President Trump is reportedly at odds with the architect designing a new White House ballroom, reportedly demanding a structure even larger than the White House itself. This has led to friction, as architect James McCrery II has cautioned against the excessive scale of the addition, which is expected to house offices and impact the surrounding areas. The project, which has undergone no public review, is part of a broader, unilateral redesign plan driven by Trump’s preference for gold-heavy aesthetics and personal iconography. While White House officials insist dialogue is constructive, critics have voiced concerns over transparency and the project’s massive scope, as well as the destruction of the East Wing of the White House and the impending design of the New Ballroom to replace the East Wing.
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Following a video message by Senator Mark Kelly, the Trump administration initiated a review of his comments, potentially leading to a court-martial. This action has drawn criticism from Republican senators, who defended Kelly and emphasized the military’s right to refuse illegal orders. The FBI has also launched an inquiry, adding to the controversy. Kelly, who is protected by the speech and debate clause, has stated he is not backing down and has publicly criticized the Defense Secretary for what he feels is blind loyalty to Trump.
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President Trump’s Thanksgiving holiday was likely soured by unfavorable polling data, with various sources indicating his job approval ratings are underwater. The New York Times’ polling aggregator showed an average disapproval rating of 55 percent, significantly higher than his 41 percent approval. Even a poll by Rasmussen Reports, known for leaning towards Republican candidates, revealed a negative approval rating for the president. While the White House declined to comment on the matter, one official noted that Trump’s current ratings are higher than those of Obama and Bush during their second terms, according to RealClearPolitics.
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The Justice Department revealed that then-Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, made the final decision to disregard a federal judge’s order to halt the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. This decision allowed the removal of individuals, subject to the Alien Enemies Act, who had already been deported to El Salvador despite the court’s injunction. The Justice Department maintained that the administration’s actions were lawful. The disclosure comes as the court seeks to understand why its orders were not followed and is considering contempt proceedings against administration officials.
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Newly released emails reveal the FBI’s “Special Redaction Project,” a costly initiative driven by political pressure to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump’s administration, particularly under Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushed for the release of these documents, fueling a conspiracy theory about Epstein’s connections. The project involved a significant investment in overtime, with agents undergoing crash-course training to redact materials, including surveillance footage and records related to Epstein’s death. Ultimately, the Epstein Files Transparency Act compelled the DOJ to release the files, allowing for redactions to protect ongoing investigations and victim privacy.
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Following an online suggestion that she reconsider her resignation, Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene launched a series of social media posts defending her decision to step down in January. Greene’s statements alluded to the dangers faced by outspoken political figures and targeted “Republican men,” accusing them of perpetuating a toxic political system. These posts came after the Congresswoman had publicly broken with the Republican party on issues such as the war in Gaza and the handling of the Epstein Files, leading to a falling out with former President Donald Trump. Greene has cited personal attacks and threats as contributing factors in her decision to resign, as well as the president’s disapproval of her stance on the Epstein Files.
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Following the New York Times’ report, which highlighted the former president’s perceived grogginess and rambling, Trump responded with a post early Wednesday morning. In his statement, he refuted the claims, touting his accomplishments and attacking the publication. Trump argued his administration had brought down inflation, revitalized the economy, and restored global respect for the country. He concluded by asserting his tireless work ethic directly contradicted the report’s implications of diminished energy.
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Former President Donald Trump is seeking a new moniker for the Republican Party, suggesting options like “TEPUBLICAN” or “TPUBLICAN” on Truth Social. The latter pronunciation requires a difficult linguistic maneuver, a “voiceless labial-alveolar plosive,” rarely heard outside of select global regions. Despite Trump’s claim that “almost everyone” is a “TRUMP REPUBLICAN,” his approval ratings remain low amid ongoing controversies. The move comes as he aims to maintain his influence over the party.
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In a court filing, the Justice Department disclosed that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made the final decision to allow deportees to be transferred to El Salvador despite a judge’s order to return the flights to the United States. The administration maintains it did not violate the court’s order, although it identified officials involved in the decision. Judge Boasberg accused the government of showing “willful disregard” for his rulings regarding the deportation of Venezuelan gang members. The case stems from the Trump administration’s initiative, which has faced legal challenges regarding due process, and the ACLU is seeking testimony from multiple officials.
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Following a video released by six Democratic members of Congress urging service members to refuse illegal orders, Donald Trump reacted with threats of sedition charges. This prompted an investigation into one of the lawmakers for “serious allegations of misconduct.” The Uniform Code of Military Justice mandates obedience to lawful orders but also imposes a duty to disobey those deemed unlawful, as supported by legal precedent and historical examples of service members refusing to participate in illegal wars. Expert testimony, citing the Nuremberg Charter, UN Charter, and UCMJ, has been used in court-martial cases to defend those who refused to comply with potentially unlawful orders.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Furious Over NYT Story Detailing Declining Health
Following the New York Times’ report, which highlighted the former president’s perceived grogginess and rambling, Trump responded with a post early Wednesday morning. In his statement, he refuted the claims, touting his accomplishments and attacking the publication. Trump argued his administration had brought down inflation, revitalized the economy, and restored global respect for the country. He concluded by asserting his tireless work ethic directly contradicted the report’s implications of diminished energy.
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