Special Counsel Jack Smith asserted that Donald Trump engaged in criminal activity. Smith’s investigation revealed that Trump was not seeking truthful information regarding the 2020 election results, and Smith’s office did not engage in any spying activities. Legal experts analyzed Smith’s testimony and his ongoing cases against Trump, with many noting Smith’s composed demeanor. Discussions surrounding Trump’s potential use of military force were also addressed, specifically concerning Greenland.
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In his first public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, former Special Counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to bring criminal charges against Donald Trump. Smith stated that he stood by his decisions, asserting that the investigation revealed proof beyond a reasonable doubt of Trump’s criminal activity. He elaborated on the charges, mentioning Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and the illegal retention of classified documents, including sensitive national security information stored in insecure locations. Smith emphasized his commitment to the rule of law, indicating that he would prosecute a former president based on the same facts today and that no one should be above the law.
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China has declined an invitation from the United States to join the proposed Gaza Board of Peace. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it remains committed to the United Nations-centered international system. The Board, proposed by former US President Donald Trump, aims to mediate global conflicts and is part of a larger peace plan for the Middle East. While Trump claimed widespread acceptance, China’s rejection underscores a divergence in approaches to international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
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The article argues that the Trump administration is exhibiting alarming signs of Nazism, pointing to the appropriation of Nazi imagery and rhetoric in official government communications. Examples include social media posts echoing Nazi slogans and officials employing fascist aesthetics. Furthermore, the article highlights instances of officials expressing Nazi sympathies and associating with individuals known for their hateful ideologies. These actions, coupled with Trump’s own rhetoric and associations, lead the author to conclude that the current government is normalizing and, in some ways, emboldening Nazi-glorifying elements.
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Amidst potential demotion from the Pentagon, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is considering a run for president in 2028, according to recent interviews. Kelly stated he feels an increased obligation to combat political turmoil, particularly after being censured. He is facing federal scrutiny for a video released with Democratic colleagues that urged military and intelligence community members to refuse “illegal orders,” prompting an investigation and accusations of misconduct. Kelly is currently suing the Secretary of War over efforts to demote him.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed President Donald Trump’s Davos speech received “rave reviews.” However, critics quickly disputed this assessment, describing the 72-minute speech as rambling and filled with attacks on various topics. Trump’s speech included demanding control of Greenland (while mistakenly referring to Iceland), insulting other nations, and veering into unrelated tangents. Social media users and public figures widely mocked Leavitt’s claims, contrasting her statement with the actual content and delivery of Trump’s speech.
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San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee was briefly detained by Customs and Border Protection at LAX due to a missing document. The incident prompted intervention from Representative Nancy Pelosi, who worked with the Giants organization to resolve the issue. Lee was subsequently released after the paperwork issue was clarified with authorities. His agent stated that the incident was not politically motivated, and the player is now cleared to continue his travel.
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Despite being an initiative aimed at promoting peace, Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos was met with widespread disapproval. Notably absent were representatives from Western European nations, with the majority of attendees hailing from Gulf States and countries with authoritarian leaders. The initiative, which requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, seeks to establish stability and restore “lawful governance” in conflict zones, but has been criticized as a Trump-led alternative to the United Nations. This launch coincided with Trump’s threats to take control of Greenland, highlighting the skepticism surrounding the initiative’s goals.
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The Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily overturned a Minnesota federal judge’s restrictions on ICE agents. These restrictions, initially imposed by Judge Katherine Menendez, had blocked ICE from actions such as pepper-spraying and arresting peaceful protesters. The preliminary injunction was put in place after Menendez found that ICE tactics had a “chilling effect” on protesters’ First Amendment rights. The Justice Department requested the stay of the injunction, arguing against the limitations on federal agents’ actions. This development occurs as Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Minneapolis to discuss law and order.
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European markets experienced a surge on Thursday following President Trump’s cancellation of planned tariffs on eight European countries, prompting analysts to label it a “Trump Always Chickens Out” (TACO) trade. The FTSE 100, Germany’s Dax, and France’s Cac all saw significant gains, contributing to a broader increase in the pan-European Stoxx 600. This positive shift occurred after Trump had initially threatened tariffs, but reversed course, reportedly after reaching an unspecified deal. The removal of the threat of military action and tariffs provided relief to investors, although concerns remain about their potential return if trade talks falter.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
US Court Allows ICE to Pepper-Spray, Arrest Minnesota Protesters
The Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily overturned a Minnesota federal judge’s restrictions on ICE agents. These restrictions, initially imposed by Judge Katherine Menendez, had blocked ICE from actions such as pepper-spraying and arresting peaceful protesters. The preliminary injunction was put in place after Menendez found that ICE tactics had a “chilling effect” on protesters’ First Amendment rights. The Justice Department requested the stay of the injunction, arguing against the limitations on federal agents’ actions. This development occurs as Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Minneapolis to discuss law and order.
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