The USDA, during a period of budget cuts to school and food bank aid, spent over $16,000 on banners featuring former President Donald Trump and Abraham Lincoln. These banners were displayed outside the department’s Washington headquarters in May, coinciding with the USDA’s 163rd anniversary. The display occurred around the same time the USDA slashed $1 billion in funding from “pandemic-era” federal programs. According to a work order, the banners were printed and installed by Timsco Graphics, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins celebrated the display as ushering in a “Golden Age for our farmers.”
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Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle defended the firm’s forecast that tariffs will negatively impact consumers despite criticism from President Trump. Mericle asserted Goldman’s research, authored by economist Elsie Peng, indicates consumers will bear approximately two-thirds of the costs. This would push the personal consumption expenditures price index to 3.2% by year-end. The economist believes this effect is a one-time occurrence unlikely to significantly influence the Federal Reserve’s policy decisions, as the labor market remains a primary concern.
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Melania Trump has issued a $1 billion legal notice to Hunter Biden, alleging defamation due to his statements in a video interview. Biden claimed that Jeffrey Epstein introduced Melania to Donald Trump and that their connection was wide and deep. The first lady’s lawyer demanded a retraction and public apology by August 7, or face legal action, citing overwhelming financial and reputational harm. According to Fox News, Biden did not comply with the deadline, and further legal action is expected.
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During a press event at the Kennedy Center, President Trump addressed a report detailing Russia’s involvement in hacking the U.S. federal court case document system. Trump acknowledged Russia’s hacking capabilities, stating they are proficient at it, but that the U.S. is “actually better at it.” He mentioned he “could” address the hack in an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The New York Times reported that evidence points to a Russian entity compromising the system, potentially accessing sensitive information, including sealed records and national security cases.
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During a statement, the speaker highlighted several cities facing significant issues, specifically mentioning Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Oakland. These cities were labeled as “very bad” and “far gone.” The speaker expressed optimism about resolving issues in Washington, D.C., and suggested that other cities should observe the progress and potentially address their own problems, including addressing policies like cashless bail. A future review of New York was also proposed.
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During a Kennedy Center event, President Trump shifted focus from announcing honorees to discussing renovations in Washington D.C., specifically focusing on park improvements and the quality of the grass. He expressed his expertise on grass, citing his experience with golf courses, and also praised the architecture of the Kennedy Center itself. Trump’s remarks coincided with the unveiling of plans to revitalize the nation’s capital, including deploying the National Guard and federalizing the police, alongside renovations at the White House. His vision for Washington, DC reflects a desire to exert control over the city.
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President Trump has moved to further militarize Washington, D.C., deploying the National Guard under the pretense of restoring order. This move bypasses the city’s elected leaders and follows a pattern of increased federal troop deployments across the country, including a new “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” planned by the Pentagon. The administration is also threatening to exert similar control over other cities. Critics argue that this escalating use of the military for domestic matters is unprecedented and violates the principles of Posse Comitatus, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the normalization of military involvement in law enforcement.
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President Trump is reportedly planning a cage fight on the White House lawn for July 4, 2026, as part of the celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Trump wants his daughter, Ivanka, involved in the event. Ivanka Trump, who previously stated she would not be involved in politics, has been in contact with White about the possibilities of the fight, after Trump asked her to get involved. This potential involvement would mark a return for Ivanka Trump following a three-year hiatus.
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to redraw California’s congressional map in response to potential Republican gerrymandering in Texas, mimicking Donald Trump’s social media style. Newsom’s announcement followed a warning letter to Trump, threatening map redrawal if Texas proceeded with its redistricting efforts. To redraw the map, Newsom must first undo California’s existing independent redistricting process through a ballot initiative. This move comes amid escalating gerrymandering concerns and the introduction of new redistricting standards by Common Cause.
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Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner believes Donald Trump’s move to control Washington, D.C.’s police force is a distraction from his alleged involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Krasner asserts that Trump’s actions, including threatening similar interventions in other Democratic-led cities, are unconstitutional and serve a racist agenda. Krasner criticizes the normalization of deploying troops for purposes they are not equipped for, and argues that there is no crime emergency to warrant the federal takeover. This mirrors similar concerns raised by D.C.’s attorney general, who noted a decrease in violent crime in the city.
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John Q. Hosedrinker