By John Q. Hosedrinker 
E.J. Antoni, Donald Trump’s nominee for BLS commissioner, has proposed suspending the monthly jobs report, advocating for the use of quarterly data instead. Antoni, previously the Heritage Foundation’s chief economist, cited concerns about the accuracy of the monthly figures, arguing that a lack of confidence in the data could have serious consequences for businesses and policymakers. This proposal follows Trump’s dismissal of the previous BLS commissioner and claims that the July jobs report was inaccurate due to revisions in employment figures. The July report was criticized for revisions that indicated significant downsizing in the market, potentially signaling an impending recession.
Read the original article here
Trump’s Takeover of Washington, D.C., Is Hilariously Ineffective | Almost no one has been arrested because the nation’s capital isn’t actually a crime-ridden hellhole. This whole operation, this deployment of military personnel to the nation’s capital, feels less like a serious attempt to combat crime and more like a poorly executed performance piece. The supposed goal, as far as anyone can tell, was to project an image of strength and control, but it’s failing miserably. The lack of arrests speaks volumes. You can’t declare victory over a problem that barely exists.
The evidence, such as it is, suggests a different agenda altogether. Videos surface of law enforcement harassing ordinary citizens going about their day, people on their porches, walking their dogs. The focus seems to be on intimidation rather than actual law enforcement. It’s about establishing a presence, a constant reminder of who’s in charge, even if that “who” is making a fool of themselves.
The narrative being spun is, of course, that the heavy military presence is the reason for the lack of crime. If arrests go up, the administration can take credit. If they go down, even better; they’ll claim the military is a deterrent. Either way, it’s a win-win, in their minds, for reinforcing their power. This is a classic move from the authoritarian playbook, using the threat of force to consolidate control, reminiscent of tactics employed by regimes throughout history.
And let’s be clear: Washington D.C. isn’t a lawless wasteland. It’s a city with its own issues, certainly, but not one overrun by criminals. The underlying motivation isn’t about public safety; it’s about solidifying power, about creating a climate of fear, and about distracting from more pressing matters. Perhaps the Epstein files might be a good place to start looking for real criminal activity.
The very idea of a “takeover” in this context is ludicrous. It’s a sideshow, a public relations stunt disguised as a security measure. The real criminals, as the old saying goes, are elsewhere, not on the streets. They might be in the White House, in Congress, in the Supreme Court. It’s not about enforcing laws; it’s about projecting an image of power and authority.
This deployment is poised to backfire spectacularly. Instead of inspiring confidence, it’s likely to frighten away tourists and further damage the city’s reputation. Who wants to visit a place patrolled by masked, militarized police? It’s a surefire way to kill the tourism that this city relies so heavily upon. The primary intent behind this move is not to combat crime, but to normalize the use of military force for political purposes.
The optics are key here. The administration is obsessed with appearances, with projecting an image of strength and control. Targeting marginalized groups and removing homeless encampments are just part of the show. The aim is to make the regime look strong and in control, while distracting from their failures. The actual crime rate is less important than the perceived sense of order.
The whole thing smacks of desperation and incompetence. The National Guard, as in previous similar scenarios, lacks the authority to arrest or charge anyone. They’re essentially there to stand around and look menacing. The situation is a bizarre mixture of security theater and political posturing. It is the epitome of ineffective governance.
Let’s not forget the context. This is happening in a city with some of the strictest gun laws in the country. The notion that crime is rampant is simply not supported by reality. This whole operation is an attempt to intimidate, to control the narrative, and to distract from the scandals that plague the administration.
Ultimately, this “takeover” is a case study in how not to run a country. It’s a distraction, a waste of resources, and a blatant attempt to abuse power. The lack of arrests, the focus on optics over substance, and the overall air of incompetence all point to a hilariously ineffective scheme. It’s a bad show that will have a predictable ending. And it’s a deeply concerning glimpse into the future this administration envisions.