The Trump White House cited my research to justify tariffs. They got it all wrong. It’s frustrating, to say the least, to see your work twisted to support policies that are fundamentally flawed. My research, which they selectively quoted, never intended to endorse the reckless application of tariffs without a comprehensive industrial policy. The administration’s approach was not just misguided, it was demonstrably incompetent.
Instead of employing a thoughtful strategy, the administration seemed to operate on gut feelings and a lack of understanding of basic economics. They treated tariffs as a silver bullet, ignoring the potential for unintended consequences and the complexities of international trade.… Continue reading
Justice Jackson issued a scathing dissent against the Supreme Court’s decision to utilize the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants. The ruling, made without oral arguments or briefs via the “shadow docket,” allows the deportation of migrants to a notoriously harsh prison based on unsubstantiated claims of gang affiliation. Jackson argues this sets a dangerous precedent, echoing the flawed Korematsu decision, and criticizes the lack of transparency and deliberation in the court’s emergency rulings. She contends the Court’s hasty decision, lacking proper review, demonstrates a troubling pattern of disregarding due process.
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Brussels police arrested a member of US State Secretary Rubio’s security detail, a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent, after an incident at a hotel bar. The agent’s behavior was described as erratic, escalating into anger when hotel staff refused his request to reopen the bar past its closing time. This incident highlights a concerning pattern of unprofessional conduct seemingly linked to the current US administration.
The agent’s actions, which reportedly involved becoming irate and possibly physical with staff, led to his arrest by local police. The details paint a picture of a highly entitled individual demanding special treatment, leveraging his position rather than adhering to local laws and regulations.… Continue reading
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced the capture of two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, claiming to possess information on more Chinese involvement. He has instructed his foreign minister to contact Beijing regarding this matter, which has not been independently verified. This development, along with prior allegations of Chinese military aid to Russia, casts doubt on China’s professed commitment to peace and raises concerns about the ongoing conflict’s trajectory. Zelenskyy called for a global response to Russia’s continued aggression, urging a reaction from world leaders seeking peace.
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Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, a major GOP donor, strongly criticized President Trump’s tariff policies, deeming them “bulls–t” and poorly advised. Langone specifically cited the 34 percent tariff on China and the 46 percent tariff on Vietnam as excessively aggressive and detrimental to negotiations. He questioned the flawed calculation methodology behind the tariffs, a sentiment echoed by other experts, including the economist whose work the administration cited. This criticism joins that of other prominent billionaires, indicating a growing concern among Trump loyalists regarding the economic impact of these trade measures.
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During an Oval Office meeting on April 7, President Trump expressed displeasure with Russia’s intensified attacks in Ukraine, citing the widespread bombing as unacceptable. His comments follow a recent escalation of violence, including deadly strikes on civilian targets like Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv. Despite his previous mediation attempts and expressed anger toward Putin, Trump has yet to implement punitive measures against Russia, instead focusing on a new tariff regime that notably excludes Russia. This inaction occurs despite continued Russian aggression and violations of a partial ceasefire agreement.
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A YouGov poll reveals widespread American disapproval of President Trump’s new tariff policy, with over half of respondents viewing it as the largest peacetime tax increase in U.S. history. The poll also indicates significant public agreement that the tariffs are negatively impacting the economy. While a minority supports the tariffs, believing they address unfair trade practices, the majority favor reducing or eliminating them. The substantial opposition suggests the policy may be politically damaging for Trump and the Republican Party.
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Donald Trump plans a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th, his 79th birthday, and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. This revived proposal, similar to a 2018 plan that was ultimately cancelled due to cost and logistical concerns, is expected to cost millions of taxpayer dollars. The parade, spanning nearly four miles, has sparked criticism over its expense and potential diversion of resources, with some comparing it to displays of authoritarian regimes. Local officials report receiving minimal advance notice for the event’s planning.
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On Monday, approximately ten North Korean soldiers crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea, prompting South Korean military warning shots and the soldiers’ subsequent retreat. This incident, occurring amidst heightened tensions fueled by North Korea’s weapons tests and ignored diplomatic overtures from the U.S., follows a pattern of similar, albeit less significant, border violations. The incursion comes at a time of political instability in South Korea, further complicating the already fragile security situation on the peninsula. While the North Korean motive remains unclear, the event underscores the ongoing volatility and military posturing in the region.
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The Trump administration, in a Supreme Court brief, argues it can deport anyone—citizen or immigrant—to a foreign country without due process and deny them all constitutional rights. This claim, made in the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, wrongly deported to El Salvador despite having protected status, asserts the government’s inability to retrieve individuals held in foreign prisons, even if the deportation was an error. The administration contends that federal courts lack jurisdiction over individuals held abroad at the government’s request, even though the US pays for their detention. This unprecedented assertion, if accepted, would effectively allow the government to create overseas black sites from which individuals could be permanently disappeared, undermining fundamental due process protections for all.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker