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Donald

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, marking a historic comeback after his 2020 loss and facing multiple indictments. His campaign focused on economic issues and immigration, resonating with voters who felt worse off than in 2020, and he secured key battleground states to surpass the electoral vote threshold. Despite being a convicted felon, Trump maintained strong support within the Republican Party and promised a 'golden age' for America during his victory speech.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
20 views25 pages

Donald

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, marking a historic comeback after his 2020 loss and facing multiple indictments. His campaign focused on economic issues and immigration, resonating with voters who felt worse off than in 2020, and he secured key battleground states to surpass the electoral vote threshold. Despite being a convicted felon, Trump maintained strong support within the Republican Party and promised a 'golden age' for America during his victory speech.

Uploaded by

chrisknopa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

Donald Trump wins election in historic comeback after 2020 loss, indictments and bruising campaign

Updated on: November 6, 2024 / 7:52 PM EST / CBS News

Donald J. Trump's projected victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election marks a
historic and improbable comeback for the former president, who left office in 2021 after failing to overturn
the 2020 election results. Afterward, he became the first former president to be charged with either state or
federal crimes, with four separate indictments, one of which resulted in conviction.
"We overcame obstacles that nobody ever thought we could," he said on election night after a bitter,
bruising campaign. He vowed to fight for every family and for their futures. "This will truly be the golden
age of America," he vowed.
Trump was projected by CBS News to have won the battleground states of North Carolina, Georgia,
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan — surpassing the electoral vote threshold of 270 by 21 votes with a
total of 291. Votes were still being counted in the other battleground states of Nevada and Arizona.
Exit polling shows Trump won overwhelmingly among White voters without a college education and
made inroads with Black and Latino men.
Throughout his two-year campaign, Trump hammered President Biden, and later Harris, on inflation
and the economy. It's a message that resonated with voters, whose views on the economy are more negative
now than they were in 2020, despite the pandemic that brought the economy to a halt during his presidency.
Nationally and across the battleground states, on the question of whether voters are better off now than they
were four years ago, more voters said they are financially worse off.
In Georgia, independent voters broke for Trump in Georgia, 54% to 43%, according to CBS News
exit polls. This is a group that backed Mr. Biden in 2020 by 9 points. The economy was their top issue.
Harris and Trump attracted equal support from independents in North Carolina, but that meant the
vice president was winning a smaller share than Mr. Biden did in 2020. Even with that edge, North Carolina
was the lone battleground state Trump won that year.
Trump also ran hard on immigration — as he has for nearly a decade — and vowed at nearly every
campaign event that he'd carry out mass deportations if he's reelected. Exit polling showed that voters also
believed Trump would do a better job of confronting illegal immigration at the southern border.
Trump has had an unshakeable base of voters, and in this election, he was able to attract new voters
who were undecided — low-propensity, young male voters — turned out for him.
Trump is the first convicted felon to win the presidency. Sentencing for his federal conviction in the
New York "hush money" trial is set for Nov. 26 and raises questions about how a president-elect would be
punished under the law. He also faces criminal charges in three other cases whose futures are now in doubt.
At 78, Trump is the oldest person to be elected president — breaking the record held by President
Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race in July amid questions about his age and competency.
Mr. Biden was also 78 when he took office in 2021, but on Inauguration Day, Trump will be several months
older than Mr. Biden was when he was sworn in.
On his path to the presidency, Trump also survived two assassination attempts, one during a rally in
Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, when a gunman's bullet grazed his ear, and a separate incident at his West
Palm Beach golf club on Sept. 15 when a suspect fled after the Secret Service opened fire.
Launched 2024 campaign 2 years ago
Trump launched his 2024 campaign in November 2022, at his home in Florida, shortly after
Republicans fell short of their expectations of a "red wave" in the midterm elections. He built his campaign
on retribution, anti-immigrant rhetoric and a continued populist shift in his economic and social policies.
He held his first rally in Waco, Texas, months later, on March 24, 2023 — the 30th anniversary of
the standoff there between federal agents and Branch Davidian cult led by David Koresh that led to the death
of 82 members. Trump characterized his own race as the "final battle" and promised vengeance against
perceived political enemies.
"I am your warrior, I am your justice," Trump said, flanked by "witch hunt" signs surrounding the
stage. "For those who have been wronged and betrayed … I am your retribution."
United States v. Donald J. Trump
Trump's 2024 campaign was for a few months dominated by the four indictments against him. In
March 2023, he was indicted by the Manhattan district attorney on fraud charges stemming from his role in
hush money payments made to an adult film star before the 2016 election.
In addition to the New York case, Trump was indicted in two separate federal cases filed by special
counsel Jack Smith. He faced charges in Florida of mishandling classified documents he tried to keep at his
home after his presidency at his home. That case was dismissed by a judge who ruled that Smith's
appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional. Smith is appealing that decision.
In Washington, D.C., he faces charges over his alleged efforts to subvert the peaceful transfer of
power after the 2020 election. The judge in this case has yet to set a date for the trial as the parties remain in
litigation over what classified material can be included, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents
have some immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in office.
In Georgia, he was indicted with over a dozen others on charges stemming from efforts to overturn
the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. That case has been on hold by an appeals court since June.
Trump pleaded not guilty in all of the cases against him.
Trump's first indictment and only conviction in the New York hush money trial only bolstered his
poll numbers and his fundraising, solidifying his control over the Republican Party in the early stages of the
primary campaign. Within 24 hours of his conviction, he raised over $52.8 million.
Republican primaries
Trump faced a number of primary opponents, including two who served in his administration, former
Vice President Mike Pence and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. At the outset, Trump's biggest threat
appeared to be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a conservative governor whose state had the strongest showing
for Republicans in the midterm elections. But DeSantis failed to gain traction with GOP voters and dropped
his bid in January after finishing 30 points behind Trump in the Iowa caucuses.
Haley, Trump's remaining primary opponent, won only two contests — Vermont and Washington,
D.C. Trump never participated in a primary debate.
Once Trump clinched the nomination, he installed loyalists inside the Republican National
Committee, naming North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley and his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump,
as the party's co-chairs. The pair focused on "election integrity" in battleground states, filing lawsuits over
voter rolls and early-voting laws while they worked to convince conservatives that the early voting system
Trump disparaged for years was necessary for him to win.
Trump continued to cast doubt on early voting, which he saw as a tool for Democrats to try to steal
the 2024 election from him.
A new race — and an assassination attempt
After Trump and Mr. Biden clinched their respective nominations, their debate, hosted by CNN, was
scheduled for June 27. It became the most consequential debate in U.S. history when Mr. Biden's
performance, marred by gaffes, unfinished sentences and mumbling, caused Democratic leaders and voters
to question his ability to serve another term because of his age.
Trump did not campaign for 10 days following the debate, as a growing list of Democrats called on
Mr. Biden's cognitive ability to continue his reelection bid.
Mid-July was a turning point in the 2024 race, upending the presidential campaign.
On July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, when his ear was
grazed by a bullet after a gunman fired several times at him during a rally just before the Republican
convention.
A day and a half later, Trump tapped Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance, a first-term senator and bestselling
author of "Hillbilly Elegy," to be his running mate.
Days later he accepted the Republican Party nomination for the third time, making him the first
Republican to secure the party nomination three times since Richard Nixon.
A few days later, Mr. Biden exited the race and backed Harris for the Democratic nomination.
Just two months after the attempt on his life in Butler, Trump's life was put in danger again after an
attempted gunman, armed with a rifle, was spotted at his golf course in West Palm Beach on Sept. 15.
Trump returned to Butler on Oct. 5 for a rally with Elon Musk.
Focus on Harris in final days of campaign
With Mr. Biden out of the race, Trump trained their attention onto Harris, whom he disparaged as
"low IQ" and "stupid."
The Trump campaign labeled Harris "border czar" – a reference to her assignment by Mr. Biden to
address the root causes of migration into the U.S. from central American countries – and repeatedly attacked
her on immigration. He profanely disparaged her, calling Harris a "sh** vice president" and claiming she
was "importing illegal alien rapists and murderers."
Immigration was a constant in all of three of Trump's bids for the White House. He promised mass
deportations for migrants and promised to establish the death penalty for any migrant who kills a U.S.
citizen.
In the final week before the election, his campaign was embroiled in controversy. His rally at New
York's Madison Square Garden was overshadowed by comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who
referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating island of garbage," among other racist jokes.
During an interview with Tucker Carlson, he called former Rep. Liz Cheney, one of his most vocal
critics, a "war hawk" and suggested she'd have a different opinion on foreign wars if she had guns pointed at
her.
Trump also ramped up his rhetoric against the media, telling supporters two days before the election
that he wouldn't mind if someone tried to shoot through the media riser to assassinate him, as he complained
about the bulletproof glass positioned around him.
In his closing message on the trail in Georgia, Trump promised greatness if he won.
"After all we have been through together, we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in
American history," Trump said. "You watch, it's going to be so good, it's going to be so much fun. It'll be
nasty a little bit at times, and maybe at the beginning, in particular, but it's going to be something."

RETELLING

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, defeating Kamala Harris and making a significant
comeback after leaving office in 2021. He faced criminal charges after his previous presidency and was
convicted in one of four cases. On election night, he promised to make this term a "golden age" for America.
Trump secured key states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, giving him a winning total of 291
electoral votes. Votes were still being counted in Nevada and Arizona.

Trump's campaign focused on criticizing President Biden and later Harris over economic issues, which
resonated with voters who felt worse off than in 2020. He also emphasized strict immigration policies and
pledged mass deportations. Trump gained strong support from White voters without college degrees and saw
increased backing from Black and Latino men.

Trump's campaign overcame many challenges, including two assassination attempts—one at a rally in
Pennsylvania and another at his golf course in Florida. Despite these incidents and legal issues, his
conviction actually boosted his support among Republicans.

During the Republican primaries, Trump faced competitors like Mike Pence and Nikki Haley but won
easily, with Haley only winning two small contests. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once seen as a strong
contender, dropped out after failing in early voting.

Trump’s vice-presidential pick was Senator JD Vance. The campaign took a sharp turn when President
Biden withdrew from the race after a debate performance raised concerns about his ability to serve due to
age. Harris then became the Democratic nominee.

In the last part of the campaign, Trump attacked Harris, calling her ineffective, particularly on immigration
issues. His rallies included heated rhetoric, and he faced controversy when a comedian at one of his events
made offensive jokes. Trump also lashed out at the media and made strong statements about threats to his
life.

Despite everything, Trump assured voters that the next four years would be the best in U.S. history, though
he acknowledged challenges ahead.
Set Work

1. Transcribe and pronounce.


Project (v) [ˈprɒʤəkt]
Indictment [ɪnˈdaɪtmənt] обвинительный акт
Vow [vaʊ] клятва
Exit [ˈegzɪt]
Bulletproof [ˈbʊlɪtpruːf] пуленепробиваемый
Rhetoric [ˈretərɪk]
transfer (n) [ˈtrænsfɜː]
caucus [ˈkɔːkəs] собрание
gaffe [gæf] оплошность
controversy [ˈkɒntrəvɜːsɪ]
czar [zɑː] царь
hawk [hɔːk] ястреб, хищник
migrant [ˈmaɪgrənt]
comment [ˈkɒment]

2. Define the following words and word combinations.


To projected victory over, - предполагаемая победа над anticipated or predicted win
«Donald J. Trump's projected victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election
marks a historic and improbable comeback for the former president»

to overturn the results, отменить результаты. change the outcome of an event or decision
« Donald J. Trump left office in 2021 after failing to overturn the 2020 election results.»

to make inroads/an inroad with smb, - завоевывать позиции to start to have a direct and
noticeable effect (on something):
«Exit polling shows Trump won overwhelmingly among White voters without a college
education and made inroads with Black and Latino men.»

to hammer smb on sth, критиковать кого-либо за что-либо. to criticize,


«Throughout his two-year campaign, Trump hammered President Biden, and later Harris, on
inflation and the economy.»

to break for smb, поддержать кого-либо. shift support or votes in favor of a person.
«In Georgia, independent voters broke for Trump in Georgia, 54% to 43%, according to CBS
News exit polls.»

to turn out for smb, прийти проголосовать за кого-либо to participate in voting in support of a
specific candidate.
«Trump has had an unshakeable base of voters, and in this election, he was able to attract
new voters who were undecided — low-propensity, young male voters — turned out for
him.»
low-propensity,

to be sworn in, быть приведенным к присяге. To take an official oath of office


«on Inauguration Day, Trump will be several months older than Mr. Biden was when he was
sworn in.»

to run hard on smb, жестко выступал против to focus heavily on a specific topic, to
criticize someone severely
«Trump also ran hard on immigration — as he has for nearly a decade — and vowed at
nearly every campaign event that he'd carry out mass deportations if he's reelected.»

standoff, противостояние a situation in which agreement in an argument does not seem


possible
«March 24, 2023 — the 30th anniversary of the standoff there between federal agents and
Branch Davidian cult led by David Koresh that led to the death of 82 members.»

to be flanked by sth, примыкать, быть расположенным по бокам to have someone or


something at the side or at each side
«"I am your warrior, I am your justice," Trump said, flanked by "witch hunt" signs
surrounding the stage. "For those who have been wronged and betrayed … I am your
retribution."»

to mishandle sth, неправильно обращаться с чем-либо. To manage or deal with


something in an improper, careless, or inefficient way
«Trump faced charges in Florida of mishandling classified documents he tried to keep at his
home after his presidency at his home.»

to stem from, происходить из, вытекать из. Быть связанным to start or develop as the
result of something:
«In March 2023, Trump was indicted by the Manhattan district attorney on fraud charges
stemming from his role in hush money payments made to an adult film star before the 2016
election»

to remain in litigation, оставаться в стадии судебного разбирательства. To continue to


be involved in a legal dispute or process
«he faces charges over his alleged efforts to subvert the peaceful transfer of power after the
2020 election. The judge in this case has yet to set a date for the trial as the parties remain in
litigation over what classified material can be included, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled
that presidents have some immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in
office.»

at the outset, на начальном этапе.the beginning or the initial stages of something


«At the outset, Trump's biggest threat appeared to be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a
conservative governor whose state had the strongest showing for Republicans in the midterm
elections.»

to disparage, отзываться с пренебрежением to criticize someone or something in a way


that shows you do not respect or value
«With Mr. Biden out of the race, Trump trained their attention onto Harris, whom he
disparaged as "low IQ" and "stupid."»

to upend, перевернуть, кардинально изменить. to completely change or overturn


something, often in a surprising or dramatic way.
«Mid-July was a turning point in the 2024 race, upending the presidential campaign.»

to tap, выбрать, назначить. to select or choose someone for a particular role or position
«Trump tapped Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance, a first-term senator and bestselling author of
"Hillbilly Elegy," to be his running mate.»

profanely, нецензурно грубо in a disrespectful, obscene, or vulgar manner,


«He profanely disparaged her, calling Harris a "sh** vice president" and claiming she was
"importing illegal alien rapists and murderers."»

to be embroiled in sth, быть втянутым в что-либо. to become involved in an argument or a


difficult situation:
«In the final week before the election, his campaign was embroiled in controversy
/ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si/ »

to ramp up one’s rhetoric /ˈret.ər.ɪk/, усиливать риторику to increase the intensity,


volume, or aggressiveness of one's speech or communication
«Trump also ramped up his rhetoric against the media, telling supporters two days before the
election that he wouldn't mind if someone tried to shoot through the media riser to
assassinate him»

felon. (уголовный) преступник someone who is guilty of a serious crime in the US


«Trump is the first convicted felon to win the presidency.»

3. Find in the article the English for:


Получить обвинения в совершении преступлений на уровне штата или федерального
округа, в ночь выборов, пройти порог, победить с большим перевесом голосом,
получить отклик у кого-то, быть необеспеченным, поддерживать, осуществлять
массовые депортации, непоколебимая основа, осужденный преступник, выйти из
президентской гонки, избранный президент, вступить в должность,
пуленепробиваемое стекло, не оправдать ожидания, ниспровергнуть мирную передачу
власти, дело было закрыто судьей, назначить дату слушания дела, закрепить свое
влияние, набирать обороты, бросить тень сомнения на, быть испорченным, выйти из
предвыборной гонки, подвергать кого-то нападкам, затмить, стоять на пороге ч-то.
Получить обвинения в совершении преступлений на уровне штата или
федерального округа to be charged with either state or federal crimes
в ночь выборов on election night
пройти порог surpass the electoral vote threshold
победить с большим перевесом голосом win overwhelmingly
получить отклик у кого-то resonate with smb
быть необеспеченным,
поддерживать back [bæk]
осуществлять массовые депортации carry out mass deportations
непоколебимая основа an unshakeable base
осужденный преступник convicted felon
выйти из президентской гонки withdrew from presidential race
избранный президент,
вступить в должность take office
пуленепробиваемое стекло bulletproof glass
не оправдать ожидания fell short of expectations
ниспровергнуть мирную передачу власти to subvert the peaceful transfer of power
дело было закрыто судьей case was dismissed by a judge
назначить дату слушания дела to set a date for the trial
закрепить свое влияние bolster
набирать обороты,
бросить тень сомнения на,
быть испорченным,
выйти из предвыборной гонки,
подвергать кого-то нападкам,
затмить,
стоять на пороге ч-то stand on the verge of

4. State the difference between and give examples.


Campaign – company;
To promise – to vow;
Battleground state – a swing state;
Meeting – rally;
Revenge – retribution – vengeance;
Mistake – error – gaffe;
To be involved in sth – to be embroiled in sth;
Among – amid.

Campaign – company (Кампания – компания)


Campaign a planned group of especially political, business, or military activities that are
intended to achieve a particular aim
The protests were part of their campaign against the proposed building development in the
area.
Company an organization that sells goods or services in order to make money
He works for a software company/a company that makes software.

To promise – to vow (Обещать – давать обет)


To promise to tell someone that you will certainly do something
The government have promised that they'll reduce taxes
To vow to make a determined decision or promise to do something
The guerrillas vowed (that) they would overthrow the government.

Battleground state – a swing state (Состояние поля битвы – колеблющееся


состояние)
Battleground state a state where the number of Democratic and Republican voters is about
the same, meaning that it has an important influence on the result of the election of the
United States president
The vice president went on a campaign tour of the battleground states of North Carolina and
Virginia
a swing state a state where the number of Democratic and Republican voters is about the
same, that has an important influence on the result of the election of the United States
President
The outcome of the US election will be decided by a small number of swing states that are
not decisively Democratic or Republican in their support for the presidential candidates.

Meeting – rally (Встреча – митинг)


Meeting a planned occasion when people come together, either in person or online (= using
the internet), to discuss something
We're having a meeting on Thursday to discuss the problem.
rally a public meeting of a large group of people, especially supporters of a particular
opinion
The rally in the desert started smoking like a huge bonfire.

Revenge – retribution – vengeance (Месть – возмездие – отмщение)


Revenge harm done to someone as a punishment for harm that they have done to someone
else
He is believed to have been shot by a rival gang in revenge for the shootings last week.
retribution deserved and severe punishment
They fled because they feared retribution for the genocide.
Vengeance the punishing of someone for harming you or your friends or family, or the wish
for such punishment to happen
The story features a woman who is evicted from her home and is seeking vengeance.
Mistake – error – gaffe (ошибка -ошибка- оплошность)
Mistake an action, decision, or judgment that produces an unwanted or unintentional result
This letter's full of spelling mistakes.
Error a mistake, esp. in a way that can be discovered as wrong, or the making of such
mistakes
Investigators said the train crash was caused by human error rather than mechanical
failure.
Gaffe a remark or action that is a social mistake and not considered polite
You started eating before anyone else had been served? What a gaffe!

To be involved in sth – to be embroiled in sth (Быть вовлеченным в что–то - быть


вовлеченным в что-то)
To be involved in sth to do things and be part of an activity or event
How did you get involved in acting?
to be embroiled in sth to be involved in an argument or difficult situation
We don't want to become embroiled in a dispute over ownership.

Among – amid. (Среди – посреди.)С этим хз


Among in the middle of something
He disappeared among the crowd.
amid while something else is happening
Security was increased amid fears of further terrorist attacks.

5. Explain what is meant by:

Exit polling, - экзитпол the activity of asking people who they voted for as they leave a
polling station (= place at which people vote), to try to discover who will win the election
«Exit polling shows Trump won overwhelmingly among White voters without a college
education and made inroads with Black and Latino men.»

hush money, - деньги за молчание, взятка money that is given to someone to make them keep
something secret:
«Sentencing for his federal conviction in the New York "hush money" trial is set for Nov. 26
and raises questions about how a president-elect would be punished under the law»

assassination attempt, - попытка убийства, an attempt to murder someone famous or


important
«On his path to the presidency, Trump also survived two assassination attempts»
red wave, - красная волна (люди, голосующие за республиканцев) A surge of voters supporting the
candidates of the Republican Party during an election
«Trump launched his 2024 campaign in November 2022, at his home in Florida, shortly after
Republicans fell short of their expectations of a "red wave" in the midterm elections.»

populist shift, - популистский сдвиг. change in policies or rhetoric to align more closely with
the concerns and interests of the general populace
«He built his campaign on retribution, anti-immigrant rhetoric and a continued populist shift
in his economic and social policies.»

fundraising, - сбор средств the act of collecting or producing money for a particular
purpose,
«Trump's first indictment and only conviction in the New York hush money trial only
bolstered his poll numbers and his fundraising, solidifying his control over the Republican
Party in the early stages of the primary campaign.»
poll numbers, - рейтинги опросов the results or data from opinion polls, indicating public
support or approval of a candidate or political figure
контекст выше

caucus, /ˈkɔː.kəs/ - партийное собрание in the US, a meeting held to decide which candidate a
political group will support in an election:
«DeSantis failed to gain traction with GOP voters and dropped his bid in January after
finishing 30 points behind Trump in the Iowa caucuses.»

co-chair, - сопредседатель. one of two or more people who jointly share the leadership role in
an organization or committee.
«Once Trump clinched the nomination, he installed loyalists inside the Republican National
Committee, naming North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley and his daughter-in-
law, Lara Trump, as the party's co-chairs»

election integrity, - целостность\честность выборов refers to the legitimacy, fairness, and


security of the electoral process.
«The pair (Michael Whatle and Lara Trump) focused on "election integrity" in battleground
states, filing lawsuits over voter rolls and early-voting laws while they worked to convince
conservatives that the early voting system Trump disparaged for years was necessary for him
to win.»

voter rolls, - списки избирателей. official lists of people eligible to vote in elections in a
particular jurisdiction.
контекст выше

to clinch the nomination, добиться выдвижения в кандидаты to obtain the official


approval of a political party as its candidate in the elections
«Once Trump clinched the nomination, he installed loyalists inside the Republican National
Committee, naming North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley and his daughter-in-
law, Lara Trump, as the party's co-chairs.»
a bruising /ˈbruː.zɪŋ/ campaign, - изнурительная кампания. political campaign that is intense,
aggressive, and often challenging to the participants due to its harsh nature.
"We overcame obstacles that nobody ever thought we could," he said on election night after
a bitter, bruising campaign.

reelection bid, попытка переизбрания an attempt by a current officeholder to be reelected for another term.
«Trump did not campaign for 10 days following the debate, as a growing list of Democrats
called on Mr. Biden's cognitive ability to continue his reelection bid.»

smb’s running mate, - напарник по предвыборной кампании in the US, a political partner chosen
for a politician who is trying to get elected:
«Trump tapped Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance, a first-term senator and bestselling author of
"Hillbilly Elegy," to be his running mate.»

a vocal critic - , ярый критик, someone who openly and frequently expresses strong
disapproval or criticism of another person or their actions
«During an interview with Tucker Carlson, he called former Rep. Liz Cheney, one of his
most vocal critics, a "war hawk" and suggested she'd have a different opinion on foreign
wars if she had guns pointed at her.»

the media riser, - стойка\платформа для прессы elevated platform set up for members of
the press to stand on so they can have a clear view of events or speakers
«Trump also ramped up his rhetoric against the media, telling supporters two days before the
election that he wouldn't mind if someone tried to shoot through the media riser to
assassinate him»

a war hawk. - сторонник войны someone who advocates or supports military action and is
inclined to take an aggressive position in foreign policy.
Контекст в vocal critic

6. Make a list of people and places mentioned in the article and say what you know about
them.

Donald J. Trump – is an American politician, and businessman who served as the 45th
president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. In the 2024 presidential election, he was
reelected to a second term as president

Kamala Harris – is an American politician and attorney who has been the 49th and current
vice president of the United States since 2021, serving under president Joe Biden. She is the
first female U.S. vice president, making her the highest-ranking female official in U.S.
history.

Joseph Biden –is an American politician who has been the 46th and current president of the
United States since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice
president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama
David Koresh – an American religious figure. The leader of the Branch Davidian cult.
Koresh died in 1993 during the siege of the Mount Carmel estate by FBI agents.

Jack Smith – is an American attorney who has served in the United States Department of
Justice as an assistant U.S. attorney, acting U.S. attorney, and head of the department's
Public Integrity Section.

Mike Pence – is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 48th vice president of
the United States from 2017 to 2021 under President Donald Trump. A member of the
Republican Party

Nikki Haley - is an American politician and diplomat who served as the 116th governor of
South Carolina from 2011 to 2017 and as the 29th U.S. ambassador [æmˈbæsədə] to the
United Nations from January 2017 to December 2018.[4] A Republican

Ron DeSantis – is an American politician serving since 2019 as the 46th governor of
Florida. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the U.S. Representative from
Florida's 6th congressional district

Michael Whatley – an American politician and lawyer who has served as chair of the
Republican National Committee since March 2024. Before this, he was chair of the North
Carolina Republican Party for five years

Lara Trump – is an American former television producer who has co-chaired the
Republican National Committee since March 2024. She is married to Eric Trump, the third
child of U.S. President Donald Trump.

(James David) JD Vance – American businessman and Republican politician. U.S. Senator
from Ohio since 2023. The Vice President-elect of the United States.

Richard Nixon – American politician and statesman, 37th President (1969-1974) and 36th
Vice President of the United States (1953-1961) from the Republican Party. The only US
president who resigned before the end of his term.

Elon Musk. – American entrepreneur, engineer and billionaire. Founder, CEO and Chief
engineer of SpaceX; investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla; founder of The Boring
Company; co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI; owner of Twitter

Tucker Carlson – is an American conservative political commentator and writer who hosted
the nightly political talk show Tucker Carlson Tonight on Fox News from 2016 to 2023. He
is considered one of the most influential supporters of US President Donald Trump

Liz Cheney – American lawyer and politician. As a member of the Republican Party, she
was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming. Known for her
criticism of former President Donald Trump, she voted for Trump's guilty plea during his
second impeachment and supported Kamala Harris's candidacy in the 2024 presidential
election.

Tony Hinchcliffe - is an American comedian. Since 2013, he has hosted the live comedy
podcast Kill Tony, a showcase of professional and amateur comedians who take turns doing
one-minute sets. Hinchcliffe has a reputation for dark humor and insult comedy which has
led to several controversies.

Places:

North Carolina, - is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by
Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, South Carolina to the south, Georgia to
the southwest, and Tennessee to the west. The state is the 28th-largest and 9th-most
populous of the United States.

Georgia, - is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. Georgia is defined by a
diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna. The state's northernmost regions include the Blue
Ridge Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountain system.

Pennsylvania, - is a U.S. state. Pennsylvania played a vital and historic role in the American
Revolution and the ultimately successful quest for independence from the British Empire

Wisconsin - is a state in the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwest of the United States.
Wisconsin is one of the nation's leading dairy producers and is known as "America's
Dairyland"; it is particularly famous for its chees

Michigan - is a state in the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwest region of the United
States. in the early 20th century it became widely known as the center of the U.S. automotive
industry, which developed as a major national economic force.

Nevada - is a landlocked state in the Western region of the United States. Nevada's capital is
Carson City. Las Vegas is the largest city in the state. Nevada is officially known as the
"Silver State" because of the importance of silver to its history and economy.

Arizona. - s a state in the Southwestern region of the United States. A significant part of the
state's territory consists of mountains, plateaus and deserts. Arizona is home to the largest
yellow pine forest. In the north of the state is the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.

New York – is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of
New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five
boroughs, each coextensive with a respective county. New York is a global center of
finance[11] and commerce, culture, technology,[12] entertainment and media, academics and
scientific output,[13] the arts and fashion, and, as home to the headquarters of the United
Nations, international diplomacy.
Butler, Pennsylvania, - is a city and the county seat of Butler County, Pennsylvania, United
States. Butler gained international attention in July 2024 after the assassination attempt
against Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in nearby Connoquenessing
Township.

West Palm Beach - s a city in and the county seat of Palm Beach County, Florida, United
States. It is the largest city in Palm Beach County, and at the time of the 2020 census, its
population was 117,415.[8] West Palm Beach is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan
area

Florida - is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. Miami, which has a large
Hispanic population, is famous for its art museums and cultural centers, as well as clubs,
which are especially numerous in the prestigious South Beach area. Orlando is popular with
tourists thanks to its theme parks, including the Disney World entertainment center.

Waco, Texas - a city in the south of the USA, in the state of Texas, on the Brazos River. The
city became widely known in 1993 as a result of events that occurred 14 km northeast of it -
the siege and storming of the Mount Carmel estate, the residence of the Branch Davidian
cult.

Washington, D.C - formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington
or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States.

the White House - is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United
States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it has served as the
residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800 when the national capital was
moved from Philadelphia.[

New York's Madison Square Garden - is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City.
It is located in Midtown Manhattan between Seventh and Eighth avenues from 31st to 33rd
streets above Pennsylvania Station.

Puerto Rico - is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago [ɑːkɪˈpeləgəʊ] and island


organized as an unincorporated territory of the United States under the designation of
commonwealth.
7. State the idea behind the lines.

1. He vowed to fight for every family and for their futures.

Trump made a strong promise to work for the benefit of all American families. He wanted to
ensure their well-being and a better future for them by focusing on policies that would
improve their lives. This statement highlights his commitment to addressing the challenges
families face and working toward creating opportunities for their prosperity.

2. Throughout his two-year campaign, Trump hammered President Biden, and later
Harris,

During his two-year campaign, Trump focused much of his energy on criticizing President
Biden and Vice President Harris. He frequently attacked their policies and leadership,
especially on issues like the economy, inflation, and immigration. His repeated and harsh
criticism was aimed at convincing voters that Biden and Harris were not effective leaders
and that he could do a better job.

3. Even with that edge, North Carolina was the lone battleground state Trump won
that year.

Despite having some advantages, such as strong support from certain groups or effective
campaigning, North Carolina ended up being the only swing state Trump was able to win in
that particular election year. This highlights the difficulty of the election and the challenges
he faced in other key battleground states.

4. …. shortly after Republicans fell short of their expectations of a "red wave" in the
midterm elections.

In the midterm elections before the start of the Trump campaign in 2024, many Republicans
expected a "red wave", that is, they believed that they would win a major victory in many
elections across the country. However, they did not perform as well as expected, which
disappointed many in the party. Shortly after this setback, Trump decided to launch his re-
election campaign to rally the party and return the position to the Republicans.

5. In March 2023, he was indicted by the Manhattan district attorney on fraud charges
stemming from his role in hush money payments made to an adult film star before
the 2016 election.

This describes the serious legal problem that Trump faced and highlights his accusation
of fraud related to payments made to conceal information during the 2016 election
campaign. This highlights the ongoing controversies and legal battles surrounding his
political career.

6. That case has been on hold by an appeals court since June.


The trial involving Trump has been suspended by the Court of Appeal since June. This
means that the court has not made any decision, and the case has been temporarily
stopped. Such delays and the fallout from the trial potentially give Trump more time to
focus on his political goals without bringing the case to a conclusion.

7. DeSantis failed to gain traction with GOP voters and dropped his bid in January
after finishing 30 points behind Trump in the Iowa caucuses.

Florida Governor Ron De Santis struggled to garner enough support from Republican
voters during the primary election. In January, after a serious defeat in the Iowa caucuses,
30 percentage points behind Trump, he decided to end his election campaign. This
marked an important turning point in the Republican election race, strengthening Trump's
position as the dominant leader.

8. Once Trump clinched the nomination, he installed loyalists inside the Republican
National Committee, naming North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley and
his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as the party's co-chairs.

After winning the Republican nomination for president, Trump took steps to strengthen his
control over the party. He appointed people loyal to him to key positions in the Republican
National Committee. These included Michael Whatley, a leader in the North Carolina
Republican Party, and Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law. Their roles as co-chairs were aimed
at shaping party strategies and ensuring alignment with Trump’s vision for the 2024 election.

9. It became the most consequential debate in U.S. history when Mr. Biden's
performance, marred by gaffes, unfinished sentences and mumbling, caused
Democratic leaders and voters to question his ability to serve another term because
of his age.

The debate between Trump and Biden turned into one of the most important in American
political history. Biden’s performance, marked by mistakes, incomplete thoughts, and
difficulty speaking clearly, raised serious concerns about his fitness to serve as president,
especially given his age. This debate not only affected his campaign but also caused many
Democratic leaders and voters to question whether he should continue his reelection bid.

10.……when his ear was grazed by a bullet after a gunman fired several times at him
during a rally just before the Republican convention.

Shortly before the Republican Party convention, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination
attempt during a rally. The armed man fired several shots, one of which grazed Trump's ear.
This incident highlighted the serious dangers and security issues he faced during the election
campaign.
11.Days later he accepted the Republican Party nomination for the third time, making
him the first Republican to secure the party nomination three times since Richard
Nixon.

Trump formally accepted the Republican nomination for president. This marked a historic
moment, as he became the first Republican since Richard Nixon to win the party's
nomination for a third time.

12.The Trump campaign labeled Harris "border czar".

Trump’s campaign frequently referred to Kamala Harris as the “border czar.” This nickname
was meant to criticize her role in overseeing immigration issues during the Biden
administration, accusing her of failing to address illegal immigration at the southern border
effectively.

13.His rally at New York's Madison Square Garden was overshadowed by comments
made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who referred to Puerto Rico as a "floating
island of garbage," among other racist jokes.

At the rally, held in Madison Square Garden, the focus was shifted from Trump's message
due to offensive and racist comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. His derogatory
remarks, including the fact that he called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage," caused a
backlash and controversy that overshadowed the event.

14.…..called a "war hawk".

Trump labeled one of his prominent critics, former Representative Liz Cheney, a “war
hawk.” This term criticizes someone who strongly supports military action or war. Trump
used it to discredit Cheney’s political views, particularly regarding foreign policy.

15.Trump also ramped up his rhetoric against the media.

Trump has intensified his attacks on the media, accusing them of dishonesty. He began to
use harsher language, accusing the press of spreading disinformation and inciting opposition
against him. These attacks were aimed at rallying his supporters and discrediting unfavorable
coverage of his campaign.

8. Agree or disagree and say why.

1. Donald J. Trump's comeback was improbable.

2. "This will truly be the golden age of America,"

3. The pandemic brought the economy of America to a halt during Trump’s presidency.

4. Trump also ran hard on immigration.

5. Trump has had an unshakeable base of voters.


6. "I am your warrior, I am your justice," Trump said.

7. That case was dismissed by a judge who ruled that Smith's appointment as special
counsel was unconstitutional.

8. Presidents have immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in office.

9. Trump's first indictment and only conviction in the New York hush money trial only
bolstered his poll numbers and his fundraising, solidifying his control over the
Republican Party in the early stages of the primary campaign.

10.Mid-July was a turning point in the 2024 race, upending the presidential campaign.

11.“Harris has a "low IQ" and is "stupid."“

12.Harris was "importing illegal alien rapists and murderers."

13.The death penalty should be applied for any migrant who kills a U.S. citizen.

14.America stands on the verge of the four greatest years in American history.

15.It'll be nasty a little bit at times, and maybe at the beginning, in particular, but it's
going to be something."

1. "Donald J. Trump's comeback was improbable."


o Agree. Trump's return to the presidency after his 2020 loss was highly unlikely for several
reasons. He faced multiple legal challenges, including four indictments and a conviction, as
well as widespread criticism for his handling of the 2020 election. Additionally, his
opponents within the Republican Party initially viewed him as vulnerable. Yet, he managed
to consolidate support, rally his base, and appeal to new voters. This unexpected comeback
underscores his political resilience and the loyalty of his supporters.
2. "This will truly be the golden age of America."
o Disagree. While Trump’s statement reflects his optimism and vision for a prosperous future
under his leadership, whether it will truly be a "golden age" depends on policy outcomes and
public perception. Critics argue that his polarizing rhetoric and controversial policies may not
lead to national unity or progress. Supporters, however, might interpret his confidence as a
promise of significant improvement in the economy and security.
3. "The pandemic brought the economy of America to a halt during Trump’s presidency."
o Agree. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the U.S. economy during Trump’s
term, causing widespread business closures, job losses, and a decline in GDP. While this was
a global issue beyond his direct control, critics highlight his administration's handling of the
crisis. Supporters argue that his economic policies, such as stimulus checks and relief
programs, helped mitigate the damage.
4. "Trump also ran hard on immigration."
o Agree. Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s political platform since 2016. During
his 2024 campaign, he emphasized strict immigration policies, including promises of mass
deportations and tighter border security. His rhetoric on this issue resonates strongly with his
base, though it is polarizing and criticized for being harsh and divisive.
5. "Trump has had an unshakeable base of voters."
o Agree. Trump's core supporters have remained loyal despite controversies and challenges.
His ability to maintain this base, while also attracting new voters, has been a defining feature
of his political career. This loyalty is often attributed to his populist messaging and ability to
connect with voters who feel overlooked by traditional politicians.
6. "I am your warrior, I am your justice," Trump said.
o Agree. This statement captures Trump’s populist approach, portraying himself as a champion
for his supporters against what he calls political elites or "the establishment." His language is
designed to resonate with those who feel wronged by the system and believe Trump will fight
on their behalf. Critics, however, view such rhetoric as divisive.
7. "That case was dismissed by a judge who ruled that Smith's appointment as special counsel
was unconstitutional."
o Agree. The dismissal of one of the cases against Trump on constitutional grounds
demonstrates the complexity of legal proceedings involving a former president. It highlights
the challenges in navigating the balance between accountability and the limits of the judicial
process. For Trump, this dismissal served as a victory and bolstered his narrative of being
unfairly targeted.
8. "Presidents have immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in office."
o Agree. Under U.S. law, presidents are generally immune from prosecution for actions
directly tied to their official duties. This doctrine, based on separation of powers, ensures that
a president can perform their role without constant fear of legal challenges. However, this
immunity does not extend to actions outside official duties, such as personal matters or
alleged crimes committed before or after their term.
9. "Trump's first indictment and only conviction in the New York hush money trial only
bolstered his poll numbers and his fundraising, solidifying his control over the Republican
Party in the early stages of the primary campaign."
o Agree. The indictment played into Trump's narrative of being a victim of political
persecution, which energized his base and attracted donations. His conviction didn’t weaken
him politically; instead, it reinforced his standing as a dominant figure within the Republican
Party, as supporters viewed the legal challenges as unjustified attacks.
10. "Mid-July was a turning point in the 2024 race, upending the presidential campaign."
o Agree. Mid-July reshaped the race, especially after Biden's debate performance raised doubts
about his fitness to serve. The assassination attempt on Trump and his decision to select J.D.
Vance as a running mate further galvanized his campaign, introducing new momentum and
focus for his supporters.
11. "Harris has a 'low IQ' and is 'stupid.'”
o Disagree. Such comments are derogatory and lack substantive critique. While political
opponents often resort to sharp criticisms, personal insults diminish meaningful debate and
focus on policy. This rhetoric may alienate undecided voters while energizing Trump’s base.
12. "Harris was 'importing illegal alien rapists and murderers.'”
o Disagree. This claim is inflammatory and unsupported by evidence. While immigration
policy under Harris and Biden faced criticism, characterizing it this way oversimplifies
complex issues. Such rhetoric risks deepening divisions rather than fostering constructive
dialogue about immigration reform.
13. "The death penalty should be applied for any migrant who kills a U.S. citizen."
o Mixed agreement. Advocates argue that severe consequences, such as the death penalty,
deter violent crime and underscore justice for victims. However, critics highlight ethical
concerns, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the disproportionate application of the
death penalty, emphasizing the need for a fair and balanced approach to justice.
14. "America stands on the verge of the four greatest years in American history."
o Disagree. While Trump’s optimism appeals to supporters, such claims are speculative and
subjective. The true measure of success will depend on economic performance, societal unity,
and policy effectiveness. Grand promises often raise expectations but require tangible results
to fulfill.
15. "It'll be nasty a little bit at times, and maybe at the beginning, in particular, but it's going to be
something."
o Agree. This statement acknowledges the challenges of governance and political opposition,
especially in a polarized environment. Trump’s leadership style is confrontational, suggesting
early turbulence. However, whether this results in meaningful progress remains to be seen. It
reflects a recognition of the difficulties in achieving ambitious goals while navigating
divisive politics.

9. Points for discussion.

1. Who is Donald Trump? Say as much as you can about him.

2. Was Donald Trump a popular president? What did he do during his previous
presidency?

3. Why did he fail to overturn the 2020 election results?

4. What criminal charges did face? Are they well-grounded?

5. What did Trump build his campaign on?

6. Is he a better candidate to rule America than Kamala Harris?

7. Why did Donald Trump win overwhelmingly this time?

8. How many assassination attempts did Donald Trump face? Do you think they were a
farce or did anyone really target him?

9. How old can a president be at maximum? What is the ideal age of a successful
president?

10.Can the president of the country have a criminal record?

11.What is your assessment of Biden’s presidency? Is he a popular president?

12.What is Elon Musk’s role in the 2024 election?

13. Do you go to the polls? Are you politically-minded?

Points for Discussion:

1. Who is Donald Trump? Say as much as you can about him.

Donald J. Trump is a businessman, media personality, and politician who served as the 45th
President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New
York, he rose to prominence through his real estate ventures and his reality TV show The
Apprentice. Known for his brash style and populist rhetoric, Trump’s political career began
in earnest with his 2016 presidential campaign, where he championed themes of nationalism,
immigration reform, and "America First" policies. After losing reelection in 2020, he made a
political comeback in 2024, winning the presidency again amid controversies and legal
challenges.

2. Was Donald Trump a popular president? What did he do during his previous
presidency?
Trump was a polarizing figure as president. While he had a strong and loyal base, his
approval ratings were often low compared to historical averages. His accomplishments
include tax reforms, deregulation, criminal justice reform, and the appointment of three
Supreme Court justices. He emphasized strict immigration policies, trade protectionism, and
significant changes in foreign policy, such as withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement
and negotiating with North Korea. Critics, however, pointed to his handling of the COVID-
19 pandemic, his divisive rhetoric, and impeachment proceedings as major flaws in his
presidency.

3. Why did he fail to overturn the 2020 election results?

Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results failed due to lack of evidence
supporting his claims of widespread voter fraud. Courts dismissed over 60 lawsuits brought
by Trump’s legal team, citing insufficient evidence. State officials, including Republicans,
upheld the election results, affirming Joe Biden’s victory. Efforts to pressure election
officials and the events of January 6, 2021, further discredited his claims, leaving his
challenge unsuccessful.

4. What criminal charges did Trump face? Are they well-grounded?

Trump faced multiple criminal charges, including:

 Hush money payments (New York case) for allegedly falsifying business records.

 Classified documents case for mishandling sensitive government material post-


presidency.

 Election interference related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.

 Obstruction of justice in federal cases.


Opinions on whether these charges are well-grounded vary. Critics argue that they are
legally solid, while supporters claim they are politically motivated.

5. What did Trump build his campaign on?

Trump built his campaign on themes of populism, economic retribution, and immigration
control. He emphasized restoring economic strength, targeting inflation, and securing the
southern border. He also promised to confront perceived political enemies and continued to
cast himself as a victim of a “witch hunt,” rallying his base with a promise of retribution
against the establishment.

6. Is he a better candidate to rule America than Kamala Harris?

This is subjective and depends on priorities. Trump appeals to voters who value strict
immigration policies, economic conservatism, and nationalism, while Harris may resonate
with those prioritizing progressive social policies, inclusivity, and diplomacy. Trump’s
experience as president and his ability to energize his base give him an edge in leadership
perception, while Harris’s critics point to her lower public approval ratings and perceived
lack of strong leadership roles.

7. Why did Donald Trump win overwhelmingly this time?

Trump's victory was driven by several factors:

 Discontent with the economy under Biden.

 A loyal base and strong turnout among key demographic groups, including white
working-class voters and young men.

 Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’s perceived unpopularity as a candidate.

 Effective messaging on inflation, immigration, and crime.

8. How many assassination attempts did Donald Trump face? Do you think they were a
farce or did anyone really target him?

Trump survived two assassination attempts in 2024: one in Pennsylvania and another in
Florida. Details about the motives and perpetrators remain unclear, but the incidents were
serious enough to involve Secret Service responses. These were likely genuine threats given
the intense political polarization surrounding Trump, though conspiracy theories may frame
them as exaggerated.

9. How old can a president be at maximum? What is the ideal age of a successful
president?

There is no maximum age limit for a U.S. president, though candidates must be at least 35
years old. Trump, at 78, will become the oldest president to take office. The ideal age
depends on physical and cognitive health rather than chronological age. Some argue younger
leaders bring energy and fresh ideas, while older leaders offer experience and wisdom.

10. Can the president of the country have a criminal record?

Legally, having a criminal record does not disqualify someone from becoming president.
However, it poses practical and ethical concerns. A criminal record may undermine public
trust and create legal complications, especially if the crimes involve abuse of power or
corruption.

11. What is your assessment of Biden’s presidency? Is he a popular president?

Biden’s presidency focused on pandemic recovery, infrastructure investment, and global


diplomacy. While he achieved successes like the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan
infrastructure law, challenges such as inflation, immigration issues, and the withdrawal from
Afghanistan hurt his approval ratings. He has struggled with public perception, particularly
concerning his age and effectiveness.
12. What is Elon Musk’s role in the 2024 election?

Elon Musk played a symbolic role in Trump’s campaign by appearing at a rally and
signaling support. Musk’s influence lies in his massive platform and appeal to tech-savvy,
libertarian-minded voters. His endorsement likely strengthened Trump’s outreach to
younger, independent voters.

13. Do you go to the polls? Are you politically-minded?

This is a personal question and varies for each individual. Participating in elections reflects
civic engagement and responsibility. Political awareness helps citizens make informed
choices about policies and leaders that shape their society.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for sextortion, scams and child abuse,
according to a senior UK police chief.

Pedophiles, scammers, hackers and criminals of all kinds are increasingly using artificial
intelligence (AI) to find victims in new and malicious ways, warned Alex Murray, head of
the AI department of the national police.

Murray revealed concerns over emerging AI “heists” in which fraudsters use deepfake
technology to impersonate company executives and trick their colleagues into transferring
large sums of money.

This year, a finance worker at a multinational firm was duped into paying £20.5m to
criminals after a video conference call in which the scammers were able to convincingly
pose as the company’s chief financial officer.

He said that the greatest volume of criminal AI use was by paedophiles, who have been
using generative AI to create thousands and thousands of images and videos depicting child
sexual abuse.

Last month, 27-year-old Hugh Nelson, from Bolton, was jailed for 18 years after offering a
paid service to online paedophile networks in which he used AI to generate requested images
of children being abused.

The same technology is also being used for sextortion, a type of online blackmail in which
criminals threaten to release indecent images of victims unless they pay money or carry out
demands. AI can now be used to “nudify” and manipulate photos taken from social media.

There are fears that seemingly harmless chatbots may incite people to crime and terrorism,
after it became known that the man who tried to attack Queen Elizabeth II with a crossbow
in 2021 received support from a female “AI friend”.

Murray said that with AI technology becoming increasingly advanced, and more generative
text and image software coming on to the market and into widespread use, its exploitation by
criminals of all kinds was expected to rise.
To be duped into - надувать, обманывать to deceive someone, usually by making that
person do something that they did not intend to do

heists – ограбление кража a crime in which valuable things are taken illegally and often
violently from a place or person:

sextortion - шантаж при помощи компрометирующих фото и видео type of online


blackmail where criminals threaten to share sexual pictures, videos, or information about
you.

To Incite someone to smth– подстрекать to encourage someone to do or feel something


unpleasant or violent:

fraudster - мошенник someone who gets money by deceiving people:

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