House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed accusations that the government shutdown is being used to deflect scrutiny of Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson stated the shutdown is solely due to Democratic senators voting to keep the government closed. The speaker was responding to concerns about the release of Epstein-related documents, which could be impacted by the House not being in session. Ultimately, Johnson insisted the shutdown is unrelated to the Epstein case.
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President Trump deployed 300 California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, despite a federal court order blocking the move and defying a federal order. This action followed a judge’s ruling that blocked Trump’s attempt to deploy active-duty troops, citing violations of the Constitution and federal law. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as a power grab and vowed to sue in response, as the unrest in Portland continues to escalate at an ICE detention center. Trump’s actions are in response to continued protests and clashes with federal agents that have taken place since June.
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The Trump administration’s plan to drastically reduce refugee admissions to 7,500 in 2026, a significant decrease from previous discussions, is under scrutiny. This decision, reportedly giving preference to white South Africans, has sparked criticism from advocacy groups and Democrats. The administration is facing accusations of failing to consult with Congress on the legally required refugee limits. The proposed cap and prioritization have been met with widespread condemnation.
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President Donald Trump deployed 300 California National Guard members to Oregon on Sunday, despite a court order that blocked the Pentagon from sending Oregon’s National Guard to Portland. The judge cited that the president’s claims were “untethered to the facts” and rejected the Pentagon’s claim that Portland faced a “danger of rebellion.” Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the move as an abuse of power, vowing to sue, while the White House defended the action, claiming it was to protect federal assets following violent riots. This comes after California previously won a court victory against the Pentagon regarding the use of the National Guard for domestic policing.
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Following the assassination of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, the Trump administration swiftly implemented plans to target perceived liberal adversaries. Led by Stephen Miller, the administration drafted legal memos and prioritized organizations for scrutiny using existing anti-terrorism laws. This “war on terror” focused on groups like antifa and George Soros’s network. Despite concerns from some officials about the lack of a real terror threat, the administration aimed to use legal and financial means to silence dissent, as well as silence individuals who spoke out against Donald Trump.
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Andrej Babis’s ANO party secured a victory in the Czech Republic’s parliamentary election, potentially aligning the nation with Europe’s populist movement and impacting support for Ukraine. ANO, lacking an outright majority, plans to form a cabinet and seek support from smaller parties, including the far-right SPD. Babis, who has faced controversy, including conflict-of-interest laws and fraud charges, has shifted towards euroscepticism and closer ties with figures like Donald Trump. While he has expressed support for the EU and NATO, he has indicated a desire to redirect aid for Ukraine and has taken positions that indicate he may not be a reliable European Union and NATO partner.
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President Trump has authorized the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago, citing “ongoing violent riots and lawlessness” as justification. This decision follows threats to send troops to the city, despite criticism from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who called the move unnecessary and un-American. Concurrently, a federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, deeming the protests insufficient to warrant federalized forces, and potentially harming state sovereignty. The Trump administration plans to appeal this ruling, emphasizing the need to protect federal assets and personnel amidst violent riots.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the US Department of Defense issued an ultimatum, threatening to federalize 300 National Guard troops in Chicago unless the state deployed its own troops. This move follows President Trump’s plans to utilize certain cities as military training grounds, despite declining crime rates in areas where federal troops have already been deployed. Pritzker condemned the demand as un-American, emphasizing the lack of need for military presence in Illinois and vowing to defend the state’s residents. Meanwhile, reports also surfaced of leaked plans to send the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to Portland.
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American farmers are facing significant challenges, largely due to President Trump’s trade policies. The White House is working on a multi-billion dollar bailout package, with the agriculture industry’s expenses projected to reach $467.4 billion in 2025. The administration is considering options such as using tariff revenue or tapping into a Department of Agriculture fund. With the US soybean industry in crisis, the administration is facing pressure to secure a trade deal with China.
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The article highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive actions against non-citizen residents, specifically targeting them based on their speech and viewpoints. Judge William Young, in *American Association of University Professors v Rubio*, ruled the administration violated the First Amendment by detaining and deporting pro-Palestinian foreign scholars, emphasizing that the Constitution does not differentiate between citizens and immigrants regarding freedom of speech. Young’s decision condemned Trump’s actions as unconstitutional and a threat to fundamental rights, citing instances of immigrants like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk being targeted for their speech. The judge’s opinion extends beyond the immediate case, framing Trump’s actions as a broader threat to American values and urging Americans to defend constitutional principles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker