President Biden’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon highlights the underutilization of his broader clemency powers. Over 65 members of Congress urged Biden to employ these powers to address systemic injustices within the criminal justice system, specifically citing mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. This call for action emphasizes the potential for pardons to correct inequities and reduce the substantial financial burden of mass incarceration. Advocates argue for a more expansive use of clemency, referencing the historical precedent of presidents granting pardons to thousands, and highlighting the urgent need for action on death row cases.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum refutes Donald Trump’s claim that she promised to close the Mexico-US border, clarifying that their conversation focused on Mexico’s comprehensive strategy to manage migration while respecting human rights. Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s commitment to maintaining open communication and cooperation, contrasting this with Trump’s assertion of a border closure agreement. Trump, however, maintains his previous stance, citing concerns about undocumented immigration and threatening import taxes on Mexican and Canadian goods unless stricter border control measures are implemented. Recent data indicates a significant decrease in unauthorized border crossings between October 2023 and the present.
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Following Donald Trump’s unexpected 2024 victory, Democrats are debating the need for a left-leaning equivalent to influential podcaster Joe Rogan, whose platform significantly aided the Trump campaign. This discussion highlights the right’s successful cultivation of a media ecosystem funded by conservative donors, a contrast to the left’s lack of similar financial backing. Some argue that creating a comparable platform is unrealistic due to ideological differences with wealthy donors, while others suggest focusing on policies that resonate with independent voters is a more effective strategy. Ultimately, the debate centers on whether a media strategy mirroring the right’s success is achievable or even necessary for the Democratic party.
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Following the 2024 presidential election, many Black women expressed profound exhaustion and grief over Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss, a feeling amplified by the constant pressure to remain politically engaged. This exhaustion stems from a persistent sense of threat and the weight of expectation placed upon Black women to “save democracy,” leaving little room for processing the emotional toll of the election. Many are now prioritizing self-care and community support while bracing for the potential impact of the Trump administration’s policies on marginalized communities. The election outcome felt deeply personal, with feelings of betrayal and despair among many.
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Putin threatened to strike Kyiv with the Oreshnik missile, a weapon he claims is undefeatable by air defenses, citing its comparable strength to multiple nuclear strikes. This threat, framed as retaliation for Western provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, has caused alarm in Kyiv despite Ukrainian officials dismissing the missile’s capabilities as exaggerated. The timing coincides with Putin’s expressed hope for a more favorable relationship with the incoming Trump administration, potentially using the threat as leverage. While analysts anticipate limited escalation before Trump’s inauguration, Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure underscore the ongoing challenges.
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The nomination of Mr. Phelan as Navy Secretary is unusual given his lack of military or significant prior Navy experience, a departure from recent predecessors. This contrasts sharply with his substantial financial contributions to the Trump campaign, exceeding $800,000, and his hosting of a high-dollar fundraising event at his residence. This appointment has prompted online criticism, with even some Trump supporters expressing concerns about potential cronyism. His position on the board of a military support nonprofit is noted, though it doesn’t fully offset the lack of direct Navy ties.
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A Rolling Stone report reveals discussions within Trump’s transition team regarding a potential “soft invasion” of Mexico, involving covert operations by American special forces to eliminate cartel leaders. This plan, echoing previous proposals by Trump and some congressional lawmakers, would proceed without Mexican government consent. The discussions center on the scope of this intervention, raising concerns about unilateral US action in Mexico. The plan draws parallels to past counter-terrorism operations, such as the raid that killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
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President-elect Trump’s transition team submitted an ethics plan seemingly omitting provisions addressing his own conflicts of interest, a notable oversight given his past and recent business ventures. The plan, while largely complying with the Presidential Transition Act, requires team members, but not Trump himself, to avoid conflicts of interest and safeguard sensitive information. This omission raises concerns, especially considering his new cryptocurrency venture and other recent business dealings. Despite delays in signing agreements with the White House and GSA, the team’s signing of the White House agreement is a positive step towards facilitating information sharing. However, the lack of a GSA agreement raises concerns about secure communication and access to federal resources.
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Following Donald Trump’s reelection, Sharon Stone, appearing at Italy’s Torino Film Festival to receive a lifetime achievement award, criticized the outcome, characterizing a segment of American voters as “ignorant” and “arrogant.” She drew parallels to Italy’s past experiences with fascism, emphasizing the need for critical voter engagement. Stone reiterated concerns about Trump’s platform and the lack of global awareness among many Americans, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Alec Baldwin at the same festival. Her earlier statement regarding potential relocation to Italy remains unresolved.
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Donald Trump’s ongoing feud with the New York Times escalated following their report on Natalie Harp, a Trump aide with an unusually close relationship to the president-elect. Harp, described as Trump’s “human printer,” filters information to him, reportedly including content from unreliable sources like Gateway Pundit. This raises concerns about the flow of information and potential influence on Trump’s decisions in the upcoming administration. The leak of Harp’s personal letters to Trump further highlights the internal conflicts within his team.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Sharon Stone Calls America Naive, Ignorant, and Arrogant
Following Donald Trump’s reelection, Sharon Stone, appearing at Italy’s Torino Film Festival to receive a lifetime achievement award, criticized the outcome, characterizing a segment of American voters as “ignorant” and “arrogant.” She drew parallels to Italy’s past experiences with fascism, emphasizing the need for critical voter engagement. Stone reiterated concerns about Trump’s platform and the lack of global awareness among many Americans, echoing similar sentiments expressed by Alec Baldwin at the same festival. Her earlier statement regarding potential relocation to Italy remains unresolved.
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