The “Mar-a-Lago face,” characterized by inflated lips, immobile brows, and sculpted contours, is gaining prominence among right-wing figures in Washington. This hyper-polished aesthetic, often compared to Real Housewives stars, is prevalent among the conservative elite who have moved to the capital since Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The Guardian notes that these features include puffy lips, frozen brows, and taut necks. Plastic surgeons suggest that this look, named after Trump’s private club, is sought after to broadcast artifice rather than refinement.
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Leaked applications for the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 initiative reveal that several individuals seeking roles in a potential Trump administration cited influences from Nazi political theorists and other far-right figures. The applications, sourced from a database breach, showcase the convergence of Republicans and the far-right, including applications from members of nativist and antisemitic groups. Several applicants expressed admiration for Carl Schmitt, a political theorist with ties to the Nazi regime, and Nayib Bukele, the authoritarian president of El Salvador. The applications also highlighted influences from prominent white nationalists and other fringe figures, raising concerns about the ideological leanings of potential appointees.
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The article recounts a historical parallel to contemporary political anxieties, drawing a comparison between Donald Trump’s actions and those of John Adams during the late 1790s. Both leaders utilized fear-mongering and war rhetoric, such as the XYZ Affair, to suppress dissent and consolidate power, even attempting to jail their political opponents. Jefferson and his allies, however, countered Adams’ authoritarian tendencies through state-level resistance, pamphlets, and unwavering defense of democratic principles. This historical struggle highlights the power of truth-tellers, solidarity, and political leadership in overcoming threats to democracy, offering a hopeful perspective on current events.
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Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to pardon ex-Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Hernández was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being found guilty of importing cocaine into the US. Trump also expressed support for conservative candidate Tito Asfura in the upcoming Honduran general election, criticizing other candidates and accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug-related activities. The former president’s statement came amidst the backdrop of US counternarcotics operations in the region, which legal experts have questioned.
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Donald Trump is considering the deportation of the family of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members. Trump also announced that his administration will “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” in response to the shooting. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome. One of the National Guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, has died from her injuries.
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President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 36%, marking the lowest point of his second term, with disapproval reaching 60%. This decline follows three months of stability and coincides with the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and losses for the Republican Party in off-year elections. Both Republicans and independents have significantly worsened their ratings of Trump, while Democrats remain largely negative. Trump receives more negative than positive ratings on nine domestic and foreign issues, with ratings on the economy, healthcare, and the federal budget particularly low.
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The Danish government has implemented a night watch alert system to monitor any comments President Trump makes about Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. This measure was established in response to Trump’s past statements, including his consideration of military or economic coercion to gain control of the mineral-rich island. The foreign ministry team works shifts to address the time difference with the U.S. and react to any mentions of Greenland. This approach reflects Denmark’s diplomatic efforts to navigate the Trump administration’s interest in the territory and anticipate potential actions, as meetings are planned to discuss cooperation.
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In recent weeks, President Trump has made a series of disparaging remarks targeting female journalists, including calling them “stupid,” “piggy,” and “terrible.” These comments have raised questions about the treatment of women in the media and the impact of such language from a position of power. Experts suggest these actions diminish women’s expertise and roles, potentially encouraging similar behavior. The White House has responded by emphasizing the administration’s transparency and criticizing the press.
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Former US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed strong criticism of the second Trump administration, citing perceived corruption and declining political standards. Kerry also voiced disappointment in the recent Cop30 climate conference, suggesting it lacked ambition and that the US’s absence negatively impacted the outcome, potentially hindering the global transition away from fossil fuels. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the clean energy transition’s continuation, although he expressed concern about the timeline to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Kerry further indicated that the COP process is “losing credibility,” due to disappointing outcomes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Indiana Senator Opposes Redistricting After Trump’s Slur
Indiana Senator Mike Bohacek, a Republican, has announced he will vote against redistricting efforts in the state due to President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a recent social media post. Trump’s post, which used an offensive term, has been criticized by disability advocates, and Bohacek’s daughter has Down Syndrome. This decision comes as Trump has been urging states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps. The Indiana House is scheduled to discuss a new map on December 1, and the Senate is set to vote on December 8.
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