During a joint Oval Office appearance, Donald Trump jested about the possibility of suspending U.S. elections during wartime, referencing a past point of pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump questioned if elections could be halted if the U.S. were at war in 3 1/2 years. Zelenskyy, who was with Trump, laughed and said he “liked” the idea. Zelenskyy also stated that he was open to holding elections, but they would need safety measures and a truce on the battlefield, sky, and sea to make them possible.
Read More
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request concerning the Trump administration’s deployment of federal agents near a recent event in Los Angeles. Newsom’s office believes the administration is attempting to intimidate those defending the electoral process, particularly after the presence of ICE officers was noted. The FOIA also seeks information on communications with Fox News regarding the embedding of a reporter with the ICE agents. Newsom has described Trump’s actions as a dangerous step toward authoritarianism, citing the tactics of despots in Russia and North Korea.
Read More
National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of the president’s crime initiative may now be armed, though they are not authorized to make arrests. The decision to arm the Guard represents a shift from previous guidance, with the initial plan being for them not to carry weapons. The National Guard’s mission is to protect federal assets, support law enforcement, and deter crime. Over the weekend, several states announced they would also be deploying National Guard members to D.C. at the administration’s request.
Read More
Texas’s plan to add five Republican congressional seats is currently stalled due to a continued walkout by state House Democrats. This situation reflects a broader national trend, as other states face unprecedented mid-decade redistricting efforts. Representative Jim Clyburn has spoken out regarding these efforts and the potential threat to his South Carolina seat. This push could significantly reshape the political landscape.
Read More
President Trump has stated that the data showing a decrease in crime rates in Washington, D.C., is false and has announced plans to release his own crime statistics to counter the city’s official figures. This announcement follows the deployment of 800 National Guard troops and the White House’s control over the metropolitan police, leading to public backlash and concerns. Despite official data indicating a decline in homicides, assaults, burglaries, and robberies, Trump maintains that the situation is worsening, citing an investigation into a police commander for alleged manipulation of crime statistics. The mayor has stated that the issues were contained with the one police commander, though Trump believes that the mayor asked for the numbers to be falsified.
Read More
Six months into Trump’s second term, a lawless administration is solidifying its law enforcement powers, creating a police state that increasingly strips residents of their rights and due process. Unaccountable immigration agents are arresting individuals, including U.S. citizens and those seeking refuge, and quickly deporting many without due process. Trump’s actions include improperly using the military, defying court orders, and setting arbitrary quotas for ICE agents while simultaneously appealing to white nationalists. This approach has resulted in a republic of fear and violence with little support among the American public.
Read More
President Trump stated that he may not require congressional approval to extend the federal control of Washington, D.C., claiming the local crime situation could constitute a national emergency, despite his own police force reporting a decrease in violent crime. He announced his intent to seek extensions beyond the initial 30-day timeframe. Trump plans to present a crime bill, initially focused on D.C., and suggested that the Republicans in Congress will unanimously approve the extension. He also dismissed reports of crime statistics and claimed the crime situation is dire.
Read More
The article highlights the increasing authoritarian consolidation in Washington D.C., where the president is leveraging the city’s legal vulnerabilities to expand federal control. This move, preceded by a highly publicized incident, is viewed as a test-run for a broader national vision targeting major cities and vulnerable populations. The author argues that simply observing and discussing these developments is insufficient, emphasizing the need for collective action and community defense against Trump’s actions. Drawing parallels to historical instances of authoritarianism, the article underscores the importance of protecting those targeted and building an infrastructure of resistance.
Read More
Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Trump’s suggestion of deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, comparing it to the Nazi Party’s dismantling of a constitutional republic in the 1930s. Trump, while criticizing Pritzker and Chicago’s mayor, insinuated Pritzker’s presidential ambitions. Pritzker responded by rejecting Trump’s proposal, citing his lack of legal authority, and highlighted the city’s recent decline in crime rates. The back-and-forth occurred after Pritzker acknowledged he might consider a 2028 presidential run.
Read More
During a statement, the speaker highlighted several cities facing significant issues, specifically mentioning Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Oakland. These cities were labeled as “very bad” and “far gone.” The speaker expressed optimism about resolving issues in Washington, D.C., and suggested that other cities should observe the progress and potentially address their own problems, including addressing policies like cashless bail. A future review of New York was also proposed.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker