Following Donald Trump’s use of an ableist slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Walz called for the release of Trump’s recent MRI results, drawing further attention to the former president’s health. Trump had previously undergone an MRI at Walter Reed in October, with the White House describing it as a routine physical. Trump has also made disparaging comments against Somali immigrants, which has also come under scrutiny. Given Trump’s age and role as the oldest person elected to the presidency, his health will likely remain a focus of public attention.
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Following an alleged shooting by an Afghan national, President Trump announced a suspension of migration from “third world countries.” This decision includes a re-examination of all Green Cards from “countries of concern,” a list of 19 nations previously targeted by a travel ban. Furthermore, the administration plans to eliminate federal benefits for non-citizens and deport foreign nationals deemed security risks or incompatible with “Western Civilization,” effectively intensifying existing anti-migrant policies. Trump framed these actions as necessary to reduce “illegal and disruptive populations” and stated that the current foreign population, of 53 million, are a strain on the country.
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President Trump indicated that the United States is preparing to initiate actions against Venezuelan drug trafficking networks, specifically mentioning the start of land-based strikes “very soon.” This announcement follows the designation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization, allowing for the imposition of additional sanctions. The US military has already deployed significant resources, including warships and troops, in the region as part of an anti-drug-trafficking campaign, having previously conducted boat strikes. Despite these preparations, the administration previously informed lawmakers that it was not planning strikes inside Venezuela, citing the lack of legal justification for such actions.
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During a media conference at Mar-a-Lago, former President Trump responded to a question about the D.C. shooting suspect by calling the female reporter “stupid” multiple times. The exchange occurred after the reporter questioned Trump’s assertions about the suspect’s vetting process, citing a report that indicated thorough vetting by the DHS and FBI. Trump blamed the Biden administration for allowing the suspect into the country, despite reports that the suspect was granted asylum during Trump’s administration. This incident follows a pattern of Trump’s disparaging remarks towards female reporters, including insults about their appearance and intelligence.
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President Trump has publicly accused six members of Congress of being “traitors” for producing a video reminding members of the armed forces that they can refuse illegal orders, going so far as to suggest they should be arrested and put on trial. This reaction underscores Trump’s pattern of viewing criticism as an attack on the state, revealing both his disregard for free speech and his narcissistic tendencies. The video itself, which made reference to controversial actions by Trump, merely reiterated the established legal principle that service members have a duty to disobey unlawful orders. Despite this, Trump’s response shows his habit of equating dissent with treason, as he has done with previous critics, and highlights an authoritarian impulse.
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President Trump’s plan to address soaring US healthcare costs, reportedly delayed due to Republican pushback, has fueled renewed calls for a single-payer system, such as Medicare for All, among progressives. The National Nurses United pointed to a recent poll indicating heightened affordability concerns among US adults as evidence of the urgency. Trump’s proposed Healthcare Price Cuts Act, intended to combat rising premiums, includes controversial elements like eliminating “zero-premium” subsidies. However, the plan faces uncertainty due to opposition from Republicans questioning its scope, potentially delaying or altering its implementation.
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Tennessee Democrats are investigating reports of postcards circulating with an incorrect election date for the special election between Aftyn Behn and Matt Van Epps in the 7th Congressional District. The mailers, which lack attribution, reportedly direct voters to cast their ballots on December 3rd, a day after the actual election. This race has garnered significant attention, with the outcome potentially impacting the balance of power in the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. Turnout levels, particularly in the district’s rural areas and Democratic-leaning Nashville, are expected to play a crucial role in determining the election’s outcome.
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A federal appeals court unanimously upheld a nearly $1 million penalty against Donald Trump and attorney Alina Habba for a “frivolous” lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others. The court affirmed the lower court’s decision to dismiss the case, citing “sanctionable conduct” in filing the suit. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged a conspiracy to falsely portray Trump’s campaign as colluding with Russia, but was dismissed by a lower court judge who stated that “no reasonable lawyer would have filed it.” This ruling represents another setback in Trump’s attempts to pursue legal action against his political adversaries.
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Responding to a video featuring six Democratic lawmakers urging service members to “refuse illegal orders” from former President Trump, Rep. Adam Smith stated he believes Trump has issued illegal military orders. Smith cited a specific instance, the order to blow up boats in the Caribbean without proper justification, as an example. He condemned the Department of War’s review into Sen. Mark Kelly’s participation in the video, deeming it a threat to free speech. While Smith expressed his views, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, also in the video, stated she was not aware of any illegal military orders from the former president.
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A federal appeals court has upheld nearly $1 million in penalties against Donald Trump and his attorneys for their racketeering lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and other Democrats. The court agreed with the lower court’s dismissal of the lawsuit, deeming many of its legal arguments frivolous. The suit alleged Clinton conspired to create a false narrative about Trump and Russia. The presiding judge found the suit to be filled with frivolous claims intended to harass and serve a political purpose, and that Trump knew of the suit’s shortcomings.
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John Q. Hosedrinker