The “Mar-a-Lago face,” characterized by inflated lips, immobile brows, and sculpted contours, is gaining prominence among right-wing figures in Washington. This hyper-polished aesthetic, often compared to Real Housewives stars, is prevalent among the conservative elite who have moved to the capital since Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The Guardian notes that these features include puffy lips, frozen brows, and taut necks. Plastic surgeons suggest that this look, named after Trump’s private club, is sought after to broadcast artifice rather than refinement.
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DMGT has agreed to purchase The Telegraph for £500 million, forming a major right-leaning media group in the UK. This deal follows RedBird Capital Partners’ withdrawal of its bid for The Telegraph due to regulatory delays and internal opposition. The acquisition will allow DMGT to repay RedBird’s prior investment and comply with the UK’s Foreign State Influence regime. DMGT expects a quick finalization of the deal, which will not involve foreign state investment.
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Following the assassination of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk, a pro-MAGA website, “Expose Charlie’s Murderers,” launched, promising a database to expose Kirk’s critics. The site amassed over $30,000 in cryptocurrency across six wallets before disappearing and resurfacing briefly as “Charlie Kirk Data Foundation.” While boasting thousands of submissions, only a few dozen entries were published, and targets subsequently reported receiving threats and workplace complaints. Ultimately, the project was shut down, leaving donors furious and officials cautioning against vigilante actions while the investigation into Kirk’s death is ongoing.
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The American right is grappling with a rising tide of antisemitism, particularly among young influencers and GOP staffers, fueled by a culture of flouting taboos and a backlash against “wokeness.” Recent revelations, like leaked group chats and the handling of the Charlie Kirk conspiracy, have highlighted this trend. While some conservatives are denouncing these developments, others are dismissing them in the name of unity against the left. This has spurred a debate on how to address the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, with no easy solutions, especially given the perception that traditional methods are now considered “woke.”
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The article discusses a recent address by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to military leaders, focusing on his controversial and often offensive statements. Hegseth, known for his right-wing views, emphasized a return to traditional military values, criticizing “wokeness,” diversity initiatives, and what he considered politically correct rules. His speech included directives on physical fitness, grooming standards, and a focus on “maximum lethality,” and was met with a mixture of silence and disapproval from the senior officers present. The overall tone of the article is highly critical of Hegseth and his rhetoric, painting him as an embarrassing figure who is out of touch with the military’s values and mission.
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Reports indicate that Donald Trump is orchestrating the sale of TikTok’s U.S. assets to a consortium of right-wing billionaires and allies. This deal, involving figures like Marc Andreessen and Larry Ellison, is expected to convert the platform into a propaganda tool, raising concerns about democratic values and consumer privacy. Despite claims of prioritizing national security, the move is viewed as a power grab aimed at controlling information and silencing dissent. The acquisition aligns with a broader strategy of media consolidation by Trump’s allies, echoing authoritarian tactics seen elsewhere and threatening the integrity of American media.
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Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, has been charged with the aggravated murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty, citing Robinson’s DNA found on the murder weapon and a note expressing his intent to kill Kirk due to perceived “hatred.” The charges also include obstruction of justice related to allegations that Robinson ordered his roommate to delete incriminating texts and dispose of the weapon. Investigators say the shooting was premeditated as Robinson had been planning it for over a week.
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President Trump faced scrutiny regarding his narrative on political violence when confronted with examples of right-wing attacks on Democrats. He had previously placed blame solely on the left, but faced pushback from reporters who cited specific incidents of violence against Democrats, including the killing of Melissa Hortman and attacks on Paul Pelosi and Gabby Giffords. While Trump initially claimed he didn’t say violence was only on one side, he continued to criticize the “radical left.” His administration, spearheaded by Stephen Miller, indicated plans to target those “paying for violence,” while at times conflating violent protests with non-violent demonstrations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker