The former color commentator for a Russian MMA organization recalls a time when hosting an event in Moscow’s Red Square was considered, highlighting the political entanglement within the sport. Now, former President Donald Trump plans to host a UFC event at the White House to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, solidifying his relationship with the UFC and its CEO Dana White. This partnership has allowed Trump to cultivate an image of strength and masculinity, drawing parallels to fascist Italy’s use of sports and spectacle to project power and nationalism. This signals a shift in American politics, blending entertainment and confrontational tactics, potentially reflecting authoritarian characteristics within the current administration.
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As the specter of fascism looms, some U.S. military members grapple with whether to defy potentially illegal orders. Calls to the GI Rights Hotline and the Center on Conscience & War have surged, indicating growing concerns about the military being used as a tool for authoritarianism. Service members fear being forced to participate in actions that violate their principles, particularly concerning anti-immigrant policies and the erosion of democratic norms. These concerns extend to military families who worry about the blurring lines between military, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement, and potential damage to community relationships. While service members have the right to refuse illegal orders, the consequences of dissent can be severe, leading to loss of benefits, rank, and even imprisonment.
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The recently passed budget bill significantly increases spending on immigration and border enforcement through 2029, allocating approximately $150 billion for these purposes. Notably, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will receive a staggering $45 billion, surpassing the budgets of all other federal law enforcement agencies combined, making it the largest in the nation’s history. Furthermore, this substantial investment in immigration enforcement will rival the military spending of many countries, ranking it among the top global military budgets.
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During the Biden administration, a debate arose regarding the prosecution of Donald Trump, with some advocating for accountability and others prioritizing due process. This latter group, including figures in the legal and academic fields, largely influenced the administration’s approach. Consequently, law enforcement displayed reluctance in pursuing charges and trials were delayed, allowing Trump to potentially benefit politically from the delays. The article argues that this leniency has emboldened Trump, enabling his actions, and suggesting a slide towards authoritarianism. The author asserts that the hesitancy to hold Trump accountable, which is viewed as a lack of spine and cowardly, may pave the way for future demagogues.
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Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a “communist lunatic.” Trump declared his intention to prevent Mamdani from “destroying” the city and vowed to intervene, even threatening to arrest him if he attempts to hinder ICE operations. The former president has also indicated he would cut off federal funding if Mamdani were to become mayor and “doesn’t behave himself”. Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, has refuted Trump’s characterizations and stated the importance of focusing on wealth redistribution.
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Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate, condemned President Trump’s threat to arrest him for vowing to resist ICE raids, calling it an attack on democracy. Trump, who has previously labeled Mamdani a “Communist lunatic,” made the threat during a press briefing, falsely implying Mamdani was in the country illegally. Mamdani, a naturalized citizen, responded by stating that Trump’s remarks were an attempt to intimidate those who defy ICE. This incident highlights the controversy surrounding the Trump Administration’s mass-deportation policies and echoes similar confrontations between local officials and federal agents in other cities.
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Mamdani slams Trump arrest threat: “If you speak up, they will come for you” has, at its core, a chilling message about the potential for political retribution and the suppression of dissent. The situation, as it unfolds, paints a picture of a political climate where expressing opposition to certain policies can result in serious consequences, even arrest. This goes beyond the typical rough and tumble of political discourse, veering into territory that directly threatens fundamental freedoms.
Trump’s statement regarding Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral candidate, sends a clear message. If Mamdani attempts to prevent ICE agents from carrying out their operations, he will face arrest.… Continue reading
HuffPost is celebrating two decades of providing unwavering, fact-based journalism and remains committed to this mission. The publication acknowledges the crucial role reader support has played in its success and ongoing strength, particularly during challenging periods. As HuffPost looks to the future, it emphasizes the vital need for continued support to sustain its newsroom and journalistic endeavors. The publication hopes readers will consider contributing to ensure its continued pursuit of truth.
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Protests erupted outside Palantir offices in Palo Alto and New York City on Thursday, organized by groups like Planet Over Profit, with demonstrators condemning the company’s work with ICE and the Israeli military. Protesters in Palo Alto blocked streets and targeted a nearby developer conference, while in New York, several arrests were made during a confrontation with police. The demonstrations aimed to disrupt Palantir’s operations, highlighting concerns over its role in surveillance and mass deportations, as the company has seen its stock soar since the 2024 election. The company declined to comment on the events, but protestors aimed to hurt Palantir’s brand image.
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US Supreme Court lifts limits on deporting migrants to countries not their own, and it’s hard not to feel like things have taken a very dark turn. It’s difficult to process this decision, and the implications it carries are chilling. To put it plainly, this ruling essentially allows the deportation of migrants to countries that aren’t their own, bypassing the established rules of what “deportation” has traditionally meant. It’s no longer just a matter of sending someone back to their country of origin; it now encompasses the ability to relocate them to entirely different nations.
The immediate concern that springs to mind is the potential for gross abuses of power.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood