In the late 1990s and early 2000s, former CIA Moscow station chief Rob Dannenberg observed the rise of Vladimir Putin and recognized his focus on restoring state control and rebuilding Russia’s military. Dannenberg believes Putin views former President Trump as vulnerable to influence due to his vanity and greed. He fears Trump is being manipulated by Putin. Ultimately, Dannenberg fears that if the U.S. continues to fail to support Ukraine, Putin could potentially win, which would have dire consequences for the world.
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The Trump administration has terminated the lease agreement with the National Links Trust, a nonprofit operating three public golf courses in Washington, D.C. The Department of the Interior cited the nonprofit’s failure to meet lease terms and implement required capital improvements as the reason for the termination. While the administration’s future plans for the courses are unclear, this decision provides President Trump with the opportunity to potentially influence the courses, some of which are located on federal land. The National Links Trust has stated it is “devastated” by the decision.
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President Trump has requested a reduced schedule with fewer but more important meetings to utilize his time “efficiently,” though staff has not yet accommodated this. This request stems from internal concerns regarding Trump’s health and his tendency to doze off during public events and lengthy meetings. White House aides have been working to keep the president awake, even advising him to keep his eyes open during meetings. Further complicating matters, Trump has admitted to nighttime habits that may contribute to daytime fatigue, including late-night texting and difficulty sleeping on Air Force One.
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Despite strong bipartisan support in Congress, the “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act” was vetoed by President Trump, hindering the project’s progress. The legislation aimed to provide local communities with no-interest federal loans to cover their share of the Arkansas River Valley conduit, a project designed to deliver clean water to southeastern Colorado. The bill faced opposition from Trump who cited concerns over taxpayer funding, even though the Congressional Budget Office estimated a minimal cost. This decision drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who viewed the veto as potentially retaliatory, jeopardizing a critical infrastructure project designed to provide jobs and safe drinking water to over 39 communities.
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Following President Trump’s threats of potential military action against Iran, the Iranian government has called for international condemnation, citing the threats as a violation of the UN Charter. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have responded by warning of repercussions to any aggression. Trump’s threats, made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, included the possibility of supporting further Israeli strikes on Iran if a new nuclear agreement is rejected, adding to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This comes after a 12 day war between Israel and Iran, which further contributes to the precarious state of relations.
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Trump claims his ‘real’ approval rating is 64 percent, a statement that immediately raises eyebrows, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of claim that, upon hearing it, most people probably roll their eyes and think, “Here we go again.” The notion that his “real” approval rating somehow differs significantly from what various polling organizations report is a recurring theme. The idea itself suggests a distrust of established data and a preference for a reality tailored to his liking. One has to wonder, what’s the basis for this supposed 64 percent? Is it a poll conducted within his inner circle, or perhaps a survey of his most ardent supporters?… Continue reading
As 2025 concludes, Project 2025 stands as the definitive policy plan of Trump’s second term, a blueprint largely crafted by veterans of his first administration. The plan, which Trump initially distanced himself from, has been systematically implemented, with roughly half of its goals achieved by mid-December. However, while the Heritage Foundation’s ideas now shape federal policy, the institution faces internal conflict and fracture. The administration’s actions regarding the press and public broadcasting directly reflect the project’s proposals, mirroring its strategies to consolidate executive power. Despite the success of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation faces internal turmoil.
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Trump Mobile, a mobile service launched by the Trump Organization, has delayed the release of its $499 gold-colored T1 smartphone. The company, which licensed the Trump name, cited disruptions from the recent government shutdown as the reason for the delay. The “proudly American” device, marketed as a competitor to Apple and Samsung, was initially slated for release earlier in the year. Along with the phone, the service offers phone contracts and is selling used Apple and Samsung phones, capitalizing on the Trump brand.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi posted and then deleted a graph showing a decline in drug overdose deaths, attempting to give credit to the Trump administration for progress made under Joe Biden. The graph, tracking overdose deaths from 2015 to 2024, illustrated a spike before plateauing in 2022 and 2023, followed by a sharp decline during Biden’s term, which Bondi misrepresented. Social media users and politicians, like Rep. Ted Lieu, quickly pointed out the error, leading to the post’s deletion. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about potential risks to these gains due to Trump’s policies, including budget cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency and aggressive actions in other countries.
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As part of a heightened security plan, President Trump authorized a National Guard deployment in New Orleans, commencing Tuesday, following a vehicle-ramming attack on Bourbon Street last year. This deployment, similar to previous security enhancements for events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, will focus on the French Quarter and will not participate in immigration enforcement. With over 800 local, state, and federal law enforcement officials involved, the Guard will support local efforts to enhance capabilities, reduce crime, and restore public trust. This increased presence, including 350 Guard members, will remain through the Carnival season, with plans for the Guard to depart after Mardi Gras in February.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood