Gas Bandit's Political Thread V: The Vampire Likes Bats
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GasBandit
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1/ Trump asked the Supreme Court to block his sentencing in the New York election interference case involving falsified business records. The last-ditch request came after a New York appeals court refused to postpone his Friday sentencing – 10 days before his inauguration – on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump continues to claim that he is immune from all prosecution and sentencing because he is the president-elect. Further, Trump claims that sentencing would damage “the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government.” Justice Juan Merchan, however, has made clear he wouldn’t sentence Trump to prison and that an unconditional discharge – or a sentence without any punishment – was “the most viable solution.” The Supreme Court, meanwhile, ordered prosecutors to respond to Trump’s request by Thursday morning. (NPR / ABC News / Associated Press / CBS News / Wall Street Journal / New York Times / NBC News / Politico / Washington Post)
2/ The Justice Department plans to publicly release part of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and disenfranchise millions of voters. Attorney General Merrick Garland, however, will withhold the second part of the report concerned Trump’s handling of classified documents after he left office and his refusal to return them. Yesterday, Judge Aileen Cannon, who previously dismissed Trump’s classified documents case, temporarily blocked the release of Smith’s two part report in order to prevent “irreparable harm,” while the matter is considered by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both cases against Trump were dismissed after he won the election in November due to long standing Justice Department policies against prosecuting a sitting president. (ABC News / Politico / NPR / Associated Press / NBC News / New York Times / Washington Post)
3/ A watchdog report found that three senior Trump-era Justice Department officials leaked details about COVID-19 nursing home death investigations in Democratic states to influence the 2020 presidential election. The leaks targeted Democratic governors in New York and New Jersey and violated department policies and potentially the Hatch Act, with one official calling it their “last play” before the election. (Reuters / Politico / The Hill)
4/ Biden insisted that he could have beaten Trump in the 2024 election while acknowledging he wasn’t sure he could’ve completed a full second term. “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” Biden said when asked if he believed he could have won, citing polls he had reviewed. Asked if he had the stamina to serve another four years in office, Biden, 82, replied: “I don’t know.” He added: “Who the hell knows? So far, so good. But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” Before Biden dropped out of the race in July, some polls showed he was falling behind Trump, and he lost further ground after his poor debate performance in June, which put his health, age, and cognitive abilities in question. (NBC News / Washington Post / New York Times / Axios)
1/ The New York Court of Appeals – the highest court in the state – denied Trump’s request to block his Friday sentencing. The decision leaves the U.S. Supreme Court as Trump’s final option to defer sentencing on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, meanwhile, urged the Supreme Court to deny Trump’s bid to halt his sentencing, saying the “defendant makes the unprecedented claim that the temporary presidential immunity he will possess in the future fully immunizes him now, weeks before he even takes the oath of office.” Bragg added, “It is axiomatic that there is only one president at a time […] And as this court has repeatedly recognized, presidential immunity is strictly limited to the time of the president’s term in office.” Trump’s sentencing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday. (CNN / Associated Press / New York Times / Axios / ABC News)
3/ Trump urged a federal appeals court to block the release of both volumes of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified documents after he left office and his refusal to return them. Attorney General Merrick Garland plans to publicly release the volume on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and disenfranchise millions of voters, but withhold the second part of the report concerning his handling of classified documents. (Washington Post)
4/ The Senate advanced the Republican-led Laken Riley Act in a bipartisan 84-9 procedural vote, marking a major step toward passing legislation that requires ICE to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. The legislation also allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government for perceived failures in immigration enforcement and to push for visa sanctions against countries that refuse to accept deportees. While the legislation passed the House earlier this week, final passage in the Senate is uncertain due to Democratic calls for amendments addressing overreach and potential misuse of provisions, including those empowering states to sue the federal government over enforcement failures. Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, however have resisted any efforts to amend the bill, framing it as a critical tool for public safety and immigration reform. Nevertheless, 31 Democrats joined Republicans to clear a 60-vote threshold to begin debate. (Associated Press / New York Times / CNN / CBS News / NBC News / Politico)
5/ Trump reportedly plans to issue nearly 100 executive orders starting on his first day in office to address immigration, energy, and federal workforce policies, aiming to fulfill his campaign promises to reverse Biden-era regulations. Key priorities include reinstating Title 42 for rapid migrant expulsions, completing the border wall, implementing deportation mechanisms, and defunding sanctuary cities. Trump also plans to authorize drilling on federal lands, freeze hiring, mandate federal workers’ return to offices, and halt Biden-era regulations that are not yet finalized. (Axios / Bloomberg / Washington Post)
6/ A federal judge in Kentucky blocked Biden’s Title IX rule that expanded anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ students, saying it exceeded presidential authority. The regulation, which barred discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, faced legal challenges from Republican-led states and was criticized for infringing on free speech by requiring educators to use students’ preferred pronouns. The ruling vacated the rule nationwide, marking a victory for conservative groups and setting the stage for Trump’s previous promise to end the rules “on day one.” (ABC News / Politico / New York Times)
2/ The Justice Department plans to publicly release part of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and disenfranchise millions of voters. Attorney General Merrick Garland, however, will withhold the second part of the report concerned Trump’s handling of classified documents after he left office and his refusal to return them. Yesterday, Judge Aileen Cannon, who previously dismissed Trump’s classified documents case, temporarily blocked the release of Smith’s two part report in order to prevent “irreparable harm,” while the matter is considered by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Both cases against Trump were dismissed after he won the election in November due to long standing Justice Department policies against prosecuting a sitting president. (ABC News / Politico / NPR / Associated Press / NBC News / New York Times / Washington Post)
3/ A watchdog report found that three senior Trump-era Justice Department officials leaked details about COVID-19 nursing home death investigations in Democratic states to influence the 2020 presidential election. The leaks targeted Democratic governors in New York and New Jersey and violated department policies and potentially the Hatch Act, with one official calling it their “last play” before the election. (Reuters / Politico / The Hill)
4/ Biden insisted that he could have beaten Trump in the 2024 election while acknowledging he wasn’t sure he could’ve completed a full second term. “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” Biden said when asked if he believed he could have won, citing polls he had reviewed. Asked if he had the stamina to serve another four years in office, Biden, 82, replied: “I don’t know.” He added: “Who the hell knows? So far, so good. But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” Before Biden dropped out of the race in July, some polls showed he was falling behind Trump, and he lost further ground after his poor debate performance in June, which put his health, age, and cognitive abilities in question. (NBC News / Washington Post / New York Times / Axios)
- Wildfires in Los Angeles have killed at least two people, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and burned nearly 6,000 acres. Trump, meanwhile, blamed the disaster on Gov. Gavin Newsom for not signing a non-existent “water restoration declaration.” In his first term, Trump also blamed California’s wildfires on “poor” forest management despite nearly 60% of the state’s forests being under federal management. He also suggested the state should “rake” their forests. (Politico / New York Times / Forbes)
- A watchdog group accused Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of voter fraud, alleging that Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary voted in the 2024 election using a New York address that New York courts “had already determined was not his legal residence.” (Politico / Axios)
- Trump was provided with questions in advance for a Fox News town hall during the 2024 campaign by someone within the network. Fox announced plans to investigate the alleged leak but denies evidence supporting the claim, while Trump’s communications team called him the “most accessible and transparent candidate” in U.S. history. (CNN)
- The Federal Reserve said it was concerned about elevated inflation risks linked to Trump’s proposed tariffs and immigration changes, leading officials to slow the pace of interest rate cuts. While the Fed lowered its benchmark rate to 4.25%-4.5%, most officials viewed further cuts as a “close call” and signaled plans for only two additional cuts in 2025 – down from four previously forecasted. Uncertainty over Trump’s economic policies, combined with persistent inflation pressures, has prompted the Fed to take a cautious approach moving forward. (Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / CNBC)
- Trump is reportedly considering declaring a national economic emergency to impose his proposed universal tariffs. By invoking the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, Trump would have broad authority to impose tariffs on imports without needing to prove national security grounds. “Nothing is off the table,” one person said. (CNN)
1/ The New York Court of Appeals – the highest court in the state – denied Trump’s request to block his Friday sentencing. The decision leaves the U.S. Supreme Court as Trump’s final option to defer sentencing on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, meanwhile, urged the Supreme Court to deny Trump’s bid to halt his sentencing, saying the “defendant makes the unprecedented claim that the temporary presidential immunity he will possess in the future fully immunizes him now, weeks before he even takes the oath of office.” Bragg added, “It is axiomatic that there is only one president at a time […] And as this court has repeatedly recognized, presidential immunity is strictly limited to the time of the president’s term in office.” Trump’s sentencing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday. (CNN / Associated Press / New York Times / Axios / ABC News)
- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis asked the Georgia Supreme Court to reverse her disqualification in the election interference case against Trump. “No Georgia court has ever disqualified a district attorney for the mere appearance of impropriety without the existence of an actual conflict of interest,” Willis said. (Axios)
3/ Trump urged a federal appeals court to block the release of both volumes of special counsel Jack Smith’s final report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified documents after he left office and his refusal to return them. Attorney General Merrick Garland plans to publicly release the volume on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and disenfranchise millions of voters, but withhold the second part of the report concerning his handling of classified documents. (Washington Post)
4/ The Senate advanced the Republican-led Laken Riley Act in a bipartisan 84-9 procedural vote, marking a major step toward passing legislation that requires ICE to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. The legislation also allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government for perceived failures in immigration enforcement and to push for visa sanctions against countries that refuse to accept deportees. While the legislation passed the House earlier this week, final passage in the Senate is uncertain due to Democratic calls for amendments addressing overreach and potential misuse of provisions, including those empowering states to sue the federal government over enforcement failures. Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, however have resisted any efforts to amend the bill, framing it as a critical tool for public safety and immigration reform. Nevertheless, 31 Democrats joined Republicans to clear a 60-vote threshold to begin debate. (Associated Press / New York Times / CNN / CBS News / NBC News / Politico)
5/ Trump reportedly plans to issue nearly 100 executive orders starting on his first day in office to address immigration, energy, and federal workforce policies, aiming to fulfill his campaign promises to reverse Biden-era regulations. Key priorities include reinstating Title 42 for rapid migrant expulsions, completing the border wall, implementing deportation mechanisms, and defunding sanctuary cities. Trump also plans to authorize drilling on federal lands, freeze hiring, mandate federal workers’ return to offices, and halt Biden-era regulations that are not yet finalized. (Axios / Bloomberg / Washington Post)
6/ A federal judge in Kentucky blocked Biden’s Title IX rule that expanded anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ students, saying it exceeded presidential authority. The regulation, which barred discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, faced legal challenges from Republican-led states and was criticized for infringing on free speech by requiring educators to use students’ preferred pronouns. The ruling vacated the rule nationwide, marking a victory for conservative groups and setting the stage for Trump’s previous promise to end the rules “on day one.” (ABC News / Politico / New York Times)
Florida Accidentally Paid Healthcare Company $5 Million Instead of $50K; CEO Used Extra Funds to Run for Congress: Report
Florida is suing a healthcare company after mistakenly paying it $5.7 million instead of $50K, with accusations that the CEO used the funds to run for congress.
www.latintimes.com
--Patrick
House GOP puts Medicaid, ACA, climate measures on chopping block
Not unexpected but holy fuck, this is going to be disastrous.
Not unexpected but holy fuck, this is going to be disastrous.
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ Trump was sentenced to no punishment for orchestrating an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election by falsifying business records. In the days leading up to his sentencing, Trump asked the New York appeals court, New York’s highest court, and the U.S. Supreme Court all to block the proceedings. He argued that the Supreme Court’s July ruling that presidents are entitled to “absolute immunity from criminal prosecution” for “official acts” meant the case should be thrown out. All refused to intervene. Today – 10 days before being sworn into the oval office for a second term – Trump received an unconditional discharge. Meaning, Trump will not face any consequence for his criminal conduct. The conviction, however, will remain on his record, making Trump the first former – and returning – president convicted of a felony. “Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances,” New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who oversaw Trump’s six-week trial, said during the sentencing. “This has been truly an extraordinary case.” During the hearing, New York prosecutors recapped the “overwhelming evidence” that Trump engaged in a “direct attack on the rule of law,” attempted to “undermine its legitimacy” by attacking the judge and others involved in the case, and “purposefully bred disdain for our institutions and the rule of law.” Trump’s defense team, meanwhile, said the case should never have been brought and called it a “sad day for this country.” After he was sentenced, Trump vowed to appeal, saying: “Today’s event was a despicable charade, and now that it is over, we will appeal this Hoax, which has no merit, and restore the trust of Americans in our once great System of Justice.” In May, a jury of 12 New Yorkers convicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Just six months later, America elected the first convicted felon to serve as president of the United States. In doing so, Trump – the twice-impeached, four-times indicted, once-defeated former president – overcame his felony convictions, 88 criminal charges, accusations of insurrection, civil lawsuit judgments totaling more than a half-billion dollars, allegations by his first-term cabinet that he’s unfit to serve, his openly fascist intentions, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, his failed response to the Covid-19 pandemic that led to more than 400,000 deaths from a virus he repeatedly claimed was “going to disappear,” his repeated overt acts of racism, at least 26 public accusations of rape, kissing, and groping without consent, and his promises to prosecute his political opponents to become the nation’s 47th president. Trump, meanwhile, framed his no-penalty sentence as a win, saying the “Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt.” He added: “This has been a very terrible experience […] I am totally innocent. I did nothing wrong.” (NPR / Politico / New York Times / Washington Post / Associated Press / CNN / NBC News / ABC News / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Semafor / Axios / CNBC)
2/ A federal appeals court ruled that special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election can be released, though a temporary injunction delays publication for three days to allow potential appeals. The report details Smith’s findings from two now-dismissed criminal cases against Trump, including alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents, which were dropped following Trump’s re-election due to Justice Department policy barring the prosecution of sitting presidents. Attorney General Merrick Garland intends to release the report’s first volume, focused on election subversion, once permitted by the courts, but Trump’s team has criticized the report as politically motivated and is considering further legal challenges. (NBC News / ABC News / New York Times / Politico / Axios)
3/ The Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status for nearly one million immigrants. Some 600,000 Venezuelans, more than 200,000 Salvadorans, about 100,000 people from Ukraine, and 1,900 from Sudan will be allowed shielded from deportation and allowed to work legally in the U.S. for 18 months. The move preempts Trump’s promised efforts to revoke protections. (Bloomberg / New York Times / Washington Post / Axios)
Notables.
2/ A federal appeals court ruled that special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election can be released, though a temporary injunction delays publication for three days to allow potential appeals. The report details Smith’s findings from two now-dismissed criminal cases against Trump, including alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents, which were dropped following Trump’s re-election due to Justice Department policy barring the prosecution of sitting presidents. Attorney General Merrick Garland intends to release the report’s first volume, focused on election subversion, once permitted by the courts, but Trump’s team has criticized the report as politically motivated and is considering further legal challenges. (NBC News / ABC News / New York Times / Politico / Axios)
3/ The Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status for nearly one million immigrants. Some 600,000 Venezuelans, more than 200,000 Salvadorans, about 100,000 people from Ukraine, and 1,900 from Sudan will be allowed shielded from deportation and allowed to work legally in the U.S. for 18 months. The move preempts Trump’s promised efforts to revoke protections. (Bloomberg / New York Times / Washington Post / Axios)
Notables.- The Biden administration announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, focusing on oil producers, shipping networks, and a “shadow fleet” used to evade restrictions, days before Trump, who has vowed to end the Ukraine war, takes office. (Associated Press / Semafor)
- Earth experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement for the first time over a full calendar year, driven by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and compounded by natural events like El Niño. The record-breaking temperatures, confirmed by multiple scientific organizations, underscore the accelerating pace of climate change and its associated consequences, including extreme weather events, devastating wildfires, and rising sea levels. (Associated Press / Axios / ABC News / E&E News)
- Rudy Giuliani was held in contempt of court for the second time in a week for defying court orders related to a defamation case brought by two Georgia election workers. A federal judge found Giuliani continued to make false claims about the workers despite a prior agreement to stop, and his failure to comply with asset disclosure requirements led to additional legal penalties. The judge warned Giuliani about the consequences of misusing his public platform to spread misinformation, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. Giuliani has appealed a $146 million judgment in the defamation case while maintaining his statements are protected by the First Amendment. (NBC News / CNN)
- The U.S. added 256,000 jobs in December 2024 while the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%. Economists had expected about 155,000 jobs. The strong job growth caps a resilient labor market throughout 2024, with key sectors like healthcare, government, and retail driving gains. Wage growth continued steadily at 3.9% year-over-year, but the robust report dampened expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in early 2025 due to inflation concerns. Biden highlighted this achievement as part of his administration’s economic legacy, while concerns remain over potential labor market impacts from Trump’s proposed policies. (Wall Street Journal / CNBC / CNN / ABC News / New York Times)
- Americans rate Biden’s presidency less favorably than Trump’s or Obama’s at the end of their terms, with only about a quarter viewing Biden as a “good” or “great” president. Black and Hispanic Americans expressed particular disappointment, and younger Americans were especially critical, with only 1 in 10 under 30 giving Biden high marks. While Biden oversaw major legislation, many Americans felt he failed to deliver on key promises, leaving nearly half saying their families are worse off than when he took office. (Associated Press)
GasBandit
Staff member
...failed to deliver on holding those responsible for an attempted fascist coup responsible, or doing what was necessary to prevent America from sliding into its darkest period since its very inception.
Wrong thread?
GasBandit
Staff member
I have no idea what you are talking about
Allowed Manchin and Sinema to torpedo his entire domestic policy or how his entire foreign policy was the genocide in Gaza.
Only the most bloodless passionless liberal could think that Biden did more good than harm in the last 4 years.
Urban Dictionary: Stank Hoe
function: adjective etymology: SouthEastern United States; contemptuous word for a woman of low moral character and hygiene usually disparaging: 1)a malodorous woman indiscriminently engaging in sexual intercourse of all kinds with multiple partners. 2)A woman who neglects proplerly cleaning her...
www.urbandictionary.com
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ A federal judge ruled that the Justice Department may release the portion of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The release is expected as early as Tuesday. Judge Aileen Cannon, however, maintained a block on sharing the section of the report on Trump’s classified documents case, citing concerns over potential prejudice to Trump’s former co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, whose charges remain pending. Smith’s report concludes his investigations into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandle classified materials, with legal challenges continuing over the release of remaining sections. (Associated Press / Politico / NPR / Washington Post / New York Times / NBC News / ABC News / CNN / Bloomberg / CBS News)
2/ Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Department of Justice after completing investigations into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents. Smith’s departure, expected ahead of Trump’s inauguration as the cases were dismissed under longstanding DOJ policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president, followed the submission of his final report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who plans to release the report on election interference but not the classified documents case, citing pending proceedings against Trump’s former co-defendants. Both of Smith’s cases were blocked by court rulings: In July, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case, finding that Garland lacked the authority to appoint Smith. Separately, the Supreme Court delayed the election interference case for months while reviewing Trump’s claim of immunity before ultimately issuing a landmark decision that granted “absolute immunity from criminal prosecution” for “official acts.” (NBC News / Politico / New York Times / CNN / Washington Post / Axios)
3/ California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of spreading disinformation about the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, including false claims about water policies and disaster response. Trump also called Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass “incompetent” and asked why the fires weren’t extinguished yet. Newsom responded, saying the “mis- and disinformation I don’t think advantages or aids any of us,” and invited Trump to tour the damage. Trump has not responded. The wildfires have killed at least 24 people, destroyed over 12,000 of structures, and are expected to become the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history. Trump, nevertheless, has suggested he may withhold federal aid from California while House Republicans have discussed attaching conditions to federal disaster aid. With the wildfires expected to be the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history, Newsom urged federal leaders not to politicize the disaster, which could delay recovery and worsen the crisis. Mexico and Canada, meanwhile, have sent firefighting teams, air tankers, and technical support to assist in battling the wildfires. (NBC News / Politico / New York Times / The Guardian / Politico / New York Times)
4/ Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned why “they” haven’t used “cloud seeding” to stop the California wildfires, despite the practice being ineffective in dry conditions. “Why don’t they use geoengineering like cloud seeding to bring rain down on the wildfires in California?” Greene tweeted. “They know how to do it.” Cloud seeding – a practice developed in the 1940s which aims to produce rain or snow by releasing silver iodide particles or salt into clouds to encourage precipitation – only works in areas with existing atmospheric moisture and cannot prevent or extinguish wildfires. The method cannot generate water where none exists, making it ineffective in wildfire-prone areas that have low humidity. In October, Greene claimed that the government can control the weather, saying “they” created Hurricane Milton days after Hurricane Helene killed more than 230 people, including two dozen people in her state. “It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done,” she said at the time. (HuffPost / Daily Beast / The Independent)
5/ Steve Bannon publicly called Elon Musk a “racist” and “truly evil,” vowing to block his influence in the Trump administration over disagreements about immigration policy and Musk’s influence. Bannon’s remarks stem from Musk’s support for the H-1B visa program, which Bannon and other MAGA hardliners view as harmful to American workers. Trump, however, has backed Musk’s pro-immigration stance, highlighting a rift within his inner circle. Despite Musk’s significant financial and advisory role in Trump’s campaign, Bannon pledged to Musk “run out of here by Inauguration Day.” (Washington Post / Axios / The Guardian / Vanity Fair / Salon)
6/ A coalition of health experts urged the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, warning that his “unfounded, fringe beliefs could significantly undermine public health practices across the country and around the world.” The coalition said Kennedy “has little to no relevant administrative, policy or health experience or expertise that would prepare him to oversee the work of critical public health agencies.” Last month, a group of 77 Nobel laureates urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination, calling him “a belligerent critic of respected agencies” who would “put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences.” (New York Times)
7/ The incoming Trump administration has questioned National Security Council staff about their political affiliations, voting history, and social media activity, raising concerns about loyalty to Trump. These nonpolitical civil servants, typically retained across administrations, are being pressured to leave, aligning with incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s goal of staffing the NSC only with Trump-aligned personnel. Critics warn this approach could erode institutional knowledge, hinder effective policymaking, and stifle dissenting views within the council. (ABC News)
Notables.
2/ Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Department of Justice after completing investigations into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents. Smith’s departure, expected ahead of Trump’s inauguration as the cases were dismissed under longstanding DOJ policy that prohibits prosecuting a sitting president, followed the submission of his final report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who plans to release the report on election interference but not the classified documents case, citing pending proceedings against Trump’s former co-defendants. Both of Smith’s cases were blocked by court rulings: In July, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case, finding that Garland lacked the authority to appoint Smith. Separately, the Supreme Court delayed the election interference case for months while reviewing Trump’s claim of immunity before ultimately issuing a landmark decision that granted “absolute immunity from criminal prosecution” for “official acts.” (NBC News / Politico / New York Times / CNN / Washington Post / Axios)
3/ California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of spreading disinformation about the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, including false claims about water policies and disaster response. Trump also called Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass “incompetent” and asked why the fires weren’t extinguished yet. Newsom responded, saying the “mis- and disinformation I don’t think advantages or aids any of us,” and invited Trump to tour the damage. Trump has not responded. The wildfires have killed at least 24 people, destroyed over 12,000 of structures, and are expected to become the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history. Trump, nevertheless, has suggested he may withhold federal aid from California while House Republicans have discussed attaching conditions to federal disaster aid. With the wildfires expected to be the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history, Newsom urged federal leaders not to politicize the disaster, which could delay recovery and worsen the crisis. Mexico and Canada, meanwhile, have sent firefighting teams, air tankers, and technical support to assist in battling the wildfires. (NBC News / Politico / New York Times / The Guardian / Politico / New York Times)
4/ Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned why “they” haven’t used “cloud seeding” to stop the California wildfires, despite the practice being ineffective in dry conditions. “Why don’t they use geoengineering like cloud seeding to bring rain down on the wildfires in California?” Greene tweeted. “They know how to do it.” Cloud seeding – a practice developed in the 1940s which aims to produce rain or snow by releasing silver iodide particles or salt into clouds to encourage precipitation – only works in areas with existing atmospheric moisture and cannot prevent or extinguish wildfires. The method cannot generate water where none exists, making it ineffective in wildfire-prone areas that have low humidity. In October, Greene claimed that the government can control the weather, saying “they” created Hurricane Milton days after Hurricane Helene killed more than 230 people, including two dozen people in her state. “It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done,” she said at the time. (HuffPost / Daily Beast / The Independent)
5/ Steve Bannon publicly called Elon Musk a “racist” and “truly evil,” vowing to block his influence in the Trump administration over disagreements about immigration policy and Musk’s influence. Bannon’s remarks stem from Musk’s support for the H-1B visa program, which Bannon and other MAGA hardliners view as harmful to American workers. Trump, however, has backed Musk’s pro-immigration stance, highlighting a rift within his inner circle. Despite Musk’s significant financial and advisory role in Trump’s campaign, Bannon pledged to Musk “run out of here by Inauguration Day.” (Washington Post / Axios / The Guardian / Vanity Fair / Salon)
6/ A coalition of health experts urged the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, warning that his “unfounded, fringe beliefs could significantly undermine public health practices across the country and around the world.” The coalition said Kennedy “has little to no relevant administrative, policy or health experience or expertise that would prepare him to oversee the work of critical public health agencies.” Last month, a group of 77 Nobel laureates urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination, calling him “a belligerent critic of respected agencies” who would “put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences.” (New York Times)
7/ The incoming Trump administration has questioned National Security Council staff about their political affiliations, voting history, and social media activity, raising concerns about loyalty to Trump. These nonpolitical civil servants, typically retained across administrations, are being pressured to leave, aligning with incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s goal of staffing the NSC only with Trump-aligned personnel. Critics warn this approach could erode institutional knowledge, hinder effective policymaking, and stifle dissenting views within the council. (ABC News)
Notables.- Biden announced the forgiveness of student loans for over 150,000 borrowers, bringing the total debt relief under his administration to more than $183 billion for over 5 million individuals. The new round of forgiveness targets defrauded students, individuals with permanent disabilities, and public servants. While Biden’s broad loan forgiveness plan was blocked by the Supreme Court, his administration expanded and streamlined existing debt relief programs to deliver significant financial relief. As Biden prepares to leave office, the future of such initiatives remains uncertain under the incoming Trump administration. (Bloomberg / NBC News / The Hill / CNBC)
- The Biden administration announced new global export controls to restrict advanced AI chip and technology exports, aiming to block China’s access while supporting U.S. allies. The rules divide countries into tiers, with arms-embargoed nations like China and Russia facing strict bans, and allies such as Japan and the UK exempt from restrictions. U.S. companies can export under certain conditions, but critics, including Nvidia and Oracle, argue the measures hinder innovation and competitiveness. These regulations mark the culmination of a four-year effort to protect U.S. leadership in AI and will take effect 120 days after publication. (Axios / NBC News)
- JD Vance said Jan. 6 rioters who protested peacefully should be pardoned, but those who “committed violence” should not, acknowledging “gray areas” in the cases. Trump has pledged quick pardons for many Jan. 6 defendants while suggesting exceptions for individuals deemed excessively violent. Critics warn that pardoning those convicted of sedition or violence undermines democracy and the rule of law. (Rolling Stone)
- House Republicans introduced the “Make Greenland Great Again Act,” which would authorize Trump to negotiate with Denmark to acquire Greenland. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have pushed back on the idea, though Trump has not ruled out military force to pursue his goals, raising concerns about U.S. relations with its allies. (Axios)
- JD Vance called Greenland “strategically important” to the U.S. and suggested there could be a diplomatic solution for increased U.S. involvement, echoing Trump’s desire for control of the island. Greenland’s strategic location and natural resources make it a key focus in the global competition for Arctic dominance, especially as climate change opens new opportunities. (Axios)
"we don't need no fact checkers" says media full of complete and utter lies.
I see more and more of these completely factually untrue posts circulating and even if someone knowledgeable (like, in this case, the actual fire department itself) replies, the damage is done and the replies get buried.
Social media were a mistake and should be abolished. Along with AI. And the internet. Frankly, everything after sliced bread.
I see more and more of these completely factually untrue posts circulating and even if someone knowledgeable (like, in this case, the actual fire department itself) replies, the damage is done and the replies get buried.
Social media were a mistake and should be abolished. Along with AI. And the internet. Frankly, everything after sliced bread.
Welcome to what every disaster will look like for the next 4 years.
I love your optimism that this will only be for the next 4 years.
I enjoy your optimism that there's more than 4 years left.
That's not optimism. I swear every time they mention a near miss asteroid.
GasBandit
Staff member
1/ Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report made clear that Trump has not been exonerated for his “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power” and that the evidence would have secured a conviction had the case gone to trial. Smith’s 137-page report, released early Tuesday, detailed Trump’s alleged actions, including how he “inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence” on Jan. 6 and knowingly spread “demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false” claims of voter fraud. The prosecution, however, was dropped due to Trump’s 2024 reelection and longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the indictment of sitting presidents. Smith wrote, “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.” Smith’s report also directly countered Trump’s claims of political bias: “To all who know me well, the claim from Mr. Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable.” Smith emphasized that the investigation adhered strictly to facts and the law, asserting, “My Office had one north star: to follow the facts and law wherever they led. Nothing more and nothing less.” Trump, meanwhile, dismissed the report as a “political hit job,” repeating his unsubstantiated claims of election fraud while accusing Smith of failing to bring the case to trial before the election. Nevertheless, Smith defended the effort, stating, “While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters.” (Politico / NPR / NBC News / New York Times / Washington Post / Wall Street Journal / The Guardian / Axios)
2/ Special Counsel David Weiss criticized Biden for calling the prosecution of his son, Hunter Biden, politically motivated, arguing that such statements “undermine the public’s confidence in our criminal justice system.” Weiss’s final report defended his investigation, which led to convictions for tax evasion and firearms charges before Biden pardoned his son. The report dismissed claims of political bias and emphasized that the prosecutions adhered to principles of equal justice. Hunter Biden’s attorney, meanwhile, called the investigation “a cautionary tale of the abuse of prosecutorial power.” (NBC News / Washington Post / New York Times)
3/ Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, faced a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where partisan divisions emerged over his qualifications, personal conduct, and policy positions. In his opening remarks, Hegseth called himself a “change agent,” who would “restore the warrior ethos,” “rebuild our military,” and “re-establish deterrence” if confirmed. Hegseth said that Trump’s “primary charge” to him was “to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense” and that “he wants a Pentagon laser-focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness.” He added: “We are not Republicans or Democrats — we are American warriors.” Democrats criticized Hegseth’s lack of management experience, allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, and past remarks opposing women in combat and diversity efforts in the military. They argued his confirmation would undermine the Pentagon’s commitment to professionalism and readiness, calling him “unqualified” and his confirmation an “insult the men and women” of the military. Hegseth dismissed the allegations, claiming he was the target of a “coordinated smear campaign” by media and political opponents, stating: “I’m not a perfect person, but redemption is real.” Republican senators, meanwhile, largely supported him, describing him as a “breath of fresh air” for the Department of Defense. The hearing concluded with Hegseth appearing to have enough Republican support to advance his nomination. A committee vote is scheduled for next week, setting the stage for a likely full Senate confirmation vote. (Associated Press / NPR / Politico / New York Times / NBC News / Washington Post / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Axios / ABC News)
4/ The Republican-led House banned transgender women and girls from participating in female sports categories, defining sex as “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which passed 218-206 with two Democrats joining Republicans, ties compliance to federal funding under Title IX – a law aimed at ensuring gender equity in education and athletics. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain, though Trump has pledged to implement similar policies via executive order after his inauguration. (CBS News / New York Times / Washington Post / Politico / Wall Street Journal / Axios)
5/ House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested tying federal aid for California wildfire recovery to debt ceiling negotiations, citing alleged mismanagement by state leaders. Johnson and other Republicans argued for “conditions” on disaster relief, blaming California’s policies for the scale of the destruction. This position has faced pushback from Democrats, who criticized the move as politicizing disaster recovery. Johnson confirmed discussions with GOP members, including Trump, on linking aid to broader fiscal measures. Relief approval may face delays due to partisan disputes. (ABC News / Washington Post / Politico)
6/ Speaker Mike Johnson ordered flags at the Capitol to be raised to full staff for Trump’s inauguration, temporarily overriding Biden’s directive to keep flags at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period honoring Jimmy Carter. Trump criticized the timing of the flag-lowering directive, arguing it would overshadow his inauguration. Governors in several Republican-led states, including Texas and Florida, followed suit, ordering state flags raised for Inauguration Day. Johnson stated that flags at the Capitol would return to half-staff the following day through the end of January to continue the tribute to Carter. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, meanwhile, has been flying American flags at full-staff. U.S. flag code mandates mourning periods, but lacks enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance. (New York Times / Associated Press / CBS News)
7/ The Biden administration moved to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, citing a lack of credible evidence to support the designation. While the decision is expected to ease some U.S. economic pressures on the island, the incoming Trump administration will likely reverse the move. Trump designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism before he left office in January 2021 – five years after it had been removed from the list by Obama. (NBC News / Politico / CNN / Associated Press)
Notables.
2/ Special Counsel David Weiss criticized Biden for calling the prosecution of his son, Hunter Biden, politically motivated, arguing that such statements “undermine the public’s confidence in our criminal justice system.” Weiss’s final report defended his investigation, which led to convictions for tax evasion and firearms charges before Biden pardoned his son. The report dismissed claims of political bias and emphasized that the prosecutions adhered to principles of equal justice. Hunter Biden’s attorney, meanwhile, called the investigation “a cautionary tale of the abuse of prosecutorial power.” (NBC News / Washington Post / New York Times)
3/ Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, faced a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where partisan divisions emerged over his qualifications, personal conduct, and policy positions. In his opening remarks, Hegseth called himself a “change agent,” who would “restore the warrior ethos,” “rebuild our military,” and “re-establish deterrence” if confirmed. Hegseth said that Trump’s “primary charge” to him was “to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense” and that “he wants a Pentagon laser-focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness.” He added: “We are not Republicans or Democrats — we are American warriors.” Democrats criticized Hegseth’s lack of management experience, allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, and past remarks opposing women in combat and diversity efforts in the military. They argued his confirmation would undermine the Pentagon’s commitment to professionalism and readiness, calling him “unqualified” and his confirmation an “insult the men and women” of the military. Hegseth dismissed the allegations, claiming he was the target of a “coordinated smear campaign” by media and political opponents, stating: “I’m not a perfect person, but redemption is real.” Republican senators, meanwhile, largely supported him, describing him as a “breath of fresh air” for the Department of Defense. The hearing concluded with Hegseth appearing to have enough Republican support to advance his nomination. A committee vote is scheduled for next week, setting the stage for a likely full Senate confirmation vote. (Associated Press / NPR / Politico / New York Times / NBC News / Washington Post / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Axios / ABC News)
4/ The Republican-led House banned transgender women and girls from participating in female sports categories, defining sex as “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which passed 218-206 with two Democrats joining Republicans, ties compliance to federal funding under Title IX – a law aimed at ensuring gender equity in education and athletics. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain, though Trump has pledged to implement similar policies via executive order after his inauguration. (CBS News / New York Times / Washington Post / Politico / Wall Street Journal / Axios)
5/ House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested tying federal aid for California wildfire recovery to debt ceiling negotiations, citing alleged mismanagement by state leaders. Johnson and other Republicans argued for “conditions” on disaster relief, blaming California’s policies for the scale of the destruction. This position has faced pushback from Democrats, who criticized the move as politicizing disaster recovery. Johnson confirmed discussions with GOP members, including Trump, on linking aid to broader fiscal measures. Relief approval may face delays due to partisan disputes. (ABC News / Washington Post / Politico)
6/ Speaker Mike Johnson ordered flags at the Capitol to be raised to full staff for Trump’s inauguration, temporarily overriding Biden’s directive to keep flags at half-staff for a 30-day mourning period honoring Jimmy Carter. Trump criticized the timing of the flag-lowering directive, arguing it would overshadow his inauguration. Governors in several Republican-led states, including Texas and Florida, followed suit, ordering state flags raised for Inauguration Day. Johnson stated that flags at the Capitol would return to half-staff the following day through the end of January to continue the tribute to Carter. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, meanwhile, has been flying American flags at full-staff. U.S. flag code mandates mourning periods, but lacks enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance. (New York Times / Associated Press / CBS News)
7/ The Biden administration moved to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, citing a lack of credible evidence to support the designation. While the decision is expected to ease some U.S. economic pressures on the island, the incoming Trump administration will likely reverse the move. Trump designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism before he left office in January 2021 – five years after it had been removed from the list by Obama. (NBC News / Politico / CNN / Associated Press)
Notables.
- Trump announced plans to create an “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs and other forms of revenue that come from foreign sources. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection currently handles tariff collection, the ERS would potentially take over this function, though its implementation and necessity remain unclear. Economists warned that tariffs are largely paid by U.S. consumers and could exacerbate inflation, while critics called the proposal a rebranding effort to mask a tax hike. (Washington Post / Politico / Associated Press / Bloomberg / CNBC)
- Elon Musk is expected to use office space in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as he launches the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Musk’s companies hold significant federal contracts, raising concerns about ethics, transparency, and his influence on the Trump administration. (New York Times)
- Chinese officials are considering selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk if ByteDance cannot overturn a potential U.S. ban on the app. Beijing prefers to retain ownership through ByteDance, but has begun exploring contingencies as the Supreme Court appears likely to uphold legislation mandating the app’s sale or closure due to national security concerns. Musk could potentially merge TikTok U.S. with his X platform. (Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Semafor)
- Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will attend Trump’s inauguration. All three have contributed significantly to Trump’s campaign or inauguration fund and face potential business implications tied to his policies, such as antitrust scrutiny and federal contracts. The Washington Post editorial board, meanwhile, endorsed nearly all of Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Separately, Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin resigned, criticizing Bezos, Zuckerberg, and others for supporting Trump. (NBC News / CNBC / New Republic)
- Steve Bannon criticized Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk for their growing influence within Trump’s orbit, accusing Zuckerberg of manipulating the 2020 election and prioritizing corporate self-interest. Bannon’s remarks come amid Zuckerberg’s decision to loosen content moderation policies at Meta and Musk’s integration into Trump’s administration through the Department of Government Efficiency. The critiques highlight the ongoing tension between Trump’s inner circle and Silicon Valley billionaires vying for influence in the new administration. (The Hill / New Republic)
#2- Yes, it was politically motivated and if anything is going to “undermine the public’s confidence in our criminal justice system”. it's that we're about to have a convicted felon in the oval office who tried to overthrow our democracy on Jan. 6th, and STILL ISN'T IN JAIL. MOTHERFUCKERS.
Dave
Staff member
lol no. There will be conspiracy theories out the ass about how the democrats killed him and couldn't stand to have such a strong man in charge. They'll keep getting tattoos of him and if the right is still in charge they'll try to make something about Trump into a federal holiday.
There is absolutely no scenario where Trump’s presidency is irrelevant and forgotten.
"The Worst."
But only because "He-who-must-not-be-named" is already taken.
--Patrick