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

Shawn

Shawn

figmentPez said:
As Canadians cancel trips due to Trump, the U.S. tourism industry could lose billions

" According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canadians are the largest group of foreign visitors to the U.S. annually and accounted for $20.5 billion in spending last year alone. "
....
"Bookings at U.S. hotels just over the Canadian border are also down. The data analytics firm CoStar Group found that the demand for hotel rooms in a four-week period covering part of January and most of February had decreased 8% year over year in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and 12% in the Bellingham area of northwest Washington, about 50 miles south of Vancouver. "
....
" Still, according to a poll released last month by the market research firm Leger, nearly half of Canadians surveyed said they were less likely to travel to the U.S. this year. Most of them said they planned to travel within Canada instead. "
....
" The U.S. Travel Association estimated that even a 10% reduction in Canadian tourism to the U.S. would spell a $2.1 billion drop in spending and a loss of 14,000 American jobs. "
Click to expand...
Winning! ... right? Right?!!
 
PatrThom

PatrThom

Saw a story written by a Canadian yesterday about canceling their trip to the USA and getting a reply of, "Ok, whatever." But then subsequently getting a message of, "Hey, are you still interested if we give you a 30% discount?" Still nope. Got another reply later of, "How about a discount and we also accept $CAD at par?" Also nope.

EDIT: Found it.

--Patrick
 
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figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
It's dangerous to travel to the US right now:

British Comic Creator R.E. Burke Detained By ICE After Crossing Border
" She had been taking a four-month backpacking trip across North America until she was detained by I.C.E eleven days ago. "
" Despite being a tourist with no criminal record, she was handcuffed and taken to a detention facility in Tacoma, Washington. "
Bsky thread about Burke's situation

--

A German tattoo artist came to the US for a 3-week trip. She’s now been in ICE detention for over a month

--

German man visiting American fiancé detained by ICE for over 2 weeks


And these are just the prisoners who have been able to get media attention.
 
D

Dubyamn

figmentPez said:
It's dangerous to travel to the US right now:

British Comic Creator R.E. Burke Detained By ICE After Crossing Border
" She had been taking a four-month backpacking trip across North America until she was detained by I.C.E eleven days ago. "
" Despite being a tourist with no criminal record, she was handcuffed and taken to a detention facility in Tacoma, Washington. "
Bsky thread about Burke's situation

--

A German tattoo artist came to the US for a 3-week trip. She’s now been in ICE detention for over a month

--

German man visiting American fiancé detained by ICE for over 2 weeks


And these are just the prisoners who have been able to get media attention.
Click to expand...
Gotta goose those deportation numbers.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ Trump declined to rule out a recession, but instead called the current economic situation a “period of transition” as he imposes tariffs and cuts government jobs. Asked directly about the risk of a downturn, Trump told Fox News, “I hate to predict things like that,” but admitted that “It takes a little time.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick outright dismissed concerns, insisting, “There’s going to be no recession in America. No chance.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, warned of a “detox period” as the economy adjusts to less government spending. The stock market, meanwhile, reflected growing fears, with the S&P 500 falling 2.7% – its worst drop of the year – while investors reacted to Trump’s unpredictable trade policies. Inflation also concerns remain, as tariffs are expected to raise prices on foreign goods, while economic indicators – including declining consumer confidence, unemployment ticking up to 4.1% in February, and increased market volatility – suggest that uncertainty is growing. The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model projects a 2.4% decline in U.S. economic growth for the first quarter of 2025 – the first contraction in three years and the largest drop since the pandemic. White House officials, however, downplayed the estimate, with National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett calling recent economic struggles “some blips in the data” while insisting that growth will “take off” later in the year. Nevertheless, Trump downplayed the economic data, saying: “What I have to do is build a strong country. You can’t really watch the stock market.” (Bloomberg / Axios / NBC News / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / Politico / Washington Post / New York Times / Associated Press / New York Times / Washington Post / CNBC / NBC News / Wall Street Journal / CNN)
  • Economic forecasts have deteriorated as Trump’s chaotic policies – tariffs, federal layoffs, and immigration crackdowns – have introduced uncertainty. Consumer confidence and business investment has slipped, while Wall Street economists have warned of a possible downturn. The administration’s tariff policies – suspended and reimposed within weeks – have rattled markets, pushing the S&P 500 down 6% and lowering growth expectations. Federal job cuts and mass deportations also risk reducing spending and worsening unemployment, with some experts warning of “death by a thousand paper cuts” to the economy. (New York Times / Washington Post / Reuters / Business Insider / Wall Street Journal / Axios)
2/ House Republicans released their spending bill to fund the government and avoid a shutdown on March 15. The bill to fund the government through September 30 boosts defense spending by $6 billion, while cutting non-defense programs by $13 billion – a move Democrats call a “power grab.” Speaker Mike Johnson, who is pushing the bill without Democratic support, said the bill allows the Trump administration to “continue finding extraordinary levels of savings.” Trump also urged Republicans to support it, warning, “We have to remain UNITED — NO DISSENT.” House Democrats, meanwhile, oppose the bill, arguing it hands control to “an unelected billionaire.” Further, the bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain, as it needs at least seven Democratic votes to pass. (New York Times / Bloomberg / Associated Press / Washington Post / Politico / Wall Street Journal / Wall Street Journal / Politico / NBC News / Axios / ABC News / CNN)

3/ Trump accused Canada of “ripping us off for years” and said he may impose new, “reciprocal” tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber. A day after Trump delayed tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month, Trump said Canada’s 250% tariff on dairy was unfair and vowed to match it. Canadian officials called Trump’s proposed tariffs “completely unjustified.” Meanwhile, Ontario announced a 25% tax on electricity exports to Minnesota, Michigan, and New York in response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that if Trump escalates the trade war, Ontario may cut off electricity exports entirely. (NBC News / CNN / Bloomberg / Associated Press / New York Times / NBC News / Bloomberg)
  • Trump questioned the U.S.-Canada border treaty and suggested revisiting shared water agreements in February calls with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. U.S. officials later told Canada they were considering cutting intelligence-sharing and reviewing military cooperation. Trudeau, who initially dismissed Trump’s remarks about Canada as the “51st state,” now sees them as an effort to weaken Canada’s economy. (New York Times)
4/ The U.S. economy added 151,000 jobs in February – short of the 170,000 forecast – as the unemployment rate edged up to 4.1%. Federal government employment dropped by 10,000, reflecting early impacts of mass layoffs under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The labor force, meanwhile, shrank by 385,000, and a rise in part-time employment for economic reasons pushed a broader measure of unemployment to 8% – its highest level since 2021. Wage growth remained steady at 0.3% for the month, but missed annual expectations. (Bloomberg / New York Times / Washington Post / NBC News / Wall Street Journal / CNBC)

5/ Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed will keep interest rates steady as it assesses the economic impact of Trump’s shifting trade policies. Powell warned that prolonged tariff hikes could push prices higher, making the Fed cautious about cutting rates. Powell said the Fed will “wait for greater clarity” before adjusting rates, emphasizing that long-term inflation expectations must remain stable. “The path to sustainably returning inflation to our target has been bumpy, and we expect that to continue.” (Bloomberg / CNBC / Wall Street Journal)

6/ Trump signed an executive order establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve using cryptocurrency seized by the government. White House Crypto and AI Czar David Sacks confirmed the reserve will not include newly purchased bitcoin, but instead left open the possibility of using “budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional bitcoin, provided that those strategies impose no incremental costs on American taxpayers.” The order also created a separate U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile to hold other confiscated cryptocurrencies, including ether, XRP, solana, and cardano. While the move symbolically recognizes bitcoin as a U.S. reserve asset. Bitcoin briefly dropped 5% on the announcement before recovering. (Reuters / CNBC)

7/ Trump said he is “strongly considering” imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace deal are reached in Ukraine. His announcement followed a Russian missile and drone barrage targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Trump, who has suspended U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, urged both sides to negotiate, warning that “Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine.” He also suggested that securing a settlement with Russia might be easier than dealing with Ukraine, adding that Putin would “be more generous than he has to be.” Meanwhile, Trump reportedly wants more than a minerals deal to restart U.S. aid to Ukraine, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s making concessions. (Bloomberg / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / Washington Post / NBC News)

The midterm elections are in 603 days.

✏ Notables.
  1. Trump signed an executive order restricting student loan forgiveness for nonprofit workers linked to immigration aid, gender-affirming care, and other activities the Trump administration deems harmful to “national security and American values.” The order directs the Education and Treasury Departments to redefine “public service” to exclude organizations engaged in activities such as aiding undocumented immigrants, supporting gender-affirming care, or violating state laws. (Bloomberg / NPR / New York Times / Washington Post)
  2. Republicans and the White House are pushing a tax credit plan that would divert billions in federal tax revenue to private school voucher programs. The plan would offer a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to these programs, creating the largest federal incentive for charitable giving. The plan could cost the federal government up to $10 billion annually. (Washington Post)
  3. The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the school’s alleged “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Columbia had “abandoned” its legal obligation to Jewish students and warned that further funding cuts could follow. (Axios / Washington Post / NBC News / New York Times / Bloomberg)
  4. Federal immigration agents arrested a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student at his university-owned apartment. Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, played a role in last year’s pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia. The Department of Homeland Security claimed he “led activities aligned to Hamas” and cited Trump’s executive orders prohibiting antisemitism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the administration would revoke visas and green cards of Hamas supporters. (The Guardian / Associated Press / Reuters / Axios / Bloomberg / New York Times)
  5. Israel cut off electricity to Gaza, affecting a desalination plant that supplies drinking water, as part of its effort to pressure Hamas in cease-fire negotiations. Hamas condemned the decision, calling it “collective punishment” and a “war crime.” The cutoff follows Israel’s repeated, earlier suspensions of humanitarian aid. (Politico / CNN / Bloomberg / Associated Press / New York Times)
  6. The Department of Homeland Security is using polygraph tests to find employees leaking immigration enforcement details. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said two “criminal leakers” were identified and face felony charges. Border czar Tom Homan blamed leaks for lower ICE arrests. DHS stated it “can, should, and will” use polygraphs but did not disclose how many employees have been tested. (CBS News / NBC News / The Hill)
  7. A federal judge ruled that Trump unlawfully fired Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board and ordered her reinstatement. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell found that Trump lacked the authority to remove Wilcox, citing a 1935 law that protects board members from dismissal without cause. The Justice Department immediately appealed, arguing Trump should have the power to remove agency officials at will. (Associated Press / Washington Post / CNN)
  8. A federal judge issued a nationwide injunction blocking Trump’s attempt to freeze billions in federal funding without congressional approval. U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that the White House overstepped its authority by pausing grants and contracts through an Office of Management and Budget directive. The ruling prevents the Trump administration from reinstating the freeze under a different name. (New York Times / Wall Street Journal / ABC News)
  9. The Trump administration canceled 83% of USAID programs and plans to transfer the remaining ones to the State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the cuts “overdue,” and claimed the 5,200 canceled contracts wasted “tens of billions” and harmed U.S. interests. (CNN / Associated Press)
  10. The Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ minors. Conversion therapy is a discredited practice that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling or other interventions. The case could impact similar laws in over 20 states. (NBC News / Associated Press / Washington Post)
  11. The CDC – despite extensive research showing no connection – plans to investigate potential links between vaccines and autism. Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have repeatedly promoted the disproven theory, which stems from a retracted 1998 study. The White House and the CDC have not provided details on the study’s scope or objectives. (Reuters / Washington Post)
  12. A second person died in the growing measles outbreak affecting Texas and New Mexico. The unvaccinated adult from New Mexico tested positive for measles posthumously, though the official cause of death is still under investigation. The outbreak has reached 222 reported cases, with the majority in Texas, particularly in low-vaccination communities. The CDC has sent experts to Texas, issued a travel advisory, and continues urging vaccinations to curb the outbreak. (NBC News / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg)
  13. The Department of Health and Human Services offered a $25,000 buyout to most of its 80,000 employees. Employees must opt in by March 14. The move follows earlier cuts, including mass firings of probationary workers and deferred resignation offers to federal employees. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly supported staff reductions, saying some employees “made really bad decisions” on health policies. (CBS News / Associated Press)
  14. The Army Corps of Engineers knew the water release ordered by Trump in January wouldn’t reach Southern California as he claimed. Col. Chad Caldwell, the Army Corps official overseeing the release, acknowledged in an internal memo that the plan lacked necessary coordination and couldn’t deliver water as promised. Despite warnings from state officials and farmers, the Corps proceeded to release billions of gallons from two reservoirs, later reducing the flow due to flooding concerns. Trump posted images of the release on social media, calling it a “victory,” even though the fires were already contained at the time of the release. (Washington Post)
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
The cracks keep widening: Trump shrugs off a recession, ICE revokes a protester’s green card, and Panama dumps deported migrants. Meanwhile, Musk picks fights, Iran wavers on talks, and Kristi Noem wants lie detector tests for leaks. Stay sharp.
  1. Trump demurs, tells Fox that he hates to predict things when asked about recession.
  2. After human rights criticisms, Panama released dozens of migrants deported from the U.S., giving them 30 days to leave the country.
  3. Elon Musk claimed Starlink is Ukraine’s military backbone, called Poland’s Foreign Minister a “small man”, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the minister he should be grateful to Musk.
  4. Trump on whether he is comfortable that Ukraine may not survive without U.S. help: “Well, it may not survive anyway.”
  5. A Columbia University grad student who led protests against Israel was arrested by ICE and had his green card revoked for “circulating social media posts criticizing Zionism” and organizing a march.
    ​
  6. For the second time this week and the 20th since taking office, U.S. fighter jets scrambled to intercept a pilot who entered restricted airspace over Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.
  7. Trump defended Justice Amy Coney Barrett after she broke with conservatives to release foreign aid, calling her “smart” and “a very good woman.”
  8. After media reports highlighted the lack of a replacement for ICE’s demoted chief, Kristi Noem announced new leadership and vowed to give employees lie detector tests to find leakers.
  9. The UN said Iran “will consider” nuclear talks with the U.S., a day after its leader vowed not to negotiate under “US bullying.”
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
  1. Elon Musk called Sen. Mark Kelly a traitor after Kelly described conditions he observed in Ukraine last weekend.
  2. NIH’s National Cancer Institute must flag all communications and research using 23 terms, including vaccines, fluoride, autism, and peanut allergies.
  3. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says 83% of USAID’s programs have been eliminated, with the State Department taking over the rest.
  4. DC began the 6-8 week process of erasing Black Lives Matter Plaza at a cost of $610K following GOP threats.
  5. Trump warned that the arrest and jailing of a recent Columbia University grad student with permanent U.S. residency “will be the first of many.”
  6. The Dow plunged over 1,000 points, and Nasdaq had its worst day in years, which the White House Economic Council Director dismissed as “a blip.”
  7. NIH will cancel or cut back grants studying vaccine hesitancy or how to increase acceptance.
  8. Washington, DC lawmakers urged GOP leaders to reverse a spending bill that treats the city as a federal agency and arbitrarily slashes $1.1 billion of its budget.
  9. HHS Secretary Kennedy blamed a deadly measles outbreak on poor diet and overall health.
  10. The Justice Department’s pardon attorney was fired one day after refusing to recommend restoring Mel Gibson’s gun rights, cancelled due to his domestic violence conviction.
  11. Federal Judge Amir Ali barred the administration from “unlawfully impounding congressionally appropriated foreign aid funds.”
  12. The Education Dept. warned 60 universities, including Harvard and Yale, that they could face penalties from antisemitism investigations.
  13. A judge ruled that Elon Musk’s DOGE unit is likely subject to FOIA laws and ordered DOGE and OMB to turn over emails in a lawsuit over federal employee firings.
  14. NASA eliminated 23 senior positions, including its Chief Scientist, and closed an office studying space and tech policy.
  15. The Trump administration is proposing to shorten the Affordable Care Act enrollment period and eliminate some subsidies that lower costs.
  16. Perkins Coie, the elite law firm barred from federal buildings and employees by Trump, has hired another firm to sue the government.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
Celt Z said:
Good. I hope this trend continues. I know it's going to make life in the US harder, but it seems America is going to have to hit rock bottom before a lot of Americans realize how good we had it. For many, our priorities have been fucked up, and now we pay the price. And frankly, anything that chips away at the oligarchy is good in my book.
Click to expand...
Maybe NATO can form a coalition of the willing to effect a regime change in the US because it's destabilizing the region, and the world. Way moreso than Iraq ever did.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
Bubble181 said:
Yeah, but what valuable resources does the USA have that world necessitate an intervention? Oligarchs? Nutjobs? Florida Man?
Click to expand...
The world's largest lithium deposit (albeit under a world-ending supervolcano)

glassalmanac.com

Has the world’s largest lithium deposit been found inside a supervolcano ?

A supervolcano in the western United States may hold the largest lithium deposit ever discovered, potentially shifting the global balance of lithium supply and pricing. This ... Continue Reading →
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figmentPez

figmentPez

Staff member
Bubble181 said:
Yeah, but what valuable resources does the USA have that world necessitate an intervention? Oligarchs? Nutjobs? Florida Man?
Click to expand...

Tech News and Miscellany

All the more reason to go Roku, I guess.
www.halforums.com

A couple of mines that produce the entire world's supply of an ultra-pure quartz used in the manufacture of all semiconductors around the world. Without those mines there's no computer chips, no solar panels, etc.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
  1. Ukraine accepts a 30-day ceasefire as the U.S. resumes military supplies and intelligence sharing.
  2. The House passed a stopgap funding bill by 4 votes; Senate must pass it in 3 days, requiring support from 8 Dems.
  3. The Department of Education is firing 50% of workers, offices in NY, Boston, Cleveland, and Chicago to close.
  4. A USAID employees union petitioned a federal judge after the agency ordered staff to destroy classified records.
  5. NOAA, the agency for weather, oceans, and fisheries, faces a second round of 1,000 layoffs, bringing total job losses to 25%.
  6. The White House insists Elon Musk’s plan to cut $600-$700 billion from Social Security will not affect benefits.
  7. The General Services Administration is closing five offices that oversee more than 26,000 federally owned paintings and sculptures.
  8. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin has targeted Trump whistleblower and now Rep. Eugene Vindman with two demands related to a family-owned business.
  9. Federal Judge Amir Ali ordered the White House to provide a status report by Friday on unpaid invoices to relief groups for work done before Feb. 13.
  10. The Trump administration told a federal judge that restarting refugee admissions could take months.
  11. A leaked EPA memo reveals the agency will eliminate all 11 environmental justice offices nationwide.
  12. Elon Musk told the White House he plans to donate $100 million to Trump’s political operation.
  13. Trump claimed people are “illegally and collusively” boycotting Tesla, then hosted a WH event featuring three Tesla vehicles.
  14. A federal judge blocked the White House from cutting hundreds of millions in teacher training funds after eight states sued.
  15. Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender representative, was misgendered today by GOP Rep. Keith Self, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe.
  16. The USDA canceled $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks to buy locally sourced food.
 
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blotsfan

blotsfan

I saw a decent point that it is kinda shitty that the left has ceded “highly processed foods are bad” to the right, where they package a reasonable point with extra insanity (like being against pasteurizing milk).
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
1/ The House passed a Republican spending bill to fund the government through September and avoid a shutdown. It passed 217-213. The measure keeps spending mostly flat, but increases military funding by $6 billion while cutting $13 billion from nondefense programs, including a $1 billion reduction to Washington, D.C.’s budget. House Republicans largely supported the bill after pressure from Trump and JD Vance, arguing it gives the administration flexibility to reshape federal spending through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Speaker Mike Johnson compared passage of the funding bill to “the Super Bowl,” saying: “This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for our entire careers and finally, the stars have aligned.” In the Senate, Democrats are divided and face a Friday deadline on whether to oppose the bill and risk a shutdown or allow Trump broad control over federal funds. Senate Democrats “need to hold strong on this,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said. “This is not a game. This is extremely serious,” adding that the money provided in the bill is “an unfettered slush fund” for Trump. Republicans will need at least eight Senate Democrats to vote for the bill. (New York Times / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / Associated Press / Wall Street Journal / Washington Post / Bloomberg / Politico / NPR / Axios)

2/ Trump imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, claiming they would protect American industry, but triggering global backlash. Canada and the EU responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including metals, whiskey, and motorcycles, while China imposed levies on agricultural and energy products. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dismissed Trump’s trade war, saying, “Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and even worse for consumers.” Nevertheless, Trump doubled down, threatening reciprocal tariffs on April 2, but quickly backed off his plans to raise Canadian metal tariffs to 50% after Ontario withdrew an electricity surcharge. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc criticized the White House’s actions, saying, “The U.S. administration is once again inserting disruption and disorder into an incredibly successful trading partnership.” Trump, however, remained defiant and insisted that “Of course I’m going to respond.” Trump’s administration claims tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing despite economists warning they’ll raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains, and provoke a trade war. Incoming Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed continued resistance, saying, “My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect and make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade.” Meanwhile, China suggested further escalation, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning saying “China will take all necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests.” [Editor’s note: Lots of moving pieces regarding Trump’s trade war right now, so apologies if this is wildly out of date whenever you read it.] (New York Times / Associated Press / NBC News / Axios / NBC News / CNBC / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / New York Times / Axios / NPR / Politico / Washington Post / Bloomberg)

3/ Inflation eased in February, but economists warn that Trump’s escalating trade war could undermine that progress. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.8% from a year earlier – down from 3% in January – while core inflation, which excludes food and energy, slowed to 3.1% – its lowest since 2021. New tariffs on steel, aluminum, and Chinese goods are expected to push consumer prices higher in the coming months, potentially reversing recent gains. (CNN / CNBC / Bloomberg / Wall Street Journal / NBC News / Washington Post / New York Times)

4/ The Education Department laid off over 1,300 employees – nearly half its workforce – as Trump pushes to dismantle the agency. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the reductions aim to “eliminate bureaucratic bloat” and “turn over the agency’s authority to states.” Trump campaigned on closing the department, calling it a hub of “radicals, zealots, and Marxists,” though Congress must approve any formal shutdown. The cuts include the closure of regional offices and the consolidation of federal student aid and civil rights enforcement functions. (Associated Press / New York Times / Wall Street Journal)

5/ The Social Security Administration is considering eliminating phone services for claims processing and direct deposit transactions, potentially cutting off millions of elderly and disabled Americans from accessing their benefits. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency claims – without evidence – that Social Security is plagued by fraud. Officials warn that removing phone services would create unnecessary barriers for those who struggle with technology or lack internet access, making it harder to receive benefits they’ve earned. Social Security employees say DOGE is pushing the change without considering alternatives, even though internal reports have debunked the claims of mass fraud. (Washington Post / Rolling Stone / Associated Press)

6/ Trump bought an $80,000 Tesla to support Elon Musk, falsely claiming that boycotts against the company were “illegal.” Tesla stock has tanked 15% as Musk’s deep ties to the Trump administration, mass layoffs, and inflammatory rhetoric – including a Nazi salute at Trump’s inauguration – has fueled protests and vandalism at dealerships. Despite Musk’s repeated claims of “efficiency,” his involvement in gutting federal agencies has raised concerns about corruption and conflicts of interest, while his businesses struggle. Musk, who admitted it is “very difficult” to run his companies while acting as Trump’s enforcer, has also spread baseless conspiracy theories about liberal donors funding Tesla protests. Meanwhile, Trump, who received massive financial support from Musk during his campaign, dismissed concerns and declared that any attacks on Tesla would be labeled “domestic terrorism.” (Rolling Stone / The Verge / CNBC / New York Times / Business Insider / Bloomberg / Associated Press / New York Times / TechCrunch / Mother Jones / Associated Press)

7/ A federal judge ruled that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency must comply with public records requests, citing its “unprecedented” power and secrecy. Judge Christopher Cooper found that DOGE likely falls under the Freedom of Information Act, and ordered the release of internal documents. The Trump administration must submit a report by March 20 estimating the number of relevant documents. (Politico / Bloomberg)

poll/ 56% disapprove of Trump’s economic handling. 42% say the economy is their top issue. More fear Trump’s government cuts go too far (62%) than not far enough (37%), while 59% call his policies too extreme. (CNN)

poll/ 47% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, while 45% disapprove. 48% disapprove of his handling of the economy, while 37% approve. 46% say his economic policies are making things worse, compared to 28% who say better. 53% believe increasing tariffs will hurt the economy, while 37% think they will help. More Americans view the Republican Party favorably (39%) than the Democratic Party (29%), but both remain unpopular. (Emerson College Polling)

poll/ 69% of voters say Democrats are “too focused on being politically correct,” 56% believe Democrats don’t look out for working people, and only 39% think the party values work. 27% of independents say Democrats prioritize people like them. (Politico)
 
D

Dubyamn

blotsfan said:
I saw a decent point that it is kinda shitty that the left has ceded “highly processed foods are bad” to the right, where they package a reasonable point with extra insanity (like being against pasteurizing milk).
Click to expand...
Food politics does expose the limits of the will of the democrats. Democrats fought for and won calorie labeling at restaurants and I believe getting a sugar added to the nutritional information which is all an improvement but Cheesecake factory putting calorie counts on the menu doesn’t help when there are no sub 1500 calorie options on the menu.
It feels like they were trying a name and shame approach and all the companies just shrugged and weren’t really shamed.
 
GasBandit

GasBandit

Staff member
  1. Among the Department of Education layoffs: 7 of 12 civil rights offices will close, despite thousands of backlogged cases.
  2. A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s executive order punishing law firm Perkins Coie, ruling it likely violates First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights.
  3. The federal student loans website went offline midday Wednesday, later displaying a “Planned Maintenance” banner after hours of downtime.
  4. Trump told reporters that Ireland “takes advantage” of the U.S. while seated next to Irish PM Micheál Martin in the Oval Office.
  5. EPA head Lee Zeldin vowed to put “a dagger through the heart of climate change religion” by rolling back or reconsidering over 30 regulations regulating vehicles, power plants, and more.
  6. Incoming Canadian PM Mark Carney expressed willingness to meet with Trump, provided there is respect for Canadian sovereignty.
  7. Shelly Lowe, the first Native American to lead the National Endowment for the Humanities, left her position “at President Trump’s direction.”
  8. Canada and the EU retaliated against U.S. tariffs today, imposing levies on $48 billion in goods, including beef, alcohol, and textiles.
  9. The last 40 prisoners at Guantánamo Bay have been transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana.
 
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