Ottawa County Commission Vice Chair Josh Brugger (R-Grand Haven) Compares President Trump To Hitler

 

Ottawa County Commission Vice Chair Josh Brugger

 By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Josh Brugger, the Vice Chair of the Ottawa County Commission (and a Republican from Grand Haven), recently compared President Trump to Hitler.

His controversial statement was made after President Trump and Vice President JD Vance's famous showdown with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

Brugger did not apologize when called out. 

Instead, he doubled down---defending his stunning remarks in a lengthy rant, basically claiming that people who disagreed were ignorant, and didn't know history.

"Brandon, You fail to understand the context of the post, and of history for that matter," Brugger said. "If I had actually said that President Trump was like Hitler or Mussolini or Stalin, you’d be absolutely right to call me out. That’s not what I said. I’m a Republican who has voted for President Trump. Being conservative or liberal has zilch to do with this. And, if you bothered to read the post that my post was made in response to, bothered to read the entire post, or bothered to read a history book, you would understand the significance of a 100 years of the United States standing against dictators, against fascism, against aggression of the nature we are now witnessing… 100 years of my fellow Americans standing courageously even to death, for democracy, for freedom, for self determination, for the sovereignty of nations; while standing alongside European nations who believe the same… presidents like Dwight Eisenhower (commander in chief of the allied forces in Europe, the first commander of NATO forces and one of the most popular presidents in the history of our nation) and especially Ronald Reagan whose strength, tenacity, devotion to democracy and free market capitalism, famously demanded that Gorbachev take down the Berlin Wall… and it was taken down, if you could grasp even a sliver of an understanding of history, then you would see clearly which side of the great divide our current president sits on. Further, for Brandon, the word “compare” has no place in this conversation. President Trump is no Wilhelm, Hitler, or Stalin. He is the President of the greatest democracy in history. Yet right now, on this matter, he has chosen to sit on their side of the table; against liberty, against democracy, against the free world. It is a tectonic shift; one that lady liberty and every past president of the United States who fought for freedom, for us and for our brothers and sisters throughout the world, regardless of party affiliation, would call out. We ought all to be doing the same. As for the card game that our president is playing with the lives of millions, the greatest trump card in any political hand, is the one that reads “Democracy”.

Grand Haven resident Ben Genser said that Brugger's long-winded defense just doesn't hold up.

"With all due respect, Josh, I appreciate the history lesson, but your argument falls apart under scrutiny," Genser said. "You claim you weren’t ‘comparing’ Trump to Hitler or Stalin, yet you placed him on the same side of a so-called ‘great divide’ with them. That’s not just a comparison—it’s an outright indictment, and a dangerous one at that.

The reality is that President Trump governed within the framework of the U.S. Constitution and strengthened American democracy, rather than undermining it. He prioritized American sovereignty, promoted free-market capitalism, supported our military, and stood as one of the strongest allies to Israel—a beacon of democracy in the Middle East. His administration’s actions, including brokering historic peace deals through the Abraham Accords, are a testament to that.

Throwing around reckless historical analogies does nothing to elevate the discussion. If we want to talk about America’s role in defending democracy, let’s do it based on facts—not partisan theatrics and misguided moral posturing."

Brugger can be reached at jbrugger@miottawa.org---but be nice :)

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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨Breaking: Grand Haven May Become A "Sanctuary City" For Illegal Immigrants🚨

The City Of Grand Haven's Human Relations Commission discusses
making Grand Haven a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants Thursday night

 By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The City of Grand Haven took the first steps towards becoming a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants on Thursday night.

The issue was on the agenda at the Human Relations Commission meeting, and the HRC will soon make a recommendation to City Council on whether or not the city should become a safe haven for illegals. 

That would mean that all of the AMAZING Grand Haven Department Of Public Safety officers wouldn't be able to cooperate with ICE in the best interest of public safety, among other radical changes.

Sanctuary status for GH would also put State and federal funding for the City of Grand Haven at risk with President Trump and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall's recent orders.

Less than half a dozen people (including myself) were in attendance for Thursday's meeting, and no traditional media was present.

The best ways to help fight back against Grand Haven becoming a "sanctuary city" for illegals?

1. Follow the "Keep Grand Haven Safe" Facebook page for breaking updates.

2. Send an Email RIGHT NOW to all the Grand Haven City Council Members:

Mike Fritz                       MFritz@GrandHaven.org

Karen Lowe                   KLowe@GrandHaven.org

Mayor Bob Monetza     BMonetza@GrandHaven.org 

Kevin McLaughlin         KMclaughlin@GrandHaven.org

3. Email BHallGH@Gmail.com if you want to help by volunteering your time, or making a small donation...

4. Attend the next City Council meeting on Monday, March 3rd at 7:30 PM at Grand Haven City Hall, and make sure your voice is heard!

______________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

1st District DRAMA: 9 Things Delegates Need To Know Before State Convention

 By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The 1st Republican Congressional District has been engulfed in extreme turmoil, and a whole lot of unnecessary drama these last 24 months.

The "fightin' 1st" is a region that has had many 12 round brawls over the years, so having some issues is nothing new. 

However, some of the people now trying to take power as part of Daire Rendon's slate are quite the cast of characters---circus would be a NICE way to describe the situation.

Here are 9 things all 1st District Delegates need to know before voting at the Michigan Republican Party State Convention in Detroit:

1. Daire Rendon And The Fake Houghton Lake Convention 

There is a lot to like about Daire Rendon--she is tough, and principled. I like that about her.

However, like many other members of the slate she's leading, she has allowed her support of Kristina Karamo to totally blind her. One might call it "Karamo Derangement Syndrome."

And let me be clear: I have no personal problem with Kristina Karamo---had she only told her supporters to attend the January 6, 2024 meeting instead of telling them not to go, she would still be Chair today.

Anyway, the "fake" Houghton Lake convention is a perfect example of Rendon's "Karamo Derangement Syndrome." 

Delegates got screwed, wasting their time and money---with NOTHING to show for it all! 

It's one thing not to like Pete Hoekstra---shooting your own foot off, and tricking delegates into attending a half baked "convention" they knew wouldn't ever be recognized because of it is just absolutely STUPID.

2. Karl Bohnak Issue

Karl Bohnak's victory was because of many people, namely Karl himself, House Speaker Matt Hall--- along with Bill G. Schuette and the HRCC---Congressman Jack Bergman, and of course, the amazing grassroots activists all across the UP, and throughout the entire 1st District. 

1st District leadership should be proud they were a piece of the puzzle in a historic victory---but this narrative that they recruited him (false) and then won the race for him (false) is total BS.

State Rep. Karl Bohnak

3. Dan Bonamie Helped Lead The Campaign For Sheriff's Candidate Charged With Sex Crimes Against Children

Dan Bonamie was a strong supporter of disgraced Crawford County Sheriff's candidate Aaron Blaine.

Blaine withdrew from the race after he was arrested and charged with 7 counts of sex crimes against multiple minors, one of whom was under 13.

Here, Bonamie gathers signatures for his friend to get on the ballot:

4. Asuka Barden BETRAYED President Trump

Asuka Barden betrayed President Trump: she actively worked against him, and did not support him in 2024. 

Why? because she has such a deranged allegiance to Kristina Karamo. 

It's really weird, and very concerning...

She's turned her back on President Trump before---how long until she does it again? 

We don't have time to deal with what mood Asuka might be in today for whatever reason, we have elections to win!

5. Standerfer Incompetence

Every campaign finance report Jennifer Standerfer filed for the Michigan Republican Party was filled with multiple basic errors, frankly she had no idea what she was doing. I don't mean just a couple---there are dozens of pages of basic errors in response letters from the FEC.

Here is just a small sample:

 

6. Todd Smalenberg

Todd Smalenberg's status as a Veteran who served honoraby isn't up for debate---but he was busted trying to pretend he lives in a little camper in Hilman and not his big, beautiful home in Mio he shares with his wife where he actually resides.

Smalenberg was lucky the issue hadn't been discovered sooner, or he would have been thrown off the ballot.

However, State Rep. Cam Cavitt decided not to press charges against Smalenberg, and instead let the voters decide---Cavitt went on to beat him very badly in the primary.

Read More:

https://westmipolitics.blogspot.com/2024/06/breaking-is-state-house-candidate-todd.html

https://westmipolitics.blogspot.com/2024/07/breaking-todd-smalenberg-admits-he.html

7. Neil Friske

Neil Friske's issues are well known. 

He is currently the target in a major investigation for allegedly chasing a stripper while he was carrying a gun last summer after he brought her over to his house. What happened? Who knows.

Friske has an extremely controversial history with women though that directly contradicts the public image he has long sought to portray.

Read More:

🚨Breaking: Bombshell WMP Investigation Reveals State Rep. Neil Friske's Controversial History With Women🚨

8. Randy Bishop

Randy Bishop sure is entertaining---he is also an insanely hypocritical loud mouth, and a serial fraudster who is struggling to get out of bankruptcy.

Bishop was convicted on two felony fraud counts in connection with taking $50,000 from a Macomb County couple for a building project:

In another case, Bishop defrauded $200,000 from other victims:

9. The slate led by Creston Scheel will focus on the issues that really matter---like winning Governor, US Senate, the State Legislature, and EVERYTHING else in 2026---all while supporting President Trump, and making the 1st District a statewide leader that is strong and respected again.

The Rendon slate may still be talking about Kristina Karamo in 2026...

Choose wisely, Delegates!

______________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

(D)erp! House Dems Actually "Forgot" To Send Horrendous Bills Passed In Lame Duck To Governor Whitmer For Her Approval 🤷‍♂️

 

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

You can't make this up: failed former House Speaker Joe Tate and House Democrats forgot to send 9 of their horrendous bills from Lame Duck over to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for approval before the new Republican State House took over!

Like, you have ONE job, folks---what the hell?

The situation is unprecedented---and headed for court---as Speaker Hall seeks legal advice.

Apparently, Whitmer wanted nothing to do with the bills anyway, which makes me wonder just who "accidentally" forgot to send them to her...

According to Craig Mauger of The Detroit News:

"Nine bills, prioritized by Michigan Democrats that the state Legislature approved in the final days of 2024, haven't physically reached Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's desk, setting up a potential high-stakes legal fight with Republicans now in control of the House.

It wasn't clear Thursday why the bills, including one that would increase what public employers pay toward their workers' health care, weren't sent to the Democratic governor before Republicans took power in the House on Jan. 1. If they don't reach Whitmer's desk, they can't be signed into law.

Legislative records indicate the House ordered the measures be presented to Whitmer on Dec. 23. But it hadn't happened as of Thursday, a day after new House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, and his House clerk, Scott Starr, were officially elected to lead the chamber.

In addition to the legislation that would require public employers to pay a larger share of employee health care, other bills still not presented to the governor would put corrections officers in the state police pension system and exclude disability, public assistance and worker's compensation from debt garnishments. The employee health insurance change and pensions for corrections officers had been major legislative priorities for labor unions allied with Democrats.

All nine bills originated in the House and had gained the approval of the House. But they didn't pass the Senate until a marathon 29-hour-long session that began on the morning of Dec. 19 and ended on the afternoon of Dec. 20. Because the bills started in the House, it was up to the House to formally present them to Whitmer.

But the House abruptly adjourned Dec. 19 without a quorum — due to a boycott of 54 Republicans and one Democrat — and was unable to adopt a sine die resolution, which usually marks a legal end of the session and sets the clock ticking on when bills become effective.

House clerks have since been working through the remaining bills meant to be presented to the governor but have not yet gotten to the last nine, which also happen to be some of the more controversial legislation to get through both chambers. Whitmer was known to be "at best lukewarm" on some of the remaining bills, according to one source with knowledge of the negotiations on the legislation."

Stay tuned!

____________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨BREAKING: Bars And Restaurants Adding New "Whitmer Tax" To Your Bill As Republicans Try To Save Michigan's Tipping System From Democrat Destruction🚨

 

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

Michigan's tipped wage system is on the verge of total annihilation next month, and now, bars and restaurants are getting ready for the change by adding large fees onto the bills of customers---a "Whitmer Tax," if you will.

The issues stems from a 2018 ballot measure drastically expanding the minimum wage that was supported by Whitmer and the Democrats, as well as a subsequent ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court, saying the legislature's attempt to reform the measure while concurrently adopting it was unconstitutional. 

Speaker Matt Hall and House Republicans have made #SaveMITips a top priority, with State Rep. Bill G. Schuette appointed to lead a special committee devoted just to this issue.

State Rep. Bill G. Schuette 

The changes could cost thousands of employees their jobs, hundreds of small businesses to close, and hurts families all across Michigan just looking for a fun night out. 

Soon, only corporate fast food chains and elitist hotspots will be just about the only ones left standing as nearly everyone else struggles to afford the new law.

Below, a Metro Detroit area bar and restaurant who opposes the changes has instituted a new ~22% fee in order to help offset the costs, giving patrons a glimpse into the future...

____________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

🚨BREAKING: Speaker Hall Gives House Oversight Committee Full Subpoena Power To Investigate Whitmer, Nessel, And Benson🚨

 

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

The new Speaker Of The House Matt Hall will give the House Oversight Committee historic authority to issue subpoenas as it investigates Governor Gretchen Whitmer,  Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson, and Attorney General Dana Nessel, sources tell West Michigan Politics.

Usually, subpoenas at House Oversight have to be dealt with individually, on a case by case basis---not anymore. The Oversight Committee now has the ability to subpoena whoever they need to in order to get answers.

This move shows Speaker Hall is for real about holding Whitmer, Benson, and Nessel accountable for what they have done to our over state the last 6 years.

One of the biggest issues the Oversight Committee will investigate is "how the Government abused its authority and failed in public transparency during COVID."

Investigation of the Chinese Gotion scandal is also on the agenda, among many other important subjects...

Speaker Hall is also planning a MAJOR expansion of the House Oversight Committee in order to make sure the investigations cover all the bases.

According to Kyle Olson at The Midwesterner:

"Incoming House Speaker Matt Hall is planning an expansive oversight committee that will carefully scrutinize Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration and other aspects of state government, a Republican source familiar with Hall’s thinking tells The Midwesterner.

According to the source, Hall plans six Oversight subcommittees, including:

-Weaponization of State Government

-Child Welfare System

-Corporate Subsidies and State Investments

-Public Health and Food Security

-Homeland Security and Foreign Influence

-State and Local Public Assistance Programs

Hall’s creation of subcommittees is unprecedented and reflects an anticipated vigorous investigation into Whitmer’s policies and decisions in particular. But it’s expected the subcommittees will also be reviewing Attorney General Dana Nessel’s actions, as well as those of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson."

____________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com

Matt Hall Has Supported President Trump From The Very Beginning---Now, He's The Next Speaker Of The Michigan House

By Brandon Hall 

(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)

State Rep. Matt Hall was overwhelmingly elected to be the next Speaker Of The House on Thursday after Hall's leadership was instrumental in flipping the Michigan State House from Democrat to Republican in a historic victory last week, winning big races in every corner of the state. 

A Republican representing parts of Allegan County and Kalamazoo County in Lansing, Hall has been the House Minority Leader since November 2022.

Hall and his team at the House Republican Campaign Committee---along with support from President Trump, as well as Republican leaders and grassroots activists throughout Michigan---successfully defended every Republican State House seat while also booting four Democrat incumbents from office: State Rep. Jenn Hill in the UP, State Rep. Jamie Churches in Wayne County, State Rep. Jim Haadsma in Calhoun County, and State Rep. Nate Shannon in Macomb County. No state legislative chamber in the country changed hands, except Michigan's House.

Statewide, President Trump was a strong leader at the top of the ticket, winning with 1.5% of the vote. House Republicans kept up, winning their races by 2.2% statewide, and by 3.4% in competitive seats. In comparison, Mike Rogers lost to Elissa Slotkin by .3% in the US Senate race. 

Reclaiming the State House---and Trump's landslide---was a full circle moment for Hall, who has been one of the President's earliest supporters.

Standing with President Trump is nothing new for Hall, who has backed "The Donald" ever since he first announced his Presidential campaign with the famous escalator ride at Trump Tower. 

Hall was the first Republican Party Official in Michigan to endorse Trump in June of 2015, making him one of the first Republican Party leaders in the entire country to back President Trump.

Hall proudly served as a Trump delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, where he was a member of the extremely important Rules Committee. 

Hall fought the "Never Trumpers" on the floor of the convention, making the motion that shut down their disgusting efforts to steal the Republican Presidential nomination from Donald Trump, thus ending the "Never Trump" movement.

Hall personally shuts down the "Never Trump" movement at the 2016 Republican National Convention: 

When "Never Trump" leader Wendy Day used her official Michigan Republican Party title to go on TV and bash President Trump, Hall led the fight to have her removed. Day's removal was historic and unprecedented, with party leaders saying nothing like it had ever happened before.

Hall then Chaired the 3rd Congressional District for Trump's 2016 Michigan campaign. President Trump won both the 3rd District, and Michigan---the first time the state went red since 1988.

Hall stuck with President Trump in 2020, and after. 

Hall joins President Trump at a 2024 press conference in Grand Rapids to discuss the immigration crisis

Now, with Speaker Matt Hall at the helm, we can expect House Republicans to support and FIGHT for President Trump's agenda to help make Michigan---and America---Great Again!

____________________________________________

Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.

>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com