A near government shutdown was narrowly averted after a House bill, initially including a two-year debt ceiling extension favorable to Trump, was amended to remove that provision. This last-minute scramble, orchestrated by President-elect Trump and influenced by Elon Musk’s social media campaign, ultimately resulted in the loss of funding for crucial initiatives such as pediatric cancer research and prescription drug cost reduction. Republicans, initially blaming Democrats, ultimately failed to secure the necessary support for Trump’s preferred legislation. The episode foreshadows the potential for future political gridlock and highlights Trump’s unpredictable and potentially disruptive governing style.
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Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest featured prominent Trump allies attacking moderate Republicans, framing them as insufficiently loyal to the MAGA agenda. Speakers like Steve Bannon, Donald Trump Jr., and Tucker Carlson urged attendees to pressure these Republicans, employing tactics like phone calls and public shaming to force compliance with the Trump-aligned platform. This internal conflict within the Republican party was highlighted amidst a failed government funding bill negotiation, further exacerbating the divisions. The event showcased a clear desire for a GOP civil war, with calls for aggressive action against those deemed disloyal.
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Trump wanted a government shutdown. He didn’t want it to occur during his own presidency, however. His strategy, it seems, was to engineer a crisis under Biden’s administration.
This calculated move aimed to create maximum economic chaos, painting Biden as incompetent and incapable of managing the nation’s finances. The resulting turmoil would then serve as a springboard for Trump’s “rescue mission.”
The envisioned scenario involved a severely weakened economy upon Trump’s return to office, a landscape ripe for him to declare “Bidenomics” a failure. This would position him to implement drastic changes, shifting blame for any subsequent economic downturn away from himself.… Continue reading
For adults seeking a sophisticated holiday countdown, numerous exceptional advent calendars are available in 2024. These calendars offer curated selections of gourmet treats, beauty products, and other delightful surprises, catering to a range of tastes and interests. From luxurious chocolates to artisanal cheeses, options abound for elevating the traditional advent calendar experience. This diverse selection ensures there’s a perfect calendar to match any adult’s preferences, transforming the wait for Christmas into an exciting journey of discovery. Ultimately, these calendars provide a premium way to celebrate the holiday season.
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The looming government shutdown stems from Republican infighting, not Democratic obstruction. A bipartisan spending bill, initially supported by Speaker Mike Johnson, was derailed by Elon Musk’s social media campaign and subsequent rejection by President-elect Trump and his allies. This led to a Republican-driven crisis, highlighted by internal party divisions, with figures like Congressman Chip Roy defying Trump’s pressure. The situation foreshadows the turbulent Trump presidency, with ongoing uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s speakership and a potential power shift towards Musk.
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President-elect Trump intends to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine, a decision supported by unnamed sources and seemingly aimed at bolstering Ukrainian defense capabilities in the absence of stronger NATO involvement. This aid strategy, despite Trump’s opposition to Ukrainian NATO membership and desire for a swift end to the conflict, is predicated on achieving “peace through strength.” The plan reportedly includes pressuring NATO allies to significantly increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, a move that would double current requirements. This approach will be further explored through upcoming diplomatic efforts, including a visit by the incoming Special Envoy for Ukraine to Kyiv.
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Former President Trump condemned Texas Representative Chip Roy on TruthSocial, accusing him of obstructing Republican success for personal publicity and lacking political acumen. Trump suggested Roy’s ambition outweighs his talent and urged primary challengers to target him. This attack followed Roy’s dissatisfaction with recent spending bill concessions. Despite the threat, Roy remained defiant.
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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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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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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 
Matt Underwood