In a recent CNN interview, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed the U.S. has never tolerated “unlawful riotous assemblies” at federal buildings, drawing immediate criticism. Critics pointed out that the Trump administration had pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This contradiction emerged amidst debates over the deployment of federal agents in Portland, Oregon, where local officials dispute the extent of violence compared to the administration’s claims. A federal judge, in a ruling against the Trump administration’s actions in Portland, agreed that the president had overstepped his authority.
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Speaker Mike Johnson is delaying the swearing-in of Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva until Democrats agree to end the government shutdown. A leadership aide stated this is due to the chamber’s legislative session. Johnson previously swore in other Republican representatives during pro forma sessions, but has not done so for Grijalva. Grijalva’s potential role in forcing a vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein case files has fueled speculation for the delay, which Johnson denies is related.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing scrutiny for delaying the swearing-in of Democratic Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, whose signature would trigger a vote on releasing the Epstein files. Johnson claimed the delay was due to the House being in a “pro forma” session, despite having sworn in Republican members during similar sessions. This explanation was challenged by reporters, who noted that Grijalva’s signature would be the 218th on a petition to force a vote on the Epstein files, which Johnson and Donald Trump oppose. Grijalva expressed concern about the precedent the delay sets, and both Democrats and Republicans have called for the files’ release.
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President Trump has reportedly ceased all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, frustrated with President Maduro’s continued reluctance to leave office and rejection of ties with drug cartels. The administration has prepared multiple military plans, including the potential ousting of Maduro, while the U.S. military has conducted at least four strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Top officials are now asserting that those involved in drug trafficking towards the U.S. are legitimate targets. The Venezuelan government has responded by reporting their concerns about a potential false flag operation targeting the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her disgust over the potential doubling of health insurance premiums should tax credits expire, labeling insurance as a “scam.” She criticized the lack of Republican leadership’s discussion or plans to address the issue, emphasizing the financial burden on millions of Americans. Greene’s statement also included her disapproval of foreign aid, particularly to Israel and Ukraine, while highlighting her votes against such allocations. She joined Representative Thomas Massie in criticizing the shutdown as a distraction.
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In her first oversight hearing as Attorney General, Pam Bondi faced questions regarding the Justice Department’s actions, including the handling of investigations into Donald Trump’s perceived enemies. She repeatedly evaded questions about whether Trump directed prosecutions and declined to answer about conversations with the White House. Bondi defended the Justice Department’s refusal to release additional Epstein-related documents and responded combatively to Democratic senators, including personal attacks. Furthermore, Bondi was unable to provide clear answers on the number of undocumented immigrants in Chicago or whether it is a “sanctuary city.” This contentious hearing highlighted the Justice Department’s actions following Trump’s demands to prosecute his enemies, sparking significant scrutiny.
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Six former U.S. Surgeons General issued a joint warning, expressing concern that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions are endangering the nation’s health. The group of former officials accused Kennedy of rejecting science, misinforming the public, and eroding trust in agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. They pointed to specific examples, such as the overhaul of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and distortion of vaccine information, as evidence of his harmful influence. The former surgeons general also noted a decline in morale within HHS, describing an environment of intimidation and censorship that is negatively impacting the agency.
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Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the delay in swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is unrelated to her pending signature on a petition concerning the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, and she will be sworn in when the House reconvenes. Grijalva’s swearing-in would have been the 218th signature needed to force a House vote on releasing these files. Democrats, pointing to past precedent, have requested she be sworn in during pro forma sessions, but Republicans have not accommodated this request.
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During a recent public appearance, Trump claimed he was receiving calls from Democrats he didn’t know, comparing them to Somalia and remarking on the lack of leadership within the party. This echoed a previous joke targeting Representative Ilhan Omar. Despite these claims, Trump had previously met with Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer before the government shutdown. However, he has since used the situation as an opportunity for a photo op while blaming Democrats for the shutdown and its consequences.
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During a Senate Judiciary Hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi engaged in heated exchanges with Senator Dick Durbin and other Democrats. The focus of the discussions revolved around the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, with Democrats pressing for details and answers regarding the release of information and any potential political interference. Bondi deflected questions and accused Democrats of their own wrongdoings, while also refusing to discuss internal conversations with former President Trump. The hearing highlighted existing tensions and accusations surrounding the Trump administration’s actions, particularly regarding the Department of Justice.
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John Q. Hosedrinker