President-elect Donald Trump has begun filling key administration positions with individuals known for their controversial and often hard-line views, raising concerns from progressive advocates. These appointments include Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Brian Hook leading the State Department transition team, Lee Zeldin as EPA administrator, Tom Homan as “border czar,” and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy. These individuals have a history of promoting policies that critics argue will be harmful to the environment, immigrants, and social programs. Adding to these concerns is the fact that Trump’s transition team has yet to sign legally required ethics agreements, potentially indicating a return to the conflicts of interest that plagued his first term.
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is taking a page out of Japan’s playbook, utilizing golf as a tool to build a strong personal relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. Following concerns over potential negative impacts on South Korea’s trade interests and defense commitment under Trump’s “America first” policy, Yoon has resumed golfing after an eight-year hiatus in preparation for a potential round with the incoming President. Experts believe that establishing this rapport during the transition period could be crucial in convincing Trump to support and advance Seoul’s interests, mirroring the success of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s strategy of using golf to foster a close friendship with Trump.
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A top aide to Vladimir Putin, Nikolai Patrushev, has issued a warning to Donald Trump, suggesting that the U.S. president-elect is obligated to fulfill his campaign promises of bringing peace to Ukraine. Patrushev, who served as Russia’s Security Council secretary, believes that Trump’s election promises, including ending the Ukrainian conflict within 24 hours, represent commitments that must be honored. He also expressed Putin’s admiration for Trump’s resilience following an assassination attempt, highlighting potential opportunities for improved relations between Russia and the U.S. However, Patrushev cautioned that a potential escalation in tensions could occur if the U.S. and U.K. continue to undermine Russia’s energy interests, specifically referencing the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.
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As the incoming border czar, I firmly believe that undocumented immigrants who are not criminals should be given the option to self-deport. This would allow them to arrange their affairs and depart with their families, ultimately leading to a more orderly and humane process. While criminals will be apprehended and deported, non-criminals can choose to leave voluntarily, thereby easing the strain on our immigration system. However, it’s important to note that the specifics of what happens to their property or future re-entry possibilities remain unclear.
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The Biden administration is implementing a new rule that will impose a federal fee on oil and gas companies exceeding specific methane emission levels. This rule, announced at COP29, fulfills a congressional directive within the 2022 climate law and aims to reduce one of the most potent greenhouse gases. The fee, expected to begin at $900 per ton in 2024 and increase to $1,500 per ton by 2026, aims to incentivize the adoption of emission-reducing technologies and reduce methane emissions by 1.2 million metric tons by 2035, equivalent to removing eight million cars from the road for a year. While industry groups are expected to oppose the rule, environmental organizations support it, advocating for the oil and gas sector to be held accountable for its contributions to climate change.
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Donald Trump has pledged to end birthright citizenship, a policy he believes is based on a misinterpretation of the 14th Amendment, by issuing an executive order on his first day back in office. This plan, which would require at least one parent to be a citizen or legal resident for a child to be considered a U.S. citizen, is likely to face legal challenges as it directly contradicts the amendment’s text. While the Supreme Court has never directly ruled on the issue, most legal experts believe the amendment’s language clearly grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The proposal’s implementation would also be complex, requiring federal agencies to verify the immigration status of both parents, which may not always be readily available.
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Following the 2024 presidential election, The New Abnormal co-hosts Danielle Moodie and Andy Levy analyze potential areas for improvement in Vice President Harris’ campaign. Levy argues that a stronger focus on messaging, particularly regarding the issue of corporate price-gouging, could have resonated more effectively with voters. He suggests highlighting the role of wealthy individuals and corporations in driving up prices, explicitly connecting the issue to the political and economic interests of those who support Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Dean Obeidallah discusses his article challenging the characterization of questioning Trump’s electoral integrity as “election denial,” and shares insights gleaned from his radio show audience.
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Democrats’ calls for unity and civility in the wake of Trump’s victory are misguided and ultimately futile. This approach ignores the reality that Republicans, especially under Trump’s leadership, are driven by fear and paranoia, fueled by a constant stream of manufactured enemies. Their notion of “unity” is simply conformity, demanding that those deemed different silence themselves or disappear. This approach not only fails to understand the nature of fascism but also inadvertently enables it by falsely suggesting that Trump and his supporters can be reasoned with. The only solution is for people to recognize the inherent danger of this hate-mongering and refuse to reward it with power.
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Today, I am pleased to announce my nomination of Tali Farhadian Weinstein and Chief Judge Frances Marie Tydingco-Gatewood to the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York and Guam, respectively. Both nominees are highly qualified individuals with extensive legal experience, demonstrating a deep commitment to the rule of law and our Constitution. These nominations continue my administration’s commitment to building a judiciary that reflects the diversity of our nation, highlighting the rich tapestry of backgrounds and expertise that strengthens our nation’s legal system. These nominations mark the fifty-sixth round of judicial nominations, bringing the total number of announced nominees to 261.
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With President-elect Trump’s return, a chilling effect has settled over the federal workforce, many fearing a repeat of his first term’s attacks on civil servants. Trump has promised to reinstate Schedule F, a 2020 executive order that would allow for mass firings of nonpartisan employees, replacing them with loyalists. This could fundamentally alter the federal workforce by returning to the “spoils system” of the late 1800s, where political affiliation dictates employment. The potential impact extends beyond Washington D.C., threatening the livelihoods of federal employees across the country, and creating a chilling effect that discourages independent service. While unions are preparing legal challenges, the future of the federal workforce under a Trump presidency remains uncertain, with concerns about mass firings, relocation of agency offices, and a government efficiency commission headed by Elon Musk.
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John Q. Hosedrinker