C.D.C. Posts, Then Deletes, Data on Bird Flu Spread Between Cats and People


How Trump Lost His Trade War


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Rwandan troops ‘dying in large numbers in DRC’, despite official denials of role


Plane missing between Unalakleet and Nome


Federal Election Commission Chair Says Trump Has Moved to Fire Her


Trump's trade pick gets an earful on Canada tariffs


I did not support Donald Trump last election (nor did I support him any election, as a matter of fact). One of my main reasons for that were his statements regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine which I found troubling, at least.

But I still have some hope for Ukraine in this new Trump era. Why, you may ask?

Because if you remove the dialectic and slogans out of it, (for example his outrageous statements in Helsinki in 2018) at least during his first administration, Trump was actually a pretty solid President when it came to Russia and Ukraine.

First of all, he strengthened NATO. The other NATO countries weren’t paying their fair share, and Trump pressured them to start paying their dues. Not only the US didn’t leave NATO under Trump, but thanks to his efforts over $400 billion extra funding for NATO. A stronger NATO is a weaker Putin, always. You can question the methods, but not the results. Trump also signed off NATO’s biggest expansion since the Cold War, approving Montenegro and North Macedonia’s accession. He also pushed for increased NATO naval patrols in the Black Sea to counter Russia.

Trump increased US military footprint in Poland in 2020 with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. He deployed more troops also to the Baltic states and Romania. US naval activity in the Black Sea was increased. We all know what a strong message this sends to Putin.

While Obama refused to send lethal aid to Ukraine even after Crimea, Trump in 2017 approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine, and sent $1.5 billion in military aid.

Trump actually sanctioned Russian oligarchs, companies and banks, and expelled 60 Russian diplomats after the Skripal poisoning. He went after the energy sector, state-owned companies and Putin’s friends. Trump also withdrew from the INF Treaty after accusing Russia of violations.

Trump also fought like hell against Nord Stream 2 (if you don’t remember that’s the Russian pipeline to Germany), and imposed sanctions on companies involved with the construction, delaying the completion. He actually warned Europe against the reliance on Russian energy and they LITERALLY laughed at his face.

Compare this to President Obama, who refused to send lethal aid to Ukraine even after Crimea, with his own Generals and Defense Secretary pushing for it, and instead imposed weak sanctions that failed to deter Russian advances. The reset policy was a failure, and he practiced appeasement, cancelling defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic (and leaving NATO allies vulnerable) to appease Russia.

Or to President Biden, who lifted Trump’s sanctions on Nord Stream 2, as one of his first major FP moves. This was a gift to Putin. His chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan projected weakness. Less than six months later, Russian tanks were in Ukraine. And in the lead-up to the invasion, Biden ignored Ukrainian’s calls for more weapons in order to negotiate with Putin (something that obviously didn’t work). While I recognize his ability of rallying NATO, the truth is he hesitated sending advanced weaponry because he feared escalation, and made them fight with Soviet-era equipment. And he sent Abrams tanks and F-16s due to congressional pressure, and too late. He failed to establish a clear victory strategy.

And one important thing we need to take into account is that everything Trump cares about is been seen as a winner. He isn’t interested in a peace treaty in Ukraine that gives Russia a victory, because it will make him look weak, when he will do anything in order to project strength. He will not let Ukraine be his Afghanistan.

Trump has also shown he is much more pragmatic and politically-savvy than his loyalists. Example of this is supporting for the Republican Senate Leadership John Thune, a competent person who, by the way, is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, before a MAGA name like Rick Scott. Already in his first days in office he took a tough approach on Putin: “I think he is destroying Russia by not making a deal (…) Zelensky wants to make a deal, I don’t know if Putin does. He might not. I don’t know.”

Should we then take for granted Trump will save Ukraine? Absolutely not. We need to still fight for a cause worth fighting for. But we need to understand that while there are Tulsi Gabbard’s in the White House now (the most dangerous nomination in the century), there are also Mike Waltz’s, the National Security Advisor and a Ukraine hardliner. We should know about the outrageous comments Trump did on Ukraine, but we should also know he did hell of a job for them the first time, and we need to steer the ship in that direction now.

We need to know the facts. We need to have hope.

Weird to say, but I hope, at least on this matter, 47 looks like 45.

Thanks for reading!

Some hope for Ukraine with Trump


China is infiltrating Taiwan’s armed forces


”Torrenting from a corporate laptop doesn’t feel right”: Meta emails unsealed


Syrian president meeting the delegation of Slovenia yesterday in Damascus. The lifting of sanctions and support for the territorial integrity of Syria were among the topics discussed


Dems lost the optics war with Biden. They’re making the same mistakes all over again

:asean: Association of Southeast Asian Nations


The US Treasury Claimed DOGE Technologist Didn’t Have ‘Write Access’ When He Actually Did | WIRED


How Climate Change Could Upend the American Dream


Could Stephen A. Smith save the Democratic Party?


The Trump administration on Thursday ordered all federal departments and agencies by March 7 to submit lists of employees who received less than “fully successful” job performance ratings over the past three years.

The order from the acting director of the Office of Personnel Management said “OPM is developing new performance metrics for evaluating the federal workforce,” and requires agencies to identify any barriers to making “meaningful distinctions” between employees’ job performance relative to one another.

The memo also orders agencies to identify any barriers to an agency having “the ability to swiftly terminate poor performing employees who cannot or will not improve.”

The memo orders agencies to disclose the name, job title, pay plan, duty station and other details of employees who received a performance rating below “fully successful” in recent years.

It also asks if that “employee is under or successfully completed a performance improvement plan within the last 12 months,” and whether the agency “has already proposed and issued a decision” on efforts to demote or remove that worker for performance-based reasons.”

The memo additionally asks if such an action “is currently appealed or challenged and under what procedures,” and for any outcome of those proceedings.”

Trump administration demands lists of low-performing federal workers


Senate confirms Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget


Several federal agencies this week received an urgent task from administration officials: tell us why each of your recent hires should keep their jobs.

In at least one case at the Energy Department, a supervisor was given 20 minutes to turn around the justifications. They were limited to 200 characters per employee, including spaces.

The directive came from the Office of Personnel Management and follows the human resources agency asking every agency for lists of employees still on their probationary periods. Such workers—usually those hired within the last one or two years, depending on their hiring mechanism—can typically be fired quickly and without much recourse, sparking concerns the Trump administration is planning to dismiss them in droves.

That supervisor was also included on the list, and now fears for their job.

An OPM official said the directives were given to agencies that had not yet fully complied with their previous guidance, which it issued on President Trump’s first day in office. Similar instructions were given to the Internal Revenue Service and at least some other agencies with an equally tight deadline, according to a source familiar with the process.

In its initial guidance, OPM directed agencies to “promptly determine” whether probationers “should be retained at the agency.” Employees at some agencies told Government Executive their supervisors had not received new guidance this week, instead initially telling OPM upon submitting their lists that all impacted staff in their divisions should be retained.

Many federal supervisors this week had just hours to send tweet-length justifications to save their employees’ jobs


Trump administration to keep only 294 USAID staff out of over 10,000 globally, sources say


Jonathon Sine: Chris Miller's book on the failure of reform in the USSR claimed that organized bureaucratic interests stymied Gorbachev, but he was actually quite powerful and dismantled many old structures. Instead, Gorbachev made bad choices and had incoherent goals (February 2025)


Award-Winning Essay Feature: “Locke and George on Original Acquisition” by Paul Forrester


Cocaine "no worse than whiskey," would be "sold like wine" if legalized worldwide, Colombia's president says


The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Thursday announced new sanctions on an international network of individuals and companies accused of facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China.

The sanctions will affect people and groups in numerous countries, including China, India and the United Arab Emirates. They will also target shadow fleet vessels and management companies that transported Iranian oil, according to the State Department.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the goal of the sanctions is to “disrupt illicit funding streams” that help fund Iranian armed forces and U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.

The sanctions follow President Trump’s executive order on Tuesday directing the Treasury Department, in consultation with the State Department, to “identify and impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran’s economy.”

While signing the order, Trump told reporters that “we will see whether or not we can arrange or work out a deal with Iran,” whose nuclear program is rapidly developing.

US targets network accused of facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China with sanctions


Who Goes Nazi?


They know a thing or two because they've seen a thing or two!


The Brevard County legislator says its political payback from the DeSantis administration for endorsing Donald Trump for president.

State disqualifies GOP Rep. Debbie Mayfield from running for state Senate • Florida Phoenix


President Trump has selected Gerald Parker, a veterinarian and former top-ranking federal health official, to head the White House's pandemic office, two U.S. officials tell CBS News.

Congress created the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of one of the lessons learned from the outbreak, the office was intended to formalize the so-called czar roles that had led efforts across the federal government to prepare and respond to pandemic threats.

Parker was previously the associate dean for Global One Health at Texas A&M University. "One Health" refers to the study of how health threats in animals and the environment are closely linked to human health concerns, including how dangerous viruses and bacteria often emerge in animals before spreading to humans.

He has served under Republican and Democratic administrations alike, and was recently head of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity under the Biden administration. This office was charged with crafting recommendations for new rules governing research that could create riskier pathogens.

Trump taps Gerald Parker to be new head of pandemic office as bird flu threat grows

President Trump has selected Gerald Parker, a veterinarian and former top-ranking federal health official, to head the White House&#39;s pandemic office, two U.S. officials tell CBS News.

Congress created the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of one of the lessons learned from the outbreak, the office was intended to formalize the so-called czar roles that had led efforts across the federal government to prepare and respond to pandemic threats.

Parker was previously the associate dean for Global One Health at Texas A&amp;M University. &quot;One Health&quot; refers to the study of how health threats in animals and the environment are closely linked to human health concerns, including how dangerous viruses and bacteria often emerge in animals before spreading to humans.

He has served under Republican and Democratic administrations alike, and was recently head of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity under the Biden administration. This office was charged with crafting recommendations for new rules governing research that could create riskier pathogens.


Macron invites Syria’s Sharaa to France for first EU visit


Politico: Note to Our Readers


The White House is working on an executive order to fire thousands of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services workers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

White House on Thursday denied it is drafting an executive order to cut workers across federal health agencies.

According to the Wall Street Journal, under the order, which could come as soon as next week, the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies would have to cut a certain percentage of employees.

Officials have been told to prepare lists of probationary workers who have essential roles and must be retained and those who don't, the newspaper reported.

White House preparing order to cut thousands of federal health workers, WSJ reports

The White House is working on an executive order to fire thousands of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services workers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

White House on Thursday denied it is drafting an executive order to cut workers across federal health agencies.

According to the Wall Street Journal, under the order, which could come as soon as next week, the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health agencies would have to cut a certain percentage of employees.

Officials have been told to prepare lists of probationary workers who have essential roles and must be retained and those who don&#39;t, the newspaper reported.


Trump admin agrees to limit DOGE access to Treasury payments system


The impact of incarceration on reoffending: A period-to-period analysis of Canadian youth followed into adulthood


UK diplomat David Lammy visits Kyiv, unveils £55 million aid package


Trump Administration Prioritizes High-Birthrate Areas for Transportation Funds


News of mass immigration arrests has swept across the US over the past couple of weeks. Reports from Massachusetts to Idaho have described agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) spreading through communities and rounding people up. Quick Google searches for Ice operations, raids and arrests return a deluge of government press releases. Headlines include “ICE arrests 85 during 4-day Colorado operation”, “New Orleans focuses targeted operations on 123 criminal noncitizens”, and in Wisconsin, “ICE arrests 83 criminal aliens”.

But a closer look at these Ice reports tells a different story.

That four-day operation in Colorado? It happened in November 2010. The 123 people targeted in New Orleans? That was February of last year. Wisconsin? September 2018. There are thousands of examples of this throughout all 50 states – Ice press releases that have reached the first page of Google search results, making it seem like enforcement actions just happened, when in actuality they occurred months or years ago. Some, such as the arrest of “44 absconders” in Nebraska, go back as far as 2008.

All the archived Ice press releases soaring to the top of Google search results were marked with the same timestamp and read: “Updated: 01/24/2025”.

The mystery first caught the attention of an immigration lawyer who began tracking Ice raids and enforcement actions when Donald Trump took office. She spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal from the administration. At first, she was baffled when she clicked on these seemingly new press releases and they detailed Ice raids from more than a decade ago.

Since the Guardian reached out to Ice and Google for comment, some of the press releases have reverted back to their original dates on Google search. Therefore, those releases are no longer appearing at the top of Google search results.

US immigration is gaming Google to create a mirage of mass deportations


A federal judge on Thursday extended the deadline for federal workers to accept the Trump administration’s sweeping buyout offer.

The court will weigh the merits of the bid to block the offer in a Monday hearing.

The move comes as the government had set a Thursday deadline for federal workers to determine whether they wanted to take the deal – something they could do by simply replying “resign.”

Workers will now have until Monday to accept the deal, giving more time to weigh the unusual offer.

While the Trump administration assured workers they would be paid past regardless of federal funding being set to lapse in March, the contract bars employees from nearly all forms of recourse to challenge any issues with the offer.

Federal judge pauses Trump federal worker buyouts


Senate Democrats Hold the Floor in Overnight Protest of Trump Nominee


Trump 'made something snap in us' - US-Canada ties frayed by tariff row


Patronage vs. Constituent Parties (Or Why Republican Party Leaders Matter More Than Democratic Ones)


The Alice Independent School District in South Texas warned parents in a letter Wednesday that U.S. Border Patrol agents may be checking the immigration status of students on school buses traveling for extracurricular activities.

Trevino added that if a student does not have identification or other documents that show a pupil is in the country legally, “they may be removed from the bus, detained, and possibly deported.” It also warns that if students lie about their immigration status, they may not get U.S. citizenship in the future.

The school district later removed the letter from its Facebook page and its website. A spokesperson for the school district didn't immediately answer emailed questions from the Tribune Thursday morning.

Under current federal immigration law, someone who lies about being a U.S. citizen may be disqualified from receiving a green card or U.S. citizenship.

Recently, the Trump administration scrapped a longstanding practice that immigration agents do not enter public schools, health care facilities and places of worship to arrest undocumented immigrants. Spokespeople for the school district and Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley, near Alice, didn’t respond to after-business hours requests for comment from The Texas Tribune.

The letter also states the school district is considering having a chaperone travel in a separate vehicle if a student is detained; the chaperone would be able to stay with the student while the rest of the group continues their journey.”

Texas school district warns Border Patrol may board buses and question students about citizenship

The Alice Independent School District in South Texas warned parents in a letter Wednesday that U.S. Border Patrol agents may be checking the immigration status of students on school buses traveling for extracurricular activities.

Trevino added that if a student does not have identification or other documents that show a pupil is in the country legally, “they may be removed from the bus, detained, and possibly deported.” It also warns that if students lie about their immigration status, they may not get U.S. citizenship in the future.

The school district later removed the letter from its Facebook page and its website. A spokesperson for the school district didn&#39;t immediately answer emailed questions from the Tribune Thursday morning.

Under current federal immigration law, someone who lies about being a U.S. citizen may be disqualified from receiving a green card or U.S. citizenship.

Recently, the Trump administration scrapped a longstanding practice that immigration agents do not enter public schools, health care facilities and places of worship to arrest undocumented immigrants. Spokespeople for the school district and Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley, near Alice, didn’t respond to after-business hours requests for comment from The Texas Tribune.

The letter also states the school district is considering having a chaperone travel in a separate vehicle if a student is detained; the chaperone would be able to stay with the student while the rest of the group continues their journey.”


Kemi Badenoch proposes 15 years waiting period for British citizenship


Trump’s plan for ‘hemispheric control’: Steve Bannon on why tariffs may only be the start - National | Globalnews.ca


The Hololive Merch Store Notice: Customs Duties on Orders Delivered to the United States of America


Democrats sue GOP county executive over armed volunteer unit they say amounts to an illegal militia


Trudeau travelling to Paris, Brussels for AI summit, meetings with European allies


Polish government ministers clash over cuts to social housing budget


Tesla’s sales plummet across Europe


President Donald Trump on Thursday will sign an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court, accusing the body of improperly targeting the United States and Israel, according to a copy of a fact sheet supporting the order obtained by NBC News.

The order will include both financial sanctions and visa restrictions against unspecified ICC officials and their family members found to have assisted in ICC investigations of U.S. citizens or allies.

Last November, the ICC sparked bipartisan backlash in Washington by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and several Hamas leaders simultaneously. The Trump administration order claims this created a “shameful moral equivalency.”

The expected signing of this order this afternoon appears timed to the Netanyahu's visit to Washington, which included an Oval Office meeting Tuesday.

Earlier this year, the House passed a bill to sanction the ICC that was later blocked by Democrats the Senate.

Trump to sign an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court

President Donald Trump on Thursday will sign an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court, accusing the body of improperly targeting the United States and Israel, according to a copy of a fact sheet supporting the order obtained by NBC News.

The order will include both financial sanctions and visa restrictions against unspecified ICC officials and their family members found to have assisted in ICC investigations of U.S. citizens or allies.

Last November, the ICC sparked bipartisan backlash in Washington by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and several Hamas leaders simultaneously. The Trump administration order claims this created a “shameful moral equivalency.”

The expected signing of this order this afternoon appears timed to the Netanyahu&#39;s visit to Washington, which included an Oval Office meeting Tuesday.

Earlier this year, the House passed a bill to sanction the ICC that was later blocked by Democrats the Senate.


The Trump administration hopes to upgrade and replace the nation's entire air traffic control system, with President Trump saying Thursday morning that he'll work with Congress on a bill to that end.

Billionaire Elon Musk, a special government employee in charge of the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency task force, said Wednesday that his DOGE team will work to make "rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system." On Capitol Hill Thursday morning, Mr. Trump suggested Congress should fund a completely new air traffic control system, in the wake of last week's Blackhawk helicopter-commercial plane midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport that killed 67.

The president said he and congressional leaders will sit down and "do a great computerized system for our control towers, brand new," rather than trying to improve the current system.

The president suggested the current air traffic control system is a patchwork of technology and companies, and instead, just one or two companies and one set of equipment should function throughout.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also said this week the the administration is going to make sure the U.S. has the most innovative, technologically advanced air traffic control system. That's the mission of the Federal Aviation Administration, Duffy said.

As CBS News has previously reported, less than 10% of the nation's airport terminal towers have enough air traffic controllers to meet a set of standards set by a working group that included the Federal Aviation Administration and the controllers' union, according to a CBS News analysis of FAA data.

Trump administration wants bill to establish new air traffic control system

The Trump administration hopes to upgrade and replace the nation&#39;s entire air traffic control system, with President Trump saying Thursday morning that he&#39;ll work with Congress on a bill to that end.

Billionaire Elon Musk, a special government employee in charge of the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency task force, said Wednesday that his DOGE team will work to make &quot;rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system.&quot; On Capitol Hill Thursday morning, Mr. Trump suggested Congress should fund a completely new air traffic control system, in the wake of last week&#39;s Blackhawk helicopter-commercial plane midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport that killed 67.

The president said he and congressional leaders will sit down and &quot;do a great computerized system for our control towers, brand new,&quot; rather than trying to improve the current system.

The president suggested the current air traffic control system is a patchwork of technology and companies, and instead, just one or two companies and one set of equipment should function throughout.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also said this week the the administration is going to make sure the U.S. has the most innovative, technologically advanced air traffic control system. That&#39;s the mission of the Federal Aviation Administration, Duffy said.

As CBS News has previously reported, less than 10% of the nation&#39;s airport terminal towers have enough air traffic controllers to meet a set of standards set by a working group that included the Federal Aviation Administration and the controllers&#39; union, according to a CBS News analysis of FAA data.


Elon Musk barred from accessing US Treasury payments data


The SAVE Act Would Disenfranchise Millions of Citizens


US health department condemns private equity firms for role in declining healthcare access


Cuts in American aid are crippling groups promoting rights in China


President Trump announced plans Thursday to establish a task force and a presidential commission to protect Christians from religious discrimination.

Trump addressed the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., where he laid out multiple steps he planned to take to address what he described as attacks on religious liberty and on Christians in particular.

Trump said he would establish a presidential commission on religious liberty that “will work tirelessly to uphold this most fundamental right.”

The president also said he would sign an executive order to make Attorney General Pam Bondi the head of a task force to “eradicate anti-Christian bias.” The task force will aim to stop “all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government,” Trump said.

He also said he would create a White House Faith Office, led by Rev. Paula White, who has served as a religious adviser to Trump for several years.

Trump announces task force to ‘eradicate anti-Christian bias’


Xi Jinping swings his “assassin’s mace” of economic warfare


China appoints ‘wolf warrior’ ambassador to manage affairs with Europe


EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss defense funding


Canada won’t make concessions on supply management: minister


“I think that what Trump should do: Fire every single midlevel bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, replace them with our people. And when the courts stop you, stand before the country, and say-the chief justice has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it." - JD Vance


The Indian Parliament erupted into an uproar on Thursday over reports that illegal migrants being deported to the country on an American military plane had faced mistreatment, including being shackled during the long intercontinental journey.

More than 100 illegal immigrants were returned to India on Wednesday. While deportations are nothing new — India is a big source of unauthorized migration to the United States — most have relied on commercial flights.

The use of a military aircraft, along with the claims of mistreatment, appear to have hit a nerve, creating a political headache for Prime Minister Narendra Modi days before he is expected to visit President Trump in Washington.

On Thursday, opposition lawmakers staged a protest in Parliament, some wearing handcuffs and carrying signs that read “humans, not prisoners.” They demanded to know how many Indians in the United States were facing imminent deportation.

In a scramble to control the damage, India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, told Parliament that deportation procedures “provide for the use of restraints,” and he said American officials had confirmed to them that women and children were not shackled.

His response revealed the delicate balance that his government needs to walk — between containing the domestic uproar and demonstrating its strictness on illegal immigration to the Trump administration.

U.S. Military Deportation to India Creates Headache for Trump Ally


M23 addresses crowds in captured DR Congo city, as fighters advance


India's FM bats for India-EU FTA, says ties more important than ever in a volatile world


Poland dealing with wave of “imported crime” from Georgian immigrants, says interior minister


I hope it sticks around long enough to win people over!

AMNY: Subway crime plummets as ridership jumps significantly in 2025 in congestion pricing era


Javier Milei’s quest to defuse Argentina’s currency control bomb


Hitler’s Oligarchs: First they reviled him. Then they supported and enabled him. Then they regretted it


California farmers still love Trump, even after he dumped their water


Treasury Sought to Freeze Foreign Aid Payments, Emails Show


He's back: the Prince of Darkness returns


The M23, who are just 50km away, are gonna capture Bukavu soon, aren't they?

Nearly 3,000 people killed after rebels seize key African city, UN says | CNN

The M23, who are just 50km away, are gonna capture Bukavu soon, aren&#39;t they?


U.S. raises solar polysilicon, wafer and cell tariffs from China to 60%


The World’s Richest Men Take On the World’s Poorest Children


Trump tariffs will lead to US brand boycotts, Jim Beam owner warns


NOAA Employees Told to Pause Work With ‘Foreign Nationals’


How Trump’s Sweeping Expulsions Have Thrown the FBI Into Chaos


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## Announcements

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Discussion Thread

The discussion thread is for casual and off-topic conversation that doesn&#39;t merit its own submission. If you&#39;ve got a good meme, article, or question, please post it outside the DT. Meta discussion is allowed, but if you want to get the attention of the mods, make a post in /r/metaNL

Announcements

The charity drive has concluded! See our wrap-up thread here. If you&#39;re waiting on a donation incentive, please send us a modmail

Links

Ping Groups | Ping History | Mastodon | CNL Chapters | CNL Event Calendar

Upcoming Events

Feb 06: Austin New Liberals February Social

Feb 13: Advance Huntsville + YIMBY Happy Hour


The Panama Canal Authority on Wednesday denied the U.S. State Department's claim that U.S. government vessels would be able to cross the canal without paying fees, likely ratcheting up tensions after President Donald Trump threatened to take back control of the crossing.

The canal authority, an autonomous agency overseen by the Panamanian government, said in a statement that it had not made any changes to charge fees or rights to cross the canal, adding its statement was directly in response to the U.S. claims.

The U.S. State Department had said earlier in the day that Panama's government had agreed to no longer charge crossing fees for U.S. government vessels, in a move that would save the U.S. millions of dollars a year.

"With total responsibility, the Panama Canal Authority, as it has indicated, is willing to establish dialogue with relevant U.S. officials regarding the transit of wartime vessels from said country," the canal authority responded.

Panama Canal denies US claim of preferential crossing rights

The Panama Canal Authority on Wednesday denied the U.S. State Department&#39;s claim that U.S. government vessels would be able to cross the canal without paying fees, likely ratcheting up tensions after President Donald Trump threatened to take back control of the crossing.

The canal authority, an autonomous agency overseen by the Panamanian government, said in a statement that it had not made any changes to charge fees or rights to cross the canal, adding its statement was directly in response to the U.S. claims.

The U.S. State Department had said earlier in the day that Panama&#39;s government had agreed to no longer charge crossing fees for U.S. government vessels, in a move that would save the U.S. millions of dollars a year.

&quot;With total responsibility, the Panama Canal Authority, as it has indicated, is willing to establish dialogue with relevant U.S. officials regarding the transit of wartime vessels from said country,&quot; the canal authority responded.


South-east Asia calculates its next move as US and China face off


‘Bring me my tariffs’: how Trump’s China plan was 40 years in the making | Donald Trump


Pam Bondi Instructs Trump DOJ to Criminally Investigate Companies That Do DEI


Feds go door-to-door demanding IDs at Denver apartment complex: “I would never snitch on my neighbors,” resident says


oligarchy bad actually


US top diplomat Rubio will not attend G20 meeting in South Africa


Republican governors are auditioning to prove who’s the most down with DOGE.

In their state of the state addresses, GOP state leaders are bragging about their support for President Donald Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which tech titan Elon Musk is using to slash the federal government’s size and mission. The governors are even creating state versions of DOGE — a testament to how eager Republicans are to replicate Trump’s overhaul of Washington in their own state capitals.

The tumultuous early days of Trump’s return to the White House has shown that his grip on Republicans in Washington is stronger than ever, but his influence has also never been greater among the nation’s Republican governors. They’re jockeying among themselves to prove who is Trump’s closest ally and elevate their national standing.

Meanwhile, Democratic governors remain divided over how to confront Trump, as evidenced by their own state of the state addresses. Most are either avoiding mentioning him altogether — or keeping dissident opinions to a minimum and instead expressing a desire to find bipartisan common ground with the president.

Instead of picking fights with Trump, Democrats were focused on discussing affordability issues like cutting taxes or expanding child tax credits.

Republican governors: ‘We were DOGE before DOGE was cool’


Top officials at the Department of Education told staff Wednesday that if they accept the Trump administration’s deferred resignation package, the education secretary may later cancel it and employees would not have any recourse, potentially leaving them without promised pay.

The Office of Personnel Management sent notices last week to federal employees that if they resign by Feb. 6, they could continue receiving pay and benefits until the end of September. The Trump administration is hoping to get as many as 10% of the workforce to quit as part of a plan to shrink the federal bureaucracy.

But three Education Department officials told NBC News that Rachel Oglesby, the department’s new chief of staff, and Jacqueline Clay, chief human capital officer, described significant caveats to the so-called Fork in the Road offer in an all-staff meeting held over Zoom on Wednesday. The officials did not want to be named for fear of retaliation.

The Education Secretary would be allowed to rescind the agreement, or the government could stop paying, and employees who took the deferred resignation package would waive all legal claims, the three officials said they were told in the meeting. The three employees say they have only seen sample resignation agreements so far, and would need to agree to resign by Thursday evening before they see the actual terms of their separation.

A spokesperson for the Office of Personnel Management said that this was false, and pointed to a memo that states the resignation offer’s “assurances are binding on the government. Were the government to backtrack on its commitments, an employee would be entitled to request a rescission of his or her resignation.” However, the memo includes a sample agreement that includes a clause that agency heads retain the sole discretion to rescind the deal, and employees waive the right to challenge it before the Merit Systems Protection Board, "or any other forum.”

There is deep concern among federal workers that the Trump administration’s buyout offer could turn out to be a bait-and-switch, with the government potentially failing to hold up its end of the bargain. The comments from Education Department management only worsened those concerns, the three employees said.

Education Department staff warned that Trump buyout offers could be canceled at any time

Top officials at the Department of Education told staff Wednesday that if they accept the Trump administration’s deferred resignation package, the education secretary may later cancel it and employees would not have any recourse, potentially leaving them without promised pay.

The Office of Personnel Management sent notices last week to federal employees that if they resign by Feb. 6, they could continue receiving pay and benefits until the end of September. The Trump administration is hoping to get as many as 10% of the workforce to quit as part of a plan to shrink the federal bureaucracy.

But three Education Department officials told NBC News that Rachel Oglesby, the department’s new chief of staff, and Jacqueline Clay, chief human capital officer, described significant caveats to the so-called Fork in the Road offer in an all-staff meeting held over Zoom on Wednesday. The officials did not want to be named for fear of retaliation.

The Education Secretary would be allowed to rescind the agreement, or the government could stop paying, and employees who took the deferred resignation package would waive all legal claims, the three officials said they were told in the meeting. The three employees say they have only seen sample resignation agreements so far, and would need to agree to resign by Thursday evening before they see the actual terms of their separation.

A spokesperson for the Office of Personnel Management said that this was false, and pointed to a memo that states the resignation offer’s “assurances are binding on the government. Were the government to backtrack on its commitments, an employee would be entitled to request a rescission of his or her resignation.” However, the memo includes a sample agreement that includes a clause that agency heads retain the sole discretion to rescind the deal, and employees waive the right to challenge it before the Merit Systems Protection Board, &quot;or any other forum.”

There is deep concern among federal workers that the Trump administration’s buyout offer could turn out to be a bait-and-switch, with the government potentially failing to hold up its end of the bargain. The comments from Education Department management only worsened those concerns, the three employees said.


For the Neoliberals disilusioned with Milei, it's time to take the Macri pill.


State Dept says US government vessels can now transit Panama Canal without fees


The US is ‘no longer the America we used to know,’ warns Germany’s Merz


President Donald Trump's administration evicted former Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan from her home with three hours of notice on Tuesday — not even enough time to gather her personal effects — according to two people familiar with the incident.

Fagan, a four-star admiral and the first woman to lead a branch of the military, was removed from her post as the Coast Guard’s top officer on Trump’s second day in office. Officials at the Homeland Security Department — which oversees the Coast Guard — cited border security issues and an “excessive focus” on diversity, equity and inclusion among the reasons for her dismissal.

Coast Guard leaders had given Fagan a 60-day waiver to find new housing, according to one of the sources. But on Tuesday, Homeland Security officials told the acting commandant, Kevin Lunday, that he had to kick her out because "the president wants her out of quarters," according to one of the people familiar with the incident.

The DHS official was not able to immediately ascertain whether the directive had in fact come from Trump or whether his name had been invoked without his knowledge.

Lunday then informed Fagan, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, that she had three hours to get out. Shortly after that, her team received a call from aides to Sean Plankey, a DHS senior adviser and retired Coast Guard officer, instructing her to leave the house unlocked so that the interior could be photographed, according to one of the sources.

United States Transportation Command is now responsible for moving her personal effects out of the house.

Trump administration evicts former Coast Guard leader from her house with 3 hours notice

President Donald Trump&#39;s administration evicted former Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan from her home with three hours of notice on Tuesday — not even enough time to gather her personal effects — according to two people familiar with the incident.

Fagan, a four-star admiral and the first woman to lead a branch of the military, was removed from her post as the Coast Guard’s top officer on Trump’s second day in office. Officials at the Homeland Security Department — which oversees the Coast Guard — cited border security issues and an “excessive focus” on diversity, equity and inclusion among the reasons for her dismissal.

Coast Guard leaders had given Fagan a 60-day waiver to find new housing, according to one of the sources. But on Tuesday, Homeland Security officials told the acting commandant, Kevin Lunday, that he had to kick her out because &quot;the president wants her out of quarters,&quot; according to one of the people familiar with the incident.

The DHS official was not able to immediately ascertain whether the directive had in fact come from Trump or whether his name had been invoked without his knowledge.

Lunday then informed Fagan, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, that she had three hours to get out. Shortly after that, her team received a call from aides to Sean Plankey, a DHS senior adviser and retired Coast Guard officer, instructing her to leave the house unlocked so that the interior could be photographed, according to one of the sources.

United States Transportation Command is now responsible for moving her personal effects out of the house.


LA anti-Trump protesters rally around taco truck


Tariffs! My old archenemy. 2.0

:cfnl-organizer: :eroosevelt: 🎅🏿The Lorax 🎅🏿


The CIA used unclassified email to share a list of employees hired within the last two years to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The agency sent a list of first names and last initials of employees still on probation — a status that makes them easier to dismiss as the CIA pushes ahead with plans to shrink its workforce.

The nature of the communication risks compromising the identifies of the agents — sparking immediate condemnation by intelligence leaders.

According to The New York Times, some of the CIA’s newest agents were hired to focus on China, making their identities a top target of the Chinese Communist Party.

The CIA is also participating in a government buyout that was not initially made available to its employees, as those working on national security were initially exempted from the offer.

It’s unclear how broadly they are being offered, as certain high-priority positions will still be exempt.

CIA shares new employee names through unclassified email


The State Department has fired about 60 contractors who work for its democracy, human rights and labor bureau, a division whose programs have often been criticized by authoritarian leaders, according to two U.S. officials and two former officials.

The dismissals deal a severe blow to the bureau, because the contractors were mostly technical or area experts whom senior officials relied on to do the day-to-day work of enacting the programs overseas.

The bureau has received about $150 million to $200 million of annual budget funding from Congress in recent years. But the bureau also handles and passes on money that Congress appropriates for other groups, including the National Endowment for Democracy.

The bureau’s programs have often been focused on building up civil society and democratic practices in countries where the United States does not have missions and formal diplomatic ties, or where relations with an authoritarian government are especially tense. This includes Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba.

Some of the bureau’s contractors have specific technical expertise. For example, at least one is an expert on virtual private networks, software that allows users to get around government internet blocks. China has the most effective internet censorship program in the world, called the Great Firewall.

The bureau has also worked on enacting policies aimed at pressuring China to relent on its forced labor of Uyghur Muslims, including the imposing of sanctions on U.S. companies that buy products that can be traced back to some form of forced labor.

State Dept. Fires About 60 Contractors Working on Democracy and Human Rights


A 25-Year-Old Is Writing Backdoors Into The Treasury’s $6 Trillion Payment System. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?


Quebec open to LNG, oil projects after Trump threats


Argentina to ban hormone therapy for trans children


Why did white Gen Z voters get more Democratic from 2020 to 2024 while Zoomers of color became more pro-Trump?


Dumbarton Oaks: creating a new world order


'We do not exist anymore': New prison rules ban female clothing for trans women


Will Trump's Golden Age be a Gilded one?


Starmer speaks to Trudeau on importance of trade amid tariff fears


Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday the U.S. plans to support Guatemala with new infrastructure projects and to sign waivers on foreign aid to strengthen the United States' partnership with the Central American country.

Speaking alongside Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo in a joint press conference, Rubio said he had signed "a letter of support" pledging full State Department cooperation on a partnership between Guatemala and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The initiative aims to "begin preliminary planning for the expansion" of "two new port facilities," along with highway and railroad connections to position Guatemala as a regional trade hub and boost its economic opportunities.

"Today, I'll be signing waivers on foreign aid that will continue that partnership, and hope to build on it," Rubio told reporters.

Guatemala has reached a new migration agreement with the United States and will accept more deportation flights, Arevalo announced Wednesday after talks with Rubio.

Rubio pledges support for Guatemala's infrastructure, issues foreign aid waivers

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday the U.S. plans to support Guatemala with new infrastructure projects and to sign waivers on foreign aid to strengthen the United States&#39; partnership with the Central American country.

Speaking alongside Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo in a joint press conference, Rubio said he had signed &quot;a letter of support&quot; pledging full State Department cooperation on a partnership between Guatemala and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The initiative aims to &quot;begin preliminary planning for the expansion&quot; of &quot;two new port facilities,&quot; along with highway and railroad connections to position Guatemala as a regional trade hub and boost its economic opportunities.

&quot;Today, I&#39;ll be signing waivers on foreign aid that will continue that partnership, and hope to build on it,&quot; Rubio told reporters.

Guatemala has reached a new migration agreement with the United States and will accept more deportation flights, Arevalo announced Wednesday after talks with Rubio.


Trump Has Paralyzed Renewables Permitting, Leaked Memo Reveals


How to Harden Our Defenses Against an Authoritarian President


Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo said Wednesday that his country has agreed to accept migrants from other countries after they are deported from the United States.

At that point, under the “safe third country” agreement announced on Wednesday, the U.S. would pay for the migrants to return to their home countries.

Arévalo announced the “safe third country” agreement at a news conference with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

The agreement is similar to an offer made by El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, earlier this week. Bukele said El Salvador would continue accepting deported Salvadorans who were living in the U.S. without legal status, as well as members of international criminal gangs MS-13 or Tren de Aragua.

In exchange, Bukele — known for his aggressive approach to tackling gang violence in his country — would accept a fee from the U.S. government.

Guatemala to accept migrants from other countries deported by US


In these contentious times, it's important to put aside out differences and remember we all have one thing in common


Current state of American - Canadian relations


Trump wants a TikTok deal. China may pull the plug.


Rubio Says Trump Meant Only Temporary Gaza Move For Rebuilding


Banks Sell $5.5 Billion of X Loans After Investor Interest Surges


French Prime Minister François Bayrou will live to fight another day after getting a helping hand from Marine Le Pen’s troops.

Bayrou survived a no-confidence vote on Wednesday night after the National Rally decided against toppling the government over its budget. Only 128 lawmakers voted in favor of the measure, far below the 289 threshold it needed to pass.

Speaking on behalf of the National Rally before the vote, lawmaker Yoann Gillet slammed the censure as a “masquerade” and said it made little mathematical sense for his party to back the measure, as it appeared to lack the support needed to get the green light even with the far right’s votes. Gillet made it clear, however, that his party did not support Bayrou’s spending plans, calling them a “racket organized on the backs of those who work and produce in our country.”

Bayrou conceded that the budget was “imperfect” shortly before the vote. However, he stressed that it was necessary to get something passed to bring stability to France, which has relied on a stopgap spending measure after failing to pass a budget last year. Bayrou added that it was crucial for France to get its finances in order as it faces “advancing tsunamis” including the Ukraine war and the upheaval wrought by U.S. President Donald Trump.

To pass his budget, Bayrou twice on Monday triggered a constitutional clause allowing him to push through legislation without a vote in parliament but then allows lawmakers to bring forward no-confidence motions.

French PM Bayrou survives no-confidence vote thanks to far right


Lads, they're onto us


Any plans to 'wage trade wars' are a mistake, Polish PM cautions


Two months ago I wrote [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/neoliberal/comments/1gwvw8y/why_donald_trumps_victory_is_bad_for_the_us_and/), that sought to articulate the critical problems with Trump, distinct from the merely stupid, offensive, and painful. In short, I argued that the US turning its back on the Liberal World Order would make the world much less safe and prosperous, and is a huge step backwards for mankind.

Since then two new and unexpected developments have occured, at least in their swiftness and severity. The first is that Musk has shown remarkable zeal in dismantling the US government, and his alliance with Trump has left congressional republicans (never pro-government types anyways) silent. The only remaining defense--the judicial system--is far too slow to stop (let alone repair) the damage. While the US government does have genuine bloat and waste, this is throwing dynamite to clean out your broom closet, and the real goal (and result) is to hamstring the last (national) stalwart defender of the Liberal World Order: The US Civil Service.

The second problem is that Trump is sounding shockingly aggressive and violent all of a sudden. He has floated conquest, displacement (if not genocide), and economic pain for pain's sake. **It cannot be stressed enough that this is causing the leaders and top brass of every country to seriously reassess their relationship with the US and their national security strategy moving forward.**

I have long believed, and argued to my detriment, that politically active people hand-wring and demonize others needlessly. It creates a "boy cries wolf" situation where we soon lack the vocabulary to proclaim a real threat when it materializes. Donald Trump has now egregiously moved beyond the pale, from merely bringing about uncertainty and economic pain, to suddenly attacking our ally's core interests. This is a prelude to cold and hot wars. We have no effective way of communicating this, because Democrats already call Trump the devil, Republicans either like this stuff or are deaf to Dem warnings, and the last third of America are blind to politics more broadly. But, to put things lightly, we now have a wolf on our hands, and the policy makers of other countries are probably the only ones to see it.

#Friends No More

Europe prepared for a Trump Presidency essentially in financial terms. The damage he would do could be measured in dollars. It was still expected he would use the American military to protect the oceans for trade, to encourage stability in the ME, to prevent Chinese aggression, and give Europe a nuclear umbrella. Trump at worst would leave NATO, but Russia is exhausted in Ukraine and Poland is arming itself to the teeth, so the EU could tolerate that if worst came to worst.

That calculus has now changed. The US's major economic and military ally, Europe, is starting to feel more threated by the US than helped by it. The recent threats to Mexico and Canada--which are essentially US vassals--were so nonsensical as to amount to sadomasochism. Europe has begun to internalize that the US is threatening a trade war not for any addressable concern, but as an end onto itself. Pain for its own sake. Trump allying with pro-Russian European populists, and utilizing Musk's disinformation to reinforce that coming out of the Kremlin, might be tolerated so long as the US helped in Ukraine, but with that help evaporating the Europeans don't even know what they're gaining with America as a "friend" anymore. By many metrics, the US is now sounding and acting very much like an enemy.

On top of all this is a return to imperial language, which the US very much has the ability to carry out. Trump attacking international norms and recognizing landgrabs sets the stage for the US to do the same. The Republican talking-points that this rhetoric, along with trade war threats, is simply 4-D chess "leverage" is not taken seriously by the policy makers of the world. The small victories for Trump are insignificant. Other countries must consider, and do consider, and will start to wargame for, these threats to be acted upon.

#America? Who Needs 'Em!

If we lose Europe as an ally, the blow to our power would be immense: we lose our democratic bridgehead in Eurasia and a contested Atlantic even becomes a (remote) possibility. Meanwhile we've failed to bring Latin America and Africa to our side, so Trump is simply cutting most foreign aid and just handing them to China, with the expectation that threats/deals can extract concessions from them when needed. This ignores the role these continents will play in the coming century, especially when looking at demographic trends.

India, Brazil, and to a lesser extent Turkey are geopolitical neutrals anyways. Israel and SA will stick with us as long as Iran is a thing (which it might not always be). That basically leaves South-East Asia as the last area that really needs us as a military hedge against the other big gorilla in the room. (Leaving the TPP signaled that we're a less reliable trading partner than China itself.) But as our friends dwindle, and the Atlantic and South America move further out of our orbit, even the rise of China is not enough of a unifying threat to keep the Pacific in our pocket for much longer.

#China

Europe honestly doesn't care much about Taiwan. Outside of semiconductors it's a Pacific, not Atlantic problem, and the business with China isn't worth risking. The rest of the stuff China does is manageable, and it's competing with Russia in Eurasia anyways. In fact, Europe aligns with China in many ways by wanting to keep the World Order alive. China chiefly wants to supplant America's influence globally, and gain military hegemony in its own backyard. It's not clear that China has territorial ambitions beyond that, which suits Europe just fine.

This means the US really needs Japan, Australia, India, and to a lesser extent South Korea/Philippines/Vietnam/Indonesia to help in containing China. But Trump doesn't really hate China either--his only concern seems to be the trade deficit--so if America does not stop the Chinese conquest of Taiwan (and it's quite possible China can and will take it in the next 25 years) that puts Japan and South Korea in incredibly vulnerable positions, and they may well be forced to choose between all-out war or accepting Chinese hegemony, and it's likely we simply lose them as allies too. The entire strategic situation then changes dramatically, and it becomes hard to forecast things. But I want to suggest that the US and China are precluding any possibility of a pragmatic compromise between the countries--both are demonizing each other as national policies and Trump is trying to dismantle trade. But if we give up Taiwan we're going to be in an even worse position to counter their influence, and may well have to live with a hostile neighbor (which will probably lead to an even worse war sometime later on) OR we'll need to accept China as a regional partner, which is complicated and anyway puts them on a collision course with a number of other strong powers (Japan and India in particular), and I don't know how that will resolve itself peacefully.

In short, the whole alliance structure of the region can unravel if Taiwan is given up, which puts the most important artery of global trade in jeopardy for the foreseeable future.

#What Have We Got to Lose?

The above conjecture of spoiling our alliances fits right in line with Trump's vision of returning us (and the world) to the 19th century, where we still have our enormous power-base of North America, white men rule the land, but now we got nukes. The concern that now most of the world is hostile to us probably won't matter, as our old enemies are given their desired spheres of influence on a platter, and regional rivalries will flare up and distract our old allies with new geopolitical realities. In fact, lots of countries will shamelessly court the US for assistance, leading to more transactional regional foreign policy instead of some global "grand strategy".

Meanwhile Mexico and Canada will not be a threat for the foreseeable future, and we can be energy independent if need be (and/or conquer Venezuela). Greenland, Panama, and Canada are fundamentally defensive conquests, in that they reinforce US control over North America. (I have no idea wtf Trump is on about re Gaza.) And sure, Americans will be poorer without trade, but so will the rest of the world, and without the US-led alliance structures it's a strong possibility that regional conflicts will prevent mass free-trading blocks to out-compete the NA economy.

Of course, that is the *best case scenario* with this antiquated outlook. In all likelihood regional wars will escalate until great powers become involved, and the US is inevitably dragged into conflicts overseas under unfavorable terms. Or, Soros willing, some areas retain large trading blocs, wherein the US is eventually out competed economically. Either way, countries will begin to "deceive, resist and hedge against a hostile America", and we'll pay far greater regular costs than what we "paid for" when we had them as friends. We will resemble another China to many countries, wherein they may do short-term economic or even military deals with us, but do not fundamentally trust us and actively work to subvert our power given every available opportunity.

#His Lasting Legacy

The first 100 days was hoped to be the worst Trump could offer, as the president's popularity with the American people and Republican party are at their peak, many low-hanging executive orders can be signed, and there's still two years left until a mid-term. But, knowing this, the speed at which Musk-Trump is destroying our soft power, the inability of anyone to stop them, and the free reign Trump has to enact the New World Disorder will last far, far longer than his mere 4 years in power.

Best case scenario, Europe, Mexico, and Canada appease Trump enough to keep our relationships alive. Taiwan survives this presidency. The rest of the world continues using international institutions. Dems win Congress in the mid-terms. Renewable energy technology advances. Trading blocs reconfigure without the US (but including China). Global rising real incomes continue to promote democracy. The US navy still patrols the world's oceans for pirates.

But realistically, NATO won't make as much sense for Europeans (who ironically may try to improve relations with Russia to combat American aggression), and Taiwan remains a giant question mark hanging over allies in the Pacific. Even the Middle East may abandon the US if Israel normalizes relations with the Sunnis. America and Russia may succeed in ruining all international orgs even as China poisons them. The Dems win marginally during the mid-terms, if at all. The climate propels towards the 3°C heating mark. Democracy backsliding continues aided by technological misinformation warfare. And nuclear proliferation ignites all over the globe as a new security disorder manifests.

#Is There Any Hope?

I don't see many opportunities for reversing the above trends. The populist nationalist movements across the free world, especially the right-wing ones, need to die out, and the next administrations of Russia and China need to be more pragmatic. The solution to social media misinformation needs to be discovered.

And most of all, the American people need to punish the Republicans enough in 2026 & 2028 to give **both** the Democrats and GOP a path forward after Trump. The Wall-Street wing of the GOP still likes trade, Dems are ironically now more free-trade and pro-NATO because of Trump reactionism, and Trump is literally the only pro-China person in the government. The MAGA crowd are the most dangerous ideologues, and there's a shot MAGA etiolates after their God is gone.

But most, most of all, the rest of the world needs to rebuild the Liberal World Order, and not just the European Elite or US Democrats. The world needs to stop playing the great powers off of each other or lamely ask what the UN is gonna do for them. Open markets, open borders, open societies, open progress, and open minds are what lead to an open future. That's the key.

But alas. Some say the LWO died in 2008. I think that's when its decline started, but it lasted a good 17 years after that. 2025 is when it was killed. I could be wrong. I hope I am. But if the pattern of the past two weeks hold, I'm not. In fact, the pain has only just begun.

America Versus the World

Two months ago I wrote this thread, that sought to articulate the critical problems with Trump, distinct from the merely stupid, offensive, and painful. In short, I argued that the US turning its back on the Liberal World Order would make the world much less safe and prosperous, and is a huge step backwards for mankind.

Since then two new and unexpected developments have occured, at least in their swiftness and severity. The first is that Musk has shown remarkable zeal in dismantling the US government, and his alliance with Trump has left congressional republicans (never pro-government types anyways) silent. The only remaining defense--the judicial system--is far too slow to stop (let alone repair) the damage. While the US government does have genuine bloat and waste, this is throwing dynamite to clean out your broom closet, and the real goal (and result) is to hamstring the last (national) stalwart defender of the Liberal World Order: The US Civil Service.

The second problem is that Trump is sounding shockingly aggressive and violent all of a sudden. He has floated conquest, displacement (if not genocide), and economic pain for pain&#39;s sake. It cannot be stressed enough that this is causing the leaders and top brass of every country to seriously reassess their relationship with the US and their national security strategy moving forward.

I have long believed, and argued to my detriment, that politically active people hand-wring and demonize others needlessly. It creates a &quot;boy cries wolf&quot; situation where we soon lack the vocabulary to proclaim a real threat when it materializes. Donald Trump has now egregiously moved beyond the pale, from merely bringing about uncertainty and economic pain, to suddenly attacking our ally&#39;s core interests. This is a prelude to cold and hot wars. We have no effective way of communicating this, because Democrats already call Trump the devil, Republicans either like this stuff or are deaf to Dem warnings, and the last third of America are blind to politics more broadly. But, to put things lightly, we now have a wolf on our hands, and the policy makers of other countries are probably the only ones to see it.

Friends No More

Europe prepared for a Trump Presidency essentially in financial terms. The damage he would do could be measured in dollars. It was still expected he would use the American military to protect the oceans for trade, to encourage stability in the ME, to prevent Chinese aggression, and give Europe a nuclear umbrella. Trump at worst would leave NATO, but Russia is exhausted in Ukraine and Poland is arming itself to the teeth, so the EU could tolerate that if worst came to worst.

That calculus has now changed. The US&#39;s major economic and military ally, Europe, is starting to feel more threated by the US than helped by it. The recent threats to Mexico and Canada--which are essentially US vassals--were so nonsensical as to amount to sadomasochism. Europe has begun to internalize that the US is threatening a trade war not for any addressable concern, but as an end onto itself. Pain for its own sake. Trump allying with pro-Russian European populists, and utilizing Musk&#39;s disinformation to reinforce that coming out of the Kremlin, might be tolerated so long as the US helped in Ukraine, but with that help evaporating the Europeans don&#39;t even know what they&#39;re gaining with America as a &quot;friend&quot; anymore. By many metrics, the US is now sounding and acting very much like an enemy.

On top of all this is a return to imperial language, which the US very much has the ability to carry out. Trump attacking international norms and recognizing landgrabs sets the stage for the US to do the same. The Republican talking-points that this rhetoric, along with trade war threats, is simply 4-D chess &quot;leverage&quot; is not taken seriously by the policy makers of the world. The small victories for Trump are insignificant. Other countries must consider, and do consider, and will start to wargame for, these threats to be acted upon.

America? Who Needs &#39;Em!

If we lose Europe as an ally, the blow to our power would be immense: we lose our democratic bridgehead in Eurasia and a contested Atlantic even becomes a (remote) possibility. Meanwhile we&#39;ve failed to bring Latin America and Africa to our side, so Trump is simply cutting most foreign aid and just handing them to China, with the expectation that threats/deals can extract concessions from them when needed. This ignores the role these continents will play in the coming century, especially when looking at demographic trends.

India, Brazil, and to a lesser extent Turkey are geopolitical neutrals anyways. Israel and SA will stick with us as long as Iran is a thing (which it might not always be). That basically leaves South-East Asia as the last area that really needs us as a military hedge against the other big gorilla in the room. (Leaving the TPP signaled that we&#39;re a less reliable trading partner than China itself.) But as our friends dwindle, and the Atlantic and South America move further out of our orbit, even the rise of China is not enough of a unifying threat to keep the Pacific in our pocket for much longer.

China

Europe honestly doesn&#39;t care much about Taiwan. Outside of semiconductors it&#39;s a Pacific, not Atlantic problem, and the business with China isn&#39;t worth risking. The rest of the stuff China does is manageable, and it&#39;s competing with Russia in Eurasia anyways. In fact, Europe aligns with China in many ways by wanting to keep the World Order alive. China chiefly wants to supplant America&#39;s influence globally, and gain military hegemony in its own backyard. It&#39;s not clear that China has territorial ambitions beyond that, which suits Europe just fine.

This means the US really needs Japan, Australia, India, and to a lesser extent South Korea/Philippines/Vietnam/Indonesia to help in containing China. But Trump doesn&#39;t really hate China either--his only concern seems to be the trade deficit--so if America does not stop the Chinese conquest of Taiwan (and it&#39;s quite possible China can and will take it in the next 25 years) that puts Japan and South Korea in incredibly vulnerable positions, and they may well be forced to choose between all-out war or accepting Chinese hegemony, and it&#39;s likely we simply lose them as allies too. The entire strategic situation then changes dramatically, and it becomes hard to forecast things. But I want to suggest that the US and China are precluding any possibility of a pragmatic compromise between the countries--both are demonizing each other as national policies and Trump is trying to dismantle trade. But if we give up Taiwan we&#39;re going to be in an even worse position to counter their influence, and may well have to live with a hostile neighbor (which will probably lead to an even worse war sometime later on) OR we&#39;ll need to accept China as a regional partner, which is complicated and anyway puts them on a collision course with a number of other strong powers (Japan and India in particular), and I don&#39;t know how that will resolve itself peacefully.

In short, the whole alliance structure of the region can unravel if Taiwan is given up, which puts the most important artery of global trade in jeopardy for the foreseeable future.

What Have We Got to Lose?

The above conjecture of spoiling our alliances fits right in line with Trump&#39;s vision of returning us (and the world) to the 19th century, where we still have our enormous power-base of North America, white men rule the land, but now we got nukes. The concern that now most of the world is hostile to us probably won&#39;t matter, as our old enemies are given their desired spheres of influence on a platter, and regional rivalries will flare up and distract our old allies with new geopolitical realities. In fact, lots of countries will shamelessly court the US for assistance, leading to more transactional regional foreign policy instead of some global &quot;grand strategy&quot;.

Meanwhile Mexico and Canada will not be a threat for the foreseeable future, and we can be energy independent if need be (and/or conquer Venezuela). Greenland, Panama, and Canada are fundamentally defensive conquests, in that they reinforce US control over North America. (I have no idea wtf Trump is on about re Gaza.) And sure, Americans will be poorer without trade, but so will the rest of the world, and without the US-led alliance structures it&#39;s a strong possibility that regional conflicts will prevent mass free-trading blocks to out-compete the NA economy.

Of course, that is the best case scenario with this antiquated outlook. In all likelihood regional wars will escalate until great powers become involved, and the US is inevitably dragged into conflicts overseas under unfavorable terms. Or, Soros willing, some areas retain large trading blocs, wherein the US is eventually out competed economically. Either way, countries will begin to &quot;deceive, resist and hedge against a hostile America&quot;, and we&#39;ll pay far greater regular costs than what we &quot;paid for&quot; when we had them as friends. We will resemble another China to many countries, wherein they may do short-term economic or even military deals with us, but do not fundamentally trust us and actively work to subvert our power given every available opportunity.

His Lasting Legacy

The first 100 days was hoped to be the worst Trump could offer, as the president&#39;s popularity with the American people and Republican party are at their peak, many low-hanging executive orders can be signed, and there&#39;s still two years left until a mid-term. But, knowing this, the speed at which Musk-Trump is destroying our soft power, the inability of anyone to stop them, and the free reign Trump has to enact the New World Disorder will last far, far longer than his mere 4 years in power.

Best case scenario, Europe, Mexico, and Canada appease Trump enough to keep our relationships alive. Taiwan survives this presidency. The rest of the world continues using international institutions. Dems win Congress in the mid-terms. Renewable energy technology advances. Trading blocs reconfigure without the US (but including China). Global rising real incomes continue to promote democracy. The US navy still patrols the world&#39;s oceans for pirates.

But realistically, NATO won&#39;t make as much sense for Europeans (who ironically may try to improve relations with Russia to combat American aggression), and Taiwan remains a giant question mark hanging over allies in the Pacific. Even the Middle East may abandon the US if Israel normalizes relations with the Sunnis. America and Russia may succeed in ruining all international orgs even as China poisons them. The Dems win marginally during the mid-terms, if at all. The climate propels towards the 3°C heating mark. Democracy backsliding continues aided by technological misinformation warfare. And nuclear proliferation ignites all over the globe as a new security disorder manifests.

Is There Any Hope?

I don&#39;t see many opportunities for reversing the above trends. The populist nationalist movements across the free world, especially the right-wing ones, need to die out, and the next administrations of Russia and China need to be more pragmatic. The solution to social media misinformation needs to be discovered.

And most of all, the American people need to punish the Republicans enough in 2026 &amp; 2028 to give both the Democrats and GOP a path forward after Trump. The Wall-Street wing of the GOP still likes trade, Dems are ironically now more free-trade and pro-NATO because of Trump reactionism, and Trump is literally the only pro-China person in the government. The MAGA crowd are the most dangerous ideologues, and there&#39;s a shot MAGA etiolates after their God is gone.

But most, most of all, the rest of the world needs to rebuild the Liberal World Order, and not just the European Elite or US Democrats. The world needs to stop playing the great powers off of each other or lamely ask what the UN is gonna do for them. Open markets, open borders, open societies, open progress, and open minds are what lead to an open future. That&#39;s the key.

But alas. Some say the LWO died in 2008. I think that&#39;s when its decline started, but it lasted a good 17 years after that. 2025 is when it was killed. I could be wrong. I hope I am. But if the pattern of the past two weeks hold, I&#39;m not. In fact, the pain has only just begun.


West Point disbands cadet cultural clubs after anti-DEI order

:Pritzker:Khan Pritzker's Strongest Antipope :nato::chicago:


EU probes Shein over consumer protection


Geopolitics, the Scandinavian way


A federal judge in Maryland issued a nationwide block of President Trump's executive order to nix birthright citizenship Wednesday.

The preliminary injunction means the president's effort to curb the constitutionally protected right to birthright citizenship cannot go into effect this month as planned unless a higher court rules on the case or it is resolved.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman, a President Biden appointee, said that Supreme Court precedent safeguards birthright citizenship, per the Washington Post.

Trump's birthright citizenship order frozen by judge

A federal judge in Maryland issued a nationwide block of President Trump&#39;s executive order to nix birthright citizenship Wednesday.

The preliminary injunction means the president&#39;s effort to curb the constitutionally protected right to birthright citizenship cannot go into effect this month as planned unless a higher court rules on the case or it is resolved.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman, a President Biden appointee, said that Supreme Court precedent safeguards birthright citizenship, per the Washington Post.


Deep cuts in Army, EUCOM downsizing among plans pushed by 2 Trump defense strategists


Federal Worker Union Sues to Stop Trump's Resignation Offer


The Not-Quite-Anti-Woke Caucus | The New Yorker


Polish, Iranian FMs discuss Ukraine, Mideast, nukes


President Trump suggested early Wednesday that the U.S. strike a nuclear peace deal with Iran, reiterating his belief that the Islamic Republic should not have nuclear weapons.

Still, Trump added that he wants to see the nation be “successful.”

“I want Iran to be a great and successful Country, but one that cannot have a Nuclear Weapon. Reports that the United States, working in conjunction with Israel, is going to blow Iran into smithereens ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper,” he continued. “We should start working on it immediately, and have a big Middle East Celebration when it is signed and completed. God Bless the Middle East!”

His comments come after he issued an executive order intending to force Iran’s oil exports to zero. The president also showed openness to holding talks with the nation but warned that Iran would be “obliterated” if it assassinated him.

Trump’s tougher stance on Iran resembles the approach during his first term. In 2018, he withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear agreement that was formulated during former President Obama’s administration in 2015. Iran also pulled out of the agreement.

Trump floats nuclear peace deal with Iran


Climate change target of 2C is ‘dead’, says renowned climate scientist | Climate crisis


Newsom just quietly floated an idea that could help fix California’s housing and fire recovery crises


Their democracy died. They have lessons for America about Trump’s power grab.


Argentina says it will pull out of World Health Organization


Trump says he's exploring option to send jailed US criminals to other countries


Behind the scenes of Canada's push to avoid Donald Trump's punishing tariffs


When MAGA and DOGE finishes gutting the administrative state, there will be no one left to govern.

:francis_fukuyama: End History I Am No Longer Asking


America’s First True Dictator: For a playbook on how to capture the state, look at the tenure of Louisiana Governor Huey Long


Exclusive: EU Commission poised to propose migrant 'return hubs' in legislation


US Postal Service Reverses Its Position on China and Hong Kong Parcels

:place-22: r/place '22: Neoliberal Battalion


If you can spare any sympathy these days, spare some for the people tasked with writing President Donald Trump’s national security strategy.

They probably sought the job thinking, “I’ll help America take on China.” Instead, Trump has started his second term looking like the U.S. president Beijing has long wanted.

Trump Is Turning Out To Be a Very Pro-China President


Republican governors and state lawmakers are rushing to explicitly align themselves with or mimic some of the most prominent actions President Donald Trump has taken since he was sworn in.

As state legislatures have convened across the country in recent weeks, elected GOP officials have sought to advance bills designed to help facilitate Trump’s mass deportation plans — some of which are named after or specifically reference the president. And governors and lawmakers in at least 11 states have attempted to create their own version of the Department of Government Efficiency, the outside advisory commission that Trump put tech billionaire Elon Musk in charge of to find ways to cut federal spending.

The moves, largely centered in solidly red states, at the outset of Trump’s second term underscore the political grip he has on the GOP base and the desire of elected officials in the party to be seen as nothing less than loyal to him.

The most recent example came in Oklahoma, where Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday issued an executive order to create a “Division of Government Efficiency” (called DOGE-OK) within the state’s agency in charge of human resources and information technology.

Republican state officials have also sought to help facilitate or reinforce Trump’s hard-line immigration policies.

Republican-led states rush to align with Trump's MAGA agenda


FAFOnomics: How Chaos Became America's Economic Strategy


There Is No Going Back


To Stop The Coup, We Must Be Clear About The Truth: Two Plus Two Equals Four


EU prepares to hit Big Tech in retaliation for Donald Trump’s tariffs


Erdogan Critics Rattled By Spate of Arrests and Investigations in Turkey


The Defense Department is developing plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, two U.S. defense officials told NBC News on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump and officials close to him recently expressed interest in pulling U.S. troops out of Syria, the officials said, leading Pentagon officials to begin drawing up plans for a full withdrawal in 30, 60 or 90 days.

Trump’s new national security adviser, Mike Waltz, spent Friday at the headquarters of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida, meeting with senior U.S. military leaders and getting briefings on the Middle East, according to U.S. defense officials.

A White House official said the potential reduction of U.S. forces in Syria was not a topic of the briefing or the purpose of Waltz's visit.

DOD drafting plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria after recent Trump comments

The Defense Department is developing plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, two U.S. defense officials told NBC News on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump and officials close to him recently expressed interest in pulling U.S. troops out of Syria, the officials said, leading Pentagon officials to begin drawing up plans for a full withdrawal in 30, 60 or 90 days.

Trump’s new national security adviser, Mike Waltz, spent Friday at the headquarters of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida, meeting with senior U.S. military leaders and getting briefings on the Middle East, according to U.S. defense officials.

A White House official said the potential reduction of U.S. forces in Syria was not a topic of the briefing or the purpose of Waltz&#39;s visit.


Trump and Musk demand termination of federal office leases through General Services Administration


UK ministers will relax rules to build small nuclear reactors


Justin Trudeau wants to revive UK-Canada trade talks in shadow of Trump


Ghana wants more for its cashews, but it's a tough nut to crack


Sudan: Is the bloody war heading toward an end?


The Breaking of the Constitutional Order


Sara Duterte: Philippines feud escalates as lawmakers vote to impeach vice-president


Bruh we are so fucking cooked. Foreign policy is genuinely shit posts at this point


Who is Lee Jae-myung, South Korea’s possible next president?


Discussion Thread


Is This the End of Pax Americana?


The Trump administration is moving to exert more control over the federal government’s technology, turning the people who oversee that infrastructure into political appointees it can hire and fire at will.

Currently, each agency’s chief information officer is a civil servant in a nonpartisan job, known in the Office of Personnel Management as “career reserved,” which provides some protections against firings. The change, which OPM announced in a memo Tuesday, will make the roles “general,” opening them up to a wide variety of appointees. The shift is set to happen no later than Feb. 14.

Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell said in the memo that the move will better align those employees with the Trump administration’s agenda.

“No longer the station of impartial and apolitical technocrats, the modern agency CIO role demands policy-making and policy-determining capabilities across a range of controversial political topics,” Ezell wrote.

The White House “rightly expects that agency CIOs will be on the front lines of articulating and implementing such policies, both within government and before the general public,” he added.

Trump administration moves to make tech officials political appointees amid DOGE clashes


Japan real wages drop for 3rd straight yr in 2024 as inflation bites


CIA offers buyouts to entire workforce to align with Trump priorities


I can't believe Democrats are just letting this happen! /s


Belted and roaded


A J6er is handling the withdrawal of personnel

USAID completely shut down and all personnel being recalled from abroad


DOGE staffers enter NOAA headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats


Deepfake videos are getting shockingly good | TechCrunch


Suspension of Inbound Parcels from China and Hong Kong - Newsroom


Econometrica study: Across European history, states ruled by dumb monarchs (measured by inbreeding) performed significantly worse on several metrics. However, the cognitive ability of rulers mattered only where their power was largely unconstrained, not when they were checked by parliaments.


As part of the Trump administration’s push to expand U.S. energy production, federal officials will review and consider redrawing the boundaries of national monuments created under previous presidents to protect unique landscapes and cultural resources.

The review — laid out in a Monday order from new Interior Secretary Doug Burgum — is raising alarms among conservation groups concerned that President Donald Trump will shrink or eliminate monuments established by his predecessors, including Democrat Joe Biden.

Burgum gave agency officials until Feb. 18 to submit plans on how to comply with his order.

Among the sites most at risk are Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah, where state officials fought against their creation. Grand Staircase-Escalante holds large coal reserves, and the Bears Ears area has uranium.

Trump administration will consider redrawing boundaries of national monuments as part of energy push


How Trump Gutted America’s $40 Billion Aid Agency in Two Weeks


America First!


Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada went for a threat of immediate retaliation and a late-night emotional address that produced a cliffhanger compromise.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico opted for carrots over sticks, and backroom talks that led to an early deal.

In the end, when all was said and done on Monday, hours before what would have been the start of a North American trade war, both leaders negotiated reprieves from President Trump on his threat to impose tariffs on the United States’ two top trading partners.

And both had to provide relatively little in exchange.

The different routes Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Sheinbaum followed to the same outcome — a 30-day delay in U.S. tariffs in exchange for toughening their borders to stem the flow of drugs and unauthorized migrants into the United States — tell a tale of two different styles of leadership, and two countries with different relationships to the United States.

Trudeau and Sheinbaum Took Different Routes to a Tariff Deal


Trump Proposes the U.S. Take Over Gaza: Live Updates (Gift Article)


Unironically, this is what football is all about for real

This gonna be fun


The Constitutional Crisis Is Here


TIL the Constitution appoints the president to set rules for school sports


Can't tax imports if you have no imports


The New Liberal Podcast: Why Young Men Moved Right ft. Richard Reeves


American Leadership Is Good for the Global South


FBI officials have complied with demands to provide the Justice Department with details of thousands of employees who worked on investigations related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, according to people familiar with the situation.

The demand has caused consternation among FBI employees who fear it is meant to amass a list of personnel for possible termination by the Trump administration.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, in a Friday memo with the subject line “Terminations,” had given FBI officials a noon deadline Tuesday to submit the details of thousands of agents and analysts. Bove previously ordered the firing of eight senior FBI officials, including those who oversaw cyber, national security and criminal investigations.

More than 5,000 employee details were submitted, including employee ID numbers, job titles and their role in the January 6 investigations, sources said, but not their names. There are more than 13,000 agents and 38,000 total FBI employees.

Meanwhile, officials dispatched by Elon Musk have been seen at FBI headquarters. Musk has headed up efforts by President Donald Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

But several FBI employees on Tuesday sued the Justice Department, accusing it of violating the Constitution and privacy laws by demanding that agents complete a survey allegedly designed to “purge” bureau personnel. The agents want a federal judge to block the Trump administration from publishing or releasing the surveys or any information included in their answers.

FBI turns over details of 5,000 employees who worked on January 6 cases to Trump Justice Department, as agents sue | CNN Politics


White House preparing executive order to abolish the Department of Education


Allies will not appease Donald Trump forever | If Trump convinces partners that the post-1945 order really is dead, things will get ugly


Trump Rehires Neil Jacobs, Former NOAA Chief Involved in ‘Sharpiegate’


America’s foreign aid pause puts lives at risk


Health agencies purge Trump-targeted programs and websites: NIH spares grants so far, but ‘data apocalypse’ erupts at CDC


Sweden: 10 dead during the countries worst mass shooting in history


Neoliberal wins often come from the strangest of places


EPA spending freeze continues despite court orders


If Trump's threats end up boosting the Canadian Liberals...


The Full Story of the FAA's Hiring Scandal


House Oversight Democrats are demanding answers about the installation of a “server of unknown nature and origin” at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that aided the agency in sending buyout offers to federal employees.

The letter asks for a list of employees that installed the equipment, the authority under which they were hired, and whether they faced background investigations — a nod to a Reddit post saying employees outside OPM installed the server.

The installation of the server appears to have been a stepping stone in OPM’s work to assemble a list of federal employee emails ahead of offering the “Fork in the Road” buyout package to nearly all employees — a brainchild of Elon Musk.

But in doing so, OPM may have violated laws dictating how the agency must plan for using databases with personally identifiable information.

“At best, the Trump Administration’s actions at OPM to date demonstrate gross negligence, severe incompetence, and a chaotic disregard for the security of our government data and the countless services it enables our agencies to provide to the public,” said the letter from Rep. Gerry Connolly (Va.), the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s top Democrat, and Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio).

“At worst, we fear that Trump Administration officials know full well that their actions threaten to break our government and put our citizens at risk of foreign adversaries like China and Russia gaining access to our sensitive data.”

Mystery OPM server that aided buyout offers prompts House Democrat probe


Is this house in the wrong city? A case for adjusting municipal boundaries


WASHINGTON—The first two flights carrying detained migrants from the U.S. to Guantanamo Bay have headed to the naval base in Cuba, as the Trump administration begins to expand a small migrant-detention center there.

U.S. Begins Migrant Flights to Guantanamo Bay

:feynman: Fusion Shitmod, PhD :genderfluid:


Poilievre's pivot: Conservatives conducting internal surveys to adapt message


Only 21% of Europeans say they regard the US as an ally


China launches limited tariffs after Trump imposes sweeping new levies


Globe editorial: Donald Trump has done Canada one big favour


American Leadership Is Good for the Global South (from Mexico's former Secretary of Foreign Affairs)


Waffle House is placing a surcharge on every egg it sells.


Polish billionaire offers to help left-wing magazine after Trump cuts funding


Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister


USCIS Removes COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Immigrants


US Secretary of State Rubio: Unipolar world is over

Watch "Rubio: unipolar world is over" on Streamable.

Rubio: unipolar world is over

Rubio: unipolar world is over


SF built homes for teachers — but they can’t get in. Red tape, missteps, and mixed signals have turned a dream housing project into a letdown for many educators.


Schedule F Is Here And It's Worse Than You Thought (Francis Fukuyama)