During the ongoing government shutdown, President Trump has remained largely uninvolved, unlike his approach during a previous shutdown where he actively negotiated with lawmakers. While the government remains closed, Trump has focused on other matters, including foreign policy initiatives, which has drawn the attention of critics. Some Republicans are calling for Trump to take a more active role in negotiations, as the shutdown’s impacts intensify, while Democrats use the situation to criticize his priorities. Trump’s focus on other projects, like a new White House ballroom, further highlights the stark contrast between his current actions and the urgency of the shutdown.
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At a summit in South Korea, Donald Trump lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him in highly unusual terms and attempting an impersonation. Trump also reiterated his claim of single-handedly ending a conflict between India and Pakistan by threatening tariffs, a claim disputed by Indian officials. Sources indicate that Modi avoided a summit this week due to concerns over Trump repeating this narrative. Furthermore, Trump criticized President Joe Biden while celebrating his own actions.
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According to Michael Wolff, Donald Trump secretly orchestrated the demolition of the White House’s East Wing with the goal of constructing a new ballroom. Trump reportedly considered demolishing the historic building under the cover of night to avoid public outcry. Despite this plan failing, the administration still attempted to conceal the damage by prohibiting federal employees from sharing demolition photos and by erecting a high fence around the construction site. It is also believed that the new ballroom, which will be much larger than the Executive Residence, will be named the Trump Ballroom.
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Trump says US blocks him from running for a third term, and that statement, right there, is the core of a very complicated and, frankly, predictable situation. It’s almost comical how the pieces fit together, like a puzzle you’ve seen assembled a thousand times before. He’s acknowledging the reality of the situation – the Constitution prevents a president from serving more than two terms – but the context and the tone are far more telling than the words themselves. It feels like a calculated move, a playing of the hand that’s been dealt, but with a certain amount of misdirection thrown in for good measure.… Continue reading
Amidst rising grocery costs and increased demand at food banks, millions of low-income individuals face the unprecedented loss of SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially held $6 billion in contingency funds to ensure the program’s operation during a government shutdown. However, after weeks of silence, the USDA reversed its decision, indefinitely suspending SNAP benefits and claiming it was unauthorized to use the funds, potentially leaving vulnerable families without crucial food assistance.
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Donald Trump’s legal team has formally requested a state appeals court to overturn his conviction for falsifying business records in an attempt to influence the 2016 presidential election. The filing outlines multiple reasons for dismissal, including claims of a “convoluted legal theory” employed by Manhattan prosecutors and judicial bias due to the judge’s alleged political affiliations. Trump’s attorneys argue the case was politically motivated and violated his constitutional rights, also contending that certain evidence was improperly admitted. The legal team also targets the judge, claiming he should have recused himself.
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Former Judge J. Michael Luttig has issued a serious warning, suggesting that Donald Trump’s rhetoric and actions indicate a desire to pursue an unconstitutional third term. Luttig believes Trump has already taken steps during his second term to solidify his power, potentially aiming to remain in office indefinitely. He cited Trump’s actions, such as utilizing the military for personal purposes and seeking to eliminate birthright citizenship, as evidence. Luttig emphasized that the country must take Trump’s intentions seriously and act to preserve the republic.
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Tim Weiner, author of *Legacy of Ashes*, warns that US intelligence is at a crisis point due to the current administration’s actions, particularly regarding the White House’s authorization of undercover CIA operations in Venezuela, which mirrors a long history of interventionism in Latin America. According to Weiner, the public nature of the operation decreases its chances of success, and the president’s disdain for intelligence reports raises further concerns. Weiner expresses skepticism that covert actions will successfully overthrow Maduro, cautioning that these operations could potentially make the situation worse. Furthermore, the author suggests that the CIA’s loyalty to the Constitution, rather than the president, may lead some officers to resist orders.
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US forces have killed 14 individuals in recent strikes targeting four alleged drug boats in the Pacific Ocean, marking a further escalation in the campaign against drug traffickers. The attacks, authorized by President Donald Trump, resulted in one survivor who was rescued by Mexican authorities. These strikes are part of a broader operation that has killed at least 51 people, primarily in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America, and raised concerns regarding their legality and the president’s authority to order them.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood