WTF Just Happened Today

Friday, February 19, 2021

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1/ “Last night in Sweden”? Trump’s remark baffles a nation. During a campaign-style rally on Saturday in Florida, Trump issued a sharp if discursive attack on refugee policies in Europe, ticking off a list of places that have been hit by terrorists. Nothing particularly nefarious happened in Sweden on Friday — or Saturday, for that matter — and Swedes were left baffled. (New York Times)

• Trump clarifies remarks on Sweden: I got it from Fox News story. Trump confirmed speculation that a Fox News story about immigration and crime rates that aired on Tucker Carlson’s show was the origin of his statement. (The Hill)
• Trump cites non-existent terror attack, possibly confusing it with Sehwan in Pakistan. The source of Trump’s remark is unclear, but it came after Fox News aired an interview with film-maker Ami Horowitz, whose latest documentary examines whether high crime rates in areas of Sweden is linked to its previous open-door policy on people fleeing war and persecution. (The Guardian)
• Twitter mocks Trump for citing non-existent incident “Last Night In Sweden”. Twitter was quick to skewer him for the gaffe while speculating pointedly about what he might have meant. (Talking Points Memo)

• After the terrible events #lastnightinSweden , IKEA have sold out of this: pic.twitter.com/Bs1XI7ffKG

  — Jeanna Louise Skinner (@JeannaLStars) February 19, 2017
• Trump hands the mic to a supporter at Florida rally. In what appeared to be an improvised moment, Trump invited one of his supporters to join him on stage during a rally in Melbourne, Florida, on Saturday night. (CNN)
• Trump made 13 dubious claims during his rally in Florida. The president’s fishy statements included an attack on the “dishonest media” and an attempt to take credit for economic growth that preceded his administration. (Washington Post)

2/ Memos signed by DHS secretary describe sweeping new guidelines for deporting illegal immigrants. The new guidelines empower federal authorities to more aggressively detain and deport illegal immigrants inside the United States and at the border. A White House official said the memos were drafts and that they are under review by the White House Counsel’s Office, which is seeking some changes. The memos do not include measures to activate National Guard troops. (Washington Post)

• DHS memos describe aggressive...

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