President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, changing their punishments to life imprisonment without parole. This action, excluding three inmates convicted of terrorism or hate crimes, follows months of advocacy and reflects Biden’s evolving stance against the death penalty. The decision aims to prevent the incoming administration from resuming federal executions, a practice significantly increased under the Trump administration. This commutation is part of a broader clemency initiative by Biden, unprecedented in its scale and scope.
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The White House warned the incoming Trump administration of a heightened risk of Iran developing nuclear weapons, citing Iran’s weakened regional standing following military setbacks and the loss of key allies. This weakening, paradoxically, could drive Iran to accelerate its nuclear program as a defensive measure. Simultaneously, the Trump team is reportedly considering airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, a departure from previous US policy. This potential action, along with the Trump administration’s harder line on Iran, could embolden Israel to take similar action. The UN atomic regulator further underscored the urgency, noting Iran’s proximity to possessing nuclear weapons.
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At a recent rally, Donald Trump reiterated his controversial “Hannibal Lecter” immigration analogy, claiming it secured votes. He also vowed to investigate the purported rise in autism diagnoses, echoing debunked claims linking vaccines to the condition, alongside his nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Furthermore, Trump pledged to end policies supporting transgender rights, including banning transgender individuals from the military and schools. Finally, he dismissed concerns about Elon Musk’s influence, citing Musk’s ineligibility to run for president due to his birthplace.
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President-elect Trump threatened to reclaim U.S. control of the Panama Canal, citing allegedly unfair fees charged by Panama and expressing concerns about potential Chinese influence, despite China’s lack of control over the canal’s administration. This assertion drew immediate condemnation from Panamanian President Mulino, who declared Panama’s sovereignty non-negotiable and defended the canal’s fee structure. Trump’s threat, unprecedented in its directness, marks a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy and lacks legal basis under international law. The Panama Canal, a crucial waterway for global trade, was transferred to Panamanian control in 1999 following agreements signed in 1977.
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President-elect Trump aims to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran, conveying this through Oman. The proposed agreement would differ from the 2015 accord, which Trump later abandoned. Tehran is being given limited time to respond, with a potential for further escalation if negotiations fail. Iranian President Pezeshkian reportedly sees talks as a way to avoid sanctions and potential military action stemming from continued uranium enrichment.
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At a Phoenix rally, President-elect Trump dismissed claims that Elon Musk is usurping his power, citing Musk’s South African birth as disqualifying him from the presidency. Trump also discussed his desire for a meeting with Vladimir Putin, his plan to address Panama Canal fees, and a new anti-drug advertising campaign. He further addressed the recent near-government shutdown, implying a shared interest with Musk despite media speculation of a rift. Despite this, Trump and his allies downplayed any conflict between him and Musk, emphasizing Musk’s role in reducing government waste and his financial contributions to the Trump campaign.
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After four years as a White House advisor, Ivanka Trump has definitively left politics, prioritizing her family’s privacy and a new life in Miami. This decision marks a significant shift from her previous close involvement in her father’s political career, though she maintains a close relationship and provides informal advice. While her public role has diminished, she remains influential, pursuing philanthropic endeavors and focusing on personal interests like real estate and family time. This new path allows her to balance her family life with her continued interests while maintaining distance from the often-negative aspects of the political arena.
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Elon Musk’s influence over the Republican Party, particularly concerning the recent government funding stalemate, has sparked controversy. Critics, pointing to Musk’s online attacks against politicians who opposed his views, highlight the perception of Musk as a more powerful figure than President Trump. Trump’s spokesperson has publicly denied this, asserting Trump’s continued leadership. However, the need for such a statement underscores the growing perception of Musk’s significant power stemming from his wealth and vast social media reach, which surpasses even Trump’s. This situation ironically mirrors Trump’s past claims about the power of wealth and influence in politics.
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Despite two qualified women previously running for president and losing to Donald Trump, the 2024 election saw a more pronounced campaign promoting male dominance and the subjugation of women to domestic roles. Trump’s campaign, aided by allies and online influencers, explicitly rejected women’s autonomy and equality, employing misogynistic rhetoric and imagery. This resonated particularly with young men, contributing to a significant gender gap in voting patterns. The resulting political climate may negatively impact not only women but also the men who embrace such misogynistic views, potentially leading to a widening societal chasm.
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John Q. Hosedrinker