the Republican Party." Anderson has stated that despite his earlier belief that the Bush Administration would be merely an "aberration" in the history of the US, "President Obama has institutionalized some of the worst abuses of the Bush Administration." Criticisms of President Trump Anderson has been, from the outset, an adamant critic of Donald Trump. He has urged everyone, regardless of political party affiliation, to stand up against the racism, sexism, and fascism at the core of Donald Trump’s political ambitions. He has authored written pieces about Trump and his supporters, and produced two videos, in advance of the 2020 election, reflecting the sordid and misogynistic conduct and statements of Donald Trump throughout much of his life. 2012 presidential campaign On November 29, 2011, the Salt Lake Tribune quotes Anderson as saying, "I'll be announcing my candidacy," for the 2012 presidential nomination of a new national political party. This party later called the Justice Party. Its formation is reported to have been discussed among Anderson; Margaret Flowers, a medical doctor and proponent of a single-payer health plan; Kevin Zeese, an organizer of the Occupy D.C. movement; and former U.S. Rep. John Anderson, who ran for president as an independent in the 1980 presidential election. Anderson formally accepted the 2012 presidential nomination of the Justice Party on January 13, 2012. His running mate was Luis J. Rodriguez, a Chicano activist and writer from California. In March 2012, Anderson announced that he was seeking the presidential nomination of Americans Elect in addition to campaigning as the Justice Party nominee. The following May, Americans Elect announced that it would not run a presidential nominee in 2012. Anderson was nominated by the Natural Law Party in Michigan the Independent Party of Connecticut, the Independent Party of New Mexico, the Progressive Party of Oregon, and was on the ballot in Idaho and Tennessee as an independent candidate. Anderson appeared on the ballot in new states under the Justice Party banner with running-mate Rodriguez. He also sought the presidential nomination of the Peace and Freedom Party, but withdrew his bid for that nomination in August 2012. He received 43,018 votes, or 0.03 percent of the vote. Claims and Responses In August 2005, Anderson violated Salt Lake City policy when he used $634 in public funds to purchase meals and alcoholic beverages on two occasions for musicians who performed at the Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival