The article details how Donald Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr are accused of bullying late-night hosts into silence by leveraging the FCC’s power over broadcast licenses and corporate mergers. ABC’s “indefinite” suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show is cited as an example of corporate capitulation, mirroring instances where shows were canceled ahead of important government approvals. The author argues that corporations prioritize profits over free speech, and the FCC is complicit, with Carr seemingly willing to censor content that is critical of Trump. This approach is deemed concerning, particularly as Trump has indicated that negative press could be used to revoke broadcasting licenses.
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President Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against his political adversaries, including James Comey, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James, citing his impeachments and indictments as justification. Simultaneously, he announced his intention to replace the head of a key prosecutor’s office, who had resigned the day prior, with his former defense attorney, Lindsey Halligan. Trump expressed frustration that “nothing is being done” and claimed that the country’s reputation and credibility were at stake. This demand for action was accompanied by praise for Bondi and a White House statement emphasizing the president’s desire for justice and accountability against those who allegedly weaponized the justice system against him.
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According to an MSNBC report, the FBI recorded Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s border czar, allegedly accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents in September 2024, six weeks before the election, promising to assist in securing government contracts. The investigation, initiated under the Biden administration, was intended to monitor Homan after his appointment. However, after Trump took office, officials appointed by him closed the case, deeming it a “deep state” investigation. While federal officials believed they had a case for conspiracy to commit bribery, the investigation was ultimately shut down before any charges were brought forward.
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Following David Letterman’s labeling of President Trump as an “authoritarian,” Trump swiftly responded with a disparaging Truth Social post, criticizing Letterman’s career and appearance. Letterman’s comments were made in response to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension by ABC, prompted by FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s threats over Kimmel’s remarks regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk. The FCC chair called Kimmel’s statement “malicious lies”. Letterman’s remarks touched on the issue of media censorship and the consequences of criticizing Trump. This instance is not isolated, as Trump has previously targeted other late-night hosts, underscoring a pattern of direct engagement with and criticism of those voices.
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In a recent Truth Social post, former US President Donald Trump warned the Taliban that “bad things” would happen if they failed to return Bagram Airbase. This strongly worded statement, referencing the United States as the builder of the base, signals a potential escalation of tensions. The post suggests a potential future focus on the military site located in Afghanistan. This highlights a continuing interest in the region despite the US withdrawal.
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Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano has not ruled out raising the retirement age to address the program’s projected insolvency by 2034. Bisignano stated that “everything is being considered” when asked about this possibility, suggesting other options like increasing the maximum taxable earnings subject to Social Security tax are also under review. The Social Security Trustees estimate that the program’s funding gap could be addressed by permanently raising payroll taxes by 3.65 percentage points. The current full retirement age has been steadily rising since 1983.
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Last year, former ICE director Tom Homan, now the White House border czar, was caught on tape accepting $50,000 from undercover FBI agents posing as business executives. The investigation, launched in the summer of 2024, suggested Homan promised to help them win government contracts in a second Trump administration, however, the investigation was stalled shortly after Trump’s return to office. Despite initial intent to monitor his actions in office, Trump appointees officially closed the probe, citing lack of evidence and political motivations, while Homan dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Legal experts highlight that while bribery charges are inapplicable before holding office, conspiracy or fraud charges could be pursued, depending on the agreement made.
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The recent indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel due to remarks about Charlie Kirk highlights a concerning trend of stifled free speech, mirroring tactics once employed by the left. This “woke” right, led by figures like Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, is attempting to silence dissent, often using the same justification previously used by social justice activists. Unlike past crackdowns, this effort lacks widespread support and a clear mandate, relying instead on fear and intimidation. Ultimately, this MAGA-driven cultural control is doomed to fail, as it lacks the cultural backing of previous periods of moral panic, and the First Amendment will continue to be challenged but never destroyed.
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Democratic lawmakers are expressing concerns about banners featuring President Donald Trump’s face displayed on federal buildings, arguing they carry authoritarian undertones. A report from California Democrat Adam Schiff revealed that at least $50,000 in taxpayer funds were used to create the banners, which some perceive as propaganda. Republicans, however, are defending the banners by pointing out similar promotional efforts under the previous Democratic administration and questioning the double standard. The White House has strongly pushed back on the report, intensifying the political divide over the use of executive power and taxpayer funds.
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The Indian foreign ministry expressed concern over the Trump administration’s new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B worker visas, citing potential humanitarian consequences and family disruptions. India, the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, is studying the policy’s full implications and hopes for suitable solutions. The abrupt implementation timeline has also raised concerns from India’s leading trade body, Nasscom, which fears disruptions to ongoing projects. The new measure, which will likely face legal challenges, is part of a broader overhaul of the temporary employment visa system and could potentially hamper the US’s position in the AI race.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Snaps at Letterman After “Authoritarian Criminal” Label
Following David Letterman’s labeling of President Trump as an “authoritarian,” Trump swiftly responded with a disparaging Truth Social post, criticizing Letterman’s career and appearance. Letterman’s comments were made in response to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension by ABC, prompted by FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s threats over Kimmel’s remarks regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk. The FCC chair called Kimmel’s statement “malicious lies”. Letterman’s remarks touched on the issue of media censorship and the consequences of criticizing Trump. This instance is not isolated, as Trump has previously targeted other late-night hosts, underscoring a pattern of direct engagement with and criticism of those voices.
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