President Biden issued preemptive pardons for five family members—his brother James, James’s wife Sara, his sister Valerie, Valerie’s husband John, and his brother Francis—citing baseless, politically motivated investigations targeting them. These pardons, announced shortly before the presidential transition, accompanied similar pardons for other figures, including Dr. Fauci and Gen. Milley. The president emphasized that the pardons do not indicate guilt and that the investigations caused irreparable damage. This action follows Biden’s earlier pardon of his son, Hunter, after Hunter’s conviction on federal gun and tax charges.
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A government shutdown looms large, threatening to plunge the upcoming Trump transition and inauguration into utter chaos. The failure of a crucial bill in the House has set the stage for a potential disruption unlike any seen before, casting a long shadow over the already turbulent political landscape.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; the implications are far-reaching and could severely hamper the smooth transfer of power. Essential government services could grind to a halt, impacting everything from national security to the logistical details of the inauguration itself.
The timing couldn’t be worse. The transition process, typically a carefully orchestrated series of meetings and briefings, is already behind schedule.… Continue reading
Trump’s team is currently barred from accessing federal agencies due to a legal standoff stemming from their refusal to sign standard ethics and transparency agreements. This refusal isn’t a simple oversight; it represents a deliberate attempt to circumvent established protocols. The agreements mandate appropriate handling of sensitive information, restrictions on lobbyists and foreign agents, and prevent the misuse of government knowledge for personal profit after leaving office.
The unwillingness to sign these agreements isn’t simply about bureaucratic red tape. It speaks to a deeper issue: a rejection of accountability and transparency. These agreements are in place to ensure the smooth transition of power and prevent potential conflicts of interest.… Continue reading
The Trump transition team’s failure to sign necessary memoranda of understanding (MOUs) is delaying the transfer of power. This inaction prevents the current administration from providing briefings and security clearances, and the FBI from conducting background checks on prospective cabinet members. The lack of background checks raises concerns about rushed Senate confirmation votes, highlighted by Matt Gaetz’s withdrawn attorney general nomination amidst ethical investigations. The White House emphasizes the importance of a non-partisan Department of Justice upholding the Constitution and rule of law.
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Despite initial disavowals by President-elect Trump and his allies, who viewed Project 2025 as a political liability, the Trump transition team is now utilizing the project’s extensive personnel database to fill thousands of vacant political appointee positions. This database, containing vetted conservative candidates, is proving invaluable in the staffing process. While some individuals associated with Project 2025 are being considered for key roles, others, particularly those advocating for extreme policies, are facing rejection. The transition team emphasizes its commitment to appointing qualified individuals who will advance President Trump’s agenda.
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President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has yet to sign key agreements with the Biden administration, delaying access to critical information and briefing materials. This delay is partially due to concerns about the mandatory ethics pledge, which requires all members of the transition team to avoid conflicts of interest. Trump’s business interests have repeatedly come under scrutiny for potential conflicts, and the team is working to resolve these concerns before signing the agreement. This delay raises concerns about national security preparedness, as Trump’s team is behind schedule in vetting and selecting candidates for top Cabinet positions. While the Trump team downplays the impact, experts warn that this delay could have serious consequences for the smooth transition of power and the ability to effectively govern on Day 1.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood