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In response to Trump’s suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico, President Sheinbaum retorted by proposing to rename North America “Mexican America,” highlighting the historical precedent and the Gulf’s longstanding name. This witty response, shared widely on social media, showcased a potential approach to navigating the complex U.S.-Mexico relationship. While experts suggest humor can be a strategic tool, Sheinbaum has also demonstrated a willingness to engage seriously on critical issues like trade and immigration, adopting a firm stance against tariffs while maintaining a more flexible approach to deportation. Her actions suggest a blend of assertive diplomacy and pragmatic compromise in dealing with the incoming U.S. administration.
In response to President-elect Trump’s proposed renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum countered by suggesting a return to the historical name “America Mexicana,” referencing its use on a 1607 map and in Mexico’s Constitution of Apatzingán. Sheinbaum’s proposal encompasses a large swathe of territory including parts of present-day U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This counter-proposal followed Trump’s earlier suggestion and also served to refute his claims about Mexico’s governance being controlled by drug cartels. Sheinbaum asserted that the Mexican people, not drug cartels, hold the power.
During a recent speech, Donald Trump criticized the push for electric vehicles and electric heaters, asserting that the United States lacks sufficient electricity to support widespread adoption. He argued that gas heaters are superior, claiming they provide better, cheaper heat without the supposed “itchiness” associated with electric models. Trump’s preference for gas aligns with his broader policy of increasing fossil fuel production, despite the environmental implications. While condensing gas heaters offer long-term cost and emissions benefits, these advantages were dismissed by Trump.
Attorney General Merrick Garland directly countered Judge Cannon’s order preventing the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on the 2020 election investigation. Garland argued that co-defendants Nauta and De Oliveira lacked standing to challenge the release of Volume One, which doesn’t name them. He further asserted that no legal basis exists for blocking its release. By limiting the release of Volume Two to Congress, Garland addressed the defendants’ claims of irreparable prejudice, undermining the core of their motion.
Alex Isenstadt’s upcoming book, *Revenge*, reveals a Fox News insider leaked Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum’s prepared questions for a Trump town hall to the Trump team. This allowed Trump to preemptively craft responses to potentially damaging inquiries, including those about revenge and political violence. The incident highlights Fox News’s hypocrisy, given Trump’s accusations of other networks rigging debates. Despite Fox News’s stated intention to investigate, the close ties between Trump and Fox News personalities suggest a thorough, unbiased investigation is unlikely.
Special Counsel Jack Smith submitted his final report on the Trump investigations to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Garland intends to publicly release volume one, concerning Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, pending the Eleventh Circuit’s decision on a temporary injunction. Volume two, related to the classified documents case, will remain confidential to protect ongoing co-defendant cases, though limited access will be granted to Congressional leadership. The Justice Department is seeking to vacate the injunction, allowing for immediate release of volume one if the appeals court rules in their favor.
President-elect Trump’s recent comments signal a potentially aggressive second term in foreign policy. He openly discussed using military force to reclaim the Panama Canal and Greenland, while threatening economic pressure to annex Canada. Furthermore, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico and demanding a significant increase in NATO defense spending. These actions demonstrate a willingness to challenge long-standing alliances and disregard international norms.
Alex Isenstadt’s forthcoming book, “Revenge,” alleges a serious breach of journalistic ethics at Fox News. According to the book, a Fox News insider leaked the questions for a January 2024 Trump town hall to the Trump campaign, giving the candidate an unfair advantage. This incident, based on multiple sources, highlights the close relationship between Trump and some within Fox News, a relationship further illustrated by Trump’s prior consideration of Maria Bartiromo as his running mate, a choice ultimately vetoed by his team. Fox News denies the allegations but plans an investigation.
John Q. Hosedrinker