Following a guilty verdict in an embezzlement case, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen received a four-year prison sentence, a significant fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office, effectively ending her presidential bid. This verdict sparked outrage among MAGA influencers and other right-wing figures, who framed it as evidence of Europe’s anti-democratic tendencies and a politically motivated attack on a popular politician. They cited the ruling as proof of a systematic suppression of right-wing voices, ignoring the details of the embezzlement charges. Le Pen’s party has named Jordan Bardella as her replacement, while Le Pen maintains the option to appeal the sentence.
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A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in over 1,700 deaths, a number expected to climb. While multiple nations, including China, India, Russia, and Thailand, have deployed rescue teams and substantial aid, the United States’ response has been comparatively delayed and limited, despite a pledged $2 million in aid. China, in particular, has taken a prominent role, rescuing several individuals from the rubble and providing significant material support. The delayed US response has drawn criticism, especially considering recent cuts to foreign aid.
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A recent survey reveals significant recessionary concerns among corporate CFOs. This pattern, repeating since 1990, sees Republican administrations followed by Democratic cleanups, often framed negatively by the media. The 1990-91 recession, linked to the S&L crisis and the Gulf War, exemplifies this cycle, highlighting the role of neoliberal ideology. Conversely, Bill Clinton inherited a struggling economy and presided over job growth, income increases, and a budget surplus. This demonstrates a recurring trend of economic mismanagement followed by Democratic recovery.
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President Trump’s golfing expenses have surpassed $26 million since the start of his second term, exceeding $20 million more quickly than during his first term. This cost includes Air Force One travel, military transportation of his motorcade, and extensive security measures like marine patrols and bomb-sniffing dogs. The expenses are based on a 2019 Government Accountability Office report, which calculated the cost per trip in 2017 dollars; the actual cost is likely significantly higher. This substantial expenditure contrasts sharply with the president’s repeated claims of reducing government waste.
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Following a Meet the Press interview discussing a Signal group chat controversy involving National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, President Trump criticized NBC and the show on Truth Social. Trump accused the network of prioritizing a “witch hunt” over substantive issues like peace talks and military successes, further alleging that NBC employs dishonest journalists at the behest of a weak chairman. Goldberg, during the interview, refuted Waltz’s denials of their acquaintance and highlighted the risks associated with sharing sensitive military information via an unsecure app. Trump dismissed the entire matter as a politically motivated attack aimed at undermining his administration’s achievements.
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President Trump announced plans to remove a Southern Magnolia tree near the White House entrance, citing its deteriorated condition and safety concerns. The tree, purportedly planted by President Andrew Jackson, will be replaced, and its wood preserved for future use. While the tree’s connection to Jackson is debated, the National Park Service acknowledges its historical significance. Mixed reactions followed the announcement, with some supporting the removal due to safety concerns, while others criticized the decision.
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Los Angeles-based prosecutor Adam Schleifer was abruptly fired via email from a White House account, reportedly at President Trump’s instruction. The dismissal, allegedly unrelated to Schleifer’s superior, followed an indictment Schleifer helped secure against a major Trump donor, Andrew Wiederhorn. Schleifer’s termination is part of a broader Trump administration purge of federal prosecutors deemed politically disloyal, and follows public criticisms of the President by Schleifer. This action aligns with Trump’s stated goal of removing “Biden-era” appointees and restoring confidence in the justice system.
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Jennifer Piggott, a self-described “MAGA junkie,” regrets her votes for Donald Trump after losing her federal job as part of the Trump administration’s downsizing efforts. Piggott, along with at least 24,000 other probationary federal employees, was fired, with a federal judge ruling many of the firings illegal. Despite receiving high performance reviews, Piggott and others report unexpected economic devastation resulting from these actions. While the White House defends the firings as part of a mandate to increase government efficiency, Piggott and others express disillusionment with the administration’s methods.
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Republican Senators James Lankford and Roger Wicker have called for an investigation into a Signal group chat where White House national security officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed sensitive military information with a journalist present. The inquiry will focus on how a reporter gained access to the chat and the appropriateness of using an unencrypted app for sensitive communication. While some Republicans have joined Democrats in demanding resignations, Lankford believes calls for Hegseth’s resignation are excessive. The incident involves potentially classified details about a planned Yemen attack.
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Steve Bannon recently predicted that Democrats will aggressively pursue impeaching Donald Trump in 2027, potentially leading to imprisonment. This follows Bannon’s previous assertion that Trump will win a third term in 2028, a claim met with skepticism due to term limits. Bannon, however, remains confident, suggesting unspecified alternative strategies are underway. He insists these methods are democratic, focusing on voter engagement, despite constitutional constraints.
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John Q. Hosedrinker