Representative Crockett sharply criticized President Trump’s West Point commencement address, citing his inappropriate comments about “trophy wives” and yachts as evidence of his unfitness for office. She called on Republicans to question Trump’s mental acuity and ability to serve, arguing that his speech demonstrated a lack of the seriousness and decorum expected of a commander-in-chief. Crockett further linked this behavior to the recently passed spending bill, characterizing it as benefiting the wealthy while neglecting the needs of ordinary Americans. This follows recent scrutiny of Trump’s past actions and ongoing investigations.
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Following a federal judge’s blocking of an administration effort to bar Harvard from enrolling international students, Donald Trump demanded the names and countries of origin of all international students enrolled at the university. This request, made via Truth Social, follows a Homeland Security letter threatening to terminate Harvard’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Harvard subsequently sued the administration, citing First and Fourteenth Amendment violations, a suit which a judge temporarily ruled in favor of the university. Trump’s actions are part of a broader pattern of targeting elite universities, particularly regarding their endowments and diversity initiatives.
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While speculation arose regarding Barron Trump’s application to Harvard following a legal dispute between the university and the Trump administration, no confirmation exists that he applied, or was rejected. Instead, Barron chose New York University’s Stern School of Business, deviating from the family’s pattern of attending University of Pennsylvania or Georgetown University. His father, Donald Trump, is a Wharton School alumnus, while his siblings attended either Wharton or Georgetown. The rumors linking Barron’s purported rejection to the legal conflict remain unsubstantiated.
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Donald Trump, citing Harvard’s high percentage of international students (27.2%), demanded the university disclose their identities and home countries, questioning why those nations don’t contribute financially to their education. This follows the Trump administration’s attempts to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students and revoke its federal funding, actions a federal court temporarily halted. The administration’s actions stem from a broader effort to review universities’ federal funds and have been criticized as a politically motivated attack on higher education. Harvard has countered these accusations, emphasizing the significant contributions international students make to the university and the nation.
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During his West Point commencement speech, President Trump again asserted his belief that stealth fighter jets are invisible, reiterating a claim he’s made since at least 2017. This misconception, despite years as Commander in Chief, highlights his repeated inaccurate statements regarding the capabilities of military aircraft. The president’s comments have prompted questions about whether his statements stem from ignorance or a deliberate disregard for facts, leading to ongoing debate and criticism.
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GD Culture Group, a small Chinese-linked technology company, plans to purchase up to $300 million in Bitcoin and $TRUMP, President Trump’s memecoin, funding the purchase through a mysterious stock sale to an entity in the British Virgin Islands. This raises ethical concerns, as Trump stands to profit from policies impacting cryptocurrency while his family controls a significant portion of $TRUMP’s supply. The purchase comes amidst Trump’s efforts to influence TikTok’s U.S. operations, further highlighting potential conflicts of interest. The deal marks the first known instance of a China-linked firm investing in Trump’s memecoin.
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A prisoner exchange, brokered by the Trump administration, saw the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, resulting in joyous reunions for some families while others anxiously searched for missing loved ones. This event, a rare success in direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, was overshadowed by simultaneous attacks; Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone assault, while Ukraine responded in kind. The exchange took place amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighting the complexities and continuing tensions between the two nations. Despite the celebratory atmosphere for some, the uncertainty surrounding missing soldiers underscores the human cost of the war.
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During a West Point commencement address, President Trump digressed into a discussion of “trophy wives,” using real estate developer Bill Levitt’s divorce and remarriage as a cautionary tale. He suggested that such marriages often prove unsuccessful, despite providing temporary happiness. This anecdote is particularly noteworthy given Trump’s own three marriages to significantly younger former models. The president’s comments thus presented a curious juxtaposition of personal experience and unsolicited advice.
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Addressing West Point cadets, President Trump condemned military drag shows and DEI initiatives, framing them as distractions from the military’s core mission of dominating adversaries and defending the nation. He lauded his administration’s efforts to eliminate what he termed “gender ideology” and “critical race theory” from the military, claiming this would usher in a “golden age” for the armed forces. Trump’s speech emphasized a return to traditional military values and a focus on combat readiness, contrasting his approach with what he described as the previous administration’s “absurd ideological experiments.” The remarks were met with near silence from the large audience of cadets and their families.
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Merrick Garland, after serving as Attorney General, has rejoined Arnold & Porter’s Appellate & Supreme Court practice group. His career, marked by a prestigious background and Supreme Court nomination stalled by Republicans, saw him lead the Department of Justice under President Biden. While criticized for a perceived lack of aggressive prosecution of the Trump administration, Garland ultimately appointed a special counsel to investigate the classified documents case. His return to Arnold & Porter is considered a significant gain for the firm, leveraging his extensive legal experience.
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John Q. Hosedrinker