Contrary to popular belief, Donald Trump’s administrative picks are not loyalists, but rather subservient individuals who actively sought his favor through displays of flattery and submission. These nominees, many with ties to Fox News, repeatedly amplified Trump’s false claims and engaged in acts of public deference. Their actions demonstrate a willingness to prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations and national interests, creating a dangerous lack of unbiased counsel for the former president. This self-selection process, driven by ambition and insecurity, risks exacerbating Trump’s potentially harmful decisions.
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A letter signed by nearly 100 former U.S. officials strongly opposes President-elect Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, citing concerns about her judgment and fitness for the role. The letter highlights Gabbard’s meetings with dictators such as Assad and Putin, including a 2017 trip to Syria and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These actions, the officials argue, raise serious questions about her suitability for the position. The letter urges Senate leaders to conduct closed-door briefings before confirming her nomination.
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In 2018, bipartisan concerns arose regarding Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s potential compromise of a Syrian defector’s identity during a closed-door briefing. Staffers took precautions to prevent Gabbard from revealing the defector’s information, highlighting deep misgivings about her pro-Assad stance. Gabbard’s subsequent nomination as Director of National Intelligence has drawn criticism from former officials citing her past actions and echoing of Russian and Assad regime propaganda. These concerns center on her potential to provide unbiased intelligence briefings and the potential impact on vital intelligence alliances. The controversy underscores significant apprehension surrounding her access to top-secret information.
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly survived an impeachment vote after a governing party boycott, with only one lawmaker voting against the motion. The vote followed Yoon’s controversial, short-lived declaration of martial law, sparking widespread protests and calls for his resignation. Although he apologized and stated there would be no repeat attempt, a subsequent impeachment vote is scheduled for December 11th. Even within his own party, calls for his resignation are mounting, leaving his future uncertain despite surviving the initial impeachment attempt.
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Artyom Antonov, a 19-year-old Russian conscript, was fatally shot in the head at a Primorsky Krai training range on October 21st. A police document indicates the shooting stemmed from Antonov’s refusal to deploy to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are active, and his subsequent alleged torture at the hands of his commanding officers. Antonov’s family reported his body showed signs of a beating and a head wound, alleging a cover-up by the military. This incident contradicts Kremlin assurances that inexperienced conscripts would not be deployed to combat zones.
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The recent killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO highlights widespread public anger over soaring healthcare costs, the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. Despite efforts like the Affordable Care Act and Inflation Reduction Act to expand coverage and lower prices, healthcare remains unaffordable, forcing many to forgo necessary care. The U.S. system’s fragmented nature, coupled with rising premiums and industry consolidation, exacerbates the problem. Ongoing initiatives like drug price negotiations and antitrust actions offer potential solutions, but significant reform is needed to address the systemic issues driving high costs.
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In the weeks after the November election, Donald Trump’s “Save America” PAC disbursed another $4.3 million to lawyers representing him in various legal battles, totaling $90.8 million in legal fees. This followed the renaming and restructuring of his 2024 campaign account into “Never Surrender,” a leadership PAC allowing flexible spending. A new fundraising split directs 80% of donations to the RNC, leaving only 20% for Never Surrender, a shift from the initial 80/20 split favoring Trump’s committee. The rationale for this change remains unclear, although speculation suggests potential RNC payment of Trump’s legal bills.
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A group of Charles County students with intellectual and developmental disabilities were refused service at a Waldorf Cracker Barrel during a field trip, despite prior notification of their visit. The restaurant cited a staffing shortage and subsequent dining room closure as the cause of the incident, leading to the students eating on their bus instead. School officials and parents expressed disappointment and outrage at the treatment, while Cracker Barrel issued an apology and pledged to work with the school to prevent similar occurrences. Following the incident, other businesses have offered their locations for future field trips.
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Donald Trump’s 2024 administration will be comprised of at least 11 billionaires or those closely associated with billionaires, representing the wealthiest US administration in history with a collective net worth exceeding $340 billion. This includes prominent figures like Elon Musk, tasked with cutting public spending, and several nominees for key cabinet positions requiring Senate confirmation. The composition starkly contrasts with the significantly less wealthy Biden administration and raises concerns about potential tax cuts favoring the ultra-rich at the expense of vital public services. Analysts note the irony of Trump’s populist appeal juxtaposed with his reliance on a billionaire-heavy cabinet.
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Following the November election, Republicans secured control of both the House and Senate, giving them the power to shape the national agenda. Despite campaigning on issues like inflation and immigration, congressional Republicans are prioritizing cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, potentially saving hundreds of billions of dollars. This plan, however, contradicts their campaign promises and would disproportionately harm seniors and working-class Americans while potentially benefiting the wealthy through further tax cuts. Republicans’ narrow five-seat majority in the House, further reduced by Trump’s cabinet appointments, makes passing their agenda highly precarious.
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John Q. Hosedrinker