In a resurfaced 2016 video, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated there should be “consequences” for carrying out unlawful orders. This clip has gained renewed attention as the Pentagon, now under Hegseth’s leadership, is investigating six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members not to follow illegal directives. The lawmakers’ video prompted accusations of “seditious behavior” from President Trump, while Hegseth himself criticized the Democrats’ message as “despicable, reckless, and false”. The controversy underscores the military’s obligation to obey lawful orders but refuse unlawful ones, as explicitly stated in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Read More
In response to Donald Trump’s use of a derogatory slur, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanded the release of the MRI results Trump disclosed undergoing the previous month. Trump’s offensive remarks came in a Truth Social post where he criticized Walz’s stance on Somali immigrants while also attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar and threatening Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota. The call for the MRI results alludes to concerns surrounding Trump’s health, particularly following his recent visit to Walter Reed Medical Center, and it is the latest in a series of events raising questions about his fitness. This incident highlights the ongoing contentious relationship between Walz and Trump.
Read More
Donald Trump announced he would terminate all documents signed by Joe Biden using an autopen, claiming they are invalid. This move is the latest in a series of actions where Trump has used the power of his office to intimidate political opponents. Trump’s declaration has raised questions about how this would be enforced and the validity of his own autopen use. Additionally, the former president made inflammatory statements on social media regarding various political matters.
Read More
In a recent social media post, Donald Trump labeled New York Times reporter Katie Rogers “ugly, both inside and out.” This attack followed a story by the Times that suggested his age was impacting his travel schedule. This incident is reminiscent of his previous remark aboard Air Force One where he called a Bloomberg correspondent “Piggy”. The White House has defended his remarks, citing a lack of trust in the media and the President’s transparency.
Read More
In a recent essay published in *The New Yorker*, John F. Kennedy’s granddaughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, revealed her diagnosis of terminal cancer at the age of 34, diagnosed in May 2024. Schlossberg, an environmental journalist, has undergone multiple rounds of treatment, including chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and clinical trials. Furthermore, the essay details her concerns regarding policies supported by her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which she believes could negatively impact cancer patients. Finally, Schlossberg also expressed her emotional distress, including her fears about her children and the sadness of her shortened lifespan.
Read More
Emails released by US lawmakers reveal that Noam Chomsky maintained “regular contact” with Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. A letter of support attributed to Chomsky lauded Epstein’s intellectual contributions and described their relationship as a “most valuable experience.” The correspondence indicates a deeper relationship than previously acknowledged, including discussions of musical interests and potential vacations. Furthermore, Epstein offered Chomsky the use of his residences.
Read More
The Justice Department recently replaced pardons posted online after it was discovered that they contained identical copies of President Donald Trump’s signature, sparking scrutiny and questions. The agency attributed the error to a “technical error” and staffing issues, however, the original versions raised concerns due to their identical signatures. Despite the controversy, legal experts maintain that the use of an autopen or an electronic signature does not affect the validity of a pardon as long as the president’s intent is clear. This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s clemency decisions, especially those benefitting political allies and individuals claiming victimization.
Read More
David Richardson, the acting chief of FEMA, will step down after hurricane season amidst public criticism and internal frustration. Richardson, lacking disaster management experience, faced scrutiny for his handling of the Texas floods and was often absent from the public eye. His departure is a precursor to sweeping reforms led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is planning significant changes to the agency. These changes include a new FEMA Review Council, with the possibility of the agency being removed from the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the reassignment of his closest allies. The administration’s focus on shifting disaster responsibility to states has raised concerns among current and former officials about FEMA’s ability to respond to future crises.
Read More
The controversial statue depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands has resurfaced in Washington D.C., after being removed by authorities twice before. This reappearance coincides with the release of thousands of emails from Epstein’s estate, some of which mention Trump. The statue, titled “Best Friends Forever,” initially appeared on the National Mall, accompanied by a plaque celebrating the relationship between the two men. The creators of the piece stated their intent was to comment on the long-lasting bond between the two men. The White House has since tried to downplay the significance of the emails, dismissing them as a “hoax.”
Read More
Former Congressman Trey Gowdy criticized Rep. Nancy Mace on Fox News, referencing her recent airport incident where she allegedly berated TSA officials, labeling it a “psychotic episode.” This criticism stems from a history of public tension between Gowdy and Mace, who had previously joked about Gowdy’s gender identity. Mace, known for her anti-LGBTQ+ stance, denies the incident’s accuracy and plans to sue the TSA for defamation. Both Gowdy and Mace have demonstrated opposition to LGBTQ+ equality, highlighting the ongoing political dynamics within the Republican party.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker