Following a string of legal setbacks, President Trump, echoing a Napoleon Bonaparte quote from the film *Waterloo*, asserted on social media that a president saving the country violates no law. This statement, endorsed by the White House, comes amidst widespread court challenges to his administration’s actions, including efforts to curtail federal funding and redefine the 14th Amendment. Allies, including Elon Musk, have attacked judges ruling against them, raising serious concerns among constitutional scholars about a potential constitutional crisis. The White House dismisses these concerns, instead blaming the judiciary.
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Donald Trump and Elon Musk, in a preview of a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, claim that media outlets are intentionally attempting to fracture their relationship. Both men believe that the media’s efforts are transparent and ultimately unsuccessful. Trump notes that the speculation led to a phone call with Musk confirming their shared belief. The full interview, airing February 18th, promises further insight into their perspective.
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User feedback reveals significant issues with the video advertisement. Problems reported include slow loading times, complete failure to load, freezing, and excessively loud audio. These technical difficulties prevented some users from viewing the ad to completion. Additional unspecified issues were also noted. Addressing these technical problems is crucial for improving user experience and ad effectiveness.
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On February 14, 2025, President Trump established the Energy Dominance Council and issued an executive order barring federal funding to schools with COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), operator of Truth Social, reported a net loss of $400.9 million for 2024, despite its stock nearly doubling in value following the presidential election. The company attributes the loss to merger-related legal fees and reduced advertising revenue. TMTG, which boasts significant cash reserves, plans to explore future mergers and acquisitions to diversify its holdings.
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The Trump administration proposed a deal where the U.S. would receive 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for billions of dollars in aid provided since the war began. This proposal, presented to President Zelenskyy in a draft contract, was intended as a reimbursement method rather than a direct purchase. Zelenskyy declined to immediately sign, requesting further review and consultation. While the proposal included potential U.S. troop deployment to secure the minerals, Defense Secretary Hegseth later stated that such deployment is not currently planned.
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During a Munich Security Conference panel, President Zelenskyy revealed his February 12th conversation with President Trump, expressing disbelief in Putin’s purported desire for peace. Zelenskyy directly challenged Trump’s assessment of Putin’s intentions, emphasizing the significant risks to Ukraine and the world should negotiations proceed without Ukrainian involvement. He recounted past broken agreements with Putin, highlighting the importance of Ukraine’s participation in any peace negotiations. Zelenskyy stressed the principle that no decisions concerning Ukraine should be made without Ukrainian input.
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Following Trump and Putin’s announcement of peace talks without Ukrainian involvement, President Zelenskyy asserted the need for Ukraine’s central role in negotiations, citing past experiences where ceasefires were violated immediately after agreements with Putin. He cautioned against decisions made about Ukraine without Ukrainian input, emphasizing the potential for such actions to aid Russian occupation. While Zelenskyy remains prepared for discussions with Trump in Washington, he highlighted the symbolic inappropriateness of signing any peace treaty in Munich, referencing the historical context of the city. Ultimately, Zelenskyy is seeking to reclaim Ukraine’s agency in the peace process.
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The Trump administration has implemented significant layoffs at the Department of Energy (DOE), impacting between 1,200 and 2,000 employees. These cuts affect various sectors, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), national laboratories, and hydroelectric plants. The layoffs followed the arrival of consultants from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Sources indicate approximately 325 NNSA employees have been dismissed, representing a substantial reduction within the agency responsible for US nuclear weapons.
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Following two calls with President Trump on Wednesday, President Zelensky expressed his preference for face-to-face meetings prioritizing a joint US-Ukraine plan to pressure Russia before any talks with Putin. While Trump reportedly denied prioritizing Putin, Zelensky noted the situation was “not very pleasant,” emphasizing Ukraine’s crucial role and the need for European partner inclusion in any negotiations. Trump, having also spoken with Putin, reported progress toward ending the war but the extent of Ukrainian involvement in any resulting peace process remains uncertain, despite planned meetings between US officials and Ukrainian representatives. Kyiv believes American strength can compel Russia towards peace.
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Trump’s proposal to halve defense spending through a deal with Russia and China is certainly generating a lot of buzz, and for good reason. The sheer audacity of such a proposition, involving a significant reduction in US military capabilities alongside supposed commitments from long-standing geopolitical adversaries, is frankly staggering.
The immediate question that arises is whether this proposed agreement implies a proportional reduction in military spending across all three nations—the US, Russia, and China—or if the burden falls disproportionately on the United States. The lack of clarity around this point fuels speculation and considerable apprehension.
Many believe this move would significantly weaken the US military, potentially leaving the nation vulnerable on the global stage.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood