Exclusive: The Treasury Department instructed employees not to share photos of the demolition of parts of the White House’s East Wing after images of construction equipment dismantling the facade of the building went viral online https://t.co/Up56caNata ...

US-Colombia Relations - Colombia recalled its ambassador from the US due to a feud between President Trump and President Petro, stemming from the US military strike that killed a Colombian fisherman [1] - The US administration prioritizes homeland security, focusing on combating drug trafficking and illegal migration, potentially leading to further actions against Colombia and Venezuela [4][5] - Trump cancelled foreign aid to Colombia and criticized its president, indicating a strained relationship between the two countries [3] US Foreign Policy & Military Actions - The US military conducted at least seven strikes on boats allegedly carrying narcotics, resulting in at least 32 deaths [1] - The legality of the US military actions in international waters is questioned by those outside the White House, but political blowback is expected to be minimal [6][7] - There are concerns about potential regime change operations in Venezuela, which could lead to increased risks for US soldiers and contradict the "MAGA America first" policy [7][8] Domestic Political Implications - The administration's actions in the Western Hemisphere contrast with Trump's desire to play peacemaker overseas [9] - The White House team shows more unity behind the president's actions so far, but alignment on the endgame remains uncertain [5]

Millions of Americans took to the streets yesterday in no kings events across the country to protest President Trump's authoritarian power grabs. The events brought together people from all backgrounds and across the political spectrum, including at least one former White House lawyer for preser then former President Trump. Joining us now is Tai Cobb.He was a lawyer for the during the president's first term. He's evolved from managing the response to special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into allegations o ...

US-Ukraine Relations & Military Aid - Ukraine seeks increased US firepower, specifically Tomahawk missiles, in exchange for Ukrainian-made drones to bolster its defense against Russia [1][2] - The US is considering providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine in exchange for Ukrainian-made drones, but is concerned about depleting its own stockpile [9][10][11] - Russia opposes the US providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, viewing it as unhelpful for US-Russia relations and the war [30] - The potential provision of Tomahawk missiles is seen as a symbolic gesture of US support for Ukraine, which would likely anger Russia [23][24] - The US has been providing a lot of munitions to Ukraine for several years now, leading to concerns about the US stockpile of Tomahawks and other munitions [25][26] Diplomatic Efforts & Ceasefire - President Trump aims to broker another ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia, drawing on the momentum from the Middle East ceasefire [1][4] - A meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin is planned in Budapest in approximately two weeks to continue discussions [6] - There is skepticism regarding President Putin's genuine interest in a peace agreement, with some believing that only blunt force, such as more sanctions, will be effective [14][39] - The threat of Tomahawk missiles may pressure Putin to stop the war [37][38] Geopolitical Dynamics - India is positioning itself as a non-aligned movement, resisting pressure from the US and China [34][35] - The world is potentially breaking down along similar lines to the Cold War, with the US, Russia, and a non-aligned movement led by India [35] Venezuela - The US administration is increasing pressure on Nicolas Maduro, with President Trump acknowledging a CIA initiative inside Venezuela [16][17] - Nicolas Maduro has reportedly offered "everything" in his country, including natural resources, to the US in exchange for mediation [19] Impact of War on Ukraine - Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, targeting energy infrastructure, raising concerns about the upcoming winter [41][42][44] - Ukraine has gained significant experience in drone warfare, which has become a prominent aspect of the conflict [31][32] - Freezing $300 billion of Russian central bank reserves and providing them to Ukraine could pressure Putin to end the war [40]

So, Tyler, back up a little bit here and give us some context for this post. Right, Exactly, Scarlett. So in recent days, we actually have seen Beijing move to unveil some new export curbs when it comes to critical and rare earth minerals, expanding both the elements and the technology on its control list.It's also a move to require overseas exporters of items that have even trace trace amounts of Chinese source critical minerals in them to apply for separate export licenses. And that is considered to be a ...

Legal Proceedings & Strategy - The legal team intends to file motions for selective prosecution and unlawful appointment of the interim US attorney, aiming to dismiss the case before trial [2][12][13] - Discovery prospects are extensive, potentially involving White House and Justice Department communications, and grand jury proceedings [2] - The defense may argue the prosecution is retaliatory, violating free speech rights [13] - The White House might assert executive privilege to withhold certain communications [22] Potential Outcomes & Motivations - A conviction is considered a success for the Trump White House, potentially across multiple investigations [9][11] - James Comey may seek vindication through a jury trial, aiming to prove his innocence [7] - There are concerns about potential retribution from the Trump administration, including frivolous lawsuits and IRS targeting [16][17] Key Individuals & Dynamics - James Comey's confidence is noted, but this is his first time being on the defense side [5] - The involvement of Pam Bondi and potential White House coordination are under scrutiny [20][21] - An FBI agent was allegedly fired for refusing to do a "perp walk" with James Comey, indicating a desire for public spectacle [18]

Government Shutdown & Political Stance - The government shutdown is on its fifth day, with both parties blaming each other for the stalemate [1] - Democrats accuse Republicans of refusing negotiations to reopen the government [1][2] - Republicans claim the shutdown is a Democratic ploy related to Senator Chuck Schumer's re-election [1][3] - Polls indicate Americans are blaming President Trump and Republicans for the shutdown, though many are unsure [4] - Democrats are using the shutdown to fight back against the Trump agenda, particularly regarding healthcare [4] Healthcare & ACA Subsidies - Healthcare premiums are expected to skyrocket, potentially doubling, if Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies expire [5][6] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of standing firm against Trump to prevent the expiration of ACA subsidies [6] - It is estimated that notices of premium increases will start arriving in approximately three weeks [7] - Millions of people could see their Medicaid taken away or dramatically reduced in the coming years [11] Project 2025 & Trump's Agenda - President Trump is embracing Project 2025, a far-right blueprint for mass federal workforce firings [13] - The speaker believes Trump has been trying to implement Project 2025 all along [14][15] - The speaker highlights the need to push back against the Trump agenda in legislatures and courts [15] Jeffrey Epstein Scandal - Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's comments about Jeffrey Epstein contradict the Trump administration's public statements [19] - Lutnick described Epstein's behavior and hinted at blackmail, raising questions about a potential cover-up [18][20] - The speaker calls for the release of the Epstein files, suggesting Trump is hiding something [22][23]

Government Shutdown Standoff - Republicans in the House are united behind Speaker Johnson's strategy to keep the government closed until Senate Democrats agree to reopen it [1][2] - House Republicans have already passed a bill for a 7-week extension of current government funding [2] - House Democrats are urging Republicans to include Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions in any deal to reopen the government [3] - Negotiations between the White House and Republicans have stalled [4] Intergovernmental Conflict - The Trump administration is considering federalizing 300 members of the Illinois National Guard to address crime in Chicago [9] - The governor of Illinois opposes the federal intervention, stating that the state has the situation under control [12] - The White House has not yet confirmed the plan to federalize the Illinois National Guard [13]

With a shutdown standoff in full swing, the Trump administration is taking aim at New York, the home of the top two Democrats in Congress. Today, Trump's budget director announced that the White House is freezing roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects, including what would be the newest link between the city and New Jersey, the Hudson Tunnel. I want to bring in Senator Andy Kim, Democrat of New Jersey.It's good to see you. And I don't have to tell you your state will be directly impact ...

US-Israel Relations & Diplomatic Stance - The US President has given the Israeli Prime Minister significant leeway in the Gaza war over the past 7 months [2][7] - International anger towards Israel is at a peak, leading to growing isolation on the world stage [8][9] - A 21-point peace plan, spearheaded by Steve Whit, proposes that Hamas disarm and release hostages in exchange for the removal of IDF forces from Gaza [4][5] Potential Policy Shifts & Challenges - The Israeli Prime Minister may seek to avoid explicit disagreement with the US President regarding the annexation of the West Bank, potentially pursuing a partial or less dramatic approach [12] - The Israeli Prime Minister may want to appear to meet the US President halfway, but ending the war might be too much for his coalition partners [16] - De facto annexation could occur through expanding settlements in the West Bank, effectively taking land off the table for a potential Palestinian state [17][18] Peace Plan & Regional Dynamics - The 21-point plan is vague on security arrangements and timing, using the word "gradually" often [15] - The US President desires to end the war and expand the Abraham Accords, potentially using leverage such as UN Security Council resolutions to influence the Israeli Prime Minister [18][19][20] - The United Arab Emirates may pull back from the Abraham Accords if Israel proceeds with annexation [21]