President-elect Trump’s claim that Gilded Age tariffs spurred economic growth is contradicted by economic historians. While tariffs were a major government revenue source during this period (due to the absence of income tax), research indicates that economic success was despite, not because of, high tariffs. Industries with high tariff protection experienced less productivity and innovation compared to those with less protection. Therefore, tariffs did not contribute to the rise of American manufacturing, and instead likely inflated prices for consumers.
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The election of Donald Trump portends a worsening climate crisis, exacerbating existing challenges. Already, unacknowledged climate risks are causing a massive undervaluation of American properties, reaching trillions of dollars in losses and creating an uninsurable housing market in many areas. This will trigger mass displacement and economic hardship, particularly impacting vulnerable communities. A Trump administration, however, views this not as a problem, but as an exploitable opportunity for predatory industries and political profiteering, jeopardizing any effective climate response.
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Online criticism erupted following a video of RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel’s singing performance, with several users on TikTok and X mocking her vocal abilities. Posts ranged from sarcastic commentary suggesting an upcoming world tour to humorous memes depicting an audience suffering through the performance. The negative reaction was swift and widespread, using terms like “embarrassing” and “cringe” to describe McDaniel’s singing. Users shared edited images and witty captions to express their amusement and displeasure.
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Mike Johnson’s reelection as House Speaker faces significant challenges due to a narrow Republican majority and opposition from within the party. While Republicans hold 220 seats, one vacancy and at least one announced defection leave Johnson one vote short of the necessary 218. Further defections, stemming from dissatisfaction with his leadership and spending policies, are possible, potentially delaying the start of the 119th Congress and jeopardizing the confirmation of the 2024 election results. Failure to elect a Speaker before January 6th could lead to unprecedented constitutional uncertainty, potentially resulting in Senator Chuck Grassley becoming acting President.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy affirmed that elections are contingent upon the cessation of active warfare and the subsequent lifting of martial law. He emphasized that current legislation prohibits elections under martial law, rendering them impossible until these conditions are met. Zelenskyy expressed his belief that elections should follow swiftly after the end of martial law. This aligns with the Ukrainian constitution, which dictates the legitimacy of the current government until a successor is elected.
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National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan presented President Biden with potential options for a preemptive US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, contingent on Iran’s advancement of its weapons program before a specified date. While some aides saw strategic advantages in such action, the options presented were exploratory, not a formal plan, and no decision was made. A month has passed since this meeting, with no further discussion of military action. President Biden has previously stated his opposition to an Israeli strike but acknowledged Iran’s concerning nuclear activities and the imposition of sanctions.
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Vice President Kamala Harris will swear in a new class of Senators, many of whom previously spread false and defamatory claims about her during the recent election cycle. These Senators, including those who mocked her name and falsely accused her of various actions, will now participate in ceremonies presided over by the very person they attacked. This situation, while difficult, is a common experience for Vice Presidents, particularly those who have run for president. Harris, however, faces the added sting of seeing her fiercest critics gain power after a hard-fought election. Despite the unpleasant circumstances, Harris understands this is a standard part of the political process.
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Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated Green Beret, died in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Las Vegas Trump hotel on New Year’s Day. While initially believed to be a bombing, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill concluded it was a suicide with a subsequent explosion, as a gunshot wound to the head was discovered. The investigation is ongoing, but the relatively unsophisticated explosive device used raises questions given Livelsberger’s extensive military experience. Despite his patriotic public persona and love for the country, the motive remains unclear.
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Following a shooting in New Orleans, former President Trump asserted his claims about the incident were accurate, despite inaccurately linking the crime to immigration. His statements directly contradicted law enforcement reports. The incident highlighted a recurring pattern of Trump making unsubstantiated connections between crime and immigration. This instance further fueled ongoing debates surrounding his rhetoric and its impact on public discourse.
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Agreeing to debates on unsubstantiated claims, like the efficacy of vaccines, only benefits those spreading misinformation, wasting valuable time and resources that could be better spent elsewhere. This strategy allows crackpot ideas to gain traction and normalize questioning of established scientific consensus. Furthermore, the incoming administration’s pro-crypto stance threatens increased government involvement in the volatile cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to a taxpayer-funded bailout of this risky industry. This follows a pattern of deregulation that favors wealthy individuals and corporations at the expense of the public good.
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John Q. Hosedrinker