Unexpectedly sweeping tariffs implemented by President Trump, despite prior assurances from advisors like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have sparked a significant backlash. Concerns voiced by prominent figures such as investor Joe Lonsdale highlight the detrimental impact on American industries, particularly manufacturing, due to flawed tariff implementation. This has led to considerable pressure on administration officials, including Vice President Vance and Elon Musk, to advocate for policy adjustments. The negative economic consequences are already evident, with Tesla’s stock price plummeting over 38% this year, reflecting broader market anxieties.
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Governor Tim Walz jocularly suggested the DNC hire Elon Musk to assist in all upcoming races, attributing Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin election to a decisive victory. The governor’s comment highlights the perceived impact of Musk’s actions on election outcomes. This humorous remark underscores the significant influence of high-profile figures on political campaigns. Walz’s statement implies a belief that leveraging such influence could guarantee future electoral success for the Democrats.
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Despite Elon Musk’s record-breaking $21 million investment and dramatic pronouncements framing the Wisconsin Supreme Court race as crucial to “the fate of Western civilization,” his chosen candidate lost to liberal appellate Judge Susan Crawford. Musk subsequently downplayed the defeat, emphasizing the passage of a voter ID amendment as the election’s most significant outcome, a claim echoed by President Trump. However, Wisconsin already had voter ID laws, and the amendment merely enshrined them constitutionally. The race’s actual consequence, as Musk himself acknowledged, lies in the upcoming redrawing of Wisconsin’s congressional districts, where a liberal majority on the court could impact future Republican control of the House.
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Two primary strategies, “buy-borrow-die” and “buy-hold for decades-sell,” allow the wealthy to avoid paying taxes on investment gains, either entirely or at drastically reduced rates. The “buy-borrow-die” strategy utilizes loans against appreciated assets to avoid income tax until death, while “buy-hold for decades-sell” minimizes the effective tax rate on long-term investments through decades of untaxed compounding. While arguments exist that the wealthy lack the means to pay taxes before selling assets, this is demonstrably false; solutions such as deferring tax payments until sale, with appropriate adjustments for compounding, are readily available. The persistence of these loopholes ultimately stems from political inaction rather than genuine financial constraints.
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Elon Musk’s recent complaints about Democrats celebrating Tesla’s declining stock price contrast sharply with his past actions, including celebrating job losses. Public disapproval of Musk is widespread, with two-thirds of Americans stating they would not buy a Tesla, largely due to their negative perception of Musk himself. This negative sentiment is fueled by Musk’s controversial statements and actions, including attacks on political figures and concerns about his influence on the government. A majority of Americans now believe Musk holds excessive influence over Trump, further contributing to the public backlash.
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According to Gawker founder Nick Denton, Elon Musk’s actions on X demonstrate a focus on appeasing a small, extreme segment of his audience, mirroring similar strategies employed by Joe Rogan and even previously by Gawker itself. This prioritization of a niche audience, exemplified by Musk’s use of inflammatory rhetoric, leaves him vulnerable, as it neglects a broader, potentially more influential, median voter. Denton argues that this strategy currently dominates online discourse, hindering a move towards centrism. Ultimately, however, the median voter and market forces will eventually assert their influence.
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Elon Musk’s purported climate heroism is undermined by his actions as a shadow president in the Trump administration. His involvement has led to the dismantling of Biden’s climate initiatives, including cuts to subsidies for renewable energy and EV chargers. This behavior is attributed partly to Musk’s personal views and a strategic move to cripple Tesla’s competitors by foregoing subsidies. Ultimately, however, his actions are largely driven by a desperate attempt to avoid Kamala Harris’s proposed tax on billionaire’s unrealized gains, highlighting the dangerous influence of extreme wealth on American politics.
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US Postmaster General Louis Dejoy’s resignation is a significant event, sparking a wide range of reactions. Many see it not as a victory, but rather as a prelude to further challenges for the Postal Service. The concern is that his departure paves the way for someone even less favorable to the institution, potentially accelerating efforts towards privatization and further undermining its operations.
The timing of Dejoy’s resignation is also viewed with suspicion. Some believe he fulfilled his purpose – namely, weakening the USPS before a potential return to power by a particular political faction – and now departs having achieved his objectives.… Continue reading
Zelenskyy’s assertion that Russia successfully influenced some members of Trump’s team is a statement laden with implications, suggesting a level of penetration into the highest echelons of American power that is deeply unsettling. The scale of this influence, however, remains a subject of debate. While Zelenskyy’s phrasing might appear diplomatic, the underlying sentiment seems to point towards a much broader problem than a few isolated cases.
The sheer audacity of the alleged influence campaign is striking. Imagine, just thirty years ago, the idea of a US president echoing Russian propaganda would have seemed almost unthinkable. Yet, the reality of the situation appears to have surpassed even the most cynical predictions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood