The Smithsonian Institution announced plans to restore information about Donald Trump’s two impeachments to the National Museum of American History exhibit in the coming weeks. This follows the removal of a placard detailing Trump’s impeachments in July, which reverted the exhibit to its 2008 format. The Smithsonian stated the removal was due to a review of “legacy content” and that the placard did not meet museum standards, despite having been displayed since September 2021. While Trump attempted to exert influence over cultural institutions, the Smithsonian maintains the removal was not due to external pressure, and the updated section will reflect all impeachment proceedings in U.S. history.
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The Trump administration denies plans to privatize the Department of Veterans Affairs, despite actions that suggest otherwise. While requesting a record-breaking budget, the VA plans to eliminate nearly 3,000 jobs and is losing healthcare staff, contradicting claims of unaffected services. Simultaneously, billions are being directed towards private sector care, potentially eroding the VA’s direct care system while the Veterans’ ACCESS Act moves forward in the House, expanding veterans’ options to seek care outside the VA system. VA staff shortages are increasing, leading to concerns that this shift in resources will leave veterans with limited access to quality care as well as other key veteran programs.
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The Trump administration has taken the initial step towards declaring the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as an obstacle to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming for its disbandment, according to a Washington Free Beacon report. This follows a historical pattern of UNRWA, originally established to aid Palestinian refugees, becoming a source of extremism and fostering claims against Israeli statehood. A non-public notification to Congress on July 29 confirms the administration’s stance, indicating no funding or ongoing programs with UNRWA. The administration’s shift is rooted in the belief that UNRWA is irrevocably compromised and seeks its complete dismantling.
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President Donald Trump has revived claims of a “coup” orchestrated by Barack Obama after the 2016 election, echoing allegations from figures like Tulsi Gabbard, who cited declassified documents. These accusations center on the alleged fabrication of Russian election interference to undermine Trump’s victory, despite the Obama administration never claiming Russia changed vote totals. Trump’s renewed attacks coincided with the ongoing fallout from the Epstein files, prompting him to repeat unfounded accusations against Obama and former U.S. intelligence officials. The former president insists those involved in the “Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX” should be held accountable.
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Former special counsel Jack Smith is now under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, following requests from Senator Tom Cotton. The investigation stems from accusations that Smith attempted to influence the 2024 presidential election by accelerating proceedings in Trump’s election interference case. Cotton alleges Smith, a registered independent voter, was acting on behalf of Democrats. Smith’s indictment against Trump for actions related to the 2020 election results spurred the investigation, though Smith ultimately dismissed the case after Trump won the 2024 election.
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The recent jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed a significant downward revision of previously reported job growth, prompting criticism of the administration’s economic policies. Following the report’s release, President Trump announced his intention to fire the head of the BLS, drawing comparisons to autocratic actions and raising concerns about the agency’s independence. This action is viewed as part of a broader pattern of attempting to manipulate or suppress data that contradicts the administration’s narrative, with examples including the EPA’s rejection of climate science findings. This behavior is considered a manifestation of a political ideology that prioritizes economic agendas over the objective truth.
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In released Jeffrey Epstein documents, Donald Trump’s name, along with those of other public figures, was initially redacted. This occurred because Trump was a private citizen when the federal investigation began, and FOIA officers cited privacy exemptions to protect individuals from “clearly unwarranted invasions of personal privacy” and “personal information in law enforcement records.” Following this redaction, a series of events unfolded, including a public outcry and congressional pressure. These events have now led to speculation regarding potential abuse of pardon power.
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During a recent interview, Donald Trump offered unusual praise to his White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, focusing on her physical appearance. Trump complimented her “face” and “lips” while also highlighting her intelligence and performance as a press secretary. These comments came after Leavitt praised Trump, suggesting he should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Social media users swiftly reacted, with many finding the comments inappropriate and “creepy.”
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The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is investigating former special counsel Jack Smith following allegations by former President Donald Trump and other Republicans that Smith engaged in illegal political activity during his investigations. The OSC is examining potential violations of the Hatch Act, though specific evidence of wrongdoing hasn’t been provided by Trump and his allies. The OSC, an independent agency, can recommend disciplinary actions like removal from federal service or refer findings to the Department of Justice but cannot bring criminal charges. Senator Tom Cotton requested the investigation, citing “unprecedented interference in the 2024 election.”
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Before the official release of the latest jobs data, the former president took to social media to criticize the Federal Reserve chair and hint at unfavorable job numbers. The subsequent release confirmed a significant slowdown in job growth. In response, the former president fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, baselessly accusing her of political bias and manipulating the data. This action is viewed as an authoritarian attempt to control the narrative and undermine the credibility of government data, potentially leading to a loss of confidence in U.S. employment statistics.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump’s “Creepy” Praise of Karoline Leavitt Sparks Outrage
During a recent interview, Donald Trump offered unusual praise to his White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, focusing on her physical appearance. Trump complimented her “face” and “lips” while also highlighting her intelligence and performance as a press secretary. These comments came after Leavitt praised Trump, suggesting he should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Social media users swiftly reacted, with many finding the comments inappropriate and “creepy.”
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