Following a defamation lawsuit settlement with ABC News, Donald Trump announced plans to file further suits against media outlets. His target includes the Des Moines Register due to a poll that underestimated his electoral support in Iowa, despite his actual victory margin. This action, coupled with existing lawsuits against other news organizations, reflects Trump’s declared war on what he deems a corrupt press. Critics fear this emboldens him to further stifle media criticism and sets a concerning precedent for future legal battles.
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Judge Juan Merchan rejected Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his hush-money conviction, finding the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling inapplicable. Merchan determined the evidence presented related to Trump’s unofficial conduct, not his official acts as president, thus warranting no immunity. The judge deemed any potential evidentiary errors harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt. While a motion alleging juror misconduct remains unfiled, Trump’s legal team is expected to appeal the decision, potentially delaying sentencing for months or years.
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Judge James Andrew Wynn of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has withdrawn his January 2024 retirement announcement, opting to remain in active service. This decision, following the Senate’s failure to confirm his successor, makes him the first Democratic appointee to postpone retirement since the election. His action, along with similar postponements by two district court judges, has prompted accusations of misconduct from Republican allies of the President-elect. The judges’ decisions effectively prevent President Trump from filling these vacancies.
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Judge Juan Merchan denied Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his hush-money conviction, ruling that the charges relate to unofficial conduct, not actions taken while in office. This decision counters Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, as the Supreme Court’s ruling applies only to official acts. The judge’s reasoning centers on the unofficial nature of falsifying records to conceal payments and subsequent communications. While a motion to dismiss the conviction entirely remains pending, the judge’s ruling maintains the conviction for now. Trump’s spokesperson has denounced the decision as a violation of Supreme Court precedent.
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The Republican party’s recent embrace of economic populism masks its intention to weaken consumer protections. A key target is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which under Rohit Chopra’s leadership has achieved significant wins for consumers, including savings from reduced credit card and overdraft fees. A second Trump administration would likely dismantle or severely weaken the CFPB, reversing these advancements and prioritizing corporate interests over those of average Americans. This would represent a significant setback for consumer protection and reflect a return to the deregulation that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. The CFPB’s accomplishments highlight the importance of strong regulatory agencies in protecting consumers from predatory financial practices.
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SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged a $100 billion investment in the U.S. over four years, aiming to generate at least 100,000 new jobs primarily in AI and related fields. This commitment, announced alongside President-elect Trump, represents a significant increase from a previous $50 billion pledge. The funding will be drawn from SoftBank’s various holdings, potentially including existing investments. This substantial investment underscores Son’s optimism regarding the U.S. economy under Trump’s leadership.
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A recent WalletHub poll reveals that 74 percent of Americans anticipate increased inflation due to President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from countries including China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs, intended to protect American jobs and punish countries with allegedly unfair trade practices, could add 60 percent to the cost of Chinese goods and up to 20 percent to other imports. Experts warn that these increased costs will likely be passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for everyday goods and potentially significant financial losses for middle-income families. The ultimate implementation of these tariffs remains uncertain, contingent upon bipartisan support in Congress.
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Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, pleaded guilty to fabricating a bribery scheme involving President Biden and his son Hunter, a claim central to a Republican impeachment inquiry. This felony plea, along with a separate tax evasion charge, stems from Smirnov’s false allegations to the FBI in 2020. A four-to-six-year prison sentence is recommended. Smirnov’s false claims, despite being deemed unfounded by the FBI in 2020, significantly influenced the Republican investigation. The case was handled by Special Counsel David Weiss, who also prosecuted Hunter Biden.
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During his first post-election press conference, President-elect Trump falsely claimed a 34-point victory among young voters, a claim contradicted by AP VoteCast data showing Vice President Harris winning this demographic. He attributed his purported success in part to TikTok and podcast appearances, stating he had “a warm spot” for the platform. Considering this, and the upcoming TikTok ban deadline, Trump announced his administration would review the situation. He also credited his son, Barron, for advising on media appearances that allegedly enhanced his youth appeal.
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Despite President-elect Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, his businesses hired a record number of foreign guest workers in 2024, a figure nearly double that of a decade prior. This includes various Trump properties and companies linked to his key supporters and appointees, utilizing the H-2B visa program for temporary positions. Critics argue this undermines American workers’ bargaining power, while Trump’s administration has indicated interest in restricting similar programs in the future. This stark contrast highlights a tension between stated policy and actual practice within the Trump administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker