During a recent appearance before House Republicans, former President Donald Trump jokingly entertained the idea of canceling the 2026 midterms, citing concerns about the media’s reaction. He then spoke on various topics, including his re-election victory and urged Republicans to concentrate on specific issues, like immigration and healthcare. Throughout his speech, he provided what he claimed was a roadmap to victory, encouraging lawmakers to leverage these points effectively. Trump also underscored the significance of flexibility, particularly concerning the Hyde Amendment, while also criticizing Democrats’ past impeachment efforts.
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Right-wing media figures like Nick Fuentes and Alex Jones, typically isolationist in their views, have found themselves at odds with their audiences regarding Trump’s potential military actions in Venezuela. Figures such as Fuentes and Jones, despite previously criticizing foreign intervention, have seemingly embraced the prospect of the United States exploiting Venezuela for its resources. This shift has angered their followers, who are now questioning their leaders’ allegiance to previously held beliefs. This divide highlights potential political challenges for Trump as his supporters face the difficult choice between defending him or appeasing their isolationist audiences.
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During a CNN interview, White House advisor Stephen Miller articulated the Trump administration’s stance on foreign policy, asserting the United States’ right to take control of other nations for its interests, particularly concerning resources. Miller’s comments, which included the view that sovereign countries do not have sovereignty if the US wants their resources, were described as “imperialistic” by Senator Bernie Sanders. The administration has set its sights on Venezuela’s oil reserves and Greenland’s untapped resources, even though Greenland is part of Denmark, a NATO ally. Danish and Greenlandic officials have strongly condemned Trump’s threats, with the Danish Prime Minister warning that an attack on another NATO country would end the alliance.
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California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa passed away at the age of 65, reducing the House GOP majority. LaMalfa served on multiple committees and was previously in the California state assembly and senate. His death further tightens Speaker Mike Johnson’s already slim majority, as the House can only afford to lose two votes on party-line bills. A special election will be held to fill LaMalfa’s seat in a district that favored Trump in the 2024 election.
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Following the January 6th Capitol attack, initial expectations of accountability for Donald Trump and his allies were quickly dashed. Despite investigations and early distancing from Trump by some Republicans, Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 individuals involved and has avoided legal and political consequences. The failure of prosecutions, attributed to delays and the political landscape, allowed Trump to win re-election and reshape the federal legal system. This lack of accountability stands in stark contrast to how other countries have handled similar events, like the aftermath of the storming of government buildings in Brazil.
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The Trump administration announced a freeze on billions of dollars in social services funds for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. This action, totaling approximately $10 billion, includes programs like the Child Care and Development Fund, the Social Services Block Grant, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The decision follows unproven fraud allegations, specifically related to a child nutrition scheme in Minnesota, but officials have not clarified the specific reasons for the funding freeze. Critics, like Josh McCabe, have argued that this action will undermine efforts to protect program integrity and reduce improper payments.
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In response to renewed interest from the Trump administration in acquiring Greenland, European NATO leaders issued a joint statement asserting that Greenland’s future rests solely with its people and Denmark. The statement emphasized NATO’s commitment to Arctic security, with Denmark, including Greenland, as a key ally. This declaration, signed by leaders from eight European nations, directly countered Trump’s rhetoric and reaffirmed principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that included not using force. The White House has yet to respond, raising the potential for diplomatic strain amidst existing geopolitical tensions.
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As Congress reconvenes, Democratic lawmakers are scrutinizing the Justice Department’s failure to meet the deadline for a report on the Jeffrey Epstein files. The department missed the January 3 deadline to explain redactions and provide a list of unredacted government officials and politically exposed persons named in the released materials. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the Justice Department of withholding information, citing heavily redacted documents and a lack of key details on alleged co-conspirators. The Justice Department has yet to fully comply with the law that mandates the full release of the Epstein files.
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Following an anti-war protest in Grand Rapids, Michigan, preschool teacher Jessica Plichta was arrested immediately after a TV interview criticizing Donald Trump. According to Plichta, she was the only one arrested despite roughly 200 demonstrators being present, and she claims the arrest occurred due to her comments about Venezuela. The Grand Rapids Police Department stated Plichta was arrested for obstructing a roadway and failing to obey a lawful command, while also disputing her claims. This incident has reignited debates around protest policing and free speech, especially considering the current political climate.
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Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly criticized the network’s enthusiastic coverage of President Trump’s stance on Venezuela, comparing it to Russian propaganda due to its lack of skepticism. Kelly expressed concern about the potential for U.S. intervention and a “rah-rah cheerleading” approach, drawing parallels to past foreign interventions that resulted in quagmires. She voiced hesitation and a “yellow-light” approach, citing concerns about the involvement of U.S. troops and the embrace of hawkish figures like Senator Lindsey Graham. Kelly concluded by stating that she would not be joining the “cheerleading brigade,” having been “burned too many times” in the past.
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John Q. Hosedrinker