Despite President-elect Trump’s claim of a “powerful mandate” following his electoral college victory, his narrow popular vote margin—near the bottom for American presidents—raises questions about the extent of public support for his agenda. While Republicans cite his electoral success and control of Congress as evidence of a mandate, Democrats argue the results do not justify circumventing established processes, such as Senate confirmation for Cabinet members. Scholars further dispute the very concept of a presidential mandate, highlighting its historical misuse and potential for undermining democratic balance of power. Ultimately, Trump’s ability to enact his ambitious policies hinges on his approach to governing and whether he can build consensus beyond his base.
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Elon Musk joined President-elect Trump, Melania, and Barron Trump for Thanksgiving dinner at Mar-a-Lago, further solidifying their close relationship. Video footage shows the two men enjoying themselves, with Musk even participating in a playful moment with Trump. Musk’s involvement in the incoming administration, notably his appointment to head the newly created “Department of Government Efficiency,” has sparked concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. This close association extends beyond Thanksgiving, with Musk frequently present at Mar-a-Lago during the presidential transition, even participating in calls with world leaders.
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On Friday, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack targeting multiple Russian military and infrastructure sites hundreds of kilometers apart, marking one of Kyiv’s most ambitious operations to date. Confirmed strikes included a critical Russian air defense site in Crimea and an oil refinery in Rostov, resulting in significant fires and damage. A third potential strike targeted a Russian naval base or oil facility near Tuapse. Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate claimed responsibility, stating the operation involved special forces and drone operators.
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The British Parliament voted 330 to 275 to legalize assisted dying, a significant step towards joining a small group of nations allowing terminally ill individuals to end their lives with medical assistance. The bill, requiring a terminal diagnosis, less than six months to live, and approval from two doctors and a judge, still needs to pass the House of Lords. While proponents highlight the dignity and relief it offers, critics express concerns about insufficient safeguards and the NHS’s capacity to handle such a change. The legislation differs from euthanasia, focusing solely on assisting the terminally ill, and carries penalties if not followed strictly.
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President-elect Trump’s planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico are opposed by President Biden, who considers them counterproductive and potentially damaging to crucial relationships. Biden hopes Trump will reconsider this action, which violates the USMCA and could severely impact the Canadian economy. While both Trudeau and Sheinbaum spoke with Trump, their accounts of the conversations regarding border control and tariffs differed. Biden expressed confidence that a smooth transition would occur, despite Trump’s controversial trade policies.
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A New Zealand military inquiry determined that the HMNZS Manawanui sank due to human error; the crew mistakenly left the autopilot engaged, causing the ship to ground on a reef. The ship, tasked with ocean floor mapping, was lost in October, marking New Zealand’s first naval loss since WWII. Although the 950 tons of diesel fuel onboard initially raised environmental concerns, salvage efforts are underway to prevent a spill. This incident follows the grounding of a U.S. Navy oil ship off Oman, highlighting recent maritime mishaps.
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Despite expressing respect for Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s efforts, former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney asserts that their newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lacks statutory authority and is primarily a public relations initiative. While acknowledging DOGE’s goal to improve government efficiency, Mulvaney highlights its inability to enact meaningful change without congressional action or collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). He emphasizes that the OMB director, Russ Vought, will ultimately hold the most significant influence on DOGE’s success. Therefore, the department’s impact will hinge on its ability to leverage congressional support and OMB cooperation.
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Numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeted President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees, prompting swift action from law enforcement. The threats, including a pipe bomb threat to Rep. Lee Zeldin and a similar threat to Pete Hegseth, occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The FBI and other agencies are actively investigating, and officials expressed gratitude for the rapid response. This surge in threats follows a previously noted increase in swatting incidents targeting election officials and polling places in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency, plans to investigate a $6.6 billion loan the Biden administration gave to electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. Ramaswamy alleges the loan, intended to fund a Georgia plant, is excessively expensive per job created and politically motivated to undermine Tesla. Critics, including the *Wall Street Journal*, contend the loan constitutes corporate welfare, favoring a struggling company in a competitive market and potentially violating free-market principles. The loan’s justification is debated, with counterarguments highlighting Rivian’s potential economic impact and the risks of stifling nascent clean energy technologies.
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Russia’s ongoing campaign of sabotage across Europe is alarmingly reckless, a blatant disregard for international norms and stability. This brazen behavior, coupled with escalating nuclear threats, is intended to intimidate nations supporting Ukraine and undermine the international effort to counter Russian aggression. The scale of these actions is significant, affecting crucial infrastructure and national security, and highlights a pattern of escalating hostility.
The implications of Russia’s actions extend far beyond the immediate targets of sabotage. A successful subjugation of Ukraine would embolden Russia’s allies, like China and North Korea, and embolden further acts of aggression by adversaries such as Iran. Ignoring this threat would have devastatingly higher consequences than supporting Ukraine’s fight for its sovereignty.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood