Numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeted President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees, prompting swift action from law enforcement. The threats, including a pipe bomb threat to Rep. Lee Zeldin and a similar threat to Pete Hegseth, occurred on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The FBI and other agencies are actively investigating, and officials expressed gratitude for the rapid response. This surge in threats follows a previously noted increase in swatting incidents targeting election officials and polling places in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
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Vivek Ramaswamy, incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency, plans to investigate a $6.6 billion loan the Biden administration gave to electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. Ramaswamy alleges the loan, intended to fund a Georgia plant, is excessively expensive per job created and politically motivated to undermine Tesla. Critics, including the *Wall Street Journal*, contend the loan constitutes corporate welfare, favoring a struggling company in a competitive market and potentially violating free-market principles. The loan’s justification is debated, with counterarguments highlighting Rivian’s potential economic impact and the risks of stifling nascent clean energy technologies.
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Following Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Mexico, some of his strongest supporters have escalated their rhetoric, with one even suggesting a potential military invasion. These figures portray Mexico as a scapegoat for U.S. issues, threatening “pain and suffering” should the country not comply with Trump’s demands. This inflammatory language is being used to justify harsh actions against Mexico. Experts warn of the misguided nature of these threats and their potential for escalating tensions and harmful consequences.
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The free press faces unprecedented challenges, with many news organizations succumbing to political influence. HuffPost, however, remains committed to independent journalism and will not yield to such pressures. Continued operation depends on reader support; therefore, contributions, even in the form of creating a free account, are crucial to maintaining free access to news. The future of American democracy is inextricably linked to a vibrant and independent press.
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President Biden’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon highlights the underutilization of his broader clemency powers. Over 65 members of Congress urged Biden to employ these powers to address systemic injustices within the criminal justice system, specifically citing mass incarceration and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. This call for action emphasizes the potential for pardons to correct inequities and reduce the substantial financial burden of mass incarceration. Advocates argue for a more expansive use of clemency, referencing the historical precedent of presidents granting pardons to thousands, and highlighting the urgent need for action on death row cases.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum refutes Donald Trump’s claim that she promised to close the Mexico-US border, clarifying that their conversation focused on Mexico’s comprehensive strategy to manage migration while respecting human rights. Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s commitment to maintaining open communication and cooperation, contrasting this with Trump’s assertion of a border closure agreement. Trump, however, maintains his previous stance, citing concerns about undocumented immigration and threatening import taxes on Mexican and Canadian goods unless stricter border control measures are implemented. Recent data indicates a significant decrease in unauthorized border crossings between October 2023 and the present.
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Following Donald Trump’s unexpected 2024 victory, Democrats are debating the need for a left-leaning equivalent to influential podcaster Joe Rogan, whose platform significantly aided the Trump campaign. This discussion highlights the right’s successful cultivation of a media ecosystem funded by conservative donors, a contrast to the left’s lack of similar financial backing. Some argue that creating a comparable platform is unrealistic due to ideological differences with wealthy donors, while others suggest focusing on policies that resonate with independent voters is a more effective strategy. Ultimately, the debate centers on whether a media strategy mirroring the right’s success is achievable or even necessary for the Democratic party.
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Following the 2024 presidential election, many Black women expressed profound exhaustion and grief over Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss, a feeling amplified by the constant pressure to remain politically engaged. This exhaustion stems from a persistent sense of threat and the weight of expectation placed upon Black women to “save democracy,” leaving little room for processing the emotional toll of the election. Many are now prioritizing self-care and community support while bracing for the potential impact of the Trump administration’s policies on marginalized communities. The election outcome felt deeply personal, with feelings of betrayal and despair among many.
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Putin threatened to strike Kyiv with the Oreshnik missile, a weapon he claims is undefeatable by air defenses, citing its comparable strength to multiple nuclear strikes. This threat, framed as retaliation for Western provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, has caused alarm in Kyiv despite Ukrainian officials dismissing the missile’s capabilities as exaggerated. The timing coincides with Putin’s expressed hope for a more favorable relationship with the incoming Trump administration, potentially using the threat as leverage. While analysts anticipate limited escalation before Trump’s inauguration, Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure underscore the ongoing challenges.
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The nomination of Mr. Phelan as Navy Secretary is unusual given his lack of military or significant prior Navy experience, a departure from recent predecessors. This contrasts sharply with his substantial financial contributions to the Trump campaign, exceeding $800,000, and his hosting of a high-dollar fundraising event at his residence. This appointment has prompted online criticism, with even some Trump supporters expressing concerns about potential cronyism. His position on the board of a military support nonprofit is noted, though it doesn’t fully offset the lack of direct Navy ties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker