Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson delivered a strong condemnation of the Trump administration’s attacks on federal judges, characterizing them as threats to the rule of law and democratic norms. These attacks, ranging from threats of violence and professional retaliation to intimidation tactics like publicizing judges’ home addresses, are not isolated incidents but rather a systemic effort to undermine judicial independence. Jackson drew parallels to past challenges faced by judges during pivotal moments in American history, emphasizing the importance of resisting such pressures. Her speech, met with a standing ovation, served as the most forceful rebuke from the Supreme Court regarding these escalating attacks.
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Following the introduction of a third impeachment attempt against him by Representatives Thanedar and Schakowsky, Donald Trump urged Republicans to consider expelling the Democrats from Congress. Trump, citing various alleged crimes and accusing the Democrats of weaponizing impeachment, made this statement on Truth Social. While a third impeachment bid is highly unlikely to succeed given the current political climate, it underscores the deep partisan divisions surrounding Trump and his presidency. Additional impeachment efforts are planned by Representative Green.
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President Trump signed an executive order eliminating federal funding for PBS and NPR, citing alleged media bias. This action directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease all federal funding and actively pursue the elimination of indirect public financing for the organizations. The White House claims the broadcasters use taxpayer money to disseminate partisan propaganda. This is part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration to exert control over institutions deemed politically objectionable through funding cuts and personnel changes.
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The Trump administration’s aggressive pursuit of leakers, mirroring actions under previous administrations, represents a direct attack on journalistic freedoms. Attorney General Bondi’s announcement to revive the practice of seizing reporters’ phone records and compelling testimony, coupled with her threat to prosecute whistleblowers for “treason,” significantly escalates this assault on the First Amendment. This move reverses recent, albeit insufficient, protections implemented by the Biden administration, furthering a pattern of government actions that jeopardize the ability of journalists to protect their sources and report critically on the government. The lack of a federal shield law exacerbates this situation, highlighting the vulnerability of journalists to government overreach.
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During a National Day of Prayer event, Dr. Phil lauded President Trump as a man of “deep faith and conviction,” a statement met with online mockery. This praise, delivered while cameras were absent, contrasted sharply with Trump’s 34 criminal convictions for falsifying business records. Social media users quickly highlighted the irony of Dr. Phil’s remarks, referencing Trump’s extensive legal history. The juxtaposition of Dr. Phil’s assertion and Trump’s past convictions fueled widespread online amusement.
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New U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance confirms zero tariffs on Canadian auto parts compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), offering relief to the North American auto industry. This exemption, however, excludes knock-down kits and parts compilations. The decision follows intense lobbying from automakers concerned about the economic impact of previously announced tariffs. President Trump’s administration also implemented a rebate program for automakers assembling vehicles in the U.S., further mitigating the effects of the tariffs.
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A 60 Minutes investigation refutes the Trump administration’s claim that 238 Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison are terrorists or gang members. The investigation revealed that 75% of the men had no known criminal records. The administration’s justification relies on flimsy evidence, such as social media posts and tattoos, while withholding supposedly incriminating information. This lack of evidence suggests the deportations serve primarily as political propaganda to deter illegal immigration. The administration’s efforts to conceal this lack of evidence are increasingly undermined by revealed instances of wrongful deportations.
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This Sunday, 60 Minutes will air a segment criticizing President Trump’s intimidation tactics against law firms, despite being embroiled in a legal battle with him. The segment highlights Trump’s use of executive orders to target firms he accuses of “weaponizing” the justice system. This action comes amidst the recent departure of 60 Minutes’ executive producer, Bill Owens, who cited CBS’s alleged pandering to Trump and interference with editorial independence. The president, meanwhile, has declared his lawsuit against 60 Minutes and CBS a “true WINNER,” claiming fraud. The timing of the segment is particularly noteworthy given Paramount Global’s pending merger requiring presidential approval.
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Following the “Signalgate” controversy, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was photographed using the encrypted messaging app Signal during a Cabinet meeting, despite warnings from President Trump. This, coupled with the inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive Signal group chat, led to Waltz’s dismissal. Simultaneously, his deputy was also removed. However, President Trump subsequently nominated Waltz as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
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Despite economic downturn, including a shrinking GDP, billions in losses for domestic car manufacturers, and rising unemployment, a Trump aide defended the administration’s tariff policies, citing potential long-term benefits despite current hardship. Republican support for the tariffs remains fractured, as evidenced by a Senate vote where Vice President Vance’s tie-breaking vote overruled a bipartisan effort to condemn them. The administration continues to downplay negative economic consequences, attributing them to external factors while predicting an imminent economic boom. This disconnect highlights the growing internal conflict within the Republican party over the economic impact of Trump’s trade policies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker