politics

Summary

A Senate report revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted over $4.75 million in luxury travel and gifts from wealthy benefactors, including unreported trips in 2021.

These gifts, described as unparalleled in modern U.S. history, have intensified calls for a binding Supreme Court ethics code.

Critics argue the court’s self-regulated 2023 code lacks enforcement.

Republicans dismissed the investigation as partisan, while Democrats demand stricter oversight.

More than 100 days have passed since Israeli forces killed 26-year-old Turkish-American Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi as she protested illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. And still, no one has been held to account.

Despite pleas from her family and lawmakers, the Biden administration has not opened an independent investigation into her killing. Instead, it has said it’s awaiting the final results of Israel's probe, and reiterated this week that it’s up to the Justice Department to determine whether to launch an investigation into Ayşenur’s killing.

Summary

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown with a last-minute funding bill, though chaos looms under Donald Trump.

Trump and Elon Musk's influence added instability, with Republicans rejecting a debt ceiling extension tied to billionaire tax breaks.

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced backlash after reneging on bipartisan agreements, killing provisions like pediatric cancer research and prescription drug cost reductions.

Trump’s contradictory social media posts further fueled GOP infighting.

The episode is framed as a preview of tumultuous governance, offering Democrats a chance to emphasize Trump’s unpredictability and potential for disruption.

Summary

Donald Trump’s transition team is relying on private email servers and devices instead of secure government accounts, raising cybersecurity concerns among federal officials as sensitive government data could be exposed.

This decision comes despite Trump previously criticizing Hillary Clinton’s email practices during the 2016 election, when he and Republicans framed her use of private email as reckless and dangerous.

Critics argue this inconsistency highlights insincerity, suggesting the prior outrage over Clinton’s emails was a politically motivated attack rather than a genuine concern about national security.

The justices agreed to weigh in on defunding Planned Parenthood at the request of a powerful conservative Christian legal group.

It's a bit dated since it was written in the wake of Kerry's defeat rather than Harris's, but that aside, it's discouragingly (or cynically amusingly) relevant, and could just as easily have been written today.

Archive

Summary

Elon Musk’s aggressive role in pressuring House Republicans to alter a bipartisan spending deal, nearly causing a government shutdown, signals the influence he could wield under Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

Trump views Musk as a "useful activist" and an effective tool for pressuring Congress while deflecting criticism.

Unlike past advisers like Steve Bannon, Musk’s wealth and status give him a unique position in Trump’s orbit.

However, many Republicans are frustrated with Musk’s unelected influence, amplified by his massive financial backing of Trump’s campaign and threats of primary challenges.

UnitedHealthcare, the health insurer whose CEO was murdered earlier this month, has spent decades fighting and winning political battles to maintain the for-profit health system status quo and kill any attempts to reform it.

The revelation was included in a report by Democratic staff members on the Senate Judiciary Committee who had conducted a 20-month investigation into ethics practices at the Supreme Court.

Summary

Donald Trump’s ambassadorial nominees for his upcoming term are facing widespread criticism for their lack of qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.

Picks such as Herschel Walker (Bahamas), Charles Kushner (France), and Kimberly Guilfoyle (Greece) are seen as emblematic of a “diplomatic clown car,” undermining U.S. foreign policy.

Experts warn unqualified ambassadors to key posts like NATO or Turkey could harm U.S. interests.

Critics blame the Senate for failing to vet nominees rigorously and Democrats for not opposing these controversial appointments, which highlight Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy.

Summary

Trust in the U.S. judicial system has hit a record low, with only 35% of Americans expressing confidence, according to Gallup.

Criticism centers on the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, accused of advancing right-wing agendas, eroding rights like abortion access, and lacking accountability.

This judicial capture, orchestrated by conservative groups like the Federalist Society, ensures Republican dominance in key policies for decades, regardless of future elections.

Summary

The Senate passed the Social Security Fairness Act in a 76-20 vote, sending it to President Biden for approval.

The bill repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which reduced Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million retirees, including teachers, police officers, and postal workers.

It also restores full benefits for surviving spouses and families of these workers.

Though backed by bipartisan support, some Republicans opposed the bill due to its $195 billion cost over a decade. Advocates hailed it as a victory for public service workers.

Summary

Kash Patel, Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, has sparked fears of retribution among current and former DOJ, FBI, and intelligence officials.

Known for pushing "deep state" conspiracy theories and naming adversaries in his memoir, Patel may target Trump critics like Liz Cheney if confirmed.

Critics argue Patel lacks managerial experience and could weaponize the FBI, while supporters say he'll end politically motivated investigations.

Concerns include potential mass FBI retirements and prolonged federal probes. Patel’s nomination underscores Trump’s pledge to seek vengeance on perceived enemies.

From the Global War on Terror to Donald Trump’s Second Term

The kingmaker got what he wanted; the king did not

Democrats are making a show of their willingness to cooperate with the incoming Trump administration. That’s not their job.

Today, President Biden’s 235th life-tenured federal judicial nominee was confirmed. This marks the largest number of confirmations in a single term since the Carter administration. These highly qualified men and women—all committed to the rule of law and the Constitution—will serve the federal Judiciary for decades to come.