The United States abruptly halted a crucial intelligence feed to Ukraine at 2 PM Kyiv time, including real-time targeting data for HIMARS systems and long-range strike information. This action, reportedly linked to a Trump administration decision to suspend military aid, effectively froze key intelligence channels between Washington and Kyiv. The UK was also barred from sharing US intelligence with Ukraine. Sources expressed outrage, connecting the intelligence cutoff to a perceived lack of gratitude from the Ukrainian government.
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In her Democratic response to President Trump’s address to Congress, Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized his administration’s first six weeks as chaotic and detrimental to American safety and economic well-being. Slotkin argued that Trump’s policies disproportionately benefit the wealthy while neglecting the needs of the middle class and undermining democratic principles. She specifically condemned Trump’s handling of the border crisis, his approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia, and his controversial firings of federal workers. Slotkin contrasted Trump’s actions with those of previous administrations, suggesting his policies are reckless and depart from widely held American values. Ultimately, she presented a vision of responsible governance that prioritizes national security and economic fairness for all Americans.
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Representative Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, sharply criticized the Trump administration, calling the president “Putin’s ho” and his first six weeks in office a “terrible nightmare.” Crockett’s comments, shared across various platforms including TikTok and interviews, focused on the administration’s foreign policy, questioning conflicts with Canada, Mexico, and Greenland while simultaneously praising Putin. She also directed expletive-laden rebukes toward both Trump and Elon Musk. Her outspoken criticism has garnered significant praise and support from many progressives.
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The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze billions in congressionally approved foreign aid. While the Court didn’t mandate immediate release of the funds, it directed lower courts to clarify the administration’s obligations regarding a temporary restraining order. Four conservative justices dissented sharply, arguing the lower court overstepped its authority. The ruling, though not explicitly requiring immediate payment, allows for the possibility of compelling the administration to release the funds, signifying a potential area of ongoing legal conflict.
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The Trump administration temporarily halted some intelligence sharing with Ukraine, citing a need to assess the situation and encourage negotiations to end the war. National security advisor Mike Waltz and CIA Director John Ratcliffe indicated this pause, suggesting it’s contingent on Ukraine’s commitment to negotiations. The move, coupled with a weapons freeze, risks severely hindering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and potentially leading to a Russian victory. This action contrasts sharply with previous administrations’ support for Ukraine, with some US officials deeming it a betrayal.
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The planned signing of a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine on Tuesday has sparked a flurry of speculation and concern. Reports initially suggested a major agreement was imminent, but conflicting statements and a lack of official confirmation have cast doubt on the deal’s nature and its potential implications.
The initial reports painted a picture of a significant agreement concerning rare earth resources, potentially worth hundreds of billions of dollars. However, a closer look reveals a more nuanced situation. It appears that the agreement might not be a final deal, but rather a preliminary agreement to negotiate a future agreement.… Continue reading
The IRS is planning to cut its workforce by up to 50% through layoffs, attrition, and buyouts, as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to shrink the federal government. This reduction, which would affect approximately 90,000 employees, includes the recent layoff of 7,000 probationary employees and a proposed “deferred resignation program.” Former IRS commissioners warn that such drastic cuts would severely impair the agency’s functionality. The administration also plans to lend IRS personnel to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement.
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The Department of Justice will review the state’s prosecution of Tina Peters, a former county clerk convicted of election system breaches, prompted by a federal court appeal. The review will assess whether the prosecution prioritized political motivations over justice, citing concerns about the severity of her sentence relative to the offenses. This action follows a recent pattern of Trump administration influence on prosecutions, although the DOJ cannot directly overturn Peters’ state-level conviction. The Department encourages prompt consideration of Peters’ appeal.
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A federal judge’s ruling deemed the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) mass firing of probationary federal employees unlawful, citing a lack of statutory authority. This decision prompted several agencies to reinstate critical personnel, including specialists in areas like avian flu and nuclear weapons. Despite this partial reversal, the threat of broader, “large-scale” federal job cuts remains. The situation highlights the ongoing instability and uncertainty faced by federal workers.
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Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, alleges the heated Oval Office exchange between President Zelensky and President Trump was a deliberate escalation orchestrated by the U.S., not a spontaneous reaction. This incident, along with Vice President Vance’s controversial Munich Security Conference speech, is viewed by Merz as part of a concerning pattern in recent U.S. foreign policy. He suggests these events highlight the need for Europe to bolster its own security capabilities. Merz’s statements come amidst his ongoing criticism of the Trump administration’s approach to the war in Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood