The recent publication of a phone transcript between Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, offers a revealing look into modern US diplomacy. The transcript demonstrates a shift towards prioritizing flattery and ego-stroking of Donald Trump as the primary diplomatic strategy. Witkoff advised Ushakov on how to garner Trump’s favor, potentially influencing deal outcomes in Russia’s benefit. The leaked call raises concerns as it highlights a negotiation style more akin to autocratic leadership than traditional democratic processes, ultimately suggesting a deviation from long-term US interests.
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Multiple sources indicate that President Trump is considering removing FBI Director Kash Patel, citing concerns over his stewardship of bureau resources and his public image. Trump is reportedly considering Andrew Bailey, currently in a senior leadership position, as a potential replacement, with the legal framework in place for Bailey to serve as acting director. Despite these reports, the White House has publicly denied the claims, and the President has expressed confidence in Patel. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have voiced concerns about Patel’s actions.
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According to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s retirement announcement serves as a warning sign for Republican leaders. McCarthy believes her departure is a “canary in the coal mine,” signaling potential further defections if party unity isn’t prioritized. He points out that the GOP is already facing challenges, with 22 Republican representatives not contesting their seats in 2026 and unfavorable polling data looming. Greene’s decision followed public disagreements with the president, who labeled her a “traitor.”
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The story, “Exclusive: US peace plan for Ukraine drew from Russian document, sources say,” paints a rather concerning picture, doesn’t it? It suggests that the supposed US peace plan for Ukraine wasn’t just influenced by Russia; it was essentially a Russian document. That’s a stark revelation. It makes you wonder how such a thing could happen, and the implications of it are quite unsettling.
It seems pretty evident that the initial plan resembled something akin to Russia’s terms for a complete Ukrainian surrender. The idea that a US administration, specifically the Trump administration, might have relied on a Russian document to shape its own peace proposal raises serious questions.… Continue reading
A recent New York Times investigation revealed President Trump’s official appearances have decreased by 39% in his second term, with events often starting later in the day. This comes amid growing concerns about his health, as he has been observed appearing to doze off at public events, sparking scrutiny about his fitness for office. The report also highlights a lack of transparency regarding his health, with physicians declining to answer media questions about medical procedures. Further concerns are raised by reports of his increased international travel and the appearance of ever-present bruising on his hands.
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The Interior Department unveiled new policies affecting national parks, including increased entrance fees for international visitors starting next year, with options for a $250 annual pass or $100 per-person entry to select parks, while US residents can purchase a standard $80 pass. Commemorative annual passes featuring George Washington and Donald Trump, and a military pass with Trump, will be issued in 2026. Moreover, five additional fee-free days for US residents, including Trump’s birthday, were announced in 2026.
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Eight months after President Trump touted tariffs as a means of reshoring manufacturing jobs, the sector has actually contracted, with a loss of 6,000 manufacturing jobs reported in the latest jobs report, adding to the previous 59,000 lost since April. Experts attribute this decline, in part, to the uncertainty tariffs have created, which disincentivizes companies from growing their workforce by increasing production costs. Despite the shrinking industry, job postings in manufacturing remain resilient, suggesting a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of the workforce, and the value of trade schools.
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Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced plans to bolster defense spending with a $40 billion budget, citing “intensifying” threats from China, which views the island as its own territory. Lai stated that Xi Jinping’s regime is accelerating military preparations to take Taiwan by force, leading to a focus on achieving a “high level of combat preparedness” by 2027. This includes investment in equipment like missiles and drones, artificial intelligence, and increased cooperation with the United States. President Lai emphasized that any compromise in the face of aggression would only lead to war, and the greatest threat is giving up.
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The European Parliament, in a recent vote, strongly criticized Hungary, accusing it of becoming a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy” due to numerous violations of European values. The report highlighted concerns regarding the Hungarian government’s crackdown on LGBTQI+ rights, restrictions on dissent, and threats to judicial independence. MEPs also denounced Budapest’s use of AI-generated content to deceive voters, alongside alleged spying activities within EU institutions. The Parliament urged the EU Council to take decisive action, as the situation in Hungary is worsening while Orbán is scheduled to meet with Putin.
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President Trump defended Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s actions, calling them standard practice for dealmakers. Trump stated that Witkoff was simply doing his job by selling the deal to both Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the necessity of pressure and persuasion in negotiations. While admitting he hadn’t heard the specific recording, Trump viewed the approach as a normal form of negotiation, implying that both sides needed to compromise. These comments came in response to Bloomberg’s publication of a transcript where Witkoff advised Putin’s aides on presenting a “peace agreement” to Trump.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood