Senators Sinema and Manchin’s votes against Lauren McFerran’s NLRB nomination blocked Democrats from maintaining control of the board, handing a three-member majority to Republicans. This decision, coupled with their past actions thwarting Democratic legislative agendas, aligns with their history of opposing worker rights and favoring corporate interests. Their votes effectively pave the way for a potential rollback of worker protections under the incoming Trump administration. Both senators’ future endeavors are uncertain, but their past actions suggest potential lucrative opportunities in the private sector.
Read More
President-elect Trump’s cabinet selections notably prioritize individuals with television and entertainment backgrounds, a departure from traditional government appointments. This includes prominent figures from Fox News such as Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary), and others from various media platforms. Several nominees, including Dr. Mehmet Oz and Mike Huckabee, bring unconventional experience to key roles overseeing health and foreign policy, respectively. This trend contrasts sharply with President Biden’s focus on cabinet diversity, highlighting a significant difference in leadership approaches.
Read More
The offer, seemingly tailored for Elon Musk and similar figures, promises lucrative opportunities to private entities. The plan’s specifics remain undefined, but it may facilitate the expansion of fossil fuel production under Trump’s “Drill, Baby, Drill!” initiative. This could lead to significant profits for those involved while potentially undermining environmental regulations. Musk’s enthusiastic response highlights the potential for significant private sector gains at the expense of essential governmental functions.
Read More
President-elect Trump proposed a plan to expedite approvals and permits for any individual or company investing $1 billion or more in the U.S., including environmental approvals. This proposal, widely criticized as illegal by environmental groups and legal experts, would allow wealthy investors to circumvent existing regulations, such as the National Environmental Policy Act. Critics argue this plan prioritizes the interests of large corporations and fossil fuel donors over public health and environmental protection. The plan’s legality is questionable, and its implementation faces significant regulatory hurdles. The incoming administration’s choice for EPA head, Lee Zeldin, has minimal environmental policy experience but supports Trump’s deregulatory agenda.
Read More
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation, effective January, clearing the path for President-elect Trump to appoint his preferred candidate, Kash Patel. Wray’s departure follows increasing criticism from Trump regarding FBI investigations into the former president. These investigations, which led to two dropped federal prosecutions due to DOJ policy, involved Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and handling of classified documents. Trump lauded Wray’s resignation, while simultaneously praising Patel’s qualifications for the directorship.
Read More
Despite unanimous Senate passage and initial bipartisan House support, the JUDGES Act, aiming to address federal court staffing shortages by creating 63 new judgeships, now faces a presidential veto. Democrats reversed their support due to concerns that President-elect Trump would appoint 22 of the new judges, highlighting the intense political polarization surrounding judicial appointments. Republicans argue the bill is a necessary solution to a long-standing problem, while the White House cites concerns about the timing and potential motives behind the bill’s passage. The bill’s future hinges on whether a compromise can be reached to secure Democratic backing in the next Congress.
Read More
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at an Equal Voice Foundation event, cited Kamala Harris’s presidential defeat as evidence of a broader attack on women’s progress. He highlighted regressive forces actively working against women’s advancement, emphasizing the need for continued efforts toward gender equality. Other speakers at the event, including MPs from various parties, discussed the need for increased female representation in politics and overcoming divisions within the movement. Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to feminism and allyship in the face of these challenges.
Read More
Despite Donald Trump’s impending return to the presidency, the $454 million civil fraud judgment against him and his sons will remain in effect. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office firmly rejected a request to drop the case, emphasizing that presidential immunity does not extend to civil litigation. The judgment, stemming from allegations of fraudulent financial statements, totals $490 million with interest. James intends to continue defending the judgment as Trump’s appeal proceeds.
Read More
Manhattan prosecutors are opposing Donald Trump’s motion to vacate his felony conviction for falsifying business records. They argue that the recently expanded presidential immunity does not necessitate dismissing the case, suggesting alternative solutions like non-carceral punishment or delaying sentencing until after his presidential term. Prosecutors contend that there’s no legal basis for dismissal, emphasizing the jury’s guilty verdict. Trump’s legal team’s attempts to overturn the conviction are deemed baseless by the prosecution.
Read More
President Biden touted the current robust U.S. economy, highlighting job growth, infrastructure projects, and reduced inflation as key achievements of his administration. He warned against President-elect Trump’s proposed widespread tariffs, arguing they would harm American consumers and trigger inflation. Biden’s assessment contrasts with Trump’s past claims of economic success and his current plans for even broader tariffs than those imposed during his first term. Economic advisors predict that such tariffs would rapidly reverse positive economic trends.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker