Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA1, citing rising national debt exacerbated by tax cuts and continued high spending. This marks the first downgrade by Moody’s since 1919, signaling diminished global investor confidence. While the immediate impact on borrowing is minimal, consumers may experience higher interest rates on loans due to increased lender demands for higher returns. The downgrade reflects a decade of growing federal deficits stemming from reduced government revenue and increased spending.
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President Trump’s public mentions of Elon Musk have ceased since early April, marking a significant shift in their relationship. This follows a period of frequent mentions on Truth Social and collaborative efforts focused on federal budget cuts. Musk’s declining popularity and controversial actions, particularly in Wisconsin, contributed to this distancing. Both the White House and Trump’s fundraising efforts have also removed references to Musk, signaling a complete end to their publicized partnership. This shift has implications for both Republican and Democratic political messaging strategies.
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The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is experiencing a mass exodus of approximately 70% of its lawyers, totaling around 250 attorneys, since President Trump’s inauguration. This dramatic shift stems from the administration’s redirection of the division’s focus from its traditional mission of combating discrimination to enforcing Trump’s executive orders, including those targeting perceived “radical indoctrination” in schools and “gender ideology extremism.” The changes, overseen by the new division head Harmeet Dhillon, have led to the dropping of numerous cases and a widespread feeling among remaining staff that the division is being weaponized against the very populations it was created to protect. This unprecedented level of departures contrasts sharply with the first Trump administration, where such a mass exodus did not occur.
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In short, CBS News President Wendy McMahon resigned, citing disagreements over the company’s future direction. This follows the recent departure of “60 Minutes” top producer Bill Owens, who cited concerns about journalistic independence. The turmoil coincides with Paramount Global’s pursuit of an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media and its efforts to resolve a $20 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. These events suggest significant internal pressures and uncertainty within the organization.
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Following over two months of intense collaboration, President Trump and his administration have significantly reduced their public association with Elon Musk. This shift coincides with Musk’s unsuccessful and expensive involvement in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race and declining approval ratings. While Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative initially promised substantial savings, the actual amount realized is far less than projected, and his contributions have diminished. Despite this, Musk maintains a relationship with Trump, attending key events such as a recent Cabinet meeting and international trips.
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Following Bruce Springsteen’s critical performance at a Kamala Harris rally, President Trump launched a scathing attack, demanding an investigation into alleged illegal campaign contributions from Springsteen, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Bono. Trump’s accusations stem from the celebrities’ appearances at campaign events, prompting claims of unreported payments. However, the Harris campaign clarified that while they covered production costs, no artists received direct payments for their endorsements. Despite this clarification, Trump continues to allege widespread illegality and corruption.
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The Trump administration’s approach to denaturalization has shifted. While initially focusing on those convicted of serious crimes, statements and actions now suggest a broader, potentially mass, effort targeting naturalized citizens. Republicans’ refusal to block ICE’s use of increased immigration enforcement funds for deporting US citizens further strengthens concerns. This expansion of denaturalization, facilitated by existing legal frameworks and digital data, could serve the MAGA agenda of creating a white Christian nationalist United States by removing those deemed undesirable. The lower burden of proof in civil denaturalization proceedings and lack of statute of limitations exacerbate these concerns.
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President Trump’s tariffs, despite administration claims to the contrary, are increasing consumer prices on various goods, as admitted by Walmart CEO Doug McMillon. This admission prompted Trump’s public criticism and pressure on Walmart to reverse course. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that Walmart will absorb some tariff costs, but some will be passed to consumers. Republican dissent is growing, with figures like Mike Pence and Rand Paul highlighting the tariffs as a significant tax increase imposed without Congressional approval.
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President Trump launched a series of unsubstantiated attacks on celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and Bono, accusing them of illegally contributing to Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign. Trump alleges that Harris paid these celebrities for endorsements disguised as campaign performances, demanding a full investigation into these claims. His accusations follow Springsteen’s recent criticism of the Trump administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” and Trump’s posts lack any supporting evidence. The social media rants are part of an ongoing pattern of Trump attacking political opponents and their supporters.
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John Q. Hosedrinker