Former President Donald Trump has been privately pressuring national security officials to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized after the US withdrawal in 2021. Trump believes the base is vital for monitoring China, accessing rare earth elements, combating ISIS, and potentially reopening a diplomatic facility. While a 2020 agreement mandated a full US troop withdrawal, Trump has suggested the US has leverage over the Taliban due to their need for assistance. Bagram, a key military hub for nearly two decades, was left by US troops in 2021, with its departure criticized in a State Department review for contributing to the chaotic overall withdrawal.
Read More
Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump suggested revoking the licenses of broadcast television networks critical of him. This followed ABC’s suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to the host’s comments. Trump referenced negative media coverage, particularly from Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, asserting these networks are biased. He deferred to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, emphasizing his patriotism and hinting at potential action regarding network licenses.
Read More
The Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court for an emergency order to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s board of governors. This action follows a failed attempt by the administration to oust Cook, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, and is part of a larger effort to reshape the Fed. The legal challenge is unprecedented, as no president has previously fired a sitting Fed governor. The administration argues that Cook’s alleged actions regarding mortgage rates raise concerns about her trustworthiness and ability to manage interest rates, though she denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
Read More
During a press conference in the UK, the former US president expressed disappointment in Vladimir Putin, stating that the Russian leader had “let him down” in the efforts to secure a peace deal in Ukraine. Trump, who previously believed the conflict would be easily resolved, criticized Putin for the ongoing violence and casualties. He also suggested that Putin initiated the war due to a lack of respect for the then-current US leadership. Meanwhile, the UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, echoed calls to increase pressure on Russia to reach a lasting peace agreement, with the UK deploying Typhoon jets to support NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” mission in Poland.
Read More
Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Tucker Carlson expressed concern that the Trump administration would use the event to implement “hate speech” laws, potentially infringing upon the First Amendment. Carlson, a former Fox News host, specifically criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s comments, which suggested the Justice Department would target individuals using hate speech. In addition, several members of Trump’s administration have pledged action against those who appear to celebrate or mock Kirk’s death, leading to backlash, including the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
Read More
Following the death of Charlie Kirk, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized the Trump administration for attempting to “exploit” the tragedy. Buttigieg argued that the focus should not be on political divisions but on actions that either help or hurt the country. He specifically condemned Trump’s response, which promised to target those involved and organizations supporting political violence, as damaging. Buttigieg stressed the need to reject anyone who attempts to exploit such violence and advocated for free political debate while also acknowledging the role of social media, particularly its impact on young men.
Read More
Following controversial comments made by Jimmy Kimmel regarding Charlie Kirk, ABC has indefinitely suspended *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. Former President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension, taking to Truth Social to express his approval and criticize Kimmel’s talent and ratings. The Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, condemned Kimmel’s remarks, suggesting they violated the public interest obligations of broadcasters and hinting at potential regulatory action against ABC affiliates. Nexstar, which owns numerous ABC affiliates, was the first to preempt the series, followed by the network’s official indefinite suspension announcement.
Read More
President Trump identified 23 countries, including China, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, as major drug transit or illicit drug-producing nations, citing the threat they pose to the U.S. due to illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking. The “Major’s List” was delivered to Congress, designating these countries as responsible for sourcing and transporting drugs into the U.S. The State Department noted that Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, and Venezuela have notably failed to make substantial efforts in counternarcotics. The listing considers various factors enabling drug transit or production, even if a government has taken counter-drug measures, with specific concerns raised about China’s role in precursor chemicals and Afghanistan’s ongoing drug production.
Read More
In an ironic twist, the British government’s attempts to appease Donald Trump have inadvertently placed King Charles at the center of the Epstein scandal. MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell highlights this connection, drawing attention to a dinner where Trump was present, amidst allegations of inappropriate relationships. The article emphasizes the king’s presence at a table, where Trump was also seated, implicating them both in the scandal. Former Ambassador Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew were notably absent from the conversation.
Read More
The article contends that the cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is a symptom of a broader threat to free speech and democracy. Kimmel’s remarks about the politicization of Charlie Kirk’s death were met with criticism from the right, but were quickly defended by the host himself, and were not deemed to be offensive. However, in response, the FCC and media conglomerates like Disney and Nexstar seemingly colluded to silence Kimmel, citing unprecedented threats from FCC chairman Brandon Carr. These actions, including the preemptive suspension of Kimmel’s show, are seen as a strategic move by media companies to appease the FCC and maintain business interests, especially given pending regulatory approvals. The author views this as a dangerous precedent, representing the further erosion of free speech and the suppression of dissenting voices.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker