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

PatrThom

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
  1. Cryptocurrency prices spiked after Trump announced plans for a U.S. “Crypto Strategic Reserve”
  2. The U.S. Chips Program Office, which manages a $52 billion semiconductor subsidy, is losing about two-fifths of its staff due to Trump’s federal workforce cuts.
Click to expand...
How do you create a "crypto reserve" while at the same time hobbling the expansion of silicon?

--Patrick
 
Frank

Frank

Every word out of Trump's mouth makes every single nerve in my body cry out in unbelievable rage. Physical pain at how angry I am. Ready to kill anger.
 
HCGLNS

HCGLNS

So you kids buy $1 of electricity yesterday, today it's $1.25 and when it gets to you, you gotta toss an extra $0.125 to your boss.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
Our suppliers have already added a tariff line to the subtotals of our invoices. The prices of everything we buy and sell are going up 25%, naturally. This is gonna be bad.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump launched a trade war by imposing a 25% tariff on nearly all Canadian and Mexican goods and an additional 10% on Chinese imports, which triggered immediate retaliation. Canada responded with 25% tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. goods and threatened further economic actions, Mexico pledged tariff and non-tariff countermeasures, and China raised tariffs up to 15% on U.S. farm products while blacklisting 15 American companies. Trump justified the tariffs by blaming Canada and Mexico for fentanyl trafficking, despite U.S. data showing nearly all fentanyl seizures occur at the southern border. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs as “unjustified” and “very dumb,” accusing Trump of trying to “collapse the Canadian economy” to make annexation easier. “We will never be the 51st state,” Trudeau said. Trump dismissed the criticism and threatened further escalation: “Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also rejected Trump’s justification, calling his accusations about cartel activity “offensive, defamatory and without substance,” and vowed retaliation. Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested a deal with Canada and Mexico could come as soon as tomorrow, saying, “The President is listening because, you know, he’s very, very fair and very reasonable.” (New York Times / Washington Post / Wall Street Journal / NBC News / Politico / NPR / ABC News / Bloomberg / Associated Press / Axios / CNBC / CNN)
  • The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board called Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada the “dumbest” tariff move in history. The editorial argues that the tariffs will harm U.S. consumers and businesses by disrupting supply chains and increasing vehicle prices by thousands of dollars. (Wall Street Journal)
  • Trump’s tariffs will drive up the cost of everyday essentials for Americans. Grocery bills will rise as produce from Mexico – like avocados, tomatoes, and bell peppers – becomes more expensive. Cars and gas will also cost more due to tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, adding an estimated $2,700 to vehicle prices. Electronics, including iPhones and laptops, will see price hikes as the U.S. increases tariffs on Chinese goods. Construction costs will go up, making new homes even more expensive. Experts say the average U.S. household will pay about $1,072 more per year due to these tariffs. (NPR / Axios / Wall Street Journal)
2/ Economists and global trade experts warn of severe economic consequences from Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The International Chamber of Commerce warned that escalating U.S. tariffs could trigger a global economic crisis comparable to the Great Depression. ICC Deputy Secretary-General Andrew Wilson said the risk of a severe downturn is “a coin-flip” unless the U.S. reconsiders its trade policies. Meanwhile, economists are increasingly concerned about a U.S. recession as financial indicators weaken, with the Atlanta Federal Reserve forecasting a 2.8% GDP contraction for the first quarter of 2025. Treasury yields have fallen, oil prices have dropped below $70 a barrel, and economic data has disappointed. Lower-income households are struggling with debt, businesses are hesitating on investment, and a tariff war threatens supply chains. Inflation concerns are also growing, as 69% of Americans believe tariffs will raise prices. And amid all these signs of economic trouble, the Trump administration nevertheless proposed redefining how “economic growth” is measured by excluding government spending from GDP calculations. Critics argue the move could obscure the impact of federal policies and make it harder to assess the true state of the economy. (Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / Washington Post / New York Times / Vox)
  • The S&P 500 has erased all gains since Trump’s election, closing at 5,778.15, below its Nov. 5 level.(CNBC)
3/ Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested Americans raise backyard chickens to combat rising egg prices. Rollins called backyard chickens “awesome” in a Fox News interview despite many Americans unable to keep chickens due a lack of the space or legal ability. Egg prices have surged due to a bird flu outbreak, with the USDA predicting a 41% increase this year. J.D. Vance, who previously made egg prices a key campaign issue, has been notably quiet despite prices hitting record highs under Trump. The administration has announced a $1.5 billion plan to address the issue, including biosecurity funding and increased egg imports. (HuffPost / The Atlantic / Newsweek)

4/ Trump paused all U.S. military aid to Ukraine following the Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump and JD Vance accused him of being ungrateful. The White House said the aid would remain frozen until Ukraine showed a “commitment” to peace negotiations with Russia, but it didn’t clarify what specific actions would satisfy that requirement. Zelenskyy called the meeting “regrettable,” proposed a limited ceasefire with Russia, and reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to finalize the minerals agreement, saying, “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.” (Associated Press / NBC News / Axios / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / Politico / Washington Post / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / CNN / Axios)

5/ JD Vance dismissed dismissing a proposed European peacekeeping force in Ukraine as “20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” Britain and France, the only countries to pledge troops so far, condemned the remark as disrespectful, citing their military support in the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance later denied referring to either nation, but didn’t clarify which country he was referring to. Meanwhile, British politicians condemned Vance’s statement, with Conservative MP James Cartlidge calling it “deeply disrespectful” and Nigel Farage saying Vance was “wrong, wrong, wrong.” French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu also pushed back, saying that fallen French soldiers “deserve our respect and the respect of our allies.” (BBC / Politico / Reuters / The Guardian / New York Times / NPR)

6/ White House adviser Alina Habba suggested that military veterans fired in the Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts may not be “fit to have a job at this moment.” Habba defended the Department of Government Efficiency layoffs and suggested that taxpayer dollars should only fund employees who “actually work.” (NBC News / The Hill / CNBC)

7/ House Republicans were told to avoid hosting in-person town halls after facing angry constituents over federal spending cuts and layoffs by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson advised members to hold virtual events instead. Democrats, meanwhile, accused Republicans of avoiding accountability, with Rep. Ro Khanna and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vowing to hold events in Republican districts. Trump dismissed the backlash as orchestrated by “paid troublemakers,” though no evidence supports the claim. (The Hill / ABC News / Politico)

8/ Trump will address Congress tonight at 9 p.m. ET. He promised to “TELL IT LIKE IT IS” as he highlights his administration’s first six weeks in office, including federal job cuts, tariffs, and foreign policy shifts. Trump is expected to praise the work of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and push for increased funding for immigration enforcement. Democrats plan to counter by bringing guests affected by government cutbacks and wearing blue and yellow to show support for Ukraine. Outside Congress, protests against Trump’s policies are planned in all 50 states. (Associated Press / New York Times / Washington Post / ABC News / Wall Street Journal)

The midterm elections are in 609 days.

✏ Notables.
  1. The Senate confirmed Linda McMahon as education secretary, putting her in charge of a department Trump wants to dismantle. McMahon pledged to make the agency more efficient, but acknowledged that only Congress can shut it down. Trump has already signed orders eliminating diversity programs and transgender student protections while promoting school choice. Trump is considering an executive order to transfer department functions to other agencies. McMahon told staff their “final mission” is to reduce bureaucracy and return education control to the states. Trump said he wants McMahon “to put herself out of a job.” (Associated Press / Politico / Axios)
  2. Trump threatened to revoke federal funding from universities that allow “illegal protests” and vowed to expel, arrest, or deport demonstrators. Trump did not clarify what makes a protest illegal but stated, “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came.” Legal experts say such actions would violate the First Amendment. (Axios / Bloomberg / Reuters / Politico / Wall Street Journal)
  3. The CDC sent “disease detectives” to West Texas to help contain a measles outbreak after the state requested federal assistance. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic who initially downplayed the outbreak, acknowledged the outbreak as a “call to action,” but stopped short of strongly advocating for vaccination. The Trump administration nevertheless sent 2,000 MMR vaccines and provided lab support to track the virus. The outbreak led to the first U.S. measles-related death in a decade. (New York Times)
  4. The Senate blocked a Republican bill that would have banned transgender women and girls from competing in female sports. It failed to reach the 60 votes needed to advance. Despite this, the Trump administration is pushing its interpretation of Title IX through an executive order, which directs schools and colleges to bar transgender athletes from women’s sports or risk losing federal funding. (Washington Post / NBC News / Associated Press)
  5. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 against the EPA, limiting its ability to impose broad water pollution regulations under the Clean Water Act. The case, brought by San Francisco, challenged the EPA’s enforcement of wastewater discharge rules, arguing they were too vague. (E&E News / New York Times / Washington Post)
  6. A federal judge ruled that Trump unlawfully removed Cathy Harris, chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board, and ordered her reinstatement. Judge Rudolph Contreras found that Trump violated the law by firing Harris without cause, as required by statute. The MSPB protects federal employees from political interference. (ABC News / CNN)
  7. Trump plans to sell 443 federal properties across 47 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The buildings, which total nearly 80 million square feet, house federal agencies such as the Departments of Justice, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs. While not yet officially for sale, the General Services Administration is evaluating offers, including the John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston and the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco. (Bloomberg)
  8. Trump is hosting $5 million private meetings and $1 million group dinners at Mar-a-Lago. While funds are reportedly supposed to go toward Trump’s presidential library, ethics experts warn that these high-priced gatherings blur the line between Trump’s presidency and personal business interests. (Wired)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member


1 - https://www.usatoday.com/story/mone...-little-disturbance-from-tariffs/81499139007/

2 - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/poli...re-greenland-one-way-or-the-other/ar-AA1Agz9d

3 - https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out...institutions-gender-affirming-care-rcna194800

4 - https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-tax-agency-weighs-firing-064752883.html

5 - https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/tru...tects-government-employees/story?id=119435326

6 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...trump-hegseth-pentagon-firings-civilian-harm/

7 - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqly0zrnnv3o

8 - https://apnews.com/article/census-b...ward-lutnick-3a56003b790aedce6e6c8ddd7c6b6943

9 - https://www.axios.com/2025/03/04/trump-maga-inc-fundraiser-cost

10 - https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy...expanding-starlink-funding-prospects-74664efc

11 - https://thehill.com/homenews/state-...er-black-lives-matter-plaza-near-white-house/
 
figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
Judges face rise in threats as Musk blasts them over rulings

" U.S. Marshals have warned federal judges of unusually high threat levels as tech billionaire Elon Musk and other Trump administration allies ramp up efforts to discredit judges who stand in the way of White House efforts to slash federal jobs and programs, said several judges with knowledge of the warnings. "
....
" Reuters interviews with 11 federal judges in multiple districts revealed mounting alarm over their physical security and, in some cases, a rise in violent threats in recent weeks. Most spoke on condition of anonymity and said they did not want to further inflame the situation or make comments that could be interpreted as conflicting with their duties of impartiality. The Marshals Service declined to comment on security matters. "
....
" Another person familiar with the judicial security environment said several federal judges in the Washington D.C. area had received pizzas sent anonymously to their homes, which is being interpreted by law enforcement as a form of intimidation meant to convey that a target’s address is known. "

“I’ve never seen judges as uneasy as they are now,” said John Jones III, a former U.S. district judge in Pennsylvania appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush in 2002.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump delivered a 100-minute address to Congress – the longest in history – and declared his administration’s first 43 days an overwhelming success. “America is back,” he said, claiming without evidence, “We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations in four or eight years.” Trump promoted his mass federal layoffs, executive actions, and his newly imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, despite market turmoil and warnings that they would raise consumer prices. Although he acknowledged the potential economic fallout, Trump downplayed concerns, saying: “There will be a little disturbance, but we’re OK with that. It won’t be much.” Trump framed his presidency as a “common-sense revolution,” attacking “wokeness,” endorsing a permanent ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and praising Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, saying, “He didn’t need this.” Trump also renewed his push to cut taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, even though the House-passed budget only allows for an extension of his first-term tax cuts. Meanwhile, his economic claims drew skepticism as stock market losses wiped out post-election gains and consumer confidence dropped. Democrats largely sat in silence, some holding signs reading “Musk Steals” and “False,” while Rep. Al Green was ejected for shouting, “You don’t have a mandate!” Ahead of the speech, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged restraint, advising Democrats to avoid distractions and instead “let him stew in his own juice.” On foreign policy, Trump defended freezing military aid to Ukraine, reiterated his threats to reclaim the Panama Canal, suggested the U.S. could take control of Greenland, saying “one way or the other we’re going to get it,” and blamed Biden for the ongoing war in Gaza, calling him “the worst president in history.” (NBC News / Politico / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / New York Times / Washington Post / Axios / Associated Press)
2/ Sen. Elissa Slotkin, delivering the Democratic rebuttal to Trump’s address, warned that his economic policies could “walk us right into a recession.” She accused Trump of prioritizing billionaires over working Americans, saying he is “on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America.” She criticized Trump’s tariffs on U.S. allies, arguing they would drive up costs, and called his handling of Ukraine a failure, saying “Reagan must be rolling in his grave.” Slotkin also condemned Elon Musk’s influence in government, asking, “Is there anyone in America who is comfortable with him and his gang of 20-year-olds using their own computer servers to poke through your tax returns?” Slotkin urged Americans to stay engaged, telling them to “hold your elected officials, including me, accountable.” (NBC News / Axios / Politico / NPR)

3/ Trump granted a one-month exemption from new 25% auto tariffs on Mexico and Canada, following pressure from automakers. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, however, said “Reciprocal tariffs will still go into effect on April 2, but at the request of the companies associated with USMCA, the president is giving them an exemption for one month.” The decision came after executives from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis warned the tariffs would be “devastating” and “blow a hole” in the industry. Trump, meanwhile, spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said “the call ended in a ‘somewhat’ friendly manner,” but also accused Trudeau of “trying to use this issue to stay in power.” Despite the temporary reprieve, the United Auto Workers union said it’s in “active negotiations” with the administration to “shape the auto tariffs in April to benefit the working class.” Trump maintains the tariffs are about “making America rich again and making America great again.” (Bloomberg / NBC News / CNBC / Politico / New York Times / Wall Street Journal)

4/ Trump called for ending the $52 billion Chips Act, arguing that tariffs would be a better way to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing while generating government revenue. The law has driven over $400 billion in investments from companies like TSMC and Intel, but Trump described it as a “horrible, horrible thing” and urged Congress to repeal it. (Bloomberg)

5/ The State Department stopped a global air quality monitoring program “due to budget constraints.” The program, launched in 2008, used sensors at more than 80 embassies and consulates to provide real-time air pollution data, particularly in countries with limited monitoring. While historical data remains available, embassies will no longer transmit live updates unless funding is restored. Experts credit the program with improving global awareness of air pollution, particularly in China, where it helped pressure the government to take action on smog. (Bloomberg / Washington Post)

poll/ Trump’s approval rating turned negative for the first time in his second term. His net approval dropped from +8.3 on Jan. 24 to -0.3 on March 4, with 47.9% disapproving and 47.6% approving. (FiveThirtyEight)

The midterm elections are in 608 days.

✏ Notables.

  1. The Trump administration paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, limiting Kyiv’s ability to target Russian forces. The move follows Trump’s decision to freeze military aid as part of an effort to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into peace negotiations with Russia. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the pause and suggested it could be lifted if Ukraine demonstrates commitment to negotiations. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz added that the administration is “reviewing all aspects of this relationship.” (Bloomberg / Washington Post / New York Times / CNN / Wall Street Journal / Associated Press)
  2. The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to freeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid payments, upholding a lower court’s ruling that the funds must be released to USAID contractors for completed work. In a 5-4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s liberal justices, instructing the lower court to clarify compliance obligations. Justice Samuel Alito, in a dissent joined by three other conservatives, argued that a single judge shouldn’t have the power to compel such payments, calling the decision “stunning.” The aid freeze, imposed by Trump on his first day in office, halted projects worldwide, including medical aid and infrastructure improvements. (NBC News / New York Times / Washington Post / CNN / Politico / Associated Press / Axios / Bloomberg / ABC News / Wall Street Journal)
  3. The Merit Systems Protection Board ordered the USDA to temporarily reinstate nearly 6,000 employees fired by the Trump administration, finding that their mass termination likely violated federal law. The ruling grants them 45 days of reinstatement while an investigation continues. (NPR / CNN)
  4. The Trump administration is planning to cut up to 50% of the IRS workforce, reducing it from about 90,000 employees through layoffs, attrition, and buyouts. So far, 7,000 employees, mostly new hires, have been laid off, with further reductions expected after tax season. The administration is also considering reassigning some IRS employees to assist with immigration enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. (Associated Press / New York Times)
  5. The Trump administration plans to cut between 70,000 and 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA’s chief of staff instructed officials to prepare for an August restructuring aimed at “resizing” the workforce in collaboration with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency. The VA expanded under Biden, particularly to implement the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. (Associated Press / CNN)
  6. The Trump administration reinstated some CDC employees weeks after firing around 750 staff members. Emails sent Tuesday informed some workers their termination letters had been rescinded, allowing them to return to work immediately. (NPR)
  7. The Trump administration withdrew a plan to sell nearly 80 million square feet of federal property after receiving “overwhelming interest” from buyers. The General Services Administration initially listed 443 properties, including agency headquarters and historic sites. Within hours, GSA removed 123 properties, and by Wednesday morning, the entire list was taken down. (New York Times / Bloomberg)
  8. The Trump administration dropped a Biden-era lawsuit challenging Idaho’s strict abortion ban, which only allows abortion when a woman’s life is at risk. The Biden administration had argued that federal law required hospitals to provide emergency abortions when necessary to protect a woman’s health. (CNN / Politico / Associated Press)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member


1 - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/05/us-ukraine-intelligence-sharing-00213100

2 - https://www.npr.org/2025/03/05/nx-s1-5316227/trump-order-dismantling-education-department

3 - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/05/va-layoff-federal-employees/81624579007/

4 - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politi...istration-to-release-2-billion-in-foreign-aid

5 - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mwln4p87do

6 - https://www.reuters.com/world/ameri...ent-wednesday-commerce-chief-says-2025-03-05/

7 - https://federalnewsnetwork.com/work...mporarily-reinstated-following-mspb-decision/

8 - https://www.voanews.com/a/vance-visits-mexico-border-says-us-won-t-invade-mexico-/8000678.html

9 - https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/co...t-cutting-medicare-medicaid-budget-rcna195042

10 - https://www.usnews.com/news/top-new...inistration-from-cutting-nih-research-funding

11 - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/t...ts-and-warns-he-may-do-it-for-her/ar-AA1AkIvW

12 - https://apnews.com/article/fema-ruling-migrant-shelters-new-york-7438c39d5ae66fdb06240d0080020b29

13 - https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory...trump-defense-attorney-todd-blanche-119489726

14 - https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/05/app...ration-to-remove-federal-ethics-watchdog.html
 
LittleSin

LittleSin

chris said:
Nothing really new for America to be honest. It's not the first time an US government removed a democratic elected president to get what they want.
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Really tho. I feel like it's one of the first tactics in the CIA playback next to 'convenient accident' and 'sudden scandal'.
 
Vrii

Vrii

Vance says that designating cartels as terrorists justifies military deployment (ie invasion). Peter Navarro says, out of nowhere and without anything resembling evidence, that Canada has been "taken over" by Mexican cartels.

Anyone else doing the math here?
 
IronBrig4

IronBrig4

And THEN evidence to the contrary will presented, but Trumpsters will just say that Americans are worried about it now due to all the fearmongering. That alone is enough justification to send in the Marines.
 
PatrThom

PatrThom

He just has to show MAGA that the "right people" (i.e., Libs) are suffering, and if MAGA is also feeling some of that pinch, that's because it's just the cost MAGA has to endure to make sure those people suffer. This is absolutely not the same thing as saying, "Everyone will suffer," he promises. No, never that.

--Patrick
 
Vrii

Vrii

blotsfan said:
So unless I’m misunderstanding, Trump backed off the tariffs but now Canada isn’t.
Click to expand...
Trump backed off some of his tariffs, after a phone call where he swore at and presumably threatened our PM, and Canada isn't immediately scrambling to reward him, yeah.
 
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