The Supreme Court is considering delaying a ruling on a TikTok ban until after President-elect Trump’s inauguration, potentially allowing him to negotiate a solution addressing national security concerns while avoiding a platform shutdown. TikTok’s lawyers argued the ban violates their First Amendment rights, while the government countered that Chinese government control poses a national security threat. Meanwhile, Republicans are proposing significant cuts to Medicare, climate programs, and welfare as potential offsets for their spending bill. The House Judiciary Committee will continue its investigation into Hunter Biden, despite a presidential pardon, led by Chairman Jim Jordan. Finally, recent discoveries include a remarkably preserved Anglo-Saxon sword and a previously unknown dinosaur species from the Triassic period.
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The Supreme Court is considering a case challenging a law mandating TikTok’s sale due to national security concerns, with arguments focusing on free speech versus national security. President Trump, despite previously supporting a ban, now urges a delay to allow for a political resolution, a highly unusual intervention. TikTok argues the law violates free speech and that a shutdown would severely harm users and the platform. The court must decide on the appropriate level of legal review, with a strict scrutiny standard likely leading to the law’s invalidation.
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Senate Democrats’ decision to delay Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination is generating considerable controversy. The delay itself is sparking a multitude of reactions, ranging from cautious concern to outright outrage. Some believe the delay is a necessary precaution given the serious nature of the position Gabbard is seeking and the potential security implications involved.
The concerns surrounding Gabbard’s potential appointment to a powerful position within the intelligence community are significant. Critics question her past statements and actions, expressing worries about her suitability for a role requiring such high-level security clearances. These concerns underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for thorough vetting.… Continue reading
Tencent Holdings and CATL experienced significant share price drops after the U.S. Department of Defense added them to its list of Chinese military companies, a designation both firms deny. The National Defence Authorization Act of 2024 prohibits U.S. procurement from listed entities, starting in 2026. While Tencent maintains the listing is erroneous and anticipates legal recourse, analysts express concerns about potential long-term impacts, particularly for CATL’s U.S. business. This action is part of a broader U.S. effort to limit China’s access to advanced technologies.
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The administration is exploring sector-specific tariffs on imports deemed critical to national security, aiming to bolster domestic industries like military supplies, medical equipment, and energy production. This approach, unlike a previously proposed blanket tariff on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, is considered potentially more palatable. Targeted tariffs are intended to incentivize domestic production and strengthen key sectors. While details on specific targeted imports remain unclear, this strategy represents a shift from the broader tariff proposals previously discussed.
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President Biden blocked Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns and prioritizing domestic ownership of the steel industry. This decision, made despite opposition from the companies and Japanese officials, followed pressure from the United Steelworkers union and aligned with Biden’s campaign promises. The blocked merger raises questions about future foreign investment in the US and the viability of US Steel, which had warned of potential factory closures without the deal. Nippon Steel and US Steel have vowed to challenge the decision legally.
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Biden’s recent decision to block the sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese buyer has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from outrage to cautious approval. The immediate question many are asking is why the administration intervened, especially considering U.S. Steel’s seemingly strong financial position and the potential benefits of the deal.
The argument that U.S. Steel’s balance sheet is robust, with significant ore rights, is often raised. However, some counter that the balance sheet might underrepresent the true value of the company’s assets due to historical costing, potentially obscuring a more accurate picture of its worth. This leads to a broader discussion about the strategic importance of maintaining control of key national assets, particularly amidst escalating global tensions and the potential for conflict.… Continue reading
President Biden’s decision to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has sparked considerable debate, and it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Reports indicate Biden’s opposition dates back to at least April 2024, suggesting a carefully considered stance rather than a sudden intervention.
The United Steelworkers (USW) union, a key player in this saga, also voiced its opposition to the sale. Their official statements highlight a worker-centric approach to trade policy, aligning with the Biden administration’s broader strategy. This shared position adds weight to the argument that the decision wasn’t solely based on political whim.
The controversy surrounding this decision extends beyond the immediate players.… Continue reading
A Chinese submarine drone, marked “HY-119,” was discovered off the coast of the Philippines, raising concerns about national security. The drone, described as a torpedo-shaped underwater navigation and communication system, was unarmed but capable of monitoring and reconnaissance. This incident follows recent escalations in the South China Sea, including Chinese coast guard vessels using water cannons against a Philippine vessel, and a Russian submarine transit. The U.S. has a defense treaty obligation to the Philippines, increasing the potential for further military involvement in the region.
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The alleged hacking of the American sanctions office by the Chinese government is a serious accusation, raising questions about the security of sensitive government data and the ongoing cyber warfare between nations. It seems the intent was likely to remove Chinese companies from the sanctions list, a blatant attempt to circumvent international penalties. This incident highlights the increasingly brazen nature of cyberattacks against Western nations.
The frequency of such attacks, from both Russia and China, is alarming, suggesting a pattern of escalating aggression. The response from the West, however, has been widely criticized as inadequate. The prevailing sentiment seems to be that the current approach, characterized by diplomatic letters and statements of concern, isn’t a deterrent against these digital incursions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood