"Hunger, Detention, and Hypocrisy – Trump's New Gaza Rhetoric, His Media War, and the Growing Chaos Under His Own Flag"

Donald Trump once again staged himself on Monday in Scotland as a contradictory conductor of a world thrown out of balance. On his luxurious golf course Turnberry, between greenkeepers and diplomacy, the US President met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer – officially to discuss Gaza, Ukraine, trade, and tariffs. In reality, however, Trump delivered an ego trip between image cultivation, calculated provocations, and political shifts – that, as so often, rely on images rather than substance. His clear distancing from Israel's portrayal of the situation in the Gaza Strip caused a stir. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had claimed over the weekend that there was no famine in Gaza – a statement that is now even being contradicted within Israel. Trump, on the other hand, told reporters: "Based on television... those children look very hungry." It was one of the rare moments in which the President publicly showed empathy – albeit in his typically superficial manner, relying on television images instead of facts. Nevertheless, he demanded that Israel must do more: "I want them to make sure they get the food," he announced. While Trump acknowledged that Israel "has a lot of responsibility," he immediately pointed to concerns over the 58 hostages held by Hamas since the 2023 attack – around 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

At the same time, Trump toughened his tone toward Moscow. After setting an ultimatum in mid-July to end Russia's war against Ukraine by early September, he now shortened the deadline significantly: According to Trump’s new words, Vladimir Putin has "10 to 12 days," meaning until about August 7 to 9. Otherwise, there will be "draconian tariffs." It is a political maneuver that recalls Trump’s earlier escalation spirals – this time under the guise of a forced peace. Domestically, Trump also faced setbacks. Two federal judges blocked key measures of his administration: In Rhode Island, Melissa DuBose prohibited the White House from tying funding for organizations to ideological conditions – such as opposing diversity or transgender rights. In Boston, Indira Talwani stopped Trump’s attempt to defund Planned Parenthood through new tax regulations. Both rulings are temporary but clear – and mark a judicial front against Trump’s culture war. Meanwhile, Trump’s immigration policy came under renewed fire. In the so-called "Alligator Alcatraz," a controversial ICE detention center in the Everglades, hundreds of people are allegedly being held without charges – isolated, without legal counsel, with hearings canceled. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated through his attorney that conditions had improved. A US judge – appointed by Trump – scheduled an oral hearing for August 18. The reality in Ochopee, however, remains grim.

Trump’s legal skirmishes also show no sign of slowing. In a case against the Wall Street Journal, which reported on Trump's ties to Epstein, the President wants Rupert Murdoch to testify under oath within 15 days – citing his age and fragile health. That Trump also stated at Monday’s press conference that he had made Epstein "persona non grata" because he "stole staff" from him, puzzled even loyal observers. Just last week, the White House had said Epstein was kicked out of the club for "inappropriate behavior." In parallel, political tensions around Ghislaine Maxwell are intensifying. Democrats in the US Senate are now demanding the release of audio recordings from her recent interview with the Department of Justice. The fact that the interview was conducted not by experienced prosecutors but by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is causing concern – as is the lack of transparency despite earlier promises from Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi. Senator Dick Durbin openly called it a "diversionary tactic" and demanded a full rejection of any pardon. Maxwell herself also spoke out – through her lawyers. In a petition to the Supreme Court, she again called for the overturning of her conviction, arguing that as a presumed Epstein co-conspirator she had been promised immunity in 2008. Her lawyer even appealed directly to Trump in an interview, asking him to acknowledge that Maxwell is merely being used as a "scapegoat" for a judicial failure.

At the same time, the Trump administration is battling accusations on another front – namely that it is deliberately blocking the release of Epstein files. Vice President JD Vance, himself from Ohio, stated at an event that they are working to release all "credible information" – "but it takes time." One court had already rejected the initial request to release grand jury transcripts, while a second case is still pending. Trump, however, wants "full transparency." Apparently, he wants to force that transparency – on others. In a bizarre comment on a Wall Street Journal report about an alleged drawing in an Epstein birthday letter, Trump insisted he doesn’t draw. Only for charity, buildings. Never women. That the letter, according to the Journal, contained precisely such a drawing, Trump did not directly deny – he evaded. Meanwhile, Trump is trying to project strength internationally – with gifts for allies. He announced plans to ease visa restrictions for Argentine tourists in support of his ally Javier Milei. The process will be long, but the symbolic gesture is politically unmistakable. At the same time, Trump reached a new trade framework with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – with a 15 percent tariff on most goods. The agreement temporarily eased economic worries, but tensions remain. Meanwhile, a quiet but significant retreat is unfolding within the US: NASA is losing one-fifth of its workforce through a voluntary separation program – nearly 4,000 employees. The reason: restructuring, conflicting goals, a gradual erosion of science’s significance in Trump’s political climate. An open protest letter from over 300 current and former NASA employees criticizes the direction. Domestically, unrest is also growing. The Supreme Court is soon expected to review a ruling by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that bans private individuals and NGOs from filing lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act – a fundamental break with decades of precedent. For many, it’s an attack on civil society’s watchdog function and an attempt to monopolize the legal enforcement of voting rights. But while Washington is preoccupied with courts, files, and formalities, the real drama continues in Gaza. While Israel has announced airdrops, aid organizations report that relief remains absent. In the midst of the debate, Trump uttered a sentence that – as banal as it may sound – says everything about the absurdity of this presidency: "Based on television... those children look very hungry." It is a sentence that simultaneously reveals and conceals. Because words alone do not feed anyone. Not even when they come from television.

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