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President-elect Trump intends to swiftly pardon his supporters involved in the January 6th Capitol attack upon assuming office, citing their harsh treatment within the justice system. He will not, however, direct his Attorney General nominee to investigate his political opponents, despite his grievances with the Justice Department and FBI. Trump believes some members of the House January 6th Committee should face jail time for their actions, while asserting that many January 6th defendants were unfairly pressured into guilty pleas. He plans to leave decisions regarding investigations of political adversaries to his appointees, prioritizing the country’s success over retribution.
A Maryland lawsuit alleging Linda McMahon’s complicity in child sexual abuse by former WWE ring announcer Melvin Phillips has been temporarily halted. The suit, filed under a new state law eliminating statutes of limitations for such claims, targets McMahon and WWE for alleged abuse of “ring boys” as young as 13. The case’s progression is currently stayed pending a Maryland Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the 2023 Child Victims Act. McMahon, who denies the allegations, is vigorously defending against the lawsuit.
Thiessen and his co-author advocate for a Biden pardon of Trump, arguing that it’s necessary for national unity despite the numerous charges against him. This call, however, is viewed as a strategic move to further entangle Biden in Trump’s actions rather than a genuine effort at reconciliation. The authors’ prioritization of unity is expected to disappear once Trump regains power, mirroring past instances where similar calls for bipartisan cooperation were selectively applied to Democrats. This pattern suggests a cynical manipulation of the concept of national unity for political gain.
Despite President-elect Trump’s threats to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and impose tariffs, many California Central Valley farmers remain loyal, viewing him as a bulwark against stringent environmental regulations they believe harm agriculture. Farmers cite Trump’s past actions, such as addressing water access concerns, and anticipate his economic aid to offset tariff impacts, despite potential long-term negative consequences for trade. However, some farmers disagree, highlighting the potential devastating effects of mass deportations on food production and the unsustainable nature of government aid. Ultimately, the incoming administration’s policies will significantly impact agricultural workers and the national food supply.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro warns that President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize impoundment—the unilateral withholding of congressionally appropriated funds—is unconstitutional and would harm vital social programs. This strategy, supported by some Republicans and advocated by Musk and Ramaswamy, directly contradicts the Constitution’s grant of “power of the purse” to Congress. Legal precedents, including the 1974 Impoundment Control Act and Supreme Court rulings, firmly establish that the president lacks this authority. DeLauro highlights the potential devastating impact on programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and other crucial services for middle- and lower-income families.
In a previously unannounced meeting in Paris on December 7th, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with U.S. President-elect Trump and French President Macron. The 35-minute discussion at the Elysee Palace focused on the situation in Ukraine and achieving a just peace, with Zelensky emphasizing the importance of a “peace through strength” approach. This trilateral meeting, occurring amidst the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening, marked Zelensky and Trump’s first in-person encounter since the U.S. election. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the “productive and meaningful” discussion and Trump’s resolute stance.
President Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter, was not an act of nepotism, but rather a necessary measure to prevent the weaponization of the justice system against the Biden family. Hunter’s prosecution, based on relatively minor gun and tax charges, was excessively harsh and politically motivated, exceeding what would typically be brought in similar circumstances. Republicans actively interfered in the initial plea deal, leading to more severe charges. The pardon aims to safeguard against future politically driven prosecutions under a potential Trump administration.
Following his “Patriot of the Year” award from Fox News, Trump announced plans to address election integrity, focusing on implementing paper ballots, one-day voting, voter ID, and proof of citizenship. This renewed focus on election reform, despite his November victory and the statistical rarity of widespread voter fraud, suggests a continued pursuit of his 2020 election fraud claims. His comments specifically targeted California’s voting system, which doesn’t mandate photo ID at polling places.
Following Donald Trump’s reelection, a surge in crisis calls to LGBTQIA+ hotlines highlighted the devastating impact of anti-trans rhetoric on vulnerable youth. Two families, one in Alabama and one in Arizona, shared their children’s experiences of suicidal ideation and increased fear stemming from the political climate. These accounts illustrate the escalating mental health crisis among transgender youth facing increased discrimination and threats to their well-being. The families are grappling with the consequences of the political climate and exploring options, including relocation, to ensure their children’s safety and access to affirming environments. This situation underscores the urgent need for greater societal acceptance and legislative protection for transgender individuals.
John Q. Hosedrinker