During a recent lunch with Republican senators, Vice President JD Vance faced intense questioning regarding President Trump’s deal to import beef from Argentina. Several senators expressed concerns, particularly about the potential negative impact on American livestock farmers amidst rising beef prices, prompting Vance to humorously request questions unrelated to the topic. Trump’s administration aims to quadruple low-tariff imports from Argentina, which has angered U.S. ranchers who overwhelmingly supported him in the last election, and several Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed concern over the policy. Some, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Representative Adrian Smith, are trying to influence the policy’s implementation, while Trump has defended the move, claiming it benefits ranchers and consumers alike.
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President Trump has asserted that he could deploy the military to U.S. cities, stating that courts would not prevent him from doing so. He suggested he could invoke the Insurrection Act to bypass the legal system and send in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. These comments, made on Air Force One, have been widely criticized as an attempt to play out a “dictator fantasy,” particularly given existing legal restrictions like the Posse Comitatus Act. Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions and deployment of the National Guard in cities such as Chicago.
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Millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits face the potential loss of their food assistance due to the government shutdown, which is being caused by the Trump administration refusing to release legally appropriated funds. Despite the existence of a contingency fund specifically designed for such emergencies, the administration claims it is unable to use it, contradicting legal mandates. Experts argue this refusal is a clear violation of the law, which requires benefits to be furnished to all eligible households, and further assert that the administration has the authority to transfer funds from other nutrition programs to ensure benefits are paid. Attorneys general in numerous states are suing the administration over the issue, highlighting the unlawful and immoral nature of the situation.
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During his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings, President Trump was presented with a golden crown, a gesture aimed at finalizing a $350 billion trade deal. This seems to have worked as Washington and Seoul reached a broad trade agreement. The focus of the trip shifted to Trump’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The South Korean leg of Trump’s Asia tour follows his visit to Japan where he signed a rare-earths deal and announced several important energy and technology projects in the US to be funded by Japan.
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Speaking to U.S. troops in Japan, President Trump indicated his willingness to deploy more than the National Guard to U.S. cities to address crime and safety concerns. He claimed public support for such actions and asserted that state officials’ cooperation was not essential. This stance echoed earlier comments and followed deployments of the National Guard to various cities. Despite Trump’s claims, polls show that most Americans are opposed to using troops domestically, leading to legal challenges from Democratic governors.
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In a move reported by The Washington Post, President Trump dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts. The White House confirmed the dismissals, stating that new members will be appointed to align with Trump’s “America First Policies”. The Commission, established in 1910, advises on design and aesthetics for government projects, including the President’s controversial plans for a White House ballroom and a proposed “Arc de Trump.” Trump’s actions follow public disapproval of his projects, with a recent poll showing significant opposition to the ballroom plan.
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President Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to pressure China to end its support for Russia during his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping. The Ukrainian leader stated his readiness for peace talks, excluding Russia and Belarus, but emphasized that Ukraine will not cede any territory. Zelenskyy also referenced Trump’s support for a ceasefire and highlighted the importance of continued financial aid from European allies for the next few years. The article also covers the current situation around Pokrovsk, noting ongoing conflict and Russian advances.
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Nearly 2/3 of Americans Disapprove of Trump Ballroom Plan, and the sheer magnitude of that disapproval is, frankly, something to take note of. It’s hard to ignore that level of sentiment. One can’t help but wonder what the other third is thinking – or, perhaps, if they’re even thinking about it at all. It does raise questions, doesn’t it?
The situation is made even more interesting by the fact that the project itself – a ballroom, no less – seems to be completely out of touch with the current needs of the American people. Healthcare, jobs, and affordable housing are pressing concerns, but a fancy ballroom?… Continue reading
The White House terminated all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency advising on design and aesthetics. The firings, communicated via email, come as President Trump pursues significant construction projects in Washington, D.C., including a planned ballroom and a potential triumphal arch. The dismissed members were appointed by former President Biden, and the move mirrors similar actions taken with other boards and organizations. The government staff are now furloughed.
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In a move signaling potential changes to oversight of his construction projects, President Trump has terminated all members of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). This commission, comprised of members appointed by the president, typically reviews designs for memorials, government buildings, and other projects within Washington, D.C. The White House had previously declined to comment on whether Trump would submit his proposed ballroom design for CFA review, while some experts suggest Trump might bypass it based on a precedent set by Harry Truman. With the CFA cleared, the National Capital Planning Commission, led by Trump allies, is expected to review the ballroom plans.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood