In the wake of the fifth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol attack, NPR’s investigation reveals efforts by the Trump administration to suppress information regarding the event. This includes the deletion of records, the removal of references to the event as a riot, and the hiring of individuals who deny the severity of the attack. Despite such efforts, the investigation highlights evidence of pre-planned violence, the use of weapons, and intentions to overthrow the government. Additionally, the report details the physical and psychological toll the attack took on law enforcement.
Read More
During an exchange, Wiles acknowledged that drug smuggling is not a death penalty offense but framed the strikes as part of a “war on drugs” declared solely by the president. Whipple pointed out the lack of congressional approval, to which Wiles responded it was not yet needed. While admitting attacks on Venezuelan mainland would require congressional approval, Rubio deferred legal questions regarding the boat strikes to the Department of Defense. Despite Trump’s actions, Wiles maintained the president prefers to be seen as a peacemaker.
Read More
Following his declaration of “peace on earth,” President Trump launched an unprovoked military attack on targets in Caracas, Venezuela. This surprise attack occurred shortly after a threat of a separate military action against Iran, and just days after a series of military strikes on Venezuelan boats. Trump claimed that regime change and access to Venezuelan natural resources were motivations for his actions, which also seemingly conflicted with his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize and a newly-created FIFA Peace Prize. The president’s recent military actions have caused controversy and raise questions given his previously expressed aspirations.
Read More
Despite campaigning on an “America First” platform that rejected foreign intervention, Donald Trump has announced the United States will run Venezuela indefinitely. This decision marks a complete reversal of his prior stance against global policing, with the US potentially deploying troops and allowing American oil companies to profit from Venezuelan resources. Trump provided little detail about the operation’s legality or the long-term plan, aside from stating that American courts would be the proper forum for accountability. This abrupt shift in policy has alarmed global leaders, as it undermines international law and signals unpredictable US foreign policy, potentially leading to significant backlash and consequences for the US.
Read More
After Venezuela operation, Trump says the whole hemisphere is in play. Well, that’s quite a statement, isn’t it? It seems the former president is signaling something significant, perhaps a broader strategic vision for the Americas. The implications are… well, they’re vast, to say the least. This goes beyond just a single operation, Venezuela or otherwise. It’s about a claimed sphere of influence, a shift in global power dynamics, and a potential reshaping of international relations in our own backyard.
One immediate reaction is the concern it stirs up. The idea of the “whole hemisphere” being “in play” evokes images of potential interventionism, of a more assertive US foreign policy.… Continue reading
Following the US abduction of Nicolás Maduro, interim President Delcy Rodríguez defiantly declared Venezuela would never be a colony and demanded Maduro’s release, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s plans. Rodríguez’s remarks, delivered alongside key Venezuelan officials, signaled unified resistance against the US’s attempt to control the country’s government and oil reserves. Trump, who claimed to be appointing individuals to lead Venezuela, threatened further attacks and warned Venezuelan officials of similar consequences as Maduro, who is detained in Brooklyn. These actions have been met with condemnation from some US politicians, who see it as the US starting an illegal war.
Read More
Following military operations in Venezuela, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump supporter, issued a stern warning to the former president, claiming such actions contradict the “America First” agenda. Greene criticized the use of American tax dollars for foreign interventions, citing concerns over the rising cost of living and the failure to address issues like the Mexican cartels’ role in the fentanyl crisis. She questioned the motivations behind the operations, particularly in light of Trump’s pardon of a former Honduran President convicted of drug trafficking. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer also noted concerns from some Republicans regarding Trump’s actions.
Read More
The Department of Justice missed its deadline to explain the redactions in the Epstein files, sparking criticism, particularly after the deletion of 16 files, including one featuring Donald Trump with Epstein. While the DOJ cited privacy concerns as justification, some argue this doesn’t explain the delayed release of millions of files. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie are now pushing for a special master to ensure the files’ complete release and seeking to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for non-compliance. The DOJ, using 400 lawyers, estimates the review and redaction process will continue until at least January 20th.
Read More
Recent airstrikes conducted by Saudi Arabia targeted separatist forces in Yemen, specifically in the port city of Mukalla and other areas where the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is stationed. These actions follow the STC’s seizure of an oil-rich region and declaration of a constitution for an independent nation in the south, further escalating tensions. The strikes are the latest intervention by Saudi Arabia, which has also bombed the STC and disrupted weapon shipments, and have resulted in deaths and injuries. Saudi Arabia plans to hold a conference in Riyadh to facilitate dialogue between southern factions, reflecting broader strains within the anti-Houthi coalition and an apparent power struggle with the UAE over regional influence.
Read More
An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia for terrorism-related offenses tied to their online activities supporting jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The convictions are a result of cases stemming from violent protests in May 2023, following Khan’s arrest. The court claimed the accused’s online content promoted “fear and unrest.” The rulings are part of a broader crackdown on Khan’s supporters and dissenting voices, with the court handing down additional prison terms and fines.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood