The Honduran election has resulted in a very close contest, requiring an extended vote count by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Preliminary results show a narrow lead for Asfura over Nasralla. CNE head Ana Paola Hall has urged patience while the special counting process is completed. Accusations of external interference have surfaced, including claims that former U.S. President Trump is attempting to influence the outcome.
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During a cabinet meeting, President Trump announced the imminent commencement of land-based missile strikes against drug smugglers, escalating the ongoing conflict. This decision follows alleged war crimes committed during strikes on drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. Trump also stated that any country producing drugs that reach America is subject to these attacks. The administration’s actions and rhetoric are drawing criticism and prompting investigations, while also garnering support from certain figures.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a follow-up strike on a suspected drug-carrying boat in the Caribbean Sea, citing the “fog of war” and claiming he didn’t see any survivors. The initial strike, part of a counterdrug campaign in the region, has prompted investigations following reports of a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the boat. President Trump distanced himself from the second strike, stating he “didn’t know anything” about it, while the Pentagon’s own manual indicates that striking survivors is illegal. Navy Vice Adm. Frank Bradley is expected to brief lawmakers on the matter, while the administration maintains he acted within his authority.
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During a Cabinet meeting, President Trump dismissed voters’ concerns about affordability, claiming it was a “Democrat scam” despite polls indicating that many Americans blame his policies for rising prices. He further asserted that these affordability concerns were fueled by “fake news,” despite previously campaigning on lowering costs. This stance contradicts a recent Yahoo/YouGov poll revealing that a significant portion of Americans believe Trump’s policies have raised prices. Democrats responded with criticism, accusing Trump of gaslighting Americans and highlighting the impact of his policies on working families.
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The White House has issued a statement defending Donald Trump’s decision to commute the prison sentence of former private equity executive David Gentile. Gentile was released after serving less than two weeks of a seven-year sentence for a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. The Biden administration claims it could not tie any fraudulent representations to Gentile and views the case as an example of justice being weaponized. Despite the commutation, Gentile’s conviction for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and securities fraud remains in place.
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Hegseth’s book reveals a disdain for military regulations, particularly those he believed hindered combat effectiveness. He is quoted as telling his platoon to disregard certain rules of engagement, prioritizing the elimination of perceived threats. The author frequently criticizes what he perceives as excessive concern for international opinion, prioritizing victory above all else. Hegseth’s admiration for his commander, Colonel Michael Steele, who faced reprimand for allegedly ordering the killing of military-aged males, is evident.
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Pope Leo has cautioned President Trump against using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Instead, the Pope has suggested pursuing dialogue or economic pressure for regime change. The Pope criticized the mixed signals emanating from the U.S. regarding the situation, highlighting the inconsistency in messaging. Trump’s actions, including airspace closures and military deployments, have fueled speculation about an imminent strike, despite Maduro denying the accusations and denouncing the threats.
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The political success of Trump and his allies hinges on cultivating an illusion of strength, similar to authoritarian regimes, although the US system allows for greater vulnerability. Trump and his supporters depend on projecting an image of power to mask underlying weaknesses, which is why any perception of weakness is strongly countered. When this carefully constructed image is challenged, the very tactics used to promote it, such as over-the-top praise, can backfire and undermine the leader’s standing, leading to a loss of influence.
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During a rally for Van Epps, while on House Leader Mike Johnson’s speakerphone, Trump emphasized the importance of winning the seat, citing the historic tax cuts and the upcoming “Great Big Beautiful Bill.” He falsely accused Behn of hating Christianity and country music. Trump framed the vote as a demonstration of Republican strength, while also announcing a Monday night telerally in support of Van Epps. The claims against Behn, including the accusation of hating Christianity, are part of a larger effort involving over $3.3 million in spending against her, despite Behn’s actual statements, which expressed concerns about religion’s role in legislation, never matching Trump’s characterization.
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A recent YouGov poll indicates that almost half of American adults believe President Trump will be remembered as a “poor” or “below average” president. The poll surveyed over 26,000 U.S. adults and revealed significant differences in opinions based on political affiliation, with Democrats holding a more negative view. Across all age groups and demographics, the majority of respondents expressed unfavorable opinions of Trump’s historical standing. This poll reflects a larger trend, as Trump’s approval ratings have declined in recent months, with many major pollsters reporting negative ratings.
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John Q. Hosedrinker