President Trump is considering targeting cocaine facilities and trafficking routes inside Venezuela, though he has not yet made a decision. In anticipation of a potential military escalation, the Defense Secretary ordered a carrier strike group to the Caribbean, and the CIA has been authorized to conduct covert operations. While diplomatic options remain on the table, the administration has also been aggressively trying to link Venezuelan President Maduro to the drug trade, even though Venezuela is not a major cocaine producer, according to the UNODC and the DEA. The President has stated that he plans to eliminate those who bring drugs into the country. The US military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of numerous naval assets, fighter jets, and drones.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the controversial anti-tariff advertisement, featuring former President Reagan, would air during the World Series before being paused Monday. The ad, which angered former President Trump, prompted him to halt trade negotiations between Canada and the United States. Ford stated the campaign achieved its goal of sparking a conversation on tariffs and reaching U.S. audiences, and it would therefore continue through the weekend. Despite the pause, the advertisement will run during the first two World Series games, hosted by the Toronto Blue Jays, before being paused Monday to allow trade talks to resume.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford has paused an ad critical of tariffs featuring a quote from Ronald Reagan, after the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute claimed the ad misrepresented Reagan’s 1987 radio address and President Donald Trump terminated trade negotiations with Canada. Ford stated the intention was to spark conversation and achieved that goal, directing his team to air the ad during the World Series games. The ad, which cost $75 million, features Reagan’s voice speaking against tariffs. Trump accused Canada of fraud and cheating in response to the ad, which comes as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the legality of Trump’s tariffs.
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The Department of Defense announced the acceptance of a $130 million donation from an anonymous Trump ally to cover military salaries during the government shutdown. This unprecedented move, departing from traditional reliance on congressional appropriations, has sparked inquiries from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Democrats are particularly concerned, citing potential violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits the use of private donations to offset funding shortfalls. The identity of the donor and the specifics of the donation’s use remain unclear, with the Pentagon and White House deflecting questions about these details.
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Trade barriers, while seemingly protective of American products and jobs initially, ultimately harm American workers and consumers. High tariffs can trigger retaliatory trade wars, leading to market collapses, business closures, and job losses. President Reagan highlighted this in his address, emphasizing the dangers of protectionist legislation, and the importance of free and fair competition for global prosperity. He also expressed his commitment to free trade, as evidenced by his efforts to address trade issues with Japan while maintaining overall support for economic growth.
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The White House is facing scrutiny over the details of Donald Trump’s recent medical examination, specifically the type of “advanced imaging” used. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was unable to specify the imaging procedures performed during the examination, which occurred at Walter Reed Medical Center. While the president’s physician, Sean Barbabella, stated Trump is in “excellent health,” the lack of specificity has fueled concerns, especially given previous diagnoses like Chronic Venous Insufficiency and the absence of cognitive test results in the latest summary. Critics have pointed to potential cognitive decline, raising questions about his fitness for office.
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In a recent statement, Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, likened U.S. President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, criticizing his approach to Middle East diplomacy and dismissing the Gaza peace summit as a “Trump show.” Larijani, representing the Supreme National Security Council, denounced Trump’s focus on strength, mirroring Hitler’s rhetoric, and framed the president as a financially motivated “mere businessman.” These remarks highlight a significant deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations, especially in light of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Tehran’s stance, including its rejection of U.S.-led initiatives and continued nuclear program advancement, suggests a sustained confrontational approach toward Washington, potentially escalating regional tensions.
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Satellite imagery confirms the removal of several trees from the White House grounds this week, including magnolias commemorating Presidents Harding and Roosevelt, as the East Wing was demolished. These trees were among the casualties of the rapid demolition, which also impacted the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and the East Wing’s infrastructure. The demolition has raised questions about the fate of the removed trees, as the White House has remained silent about the details. Though the administration states the East Wing will be rebuilt, no timeline or design plans have been released.
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According to a new report, former President Donald Trump privately believes progressive Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is poised to win the New York City mayoral race. Trump reportedly sees Mamdani as unbeatable, even despite his own son’s calls for Republican Curtis Sliwa to withdraw. In the Oval Office, Trump reluctantly supported Andrew Cuomo, but also expressed that he favored a Democrat over a “communist.” Meanwhile, Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa clashed in a televised debate, with accusations flying between the candidates regarding experience, policy, and their relationships with Trump.
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The pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao by Donald Trump has sparked criticism from prominent figures, including Trump supporter Joe Lonsdale, who questioned the president’s advisors. Zhao was convicted of money-laundering violations and served four months in jail. The pardon follows a deal between Binance and the Trump family’s crypto venture, raising concerns of potential conflicts of interest, as well as accusations of corruption from Democrats. Despite these concerns, Trump stated he acted on the advice of others, admitting he was unfamiliar with Zhao.
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John Q. Hosedrinker