Recent satellite imagery verified by Sky News shows a U.S. military ship, the USS Iwo Jima, conducting drills just under 200km from the Venezuelan coast, accompanied by other destroyers. This deployment follows a buildup of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including the movement of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, a move that defense experts view as a significant escalation. The stated objective is to target drug trafficking, but some speculate the U.S. may be preparing for potential military strikes against Venezuelan targets, a possibility heightened by the arrival of the carrier. Furthermore, flight tracking data indicates increased U.S. air activity, including bomber flights near the Venezuelan coast, adding to the growing pressure on the Maduro regime.
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Upon his return to the US, President Trump announced on social media, just prior to a summit with China’s leader, that he had instructed the Department of War to begin nuclear weapons testing, citing other countries’ testing programs. This directive, which remains unclear whether it pertains to weapons system testing or actual explosions, has raised concerns, particularly from China and Russia. Russia questioned the accuracy of Trump’s information, and implied they would conduct their own live warhead tests if the US resumed them. The last US nuclear test occurred in 1992, and such a move would directly contradict the existing Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
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President Trump is reportedly frustrated that his tactics have failed to sway Senate Democrats to end the government shutdown. He had anticipated a swift resolution, believing that drastic measures such as firing federal workers would force Democrats to concede. However, the shutdown persists, with Democrats demanding the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans are accused of holding SNAP benefits hostage. Despite legal rulings mandating continued SNAP funding, Trump has expressed confusion on how to comply, and ordered his lawyers to clarify how the government can legally provide these benefits.
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The sudden resignation of Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, has raised concerns, especially given the lack of explanation from either Holsey or the Defense Department. This unexpected departure occurred just months into his tenure, further fueling speculation. In the weeks following Holsey’s resignation, the Trump administration has escalated military actions in the Caribbean Sea. These actions include the bombing of additional boats, resulting in a significant number of casualties, all while the administration maintains secrecy regarding its intelligence and legal justifications.
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Legal scholar Lisa Graves argues in her book, “Without Precedent,” that Chief Justice John Roberts has actively undermined American democracy to serve Trump’s agenda. Roberts, who once promised that no one is above the law, has consistently acted in ways that favor Trump, including decisions on presidential immunity and voting rights. This capture of the Supreme Court has been orchestrated by the right-wing legal movement, particularly the Federalist Society, resulting in a court that is out of step with the American people. Roberts’ actions, according to Graves, position him as a “Trumpire” bending the rules to aid Trump and consolidate Republican power.
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Reports indicate the Trump administration has decided to strike military facilities within Venezuela, targeting the Cartel de los Soles, which U.S. officials allege is run by members of the Maduro regime. The goal of these strikes is to dismantle the cartel’s operations, with potential targets including military ports, airports, and naval facilities. While the ultimate decision on timing and targets is still being considered, the focus is on pressuring Maduro to step down. The escalation aims to leverage American power to combat drug trafficking.
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The Department of Justice was caught misrepresenting facts to the 9th Circuit regarding the deployment of federal agents in Portland, with claims dramatically inflating the number of officers present. The DOJ initially stated 115 FPS officers were diverted to Portland, but this was incorrect. After being exposed by the plaintiffs, the DOJ issued a correction, admitting to the error without acknowledging any intent to mislead. This falsehood was a key factor in a panel ruling that authorized Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, which was subsequently overturned by the full 9th Circuit, providing an opportunity for reconsideration based on accurate information.
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President Trump hosted a lavish, Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago, featuring elaborate costumes and décor, just hours before millions of Americans faced a cutoff from food assistance programs. This event occurred on October 31st, coinciding with the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the government shutdown, impacting approximately 40 million people. Footage showed Trump mingling with political allies and celebrities while the Department of Agriculture cited a lack of funding for the program. The party’s theme, referencing the emptiness of wealth, was seen by some as insensitive given the impending food assistance cutoffs.
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According to CNN, former President Barack Obama, age 64, is reportedly concerned about the future of the Democratic party due to Donald Trump’s attacks. These concerns have led Obama to re-evaluate his previous strategy of maintaining a low public profile. He is now preparing to return to the campaign trail, as demonstrated by his scheduled appearances for moderate Democratic candidates. Obama is also reportedly reaching out to institutional leaders, urging them to resist the current administration’s actions.
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President Trump denied Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s request for an exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil, despite their personal relationship. Orbán had cited Hungary’s reliance on Russian crude delivered via pipelines as the reason for the appeal. The Hungarian leader planned to discuss the matter further during an upcoming meeting with Trump, aiming for a broader economic agreement. This occurred as Hungary was reportedly seeking an alliance within the EU with the Czechia and Slovakia, to oppose support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker