Fascism Watch, February 8

Trump

Spicer stood by his earlier assessment that the operation, in which Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Ryan” Owens was killed, was a success. And then he went further — much further.

“It’s absolutely a success, and I think anyone who would suggest it’s not a success does disservice to the life of Chief Ryan Owens,” Spicer said at Wednesday’s daily briefing.

Trump launched Yemen raid after being told Obama wouldn’t have been ‘bold enough,’ report says

Trump’s Mix of Politics and Military Is Faulted

“When President Trump suggested that it was good to support him and said he was so thankful for the support of the military, it showed that he doesn’t understand what the military in a freely elected democracy is supposed to be doing,” said Mark Hertling, a retired Army lieutenant general.

“The military takes an oath to defend the Constitution, not certain politicians,” he added.

There’s a silver lining to Melania Trump’s libel suit against The Daily Mail.

“For students of good government, Melania’s lawsuit does have an upside: the discovery process.

Since she is seeking at least $150 million in damages stemming from missed business opportunities, the lawyers representing the Daily Mail should eventually avail themselves of their discovery powers to secure each and every e-mail, communique and document about White House business prospects that the Trump parents and children discussed. They should also subpoena the Trump family’s tax returns and banking records while they’re at it.”

Ivanka Trump oversaw Murdoch daughters’ trust. Role underscores close ties between US president’s family and Fox News.

According to the White House schedule, President @realDonaldTrump sent the @Nordstrom tweet 20 minutes into his daily intelligence briefing. pic.twitter.com/PkBtetnjJ0

— Reagan Battalion (@ReaganBattalion) February 8, 2017