President Trump announced full pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of *Chrisley Knows Best*, who were convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion totaling over $30 million. Trump personally informed their daughter Savannah of the decision, adding to his history of granting clemency to high-profile allies. The pardons, which will void their sentences and financial penalties, have sparked debate regarding the use of presidential pardon powers and accusations of preferential treatment. The Chrisleys’ attorney hailed the decision as a correction of an injustice, while critics cited this as an example of white privilege.
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A recent E. coli outbreak, linked to contaminated romaine lettuce and sickening nearly 90 people, saw federal agencies fail to issue any public warnings, a departure from standard practice. This inaction follows a pattern of the Department of Health and Human Services neglecting public health information regarding infectious diseases like listeria and hepatitis. Furthermore, the administration has withdrawn a proposed regulation to reduce salmonella in poultry and disbanded a Justice Department unit focused on contaminated food, shifting responsibilities to under-resourced states. This lack of federal oversight and resource allocation raises serious concerns about public safety and food security.
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The White House has temporarily halted new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies to implement expanded social media screenings for applicants. This pause, affecting all student visa applicants, is due to the “significant implications” the expanded vetting will have on embassy operations. The State Department will issue further guidance in the coming days. This action is the latest in a series of administration policies restricting international students, some of which have faced legal challenges.
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In his address to West Point graduates, Trump urged them to maintain their momentum before digressing into an unrelated anecdote about a wealthy businessman and his yacht. Later, at an Arlington Memorial Day ceremony, he controversially linked his supposed second term to the upcoming World Cup and Olympics, implicitly rejecting the results of the 2020 election. His remarks at both events were met with silence. These instances highlight Trump’s tendency towards tangential narratives and unsubstantiated claims.
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Following a phone call between President Trump and Vladimir Putin, Russia was expected to deliver a peace memorandum outlining ceasefire conditions. However, this document remains outstanding, prompting Trump to consider new sanctions against Moscow. While options for additional sanctions exist, Trump’s ultimate decision remains uncertain, as he previously expressed concerns that such actions could hinder peace talks. Simultaneously, bipartisan support in the US Congress is mounting for stricter sanctions on Russia, fueled by recent attacks in Ukraine.
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In a speech to West Point graduates, President Trump proclaimed a “new era,” touching upon disparate topics. He discussed real estate developer William Levitt, unrelatedly segued into a commentary on “trophy wives,” and lauded golfer Gary Player’s work ethic as a model for success. The speech also featured claims of renegotiated NATO terms and the importance of trade. These seemingly unconnected anecdotes were presented as examples of a new approach to leadership and success.
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NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump White House, challenging an executive order that blocks Congressionally appropriated funds for NPR and PBS. The lawsuit alleges the order constitutes unconstitutional retaliation for perceived media bias, violating the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and the press. Named defendants include President Trump, key administration officials, and the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. The suit argues the executive order illegally usurps Congress’s power over federal spending and jeopardizes the public radio system’s existence. PBS is considering similar legal action.
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Following President Trump’s rambling West Point commencement address, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett urged Republicans to question his mental fitness for office, highlighting their past criticisms of President Biden’s cognitive abilities. Trump’s speech included tangents about “trophy wives,” yachts, and other unrelated topics, prompting concerns about his suitability for command. This comes amidst a new book detailing Trump’s actions and follows previous accusations of Trump exhibiting cognitive decline. Crockett’s call for Republican accountability underscores the escalating concerns surrounding the president’s mental state.
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Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, a staunch MAGA supporter, received a full pardon from President Trump after a December conviction for accepting over $75,000 in bribes. Trump, citing an “overzealous” Biden Department of Justice, described Jenkins as a “wonderful person” unjustly persecuted. Jenkins’ conviction stemmed from appointing unqualified businessmen as auxiliary sheriffs in exchange for bribes, allowing them to evade legal requirements. Despite a ten-year prison sentence, Trump’s pardon ensures Jenkins avoids incarceration.
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Donald Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill” would drastically redistribute wealth upward, benefiting the rich at the expense of the poor and working class. The bill also includes a provision effectively eliminating the courts’ power to hold the administration in contempt, rendering judicial orders unenforceable. This would allow Trump to ignore court rulings, including Supreme Court mandates, with impunity. This measure, if enacted, would severely weaken the federal judiciary and effectively end checks on executive power, culminating in a de facto autocracy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker