Following a major Russian aerial assault on Ukraine, Donald Trump asserted that Russia would face severe consequences were it not for his actions, despite a recent phone call with Putin where a ceasefire was not agreed upon. Trump’s refusal to impose new sanctions stems from his belief that further pressure could worsen the situation, a stance met with skepticism from Ukraine and its allies who are pushing for stronger action. This skepticism is further fueled by a bipartisan sanctions bill currently awaiting Congressional approval.
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In his new book, investor Ray Dalio compares President Trump’s policies to those of 1930s far-right regimes, highlighting Trump’s aggressive expansion of executive power exceeding even that of predecessors like Jackson and Roosevelt. Dalio questions whether Trump is a demagogue, leveraging emotional appeals to bypass other government branches and control the media. This strongman approach stems from America’s deep political polarization, fostering a confrontational governing style that prioritizes dictation over bipartisan cooperation. The author emphasizes the risks of Trump’s cost-cutting measures and the need to monitor the well-being of the lower 60% of the population.
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The Trump administration plans to terminate approximately $100 million in federal funding to Harvard University. This action follows ongoing legal battles between the university and the White House, stemming from the administration’s blocking of funding and restrictions on international student enrollment. The administration alleges Harvard fails to address anti-semitism and promotes a liberal bias. Federal agencies will be instructed to find alternative vendors for the affected contracts.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson defended President Trump’s private dinner with $TRUMP meme coin investors, asserting Trump’s transparency contrasts with alleged Biden family dealings. Johnson dismissed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, claiming Trump conducts business openly, unlike the Bidens who allegedly use shell companies. He cited his own unfamiliarity with the event due to legislative priorities, reiterating Trump’s supposed lack of hidden agendas. Despite this, Johnson previously professed ignorance regarding the meme coin itself.
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Former Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins, a longtime Trump supporter, received a presidential pardon after his conviction on fraud and bribery charges. Jenkins was found guilty of accepting over $75,000 in bribes to grant law enforcement positions without training. Despite a ten-year prison sentence, Trump cited an “overzealous” Justice Department and claimed the judge unfairly prevented Jenkins from presenting evidence. This pardon adds to Trump’s history of pardoning supporters, exercising his constitutional power to grant reprieves and pardons.
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Disgraced former Congressman George Santos has abandoned his pursuit of a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, accepting his seven-year prison sentence for campaign finance crimes. He cited the difficulty of obtaining a pardon as his reason for foregoing the process. Santos, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges including wire fraud and identity theft, previously expressed remorse in court but was unconvincing to the judge. Prosecutors argued for a lengthy sentence due to the severity of his crimes and his lack of remorse, leading to his expulsion from Congress last August.
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In a lawsuit filed in federal court, NPR and three other public radio stations challenge President Trump’s executive order defunding public broadcasting. The plaintiffs argue the order violates First Amendment rights to free speech and press, infringes on Congressional authority, and threatens the viability of a crucial public information system. The suit alleges the order aims to punish perceived media bias in news coverage. The plaintiffs contend the executive order is unconstitutional and must be overturned.
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Following Donald Trump’s condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine, nearly 1,000 derogatory posts targeting Trump appeared on the Russian social media platform VKontakte. These posts, originating from pro-Kremlin bots, accuse Trump of dementia and other failings, suggesting a Kremlin displeasure with his recent criticism. This marks a shift from previously neutral or carefully worded commentary from these bots. The Kremlin, however, publicly downplayed Trump’s remarks.
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Scott Pelley’s commencement speech at Wake Forest University, implicitly criticizing the Trump administration’s impact on freedom of speech and escalating conflict with institutions, drew strong backlash from MAGA supporters. The speech, which warned of “insidious fear” and attacks on journalism and universities, was interpreted by many as a thinly veiled attack on President Trump. This criticism followed Pelley’s previous on-air rebuke of Paramount, alleging content oversight influenced by the Trump administration’s potential involvement in a merger. While Wake Forest praised the speech, the online reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with many accusing Pelley of bias and “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
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In a thinly veiled rebuke to President Trump, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell urged Princeton graduating students to defend democracy, emphasizing the importance of public service and integrity. Powell’s speech, delivered days after the Supreme Court affirmed the Fed’s unique structure and independence from presidential interference, coincided with Trump’s attacks on the institution and funding cuts to universities. He lauded American universities as a national asset under threat and challenged students to preserve and strengthen democracy throughout their careers. Powell’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and independent institutions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker