cuts rather than empowering existing IGs, making it unclear how many arrests stem from DOGE-specific efforts.

Despite claims of uncovering fraud, no comprehensive data from credible sources (e.g., White House statements, DOGE's official website doge.gov, or news outlets) as of March 21, 2025, specifies a number of arrests directly resulting from DOGE's work. The White House has listed "wins" like canceled contracts, but these are framed as savings rather than criminal prosecutions. Critics, such as legal experts cited in Al Jazeera and NBC News, argue that DOGE's claims of fraud often lack evidence meeting the legal standard (i.e., intent and willful misrepresentation), suggesting many findings might be waste or abuse rather than prosecutable fraud.
Given the lack of specific arrest figures tied to DOGE in the available data, I cannot provide an exact number. It’s possible that DOGE’s efforts have contributed to ongoing investigations or indirectly influenced arrests (like the Maryland case), but as of now, no clear, aggregated count exists in public records. For a precise answer, more detailed and transparent reporting from DOGE or the Trump administration would be needed, which has not been forthcoming by this date.

If I were forced to give a specific answer based on the available data as of March 21, 2025, I would have to say zero arrests is the best answer at this time. This is because there’s no clear, documented evidence in the public domain directly linking the DOGE team’s work to specific arrests for fraud. While fraud has been claimed and investigations may be underway, the lack of explicit reports tying DOGE’s findings to prosecutions means zero is the most defensible number given the current information. That said, it’s possible arrests have occurred or will soon, but without concrete data, I can’t speculate beyond what’s known."

 

[Cougar_Guy]

I hope if they find any actual fraud it is prosecuted to the fullest extent. However, right now it appears that the quest for fraud is a red herring.

 

[95coug]

interrupting your delusion to bring you some breaking news you can use!

View embedded media

Yeah, because having an entity report to multiple different agencies with different requirements is a good model for efficiency. Especially when neither of them has ever had anything to do with education.

SBA’s last management report said they’re struggling with managing their existing load - particularly with the COVID loans still on their books (which there’s been a ton of fraud in) - so it doesn’t make much sense to give them even more. This sets them up to fail…creating an excuse to privatize student loans so Wall Street can profit from them.

There’s a logical nexus to HHS and food service, but this is a different model, and giving RFK direct control over anything related to our kids is not cool to me. The man is a loon, and people are going to die because of his loony ideas.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

It's a free country, so do as you please. Your ignorance is your bliss.

Fast Facts: School uniforms (50)

The NCES Fast Facts Tool provides quick answers to many education questions (National Center for Education Statistics). Get answers on Early Childhood Education, Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education here.

nces.ed.gov

If you have no idea what DOE's reach into K-12, why are you against this?

Just what is my ignorance here Gibby? And where in my post did I say I was against anything other than pimping out kids on national TV. Sitting at desks like little robots. Reality TV.

But by your remark you are apparently all in on gutting DOE. OK, that's fine. Feel free to share your wisdom and identify a few K-12 programs that should go. And how coming in and slashing it and other programs willy-nilly rather than thoughtfully analyzing the various operations is the way to go about things......

 

[UberCougars]

Moving Special Needs Services and Nutrition Programs to HHS may make sense if they retain the staff necessary to provide the services. I don't see how making the SBA responsible for student loans makes any sense...but I guess we'll see.

EDIT: it should be noted that shuffling things around is not necessarily "efficient"

What if consolidation of systems adds to efficiency? Good? Or bad?

What possible benefit is derived from refusing to look?

 

[dgibbons]

Just what is my ignorance here Gibby? And where in my post did I say I was against anything other than pimping out kids on national TV. Sitting at desks like little robots. Reality TV.

But by your remark you are apparently all in on gutting DOE. OK, that's fine. Feel free to share your wisdom and identify a few K-12 programs that should go. And how coming in and slashing it and other programs willy-nilly rather than thoughtfully analyzing the various operations is the way to go about things......

About 20 percent of kids in public school wear uniforms. That's your lesson for today.

Education at the K-12 level hasn't exactly been world beating. I'm in favor of trying something else rather than repeating something that isn't working, or investing more in something that isn't working. My wife happens to be a special ed teacher and has no objection to this. Dismantling the grant apparatus might result in more money going where it's supposed to, rather than more administrators. Getting rid of the DOE's Office of Civil Rights hopefully means WSU and other colleges will be rid of acting as quasi law enforcement agencies which they are uniquely ill-suited for.

Continue yelling at clouds if you wish.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

About 20 percent of kids in public school wear uniforms. That's your lesson for today.

Education at the K-12 level hasn't exactly been world beating. I'm in favor of trying something else rather than repeating something that isn't working, or investing more in something that isn't working. My wife happens to be a special ed teacher and has no objection to this. Dismantling the grant apparatus might result in more money going where it's supposed to, rather than more administrators. Getting rid of the DOE's Office of Civil Rights hopefully means WSU and other colleges will be rid of acting as quasi law enforcement agencies which they are uniquely ill-suited for.

Continue yelling at clouds if you wish.

Well all of that sounds fine to me Gibby. I just prefer that this and all the random firings were done in a business-like manner and based on facts. Which they are not. And I am shamed that I did not know that some public schools have uniforms. I've never seen any, although I don't prowl around schools checking skirts very often.

And if you (and wifey?) approve of pimping out kids on TV for theatrics then you be you. That spectacle was disgusting. And don't tell me that any President has phonied up such a display. Kids sitting at desks pretending to do schoolwork on camera.

 

[Coug90]

did you learn that from Mom?

From your second favorite source (my mom doesn’t know how to use Grok)

Donald Trump and members of his family have been found liable or convicted of various fraudulent activities in both civil and criminal cases. Below is a summary of key instances where courts or legal proceedings have determined fraud involving Donald Trump or his family, based on widely reported and documented outcomes:

1. **Trump Organization Civil Fraud Case (New York, 2022-2024)**
- In September 2023, New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Donald Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization committed fraud by inflating the value of their assets and net worth on financial statements for over a decade (2011-2021). The judge found they exaggerated Trump’s net worth by between $812 million and $2.2 billion to secure better loan terms, insurance deals, and tax benefits. Examples include:
- Overvaluing Trump’s Trump Tower penthouse by claiming it was nearly three times its actual size, leading to a valuation of $327 million.
- Valuing Mar-a-Lago at up to $739 million, despite its assessed value being no more than $28 million.
- Outcome: In February 2024, Engoron ordered Trump and his companies to pay $355 million, which, with interest, exceeds $450 million. Trump was banned from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years, and his sons faced two-year bans. The Trump Organization’s business licenses were initially ordered canceled, though this is under appeal.

2. **Trump Organization Criminal Tax Fraud (New York, 2022)**
- In December 2022, two Trump Organization entities (Trump Corp. and Trump Payroll Corp.) were convicted on 17 counts of criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. The scheme involved a 15-year effort to evade taxes by providing top executives, like CFO Allen Weisselberg, with unreported perks (e.g., luxury apartments, car leases, and tuition payments) to reduce taxable income.
- Donald Trump was not personally charged, but prosecutors highlighted his awareness of the scheme, including signing checks and approving benefits. Weisselberg, who pleaded guilty to 15 felony tax charges, testified that Trump sanctioned the fraud.
- Outcome: The Trump Organization was fined $1.6 million, the maximum penalty allowed.

3. **Trump Foundation Fraud (New York, 2018-2019)**
- In 2018, New York Attorney General Letitia James (then Barbara Underwood) sued Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, alleging the Donald J. Trump Foundation engaged in illegal self-dealing and fraud. The charity misused funds, including:
- Using $258,000 to settle personal legal disputes for Trump.
- Spending $10,000 on a portrait of Trump later displayed at one of his properties.
- Diverting funds to support Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- Outcome: In 2019, Trump was ordered to pay $2 million in damages, and the Trump Foundation was shut down. Trump and his children were barred from running charities in New York, with the sons required to undergo mandatory training.

4. **Trump University Fraud (Federal, 2016)**
- In lawsuits filed in 2013 and 2016, former students accused Trump University—a for-profit real estate seminar business—of fraud, alleging it misled them with false promises of valuable education and mentorship from Trump. The program charged up to $35,000, but delivered little substance.
- Outcome: Trump settled three lawsuits (two class-action suits and one from New York AG) for $25 million in 2016, shortly after his election. He admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to pay to resolve the cases.

These cases represent the most prominent instances where Donald Trump or his family have been legally determined to have engaged in fraudulent conduct. The Trump Organization and Trump have consistently denied wrongdoing, often framing these rulings as politically motivated, and several are under appeal. However, these findings stem from judicial rulings and jury verdicts based on evidence presented in court.

 

[dgibbons]

Well all of that sounds fine to me Gibby. I just prefer that this and all the random firings were done in a business-like manner and based on facts. Which they are not. And I am shamed that I did not know that some public schools have uniforms. I've never seen any, although I don't prowl around schools checking skirts very often.

And if you (and wifey?) approve of pimping out kids on TV for theatrics then you be you. That spectacle was disgusting. And don't tell me that any President has phonied up such a display. Kids sitting at desks pretending to do schoolwork on camera.

I assumed you were appalled by this.

 

[UberCougars]

From your second favorite source (my mom doesn’t know how to use Grok)

Donald Trump and members of his family have been found liable or convicted of various fraudulent activities in both civil and criminal cases. Below is a summary of key instances where courts or legal proceedings have determined fraud involving Donald Trump or his family, based on widely reported and documented outcomes:

1. **Trump Organization Civil Fraud Case (New York, 2022-2024)**
- In September 2023, New York Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that Donald Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization committed fraud by inflating the value of their assets and net worth on financial statements for over a decade (2011-2021). The judge found they exaggerated Trump’s net worth by between $812 million and $2.2 billion to secure better loan terms, insurance deals, and tax benefits. Examples include:
- Overvaluing Trump’s Trump Tower penthouse by claiming it was nearly three times its actual size, leading to a valuation of $327 million.
- Valuing Mar-a-Lago at up to $739 million, despite its assessed value being no more than $28 million.
- Outcome: In February 2024, Engoron ordered Trump and his companies to pay $355 million, which, with interest, exceeds $450 million. Trump was banned from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years, and his sons faced two-year bans. The Trump Organization’s business licenses were initially ordered canceled, though this is under appeal.

2. **Trump Organization Criminal Tax Fraud (New York, 2022)**
- In December 2022, two Trump Organization entities (Trump Corp. and Trump Payroll Corp.) were convicted on 17 counts of criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. The scheme involved a 15-year effort to evade taxes by providing top executives, like CFO Allen Weisselberg, with unreported perks (e.g., luxury apartments, car leases, and tuition payments) to reduce taxable income.
- Donald Trump was not personally charged, but prosecutors highlighted his awareness of the scheme, including signing checks and approving benefits. Weisselberg, who pleaded guilty to 15 felony tax charges, testified that Trump sanctioned the fraud.
- Outcome: The Trump Organization was fined $1.6 million, the maximum penalty allowed.

3. **Trump Foundation Fraud (New York, 2018-2019)**
- In 2018, New York Attorney General Letitia James (then Barbara Underwood) sued Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, alleging the Donald J. Trump Foundation engaged in illegal self-dealing and fraud. The charity misused funds, including:
- Using $258,000 to settle personal legal disputes for Trump.
- Spending $10,000 on a portrait of Trump later displayed at one of his properties.
- Diverting funds to support Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- Outcome: In 2019, Trump was ordered to pay $2 million in damages, and the Trump Foundation was shut down. Trump and his children were barred from running charities in New York, with the sons required to undergo mandatory training.

4. **Trump University Fraud (Federal, 2016)**
- In lawsuits filed in 2013 and 2016, former students accused Trump University—a for-profit real estate seminar business—of fraud, alleging it misled them with false promises of valuable education and mentorship from Trump. The program charged up to $35,000, but delivered little substance.
- Outcome: Trump settled three lawsuits (two class-action suits and one from New York AG) for $25 million in 2016, shortly after his election. He admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to pay to resolve the cases.

These cases represent the most prominent instances where Donald Trump or his family have been legally determined to have engaged in fraudulent conduct. The Trump Organization and Trump have consistently denied wrongdoing, often framing these rulings as politically motivated, and several are under appeal. However, these findings stem from judicial rulings and jury verdicts based on evidence presented in court.

It’s not over for Latisha James, Alvin Bragg and Fani Willis. In fact, the fun is just about to start!

 

[UberCougars]

 

[WillieThePimp]

LSD is a helluva drug.

That probably only partially explains your cognitive deficits

 

[Coug90]

It’s not over for Latisha James, Alvin Bragg and Fani Willis. In fact, the fun is just about to start!

Basically proving what just said a couple of posts above. Thanks!

 

[95coug]

View embedded media

Where education is concerned, we’re going to find that the obstacles are more often local than federal. Attacking DOE isn’t going to solve the problem. More likely, it’ll make it worse by adding uncertainty to authority, process, and enforcement, and by interrupting funding.

Flat was right, the way to do it is look at what the department is doing and eliminating the things that don’t work. Use a scalpel, not a hatchet.

 

[Flatlandcoug]

What if consolidation of systems adds to efficiency? Good? Or bad?

What possible benefit is derived from refusing to look?

Maybe small business loans are the same as student loans. Maybe the SBA people have so much time that they can handle the extra work. Maybe they move everyone over to SBA and nothing changes but y'all get to feel that Musk had a "win".