A New York civil fraud judgment against Donald Trump and co-defendants surpassed $500 million in late December, accumulating over $114,000 in daily interest. This massive debt, stemming from a judge’s finding of manipulated financial statements to secure favorable loans and insurance, is currently under appeal. Trump personally owes approximately $490 million, a sum exceeding the combined 2025 budget proposals for Albany and New Rochelle. While the appeals court’s decision is pending, interest continues to accrue, adding to the substantial financial liability.
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Donald Trump’s carefully cultivated image as a “regular guy” is a sham, as evidenced by a photo of him enjoying a luxury Diet Coke gifted by Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey. This image, along with the presence of tech billionaires at Trump’s inauguration, highlights the burgeoning oligarchy undermining democratic principles. This strategy, employed by Trump and other wealthy figures, leverages “vice-signaling”—public displays of amorality—to connect with working-class voters, obscuring the regressive economic policies that primarily benefit the wealthy. Ultimately, this manufactured populism masks a system designed to redistribute wealth upward, leaving the working class to bear the costs.
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Nobel laureate Paul Krugman argues that Donald Trump’s economic policies, despite their appeal to the working class, will ultimately harm them. Krugman criticizes Trump’s plans to raise tariffs and cut taxes, predicting that these will increase prices for everyday goods while disproportionately benefiting the wealthy. The economist highlights the disconnect between Trump’s promises of lower grocery prices and the reality of rising inflation, characterizing this as a “scam” due to a lack of a viable plan. Furthermore, Krugman warns of negative consequences from Trump’s proposed tariffs and mass deportations, anticipating significant economic disruption and higher prices.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report, released Tuesday, details irrefutable evidence of a criminal scheme by Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election. The report, based on extensive witness testimony and investigation, reveals Trump’s awareness of the falsity of his fraud claims and his efforts to obstruct justice through witness intimidation and executive privilege. Rep. Jamie Raskin highlighted the report’s findings, emphasizing Trump’s months-long plot to subvert election results and the House Republicans’ role in hindering accountability. Despite the Justice Department’s decision to drop the case, the report underscores the gravity of Trump’s actions.
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During her Senate confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, repeatedly avoided stating that Trump lost the 2020 election, despite acknowledging Joe Biden’s presidency. She deflected questions regarding evidence of election fraud and her potential handling of investigations into Trump’s associates, including Jack Smith and Liz Cheney. Bondi emphasized her commitment to the Constitution and non-partisan justice, but her responses raised concerns about her independence from Trump’s influence. Her confirmation could lead to a Justice Department significantly shaped by Trump’s legal team and allies.
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Pete Hegseth’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing revealed a nominee seemingly unqualified for the position of Secretary of Defense. Republican senators prioritized loyalty to Donald Trump over substantive policy questions, focusing instead on culture war issues rather than national security concerns. Hegseth’s evasive answers and lack of knowledge on crucial topics, including nuclear weapons, alarmed observers. The hearing left America’s allies concerned and its adversaries potentially amused by the apparent lack of seriousness displayed.
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Following a meeting with Senator John Fetterman and his wife, Gisele, Donald Trump praised Fetterman as a “commonsense person,” contrasting this perception with Fetterman’s recent rightward shift in political stances, including strong support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. This ideological change has alienated some Democrats. While Gisele Fetterman’s background as an undocumented immigrant and advocacy for immigrant rights were noted, it remains unclear if immigration was discussed during the meeting.
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President Trump’s claim that California could have prevented its wildfires by diverting Canadian water is factually inaccurate. Experts state that diverting the Columbia River, the likely source Trump referenced, to southern California is logistically impossible and would require extensive, costly infrastructure. This assertion ignores the actual causes of the water shortages experienced during the fires, namely increased demand and existing water management challenges. Trump’s statements are viewed by experts as preposterous and are criticized for diverting attention from the real crisis.
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend President Trump’s upcoming inauguration, a departure from typical precedent. This decision contrasts with the attendance of other former presidents and their spouses, including George W. and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. While former President Obama will be present, Michelle Obama’s absence follows her previously expressed criticism of Trump and his rhetoric. Her non-attendance also follows her absence from a recent memorial service for President Jimmy Carter.
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Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued rigorous reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing unbiased coverage of the new administration. This crucial information will remain freely accessible to all, thanks to reader support. Contributions, even the simple act of creating a free account, are vital to maintaining this commitment to accessible journalism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker