A $46 million military parade, fulfilling President Trump’s long-held desire, celebrated the US Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington D.C. The event, occurring amidst nationwide protests and following the assassination of a Democratic politician and her husband in Minnesota, featured 6,500 troops and military equipment from various conflicts. Trump justified the parade by asserting that other countries celebrate their military victories, while protestors, numbering in the thousands, demonstrated against his administration across the nation. Despite organizers’ expectations, attendance at the parade was lower than anticipated, possibly due to inclement weather.
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Approximately 60 protestors, primarily veterans and military family members, were arrested near the US Capitol on Friday evening after breaching a police line during a demonstration against military spending. The protestors, affiliated with About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace, aimed to protest President Trump’s deployment of troops in Los Angeles and a planned military parade. Arrests stemmed from individuals pushing through bike rack barriers and attempting to reach the Capitol Rotunda steps. Those arrested face charges including unlawful demonstration, and some face additional charges of assault and resisting arrest.
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Two Minnesota lawmakers, Representative John Hoffman and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, were victims of a horrific shooting incident, leaving them in grave condition. The attack, described by authorities as a targeted event, has sent shockwaves through the state and sparked a massive manhunt. Early reports indicated that both Hoffman and Hortman, along with Hortman’s husband, had been shot, though updates later confirmed the tragic deaths of Hortman and her husband. The severity of their injuries underscores the intense nature of the attack.
The incident has understandably raised profound concerns about the safety of elected officials. Many are calling for increased security measures for all lawmakers, particularly given the seemingly premeditated nature of the violence.… Continue reading
President Trump’s attendance at the Kennedy Center’s opening night of *Les Misérables* resulted in a mixed reaction, with cheers and boos greeting his arrival. This followed Trump’s February firing of the Kennedy Center’s leadership and subsequent appointment of a new board, leading to decreased ticket sales and cancellations by artists like Issa Rae and the *Hamilton* production. The incident highlighted the politicization of the arts center under Trump’s control, with protests from attendees including drag queens. Trump, however, expressed his intention to restore the Kennedy Center to its former glory.
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A California congressman, during a tense House Armed Services Committee hearing, directed a pointed and forceful statement towards the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, urging him to leave his position. The exchange, characterized by sharp disagreement and escalating tension, stemmed from a series of questions regarding various matters under Hegseth’s purview. The congressman’s frustration boiled over, leading to the blunt command to vacate the office.
The core of the disagreement appeared to center on the congressman’s concerns about the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles, which he viewed as politically motivated and theatrical. He expressed serious reservations about the strategic rationale behind the deployment, suggesting it lacked legitimate military justification and was instead a display of political posturing.… Continue reading
Following a press conference in Los Angeles, Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed by federal agents after attempting to question Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem regarding recent immigration raids. Noem and her department contend Padilla acted disrespectfully and failed to identify himself, while Padilla’s office stated he was exercising Congressional oversight. The incident sparked outrage from California Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, who condemned the actions as an attack on democratic processes. Secretary Noem’s press conference included criticism of Los Angeles’ leadership and statements considered controversial by legal experts.
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President Trump’s response to Los Angeles protests reveals a new set of First Amendment rules: protests are only acceptable if aligned with his agenda. This includes restrictions on flag usage, where only American flags are permitted for non-Trump supporters, while violence against law enforcement is excused for pro-Trump demonstrators. The administration’s actions, including deploying the National Guard and Marines, indicate a willingness to suppress dissent and escalate any perceived opposition. This creates a stark double standard, where pro-Trump actions are pardoned while anti-Trump protests are met with force.
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National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles to quell anti-Trump protests express deep dissatisfaction with their assignment, citing concerns about being used as political pawns in a domestic operation outside their expertise. Multiple advocacy groups representing military families report widespread unhappiness among service members, with no dissenting opinions heard. The deployment, ordered by President Trump without California’s governor’s consent, has been criticized as a provocation, with reports of inadequate living conditions for the troops. Public opinion polls reveal significant disapproval of both the deployment and Trump’s immigration policies.
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A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating at a low 38%, with 54% disapproving. Negative net approval ratings plague his handling of key issues, including immigration (-9%), the economy (-16%), and trade (-19%). Support for his “big beautiful bill” is also weak, with 53% of voters opposing it. Furthermore, his approach to the Russia-Ukraine war garnered only 34% approval.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s press briefing ended abruptly after contentious questioning regarding free speech and President Trump’s response to protests. Leavitt defended the President’s stance on handling protests, claiming that the majority of demonstrations were not peaceful, citing arrests of illegal immigrants amidst larger protests in Los Angeles. Her responses to questions about the upcoming military parade and the President’s threats of “heavy force” against protesters were met with further challenges regarding the President’s commitment to the First Amendment. Leavitt ultimately concluded the briefing without addressing further questions concerning the President’s actions and statements.
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