Trump says he is terminating any pardons, commutations signed by Biden using autopen. Okay, let’s unpack this… It seems like we’re diving headfirst into another potential legal battleground. The core of the matter is that Trump has declared he’s essentially nullifying any pardons or commutations that Joe Biden signed using an autopen. That’s the machine that replicates a signature.
Now, the immediate question that leaps to mind is: can he actually do this? The consensus, from everything I’ve gathered, is a resounding “no.” Legal experts are lining up to say it’s unconstitutional. The Constitution doesn’t give a president the power to revoke a pardon issued by a predecessor.… Continue reading
Despite the erosion of his legacy and progressive setbacks, former President Barack Obama remains optimistic about the future of the United States. Speaking at Crystal Bridges Museum, Obama expressed his belief that the next generation of lawmakers holds the key to solving the nation’s current problems, urging the older generation to step aside. He acknowledged the increased division and instability within the country, noting the challenges to the legitimacy of elections and the difficulty of bipartisan cooperation in the current political climate. Obama suggests that structural issues disincentivize collaboration, making compromise a difficult proposition for lawmakers.
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This holiday season, many Americans are struggling to feel celebratory due to the negative impact of the Trump administration’s policies. The article aims to amplify the voices of those affected and ensure their experiences are acknowledged. Readers are encouraged to help hold the administration accountable for its decisions.
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Following President Trump’s declaration that military action was possible in Colombia due to drug trafficking, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry strongly rejected any threats of aggression. Trump’s remarks, made during a Cabinet meeting, specifically targeted Colombia, citing its cocaine production, and came amid increasing tensions and potential military action against Venezuela. Colombia has condemned U.S. military strikes in the region, leading to a breakdown in intelligence cooperation and a formal complaint from the family of a Colombian national killed in a U.S. strike. The U.S. is expected to continue its strikes despite international criticism, which may lead to increased scrutiny.
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Japan’s catchphrase of the year is “work, work, work, work, and work,” a statement made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shortly before taking office, which has garnered significant attention and criticism. Takaichi’s remarks sparked debate due to Japan’s existing work culture, including its long working hours and the issue of “karoshi” or death from overwork. Despite the controversy, Takaichi defended her comment, clarifying her intent was to demonstrate her dedication as a leader. While receiving the award, Takaichi used a famous line from the manga “Attack on Titan” at an economic forum in Saudi Arabia as a way to encourage investment in Japan’s economy.
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Overnight drone strikes targeted oil depots in Russia’s Tambov and Voronezh regions. In the Tambov region, a fire erupted at an oil depot after debris from a drone fell, as reported by the regional governor. The specific oil depot affected was identified as the Nikiforovskaya oil depot in Dmitrievka, a Rosneft-owned facility with a substantial capacity for diesel fuel storage. Authorities responded swiftly, deploying emergency services and resources to address the situation.
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The central issue revolves around Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and allegations of war crimes, specifically concerning the killing of Venezuelan boat crews. Hegseth is accused of ordering the deaths of those aboard these vessels, with the most damning claim being the order to “kill them all.” Military experts are questioning the legality of these actions, as well as President Trump’s stance on them, particularly concerning the apparent indifference towards the laws of war, and any potential consequences that may arise. Trump’s handling of the situation and whether Hegseth is fired, or worse, indicted, could have far-reaching effects on military morale and civil-military relations, potentially emboldening violations of the law.
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President Trump’s pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted of drug trafficking, has drawn criticism from within his own party. Several Republican senators expressed confusion and concern, citing the mixed message sent by pardoning a convicted drug trafficker while also threatening action against drug trafficking in Venezuela. Some lawmakers, such as Senator Rand Paul, questioned the logic and potential consequences of the pardon, considering Hernandez’s role in facilitating the movement of hundreds of tons of cocaine. Trump’s recent pardons, including those of individuals convicted of financial crimes and January 6th rioters, have reignited debate about the scope of presidential pardon power, with some calling for constitutional amendments to limit its application.
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Representative Anna Paulina Luna initiated a discharge petition to force a House vote on banning lawmakers and their spouses from trading individual stocks, circumventing Republican leadership. This move follows accusations of slow-walking the stock ban proposal and attempting to weaken the legislation, which has broad bipartisan support. The underlying bill, led by Representative Tim Burchett, seeks to prohibit members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents from engaging in individual stock trading. This marks the third discharge petition filed by a Republican this year, reflecting a growing trend of bypassing leadership on key legislative matters.
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U.S. halts all immigration cases for nationals of nineteen countries, and it’s certainly a development that’s grabbing attention. The list includes a diverse set of nations, and the impact of this decision is bound to be felt across the globe and here at home.
The nineteen countries impacted by this immigration halt are a mixed bag, including Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. These countries faced the most severe restrictions. Others on the list include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, which were subject to partial restrictions.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker