Pascal Lamy, former WTO head, advises the UK to prioritize its strong economic ties with the EU over aligning with the US under President Trump, given the UK’s significantly larger trade volume with Europe. This aligns with former British Ambassador Ivan Rogers’ assessment that a post-Trump trade choice between the US and EU is inevitable, particularly concerning agricultural standards and veterinary regulations. The UK government recognizes the urgent need to develop a comprehensive trade strategy in this new global landscape, though experts suggest limited trade deals may be achievable with both the EU and US simultaneously. However, the prospect of a comprehensive US trade deal faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding agricultural issues.
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Special counsel Jack Smith is expected to conclude his investigations into President-elect Trump’s criminal cases before Trump’s inauguration. Smith may issue a comprehensive report detailing the evidence gathered, potentially circumventing the inability to prosecute a sitting president. This report could be released even if the cases are dismissed, as Attorney General Garland has indicated he would release any such report. The possibility of self-pardons and the legal implications are still unresolved.
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Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade warns that if Donald Trump’s classified documents case is dropped and he returns to the presidency, key American allies may cease sharing sensitive intelligence. This stems from concerns that Trump’s past handling of classified information, much of it originating from foreign governments, demonstrates a lack of trustworthiness. The potential loss of this crucial intelligence sharing would severely compromise national security. Co-hosts of the #SistersInLaw podcast concur, emphasizing the international ramifications of a potential Trump second term and the impact on foreign intelligence cooperation.
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J. Ann Selzer, head of Selzer & Co., is retiring from election polling after a 30-year career marked by high accuracy, as evidenced by an A+ rating from Nate Silver. Her final poll did not align with election results, a humbling experience in a field of estimation. Selzer’s work with various news organizations and clients will continue, focusing on projects beyond election forecasting. She emphasizes her commitment to truth and accuracy throughout her career and personal life.
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Several letters address Donald Trump’s election victory, attributing it not to Democratic failures or economic hardship, but to voters’ disregard for his character flaws. Contributors highlight a lack of civic education as a contributing factor to this apathy, arguing that many voters prioritized self-interest over the common good, despite potentially harming their own economic well-being. Other letters discuss diverse topics including the accountability of universities, the environmental impact of animal agriculture, vaping regulations, and the financial dealings of the British Royal Family. Finally, several letters offer anecdotal counterpoints to recent news stories.
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Timothy Michael Scouton, a 64-year-old Minnesota election judge, faces two felony charges for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered individuals to vote in the Badoura Township precinct. An investigation was launched after missing voter registration forms were discovered, and a fellow election judge reported Scouton instructed them to disregard registration procedures. Scouton, who declined to comment, was arrested and released pending a January 6th hearing. The Secretary of State’s office deemed the allegations extremely serious, emphasizing the violation of the election judge’s oath and betrayal of public trust.
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The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed concerns regarding President-elect Trump’s “Operation Aurora,” a plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. While not condoning illegal immigration, the USCCB emphasized the need for a humane approach, asserting that immigrants “represent the face of Christ” and deserve dignity. Bishops vowed to publicly oppose the plan if it violates human rights or hinders the Church’s mission to support marginalized communities. The USCCB advocates for a system that distinguishes between immigrants who have committed crimes and those who should be allowed to remain.
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The Trump transition team is investigating the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, potentially pursuing court-martials for senior military officers involved. This investigation, led in part by Matt Flynn, aims to examine the decision-making process and actions surrounding the withdrawal, which President Trump has condemned as a national humiliation. The team is exploring potential charges, ranging from treason to lesser offenses, to hold individuals accountable for the chaotic withdrawal and its consequences. While the legality of treason charges is questionable given the officers followed President Biden’s orders, the effort seeks to set a precedent and address perceived failures in military leadership.
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Despite rising US-China tensions stemming from restrictions on Chinese technology investment and the threat of a Trump-led trade war, Xi Jinping affirmed China’s commitment to a stable relationship with the incoming US administration. Xi and Biden held a candid meeting following the APEC summit, where disagreements over addressing the economic impacts of the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts prevented a consensus. APEC leaders did, however, unite in their implicit criticism of potential future trade protectionism. The upcoming G20 summit in Brazil is expected to further address these global economic concerns, with various leaders seeking to mitigate the potential negative impacts of a more isolationist US foreign policy.
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David Huitema’s confirmation as Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) passed the Senate with a 50-46 vote along party lines. His five-year term will see him overseeing ethics compliance across more than 140 federal agencies, a role crucial in preventing conflicts of interest. The OGE, lacking a director for over a year, plays a significant role in the nominee vetting process. This confirmation comes after a partisan vote and addresses a prolonged vacancy at the agency.
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John Q. Hosedrinker