US Politics
President-elect Donald Trump has announced several appointments that are reshaping the political landscape in Washington. Among these is the nomination of Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Gaetz, known for his support of Trump and his controversial political stances, has resigned from Congress to accept the nomination. His appointment is viewed by some as an effort to reform the Department of Justice in line with Trump’s agenda for governmental change.
Trump has also appointed Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, a former Congresswoman and military officer, has endorsed Trump since 2024. Her appointment is expected to bring a new perspective to the intelligence community, with her bipartisan appeal and military background. Gabbard’s shift from the Democratic to the Republican Party reflects changing political alliances within the administration.
Moving along, Trump’s appointment of TV personality and military man Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, have drawn mixed reactions. Hegseth’s lack of traditional defense experience is seen by some as a potential asset, allowing for a shift in military priorities. However, his hawkish views on foreign policy issues raise questions about the administration’s approach to international relations.
In the Senate, John Thune’s election as a key leader has prompted discussions about the influence of “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) in shaping the legislative agenda. Thune’s leadership is seen by some as an effort to moderate Trump’s influence, particularly regarding cabinet confirmations and legislative priorities. This development highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party between traditional conservatives and Trump loyalists.
Internationally, the conflict in Ukraine remains a critical issue, with Russia’s actions drawing global attention. The U.S. administration’s cautious approach to supporting Ukraine reflects concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. Media coverage of the conflict has been criticized by some for lacking balance, often focusing on Ukrainian President Zelensky while neglecting the broader geopolitical context.
Domestically, the border crisis continues to be a pressing concern. The appointment of Tom Homan as the incoming “border czar” suggests a potential increase in enforcement actions, including worksite raids targeting companies employing migrants. This move aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize national security and public safety. Relatedly, a New York City pilot program providing debit cards to migrant families has been halted amid scrutiny and an investigation into its implementation, reflecting the complexities of managing migrant support services.
In the media sphere, tensions have arisen as Kevin Roberts, head of the Heritage Foundation, expelled a Guardian reporter from his book launch event. This incident highlights the contentious relationship between conservative figures and the press, particularly in the context of Project 2025, a potential conservative plan for the Trump presidency.
Sources
RINOs in the Senate: Thune’s Leadership and the Alleged Coup Against Trump
Thune paid only lip service to Trump and will oppose Trump in every way possible to protect the SWAMP.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Trump’s Surprise Pentagon Pick: TV Personality and Military Man Shocks Washington
President-elect Donald Trump’s third Tuesday night surprise pick of a conservative commentator and television host as his Pentagon chief shocked Washington, which had expected the nominee to be a seasoned lawmaker or someone with defense policy experience.
Trump Shakes Up DOJ with Surprise Pick: Matt Gaetz Nominated as Attorney General
President Trump is really going for it. This is a very strong appointment.
Breaking News: Border Crisis, Ukraine Conflict, and Media Meltdown – A Jam-Packed Day in Politics and Global Affairs
To be a conspiracy theorist is to have been right all along, despite the efforts of the paid-for liars, and it’s also to be demonstrably well ahead of the gullible still believing in smoke and mirrors.
ICE Raids Loom as Border Czar Eyes 400 Companies Employing Migrants
Public safety threats and national security threats will be the priority…they pose the most danger to this country.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
New York City Halts Migrant Debit Card Program Amid Scrutiny and Investigation
New York City will end a contentious program that provided debit cards to migrant families to purchase food, city officials announced on Thursday.
Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by Shplad
Kevin Roberts Tells Guardian Reporter to ‘Go to Hell’ and Ejects Them from Book Launch Event
Kevin Roberts, the head of the influential rightwing thinktank the Heritage Foundation, told a Guardian reporter to ‘go to hell’ at the launch of Roberts’s new book on Tuesday night, then threw the reporter out of the venue, apparently in response to reporting on the organization.
Source | Submitted by lvng2be
Matt Gaetz Resigns from Congress to Accept Trump’s Attorney General Nomination, Sending Shockwaves Through DC
Safe to say that GOP senators are stunned – not in a good way – on Matt Gaetz for Attorney General
Trump Appoints Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, Stirring Political Waters
I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
Tulsi Gabbard Nominated as Director of National Intelligence: A New Chapter in Trump’s Administration
We have to make sure that our government puts the interest of the American people first.