The resurgence of Donald Trump and his administration necessitates a renewed emphasis on the societal importance of shame. Trump’s success stems from normalizing public displays of ignorance and unfounded claims by himself and his allies, exemplified by instances like his mischaracterizations of the New Orleans attack and Kennedy’s nomination to a critical health position. Tolerating such behavior, rather than publicly shaming it, has emboldened the spread of misinformation and harmful policies. Therefore, actively confronting and mocking demonstrably stupid statements from public figures is crucial to counteracting the influence of Trumpism.
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The 2025 inauguration of Donald Trump, the instigator of the January 6th Capitol riot, marks a stark contrast to the heightened security measures of Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Many Republicans initially condemned the violence but later downplayed or denied its severity, even excusing those who assaulted police. Trump plans to pardon those charged with crimes related to the event, further highlighting the partisan divisions surrounding the attack. This anniversary underscores the ongoing political gaslighting and the fragility of American democracy.
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All five living U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump, will attend Jimmy Carter’s funeral, offering a rare moment of potential political unity. President Biden will deliver the eulogy, a role Carter himself requested. While Trump’s behavior will be closely watched, his attendance signifies a potential adherence to presidential norms. The service, incorporating bipartisan elements, provides a temporary reprieve from the current political rancor, showcasing a capacity for unity through ritual respect.
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Post-election polling reveals that voters in key swing states prioritized economic concerns over concerns about Donald Trump’s actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack, despite his impeachment and indictment. This suggests a disconnect between Democratic messaging on Trump’s threat to democracy and voter perceptions, with many not viewing him as a significant danger. The survey highlights a failure to effectively link Trump’s authoritarian behavior to tangible consequences for voters, as well as an underestimation of his ongoing appeal among certain demographics. Ultimately, the perceived threat to democracy paled in comparison to economic anxieties in influencing voter decisions.
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Following Judge Juan Merchan’s scheduling of his sentencing for January 10th, Donald Trump, via Truth Social, demanded Merchan’s disbarment. This follows Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments. Trump maintains his innocence, asserting the case is politically motivated, and plans to appeal the verdict. Despite the judge’s indication of an unconditional discharge, Trump’s attacks reflect his continued defiance of the court’s decision.
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The independently financed film “The Apprentice,” a Donald Trump origin story, has been largely ignored by Hollywood despite positive reviews and its timely relevance. Stars Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan, who play Roy Cohn and Trump respectively, have criticized their colleagues for shunning the film, citing concerns about free speech and the industry’s selective engagement with political issues. This silence contrasts sharply with Hollywood’s vocal opposition to Trump during previous elections, suggesting a potential shift in the industry’s approach to political activism or a recognition of its diminishing influence. The film’s reception reflects a broader trend of Hollywood’s reduced political engagement since Trump’s election, leaving some to question whether this is a temporary lull or a more permanent change.
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Following the January 6th Capitol attack, Donald Trump escaped criminal prosecution, despite calls for accountability from both Democrats and Republicans. Critics, including some within the Biden administration, fault Attorney General Merrick Garland for delaying the appointment of a special prosecutor until after Trump’s reelection, enabling Trump to avoid trial due to legal protections afforded to sitting presidents. This delay, coupled with a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, allowed Trump to evade responsibility, ultimately winning the 2024 election. While over 1000 individuals involved in the attack faced prosecution, Trump’s actions remain largely unaddressed, other than potential civil lawsuits.
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President-elect Trump criticized the planned half-masting of the American flag during his inauguration to honor the late President Carter, claiming Democrats were celebrating the somber occasion. He cited the unprecedented nature of this event and questioned whether the flag would remain at half-mast despite existing presidential memorialization protocols. The White House press secretary confirmed that the established 30-day mourning period will proceed as planned. Despite their past political disagreements, Trump stated he will attend Carter’s funeral.
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Adam Kinzinger, a former six-term Republican congressman, became a vocal critic of Donald Trump following the January 6th insurrection, ultimately voting to impeach Trump and serve on the House select committee investigating the event. This decision, however, cost him his political career and alienated him from many former colleagues and family members. The documentary “The Last Republican” chronicles Kinzinger’s experience, highlighting his isolation within the Republican party and his belief that he is upholding true conservative principles. Despite his disagreements with the Democratic party, he emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic institutions and combating the divisiveness within the GOP.
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Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued robust reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing fearless coverage of the new administration. This crucial information will remain freely available to all, thanks to reader support. Contributions, even in the form of creating a free account, are vital to maintaining this commitment to unbiased news access.
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John Q. Hosedrinker