Former President Trump publicly criticized his portrait in the Colorado State Capitol, deeming it a purposefully distorted depiction and blaming Governor Polis, despite the painting’s commissioning predating Polis’s governorship. The portrait, painted by Sarah Boardman who also painted a well-received portrait of President Obama, was funded through a crowdfunding campaign following a previous incident involving a Putin portrait. Trump’s criticism sparked online mockery and debate, highlighting the contrast between his reaction and the artist’s intent for a historically neutral representation. The incident further underscores Trump’s sensitivity to his public image.
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A Signal group chat, mistakenly including a journalist, revealed highly classified details of impending U.S. military strikes in Yemen. The chat, involving top Trump administration officials, discussed the operation’s specifics, including targets and weaponry, two hours before the attack commenced. The journalist’s presence went unnoticed, highlighting a significant security breach and raising concerns about potential violations of the Espionage Act and federal records laws. Following the strikes, the National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the chat and initiated a review.
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President Zelenskyy alleges that Russia successfully influenced some White House personnel by disseminating misinformation, including a fabricated claim about encircled Ukrainian soldiers. This disinformation, amplified by President Trump despite contradicting US intelligence, led some American officials to believe Russia’s narrative. Zelenskyy suggests this influence aimed to portray Ukraine as unwilling to end the conflict. Further evidence of this influence is seen in Steve Witkoff’s comments, which falsely legitimized the annexation of Ukrainian territories through purported referendums, prompting criticism and calls for his dismissal.
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President Trump announced a 25% tariff on all U.S. trade with countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas, effective April 2nd. This action, targeting China, the largest importer of Venezuelan crude, aims to pressure President Maduro and potentially benefit Chevron by limiting Chinese influence in Venezuela’s oil sector. The tariffs follow Trump’s reversal of a Biden administration decision allowing Chevron to operate in Venezuela and his invocation of the Alien Enemies Act against the Tren de Aragua gang. Oil prices are expected to rise as a result of the new tariffs.
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Senator John Curtis, a Utah Republican, firmly rejected the notion of supporting a third term for President Trump, calling it ludicrous and stating he wouldn’t have supported a third term for even George Washington. This response comes amidst discussions by Trump allies, including Steve Bannon, suggesting a third term is possible despite the 22nd Amendment’s prohibition. Legal experts largely agree that no constitutional path exists for such a scenario, dismissing proposed workarounds as legally tenuous and likely to fail. Trump himself has previously stated he doesn’t support amending the 22nd Amendment.
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Tourism Economics predicts a $64 billion loss for the US tourism sector in 2025, driven by a projected 5.1% drop in foreign arrivals. This decline is attributed to President Trump’s policies, including tariffs and stricter immigration, which have fostered negative global sentiment toward the US. A significant decrease in visitor spending is also anticipated, impacting various sectors from airlines to major sporting events. While some tourists remain unaffected, key markets like Canada and Western Europe are showing significant declines in travel to the US.
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The Trump administration’s deportation practices, highlighted in recent reports, are marred by flawed identification of gang affiliation based solely on tattoos. This has led to the deportation of numerous individuals lacking any criminal record or actual gang ties. The Miami Herald cites instances of Venezuelans deported to El Salvador without US criminal records, further emphasizing the problem. These actions raise serious concerns about the accuracy and fairness of ICE’s deportation processes. The reliance on superficial indicators like tattoos demonstrates a disregard for due process and individual circumstances.
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Amidst President Trump’s repeated threats to annex Greenland, the Trump administration sent high-ranking officials, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Second Lady Usha Vance, on separate visits to the territory. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute B. Egede condemned these visits as “highly aggressive,” viewing them as power plays rather than harmless diplomatic engagements. These trips follow previous attempts by the Trump administration to purchase Greenland, all of which have been firmly rejected by both the Danish and Greenlandic governments. The visits have heightened tensions, despite a longstanding defense agreement between the U.S. and Denmark allowing U.S. military operations in Greenland.
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Greenland’s government strongly criticized upcoming visits by US Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, deeming them provocative and unwelcome given President Trump’s past attempts to acquire the island. While Vance’s visit is framed as a cultural celebration, and Waltz’s trip focuses on security and energy, Greenlandic leaders view both as demonstrations of American power and a lack of respect for their autonomy. The visits follow a history of US interest in Greenland’s strategic location and resources.
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Governor JB Pritzker recently warned of the escalating threat posed by President Trump and Elon Musk, who are dismantling government institutions and prioritizing personal gain over public welfare. Pritzker described their actions as a game endangering people’s lives, highlighting the urgent need for resistance. He emphasized the severity of the situation, particularly concerning the potential impact on Medicaid and the resulting strain on families caring for elderly relatives. Lawsuits and strategic political action are presented as potential avenues of resistance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker