Gas Bandit's Political Thread V: The Vampire Likes Bats

GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% tariffs on China on his first day in office, likely raising U.S. consumer prices, impacting businesses, and reshaping trade dynamics. The decision may also violate the free trade pact between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, known as the USMCA. The three countries are the largest U.S. trading partners. Chinese products are already subject to average levies of about 15%. In a pair of posts, Trump said the new tariffs were tied directly to stopping the flows of drugs and migrants, and would remain in place “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Trump’s tariffs could impact American automotive manufacturing and agriculture, which depend on cross-border trade with Canada, Mexico, and China – countries that collectively account for over one-third of U.S. imports and exports. In 2023, these nations purchased over $1 trillion in U.S. exports and supplied $1.5 trillion in goods and services, supporting tens of millions of American jobs. (New York Times / Washington Post / Reuters / Axios / Associated Press / Wall Street Journal / Politico)
  • 69% of Americans think Trump’s tariffs will lead to higher prices. 44% said they are planning purchases ahead of Trump entering office, and 62% said they feel they’ll have to adjust their 2025 financial plans. (The Guardian)
  • Why does this matter? Tariffs directly affect the cost of everyday goods, increasing prices for households while disrupting supply chains for businesses. The proposed measures could hinder economic growth by raising inflation, limiting purchasing power, and reducing employment in trade-dependent industries. These effects ripple across the economy, influencing federal monetary policies and international trade relations. Understanding these impacts is critical as they touch every layer of economic life, from local businesses to global markets.
  • What are potential long-term consequences of these tariffs? Over time, persistent tariffs could reshape trade patterns, encouraging businesses to relocate manufacturing to countries outside of the tariffed regions or back to the U.S. While this might boost certain domestic industries, the overall economy could suffer from reduced efficiency, higher production costs, and strained international relationships. Prolonged trade disputes may also deter foreign investment in the U.S., hinder global economic cooperation, and increase economic volatility.
2/ Biden proposed a rule to allow Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which could extend access to millions of obese Americans. The measure, estimated to cost $35 billion over the next decade, faces opposition from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s HHS Secretary nominee, who advocates investing in healthy food and fitness programs instead. Proponents argue the drugs could reduce long-term healthcare costs by addressing obesity-related conditions. About 40% of Americans are considered obese and at risk of further health complications, according to the CDC. “It’s a good day for anyone who suffers from obesity,” current HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said. “It’s a game changer for Americans who can’t afford these drugs otherwise.” The rule is set to be fianlized in January – shortly after Trump assumes office, who is not required to implement any or all of the proposal. (Associated Press / Bloomberg / Axios / Washington Post / ABC News)


3/ Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire deal, pausing the year-long conflict in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. “The Security Cabinet approved the United States’ proposal for a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon this evening, with a majority of 10 ministers in favor and one opposed,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. Netanyahu said he had recommended that his Cabinet agree to the deal with Hezbollah to allow Israel to focus on “the Iranian threat” and to isolate Hamas. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia and political party, began trading fire with Israel a day after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are designated terrorist organizations by the U.S. The deal set to go into effect Wednesday at 4 a.m. local time, and it’s “designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Biden said the U.S. and France “will make sure this deal is implemented fully.” (NPR / New York Times / Washington Post / NBC News / Politico / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal)

✏ Notables.
  1. Trump’s return to the White House revives the potential U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization, threatening global health funding. The possible U.S. withdrawal from the WHO would eliminate the group’s top governmental donor, which supplies up to $816 million annually, weakening the organization’s ability to address global health crises. The move would also hinder U.S. access to essential global health resources, including vaccine development and international drug markets. (Politico)
  2. Trump aide Boris Epshteyn was accused of soliciting payments to promote appointees. Epshteyn allegedly requested monthly fees ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 to promote potential appointees in the Trump administration, including Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent and a defense contractor. (New York Times / CNN / Washington Post)
  3. Trump’s transition team intends to bypass FBI background checks for political appointees by granting them immediate security clearances on Inauguration Day, deferring vetting until after Trump takes office and installs his own officials. (The Guardian)
  4. Trump’s incoming “border czar” threatened to imprison Denver Mayor Mike Johnston for pledging to resist federal efforts to deport millions of immigrants. Tom Homan cited federal laws against harboring undocumented immigrants and impeding law enforcement as grounds for his statement. Johnston, meanwhile, reaffirmed support for mass protests against deportations. Homan emphasized the administration’s resolve to carry out mass deportations with or without local cooperation, reinstate policies like “Remain in Mexico,” and use executive orders to bypass Congress. (Bloomberg / ABC News / The Hill)

Dept. of Context and Consequence.

News analysis and opinions on today’s key headlines – why they matter and what’s at stake.

  1. Trump’s evasion of January 6 accountability sets troubling precedents for rule of law and future presidents. Donald Trump’s successful delay of federal prosecutions related to January 6 and classified documents establishes a precedent of limited accountability for presidential actions, reinforced by a Supreme Court ruling granting partial immunity for official acts. Special counsel Jack Smith’s dismissal of cases ahead of Trump’s inauguration marks a victory for Trump, undermining efforts to uphold the rule of law and raising concerns about future abuses of power. This episode underscores the tension between prosecuting high-stakes cases against former presidents and the political and institutional risks of inaction. (CNN)
  2. Trump evades accountability for January 6 and classified documents, reshaping the rule of law. Special Counsel Jack Smith dismissed federal charges against Trump related to January 6 and classified documents, citing procedural barriers and Trump’s impending presidency. Trump’s delay tactics and Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity helped him avoid legal consequences, sending a message that high office can shield violations of the law. This lack of accountability threatens the justice system’s integrity and emboldens Trump to govern without restraint, with long-term implications for democratic norms and presidential power. (The Atlantic)
  3. Trump’s escape from January 6 accountability highlights failures across the justice system and institutional norms. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s dismissal of charges against Trump for election interference and classified document misuse underscores systemic failures within the justice system, from delayed investigations to Supreme Court decisions granting expansive presidential immunity. Institutional hesitancy to challenge norms allowed Trump to exploit legal loopholes and procedural safeguards, leaving his conduct unpunished. This outcome reflects a troubling shift toward unchecked executive power, with long-term risks to the rule of law and democratic accountability. (Slate)
  4. Trump’s plan to seize budget control threatens Congress’s constitutional power over federal spending. Trump’s second-term plan to assert unilateral control over federal spending through “impoundment” threatens to undermine Congress’s constitutional authority over the budget. By reviving a long-discredited legal theory, Trump aims to withhold funding from programs he opposes, potentially targeting perceived adversaries. Experts warn this strategy could provoke a constitutional crisis, further consolidating executive power and weakening the separation of powers central to American democracy. (ProPublica)
  5. Polls reveal Americans’ conflicting views on Trump’s policies as his second term begins. Americans show broad but fragile support for Trump’s mass deportation and tariff plans, with significant opposition emerging when consequences such as economic strain and family separations are considered. Polls suggest public backing for these policies often diminishes when linked to higher costs, labor shortages, or military enforcement. This reveals a disconnect between the abstract appeal of Trump’s agenda and its real-world implications, highlighting potential challenges in implementation and public satisfaction. (Washington Post)
  6. Politically homeless Americans urged to embrace classical liberal values amid Trump’s rise. Eliot Cohen reflects on the state of the politically “homeless” in a polarized America, advocating for a return to classical liberal principles rooted in freedom, tolerance, and moral restraint. He critiques both MAGA populism and progressive activism as destructive forces, urging disillusioned citizens to prioritize enduring values over short-term political agendas. Cohen calls for sustained engagement in education and public discourse to cultivate thoughtful citizenship, acknowledging the long-term nature of rebuilding America’s democratic ethos. (The Atlantic)
  7. Trump’s popular-vote majority erodes, challenging claims of an “unprecedented mandate.” Trump’s popular-vote margin has narrowed to 1.58%, dropping below 50%, highlighting the close nature of the 2024 election despite his electoral victory. His Electoral College win, while legitimate, is smaller than many past presidents, and his Republican House majority is precariously slim. Analysts question Trump’s sweeping mandate claims as his governing approach risks deepening divisions in an already polarized nation. Comparing his plans to Lincoln’s Civil War-era leadership underscores the dangers of overreach in an administration backed by less than half the electorate. (New York Magazine)
 
ThatNickGuy

ThatNickGuy

I saw someone else suggest he's doing it before Trump can order an execution of Hunter and...yeah, I wouldn't put it past Trump. If Biden was doing this to save his son's life, I don't blame him.

Even without taking that into account, the whole Hunter Biden thing is so fucking inconsequential. Republicans made a giant thing out of a nothing-burger.
 
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mikerc

mikerc

Dei said:
100% anyone crying about this can fuck off, especially with what we are going to have running our government.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I saw some Democrats criticising this because "It's just going to allow Trump to abuse his own ability to give pardons". He was going to do that anyway, fuck off. "But this will hinder our ability to criticise him for it". Your criticisms don't mean shit because you won't back them with action, fuck off.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Biden issued a “full and unconditional pardon” for his son Hunter despite repeatedly saying he wouldn’t interfere in his son’s case or use his presidential powers to protect him. Biden said Hunter had been “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. […] No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong. […] There’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June on federal gun charges for lying about his addiction to crack cocaine when he purchased a gun. He separately entered a guilty plea in September to nine federal tax charges for failing to pay at least $1.4 million in federal taxes. The pardon applies to all offenses that Hunter “has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.” Some While Democrats noted that Biden, who has frequently said “no one is above the law,” was effectively shielding Hunter from the consequences of a jury’s decision to find him guilty, Republicans accused Biden of being a “liar,” “a hypocrite,” and “guilty of weaponizing the justice system.” (Washington Post / NBC News / New York Times / NPR / Axios / Politico / Wall Street Journal)
  • Why does this matter? This moment matters because it starkly contrasts Biden’s promise to restore faith in democratic institutions. By issuing a pardon for his son, Biden risks confirming public fears of a justice system that caters to elites. In a time when institutional integrity is already under siege, the move weakens Democrats’ ability to challenge Trump’s forthcoming attempts to politicize law enforcement, magnifying the challenges of protecting impartial justice.
  • Why should I care? This event reveals how political partisanship can erode institutional credibility, impacting everyone regardless of political affiliation. A justice system seen as weaponized or biased can diminish public trust in the rule of law, leading to societal cynicism and weakened democratic values. Citizens should care because such shifts make it harder to hold leaders accountable and ensure equal treatment under the law, affecting governance for years to come.
  • What’s at stake? At stake is the integrity of democratic systems and the rule of law. By pardoning his son, Biden has opened the door for accusations of double standards, risking further political cynicism and emboldening his successors to act similarly. The decision also threatens the perception of the presidency as an institution serving the people rather than personal interests, with long-term consequences for public faith in government.
2/ Trump nominated Kash Patel as FBI director, a loyalist who has spread baseless “deep state” conspiracy theories and called for a purge of Trump’s perceived enemies from the FBI. Patel has also publicly pledged to investigate and prosecute Trump’s enemies in the media. To do so, however, Trump would have to fire current FBI Director Christopher Wray, who he appointed in 2017 after firing predecessor Jim Comey. The FBI director serves a 10-year term in office, across multiple presidential administrations, to ensure that the FBI is seen as not serving the political interests of a specific president. The job requires Senate confirmation. (NBC News / NPR / New York Times / Associated Press / Washington Post)
  • Why does this matter? The nomination of Patel signals a troubling shift in how federal agencies could operate under Trump’s leadership. With Patel’s history of prioritizing loyalty over the rule of law and his stated intention to pursue Trump’s critics, the FBI risks becoming a partisan tool rather than an impartial institution. This undermines its critical role in safeguarding national security, investigating crimes, and maintaining public trust. Such actions could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations, destabilizing the balance of power and eroding democratic norms.
  • Kash Patel has amplified QAnon messaging, appeared on QAnon-aligned platforms, used its slogans, praised the movement’s followers, and described QAnon as a legitimate part of political discourse. QAnon is a baseless conspiracy theory claiming a global cabal of elites conspires against Trump while engaging in heinous crimes. (Mother Jones)
  • Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel as FBI director signals a potential constitutional crisis. Patel’s history of loyalty to Trump and promotion of conspiracy theories contrasts sharply with the FBI’s tradition of political independence. Critics warn that firing Wray and installing Patel could transform the FBI into a tool for personal presidential power, undermining decades of norms that separated law enforcement from partisan influence. (The Atlantic)
  • Patel’s nomination aligns with Trump’s apparent effort to consolidate power by appointing loyalists to key federal positions, often undermining institutional norms. (The Atlantic)
3/ Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense was forced out of the two nonprofit advocacy groups that he ran for financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct, and for being intoxicated on the job. According to a previously undisclosed whistleblower complaint, Pete Hegseth and his management team “sexually pursued” female staffers, and that the organization ignored another staffer’s alleged attempted sexually assault. The complaint also alleges that Hegseth was repeatedly drunk at work events while acting as president of the Concerned Veterans of America, “to the point of needing to be carried out of the organization’s events.” In a separate report, a 2018 email from Hegseth’s mother accused her son of being “an abuser of women” who “belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego.” Penelope Hegseth also condemned his treatment of his second wife, Samantha, the mother of three of his children, during their divorce, writing: “For you to try to label her as ‘unstable’ for your own advantage is despicable and abusive. Is there any sense of decency left in you?” Penelope Hegseth concluded: “On behalf of all the women (and I know it’s many) you have abused in some way, I say […] get some help and take an honest look at yourself.” Hegseth was previously investigated for sexual assault of a woman attending a Republican event in California in 2017. Hegseth was never charged with a crime, but entered into a nondisclosure agreement with the woman in 2020. (The New Yorker / New York Times / CNN / The Guardian / CNBC)
  • READ: The email that Pete Hegseth’s mom sent him. The email that Penelope Hegseth sent to her son on April 30, 2018. (New York Times)
4/ Two Democratic senators urged Biden to issue a policy directive to try and prevent Trump from deploying active-duty military forces domestically after he takes office. The letter from Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal asked Biden to clarify the Insurrection Act, which allows the president to deploy federal troops domestically during extreme situations like rebellion, insurrection, or civil unrest. Trump has previously suggested he’d use the military to respond to protests, deport immigrants who do not have permanent legal status, and to go after his “enemies from within.” They warned that the Supreme Court decision granting presidential immunity for official acts means “any ambiguity on the lawful use of military force, coupled with President-elect Trump’s demonstrated intent to utilize the military in such dangerous and unprecedented ways, may prove to be devastating.” (NBC News / Salon)

5/ Trump warned that “there will be ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East, and for those in charge” if the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are not released before his inauguration. About 250 hostages were taken in the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct, 7, 2023. About 100 of them remain in Gaza. About a third are believed to be dead. Trump’s statement came a few hours after the IDF announced that an American-Israeli hostage held by Hamas had died during the Oct. 7 attack and that his body was taken to Gaza. (Axios / New York Times / Washington Post)


✏ Notables.

  1. Trump nominated Charles Kushner as ambassador to France. Trump Pardoned Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, in 2020 after serving two years for tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign donations. (NBC News / New York Times)
  2. Trump named Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law his senior White House adviser on Arab and Middle East affairs. Massad Boulos is a Lebanese-born businessman with no formal diplomatic or political experience. He is the father of Michael Boulos, who is married to Tiffany. (ABC News)
  3. Elon Musk publicly advocated for abolishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Delete CFPB,” Musk said. “There are too many duplicative regulatory agencies.” Musk also targeted climate-focused federal employees on social media by amplifying two posts that revealed the names and titles of people holding four climate-related government positions, which exposed them to harassment and prompting fears among public servants. (Politico / CNN)
  4. The Biden administration unveiled new rules restricting sales of advanced chips and manufacturing tools to China – the third major action in three years. Over 100 Chinese companies were added to the restricted “Entity List,” targeting firms tied to military and AI advancements. The measures aim to hinder China’s military modernization by disrupting its ability to produce cutting-edge AI chips. (Reuters / New York Times / Washington Post / WIRED)
  5. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau met Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss Trump’s threat of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods over border security and drug trafficking concerns. Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to bolstering border measures, aiming to align with U.S. priorities and avert economic fallout from the tariffs. With the potential renegotiation of the USMCA looming, Trudeau sought to differentiate Canada’s cooperative stance from Mexico, whose president had threatened retaliatory measures. The meeting highlighted Trudeau’s strategic effort to protect Canada’s economy while balancing sovereignty and diplomacy. (New York Times / Associated Press / Politico / ABC News)
  6. Trump warns of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they pursue de-dollarization. Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others if they undermine the U.S. dollar’s global dominance by creating or supporting alternative currencies. Trump said that preserving the dollar’s status as the primary global reserve currency is vital to the U.S. economy, dismissing the bloc’s efforts to trade in non-dollar currencies. While BRICS nations criticize the dollar’s hegemony, experts suggest its dominance remains secure for now. This tariff threat follows Trump’s previous tariff proposals aimed at Mexico, Canada, and China. (Bloomberg / Axios / Politico / NBC News / Associated Press)
  7. Trump’s team considers military action against Mexican drug cartels as a key policy for his next term. Trump and his advisors are debating the scale and methods of potential military operations against Mexican drug cartels, citing their role in the fentanyl crisis. Proposals range from covert special forces raids to airstrikes and cyberattacks, with Trump emphasizing urgency in pressuring Mexico to curb cartel activity. Several key cabinet picks, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, publicly support military involvement, highlighting its alignment with Trump’s national security priorities. Critics warn that such actions could lead to severe diplomatic and regional consequences. (Rolling Stone / The New Republic)
  8. Multiple Democratic members of Congress received bomb threats on Thanksgiving. Though no explosives were found, the threats were reportedly signed with “MAGA.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the acts and emphasized the need for increased security for lawmakers and their families. The FBI is investigating the incidents. (ABC News)
  9. Trump Reaction era challenges Democratic strategies and reshapes U.S. politics. The 2024 election marks the rise of the Trump Reaction, a period characterized by right-wing populism fueled by backlash against cultural and economic change. Trump’s victory shattered Democratic beliefs in demographic and majoritarian inevitability, exposing a party disconnected from the working class and reliant on elite support. Democrats face a reckoning over their focus on identity politics and institutionalism while confronting challenges posed by Trump’s divisive governance. The path forward demands rebuilding grassroots connections, countering Trump’s abuses, and addressing internal party missteps without succumbing to defeatism. (The Atlantic)
  10. Survey reveals Democrats misunderstood as prioritizing social issues over economic concerns. A post-election survey revealed that Americans mistakenly believe Democrats prioritize progressive social issues, like transgender policy and abortion, over economic concerns like inflation. Despite inflation being a top priority for Democratic voters, Republicans successfully framed Democrats as disconnected from economic realities, contributing to perceptions shaped by the influence of vocal progressive activists and targeted attacks from the right. This perception gap underscores a key challenge for Democrats: effectively communicating their economic priorities to voters. (The Atlantic)
  11. Kamala Harris canvasser reflects on campaign challenges and disconnect with voters. Julia Preston recounts her experience canvassing for Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania, highlighting the challenges of engaging disaffected voters amidst deep economic stress and partisan divisions. Despite efforts to connect with Latino and working-class communities, the campaign struggled to counter Trump’s movement-driven rhetoric and the perception of Democrats as disconnected from everyday concerns. Harris’s loss underscores the need for Democrats to rebuild grassroots movements and establish meaningful, sustained dialogues with voters. (New Yorker)
  12. Trump’s escalating war on the press threatens journalistic freedoms. Donald Trump’s rhetoric and actions against the press, labeling it the “enemy of the people,” are poised to intensify as he seeks to undermine journalistic scrutiny. Proposals like Project 2025 aim to restrict access to public institutions, defund NPR and PBS, and dismantle key press protections, such as those established by New York Times v. Sullivan. Coupled with aggressive lawsuits, media subpoenas, and threats of retribution, these actions are part of a broader strategy to intimidate critics and weaken the democratic guardrails that safeguard free expression. (New Yorker)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump – citing the language Biden used to pardoned his son – urged a judge to dismiss his 34 felony convictions of orchestrating an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election by falsifying business records. “As President Biden put it yesterday, ‘Enough is enough.’ This case, which should never have been brought, must now be dismissed,” Trump’s lawyers wrote. “Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently’ […] ‘raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.’” The filing formally demands that New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan throw out Trump’s criminal case and nullify a unanimous jury’s conclusion that Trump committed 34 felonies. Trump’s attorneys also argued that his prosecution disrupts the president-elect’s transition and “threatens the functioning of the federal government.” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, meanwhile, suggested postponing Trump’s sentencing until after he completes his second term in 2029, “to balance competing constitutional interests” of Trump’s conviction and his presidential duties. (NBC News / Washington Post / ABC News / CBS News)
  • WTF is a Presidential Pardon? A presidential pardon is one of the most powerful and controversial tools at the disposal of the President of the United States. Rooted in the U.S. Constitution, it enables the president to forgive individuals for federal crimes, potentially restoring their rights and mitigating the consequences of their actions. This legal mechanism has significant implications for justice, politics, and society.
  • What’s at stake? At stake is the integrity of the justice system and its ability to prosecute powerful individuals without political bias. A dismissal could embolden future leaders to claim political immunity, eroding judicial independence. Conversely, proceeding with sentencing risks intensifying political polarization and debates over the limits of prosecutorial discretion. The court’s decision will likely have lasting implications for legal norms and the balance of power in American democracy. Ensuring transparency and fairness in this high-profile case is crucial to maintaining public confidence. Future developments will test how the justice system navigates politically charged prosecutions and the separation of powers.
2/ Fox News has avoided reporting on recent allegations of financial mismanagement, sexism, sexual misconduct, and alcohol abuse against Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for defense secretary. Hegseth, an Army veteran but with no Pentagon experience, worked at Fox News for a decade and nearly all of the recent mentions of Hegseth on Fox have been supportive or sympathetic, insulating its conservative audience from two recent reports: Hegseth’s own mother accused her son of being “an abuser of women” who “belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego.” Penelope Hegseth sent the 2018 email while Hegseth was divorcing his second wife after having an affair with a Fox News executive producer. And a previously undisclosed whistleblower complaint said Hegseth was forced out of the two nonprofit advocacy groups that he ran for financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct, and for being intoxicated on the job. At least 10 current and former Fox employees said Hegseth drank in ways that concerned his co-workers. While no Republican senator has outright opposed his nomination, he is seen as the most vulnerable among Trump’s Cabinet picks. Republican senators have voiced support for adhering to traditional vetting and confirmation procedures for Trump’s nominees, including Hegseth, though discrepancies remain over requiring FBI background checks. Key figures like John Thune and Roger Wicker acknowledged the historical value of FBI checks, but left room for alternative methods. Trump’s transition team, meanwhile, said it had belatedly signed an agreement with the Justice Department to allow the FBI to conduct background checks on people Trump intends to nominate as senior officials in his administration. (CNN / ABC News / Wall Street Journal / NBC News)
  • Trump’s Cabinet picks highlight double standards on sexual misconduct allegations. Trump’s nominations for top administration roles include individuals accused of sexual misconduct or enabling abuse, highlighting a stark contrast between Republican indifference to such allegations and their weaponization of baseless accusations against marginalized groups. This double standard reinforces the party’s broader strategy of targeting scapegoats to distract from systemic issues. The indifference toward allegations against conservatives underscores a moral inconsistency central to Trump-era politics, where accusations are seen as politically motivated unless directed at ideological opponents. (The Atlantic)
  • Pete Hegseth faces allegations of misconduct, sexual impropriety, and abuse. Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense is facing multiple allegations, including mismanagement of veteran organizations, excessive drinking, and inappropriate behavior, as well as a rape accusation and claims from his mother about abusive behavior toward women. Despite these controversies, Hegseth’s nomination aligns with Trump’s pattern of overlooking personal scandals in favor of loyalty, raising concerns about his fitness to lead the Department of Defense. (Mother Jones)
  • Trump offered billionaire investor Stephen Feinberg the role of deputy defense secretary. The decision, pending Senate confirmation, is part of Trump’s effort to build a capable administration amidst concerns that Pete Hegseth, his defense secretary nominee, lacks significant Pentagon experience. Feinberg’s ties to the defense industry, however, could lead to conflicts of interest. (Washington Post)
3/ Senate Republicans are prepared to allow Trump to fire FBI Director Christopher Wray before his 10-year term expires and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel. Patel has promised to purge the FBI of the “deep state,” people he sees as unloyal to Trump. Incoming Majority Leader John Thune said Patel would get a thorough and fair process like all nominees, which includes vetting, confirmation hearing, and one-on-one meetings. Patel served in Trump’s first administration as a staffer for the National Security Council, and was also a senior staffer for Devin Nunes, who repeatedly attempted to discredit the Russia investigation as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Patel will need nearly every Senate Republican vote in order to be confirmed. (Politico / Axios / Semafor / Bloomberg)
  • Kash Patel has a list of 60 individuals he accuses of being part of a “Deep State” conspiracy against Trump, detailed in his book Government Gangsters. The list includes Democrats, media figures, and even former Trump officials, drawing comparisons to Nixon’s enemies list and raising questions about Patel’s impartiality and fitness for the role. Critics warn his extreme loyalty to Trump, controversial rhetoric, and plans to strip civil service protections signal potential misuse of federal law enforcement for partisan purposes. (Mother Jones / New Republic)
4/ Trump “joked” to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state if it can’t handle the economic consequences of his 25% tariff on all goods. During their meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Trudeau told Trump that the new levies would “kill” Canada’s economy. Trump responded that Canada has failed the U.S. by not fixing the border issues and trade deficit. Trump added that if Trudeau’s country “can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S.,” then Canada should become the 51st state with Trudeau as governor. The U.S. trade deficit with Canada was about $80 billion last year, largely related to crude oil. The U.S. imported more than 1.6 billion barrels last year from Canada – about 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada. (Associated Press / CBC / Globe and Mail / Fox News / New York Post)
  • Why should I care? As neighbors and significant trade partners, U.S.-Canada relations directly impact industries, jobs, and prices on both sides of the border. Disruptions from tariffs could lead to increased costs for U.S. consumers, particularly in energy and goods sourced from Canada. Additionally, such rhetoric sets a concerning tone for how international disputes are handled, potentially affecting global perceptions of the U.S. and its allies.
5/ The Democratic-led Senate and Republican-controlled House face a Dec. 20 deadline to prevent a government shutdown. Congress is preparing a short-term continuing resolution to push the funding deadline into March 2025, which risks consuming time needed for confirming Trump’s nominees and advancing policy goals, such as tax cuts and border security. Congress also faces a Jan. 1 deadline to raise the federal government’s debt ceiling. The new Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3. (NBC News / CBS News / Reuters)

✏ Notables.
  1. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to introduce a sweeping bill on border security, defense, and energy within the first 30 days of Trump’s presidency. Thune plans to expedite passage using budget reconciliation, which bypasses the Senate filibuster. A second reconciliation package focusing on taxes and other Trump administration priorities is also planned. (Politico)
  2. Michael Bloomberg urged Senate Republicans to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for health secretary. Bloomberg condemned Kennedy’s history of promoting vaccine skepticism and conspiracy theories, citing his opposition to measles vaccinations in Samoa and false claims about COVID-19 vaccines. (New York Times)
  3. A House Democrat introduced a resolution to force the release of the Ethics Committee’s report on Matt Gaetz. Sean Casten’s motion faces slim chances due to Republican opposition. (Politico)
  4. The Biden administration announced a $725 million military aid package to put “Ukrainian forces in the strongest possible position” before Biden’s term ends. This aid includes artillery, rockets, air defense systems, Stinger missiles, and anti-personnel landmines. (CNN / Associated Press)
  5. Trump won 49.97% share of the popular vote – short of a majority. Although it was his highest popular vote percentage across three presidential runs, the popular vote total was the second-closest since 1968. Voter turnout remained historically high at 63.8%, though slightly below 2020 levels. (NPR)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump is considering replacing his choice for defense secretary with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Pete Hegseth, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and alcohol abuse, insisted “there’s no reason to back down” and that Trump told him “I got your back. It’s a fight. They’re coming after you.” At least six Senate Republicans have said they’re uncomfortable voting to confirm the former Fox News host. Hegseth’s mother, who wrote in an email that her son “belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around,” also told Fox News that “Pete is a new person.” DeSantis, meanwhile, is reportedly weighing whether to appoint Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat, who Trump nominated to be secretary of state. DeSantis’s term as governor ends in January 2027 and he can’t run again because of term limits. (New York Times / The Bulwark / Wall Street Journal / Associated Press / Politico / Washington Post / NBC News / Bloomberg / ABC News)

2/ Trump selected Peter Navarro to serve as his senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. Navarro, who served as director of the White House National Trade Council in Trump’s first administration, spent four months in federal prison earlier this year for refusing to cooperate with the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. “I am pleased to announce that Peter Navarro,” Trump said. “A man who was treated horribly by the Deep State, or whatever else you would like to call it, will serve as my Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing.” (CNBC / Axios / Politico / Washington Post / Associated Press / Wall Street Journal)

3/ Trump tapped an outspoken critic of the Securities and Exchange Commission to run the agency. Paul Atkins, a former Wall Street regulator, currently advises financial firms and cryptocurrency companies, suggesting a shift toward more lenient regulatory policies. Under outgoing Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC adopted an aggressive approach to cryptocurrencies, treating many digital assets as securities and initiating numerous enforcement actions against crypto exchanges for dealing illegal assets without regulatory supervision. (Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Politico / Washington Post / New York Times)

4/ Trump picked a billionaire with extensive financial ties to Elon Musk’s SpaceX to be the next administrator of NASA. Jared Isaacman’s company, Shift4 Payments, has invested $27.5 million dollars in SpaceX as of 2021 and processes payments for Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet provider. Isaacman has also spent an undisclosed sum of his own money on two private SpaceX missions. (Bloomberg / NPR / Associated Press / Reuters / New York Times)

5/ Trump already replaced his White House counsel 48 days before taking office. Three weeks after giving the job to William McGinley, Trump changed his mind and instead tapped his top campaign lawyer, David Warrington, for the job. Trump said McGinley would instead work with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on their Department of Government Efficiency project. (The Hill / New York Times / Bloomberg / Politico)

6/ Trump’s selection to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration withdrew his name from consideration three days after he was nominated. “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in,” Chad Chronister said. “I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration.” Trump, however, said Chronister “didn’t pull out, I pulled him out, because I did not like what he said to my pastors and other supporters.” Chronister is the second of Trump’s administration picks to withdraw, after Matt Gaetz dropped his bid to become attorney general last month. (New York Times / NBC News / CNN / ABC News)

7/ Democrats won the final uncalled U.S. House race in California, leaving Republicans with a one seat margin. Republicans will officially have 220 seats to Democrats’ 215 when the 119th Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3. However, Trump selected Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Mike Waltz as national security adviser, plus Matt Gaetz already resigned and will not return for the 119th Congress. That means Speaker Mike Johnson will only have a 217-215 advantage. If a vote ends in a tie, the legislation doesn’t pass. (NBC News / Axios / Politico / New York Times)

8/ Jerry Nadler will step down as the top Demcorat on the House Judiciary Committee. He endorsed Jamie Raskin to succeed him. (New York Times / Axios)

9/ Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee to run the FBI, was recently hacked by Iran. Hackers reportedly accessed at least some of Patel’s communications. In September, three Iranians were charged in connection with a hack targeting Trump’s 2024 campaign. (CNN / Axios / ABC News)

10/ The Supreme Court’s conservative majority seemed ready to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The state measure bars gender transition surgery for minors as well as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, even though medical authorities in the U.S. largely agree that the treatments are safe. Chief Justice John Roberts said the justices are “not the best situated to address issues like that,” adding that “the Constitution leaves that question to the people’s representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor.” It’s the first time the court has considered a state law targeting transgender people. The court’s decision is expected by June. (NBC News / ABC News / Axios / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Washington Post)
 
Ravenpoe

Ravenpoe

GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ The Biden administration is in the process of extending contracts for private immigration detention centers, expanding capacity ahead of Trump’s promised “largest deportation operation in American history.” Despite Biden’s campaign promises to end for-profit detention centers, his administration has or is renewing contracts to add at least 4,850 additional detention beds, increasing the capacity beyond the approximately 39,000 individuals already in federal immigration custody. The incoming Trump administration, meanwhile, is preparing to deport migrants to third-party countries, where they have no cultural, linguistic, or familial ties, when their home countries refuse to accept them. (The Guardian / NBC News)

2/ Biden and his staff have discussed whether to grant preemptive pardons to current and former public officials who could be targeted by Kash Patel and the incoming Trump administration. Patel has publicly vowed to pursue retribution against Trump’s adversaries and critics. Among those being considered for potential pardons include Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, Adam Schiff, and Liz Cheney. At this same time in 2020, Trump and his team discussed but didn’t grant preemptive pardons to Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Rudy Giuliani. The consideration follows Biden’s full pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. (Politico / ABC News / Washington Post / CNN)

3/ Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy met with House and Senate Republicans about Trump’s plans to “dismantle” the federal government. Trump tapped the two to head his “Department of Government Efficiency,” tasked with firing federal workers, cutting government programs and spending, and paring back federal regulations. The group is dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency” because it’s not an actual government department. Nevertheless, Musk and Ramaswamy believe they can achieve a 75% reduction in the federal workforce, a $2 trillion cut to federal spending, and the elimination of entire agencies. They have not provided specific details about these policy proposals. “We have long lamented the size and scope of the government, that it has grown too large. And let me be frank about this: Government is too big. It does too many things and it does almost nothing well,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. (NPR / Associated Press / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / CBS News)

4/ Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s choice for director of national intelligence, regularly read and shared Russian propaganda. Three of her former staffers said Gabbard continued to read and share articles from RT (formerly Russia Today) even after being advised that RT was a state-run media outlet and not a credible source of information. The U.S. intelligence community characterized RT as “the Kremlin’s principal international propaganda outlet” in 2017 – three years after Gabbard was elected to Congress. In 2017, Gabbard accused the U.S. and NATO of provoking Russian aggression and criticized what she described as America’s “hostility towards Putin.” When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Gabbard shifted blame to Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, echoing a narrative often promoted by Moscow. Earlier, in 2020, Gabbard denounced U.S. involvement in Syria’s civil war, labeling it a “regime change war” targeting Russia-backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. (ABC News / New Republic / The Guardian / Daily Beast / Rolling Stone)

5/ The Heritage Foundation – the architect of Project 2025 – is spending $1 million to pressure Republican senators to confirm Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense amid allegations that he committed sexual assault, drank to excess, sexually pursued female subordinates, and mismanaged two nonprofits. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts argued that criticism of Hegseth’s behavior was being driven by “the establishment.” Hegseth, meanwhile, met with at least six senators and pledged he’ll be “standing here in this fight” for “as long as Donald Trump wants me here.” (Associated Press / New York Times / Politico)

6/ The House Republicans blocked the release of an Ethics Committee report on allegations against Matt Gaetz. Shortly after Ethics Committee members met behind closed doors about whether to make public the report detailing allegations that Gaetz engaged in illicit drug use and sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old girl, the House voted 206-198 to return the matter to the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz resigned from Congress last month, shortly after being named by Trump as his pick for attorney general, but before the bipartisan committee was set to vote on releasing its findings. The resignation immediately ended the investigation, based on committee rules. (Politico / NBC News / Washington Post / CNN / Axios)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
I'll tell you this much, the public glee at the murder of the UHC CEO has made my GF very uncomfortable. As I've alluded elsewhere, she comes from generational wealth, and my reassurances of "Well just don't make money by dooming hundreds of thousands of people to agonizing preventable death and you should be fine" don't seem to be assuaging her.
 
Bubble181

Bubble181

I'm not a fan of the mass glee and memes either, but just like the billionaires dying in the Titanic submarine....Yeah, you don't get popular by being wealthy and especially not if your wealth comes from exploitation.
Some (b/m)illionaires have done a lot of good for a lot of people with their money (Gates, Soros) and even they still have an absolute army of haters (and I'm certainly not saying either of them is actually a good person).
The type of billionaire or CEO who is very open and vocal about Anything For Profit, Shareholders Over Humanity...Well, you're a symbol of the elite and everything 99% of the population hates.
Do I want more vigilantism or a revolution? Definitely not. Do I think we're coming to a point where something's gotta give? I do. What form that will take, I honestly don't know - a second US civil war, a populist uprising, whatever. A LOT of Trump supporters are, first and foremost, absolutely against the status quo and Those Damn Elitist Bastards Looking Down On Us*. A government of billionaires as Trump is now setting up may prove to be a nudge over the edge. Maybe we'll get back to where class clash is more important than culture clash. Though I doubt it.

*and anyone who's different from them, straight white cis and christian
 
Celt Z

Celt Z

Bubble181 said:
Do I want more vigilantism or a revolution? Definitely not. Do I think we're coming to a point where something's gotta give? I do. What form that will take, I honestly don't know - a second US civil war, a populist uprising, whatever. A LOT of Trump supporters are, first and foremost, absolutely against the status quo and Those Damn Elitist Bastards Looking Down On Us*. A government of billionaires as Trump is now setting up may prove to be a nudge over the edge. Maybe we'll get back to where class clash is more important than culture clash. Though I doubt it.
Click to expand...
This is kinda where I'm at. I don't want it, but this is also the party that has worked hard to keep the population scared, stupid and easy access to weapons. At some point, they may realize that all the culture wars are bullshit, their "status" isn't going to save them, and it's the 99% versus the 1%. Or maybe not. We'll see, I guess.
 
Adam

Adam

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

And from the same letter: "The people can not be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. "
 
figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
I don't think people should just be shooting mass murders in the streets, but when someone is in charge of an organization that kills tens of thousands of people every year and the cops won't arrest them, then I'm not going to pretend to be upset because a murderer got killed by a victim's family.
 
PatrThom

PatrThom

Bubble181 said:
Do I want more vigilantism or a revolution? Definitely not. Do I think we're coming to a point where something's gotta give? I do. What form that will take, I honestly don't know - a second US civil war, a populist uprising, whatever.
Click to expand...
Like I said before:
...if the number of incredibly wealthy entities is very small [and] the number of people who have a problem with this rises while the number of people who don't falls, eventually there will come a point where the larger group will feel sufficient confidence and/or justification that some sort of coercion/correction will occur, whether it be through politics, protest, or piracy.
Click to expand...
--Patrick
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
It's the old Louis C.K. "Of course, but maybe" schtick. Of course vigilantism is to be discouraged and murder is always wrong, of course. But maybe... you should try to live your life in such a way that if you ARE murdered on the street in broad daylight, the entire internet doesn't celebrate the death of a solipsistic scumbag responsible for more american deaths than Osama Bin Laden.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member


The complete news article says that United Healthcare paid $1 million for hospital treatment that could have been prevented by paying for her $2,000 prescription. So United Healthcare killed her, and spent $998,000 to make sure it was a long, painful death.
 
ThatNickGuy

ThatNickGuy

So far, the reaction from various medical companies has been:

1) Debate hiring more bodyguards for CEOs.
2) Scrub the personal profiles of CEOs from their websites so they can't be easily identified.

Nothing about actually doing something about what they're being criticized for.

I guess it's not surprising that they're ignoring pre-existing conditions.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
ThatNickGuy said:
So far, the reaction from various medical companies has been:

1) Debate hiring more bodyguards for CEOs.
2) Scrub the personal profiles of CEOs from their websites so they can't be easily identified.

Nothing about actually doing something about what they're being criticized for.

I guess it's not surprising that they're ignoring pre-existing conditions.
Click to expand...
 
@Li3n

@Li3n

ThatNickGuy said:
So far, the reaction from various medical companies has been:

1) Debate hiring more bodyguards for CEOs.
2) Scrub the personal profiles of CEOs from their websites so they can't be easily identified.

Nothing about actually doing something about what they're being criticized for.

I guess it's not surprising that they're ignoring pre-existing conditions.
Click to expand...
Well what do you want them do do ? They can't put human lives above profit, that would be inconsistent with their values.
 
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