Ten months into his second term, President Trump’s approval ratings highlight stark regional divisions across the United States. While his popularity remains strong in traditionally Republican states like Wyoming and Idaho, he faces significant disapproval in Democratic strongholds such as Hawaii. Polling data reveals that Trump’s net approval is underwater in most states, with negative ratings in key battleground states that will likely impact the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Experts predict that such low approval ratings could lead to challenges for the Republican Party, potentially influencing congressional makeup and the president’s policy platform.
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Following the ambush-style shooting of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz implied that President Trump bore responsibility for the death. Schultz argued the presence of the National Guard in U.S. cities, stemming from Trump’s policies, created the dangerous situation. She questioned Trump’s decision to deploy military troops, criticizing the lack of coordination with local authorities. The White House responded by placing blame on the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
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Following a tragic event in Washington, President Trump’s rhetoric intensified, with announcements of pausing migration from “third-world” countries and potentially ending federal benefits for non-citizens. These pronouncements have sparked fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities, including those with legal status. Such policies could significantly impact millions of families and appear to be damaging Trump’s approval ratings, particularly among minority voters. Amidst the rising tension, the article highlights the impact of these policies with real-life examples and notes a widening of the immigration dragnet by ICE, leading to widespread trauma within affected communities.
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In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism, President Donald Trump announced his intention to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug trafficking and weapons charges in 2024. Trump justified his decision on social media, citing concerns that Hernandez was treated unfairly, leading to celebrations from Hernandez’s family. Hernandez’s conviction stemmed from conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. during his two terms as Honduras’ leader. The announcement coincided with Trump’s endorsement of Nasry “Tito” Asfura for Honduras’ presidency and threats of consequences if he were to lose the election.
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Following an initial strike on a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, the US military conducted a follow-up strike after assessing there were survivors. This second attack resulted in the deaths of the remaining crew, bringing the total death toll to 11 and sinking the ship. The administration has since faced scrutiny, as the President announced the strike, but has never publicly acknowledged killing survivors. Legal experts and members of Congress have raised concerns, with some arguing the strikes violate the law of armed conflict by executing individuals who are “hors de combat.” This has led to the UK ceasing intelligence sharing with the US due to concerns over the legality of these actions.
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The “Mar-a-Lago face,” characterized by inflated lips, immobile brows, and sculpted contours, is gaining prominence among right-wing figures in Washington. This hyper-polished aesthetic, often compared to Real Housewives stars, is prevalent among the conservative elite who have moved to the capital since Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The Guardian notes that these features include puffy lips, frozen brows, and taut necks. Plastic surgeons suggest that this look, named after Trump’s private club, is sought after to broadcast artifice rather than refinement.
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Leaked applications for the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 initiative reveal that several individuals seeking roles in a potential Trump administration cited influences from Nazi political theorists and other far-right figures. The applications, sourced from a database breach, showcase the convergence of Republicans and the far-right, including applications from members of nativist and antisemitic groups. Several applicants expressed admiration for Carl Schmitt, a political theorist with ties to the Nazi regime, and Nayib Bukele, the authoritarian president of El Salvador. The applications also highlighted influences from prominent white nationalists and other fringe figures, raising concerns about the ideological leanings of potential appointees.
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The article recounts a historical parallel to contemporary political anxieties, drawing a comparison between Donald Trump’s actions and those of John Adams during the late 1790s. Both leaders utilized fear-mongering and war rhetoric, such as the XYZ Affair, to suppress dissent and consolidate power, even attempting to jail their political opponents. Jefferson and his allies, however, countered Adams’ authoritarian tendencies through state-level resistance, pamphlets, and unwavering defense of democratic principles. This historical struggle highlights the power of truth-tellers, solidarity, and political leadership in overcoming threats to democracy, offering a hopeful perspective on current events.
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Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon ex-Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being found guilty of importing cocaine into the US. Trump also expressed support for conservative candidate Tito Asfura in the upcoming Honduran general election, criticizing other candidates and accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug-related activities. The former president’s statement came amidst the backdrop of US counternarcotics operations in the region, which legal experts have questioned.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Indiana Senator Opposes Redistricting After Trump’s Slur
Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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