Distracting us with bombastic words and bombs
Hackensack, N.J.: Mr. President, where are those Epstein files? You’ve only released about 2% of the data, and even those documents were redacted beyond recognition. What’s the problem? You’re like a first-grader who keeps showing up to class with the same tired “the dog ate my homework” excuse.
Now that Greenland was a predictably embarrassing bust, what’s the next diversion from those files? A suggestion: Surprise us and take a week away from a news camera to give us all a much-deserved break from the public whining about your predecessor or perceived slights from anyone who doesn’t worship at your altar of stupidity. It’s laughable coming from a spoiled child of privilege such as yourself. Your corrupt presidency of graft, vengeance and ceaseless vacillation between loudly complaining and loudly boasting has become like a jackhammer outside our collective window every day since your inauguration.
If you want to raise your bottom-of-the-barrel approval ratings that are now hovering slightly below those of the COVID virus you once proclaimed was a hoax, please attempt to control your childlike need for attention and stay away from a news camera for just one week so that we can all catch our breath as a nation. Being forced to listen to your endless blather every day has become tiresome. Don’t worry, your quickly dwindling group of sheep-like cultists will still be there when you return. Ken Byrnes
Sacrificed stature
Ozone Park: Between President Trump saying that people of his ilk can grab women between their legs and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for corroborating with Epstein, I’m glad I missed the wealth train. These lower-case individuals can pretend they were clueless. No one can really believe they thought they could act with impunity because they were super rich or had power. Ray Hackinson
Swift justice
Kearny, N.J.: Now that the former Prince Andrew has been arrested in connection with his chummy relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and the former president of South Korea has been sentenced to life in prison for engaging in insurrection against his government, I have to ask: When will Trump face justice for these same sins and many others? Let’s not wait for the Lord to take care of it — let’s hold the bastard (and his henchmen, lackeys, sycophants and confederates) accountable now so we send a message to future would-be dictators, authoritarians and demagogues who would seek to harm our people and destroy our country! John Woodmaska
Fitting
Petaluma, Calif.: Extraordinary article by James Speyer (“The most powerful crime syndicate in history,” op-ed, Feb. 18). Interesting, isn’t it, that there’s a Don running it? Bob Canning
Real criminality
Highland Beach, Fla.: Guest columnist James Speyer hypocritically slanders Trump while claiming slander. The administration didn’t murder anyone. Two people made extremely poor decisions to attack, antagonize and interfere with federal immigration enforcement. Their deaths, though sad, were a result of their own aggressiveness and doing what they shouldn’t have. Though I wish they were still alive, death does not negate ill-advised choices. ICE agents do not target a color. They target illegals of any color, so let’s stop bastardizing the narrative. And why would we waste five years in court for an “illegal?” Where does it say that rapists, killers, human traffickers and other vile “illegal” invaders have this right to due process? Did I mention “illegal”? What do leftist wokesters who love to twist the facts not get about “illegal”? Elliot Marcus
Patriotic press
Sherrill, N.Y.: On Thursday morning, I awoke to Lawrence O’Donnell informing what lawyer James Speyer proclaimed in the Daily News: that Trump heads the biggest crime syndicate in the world. I want to thank you for giving me hope that a crucial part of the First Amendment is still alive. I was born when FDR was president, was in high school when Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower was in office, and was building a family when LBJ passed Medicare (upon which I rely today). So I hope you understand that my gratitude in your calling Trump out is profound. I only hope Americans have learned a lesson from Trump: What Benjamin Franklin said is true — we have to pay attention in order to keep our democracy. Sandy Miley
Call to action
East Hampton, L.I.: The op-ed was a true public service. Despite the Trump administration’s disregard for free speech, Speyer’s profound words should remind us how urgent the need is to hold Trump accountable. The blatant corruption and self-dealing must end. The midterms will give the American voter the opportunity to end this travesty of justice. The estimates of $1.5 billion in enrichment through the river of illegal payments and gifts gives true meaning to “pay to play.” The warden in “The Shawshank Redemption” learned that his use of the Bible to justify his abuses ultimately became a judgment on his own reign. March 28, 2026 is the next No Kings rally. This crime syndicate must end, and our demonstration of resistance will be the most patriotic action we can take. We would be co-conspirators if we remain bystanders. Steven A. Ludsin
Truer don
Bronx: James Speyer’s op-ed is more insightful than is probably evident to most readers. The “crime syndicate” of Trump and the love and tolerance in Bad Bunny’s historic and inclusive Super Bowl performance have earned the artist the title of Don Benito. “Don” is a title of respect, affection and admiration applied to people of age, worth, heart and accomplishment. Don Benito deserves the title, but Donald Trump has proven himself no don. Rose Mary Lancaster
Better before
Long Beach, L.I.: Who would have thought that after one month of Mayor Mamdani, we would be longing for Bill de Blasio!? Rob Ryan
Left holding the bill
Stratford, Conn.: Well, New Yorkers, you made your bed, now sleep in it. What did you think Mamdani was going to do when he took office? You voters got taken for a ride, now enjoy it. I’m having so much fun watching this storyline unfold. Wait until all these billionaires and companies start moving out of New York — then who’s going to support all the free services your mayor promised? Regular New Yorkers will pay the extra taxes, per the guy you elected. Nice job. Peter Sulzicki
Lack of intent
Pleasantville, N.Y.: To Voicer Terry Hansen: The claim against genocide in Gaza by Israel isn’t denial, but more that the civilian casualties aren’t intentional. If this was genocide, they wouldn’t be giving evacuation notices before striking, which I doubt any country committing genocide would do. Also, Hamas has a long history of hiding among civilians and placing them in harm’s way, while some dress as civilians to make it look like civilians were killed. Overall, Israel isn’t solely responsible for its actions. There are countries that really do this, but I don’t hear certain groups calling for boycotts against them as they do against Israel, which make them possibly antisemitic. Tal Barzilai
