Senator Rand Paul supports mass deportation of undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes but opposes President-elect Trump’s plan to utilize the U.S. military for this purpose, citing its illegality and the potential for distrust. He advocates for deportation through existing law enforcement agencies like ICE and the FBI, emphasizing the importance of due process. Paul believes employing the military or National Guard for this task is inappropriate and potentially illegal, preferring a less militarized approach to the issue. His stance contrasts with Trump’s proposed use of a national emergency declaration and military involvement to execute mass deportations.
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Donald Trump plans to utilize emergency powers and the military for mass deportations, a key promise of his 2024 campaign. This extreme measure, while facing anticipated legal challenges, benefits from a more conservative Supreme Court and a judiciary increasingly filled with Trump appointees. The plan aims to deport individuals regardless of criminal history, potentially impacting legal residents as well, through measures like ending birthright citizenship. Despite logistical hurdles, Trump’s past actions suggest a willingness to implement such drastic, controversial policies.
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President Putin has approved a new system for compensating wounded soldiers in the war against Ukraine. This change classifies injuries into three categories, with payments ranging from 100,000 rubles for “other minor injuries” to 3 million rubles for “severe” injuries. This move comes as Russia seeks to replenish its military after suffering heavy losses in Ukraine, and aims to incentivize more citizens to enlist by offering increased sign-on bonuses. While Russia is making gains in eastern Ukraine, the country is also facing record losses, prompting the Kremlin to implement new strategies to maintain its military capacity.
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Russia has reduced compensation payments for troops injured in the Ukraine war, with the new decree restricting payouts for less severe injuries. This move comes amidst growing costs for the war effort, which include both personnel losses and financial burdens. The new system offers a sliding scale of payments based on the severity of the injury, with the highest compensation reserved for “Section I” injuries that pose significant threat to life or health. This adjustment suggests that the Kremlin is facing mounting financial pressure, potentially driven by the heavy casualties suffered by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.
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On November 14th, Ukrainian forces expertly executed a tactical maneuver in the Kursk region, successfully encircling a Russian assault group. The Russian relief efforts on the Ukrainian flanks also failed, resulting in significant Russian casualties. This victory came after the Ukrainians strategically withdrew from settlements, allowing the Russian convoy to pass before being destroyed by mines and drones. The Ukrainians then swiftly encircled the remaining Russian forces, effectively cutting them off from reinforcements and supplies. Despite facing heavy pressure on the western flank, the Ukrainians repelled five Russian assaults, inflicting major losses on the enemy. This successful defense showcases the Ukrainian military’s expertise in adapting to battlefield situations and maintaining control throughout the conflict.
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Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s choice for Defense Secretary, has sparked controversy with his past comments regarding women in combat roles and veterans’ benefits. Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and former Army National Guard member, has argued against women serving in combat roles, claiming they are not as capable as men, and criticized veterans’ groups for encouraging veterans to claim government benefits. His appointment has drawn criticism from veterans’ groups and defense experts who question his qualifications and perceive his appointment as politically motivated, highlighting Trump’s preference for loyalty over experience. Hegseth’s past advocacy for military personnel accused of war crimes and his outspoken support for Israel further contribute to the controversy surrounding his nomination.
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Donald Trump has appointed Fox News commentator and former National Guard officer Pete Hegseth as his Secretary of Defense, a decision met with widespread criticism from military veterans and experts. Many argue that Hegseth, despite his combat experience, lacks the necessary high-level experience and qualifications to manage the Department of Defense. Hegseth’s appointment has been described as “the least qualified nominee for SecDef in American history” and a “hilariously predictably stupid thing” by critics, while some have expressed concern about his political affiliations and lack of experience in managing a large organization.
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The news of Trump’s surprise Pentagon pick sent shockwaves through the defense world, leaving many with the bewildered question: “Who the f–k is this guy?”.
The chosen nominee, a Major in the National Guard, lacked the extensive background in defense that many felt was crucial for the role. The sheer absurdity of the selection sparked outrage and disbelief, particularly given Trump’s promise to surround himself with “the best and brightest”. The appointment felt like a slap in the face to those who genuinely served and knew the intricacies of the military, leaving many wondering if Trump was deliberately installing loyalists to control the military, a move that could have dire consequences.… Continue reading
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his Secretary of Defense, a surprising selection that has drawn criticism and raised questions about his qualifications. Hegseth, known for his outspoken views on issues like women in combat and military diversity programs, has a history of serving as an informal advisor to Trump and was considered for other positions in his first administration. His appointment signals a potential for tension with the Pentagon, which has been critical of Trump’s policies and leadership in the past. While Senate Republicans are expected to be deferential to Trump’s picks, Hegseth’s confirmation faces a potential for contention due to his controversial views and lack of traditional qualifications for the position.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood