President Trump pardoned Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, who was convicted of fraud for exaggerating his company’s technological capabilities. This pardon could negate the hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution Milton owed defrauded investors. Milton’s conviction stemmed from false claims about Nikola’s trucks, including a fabricated video showcasing a prototype. The pardon comes after Milton donated to Trump’s re-election campaign.
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New polling data reveals President Trump’s economic approval rating has plummeted to its lowest point ever, with Gallup reporting a 41 percent approval rating and CNN showing 44 percent approval. This negative trend, reflected across multiple polls, follows the announcement of new tariffs and coincides with rising concerns about a potential trade war. The decline could significantly weaken Trump’s political influence and negatively impact Republican prospects in the 2026 midterms. Experts caution that while a single poll doesn’t establish a definitive trend, consistently low numbers signal potential trouble.
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Vice President JD Vance will spearhead a Smithsonian Institution overhaul, as directed by President Trump’s executive order aiming to restore “truth and sanity” to American history. The order targets exhibits and programs deemed divisive, specifically citing the planned American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Funding for these institutions will be contingent upon compliance with the order’s directives. Simultaneously, renovations to Independence Hall are mandated in preparation for its 250th anniversary. This action reflects Trump’s broader campaign against what he labels “woke” ideology within American culture.
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European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Germany, firmly rejected Russia’s demand to lift sanctions, asserting that such a move would be premature and a serious mistake before a just peace is achieved. This unified stance directly counters the Trump administration’s apparent openness to Russian concessions. Discussions also focused on bolstering support for Ukraine, including the potential deployment of “reassurance forces” from various European nations to deter further Russian aggression following a ceasefire. While support for this deployment wasn’t unanimous, the need for continued pressure on Russia through sanctions and other measures was widely agreed upon.
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Following President Trump’s establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, thousands of federal employees, including many probationary workers, were dismissed. Among them were at least two Bureau of Fiscal Service employees who, identifying as Trump voters, now regret their choice due to the perceived unfairness of the firings. A court order mandated the rehiring of over 17,000 probationary employees, though they remain on administrative leave. This controversy, potentially impacting Republican support, may reach the Supreme Court.
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A YouGov poll indicates that the “Signal Scandal” surpasses both the Trump classified documents case and Clinton email controversy in the eyes of the American public, with 74% deeming it at least somewhat serious. This includes a significant portion of Republicans (60%). The poll’s findings are discussed by MSNBC’s Jen Psaki and John Harwood. The severity of the leak is a major concern across the political spectrum.
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A YouGov poll reveals that 74% of Americans consider the Signalgate incident—the discussion of Yemen strike plans on a messaging app including a journalist—a serious problem, with even 60% of Republicans agreeing. While the White House dismisses the matter, some prominent Republicans, like Tomi Lahren, are urging the administration to acknowledge the error. Senator Ted Cruz called the journalist’s inclusion a mistake but rejected calls for an investigation. Growing pressure is mounting on Trump to dismiss National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for his role in the incident.
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President Trump signed an executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” aiming to counter what it terms a biased rewriting of American history. The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, prohibiting funding for exhibits deemed divisive or inconsistent with federal policy, and mandates a review of monuments altered since 2020. Further, the order seeks to prevent the disparagement of Americans in historical displays. This action follows Trump’s recent takeover of the Kennedy Center, resulting in numerous high-profile cancellations.
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The current administration is revoking student visas without due process, targeting those who have voiced criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This action, spearheaded by Senator Rubio, represents a chilling escalation beyond mere speech suppression. Rubio’s role, initially perceived as a moderating influence, has shifted to become a key enabler of the administration’s aggressive actions against legal immigrants and students. The administration’s disregard for court orders and due process aims to create a chilling effect, silencing dissent before legal challenges can fully address the injustice.
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President Trump’s escalating tariffs on imported goods, including a forthcoming duty on vehicles, are causing unease among some Republicans. Concerns are rising over potential price increases and a resulting voter backlash, leading some GOP lawmakers to advocate for returning tariff authority to Congress. While some Republicans remain optimistic about the long-term benefits, the Congressional Budget Office predicts short-term negative impacts on consumers and businesses due to increased prices and economic inefficiency. This internal party division highlights the significant economic and political ramifications of the President’s tariff strategy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker