The Trump administration has extended invitations to Russia and Belarus to join a proposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” with both countries confirming receipt of the offer. Russia is reviewing the invitation through diplomatic channels and hopes to clarify details with the U.S., while Belarus expressed readiness to participate, hoping the organization will expand. Alongside these countries, Argentina, Jordan, Canada, India, Egypt, Hungary, and Vietnam also received invitations, with the White House and State Department yet to release a full list. The board, chaired by Trump, aims to oversee Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and development as part of his broader peace plan, with potential members reportedly required to pay a $1 billion fee.
Read More
The first U.S. sale of Venezuelan oil since the Trump administration’s actions has gone to Vitol, a trading firm whose senior trader, John Addison, donated millions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. Addison reportedly pledged to Trump that Vitol would secure the best price for the oil, sparking accusations of corruption given Vitol’s history and the deal’s potential for windfall profits. Proceeds from the sale are being held in Qatar, raising concerns of a slush fund with a lack of oversight, as critics argue. This arrangement, along with the involvement of a campaign donor and the administration’s actions, fuels accusations of abuse of power.
Read More
Several reports highlight growing concerns about Donald Trump’s actions and their consequences. There are criticisms of Trump’s foreign policy, questioning the trustworthiness of the United States by its allies. Domestically, there is scrutiny of his immigration policies and Justice Department, with allegations of prioritizing loyalty over competence. Furthermore, the article references fact-checking of Trump’s inauguration pledges, suggesting broken promises.
Read More
President Donald Trump has departed from the tradition of his predecessors by not recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day through any official statements or activities. This marks a significant change from his first term and other presidents. Furthermore, the National Park Service has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day from its list of fee-free days, replacing it with Trump’s birthday. This shift aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Read More
Recent polling from CBS News and YouGov indicates widespread opposition among Democrats, independents, and Republicans to President Trump using military force to take control of Greenland. The survey found that a vast majority of U.S. adults, 86 percent, disapprove of military intervention. Trump has also threatened tariffs on several European nations that oppose the U.S. acquiring Greenland. This situation has led to an emergency meeting of EU leaders and a joint statement from allied nations condemning the U.S.’s actions.
Read More
The organization behind the Trump-Epstein Friendship Statue has erected a 10-foot-tall birthday card on the National Mall. The card, located across from the U.S. Capitol, features the birthday message and sketch President Donald Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. The message, released by House Democrats in September 2025, includes a crude drawing and the words “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.” The installation, complete with a statue of stacked boxes with redacted files and markers for public messages, is set to remain on display until Friday, January 23rd.
Read More
Despite the legal mandate requiring the Department of Justice to disclose all investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein by December 19, 2025, the DOJ has failed to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Concerns arise from survivors’ advocates and lawmakers as only a small fraction of the documents have been released, prompting calls for judicial intervention, including the appointment of a special master, to expedite the process. Congressmen Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, co-sponsors of the act, have expressed serious concerns about the DOJ’s non-compliance, citing missed deadlines and inadequate disclosure of information. While a special master could facilitate the release of files, legal experts highlight that further litigation may be needed to ensure full transparency.
Read More
The press has recently softened its criticism of Trump, even when faced with potentially inflammatory actions. Following Trump’s controversial response to a protest, media outlets largely avoided strong condemnation, contrasting with past reactions to similar offenses. This dynamic continued when Steve Bannon initiated a news cycle centered around a potential third term for Trump. Instead of challenging Trump, the media focused on his non-denials, ultimately giving him a platform to subtly promote the idea, while avoiding a direct confrontation.
Read More
On January 15, Donald Trump granted clemency to James Phillip Womack, son of Republican Representative Steve Womack, who was serving an eight-year federal prison sentence for methamphetamine distribution. The commutation of his sentence was officially announced by the U.S. Department of Justice. Congressman Womack expressed his gratitude to Trump for the decision, which will allow his son to be with his family. The son’s sentence also included five years of supervised release.
Read More
President Trump’s letter to Norway’s Prime Minister, linking his stance on annexing Greenland to his lack of a Nobel Peace Prize, has sparked significant backlash. The letter, which reportedly stated the U.S. no longer felt obligated to prioritize peace due to the award snub, concluded with an assertion of the necessity of complete control over Greenland. Social media erupted with criticism, with many calling for Trump’s removal from office via the 25th Amendment, citing his instability and dangerous threats against a NATO ally. Numerous political figures echoed these sentiments, labeling the letter as “unhinged” and “dangerous,” further raising concerns about Trump’s fitness to serve and the potential damage to U.S. global standing.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker
Minneapolis Residents Fight ICE, Defending Democracy
The press has recently softened its criticism of Trump, even when faced with potentially inflammatory actions. Following Trump’s controversial response to a protest, media outlets largely avoided strong condemnation, contrasting with past reactions to similar offenses. This dynamic continued when Steve Bannon initiated a news cycle centered around a potential third term for Trump. Instead of challenging Trump, the media focused on his non-denials, ultimately giving him a platform to subtly promote the idea, while avoiding a direct confrontation.
Read More