News (USA)

Trump administration honors Russian & Filipino holidays. Still won’t recognize pride month.

DECEMBER 15, 2016: President Trump smirks smile during his speech at a "Thank You" Tour rally held at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA.
DECEMBER 15, 2016: President Trump smirks smile during his speech at a "Thank You" Tour rally held at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. Photo: Shutterstock

The Trump administration has continued to cozy up to brutal dictators worldwide this week.

The President managed to feud with traditional American allies at the G7 meeting and hold an intimate private conversation with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in the span of three days.

While at the G7, Trump’s major push – other than trying to justify his new tariffs on countries like Canada – was for Russia’s reinstatement into the group. The country was kicked out of the gathering – formerly known as the G8 – after it annexed Crimea.

Trump has had two consistencies during his presidency – his love of Russia and his hatred of minority groups, Latinos and LGBTQ people in particular. In fact, his administration has refused to issue the traditional proclamation for pride month; they chose to honor “Great Outdoors Month” and “National Ocean Month” instead.

In contrast, Trump sent holiday “best wishes” and “congratulations” to dictators Vladimir Putin and Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines yesterday through Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

“On behalf of The President of the United States and the American people, I congratulate the Russian Federation and the people of Russia on the occasion of ‘Russia Day’,” the department sent to Putin. “On this day, we honor the citizens of the Russian Federation and their aspirations for the democratic principles of universal freedom, civil liberties, and the rule of law.”

The Philippines got a similar message for their Independence Day – and a passive aggressive bit of Pacific theatre saber rattlings on the day Trump sat down with the North Korean leader.

“On behalf of President Trump and the American people, I want to extend my best wishes and sincerest congratulations to the people of the Republic of the Philippines, as you commemorate your 120th independence day this June 12,” the department sent Duterte.

“The U.S.-Philippines alliance is underpinned by a shared history, rich people-to-people ties, and a strong and growing spirit of cooperation on trade and security. Our bilateral relationship stands as a model for ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. The United States is proud to call the Philippines a friend and ally.

“On this special occasion celebrating Philippine independence, we remember and honor our enduring alliance and wish the Philippines a happy and prosperous national day.”

The Department of State issued it’s own pride statement this year.

 

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