Following Elon Musk’s call for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, senior UK politicians privately urged US counterparts to avoid endorsing him. These Brexit-supporting politicians, from both Conservative and Reform UK parties, emphasized that Robinson’s criminal record and extremist views are not representative of mainstream British right-wing thought, even among those with anti-immigration stances. The concern stemmed from Musk’s influence within Trump’s circle and the potential reputational damage to figures like Nigel Farage. These behind-the-scenes conversations highlight the tensions between Musk’s actions and the preferred image of the British right.
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Following a leaked text expressing loneliness and anticipation for Elon Musk’s return to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s seeming disinterest in governing became increasingly apparent. His delayed responses to crises, such as the near-government shutdown, contrasted sharply with Musk’s proactive actions, highlighting a power imbalance. A subsequent online feud between Musk and MAGA loyalists, sparked by Trump’s hiring of foreign tech workers, further exposed this dynamic; Trump ultimately sided with Musk, alienating his base. This incident solidified Musk’s influence over Trump, demonstrating that the latter prioritizes his personal relationship with Musk over his political base.
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President Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to nineteen recipients. Among the honorees were Michael J. Fox, Hillary Clinton, and Bono, representing diverse fields such as entertainment, politics, and activism. The award, established by President John F. Kennedy, recognizes exemplary contributions to American society and global well-being. This ceremony marked the final presentation of the medal during Biden’s presidency.
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Driven by political hostility towards climate science under the Trump administration, prominent climate scientist Kevin Trenberth returned to his native New Zealand, citing diminished research funding and a politically charged environment. Similarly, researcher Rose Abramoff initially left for France due to self-censorship within the scientific community but later returned to the US, believing she could be more politically effective there. Both scientists highlight the challenges faced by climate researchers under administrations perceived as unsupportive of their work, emphasizing the need to resist self-censorship and continue advocating for climate action. While Trenberth opted for permanent relocation, Abramoff underscores the importance of remaining in the US to counteract future threats to climate research and policy.
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The January 6th, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, while presented by some as a minor incident, was a culmination of a broader effort by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results. This included pressure on election officials, the promotion of misinformation, and the deployment of “fake electors.” Despite the violence and arrests, a significant portion of the population, particularly Republicans, downplay the event’s severity, exhibiting a concerning normalization of the attempted coup. This revisionist narrative, fueled by disinformation campaigns from certain media outlets, suggests a concerning vulnerability to manipulation within the information ecosystem.
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President Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon nineteen recipients, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the nation and the world. Honorees included prominent figures from various fields, such as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, billionaire George Soros, and renowned athletes Lionel Messi and Magic Johnson. The list also encompassed posthumous awards for Robert F. Kennedy and Ashton Carter, alongside cultural icons, activists, and business leaders. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose impact has significantly improved American society and global affairs.
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Following the January 6th Capitol attack, Donald Trump escaped criminal prosecution, despite calls for accountability from both Democrats and Republicans. Critics, including some within the Biden administration, fault Attorney General Merrick Garland for delaying the appointment of a special prosecutor until after Trump’s reelection, enabling Trump to avoid trial due to legal protections afforded to sitting presidents. This delay, coupled with a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, allowed Trump to evade responsibility, ultimately winning the 2024 election. While over 1000 individuals involved in the attack faced prosecution, Trump’s actions remain largely unaddressed, other than potential civil lawsuits.
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A nationwide three-hour warning strike is planned for January 15th in Georgia, beginning at 3 PM, to pressure the government into holding new elections and releasing detained protesters. The strike, encompassing employers and employees across the country, aims to highlight the economic consequences of the ongoing political crisis. This action follows October’s disputed parliamentary elections and the subsequent inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, further fueling opposition and international concern. The strike is spurred by the government’s rejection of European integration and a crackdown on protestors, prompting calls for intervention from several Northern European nations.
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President-elect Trump criticized the planned half-masting of the American flag during his inauguration to honor the late President Carter, claiming Democrats were celebrating the somber occasion. He cited the unprecedented nature of this event and questioned whether the flag would remain at half-mast despite existing presidential memorialization protocols. The White House press secretary confirmed that the established 30-day mourning period will proceed as planned. Despite their past political disagreements, Trump stated he will attend Carter’s funeral.
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Adam Kinzinger, a former six-term Republican congressman, became a vocal critic of Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection, ultimately voting to impeach Trump and serve on the House select committee investigating the event. This decision, however, cost him his political career and alienated him from many former colleagues and family members. The documentary “The Last Republican” chronicles Kinzinger’s experience, highlighting his isolation within the Republican party and his belief that he is upholding true conservative principles. Despite his disagreements with the Democratic party, he emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic institutions and combating the divisiveness within the GOP.
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John Q. Hosedrinker