Anonymous
02/19/2026 11:36
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Anonymous wrote:Just discovered this thread! It can be hard to follow all the chaos of Trump. This thread and the cataloguing by posters is valuable.
I hope it gets revived.
Very difficult to keep up with it all. Original OP was super organized!
Anonymous
02/19/2026 10:55
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Just discovered this thread! It can be hard to follow all the chaos of Trump. This thread and the cataloguing by posters is valuable.
I hope it gets revived.
I hope it gets revived.
Anonymous
02/19/2026 06:05
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
BREAKING: The Department of Education has ended their directive that attempted to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools nationwide.
This a victory for academic freedom and education equity.
-ACLU
This a victory for academic freedom and education equity.
-ACLU
Anonymous
02/04/2026 22:37
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Not the OP
Trump lost to Newsom today. SCOTUS voted 9-0 to allow California’s new redistrict map to go forward in November elections
Minnesota is bleeding AUSAs. Fourteen have resigned and one other fired for telling the judge her job sucks, and begged to be licked up so that she could get some sleep.
Trump lost to Newsom today. SCOTUS voted 9-0 to allow California’s new redistrict map to go forward in November elections
Minnesota is bleeding AUSAs. Fourteen have resigned and one other fired for telling the judge her job sucks, and begged to be licked up so that she could get some sleep.
Anonymous
02/03/2026 09:46
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Pulitzer Board Demands Disclosure of ‘Unredacted’ Mueller Report to Fight Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit
http://dlvr.it/TQkWrj
http://dlvr.it/TQkWrj
Anonymous
01/26/2026 10:22
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
OP. Where are you? We miss your summaries and so much has happened since you last posted. I hope you’re okay. Peace.
Anonymous
01/25/2026 15:15
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Come back, OP! We need an update.
Anonymous
12/19/2025 14:06
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
The losses are starting to snowball.
Anonymous
12/19/2025 14:03
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Post 2 of 2 today.
While the losses will undoubtedly continue to pile up, this will be my last post of the year. Feel free to keep it up in the meantime. See you in January -- HNY!
China’s Trade Surplus Climbs Past $1 Trillion for First Time—President Trump’s tariffs weren’t enough to hold back the global export flood by China, which pushed past last year’s record in just 11 months.
https://archive.ph/loyym#selection-521.0-521.143
The No. 1 cause of America’s affordability problem just got worse—wage growth at lowest point since May 2021.
“American workers made an average of $36.86 an hour in November, up 3.5% over the past year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday. That may sound like a nice raise, but it’s barely enough to keep pace with the 3% annual gain in consumer prices. And it was the lowest annual paycheck growth that Americans have had since May 2021.
And, of course, that’s just an average, boosted by a 4% wage gain last month among top earners, Bank of America’s deposit data showed. Middle-income household paycheck gains were just 2.3%, and low-income households gained just 1.4% in pay over the past year.”
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/16/economy/affordability-wage-growth-inflation
LOL: Trust these numbers? Economists see a lot of flaws in delayed CPI report showing downward inflation.
“A chief point of concern is the way housing inflation was calculated, specifically the owners’ equivalent rent figure for November.”
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/18/trust-these-numbers-economists-see-a-lot-of-flaws-in-delayed-cpi-report-showing-downward-inflation.html
US coffee drinkers face higher prices even after Trump's tariff reset—Nine-month lag for raw bean prices to filter through to stores and fewer levers for Trump to pull before midterms.
https://apple.news/Az0Fo12dRT7KvBR13GDbF8Q
Wine Buyers Stock Up Before Tariffs Raise Prices: ‘Drink Less or Pay More’—New vintages from European Union poised to get pricier due to Trump administration duties and a stronger euro.
https://apple.news/AZkDjgq8xSpOHLiyQV3_dWQ
US toy company Learning Resources is suing the administration, claiming the president’s tariffs are illegal – and millions of dollars are on the line.
https://apple.news/A7ENKojxXROSCveour4jtQA
Nike fails to contain margin bleed amid tariffs, turnaround, as shares fall—Sales in China fell for the sixth straight quarter, down 17%.
https://apple.news/AELCHOg9zSoO4ONIMp2i3uw
Tariffs take a bite out of mom-and-pop stores as small business profit growth turns negative for first time in 18 months, BofA says.
https://apple.news/Aa8gk7wj4RQOmhO7uwfzPZA
Southeast Asian economies prove resilient in the face of Trump’s tariffs as supply chains expand.
“This is because many Chinese exporters turned to transshipping to reduce tariff payments—a process that led them to route goods through ASEAN countries before shipping them to the U.S.
Consequently, in 2025, the U.S. saw a reduction in Chinese goods, which were slapped with steep 40% tariffs, and an increase in ASEAN imports, which had lower tariffs averaging 10%.”
https://apple.news/AeuJX8krrTwusSM3pfiMkTA
Bari Weiss’ much-hyped CBS News town hall with Erika Kirk was a massive ratings flop.
“According to Nielsen, the Saturday night town hall saw a 41 percent decline in in the key 25-54 advertising demographic compared to the network’s standard programming in that time slot year to date.”
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/bari-weiss-erika-kirk-cbs-news-ratings-b2885768.html
…and then “according to multiple people familiar with the matter, Weiss decided not to hold the previously planned internal town hall this month, opting instead to push it to the new year. The decision came just as the network was grappling with underwhelming ratings for a broadcast it had heavily promoted as a signal of its new editorial direction."
https://www.rawstory.com/erika-kirk-bari-weiss/
A retired policeman was jailed over an anti-Trump meme. Now he’s suing—Attorneys for 61-year-old Larry Bushart say a Tennessee sheriff violated the First Amendment: “In America, we do not jail people for political speech.”
https://apple.news/A8lErZ6xUTwaqTVSIrmxUbg
Ohio State alumni demand name of top donor Les Wexner be removed from football facility.
“The former students held an on-campus protest to put pressure on Wexner to testify and brought up his past friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Wexner’s name should not be on the Les Wexner football complex because he continues to defy subpoenas from lawyers representing students who are suing Ohio State for not protecting them from Strauss, and because of his association with Epstein,” former OSU wrestler Mike DiSabato said before the protest. “Epstein and Maxwell were directly involved in funding this facility.””
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/osu-alumni-demand-name-schools-top-donor-les-wexner-removed-football-f-rcna249553
While the losses will undoubtedly continue to pile up, this will be my last post of the year. Feel free to keep it up in the meantime. See you in January -- HNY!
China’s Trade Surplus Climbs Past $1 Trillion for First Time—President Trump’s tariffs weren’t enough to hold back the global export flood by China, which pushed past last year’s record in just 11 months.
https://archive.ph/loyym#selection-521.0-521.143
The No. 1 cause of America’s affordability problem just got worse—wage growth at lowest point since May 2021.
“American workers made an average of $36.86 an hour in November, up 3.5% over the past year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday. That may sound like a nice raise, but it’s barely enough to keep pace with the 3% annual gain in consumer prices. And it was the lowest annual paycheck growth that Americans have had since May 2021.
And, of course, that’s just an average, boosted by a 4% wage gain last month among top earners, Bank of America’s deposit data showed. Middle-income household paycheck gains were just 2.3%, and low-income households gained just 1.4% in pay over the past year.”
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/16/economy/affordability-wage-growth-inflation
LOL: Trust these numbers? Economists see a lot of flaws in delayed CPI report showing downward inflation.
“A chief point of concern is the way housing inflation was calculated, specifically the owners’ equivalent rent figure for November.”
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/18/trust-these-numbers-economists-see-a-lot-of-flaws-in-delayed-cpi-report-showing-downward-inflation.html
US coffee drinkers face higher prices even after Trump's tariff reset—Nine-month lag for raw bean prices to filter through to stores and fewer levers for Trump to pull before midterms.
https://apple.news/Az0Fo12dRT7KvBR13GDbF8Q
Wine Buyers Stock Up Before Tariffs Raise Prices: ‘Drink Less or Pay More’—New vintages from European Union poised to get pricier due to Trump administration duties and a stronger euro.
https://apple.news/AZkDjgq8xSpOHLiyQV3_dWQ
US toy company Learning Resources is suing the administration, claiming the president’s tariffs are illegal – and millions of dollars are on the line.
https://apple.news/A7ENKojxXROSCveour4jtQA
Nike fails to contain margin bleed amid tariffs, turnaround, as shares fall—Sales in China fell for the sixth straight quarter, down 17%.
https://apple.news/AELCHOg9zSoO4ONIMp2i3uw
Tariffs take a bite out of mom-and-pop stores as small business profit growth turns negative for first time in 18 months, BofA says.
https://apple.news/Aa8gk7wj4RQOmhO7uwfzPZA
Southeast Asian economies prove resilient in the face of Trump’s tariffs as supply chains expand.
“This is because many Chinese exporters turned to transshipping to reduce tariff payments—a process that led them to route goods through ASEAN countries before shipping them to the U.S.
Consequently, in 2025, the U.S. saw a reduction in Chinese goods, which were slapped with steep 40% tariffs, and an increase in ASEAN imports, which had lower tariffs averaging 10%.”
https://apple.news/AeuJX8krrTwusSM3pfiMkTA
Bari Weiss’ much-hyped CBS News town hall with Erika Kirk was a massive ratings flop.
“According to Nielsen, the Saturday night town hall saw a 41 percent decline in in the key 25-54 advertising demographic compared to the network’s standard programming in that time slot year to date.”
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/bari-weiss-erika-kirk-cbs-news-ratings-b2885768.html
…and then “according to multiple people familiar with the matter, Weiss decided not to hold the previously planned internal town hall this month, opting instead to push it to the new year. The decision came just as the network was grappling with underwhelming ratings for a broadcast it had heavily promoted as a signal of its new editorial direction."
https://www.rawstory.com/erika-kirk-bari-weiss/
A retired policeman was jailed over an anti-Trump meme. Now he’s suing—Attorneys for 61-year-old Larry Bushart say a Tennessee sheriff violated the First Amendment: “In America, we do not jail people for political speech.”
https://apple.news/A8lErZ6xUTwaqTVSIrmxUbg
Ohio State alumni demand name of top donor Les Wexner be removed from football facility.
“The former students held an on-campus protest to put pressure on Wexner to testify and brought up his past friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Wexner’s name should not be on the Les Wexner football complex because he continues to defy subpoenas from lawyers representing students who are suing Ohio State for not protecting them from Strauss, and because of his association with Epstein,” former OSU wrestler Mike DiSabato said before the protest. “Epstein and Maxwell were directly involved in funding this facility.””
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/osu-alumni-demand-name-schools-top-donor-les-wexner-removed-football-f-rcna249553
Anonymous
12/19/2025 14:02
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Post 1 of 2 today...
Blanche says DOJ won’t release full Epstein files to Congress by Friday deadline.
“Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice (DOJ) would not be releasing the full Epstein files to Congress on Friday as required under new legislation, instead sending over a partial batch.
Blanche told Fox News the Justice Department would release “several hundred thousand” documents on Friday, “and then over the next couple weeks, I expect several hundred thousand more.”
https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5656765-blanche-says-doj-wont-release-full-esptein-files-to-congress-by-friday-deadline/
‘Execution was abysmal’: Trump economy speech doesn’t meet GOP hopes—In private, some Republicans worry after Trump’s primetime economy speech that changing voter perceptions may be a slog.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/18/execution-was-abysmal-trump-economy-speech-doesnt-meet-gop-hopes-00698967
…probably because Trump Says Prices Falling as CPI Shows 2.7% Rise.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-admin-latest-news-live-updates-11236645
…and also said the $1776 checks to military were a tariff rebate he dreamed up 30 minutes earlier, but that was a lie.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act — Trump’s sweeping tax and spending law passed earlier this year — appropriated $2.9 billion to the Pentagon to supplement the BAH entitlement.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5654855-military-service-members-bonus/
…and finally he even managed to piss off reality show Survivor fans because his address to the nation interrupted the show’s season finale.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-angers-survivor-fans-11236901
JFK’s neice Maria Shriver slammed Trump’s plan to rename the Kennedy Center, calling it “obsessive” and “beyond comprehension.”
“The board’s decision, announced Thursday, immediately triggered backlash from the Kennedy family and beyond. Shriver responded forcefully to the decision, characterizing the move as an inappropriate political branding of a national and sentimental memorial.”
https://www.newsweek.com/jfk-niece-message-americans-trump-11244682
Donald Trump’s Patriot Games Spark Hunger Games Comparison.
“The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026, and Trump announced on Thursday that the “Patriot Games” would be part of the celebrations. Democrats were quick to draw comparisons between the games with The Hunger Games, a book series written by Suzanne Collins that details a dystopian United States where the country is split into “districts” that must send a male and a female to compete in a battle to the death.”
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-patriot-games-spark-hunger-games-comparison-11240243
Crybaby in Chief: New White House Plaques Ignore 3 Democratic Presidents’ Nobel Peace Prizes—Only one Nobel Peace Prize winner—former President Theodore Roosevelt—is recognized.
https://www.newsweek.com/new-white-house-plaques-ignore-democratic-presidents-nobel-peace-prizes-11236067
National Guard troops under Trump’s command leave L.A before court’s deadline.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-12-15/national-guard-los-angeles-deadline?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
DOJ tried, failed to add third felony charge against Letitia James: Court documents.
“Federal prosecutors attempted to persuade a grand jury to tack a third felony charge onto a failed indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) last week but fell short, court filings show.
The sought charge was making a false statement to a financial institution, adding to another such charge and one count of bank fraud from the earlier indictment. However, the new effort excluded previous claims that she rented a Virginia home but misrepresented its intended use to obtain favorable loan terms.”
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5656649-doj-letitia-james-felony-charge-doj/
Federal Judge Temporarily Bars ICE From Restricting Congressional Oversight Visits—“Real-time, on-the-ground visits to immigration detention facilities help prevent abuses and ensure transparency,” the 12 House Democrats who sued ICE said.
https://www.notus.org/immigration/court-blocks-dhs-policy-lawmakers-immigration-center-visits
DOJ vowed to punish those who disrupt Trump’s immigration crackdown. Dozens of cases have crumbled—an examination of 166 federal criminal cases.
https://www.kptv.com/2025/12/18/doj-vowed-punish-those-who-disrupt-trumps-immigration-crackdown-dozens-cases-have-crumbled/
At FEMA, $900 million in grants, loans awaits Noem’s approval.
“This represents a significant backlog at the emergency management agency, which provides funding that both helps communities prepare for disasters and assists with short- and long-term recovery.
…
The $900 million figure gives clues about how Noem’s policy of personally approving all major expenditures that cost $100,000 or more is actually playing out.
The policy, which applies to the entire Department of Homeland Security – not just FEMA – is one that has received significant scrutiny, especially at the high-profile disaster agency that has found itself in the Trump administration’s crosshairs.”
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5656887-fema-backlog-grants-noem-review/
Dan Bongino stepping down as FBI deputy director.
“In a post on X, he thanked President Donald Trump, as well as the director of the FBI and the US attorney general "for the opportunity to serve with purpose". Bongino did not say in his post why he was stepping down.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgj0p5yl92o
Brown, MIT Suspect Given Green Card Under Donald Trump.
“The suspect in the Brown University mass shooting and killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor was granted a green card during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente obtained legal permanent residence status in September 2017, U.S. attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley said.”
https://www.newsweek.com/brown-mit-suspect-given-green-card-under-donald-trump-11244860
TACO Time: Green Card Update Reveals Major Gains for Applicants—Full List of Changes.
“The biggest winner in the family-based category update is Mexico, which saw the most significant forward movement across multiple preferences. For Final Action Dates, Mexico’s F1 and F2B categories each advanced by six months, while other countries saw only minor changes.
..
The biggest winner in the employment-based update is India’s EB‑5 Unreserved category, which saw a dramatic leap forward from April 1, 2022 to May 1, 2024—a gain of more than two years.”
https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-gains-applicants-full-list-changes-11235358
Michigan Tells Doctors To Ignore RFK Jr.
“Michigan's chief doctor has advised colleagues to ignore advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the timing of vaccines.
…
Bagdasarian wrote in her recommendation that people should follow different advice: "As of December 18, 2025, health care providers in Michigan should refer to the children’s vaccine schedules produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Academy of Family Physicians, when determining which vaccines their patients should receive and the timing for their administration."
https://www.newsweek.com/cdc-hepatitis-b-vaccine-rfk-jr-11242283
Veterans Affairs Cutting As Many As 35,000 Jobs By End Of Year, Report Says—mostly health care positions.
“The cuts come after the agency eliminated 30,000 jobs, mostly through buyout offers and attrition, in a mass reorganization earlier this year.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/12/13/veterans-affairs-cutting-as-many-as-35000-jobs-by-end-of-year-report-says/
McKinsey Plans to Cut 10 Percent of Its Workforce.
“The planned cuts come after years of rapid hiring followed by stalled growth. Revenue has hovered around $15 billion to $16 billion, while clients grow more cautious about big consulting bills. Rivals like Accenture, EY and PwC have made similar moves.”
https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/mckinsey-plans-to-cut-10-percent-of-its-workforce/500869
MAGA infighting erupts at Turning Point USA Conference.
“Two of the night’s headliners — Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson — threw jabs at each other in their speeches.”
https://apple.news/A93yYWwmaSyqlo_s-pKGucg
2 additional Heritage Foundation board members leave amid Carlson-Fuentes fallout.
“Two more Heritage Foundation board of trustees members resigned Tuesday in the wake of the conservative think tank’s president defending an interview between conservative pundit Tucker Carlson and white nationalist Nick Fuentes.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5651880-heritage-foundation-board-resignations/
Ted Cruz Scolds Trump’s FCC Chair Over Jimmy Kimmel at Hearing.
““ABC and its affiliates would have been fully within their rights to fire him or simply to no longer air his program, that was their choice,” said Cruz. “But what government cannot do is force private entities to take actions that the government cannot take directly. Government officials threatening adverse consequences for disfavored content is an unconstitutional coercion that chills free speech.”
“Democrat or Republican, we cannot have the government arbitrating truth or opinion,” he continued, mentioning examples like past efforts by the Biden administration to get Big Tech to limit speech regarding Covid or elections.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ted-cruz-scolds-trump-fcc-175633375.html
Louisville union leader keeps Kentucky Senate seat Democratic after special election—winning 72% of vote.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/louisville-union-leader-keeps-kentucky-135041814.html
Blanche says DOJ won’t release full Epstein files to Congress by Friday deadline.
“Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice (DOJ) would not be releasing the full Epstein files to Congress on Friday as required under new legislation, instead sending over a partial batch.
Blanche told Fox News the Justice Department would release “several hundred thousand” documents on Friday, “and then over the next couple weeks, I expect several hundred thousand more.”
https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/5656765-blanche-says-doj-wont-release-full-esptein-files-to-congress-by-friday-deadline/
‘Execution was abysmal’: Trump economy speech doesn’t meet GOP hopes—In private, some Republicans worry after Trump’s primetime economy speech that changing voter perceptions may be a slog.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/18/execution-was-abysmal-trump-economy-speech-doesnt-meet-gop-hopes-00698967
…probably because Trump Says Prices Falling as CPI Shows 2.7% Rise.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-admin-latest-news-live-updates-11236645
…and also said the $1776 checks to military were a tariff rebate he dreamed up 30 minutes earlier, but that was a lie.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act — Trump’s sweeping tax and spending law passed earlier this year — appropriated $2.9 billion to the Pentagon to supplement the BAH entitlement.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5654855-military-service-members-bonus/
…and finally he even managed to piss off reality show Survivor fans because his address to the nation interrupted the show’s season finale.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-angers-survivor-fans-11236901
JFK’s neice Maria Shriver slammed Trump’s plan to rename the Kennedy Center, calling it “obsessive” and “beyond comprehension.”
“The board’s decision, announced Thursday, immediately triggered backlash from the Kennedy family and beyond. Shriver responded forcefully to the decision, characterizing the move as an inappropriate political branding of a national and sentimental memorial.”
https://www.newsweek.com/jfk-niece-message-americans-trump-11244682
Donald Trump’s Patriot Games Spark Hunger Games Comparison.
“The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026, and Trump announced on Thursday that the “Patriot Games” would be part of the celebrations. Democrats were quick to draw comparisons between the games with The Hunger Games, a book series written by Suzanne Collins that details a dystopian United States where the country is split into “districts” that must send a male and a female to compete in a battle to the death.”
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-patriot-games-spark-hunger-games-comparison-11240243
Crybaby in Chief: New White House Plaques Ignore 3 Democratic Presidents’ Nobel Peace Prizes—Only one Nobel Peace Prize winner—former President Theodore Roosevelt—is recognized.
https://www.newsweek.com/new-white-house-plaques-ignore-democratic-presidents-nobel-peace-prizes-11236067
National Guard troops under Trump’s command leave L.A before court’s deadline.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-12-15/national-guard-los-angeles-deadline?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
DOJ tried, failed to add third felony charge against Letitia James: Court documents.
“Federal prosecutors attempted to persuade a grand jury to tack a third felony charge onto a failed indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) last week but fell short, court filings show.
The sought charge was making a false statement to a financial institution, adding to another such charge and one count of bank fraud from the earlier indictment. However, the new effort excluded previous claims that she rented a Virginia home but misrepresented its intended use to obtain favorable loan terms.”
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5656649-doj-letitia-james-felony-charge-doj/
Federal Judge Temporarily Bars ICE From Restricting Congressional Oversight Visits—“Real-time, on-the-ground visits to immigration detention facilities help prevent abuses and ensure transparency,” the 12 House Democrats who sued ICE said.
https://www.notus.org/immigration/court-blocks-dhs-policy-lawmakers-immigration-center-visits
DOJ vowed to punish those who disrupt Trump’s immigration crackdown. Dozens of cases have crumbled—an examination of 166 federal criminal cases.
https://www.kptv.com/2025/12/18/doj-vowed-punish-those-who-disrupt-trumps-immigration-crackdown-dozens-cases-have-crumbled/
At FEMA, $900 million in grants, loans awaits Noem’s approval.
“This represents a significant backlog at the emergency management agency, which provides funding that both helps communities prepare for disasters and assists with short- and long-term recovery.
…
The $900 million figure gives clues about how Noem’s policy of personally approving all major expenditures that cost $100,000 or more is actually playing out.
The policy, which applies to the entire Department of Homeland Security – not just FEMA – is one that has received significant scrutiny, especially at the high-profile disaster agency that has found itself in the Trump administration’s crosshairs.”
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5656887-fema-backlog-grants-noem-review/
Dan Bongino stepping down as FBI deputy director.
“In a post on X, he thanked President Donald Trump, as well as the director of the FBI and the US attorney general "for the opportunity to serve with purpose". Bongino did not say in his post why he was stepping down.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgj0p5yl92o
Brown, MIT Suspect Given Green Card Under Donald Trump.
“The suspect in the Brown University mass shooting and killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor was granted a green card during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente obtained legal permanent residence status in September 2017, U.S. attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley said.”
https://www.newsweek.com/brown-mit-suspect-given-green-card-under-donald-trump-11244860
TACO Time: Green Card Update Reveals Major Gains for Applicants—Full List of Changes.
“The biggest winner in the family-based category update is Mexico, which saw the most significant forward movement across multiple preferences. For Final Action Dates, Mexico’s F1 and F2B categories each advanced by six months, while other countries saw only minor changes.
..
The biggest winner in the employment-based update is India’s EB‑5 Unreserved category, which saw a dramatic leap forward from April 1, 2022 to May 1, 2024—a gain of more than two years.”
https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-gains-applicants-full-list-changes-11235358
Michigan Tells Doctors To Ignore RFK Jr.
“Michigan's chief doctor has advised colleagues to ignore advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the timing of vaccines.
…
Bagdasarian wrote in her recommendation that people should follow different advice: "As of December 18, 2025, health care providers in Michigan should refer to the children’s vaccine schedules produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Academy of Family Physicians, when determining which vaccines their patients should receive and the timing for their administration."
https://www.newsweek.com/cdc-hepatitis-b-vaccine-rfk-jr-11242283
Veterans Affairs Cutting As Many As 35,000 Jobs By End Of Year, Report Says—mostly health care positions.
“The cuts come after the agency eliminated 30,000 jobs, mostly through buyout offers and attrition, in a mass reorganization earlier this year.”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/12/13/veterans-affairs-cutting-as-many-as-35000-jobs-by-end-of-year-report-says/
McKinsey Plans to Cut 10 Percent of Its Workforce.
“The planned cuts come after years of rapid hiring followed by stalled growth. Revenue has hovered around $15 billion to $16 billion, while clients grow more cautious about big consulting bills. Rivals like Accenture, EY and PwC have made similar moves.”
https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/mckinsey-plans-to-cut-10-percent-of-its-workforce/500869
MAGA infighting erupts at Turning Point USA Conference.
“Two of the night’s headliners — Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson — threw jabs at each other in their speeches.”
https://apple.news/A93yYWwmaSyqlo_s-pKGucg
2 additional Heritage Foundation board members leave amid Carlson-Fuentes fallout.
“Two more Heritage Foundation board of trustees members resigned Tuesday in the wake of the conservative think tank’s president defending an interview between conservative pundit Tucker Carlson and white nationalist Nick Fuentes.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5651880-heritage-foundation-board-resignations/
Ted Cruz Scolds Trump’s FCC Chair Over Jimmy Kimmel at Hearing.
““ABC and its affiliates would have been fully within their rights to fire him or simply to no longer air his program, that was their choice,” said Cruz. “But what government cannot do is force private entities to take actions that the government cannot take directly. Government officials threatening adverse consequences for disfavored content is an unconstitutional coercion that chills free speech.”
“Democrat or Republican, we cannot have the government arbitrating truth or opinion,” he continued, mentioning examples like past efforts by the Biden administration to get Big Tech to limit speech regarding Covid or elections.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ted-cruz-scolds-trump-fcc-175633375.html
Louisville union leader keeps Kentucky Senate seat Democratic after special election—winning 72% of vote.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/louisville-union-leader-keeps-kentucky-135041814.html
Anonymous
12/18/2025 18:23
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Well, well, well, I didn't do all my research. One more for the Epstein special edition. (Also, the above link was a gift article I got, so hope it works for you too!)
Leaked Epstein Files talking points instruct Republicans how to point blame away from Trump--Attack and Deny.
"A leaked memo that circulated through Congress Tuesday details talking points Republicans are expected to use when talking about the Epstein Files as a way to protect President Donald Trump, conveying an image of a party resigned to the fact that those files will indeed be published on Friday and that their leader will be implicated in one of the most extensive international sex trafficking operations in recent history.
The memo, first published by Fox News, outlines how congressional Republicans should direct any discussion surrounding the contents of the Epstein Files away from Trump, and outlined a list of accusations to allege against journalists and Democratic lawmakers. In essence, the memo gives step-by-step instructions on how to utilize a psychological manipulation tactic known as DARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) in order to brush aside any alleged wrongdoing by the president, while villainizing his opposition and framing Trump as the victim."
https://couriernewsroom.com/news/leaked-epstein-files-talking-points-instruct-republicans-how-to-point-blame-away-from-trump/
Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ezXF21YxKofyFQn923Upo1bRh0SeWH5c/view
Leaked Epstein Files talking points instruct Republicans how to point blame away from Trump--Attack and Deny.
"A leaked memo that circulated through Congress Tuesday details talking points Republicans are expected to use when talking about the Epstein Files as a way to protect President Donald Trump, conveying an image of a party resigned to the fact that those files will indeed be published on Friday and that their leader will be implicated in one of the most extensive international sex trafficking operations in recent history.
The memo, first published by Fox News, outlines how congressional Republicans should direct any discussion surrounding the contents of the Epstein Files away from Trump, and outlined a list of accusations to allege against journalists and Democratic lawmakers. In essence, the memo gives step-by-step instructions on how to utilize a psychological manipulation tactic known as DARVO (deny, attack, reverse victim and offender) in order to brush aside any alleged wrongdoing by the president, while villainizing his opposition and framing Trump as the victim."
https://couriernewsroom.com/news/leaked-epstein-files-talking-points-instruct-republicans-how-to-point-blame-away-from-trump/
Memo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ezXF21YxKofyFQn923Upo1bRh0SeWH5c/view
Anonymous
12/18/2025 18:16
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Special Epstein edition...
NYT Expose - ‘Don’s Best Friend’: How Epstein and Trump Bonded Over the Pursuit of Women—The president has tried to minimize their friendship, but documents and interviews reveal an intense and complicated relationship. Chasing women was a game of ego and dominance. Female bodies were currency
”To shed light on their friendship, The Times interviewed more than 30 former Epstein employees, victims of his abuse and others who crossed paths with the two men over the years. The Times also obtained new documents that illuminate their relationship and scoured court documents and other public records.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/us/jeffrey-epstein-donald-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9k8.RvX4.zz0UJIjDHBd4&smid=url-share
House Democrats release another batch of Epstein photos--It comes a day before the deadline for the DOJ to release its Epstein files [Some photos included in article.].
https://abcnews.go.com/US/house-democrats-release-batch-epstein-photos/story?id=128519600
NYT Expose - ‘Don’s Best Friend’: How Epstein and Trump Bonded Over the Pursuit of Women—The president has tried to minimize their friendship, but documents and interviews reveal an intense and complicated relationship. Chasing women was a game of ego and dominance. Female bodies were currency
”To shed light on their friendship, The Times interviewed more than 30 former Epstein employees, victims of his abuse and others who crossed paths with the two men over the years. The Times also obtained new documents that illuminate their relationship and scoured court documents and other public records.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/us/jeffrey-epstein-donald-trump.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9k8.RvX4.zz0UJIjDHBd4&smid=url-share
House Democrats release another batch of Epstein photos--It comes a day before the deadline for the DOJ to release its Epstein files [Some photos included in article.].
https://abcnews.go.com/US/house-democrats-release-batch-epstein-photos/story?id=128519600
Anonymous
12/17/2025 11:31
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
I wasn't planning on posting again so soon, but the losses piling up this week...
Frustrated GOP moderates join Democrats to force Obamacare extension vote.
“Four House Republicans joined Democrats Wednesday to force a House vote on a straight three-year extension of the enhanced Obamacare tax credits that will expire Dec. 31, delivering a sharp rebuke to Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders.”
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/12/17/congress/brian-fitzpatrick-joins-house-democrats-health-care-discharge-petition-00694688
Two peace deals Trump took credit for appear to unravel at the same time—Fighting has not abated in the Democratic Republic of Congo or between Cambodia and Thailand in the wake of Trump-backed agreements.
https://apple.news/AQw633GPcRO-n9bsyyvNatA
Pulitzer Prize Board members dump broad discovery demands on Trump for tax returns, psych records, and 'any' prescription meds history.
“Pulitzer Prize Board members filed court documents in Okeechobee County, Florida, on Thursday, containing a litany of broad discovery demands in an attempt to beat back President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit over Russia probe reporting awards.”
https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/pulitzer-prize-board-members-fight-back-with-wide-ranging-discovery-demands-including-about-trump-finances/
LOL: The Trump administration is trying to talk voters into liking the economy—The Trump administration’s attempts to calm persistent affordability concerns have run into a stiff opponent: the U.S. economy.
https://apple.news/AbyylV8OASbGza2yuX5o_jw
..and don’t forget in 2028 that Vance is gaslighting us too: Vance touts an ‘A+++’ economy.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook-pm/2025/12/16/vance-touts-an-a-economy-00693051
Finance chiefs see US prices rising next year, tariffs still a top concern—CFOs in Fed survey on average expect 4.2% price rise in 2026.
https://apple.news/AntUnjR_bQ6m4jXxxO7BgpA
Heating costs expected to jump 9.2 percent this winter.
“The report from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA), which represents state governments in securing federal funding, projects that households will spend $995 on heating this winter, an increase of $84 from last winter. Costs for households using electric and natural gas heaters will increase by 12.2 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively.
The Hill has reached out to the Department of Energy for comment.”
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5652622-energy-prices-rise-winter/
U.S. business activity growth hits 6-month low in December.
“U.S. business activity growth slowed in December to the weakest pace since June, with new orders sliding for both manufacturers and service providers to cap a year of volatility and uncertainty for the American economy, survey data showed on Tuesday.”
https://apple.news/AvJNuJcg6TK6y9Y5EWhBM4A
‘Extremely demoralizing’: Republicans respond to the bombastic Wiles interview.
“The interview was “extremely demoralizing,” said a person close to the White House.
A second person close to the White House said simply: “So far … WTF.”
A third person close to the White House said they’ve known Wiles for decades and was “very surprised” that she participated.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/16/why-vanity-fair-aides-and-allies-wonder-what-wiles-west-wing-were-thinking-extremely-demoralizing-republicans-respond-to-the-bombastic-wiles-interview-00693821
Republicans push mail-in voting for the midterms in defiance of Trump—Fearing a turnout slump, Republicans are promoting mail voting to keep Trump’s supporters engaged — even as he tries to end the practice.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867
Raskin to introduce bill to require review of White House renovation plans.
“Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland plans to introduce legislation Tuesday that would subject White House renovations like President Trump's ballroom project to the same reviews as other federal projects. Currently, the White House is exempt from certain oversight under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Raskin's bill, called the "People's White House Historic Preservation Act," would require White House renovations to undergo a so-called "Section 106 review," a pre-ground breaking assessment that addresses the impact of renovations on historic buildings and allows the public to weigh in.”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/raskin-bill-require-white-house-renovation-plans-review/#
Nonprofit groups offer legal assistance to U.S. troops amid debate over boat strikes—Billboards are going up in military communities in Florida urging American service members to "obey only lawful orders."
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/nonprofit-groups-offer-legal-assistance-us-troops-debate-boat-strikes-rcna249524
Republican Forced to Answer How Many Somalis He Represents Are Garbage—Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer stumbled over his words when asked about Trump’s infamous comment.
https://apple.news/A1suhLqLeT_-61eUgUFo70w
South African authorities raid US refugee facility.
“South African authorities raided a U.S. refugee facility in Johannesburg, briefly detaining U.S. staff who have been processing white Afrikaner refugees.
The episode is sure to be a source of further tension between U.S. and South African officials who have denied claims from President Trump that the white minority there have been discriminated against by the government.”
https://apple.news/AI2Q9-e7-TbyGkLaqv7zjPg
BBC vows to defend itself in $10bn Donald Trump lawsuit.
““I think they have apologised for one or two of the mistakes that were made in that Panorama programme, but they’ve also been very clear that there is no case to answer in terms of Mr Trump’s accusations on the broader point about libel or defamation,” Kinnock told Sky News.”
https://apple.news/AlpShTZqWQnGu-fQk2Vc8qw
…and LOL: Donald Trump's BBC lawsuit 'puts him on the stand' where 'he must tell the truth’.
“Lawyers for the broadcaster are said to be considering launching an aggressive defence. And they could make the US president face questions about his actions during the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. It is something no congressional committee, prosecutor or journalist has ever been able to do, with Mr Trump so far managing to avoid scrutiny over his supporters’ actions that day. A source close to the case told the Mirror: “The moment Trump filed this case, he opened the door. He thinks he can attack the BBC for $10bn. But he could expose himself to questioning that could finally pin down what he did, what he knew and when.”
https://apple.news/Avg6UM14yQai9K96pNJ4cHg
SNAP benefits update: Trump admin suffers setback in lawsuit—Twenty states sued the Trump administration after it issued guidance changing SNAP benefits for refugees and asylum seekers.
“A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration must give states more time to implement rules relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).”
https://apple.news/ASPUFTAcFTpaMLnUDmup2uQ
16 states sue Trump administration again over billions in withheld electric vehicle charging funds.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/16/states-sue-trump-admin-again-withheld-ev-funds.html
Unprecedented errors are eroding the credibility of Trump's Justice Department—Dismissal rate of criminal complaints in D.C. reaches 21% since crackdown began.
“These mistakes are causing department attorneys to lose credibility with federal courts, with some judges quashing subpoenas, threatening criminal contempt and issuing opinions that raise questions about their conduct. Grand juries have also in some cases started rejecting indictments, a highly unusual event since prosecutors control what evidence gets presented.”
https://apple.news/ADVHoorZzTKajI3OAGZa-XA
‘You don’t have to do it alone’: how US cities are helping each other resist ICE—From LA to Charlotte, organizers are learning from others’ strategies to protect residents amid federal crackdowns.
https://apple.news/ALP_f1qigRGKpV3cMbPT3EQ
'You ain't getting it here.' Louisiana store owner denies border patrol.
“On Saturday, Dec. 6, a convenience store manager in Kenner, Louisiana locked out a group of Border Patrol agents, denying them entry to the store.
Wayne Davis, who is assistant manager of the store, was helping a customer when he noticed two unmarked SUVs pull into the parking lot and stop at the front of the store.“
https://apple.news/A5_onIPoVS3-uJdNMeWXH4w
Trump’s desire to erase Black American servicemen from history only strengthened the determination of people in Limburg to honour them, in a magnificent example of the Streisand effect.
“A tweet from Trump’s new ambassador to the Netherlands, Joe Popolo, suggests the administration is backtracking. Popolo distanced himself from the removal of the panels, pointing out that it happened “prior to my arrival as ambassador”.
“There is zero inconsistency in honoring the important role African American soldiers played in WWII,” he added, the closest any Trump official will ever come to acknowledging the diversity of the armed forces.
https://apple.news/Aim_DbnXtQ5C0FHmxbr_dww
Dan Newhouse will not run for reelection—Newhouse was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/12/17/congress/dan-newhouse-retirement-2026-00694643
FAFO: ‘I Didn’t Vote for This’: A Revolt Against DOGE Cuts, Deep in Trump Country—Trump administration policies slashing staffing and funding for public lands are waking a sleeping political giant in Montana.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/12/15/doge-cuts-donald-trump-montana-00681695
Poll: Donald Trump Has Lost the Suburbs.
“According to polling by Quantus Insights, the proportion of people from the suburbs who approve of the president has declined from -3 percentage points in September to -16 points in December.”
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-polling-suburbs-11195283
Um, no LOL: Usha Vance Says She and Melania Are ‘Different People’.
“We really get along pretty well. I’ve enjoyed traveling with her a little bit and talking to her about things like raising kids in this kind of crazy life, about our interests and hobbies and that sort of thing,” said Vance, speaking in her usual opaque vagaries. “And you know, we’re different people, but different people who can enjoy having conversation together.” She also complimented Melania for “getting things done” and being “very, very focused on doing things her way.”
https://apple.news/ACpUaP-k3S0Wzaz7mJ0Bn-w
Frustrated GOP moderates join Democrats to force Obamacare extension vote.
“Four House Republicans joined Democrats Wednesday to force a House vote on a straight three-year extension of the enhanced Obamacare tax credits that will expire Dec. 31, delivering a sharp rebuke to Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders.”
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/12/17/congress/brian-fitzpatrick-joins-house-democrats-health-care-discharge-petition-00694688
Two peace deals Trump took credit for appear to unravel at the same time—Fighting has not abated in the Democratic Republic of Congo or between Cambodia and Thailand in the wake of Trump-backed agreements.
https://apple.news/AQw633GPcRO-n9bsyyvNatA
Pulitzer Prize Board members dump broad discovery demands on Trump for tax returns, psych records, and 'any' prescription meds history.
“Pulitzer Prize Board members filed court documents in Okeechobee County, Florida, on Thursday, containing a litany of broad discovery demands in an attempt to beat back President Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit over Russia probe reporting awards.”
https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/pulitzer-prize-board-members-fight-back-with-wide-ranging-discovery-demands-including-about-trump-finances/
LOL: The Trump administration is trying to talk voters into liking the economy—The Trump administration’s attempts to calm persistent affordability concerns have run into a stiff opponent: the U.S. economy.
https://apple.news/AbyylV8OASbGza2yuX5o_jw
..and don’t forget in 2028 that Vance is gaslighting us too: Vance touts an ‘A+++’ economy.
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook-pm/2025/12/16/vance-touts-an-a-economy-00693051
Finance chiefs see US prices rising next year, tariffs still a top concern—CFOs in Fed survey on average expect 4.2% price rise in 2026.
https://apple.news/AntUnjR_bQ6m4jXxxO7BgpA
Heating costs expected to jump 9.2 percent this winter.
“The report from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA), which represents state governments in securing federal funding, projects that households will spend $995 on heating this winter, an increase of $84 from last winter. Costs for households using electric and natural gas heaters will increase by 12.2 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively.
The Hill has reached out to the Department of Energy for comment.”
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5652622-energy-prices-rise-winter/
U.S. business activity growth hits 6-month low in December.
“U.S. business activity growth slowed in December to the weakest pace since June, with new orders sliding for both manufacturers and service providers to cap a year of volatility and uncertainty for the American economy, survey data showed on Tuesday.”
https://apple.news/AvJNuJcg6TK6y9Y5EWhBM4A
‘Extremely demoralizing’: Republicans respond to the bombastic Wiles interview.
“The interview was “extremely demoralizing,” said a person close to the White House.
A second person close to the White House said simply: “So far … WTF.”
A third person close to the White House said they’ve known Wiles for decades and was “very surprised” that she participated.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/16/why-vanity-fair-aides-and-allies-wonder-what-wiles-west-wing-were-thinking-extremely-demoralizing-republicans-respond-to-the-bombastic-wiles-interview-00693821
Republicans push mail-in voting for the midterms in defiance of Trump—Fearing a turnout slump, Republicans are promoting mail voting to keep Trump’s supporters engaged — even as he tries to end the practice.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867
Raskin to introduce bill to require review of White House renovation plans.
“Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland plans to introduce legislation Tuesday that would subject White House renovations like President Trump's ballroom project to the same reviews as other federal projects. Currently, the White House is exempt from certain oversight under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Raskin's bill, called the "People's White House Historic Preservation Act," would require White House renovations to undergo a so-called "Section 106 review," a pre-ground breaking assessment that addresses the impact of renovations on historic buildings and allows the public to weigh in.”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/raskin-bill-require-white-house-renovation-plans-review/#
Nonprofit groups offer legal assistance to U.S. troops amid debate over boat strikes—Billboards are going up in military communities in Florida urging American service members to "obey only lawful orders."
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/nonprofit-groups-offer-legal-assistance-us-troops-debate-boat-strikes-rcna249524
Republican Forced to Answer How Many Somalis He Represents Are Garbage—Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer stumbled over his words when asked about Trump’s infamous comment.
https://apple.news/A1suhLqLeT_-61eUgUFo70w
South African authorities raid US refugee facility.
“South African authorities raided a U.S. refugee facility in Johannesburg, briefly detaining U.S. staff who have been processing white Afrikaner refugees.
The episode is sure to be a source of further tension between U.S. and South African officials who have denied claims from President Trump that the white minority there have been discriminated against by the government.”
https://apple.news/AI2Q9-e7-TbyGkLaqv7zjPg
BBC vows to defend itself in $10bn Donald Trump lawsuit.
““I think they have apologised for one or two of the mistakes that were made in that Panorama programme, but they’ve also been very clear that there is no case to answer in terms of Mr Trump’s accusations on the broader point about libel or defamation,” Kinnock told Sky News.”
https://apple.news/AlpShTZqWQnGu-fQk2Vc8qw
…and LOL: Donald Trump's BBC lawsuit 'puts him on the stand' where 'he must tell the truth’.
“Lawyers for the broadcaster are said to be considering launching an aggressive defence. And they could make the US president face questions about his actions during the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. It is something no congressional committee, prosecutor or journalist has ever been able to do, with Mr Trump so far managing to avoid scrutiny over his supporters’ actions that day. A source close to the case told the Mirror: “The moment Trump filed this case, he opened the door. He thinks he can attack the BBC for $10bn. But he could expose himself to questioning that could finally pin down what he did, what he knew and when.”
https://apple.news/Avg6UM14yQai9K96pNJ4cHg
SNAP benefits update: Trump admin suffers setback in lawsuit—Twenty states sued the Trump administration after it issued guidance changing SNAP benefits for refugees and asylum seekers.
“A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration must give states more time to implement rules relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).”
https://apple.news/ASPUFTAcFTpaMLnUDmup2uQ
16 states sue Trump administration again over billions in withheld electric vehicle charging funds.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/16/states-sue-trump-admin-again-withheld-ev-funds.html
Unprecedented errors are eroding the credibility of Trump's Justice Department—Dismissal rate of criminal complaints in D.C. reaches 21% since crackdown began.
“These mistakes are causing department attorneys to lose credibility with federal courts, with some judges quashing subpoenas, threatening criminal contempt and issuing opinions that raise questions about their conduct. Grand juries have also in some cases started rejecting indictments, a highly unusual event since prosecutors control what evidence gets presented.”
https://apple.news/ADVHoorZzTKajI3OAGZa-XA
‘You don’t have to do it alone’: how US cities are helping each other resist ICE—From LA to Charlotte, organizers are learning from others’ strategies to protect residents amid federal crackdowns.
https://apple.news/ALP_f1qigRGKpV3cMbPT3EQ
'You ain't getting it here.' Louisiana store owner denies border patrol.
“On Saturday, Dec. 6, a convenience store manager in Kenner, Louisiana locked out a group of Border Patrol agents, denying them entry to the store.
Wayne Davis, who is assistant manager of the store, was helping a customer when he noticed two unmarked SUVs pull into the parking lot and stop at the front of the store.“
https://apple.news/A5_onIPoVS3-uJdNMeWXH4w
Trump’s desire to erase Black American servicemen from history only strengthened the determination of people in Limburg to honour them, in a magnificent example of the Streisand effect.
“A tweet from Trump’s new ambassador to the Netherlands, Joe Popolo, suggests the administration is backtracking. Popolo distanced himself from the removal of the panels, pointing out that it happened “prior to my arrival as ambassador”.
“There is zero inconsistency in honoring the important role African American soldiers played in WWII,” he added, the closest any Trump official will ever come to acknowledging the diversity of the armed forces.
https://apple.news/Aim_DbnXtQ5C0FHmxbr_dww
Dan Newhouse will not run for reelection—Newhouse was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/12/17/congress/dan-newhouse-retirement-2026-00694643
FAFO: ‘I Didn’t Vote for This’: A Revolt Against DOGE Cuts, Deep in Trump Country—Trump administration policies slashing staffing and funding for public lands are waking a sleeping political giant in Montana.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/12/15/doge-cuts-donald-trump-montana-00681695
Poll: Donald Trump Has Lost the Suburbs.
“According to polling by Quantus Insights, the proportion of people from the suburbs who approve of the president has declined from -3 percentage points in September to -16 points in December.”
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-polling-suburbs-11195283
Um, no LOL: Usha Vance Says She and Melania Are ‘Different People’.
“We really get along pretty well. I’ve enjoyed traveling with her a little bit and talking to her about things like raising kids in this kind of crazy life, about our interests and hobbies and that sort of thing,” said Vance, speaking in her usual opaque vagaries. “And you know, we’re different people, but different people who can enjoy having conversation together.” She also complimented Melania for “getting things done” and being “very, very focused on doing things her way.”
https://apple.news/ACpUaP-k3S0Wzaz7mJ0Bn-w
Anonymous
12/15/2025 22:09
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Anonymous wrote:Thanks pp! I'm a bit behind, but this is what I have since I last posted.
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal.
“In 1993, Trump signed a mortgage for a “Bermuda style” home in Palm Beach, Florida, pledging that it would be his principal residence. Just seven weeks later, he got another mortgage for a seven-bedroom, marble-floored neighboring property, attesting that it too would be his principal residence.
In reality, Trump, then a New Yorker, does not appear to have ever lived in either home, let alone used them as a principal residence.”
https://apple.news/Af9xzZhyNSJiHFHaujaOuVw
NATO Ally Says Trump’s US Poses Security Threat.
“Denmark has for the first time identified the United States as one of the security threats facing the country in an annual risk assessment published on Wednesday.”
https://www.newsweek.com/nato-denmark-trump-security-threat-russia-greenland-arctic-11186411
Articles of Impeachment Introduced Against Pete Hegseth.
“Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, a step he signaled earlier this month, saying in a video announcement on X that the articles were “for murder and conspiracy to murder and reckless and unlawful mishandling of classified information.”
https://www.newsweek.com/articles-of-impeachment-introduced-against-pete-hegseth-11188538
Over 250 people quarantined in South Carolina as measles outbreak rages—16 cases are linked to a church, which followed exposures at four schools last week.
https://apple.news/AQ1p2efFFSai4J1O4AAzdfA
Trump calls affordability crisis a 'hoax.' The data tells a different story.
“…grocery costs are up 2.7% for the year ending in September and electricity costs have jumped more than 5%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”
https://apple.news/AQWCswb3cQgqGGKMLlxQISQ
57% of voters say Trump is losing the battle against inflation, and 56% say his tariff policies are harming the economy.
“…while 68% of respondents to a AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll from October said the economy was poor or very poor.”
https://apple.news/AQWCswb3cQgqGGKMLlxQISQ
U.S. businesses are getting throttled by the drop in tourism from Canada: ‘I can count the number of Canadian visitors on one hand’.
“From January to October of 2025, the number of passenger vehicles crossing the U.S.-Canada border fell by nearly 20% compared with the same period in 2024, according to the JEC analysis, which draws on U.S. Customs and Border Protection travel statistics. In some border states, the decline reached 27%, a shift that local tourism agencies say is showing up in fewer tourists, more hotel vacancies, and weaker sales.”
https://fortune.com/2025/12/10/us-businesses-canada-border-throttled-drop-canadian-tourism/
As 2025 draws to a close, Florida’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant decline, with visitor numbers dropping for 11 months straight.
https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/florida-joins-idaho-maine-michigan-minnesota-north-dakota-and-more-in-us-as-tourism-plunge-for-eleven-months-straight-as-2025-nears-its-end-new-report-you-need-to-know/#google_vignette
Democrat Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayor’s race, beats Trump’s pick—the first Democrat and non-Hispanic to win the mayoral seat in decades.
https://apple.news/AR_KfVRvbTNOSOPmhpY_bWw
Democrat flips Georgia state House seat in district Trump won.
“Democrats on Tuesday flipped a state House seat in a red-leaning district in Georgia, delivering the party another notable win heading into next year’s midterms.”
https://apple.news/AR9VKSVBrT1WtyAxEspTegQ
In 2025, Democrats Flipped 21 Percentof GOP-Held Legislative Seats—Republicans Have Flipped ZERO.
“Among their 2025 gains, Democrats have secured their largest majority in the Virginia House since the 1980s, expanded their control of the New Jersey Assembly, and broken Republican supermajorities in the state senates of Iowa and Mississippi. They also flipped a state Senate seat in a deeply Republican region of Pennsylvania, and staged Tuesday’s upset in a Georgia district that Trump had carried by double-digits last year.”
https://boltsmag.org/legislative-elections-results-2025/
Democrats Press to Expand House Map, Targeting 5 New G.O.P. Seats.
“The campaign arm of House Democrats is making the first formal expansion of what it considers to be the battleground map for control of Congress in 2026, adding five new Republican-held seats.
Democrats are feeling emboldened after sweeping wins in November’s elections and a surprisingly strong showing in a special election this month in Tennessee, where the Democratic nominee outran President Trump’s margin of victory in a ruby-red district by 13 percentage points.”
https://archive.ph/nNXpI#selection-667.0-675.48
Indiana Republicans overwhelmingly defy Trump and reject his House redistricting push in the state.
“When the proposal failed 31-19, cheers could be heard inside the chamber as well as shouts of “thank you!” The debate had been shadowed by the possibility of violence, and some lawmakers have received threats.
Trump tried to brush off the defeat, telling reporters in the Oval Office that he “wasn’t working on it very hard” despite his personal involvement in the pressure campaign.”
https://cdispatch.com/news/indiana-republicans-defy-trump-and-reject-his-house-redistricting-push-in-the-state/
Mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew speaks out after ICE arrest—and answers what she wants to say to the press secretary.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/12/us/video/ebof-bruna-caroline-ferreira-ice-leavitt
Migrants facing mandatory detention in U.S. are fighting back, and winning.
“The Trump administration’s move to eliminate bond hearings for immigrants facing deportation has resulted in an explosion of legal challenges that the policy violates due process.”
https://apple.news/ApyQVqaQ4QdaMjFRhywh2ng
National Trust sues to stop Trump’s ballroom construction—The organization, which is charged by Congress with historic preservation, has retained President Barack Obama’s former lawyer as it seeks to pause the project.
https://apple.news/A1bzdJWlrQ_aIwOtlLrBgWw
Trump Admin Given Deadline To Remove National Guard From LA.
“The White House has been given a Monday deadline to remove the remaining National Guard troops from Los Angeles, a court has ruled.
In a Friday ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found that a previous order barring the government's use of the Guard in the city would remain in place.”
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-remove-national-guard-los-angeles-11209253
This HIV Expert Refused To Censor Data, Then Quit the CDC.
“John Weiser, a doctor and researcher, has treated people with HIV since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. He joined the CDC’s HIV prevention team in 2011 to help lead its Medical Monitoring Project, the only in-depth survey of HIV across the United States. The project has shaped the country’s response to the epidemic over two decades, but the Trump administration censored last year’s findings and stopped funding it.
Weiser spoke with KFF Health News on the evening before World AIDS Day, which the U.S. government, for the first time since 1988, didn’t acknowledge this year. That was only the latest blow to efforts to combat HIV. The Trump administration has cut funds to provide lifesaving HIV care abroad, withheld money to prevent and treat HIV in the U.S., and fired HIV experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
https://apple.news/AwDhajtCiRtO7FULc7rDFPA
Tariffs have cost U.S. households $1,200 each since Trump returned to the White House.
“Sweeping taxes on imports have cost the average American household nearly $1,200 since Donald Trump returned to the White House this year, according to calculations by Democrats on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee.
Using Treasury Department numbers on revenue from tariffs and Goldman Sachs estimates of who ends up paying for them, the Democrats’ report Thursday found that American consumers’ share of the bill came to nearly $159 billion — or $1,198 per household — from February through November.”
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-household-costs-inflation-398e0caf9536de6c63f0d1196c54f453
Roughly 9 in 10 U.S. adults, 87%, say they've noticed higher than usual prices for groceries in the past few months, while about two-thirds say they've experienced higher prices than usual for electricity and holiday gifts.
“The findings on groceries and holiday gifts are only slightly lower than in the 2022 poll, despite the slowdown from an inflation rate that hit a four-decade peak in the middle of that year.”
https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/business/consumer-affairs-news/this-holiday-season-isnt-very-merry-for-consumers-poll-finds
GoFundMe Appeals for Financial Help Soared in 2025—Americans turned to fundraisers to cope with the cost of rent, groceries and other essentials surged in 2025.
“In its 'Year in Help' report, released Tuesday, the crowdfunding platform revealed that "essential expense" fundraising rose 20 percent in 2025, and according to CBS News’s analysis, the amount of fundraisers posted to raise money for things like housing and food in the U.S. increased by 17 percent.”
https://www.newsweek.com/gofundme-appeals-for-financial-help-soared-in-2025-11185483
Gen-Zine: DIY publications find new life as form of resistance against Trump—Zines have made a resurgence as communities seek to share information on everything from ICE raids to local elections.
https://apple.news/AQcFGzm5eSJ6rbZI50uodDw
Kristi Noem and Tom Homan’s relationship is so frosty the pair don’t even speak, report claims.
“The report, which details the frosty relationship between the two high-level officials, comes after a series of media reports suggested President Donald Trump could be looking to replace Noem. The White House has repeatedly denied these reports.
Noem’s allies have blamed the so-called whisper campaign on Homan’s supporters, while the border czar’s allies have denied involvement, Axios reports.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/kristi-noem-tom-homan-relationship-183121180.html
Number of Republicans Identifying as MAGA Plunges Seven Percentage Points Since April.
https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-identify-maga-poll-11211564
Donald Trump Responds to MAGA Backlash Over Rob Reiner Post—He Brushed it Off.
https://www.newsweek.com/rob-reiner-son-nick-donald-trump-truth-social-11216342
I so appreciate these summaries