Security and Foreign Relations: General
Trump threatened to nuke Iran during the same press event where he called a woman reporter “baby“ and a “bitch“ and we`ll all just supposed to continue on tomorrow as though any of this insanity is normal or acceptable
DOGE: Science and Research
Unearthed reports reveal that RFK Jr. fired every full-time CDC cruise ship sanitation inspector ahead of the Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak.
(cbsnews.com)
(cbsnews.com)
Bad Policies: Tariffs
Trump`s tariffs—the ones he added because the last ones were ruled unconstitutional—were just ruled unconstitutional
My crack team has discovered why. This law allows him to impose temporary tariffs to “deal with large and serious US balance-of-payments deficits.“
Here it is:
My crack team has discovered why. This law allows him to impose temporary tariffs to “deal with large and serious US balance-of-payments deficits.“
Here it is:
Corruption: Payments
This story is WILD. Juan Orlando Hernandez, the Honduran ex-president pardoned by Trump for narcotrafficking, seemingly caught on tape in dozens of conversations (if true), discussing plans with GOP and other figures to attack left-wing governments, and saying Israel paid for his pardon from Trump.
‘Hondurasgate,’ the alleged US and Israeli interference plot to destabilize Mexico and other progressive governments(english.elpais.com)
A leaked audio recording points to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, Javier Milei, and Donald Trump as attempting to create a platform to spread fake news about the administrations of ...
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: Abuse of Power
BREAKING: In a PANIC, Kash Patel ordered polygraphs for at least two dozen current and former members of his security detail looking for leaks. Those would be the folks that would see him drinking or wake him the next morning. www.ms.now/news/kash-pa...
Kash Patel ordered polygraphs of more than two dozen members of his team, sources tell MS NOW(ms.now)
The FBI director is said to be looking for leaks and has ordered polygraphs to be taken of current and former security detail and other staff.
Unsorted: Uncategorized
I truly don`t understand why people keep talking about the 25th amendment. Do they not realize the bar to keep a President out of office is *higher* than for impeachment? (2/3 of both houses).
I automatically lose some respect for anyone who brings it up.
I automatically lose some respect for anyone who brings it up.
Racism: General
“Looking back now, it’s clear that the desire to undo the Civil Rights Era — and even restore the Confederacy to a place of honor — never disappeared. It was sometimes set to the side and reshaped, but they kept the fire burning with unwavering attention.“
The Confederacy rises again(publicnotice.co)
Undoing the 1960s isn`t enough. They`re even taking aim at the 1860s.
Corruption: Payments
FYI: It costs only about 3% of face value to buy a futures contract. That means that a $28 million investment paid over $125 million in profit in just 70 minutes. 500%+ in 70 minutes.
That`s why Trump makes he bogus announcements; so his buddies can reap illegal profits like that.
That`s why Trump makes he bogus announcements; so his buddies can reap illegal profits like that.
_3mlciu2o63c2q_1.jpeg)
Racism: General
The numbers don`t lie.
Is Trump a racist? Let’s look at the stats.(motherjones.com)
Whom does he call “low IQ“ the most?
Immigration: ICE targeting legal immigrants
ICE keeps detaining the same US citizen again, and again, and again. He’s fighting back.
ICE keeps detaining the same US citizen again, and again, and again. He’s fighting back.(motherjones.com)
“I only wish to live my life in peace,” Leonardo Garcia Venegas said in a declaration.
Stupidity: General
Seriously, you mean the US Government has been lying to us about the cost of the war and the “total victory“, etc.?
Who would have guessed? 🙄
Who would have guessed? 🙄
Stupidity: General
Is Trump eligible to run for a third term?
At some point, playing to an audience of one just makes you look stupid. This judge should hang his head in shame over this non-answer.
Any middle school kid knows a United States president cannot serve three terms.
At some point, playing to an audience of one just makes you look stupid. This judge should hang his head in shame over this non-answer.
Any middle school kid knows a United States president cannot serve three terms.
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Inside the hell of Alligator Alcatraz
Inside the hell of Alligator Alcatraz(motherjones.com)
Despite shocking conditions and rampant “psychological warfare,” copycats are popping up around the country.
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: The Cult of Trump
Thanking yourself, on our behalf, for work that we paid for...a classical authoritarian move. So is using the accusation of ingratitude as a bullying tactic.
(washingtonpost.com)
Corruption: Payments
“Larry Ellison reportedly told Trump that he would `implement the CBS playbook` at CNN if the merger is approved, which would mean removing anchors and commentators at the network that Trump doesn’t like, the letter alleged.“
Press Freedom Groups Accuse Larry Ellison of Promising Trump Admin He’d Fire CNN Anchors if He Acquires Warner Bros(mediaite.com)
Two press freedom groups are accusing Larry Ellison of promising “favors“ to the Trump administration to win regulatory approval for a Warner Bros. merger.
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: The Cult of Trump
Trump called in as MAGA religious leaders dedicated the giant golden statue of himself at his Doral golf club
Trump's sexual assaults: General
wow -- Trump appears to call Rachel Scott a “bitch“ as he finishes taking questions from reporters
()
()
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Trump Media, the parent company of Truth Social, just reported its 2026 Q1 results.
It lost $405 MILLION on $900,000 in revenue.
It lost $405 MILLION on $900,000 in revenue.
Racism: General
ABC News: Elon Musk’s DOGE “blatantly used” race, gender and other protected characteristics to execute the largest mass termination of federal grants in the history of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal judge ruled on Thursday. abcnews.com/Politics/jud...
(abcnews.com)
(abcnews.com)
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: General
EXCLUSIVE: In 2022, a Georgia grand jury investigated Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election. It heard from more than 60 witnesses.
For years, the full record of what those witnesses said under oath has remained hidden from public view.
Until now.
(lawfaremedia.org)
For years, the full record of what those witnesses said under oath has remained hidden from public view.
Until now.
(lawfaremedia.org)
Security and Foreign Relations: General
More performative premeditated killing by the Trump administration.
The administration is happy to share these snuff films but won’t release the DOJ permission slip for this slaughter at sea—or even identify these “Designated Terrorist Organizations.”
The administration is happy to share these snuff films but won’t release the DOJ permission slip for this slaughter at sea—or even identify these “Designated Terrorist Organizations.”
Immigration: Violent Tactics
‘They are choking me.’
After a detainee’s death in an ICE detention center was labeled a suicide, a witness inside the facility describes hearing him plead for help as guards chocked him to death. Zeteo has the exclusive account.
🔗 The full article by @swin24.bsky.social: zeteo.com/p/texas-ice-...
After a detainee’s death in an ICE detention center was labeled a suicide, a witness inside the facility describes hearing him plead for help as guards chocked him to death. Zeteo has the exclusive account.
🔗 The full article by @swin24.bsky.social: zeteo.com/p/texas-ice-...
Immigration: Retaliation Against Activism and Speech
Breaking news: Indiana University plant microbiologist Roger Innes has been locked out of his laboratory by the school in response to a request by one of his federal funders. The move comes after Innes complained about the government’s prosecution of Chinese postdocs. https://scim.ag/4tsDqRr
After USDA request, Indiana plant biologist locked out of lab by school(scim.ag)
Move comes after Roger Innes complained about the government’s prosecution of Chinese postdocs
Security and Foreign Relations: General
the Trump-Hormuz cycle:
1. Open it right now
2. It’s open because I said it’s open in a social media post
3. I mean it, open it or I will commit war crimes
4. It’s not important and we never needed it anyway (we are here)
rinse, repeat
1. Open it right now
2. It’s open because I said it’s open in a social media post
3. I mean it, open it or I will commit war crimes
4. It’s not important and we never needed it anyway (we are here)
rinse, repeat
The Bulwark(thebulwark.com): Trump: “NATO has proven to be a paper tiger…We don`t use the strait. We don`t need it…We don`t need the strait. We were doing it to help Israel and Saudi Arabia…We don`t need it. We don`t use it.“
Immigration: ICE targeting legal immigrants
It is wrong and criminal for government agents to kidnap someone, send them to die in a concentration camp, and disappear them, regardless of immigration status.
But it`s still worth noting she has a green card. The government doesn`t even pretend this is about deporting undocumented people.
But it`s still worth noting she has a green card. The government doesn`t even pretend this is about deporting undocumented people.
David Farrier(davidfarrier.com): new zeal (www.webworm.co)
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Hassett downplays spiking fuel prices in the US: “It`s a very disruptive thing in Asia, but in the US, it`s very unlikely to cause a recession because we`re such a strong energy producer.“
()
()
Immigration: Violent Tactics
Ghoulish stuff, and deeply counterproductive. The message this sends to immigrant communities is “Do not call the police. If you saw a crime? No you didn’t. If you were a victim of a crime? No you weren’t. If you see a cop? Run.”
Corruption: Payments
Sean Duffy’s reality series is getting slammed for all of the obvious reasons, but don’t look past the fact that his show is being sponsored by companies his department oversees and regulates.
In other words, it’s not just a political mess, it’s also an ethical one. (ms.now)
In other words, it’s not just a political mess, it’s also an ethical one. (ms.now)
Immigration: ICE targeting legal immigrants
This is an important reminder that legality and morality are not the same thing. In just societies they may overlap, but that is neither automatic nor historically common. Laws can also be used to uphold injustice and legitimize evil.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick(reichlinmelnick.bsky.social): Green card holders are not immune from detention. There are ALWAYS some “legal immigrants“ in ICE detention.
Her detention is stupid and cruel. But it is legal. She has an old weed conviction. Thanks to the War on Drugs that makes her deportable (she may have relief she can apply for).
Unsorted: Uncategorized
I hope this redistricting mess leads to a broader push for proportional representation.
Instead of constantly fighting over which groups deserve district carve-outs, proportional systems allow any coalition of sufficient size to earn representation in the legislature.
Instead of constantly fighting over which groups deserve district carve-outs, proportional systems allow any coalition of sufficient size to earn representation in the legislature.
Trump's sexual assaults: General
Jeffrey Epstein`s friend Brock Pierce cut the ribbon at the unveiling of the golden Trump statue in Doral, Florida.
In 2012, Pierce told Epstein that he had a “great time with the girls.“
In 2012, Pierce told Epstein that he had a “great time with the girls.“
Immigration: Violent Tactics
📍 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐘𝐎𝐑𝐊:
A Bronx man says ICE agents violently tackled, bloodied, and detained him by mistake before realizing he was the wrong person — then allegedly left him injured in an unfamiliar park, fueling outrage over mistaken identity arrests and excessive force. #AbuseOfPowerWatch
A Bronx man says ICE agents violently tackled, bloodied, and detained him by mistake before realizing he was the wrong person — then allegedly left him injured in an unfamiliar park, fueling outrage over mistaken identity arrests and excessive force. #AbuseOfPowerWatch
Man, 20, Claims ICE Agents Mistakenly Tackled and Detained Him, Then Left Him Alone and Bleeding with a Head Wound at a Park(people.com)
New York man Jeury Concepcion, 20, claims ICE agents in the Bronx detained and injured him before realizing they had the wrong person. Concepcion required stitches due to the alleged incident.
Bad Policies: General
Almost 50% of Arizonans who had SNAP benefits have been kicked off of the program since last summer thanks to Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”.
This is an excellent article on the cruelty, which of course is the point.
This is an excellent article on the cruelty, which of course is the point.
The families going hungry because of Trump’s food stamp cuts(nbcnews.com)
Under President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” food stamp applicants are fighting to prove eligibility and facing questions about birthday gifts sent over Zelle. A crisis in Arizona offers a wa...
Unsorted: Uncategorized
SCOTUS, which ordered Alabama to create a second Black opportunity district just 3 years ago, has lifted that order a week before the primary. The Purcell principle says courts shouldn`t permit chaos too close to an election—it`s now an open question whether there will even be a primary on schedule.
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: Defying Court Orders
last year, the Supreme Court--with Alito writing for the majority--ruled that Texas could use unconstitutional, racially discriminatory districts because courts should “not alter election rules on the even of an election.“
Now, Alito has ruled to stop an election IN PROGRESS to benefit Republicans.
Now, Alito has ruled to stop an election IN PROGRESS to benefit Republicans.
_3mlmprc3eqs2v_1.jpeg)
Immigration: Violent Tactics
New research finds that ICE raids and deportation fears disrupted local economies, reduced work among undocumented immigrants, and may have hurt some U.S.-born workers too. n.pr/4uJCV6t
The economic chilling effect of Trump`s immigration crackdown(n.pr)
New research finds that ICE raids and deportation fears disrupted local economies, reduced work among undocumented immigrants, and may have hurt some U.S.-born workers too.
DOGE: General
California and Colorado, two states facing heightened wildfire risk this year, have scarcely received any money from FEMA since last July, a Post analysis found.
The delay has affected about 20 wildfire-related projects across the West. https://wapo.st/4uH5vVV
(wapo.st)
The delay has affected about 20 wildfire-related projects across the West. https://wapo.st/4uH5vVV
(wapo.st)
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: Defying Court Orders
DeSantis took Trump`s cue: don`t care what the law says..Ram it through
FL`s own constitution bans partisan gerrymandering
Our coalition went to court to STOP the illegal gerrymander gutting congressional & state races
More on our fight for your vote👇 @lastwordmsnow.bsky.social -TN
FL`s own constitution bans partisan gerrymandering
Our coalition went to court to STOP the illegal gerrymander gutting congressional & state races
More on our fight for your vote👇 @lastwordmsnow.bsky.social -TN
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: The Cult of Trump
“Through a steadily escalating series of provocations, Trump turns once unthinkable actions into things that seem more commonplace,“ writes Aaron Blake | Analysis https://cnn.it/3R5ZRhJ
Analysis: Trump is normalizing things that would have been scandals in his first term | CNN Politics(cnn.it)
President Donald Trump is once again looking for loyalty in all the wrong places. But he’s now spent a decade gradually upping the provocations and wearing down his critics’ willingness to raise a fus...
Bad Policies: Tariffs
Trump`s war is driving up inflation:
The consumer price index rose at a 3.8% annual pace in the year ending in April, up from 3.3% in March and 2.4% in February.
The consumer price index rose at a 3.8% annual pace in the year ending in April, up from 3.3% in March and 2.4% in February.
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema will go down in history as two of the people who stood at the doorway and blocked the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act when democracy and Black political power were under assault.
Immigration: ICE targeting legal immigrants
With a year of data in, the results are clear: the marginal ICE arrest is NOT a criminal. You can barely even tell on the right side of these charts of arrests of convicts when an ICE operation starts and ends. The spikes for noncriminals are massive.
Immigration: Concentration Camps
We are ostensibly a free country and the degree to which we don’t know what is actually going on in a vast network of “camps” on our own soil in the year 2026 is….. something we are probably never going to come close to actually grappling with as a country
Asawin Suebsaeng(swin24.bsky.social): NEW: zeteo.com/p/texas-ice-.. (s)
Corruption: Loyalty
Fired FBI chief tells CNN that FBI director Kash Patel tied job security to purging agents linked to Trump probes. https://cnn.it/4eCinIm
(cnn.it)
(cnn.it)
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: General
Sen. Van Hollen to Kash Patel:
Let the record show the Director of the FBI does not want to answer the question about whether or not it`s a crime to lie to Congress. I find that extremely troubling. I find it troubling that you lie to the American people every day. You are a disgrace.
Let the record show the Director of the FBI does not want to answer the question about whether or not it`s a crime to lie to Congress. I find that extremely troubling. I find it troubling that you lie to the American people every day. You are a disgrace.
Stupidity: General
“It`s your job to know that“ -- Rep. DeLauro seems to understand that HUD Secretary Scott Turner (who reads from notecards when doing TV hits) is in *way* over his head and asks him a series of factual questions about HUD programs, which of course he can`t answer
Corruption: Elon Musk
Absolute banger from @davekarpf.bsky.social today.
Given the fines Musk would have been subject to, it was cheaper for him to buy the government (to the record-breaking tune of $290 million) than face the law. So much corruption. (davekarpf.beehiiv.com)
Given the fines Musk would have been subject to, it was cheaper for him to buy the government (to the record-breaking tune of $290 million) than face the law. So much corruption. (davekarpf.beehiiv.com)
Unsorted: Uncategorized
With the Corrupt Supreme Court, It’s Calvinball All the Way Down talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/with-...
With the Corrupt Supreme Court, It’s Calvinball All the Way Down(talkingpointsmemo.com)
Some of the most consequential and trust-shattering Supreme Court decisions of late...
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: Abuse of Power
Georgia`s governor signs a comically transparent law.
It makes local elections in 5 big blue counties nonpartisan, to give GOP candidates a chance to win without a party label in places like Atlanta.
And it doesn`t change anything in the rest of the state, for red counties to know who`s GOP.
It makes local elections in 5 big blue counties nonpartisan, to give GOP candidates a chance to win without a party label in places like Atlanta.
And it doesn`t change anything in the rest of the state, for red counties to know who`s GOP.
Brian Kemp signs law making many metro Atlanta races nonpartisan(ajc.com)
The law applies to most local government races in Democratic-dominated areas. A court challenge is expected.
Security and Foreign Relations: General
Trump’s Beijing trip congratulates Xi for:
• Buying 80% of Iran’s oil during strikes
• Funding missiles that hit a US F-15
• Shipping Iran rocket fuel in March
• Grabbing our rare earth “nuts“ while Trump folded
• Clean energy & global power domination
Iran is a world power. Xi gets his flowers.
• Buying 80% of Iran’s oil during strikes
• Funding missiles that hit a US F-15
• Shipping Iran rocket fuel in March
• Grabbing our rare earth “nuts“ while Trump folded
• Clean energy & global power domination
Iran is a world power. Xi gets his flowers.
Trump Heads to China to Celebrate Losing in Iran()
Iran is a world power now. Trump is headed to China to take a bow — to President Xi.
Immigration: General
The aftermath of President Trump`s Minnesota immigration blitz has brought federal law enforcement there to a near-standstill. Gun and drug prosecutions plunged. Prosecutors quit. Agents disappeared from taskforces and increasingly turn their cases over to the state.
(reuters.com)
Racism: General
The entire purpose of the Voting Rights Act was to prevent states like Louisiana from disenfranchising Black voters through devices like gerrymandering
Now that the Supreme Court has disemboweling the Voting Rights Act, states like Louisiana are disenfranchising Black voters through gerrymandering
Now that the Supreme Court has disemboweling the Voting Rights Act, states like Louisiana are disenfranchising Black voters through gerrymandering
Aaron Rupar(atrupar.com): Mike Johnson on the Supreme Court striking down the Voting Rights Act: “They reaffirmed a very important principle: Nobody, no American citizen should be discriminated against based on the color of their skin.“
Immigration: Lawless Deportation Tactics
10,000 losses.
That`s the Trump admin`s track record as federal judges have ruled against ICE detention practices in roughly 90% of cases, a POLITICO analysis revealed.
🔗 politi.co/4nuxJB5
(politi.co)
That`s the Trump admin`s track record as federal judges have ruled against ICE detention practices in roughly 90% of cases, a POLITICO analysis revealed.
🔗 politi.co/4nuxJB5
(politi.co)
Immigration: ICE targeting legal immigrants
Donald Trump and Stephen Miller aren`t simply ignoring DACA renewals. They are strategically slowing down application processing so Dreamers will lose their status and become targets for their deportation scheme.
It`s evil, frankly, and it is not who we are as a country.
It`s evil, frankly, and it is not who we are as a country.
Bad Policies: General
- Shortfall of $4-6 billion
- major drivers include Iran war, southern border mission, and $1.1B/year for ARNG soldiers to scroll their phones in DC Metro stations
- III Corps gets its budget cut by 50%, flight hours cut to absolute minimum
Lethality! (abcnews.com)
- major drivers include Iran war, southern border mission, and $1.1B/year for ARNG soldiers to scroll their phones in DC Metro stations
- III Corps gets its budget cut by 50%, flight hours cut to absolute minimum
Lethality! (abcnews.com)
Stupidity: General
Yesterday a few folks pointed out that Trump has changed major details about his reflecting pool project since he announced it in late April. I`ve created a video with graphics that point out how much he`s lied about it. This includes edits of longer rambling statements.
Unsorted: Uncategorized
6.0% PPI y/y is the highest since Dec 2022... time to tote out those 1970s inflation charts!
Bad Policies: General
In a response to the long-debunked “retail theft epidemic,“ the House voted 348 to 60 for a bill that would exacerbate mass incarceration by sweeping more low-level crime into the federal system and exacerbate the criminalization of poverty.
TY to the 59 Democrats who voted NO (see below).
TY to the 59 Democrats who voted NO (see below).
Security and Foreign Relations: General
Exclusive: A confidential U.S. intelligence analysis details how China is exploiting the war in Iran to maximize its advantage over the United States across military, economic, diplomatic and other fields, said two U.S. officials who have read the report.
China gains major edge on U.S. amid Iran war, intelligence report finds(washingtonpost.com)
A confidential assessment, circulating as President Donald Trump begins his highly anticipated trip to Beijing, shows shifts in several key areas of competition.
Racism: General
When white supremacists described the first black politicians winning elections in the South during Reconstruction, they too called it a “reign of terror“ that innocent white people had to suffer under.
Black leaders! Elected to federal office! Can you imagine the indignity?!
Black leaders! Elected to federal office! Can you imagine the indignity?!
Ashton Pittman(ashtonpittman.bsky.social): NEW: U.S (www.mississippifreepress.org)
Corruption: Payments
The largest ever settlement or jury award for government violations of constitutional rights to a single person is $100 million, or 1 percent of what Trump demanding for the leak of his tax returns.
That case -- a killing by police -- was reduced to $1 million on appeal.
That case -- a killing by police -- was reduced to $1 million on appeal.
Hillary Rodham Clinton(hillaryclinton.bsky.social): The president is negotiating against his own administration to shake down taxpayers for $10 billion.
The corruption meter is flashing red and sounding the alarm.
ca.news.yahoo.com/doj-consider.. (l)
Racism: General
TN eliminated only majority-Black district
AL, LA eliminating majority-Black districts
SC planning to oust only Black Democrat since Reconstruction
MS planning to oust only Black rep
GA planning special session to eliminate majority-Black districts
This is what return to Jim Crow looks like
AL, LA eliminating majority-Black districts
SC planning to oust only Black Democrat since Reconstruction
MS planning to oust only Black rep
GA planning special session to eliminate majority-Black districts
This is what return to Jim Crow looks like
Corruption: General
BREAKING: Judge McElroy quashes DOJ`s Rhode Island Hospital subpoena in full, calling out DOJ`s conduct as “misrepresent[ing] salient facts“ under oath.
“[T]he Court GRANTS both Motions to Quash and enjoins the DOJ from seeking or receiving any documents related to this now invalid subpoena.“
“[T]he Court GRANTS both Motions to Quash and enjoins the DOJ from seeking or receiving any documents related to this now invalid subpoena.“
Immigration: Lawless Deportation Tactics
An ICE removal flight operated by Journey Aviation just landed in Myanmar--the second time this year. Migrants onboard will have been shackled for 19+ hours. Previous Burmese deportees were immediately sent to a nearby torture prison, per @jamesstout.bsky.social. gillianbrockell.com/three-craven...
Bad Policies: General
The Trump administration wants to decrease a mother`s allotments for fruits and vegetables from $52 to $13 a month.
Proposed WIC cuts could be detrimental to children`s growth and well-being()
Corruption: Payments
Taxpayer-funded sexual harassment settlements involving lawmakers exceeded $550,000, newly released documents show
(cnn.com)
Bad Policies: Medicaid
They told you they would.
This administration is literally trying to kill off the most vulnerable.
36% of those on Medicaid in CA are children, 40% are births, 12% are seniors (including hospice/homecare), and 8% are people with disabilities.
Inhumane and Unconscionable.
This administration is literally trying to kill off the most vulnerable.
36% of those on Medicaid in CA are children, 40% are births, 12% are seniors (including hospice/homecare), and 8% are people with disabilities.
Inhumane and Unconscionable.
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Until recently, Jonathan Gross was a Trump political appointee at the Department of Justice and worked on its “Weaponization Working Group.“ He has now become a vocal critic of the department. n.pr/4tDE0vR
Ex-DOJ official goes public with blistering criticism of his former bosses(n.pr)
Until recently, Jonathan Gross was a Trump political appointee at the Department of Justice and worked on its “Weaponization Working Group.“ He has now become a vocal critic of the department.
Corruption: General
Manipulating the FBI’s Most Wanted list, padding numbers with ICE arrests… how Kash Patel reportedly has been cooking the books on crime stats www.ms.now/news/fbi-ins...
FBI insiders: Kash Patel is ‘padding the stats’ to boost his record of arrests(ms.now)
In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, the FBI director dodged questions about his behavior and leadership, instead pointing to arrest data that current and former agents say is manipulated.
Corruption: Payments
America`s chief Middle East negotiator - Jared Kushner - is almost completely dependent on Middle East government investment in his chief business. It`s probably the biggest conflict of interest in American diplomatic history and we should be talking about this way more.
Stupidity: General
Interior Secretary claims ignorance of Trump`s July 4 “vanity projects”
Interior Secretary claims ignorance of Trump`s July 4 “vanity projects”(motherjones.com)
Doug Burgum told Congress he didn`t know who was making his department`s decisions on plans for the country`s 250th anniversary.
Racism: General
“We are experiencing a widespread GOP attempt to undo the Reconstruction Amendments that, along w/later civil rights reforms, form the constitutional foundation for our multiracial democracy.“
Good @aselrod.bsky.social intervention (cites my reporting on VA): (liberalcurrents.com)
Good @aselrod.bsky.social intervention (cites my reporting on VA): (liberalcurrents.com)
DOGE: General
NEW: President Trump`s politicization of the DOJ has cost the agency over 6000 years of expertise due to the firings and resignations of 608 officials.
We break it all down:
We break it all down:
DOJ has lost 6,000 years of expertise because of agency politicization - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington(citizensforethics.org)
The DOJ has lost over 6,000 years’ worth of expertise from over 600 officials from politicized firings, resignations in Trump`s second term.
Immigration: Violent Tactics
📍 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐀, 𝐀𝐙:
A 911 call revealed ICE agents pepper-sprayed 47 detainees packed into an overcrowded holding room at a Mesa facility, adding to mounting allegations of inhumane conditions and excessive force inside the detention center. #AbuseOfPowerWatch
A 911 call revealed ICE agents pepper-sprayed 47 detainees packed into an overcrowded holding room at a Mesa facility, adding to mounting allegations of inhumane conditions and excessive force inside the detention center. #AbuseOfPowerWatch
911 call reveals ICE pepper-sprayed 47 detainees in overcrowded Mesa holding facility(azmirror.com)
ICE used pepper spray on 47 detainees in an overcrowded Mesa facility room, a 911 call obtained by the Arizona Mirror reveals
Corruption: General
NEW: President Donald Trump bought and sold millions of dollars worth of stock in tech companies and government contractors including Nvidia and Palantir.
Some of those trades overlapped with regulatory decisions that were favorable to these companies. (notus.org)
Some of those trades overlapped with regulatory decisions that were favorable to these companies. (notus.org)
Corruption: Payments
BREAKING:
Trump is essentially stealing money from the pockets of Americans to the tune of $1.7 billion.
He`s telling his DOJ to give away that money to his allies and supporters under the fake claim that the Biden DOJ was “weaponized.“
It reeks of corruption.
(abcnews.com)
Trump is essentially stealing money from the pockets of Americans to the tune of $1.7 billion.
He`s telling his DOJ to give away that money to his allies and supporters under the fake claim that the Biden DOJ was “weaponized.“
It reeks of corruption.
(abcnews.com)
Corruption: Ending prosecutions
Headlines today:
-Trump DOJ drops fraud case against a billionaire who pledged an investment in U.S. business, which the billionaire will profit from
-Trump drops lawsuit against his own executive branch in exchange for a $1.7B fund for his criminal allies
-Trump personally insider traded
-Trump DOJ drops fraud case against a billionaire who pledged an investment in U.S. business, which the billionaire will profit from
-Trump drops lawsuit against his own executive branch in exchange for a $1.7B fund for his criminal allies
-Trump personally insider traded
Racism: General
There is a statue of author Alex Haley in East Knoxville, TN.
Knox County just removed Roots from all school libraries.
Knox County just removed Roots from all school libraries.
Alex Haley’s “Roots” to be removed from Knox County Schools libraries(wate.com)
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Alex Haley’s book “Roots” is included in an updated list of book titles to be removed from Knox County Schools libraries. The schools previously remove…
Authoritarian / Unconstitutional: Criminalizing Dissent
You know, a President accusing a NYT reporter of committing treason just for asking a question is actually quite a big deal, and this bunch just standing there listening to it and doing nothing is not encouraging the public to think of journalism as a serious business or of words meaning anything.
Aaron Rupar(atrupar.com): Trump to NYT`s David Sanger: “I had a total military victory. But the fake news, guys like you, write incorrectly. You`re a fake guy. We had a total military victory. I actually think it`s sort of treasonous what you write. You should be ashamed of yourself. I actually think it`s treason.“
Immigration: Concentration Camps
Breaking news: The DHS is moving forward with its plan to convert warehouses around the country into immigration detention centers, despite mounting legal challenges and a government watchdog probe into the agency’s purchases of the buildings.
ICE moving forward with warehouse detention plan despite lawsuits, probe(washingtonpost.com)
New warehouse contracts in Texas are expected to be awarded after Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin initially called for a review of the plan.
DOGE: Science and Research
MIT is doing less research and enrolling fewer graduate students as a result of federal actions, the university president warned. Federally funded research on campus is down more than 20 percent compared to this time last year, she said.
MIT president blames federal policy shifts for big drop in research on campus(washingtonpost.com)
Federal funding cuts have curtailed research at elite universities such as MIT, dulling America’s competitive edge globally.
Stupidity: General
Internal Pentagon Report Reveals Hegseth Is Willfully Putting Civilians in Danger
A damning Department of War report finds that the Pentagon didn’t fully implement any required civilian harm mitigation measures.
(theintercept.com)
A damning Department of War report finds that the Pentagon didn’t fully implement any required civilian harm mitigation measures.
(theintercept.com)
Stupidity: General
“We might actually be stupid enough to try it” zeteo.com/p/trump-iran...
‘Mega-Bloodbath’: Trump Officials Hate His Plan to Seize Iran’s Uranium(zeteo.com)
‘We might actually be stupid enough to try it,’ one Trump administration official tells Zeteo.
Corruption: General
Ari Melber Warns Trump’s Potential IRS ‘Slush Fund’ Could Bankroll New Insurrection
(mediaite.com)
(mediaite.com)
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Today I`m publicly releasing a paper that answers that question (download link in the comments) using data on 5.4 million local businesses across the US:
(papers.ssrn.com)
(papers.ssrn.com)
Corruption: Ending prosecutions
At least 15 former elected officials and co-conspirators with corruption offenses have been pardoned by President Trump in the last year, undermining the fight against public corruption.
How the Trump administration has undermined the fight against public corruption(n.pr)
At least 15 former elected officials and co-conspirators with corruption offenses have been pardoned by President Trump in the last year, undermining the fight against public corruption.
Corruption: Payments
“.. We spotted nine Polymarket accounts .. who made collectively $2.4 million betting almost exclusively on U.S. Military operations. ..
“.. Now, here is the crazy part. 98% win rates.”
@mediaite.com
www.mediaite.com/media/news/6...
“.. Now, here is the crazy part. 98% win rates.”
@mediaite.com
www.mediaite.com/media/news/6...
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Too be clear, the empirical definition of Christian nationalism is not “loving Jesus and being patriotic.”
CN is a desire to fuse a particular expression of Christianity with American civic life, with the gov’t at all levels preserving and enforcing that fusion.
CN is a desire to fuse a particular expression of Christianity with American civic life, with the gov’t at all levels preserving and enforcing that fusion.
Right Wing Watch (rightwingwatch.bsky.social): MAGA pastor Robert Jeffress tells those gathered for the Trump administration`s National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving event that the Founding Fathers “would be called Christian nationalists today.“
Immigration: Concentration Camps
“This brings the total spent on “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot” — Florida’s other state-run detention center — to at least $460 million. The highest bill — $92 million — went to Doodie Calls, a portable toilet and sanitation company.“
(wlrn.org)
Corruption: Ending prosecutions
Boebert is straight up admitting that the commutation was extorted by withholding federal funding: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Lauren Boebert suggests Trump withheld funds to Colorado over prosecution of election denier(theguardian.com)
Republican said she hoped recent commutation of Tina Peters by governor would free up federal funding for clean drinking water
Stupidity: General
Trump just put him in charge of the FDA.
He has no medical background at all.
But he does turkey hunt with Don Junior so ok.
(rollingstone.com)
He has no medical background at all.
But he does turkey hunt with Don Junior so ok.
(rollingstone.com)
DOGE: USAID
““It’s possible that we’re starting to see the consequences of severe and sudden cuts to global health programs that have eroded surveillance and allowed deadly viruses to spread undetected...”
(nytimes.com)
(nytimes.com)
Unsorted: Uncategorized
Unusual order in the Trump v. IRS case by Judge Williams. While dismissing the case (she has no choice), she explicitly notes:
1. The is still a question whether controversy existed.
2. There is no settlement of record.
3. The lawyers for the government still have ethical obligations in the case.
1. The is still a question whether controversy existed.
2. There is no settlement of record.
3. The lawyers for the government still have ethical obligations in the case.
- Order (PAPERLESS or pdf attached) AND Order Dismissing/Closing Case or Party – #62 in Trump v. Internal Revenue Service (S.D. Fla., 1:26-cv-20609) – CourtListener.com(courtlistener.com)
ORDER CLOSING CASE. See attached document for full details. Signed by Judge Kathleen M. Williams on 5/18/2026. (ymd) (Entered: 05/18/2026)
Corruption: General
Bill Clinton used to have to walk across the street to use a private telephone to make fundraising calls so as not to violate the Hatch Act by using public resources for partisan purposes. Trump makes campaign commercials from behind the Resolute desk.
PatriotTakes 🇺🇸(patriottakes.bsky.social): Trump released a last minute video against Thomas Massie.
He really wants to defeat the guy who forced him to begin releasing the Epstein files.
DOGE: USAID
oh good
“This has been out of control for weeks, clearly,” said Atul Gawande, a former senior official at USAID. “Speed is everything. From when the first case happens is critical.” He said that the Trump administration’s closure of USAID had already impeded the response to the outbreak.
“This has been out of control for weeks, clearly,” said Atul Gawande, a former senior official at USAID. “Speed is everything. From when the first case happens is critical.” He said that the Trump administration’s closure of USAID had already impeded the response to the outbreak.
Ebola Raged for Weeks in Congo Before Anyone Raised the Alarm(nytimes.com)
Unsorted: Uncategorized
W.H.O. Chief Is ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Speed and Scale of Ebola Outbreak as Cases Rise www.nytimes.com/2026/05/19/w...
W.H.O. Chief Is ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Speed and Scale of Ebola Outbreak as Cases Rise(nytimes.com)
Corruption: Payments
1. On March 11, Trump toured a Thermo Fisher Scientific facility in Ohio and repeatedly praised the company.
On *the same day* Trump bought between $15,000 and $50,000 of Thermo Fisher stock.
The purchase was “UNSOLICITED,“ meaning it was requested by the customer, not recommended by an advisor.
On *the same day* Trump bought between $15,000 and $50,000 of Thermo Fisher stock.
The purchase was “UNSOLICITED,“ meaning it was requested by the customer, not recommended by an advisor.
Immigration: Violent Tactics
If you thought ICE went away, you`d be wrong. They`re still terrorizing Memphis, and harassing people who try to record them. @samanthamichaels.bsky.social reports for @motherjones.com on the new lawsuit filed by @aclu.org.
Memphis is “under full-blown occupation” by ICE. Here’s why you may not know that.(motherjones.com)
Community members face retaliation for trying to spread the word out, a lawsuit alleges.
Bad Policies: General
The average ACA Marketplace deductible experienced the steepest increase in history — growing by 37% or over $1,000, from $2,759 in 2025 to $3,786 in 2026 as enhanced premium tax credits expired.
https://on.kff.org/4nz1Ln4
(on.kff.org)
https://on.kff.org/4nz1Ln4
(on.kff.org)
