President-elect Trump’s announcement to block the $14.9 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel has been met with mixed reactions. While some steelworkers in Pittsburgh, where the sale was largely popular due to promised investments and job security, expressed frustration and disappointment, others, including the United Steelworkers president, oppose the deal citing concerns about long-term job security and the buyer’s trustworthiness. Supporters of the sale highlight Nippon’s pledged $2.7 billion investment and commitment to union jobs. Opposition also includes Senator Rubio, who raised national security concerns.
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Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence is facing significant opposition due to her past pro-Russia statements and alleged consumption of Kremlin propaganda. Concerns, voiced by former aides and high-ranking intelligence officials, center on her perceived sympathy towards Russia and Syria, potentially compromising her ability to lead the intelligence community. Republican senators, while prioritizing other controversial nominees, privately express doubts about her fitness for office, suggesting a difficult confirmation process ahead. Gabbard’s nomination is considered the most challenging of several controversial Trump cabinet picks.
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In a significant escalation, US officials confirmed that Chinese hackers compromised at least eight US telecommunications providers, targeting the communications of high-ranking US political figures, including President-elect Trump and members of the Biden administration. While classified information was not accessed, a substantial amount of bulk phone records and, in limited cases, call and text data were stolen. The Biden administration is working with telecom companies, including Verizon and AT&T, to remove the hackers; however, a timeline for completion remains unclear. China denies any involvement.
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Chinese espionage efforts have reportedly harvested data from thousands of US mobile phone users. The sheer scale of this operation underscores a concerning vulnerability in our digital lives; we often underestimate how easily our personal data can be accessed and exploited. The fact that cell phones, devices containing incredibly intimate details of our lives, aren’t universally recognized as possessing the same level of privacy protection as, say, a personal journal, is a significant oversight.
This data breach, potentially leveraging outdated infrastructure like the 2007 “Deep Packet Inspection” project, highlights the persistent danger of insufficiently updated security protocols. The reliance on systems built with older technology makes us vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.… Continue reading
FBI background checks for Trump’s nominees are absolutely essential, and this is a point of agreement even among former Senate counsels from opposing political parties. The gravity of these positions demands thorough vetting; overlooking this process would be incredibly reckless and potentially disastrous.
The potential consequences of skipping these checks are simply too significant to ignore. Important information, crucial for judging a nominee’s fitness for office, might be buried or never come to light. This isn’t just about following procedure; it’s about safeguarding the integrity and security of our nation.
The process itself is not overly burdensome. Federal agencies conduct these background checks regularly, making the process itself well-established and efficient.… Continue reading
Former Senate counsels are adamant: thorough FBI vetting of any Trump Cabinet picks is absolutely essential. This isn’t merely a procedural formality; it’s a critical safeguard against potential risks to national security and the integrity of the government.
The consequences of neglecting this process are potentially severe. A lack of rigorous vetting could allow individuals with troubling backgrounds – histories of sexual assault, significant financial entanglements, or even connections to foreign adversaries – to gain access to sensitive information and positions of power.
The likelihood of such individuals being appointed is, unfortunately, quite real. The pool of people willing to serve in a Trump administration, and simultaneously pass a comprehensive background check, is likely quite small.… Continue reading
Russia’s ongoing campaign of sabotage across Europe is alarmingly reckless, a blatant disregard for international norms and stability. This brazen behavior, coupled with escalating nuclear threats, is intended to intimidate nations supporting Ukraine and undermine the international effort to counter Russian aggression. The scale of these actions is significant, affecting crucial infrastructure and national security, and highlights a pattern of escalating hostility.
The implications of Russia’s actions extend far beyond the immediate targets of sabotage. A successful subjugation of Ukraine would embolden Russia’s allies, like China and North Korea, and embolden further acts of aggression by adversaries such as Iran. Ignoring this threat would have devastatingly higher consequences than supporting Ukraine’s fight for its sovereignty.… Continue reading
Reports indicate that President-elect Trump’s transition team is drafting an executive order to medically discharge approximately 15,000 transgender service members. This action, if implemented, would create significant logistical challenges for the military, potentially disrupting readiness and exacerbating existing recruiting difficulties. The proposed mass discharge contrasts sharply with current policy and could face legal hurdles, mirroring previous attempts to ban transgender service members. Experts warn of the severe consequences of such a drastic and disruptive measure, particularly given the experience level and contributions of transgender service members.
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President-elect Trump nominated John Phelan, a Republican megadonor and finance executive with no military experience, as the next Secretary of the Navy. Phelan’s fundraising efforts for the Trump campaign appear to be his primary qualification for the position. Criticism has arisen regarding Phelan’s lack of relevant experience, prompting concerns about the increasing politicization of cabinet appointments. This nomination follows other controversial selections, including a Defense Secretary pick facing sexual assault allegations.
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A former National Intelligence Chairman has deemed Tulsi Gabbard unfit and dangerous for a position of power, particularly within the intelligence community. The concerns are deeply rooted in Gabbard’s perceived close ties to Russia and a history of promoting narratives aligning with Russian interests. This raises serious questions about her suitability for handling highly sensitive national security information.
The potential implications of placing someone with such alleged affiliations in a position of authority are alarming. Access to classified intelligence could be exploited, potentially compromising national security and furthering foreign agendas. The sheer risk involved demands a thorough examination of these allegations and a careful consideration of the potential consequences.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood