Driven by political hostility towards climate science under the Trump administration, prominent climate scientist Kevin Trenberth returned to his native New Zealand, citing diminished research funding and a politically charged environment. Similarly, researcher Rose Abramoff initially left for France due to self-censorship within the scientific community but later returned to the US, believing she could be more politically effective there. Both scientists highlight the challenges faced by climate researchers under administrations perceived as unsupportive of their work, emphasizing the need to resist self-censorship and continue advocating for climate action. While Trenberth opted for permanent relocation, Abramoff underscores the importance of remaining in the US to counteract future threats to climate research and policy.
Read More
A second Trump administration is poised to significantly alter healthcare, potentially repealing or severely weakening the Affordable Care Act through budget cuts and state-level block grants. Simultaneously, access to transgender care could be drastically reduced via executive orders defunding providers. While insulin cost caps are likely to remain, the administration is expected to reverse the Biden-era ESG investment rule and potentially shift the Department of Labor’s stance on cryptocurrencies in 401(k) plans. These changes signal a broad reshaping of policy across multiple sectors.
Read More
President Biden’s administration achieved a milestone by confirming 235 federal judges, surpassing the number confirmed during President Trump’s first term. This total includes one Supreme Court justice, 45 appeals court judges, and numerous district court judges, reflecting Biden’s prioritization of diverse candidates, such as public defenders and civil rights lawyers. While a historic achievement for the Biden administration, Republicans have indicated their intention to appoint a greater number of judges during Trump’s second term. Despite this, the Biden administration highlights the lasting impact of these lifetime appointments and the diversity of their judicial selections.
Read More
Elon Musk’s significant, albeit unofficial, influence in the incoming Trump administration is sparking considerable public controversy. A majority of Americans disapprove of Musk’s prominent role, with disapproval particularly strong among independent voters. Despite this negative public perception, leading Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, actively seek Musk’s input on crucial policy decisions, such as the recent government shutdown. This highlights the unusual degree of power Musk wields, leading some to label him the nation’s “Shadow President.” However, the longevity of this arrangement remains uncertain given Trump’s known sensitivity to shared attention.
Read More
Former Trump administration official Keith Kellogg criticized the assassination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow, arguing that such actions, especially targeting high-ranking officers in their home country, may violate the laws of war and are strategically unwise. Kellogg noted the reported use of a recruited individual in the assassination, deeming the method ill-advised. While acknowledging the action as a regrettable aspect of warfare, he emphasized that it doesn’t inherently impede potential peace talks. The US previously distanced itself from the event.
Read More
The Republican party’s recent embrace of economic populism masks its intention to weaken consumer protections. A key target is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which under Rohit Chopra’s leadership has achieved significant wins for consumers, including savings from reduced credit card and overdraft fees. A second Trump administration would likely dismantle or severely weaken the CFPB, reversing these advancements and prioritizing corporate interests over those of average Americans. This would represent a significant setback for consumer protection and reflect a return to the deregulation that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. The CFPB’s accomplishments highlight the importance of strong regulatory agencies in protecting consumers from predatory financial practices.
Read More
Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn Jr. rescinded his plans to take senior status, defying Senator Thom Tillis’s warnings against it. This follows the withdrawal of Biden’s nominee to replace Wynn, due to insufficient Senate support. Wynn’s action is considered unprecedented and partisan, particularly given a bipartisan Senate agreement to postpone confirmation until the next Congress. The move makes Wynn the third judge to unretire under similar circumstances, preventing President-elect Trump from appointing replacements.
Read More
President-elect Trump is reportedly considering privatizing the U.S. Postal Service, a move opposed by progressives. Discussions regarding this privatization, involving Trump and his transition team, cite the USPS’s financial losses as justification. Critics argue that this privatization effort is driven by a broader hostility towards public services and would disregard the public’s strong support for the Postal Service. Furthermore, they point out that the USPS’s financial struggles are partly due to burdensome pre-funding mandates, not inherent inefficiency.
Read More
Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and a prominent figure in the Trump circle, is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations of sexual misconduct. These accusations, surfacing alongside her nomination for a potential ambassadorship, paint a troubling picture and raise questions about the standards within the Trump administration.
The allegations against Guilfoyle aren’t new; they’ve been circulating for some time, including reports of a multi-million dollar settlement paid by Fox News to avoid a trial stemming from claims of “degrading, abusive, and sexually inappropriate behavior” directed towards a female assistant. The sheer magnitude of this settlement suggests a significant issue, one that warrants a closer look, regardless of the details remaining confidential.… Continue reading
President-elect Trump’s transition team is exploring the possibility of weakening or abolishing key banking regulators, including the FDIC and OCC, potentially transferring their functions to the Treasury Department. This aligns with Project 2025’s proposal to merge several financial regulatory agencies. Concerns have been raised that dismantling these agencies, particularly the FDIC, could undermine public trust in the banking system and increase the risk of another financial crisis. The potential elimination of the CFPB is also under consideration, reflecting a broader push for deregulation within the financial sector.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood