Despite the clear language of the Twenty-Second Amendment, which prohibits a president from serving more than two terms, President Trump has expressed interest in running for a third term, suggesting he might only do so if his potential opponent is deemed exceptionally strong. This statement disregards the longstanding constitutional restriction established in 1951, following President Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms, and the unofficial precedent set by George Washington. The amendment unequivocally states that no person can be elected to the presidency more than twice, effectively barring Trump from seeking another term after his current one concludes.
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Despite short-term political fluctuations, the urgency of addressing global emissions remains, and any delay only exacerbates the challenge. I strongly advise against implementing carbon border tariffs, as they introduce unnecessary complexity and bureaucracy without guaranteeing effectiveness. A more efficient approach lies in a regulatory framework based on carbon intensity, allowing for a clearer and more manageable path towards emissions reduction.
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Donald Trump has nominated Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, was prevented from guarding Joe Biden’s 2020 inauguration due to concerns about a “Jerusalem Cross” tattoo, which was deemed to be a sign of extremism by military officials. Hegseth claims the tattoo was misconstrued and that he was unfairly labeled as an extremist. This incident has raised questions about the military’s vetting process and the potential for bias against individuals with certain beliefs or symbols.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith and his team plan to resign before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, as the Justice Department generally does not charge sitting presidents with crimes. The looming question is whether Smith’s final report, detailing his charging decisions, will be made public before Inauguration Day. The report must be submitted to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has the authority to release it. Although Smith’s office was moving forward with the election interference case against Trump, the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump has immunity for some acts as president has hampered the investigation. Additionally, a case concerning classified documents was dismissed in July but remains on appeal.
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The author, deeply saddened by the outcome of the election, grapples with the political divide within her own marriage, particularly the stark contrast between her husband’s support for the winning candidate and her own disappointment. This division has caused her to question their future and to doubt the possibility of reconciliation, especially due to the profound differences in their views on the implications of the election for various groups, particularly women and minorities. She finds solace in her network of friends and family who share her concerns, and she vows to continue fighting for her beliefs, despite the pain and uncertainty. Ultimately, the author recognizes that the path forward lies in open communication and understanding, even in the face of deep disagreement.
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Judge Juan Merchan has postponed his decision on whether to dismiss Donald Trump’s conviction on presidential immunity grounds until November 19th, following requests for a postponement from both the defense and prosecution. The delay comes after Trump, who was convicted of falsifying business records in a scheme to influence the 2016 election, was elected President of the United States. This decision raises unprecedented legal questions about the impact of Trump’s presidency on his ongoing criminal case, as prosecutors and defense attorneys grapple with the potential implications of Trump’s new role on the proceedings.
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President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary, a decision that has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns within the defense world due to his lack of experience in senior national security roles. Despite his background as an Army National Guard captain and a conservative commentator known for his “America First” stance, Hegseth’s lack of practical experience managing a large department with an enormous budget and handling complex global crises has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the Pentagon. While some Republicans praised his combat experience and communication skills, others, including Democrats, expressed concern about his lack of experience and called for detailed plans and explanations on how he intends to handle the challenges facing the military. His nomination is sure to face scrutiny during Senate confirmation hearings, where senators will question his qualifications and vision for the future of the Department of Defense.
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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his Secretary of Defense, a surprising selection that has drawn criticism and raised questions about his qualifications. Hegseth, known for his outspoken views on issues like women in combat and military diversity programs, has a history of serving as an informal advisor to Trump and was considered for other positions in his first administration. His appointment signals a potential for tension with the Pentagon, which has been critical of Trump’s policies and leadership in the past. While Senate Republicans are expected to be deferential to Trump’s picks, Hegseth’s confirmation faces a potential for contention due to his controversial views and lack of traditional qualifications for the position.
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The proposed executive order, which mirrors a 1940 system intended for officer development, would expedite the removal of military officials deemed lacking in leadership qualities. While the order leaves the definition of these qualities vague, it raises concerns about potential abuse for political purposes. Critics warn that such a system could be used to purge dissenting voices and create a military leadership solely loyal to the administration’s agenda, potentially undermining the integrity and independence of the armed forces. The order’s implementation remains uncertain, but its potential to politicize the military has sparked widespread debate and alarm.
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The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production, a crucial step in addressing climate change. This rule, mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act, imposes fees on companies exceeding methane emission thresholds, incentivizing them to repair leaks and capture the potent greenhouse gas. The fee structure, coupled with financial incentives for leak repairs, is designed to reduce methane emissions by 1.2 million metric tons annually, equivalent to taking millions of cars off the road. This rule’s inclusion in a major climate law makes it more difficult for future administrations to dismantle, ensuring its long-term impact on reducing methane pollution and mitigating climate change.
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John Q. Hosedrinker