Failure to pass a continuing resolution by Friday night risks a government shutdown. A House Republican short-term spending bill, including disaster relief, was rejected, largely due to opposition from Democrats who criticized its cuts to social programs and influence from Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Democrats argued the bill prioritizes the interests of billionaires over working people, leading to accusations of a government shutdown orchestrated by wealthy individuals. The rejected bill followed the Senate’s passage of an $895 billion military spending bill.
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President-elect Trump has threatened the European Union with tariffs unless it significantly increases its purchases of American oil and gas, citing a large trade deficit. This threat follows Trump’s first post-election trip abroad, and comes as the EU has strengthened its trade defenses against such coercive practices. The EU is already a major importer of US LNG and crude oil, but Trump’s “America First” approach signals potential significant trade disruptions. His past actions involving tariffs on steel and aluminum demonstrate his willingness to pursue protectionist policies. The EU has vowed a unified response to any aggressive trade actions from the incoming US administration.
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For adults seeking a festive countdown, a curated selection of the best advent calendars for 2024 offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional children’s options. These calendars feature high-quality, curated items ranging from gourmet treats to luxurious beauty products. Expect delightful surprises behind each door, promising a unique and enjoyable holiday experience. This guide highlights top contenders across various categories to help consumers find the perfect calendar to suit their preferences. Ultimately, the selection ensures a memorable countdown to Christmas.
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The House rejected President-elect Trump’s revised government funding plan, which included disaster relief and a debt ceiling suspension until January 30, 2027, by a vote of 174-235. This new proposal, championed by Trump and Speaker Johnson, significantly reduced the original bill’s size and eliminated provisions such as a congressional pay raise, following pressure from Elon Musk. The rejection constitutes a major setback for Trump and Johnson, who faced intense pressure from Trump to pass a revised bill before the government shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. The failure to pass the bill leaves the government facing a shutdown.
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Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) criticized President-elect Trump for seemingly taking orders from Elon Musk, referring to Musk as an “unelected president.” This assertion followed Musk’s public opposition to a spending bill, a post subsequently echoed by Trump on Truth Social. Several other Democratic legislators, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, have voiced similar concerns about Musk’s influence over the incoming administration. The situation highlights anxieties regarding Musk’s apparent power and the potential for oligarchic control over US policy.
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President-elect Trump expressed unexpected sympathy for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following her unsuccessful bid for a House Oversight Committee leadership position. Ocasio-Cortez herself acknowledged the surprising nature of Trump’s comment. Rep. Gerry Connolly secured the position, aided by Nancy Pelosi’s maneuvering, despite his recent esophagus cancer diagnosis. Ocasio-Cortez lost the vote by a significant margin of 131-84.
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Elon Musk’s significant, albeit unofficial, influence in the incoming Trump administration is sparking considerable public controversy. A majority of Americans disapprove of Musk’s prominent role, with disapproval particularly strong among independent voters. Despite this negative public perception, leading Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, actively seek Musk’s input on crucial policy decisions, such as the recent government shutdown. This highlights the unusual degree of power Musk wields, leading some to label him the nation’s “Shadow President.” However, the longevity of this arrangement remains uncertain given Trump’s known sensitivity to shared attention.
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Amidst looming government shutdown concerns, Elon Musk publicly criticized the proposed spending bill and threatened Republican lawmakers who support it, urging their removal from office. Representative Dan Goldman suggested Musk’s actions, rather than Trump’s, are driving the negotiations, highlighting a potential power struggle between the two. Musk’s public pressure tactics raise questions about the stability of his relationship with Trump, despite Musk’s apparent influence within Trump’s inner circle. The future of their alliance remains uncertain given this recent display of public discord.
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Securing a pardon for his hush-money conviction presents a significant challenge for Donald Trump. This requires a successful presidential bid in 2024, followed by self-pardoning, an unprecedented and legally questionable act. Such a move would likely face immediate and intense legal challenges, testing the boundaries of executive power. The path to a pardon, therefore, hinges on a highly improbable sequence of events.
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Following Elon Musk’s intervention against a government funding bill, some Republicans are suggesting he become House Speaker, a position not requiring congressional membership. Democrats are countering this by portraying Musk as effectively controlling the Republican party, highlighting the irony of a party opposing unelected influence now seemingly beholden to a billionaire. This strategy aims to create discord within the Republican party by leveraging the known friction between Trump and Musk. The proposal follows previous GOP attempts to install unelected figures in leadership positions, further emphasizing the unusual nature of the situation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker