The necessary 218 signatures have been secured on a petition to force a vote on extending enhanced ACA subsidies for another three years, thanks to the support of all House Democrats. Despite Speaker Johnson offering a vote on an amendment, differing views on the amendment’s language stalled progress. While the vote on an amendment was offered last week, Representative Kiggans is not expected to sign the petition.
During a closed-door hearing with the House Judiciary Committee, former special counsel Jack Smith stated his team found evidence proving Donald Trump’s “criminal scheme” to overturn the 2020 election results, as well as repeated attempts to obstruct justice regarding classified documents. Smith emphasized that Trump willfully retained highly classified documents after leaving office, storing them in inappropriate locations. Smith’s investigations led to two indictments against Trump, which were later dismissed after Trump won re-election and faced intense scrutiny from Republicans. Smith maintained that his decisions to charge Trump were based on Trump’s actions and were guided by principles of following the law without fear or favor.
According to portions of his opening statement obtained by the Associated Press, former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith informed lawmakers during a closed-door interview that his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Donald Trump criminally conspired to overturn the 2020 election results. He also stated the team had amassed “powerful evidence” that Trump broke the law by retaining classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them. Smith emphasized that his decisions were made without regard to Trump’s political affiliations or candidacy, and that he would prosecute a former president based on the same facts regardless of their political party. The private deposition was part of a Republican investigation into Smith’s probes.
In a closed-door interview, Special Counsel Jack Smith asserted his team found proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Donald Trump’s criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results and amassed powerful evidence of obstruction related to classified documents. Smith stated his decisions were made without regard to Trump’s political affiliations or candidacy, and he would have pursued the same course regardless of party. The private deposition before the House Judiciary Committee provided the first opportunity for lawmakers to question Smith regarding the investigations that led to criminal charges against Trump, which were later abandoned due to his reelection.
During a White House Hanukkah reception, Donald Trump claimed that Israeli-American donor Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to run for an unconstitutional third term in 2028. This announcement came after Adelson, who was married to billionaire Sheldon Adelson until his death in 2021, spoke with Alan Dershowitz about the possibility of Trump serving another term, prompting chants of “Four more years.” Trump has repeatedly teased the idea of running again, despite the 22nd Amendment, and has received support from the Adelsons, who have long encouraged pro-Israel policies. While Trump has given mixed signals about the possibility, the meeting sparked further speculation on his future political aspirations.
The article argues that Donald Trump’s actions in his second term have gone too far, triggering a “thermostatic” response from the American public. This reaction is evident in declining approval ratings regarding his economic policies, particularly trade, which is resulting in farm bailouts and rising inflation. Furthermore, the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, marked by mass deportations and harsh rhetoric, has also faced a backlash, with a growing number of Americans viewing immigration positively. Ultimately, the article suggests that Trump’s policies, characterized by protectionism and isolationism, are facing increasing public disapproval, potentially leading to a renewed appreciation for international cooperation and inclusive values.
President Trump has recently been touting an inflated figure of $18 trillion, claiming it represents the revenue generated by tariffs, a figure that has been repeated across various public appearances. This number is not only factually incorrect but also logically impossible, as the federal government has collected significantly less in tariff revenue. The president seems to be conflating tariff revenue with private investment deals, further blurring the line between the government and the private sector, but even the White House’s own tracking shows a figure far less than the claimed $18 trillion. Ultimately, the origin of this figure remains unclear.
In response to the tragic murder of Rob Reiner, former President Donald Trump issued a series of callous and offensive statements on social media. Trump mocked Reiner and attributed his death to “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The author compares Trump’s behavior to that of a mad Roman emperor, highlighting the dehumanization of political opponents, even in death. Such behavior would result in expulsion for an elementary school child, yet Trump continues to hold immense power despite his inappropriate actions.
A new poll indicates a close race in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup between Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and JD Vance, with Ocasio-Cortez holding a slight 51% to 49% lead. The poll, conducted between December 5 and 11, shows a statistically tied result within the margin of error, suggesting a highly competitive election. While Vance is favored by white voters, Ocasio-Cortez leads among Black and Hispanic voters and college-educated individuals.
In a resounding victory, Democrat Gary Clemons secured Kentucky’s Senate District 37 seat with a significant margin of victory. Clemons’ win underscores a trend of Democratic overperformance in special elections across the country, as highlighted by various sources and officials. The victory, which keeps the seat in Democratic control, further adds a labor voice to the legislature. With several upcoming special elections on the horizon, the focus will now shift to whether the Democratic party can continue to maintain its momentum in these key races across the country.
John Q. Hosedrinker