Protests in Washington D.C. are urging Congress to prevent President-elect Trump’s inauguration, citing the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause for those who engaged in insurrection. While some legal experts argue this action is constitutionally permissible, based on Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot, the movement, “14th Now,” is unlikely to sway Congress, which intends to certify the election results. Despite legal challenges in state courts, the Supreme Court prevented states from barring presidential candidates, leaving the question of Trump’s eligibility unresolved. Trump’s transition team maintains he will serve all Americans.
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Three January 6th rioters—Russell Taylor, Christopher Belliveau, and Thomas Eugene Tatum—were denied permission to attend President Biden’s inauguration. Taylor, who pleaded guilty to obstruction and cooperated with authorities, had sought permission despite his prior actions involving weapons and threats against law enforcement. Belliveau and Tatum, facing charges including assault and obstruction, were also denied due to concerns about public safety and the seriousness of their alleged offenses. Judges cited the inappropriateness of allowing individuals who participated in the attack on the Capitol to attend an event celebrating the peaceful transfer of power.
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In early 2025, Elon Musk engaged in a three-day campaign on X, amplifying disinformation about Muslim grooming gangs in the UK, resulting in hundreds of millions of views. This activity included calls for the imprisonment and execution of UK officials, support for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and promotion of content from extremist figures. Musk’s actions coincide with his public support for the UK Reform Party and follow anti-immigrant riots fueled by misinformation. His campaign raises concerns about foreign influence in UK elections.
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Florida’s new “Halo Law” (Senate Bill 184) establishes a 25-foot no-approach zone around first responders, effective in 2025. Failure to comply after a verbal warning from a first responder will result in a misdemeanor charge. This legislation aims to protect first responders from threats and violence, a growing concern highlighted by increased incidents targeting emergency personnel. Penalties for violating the law include up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
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Following President Trump’s reelection, victims of the January 6th Capitol riot express feelings of betrayal as he characterizes the rioters as “political prisoners” and advocates for their pardons. Trump’s actions, including playing a jailhouse rendition of the national anthem by Jan. 6th defendants at a campaign rally, are deeply upsetting to those who suffered injuries, including Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who required surgeries and early retirement due to the violence. The minimization of the attack, described by the Justice Department as domestic terrorism, is compounded by Republican lawmakers downplaying the event’s severity and the possibility of pardons for those convicted of assaulting officers. This disregard for the officers’ sacrifices and the rewriting of history surrounding the event leaves victims feeling abandoned and unheard.
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Senator Adam Schiff opposes Kash Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI, citing the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans as evidence of the need for an experienced and impartial director. Schiff criticizes Patel’s lack of qualifications and promotion of conspiracy theories, including claims of a “stolen” 2020 election and a “deep state” plot. Conversely, Senator John Thune expressed belief that Patel could reform the FBI and restore public trust, though he declined to state his vote on confirmation. Patel’s past statements vowing to retaliate against Trump’s perceived enemies further fuel Schiff’s opposition.
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President Biden will sign the Social Security Fairness Act, addressing a long-standing inequity in Social Security benefits for approximately 3 million current and former public employees. The act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which reduced benefits for those receiving other pensions. This change will increase monthly payments, averaging $360 for those affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision and up to $1,190 for surviving spouses impacted by the Government Pension Offset. While celebrated by public service unions, the bill will accelerate the Social Security Trust Fund’s projected insolvency.
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Vice President Kamala Harris will certify Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory on January 6th, a duty mandated by federal law. This action contrasts sharply with her campaign rhetoric, where she vehemently denounced Trump as a threat to democracy and warned against his presidency. The certification occurs four years after the January 6th Capitol riot, fueled by Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Increased security measures are in place for the event, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the process.
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The resurgence of Donald Trump and his administration necessitates a renewed emphasis on the societal importance of shame. Trump’s success stems from normalizing public displays of ignorance and unfounded claims by himself and his allies, exemplified by instances like his mischaracterizations of the New Orleans attack and Kennedy’s nomination to a critical health position. Tolerating such behavior, rather than publicly shaming it, has emboldened the spread of misinformation and harmful policies. Therefore, actively confronting and mocking demonstrably stupid statements from public figures is crucial to counteracting the influence of Trumpism.
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The 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump, the instigator of the January 6th Capitol riot, marks a stark contrast to the heightened security measures of Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Many Republicans initially condemned the violence but later downplayed or denied its severity, even excusing those who assaulted police. Trump plans to pardon those charged with crimes related to the event, further highlighting the partisan divisions surrounding the attack. This anniversary underscores the ongoing political gaslighting and the fragility of American democracy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker