Anonymous
04/27/2026 21:01
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
At least 34 tankers with links to Iran have bypassed the US blockade since it began, according to the cargo tracking group Vortexa, including several carrying Iranian oil — despite US President Donald Trump declaring the barricade a “tremendous success”.
https://www.ft.com/content/21dff2c7-1e27-4f74-81d8-31dcdbe9188e?syn-25a6b1a6=1
Mexico's Sheinbaum demands explanation after US officials die after operation in Chihuahua.
“ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday she would demand explanations over what U.S. and Mexican officials were doing in northern Chihuahua when they died in an accident over the weekend, noting that any joint collaborations between the local government and the U.S. without federal permission would be a violation of Mexican law.
The crash, following an operation to destroy a clandestine drug lab in a rural area, has reignited a debate over the extent of U.S. involvement in Mexican security operations. Speculation was only fueled by Sheinbaum, local officials and the U.S. Embassy appearing to contradict each other and at times themselves, and offering sparse details about the U.S. officials who died.”
https://apple.news/AsyuV4bhNToeM23zTuO5YSg
The U.S. military may have already used up half of its most expensive missiles, and it could take up to 4 years to rebuild its stockpiles.
“The Pentagon has used at least 45% of its stockpile of Precision Strike Missiles; 50% of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors inventory; and almost half of its stockpile of Patriot ballistic interceptor missiles—all within the first seven weeks of war with Iran, according to an analysis published this week by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Though the U.S. has enough missiles to continue to fight in the Iran war without limitations, there is an increased risk of the U.S. military being insufficiently prepared for a future war in the Pacific, noted the report, authored by Mark Cancian, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, and Chris Park, a CSIS research associate. Prior to the conflict in Iran, munitions stockpiles were already drained. CSIS estimated it would take one to four years to restock the seven major munitions to prewar levels.”
https://fortune.com/2026/04/24/us-military-depleted-half-most-expensive-missiles-cost-of-iran-war/
US, Iran clash at UN after Tehran gets nuclear non-proliferation role.
“The United States and Iran clashed at the United Nations on Monday over Tehran's nuclear program and its selection to be one of dozens of vice presidents at a month-long conference to review the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The 11th conference to review implementation of the NPT, which came into force in 1970, began on Monday at the United Nations in New York. Different groups nominated 34 conference vice presidents, and the conference chair, Vietnam's U.N. ambassador Do Hung Viet, said Iran was picked by "the group of non-aligned and other states."
https://apple.news/APzwszERhQLaZolPZ0GOJ-A
US is being humiliated by Iran, says German chancellor – video.
“Friedrich Merz says he cannot see what exit strategy US has in its war with Iran, warning 'an entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards'
https://apple.news/A8qGhSG8CT3uPmcTWxKOPrQ
LOL: JD Vance can't escape the Iran war—The more the vice president tries to distance himself from the conflict, the further he gets sucked in.
“With everything going wrong in Donald Trump‘s presidency these days, he is still the master at one thing: making sure that no one who pledges fealty to him will escape with their dignity intact. As vice president, JD Vance receives regular reminders of this, including an especially brutal one delivered on Tuesday. His plane was standing ready to fly to Islamabad, Pakistan, to lead the administration’s peace negotiations with Iran. But instead of taking off, Vance was made to wait hours while his boss dawdled, before eventually extending a deadline for Iran to offer a proposal to end the war that Trump impetuously started in late February in partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
https://apple.news/AH5VBlvboQXK-Hs7hwAHJlg
GOP Armed Services chair warns ending mandatory military flu shots ‘a mistake’
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5841737-gop-armed-services-chair-warns-ending-mandatory-military-flu-shots-a-mistake/
…and One wonders if Hegseth knows the flu vaccine was developed in the 1940s with assistance from the U.S. Army, whose brass had supported vaccine efforts since World War I, during which the Spanish flu killed almost as many troops as died in combat (45,000 versus 53,402) and sickened over a million more.
https://apple.news/AyjhWUjJ-Teii3cLUQOae5g
Correspondents' dinner conspiracy theories spread so fast that even Trump was alarmed.
“Some posited that the attack was covertly orchestrated by the Trump administration for political gain and to support the building of a $400 million ballroom on the East Wing of the White House. As evidence, some pointed to the quick reaction of Trump and many of his most prominent supporters calling for the ballroom to be built.
Ashley St. Clair, a former right-wing social media influencer who has recently been critical of Trump, did not entertain the idea that the incident was staged but did say in a video on TikTok that she believed the ballroom messaging had been coordinated in the immediate aftermath, noting that she had been in group chats with other influencers for such purposes.
“I told you guys that all of MAGA is paid, and they coordinate their messaging in lockstep via group chats,” she said. “And what do you know? All of these people came to the conclusion that, after they saw what happened at the White House Correspondents’ dinner, their first thought was all independently, ‘Trump needs his ballroom.’”
https://apple.news/AMLY-viIhTA6-XtLkzeEHPg
Trump ballroom lawsuit plaintiff rejects DOJ demand to drop case after 'assassination attempt’.
“Your assertion that this lawsuit puts the President's life at 'grave risk' is incorrect and irresponsible," wrote Gregory Craig, a lawyer for the plaintiff, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, to DOJ Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate.
"Simply put, this case does not jeopardize the President's safety in any way," Craig wrote in the new letter, which he provided to CNBC.”
https://apple.news/Ag11cFNBXTaiUv1DZbarclg
Journalist and legal analyst Katie Phang has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, accusing it of failing to comply with a landmark transparency law requiring the release of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his network.
https://meidasnews.com/news/katie-phang-sues-doj-over-alleged-violations-of-epstein-files-transparency-law
The month-long battle to pass the SAVE America Act ended with a whimper early Thursday morning, as the Senate — including three Republicans — voted against adding the extreme voter suppression legislation to the filibuster-proof reconciliation bill.
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/senate-rejects-bid-to-revive-save-america-act-but-the-war-isnt-over/?utm_campaign=13200977-Free%20Newsletter%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_mq6w5e8H-qJdOpRbbdcEhIQyE75In2WoZkgoNS_rp-1YSg0NjN9J9r1LhBHDYwM8n5-j_jJHeDSf0q_j6oeCiSfQ9w&_hsmi=415461815&utm_content=415461813&utm_source=hs_email
Over 1,000 US TSA officers have left since start of shutdown, DHS says.
https://apple.news/ANBlWayvdQ_GYug3lVF0stA
Trump’s Gerrymander Gambit Has (Mostly) Failed.
“Last week, Virginia voters narrowly passed a state constitutional amendment allowing Democratic legislators to rewrite the congressional maps, which may flip as many as four U.S. House seats. After this highly consequential vote, there’s bipartisan agreement that the gerrymandering war Donald Trump launched last summer was a bad idea. Aside from all the money diverted into map wars and the intraparty tensions that arose from unsettling congressional incumbents, it’s now clear that Trump’s hope of dramatically shifting the national landscape to ensure that Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House has failed.”
https://apple.news/AkmqnD1k5RjKwJB5Xn9mtwQ
Indiana GOP lawmakers defied Trump on redistricting. Now GOP voters may thwart his push for revenge.
“Across several political events in Indiana in recent days, a significant share of Republican voters said they are willing to break with Trump.
At a recent candidate forum in Rockville, 75-year-old retiree Jack Butler said he’d long been a Trump supporter — but the redistricting fight changed his message to the president.
“Now, it’s ‘leave us alone,’” he said of his opinion about Trump. “You go do your thing, that’s fine. But stay out of Hoosier politics.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/26/politics/indiana-redistricting-primaries-trump-revenge
Trump DOJ loses again, now 0 for 5 on voter roll cases, as court rejects Rhode Island lawsuit.
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-doj-loses-again-now-0-for-5-on-voter-roll-cases-as-court-rejects-rhode-island-lawsuit/
A federal court Monday approved a settlement forcing Virginia to halt voter purges near elections — delivering a major win for voters by reinforcing federal protections against last-minute disenfranchisement.
“Virginia agreed to stop removing voters from its rolls within 90 days of federal elections, ending a yearslong battle over a purge program that disproportionately targeted naturalized citizens and relied on flawed government data.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/in-voting-rights-win-virginia-agrees-to-stop-mass-voter-purges-near-election-day/
Judge tosses Kash Patel's defamation suit against former MSNBC contributor Frank Figliuzzi.
“The judge said that Frank Figliuzzi's statement, "when taken in context, cannot have been perceived by a person of ordinary intelligence as stating actual facts about Patel.”
https://apple.news/AtSaOotRaQ4CgmPW8zKTjYA
Nebraska lawmaker fails again to revive anti-trans bills after repeated attempts.
https://apple.news/AcUczm4TsRQ6rDebCEVuqIA
Trump’s Labor secretary departs, leaving scandal and vast disappointment in her wake.
“Lori Chavez-DeRemer seemed at first to be a good Trump hire as Labor secretary. Wow, were we wrong.”
https://apple.news/AXpccBuiHTauDMNYKa034lw
Top counterterrorism official accused of scamming ex, using ‘sugar daddy’ site put on leave.
“A high-ranking official with the Department of Homeland Security was placed on administrative leave amid allegations she scammed her 57-year-old ex-boyfriend out of $40,000 and has a profile on a “sugar daddy” website.
Julia Varvaro, deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism in DHS’ Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans, dismissed the claims made by Robert Bianchi, the CEO of government contractor SVDO Solutions, as coming from a disgruntled ex.”
https://apple.news/AcBEWvyZXT82xmPvAm93Q6g
A U.S. special forces soldier involved in the military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was arrested on Thursday after allegedly betting on Maduro's removal from office before news of the raid was made public, a law enforcement source and a senior military official told CBS News.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-special-forces-won-409k-bet-maduro-removal-venezuela/
Ohio Republican congressman named in active child abuse investigation amid custody dispute.
“Emily disputes that account, stating the broken collarbone occurred while the child was in Miller’s custody, and that she “unequivocally” stands by her claim that he was physical with her during the parenting transfer. Bay Village police confirmed to TMZ the department has an active investigation into “suspected child abuse.” A judge has not yet ruled on the requested custody modification.”
Amazon layoffs hit 4 states tomorrow—Hundreds laid off in Virginia today.
Filings reviewed by Newsweek show that thousands of Amazon employees across Washington, California, Maryland, and New York are slated to lose their jobs on Tuesday, April 28. Some job losses are at the corporate office in New York City, while others are tied to the shuttering of Amazon Fresh grocery stores. Amazon is also laying off 691 workers on Monday in Virginia.
https://apple.news/A-uiOIpWjSxeYtr638tMNEQ
Schwab says investors are ignoring a growing $39 trillion problem.
“Sonders and Martin framed the national debt not as an abstract government accounting exercise, but as a force that directly influences the yields investors earn, the mortgage rates they pay, and the returns they can expect from bonds.
The Congressional Budget Office projects annual deficits will average more than $2 trillion through 2036, pushing publicly held debt toward $56 trillion and roughly 120% of GDP. That trajectory would surpass the post-World War II record of 106% set in 1946.”
https://apple.news/A6EznQPQzTTejSlJKncUVEg
A new poll from Reuters/Ipsos finds that 55 percent of Republicans blame President Donald Trump for the rise in gas prices.
https://www.newsweek.com/over-half-of-republicans-blame-trump-for-spike-in-gas-prices-poll-11876438
A new poll found that 64 percent of U.S. adults believe children born in the country should be granted birthright citizenship.
https://apple.news/ARG4rXtyOTqymTPrT7ad8Jw
Dozens of Democrat physicians and public health experts across the country are running for elected office in this year’s midterm elections in response to the rise of the GOP’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.
“For example, Dr. Annie Andrews is running as a Democrat against four-term Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Nearly all of Andrews’s campaign messaging emphasizes her 20 years of practice as a pediatrician, and the health and welfare of children is a central piece of her platform.”
https://apple.news/A4qr08NnoQ5eN3DmhzzsJeA
Susan Collins’ Chances of Losing Senate Seat Hit All-Time High.
https://www.newsweek.com/susan-collins-chances-losing-senate-seat-11877613
Royce White, a Republican running for Senate in Minnesota, was found liable for abusing his ex-wife and son by a judge, according to new court documents.
https://www.newsweek.com/gop-senate-hopeful-royce-white-liable-for-abusing-wife-and-son-judge-11876321
Branding problem: NICE Agents: Donald Trump Backs Name Change for Key Government Agency.
“The president was resharing a March 25 X post from a journalist and MAGA supporter called Alyssa, in which she said, “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.”
Trump posted his response to Truth Social just after midnight on Monday, saying, “GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT. President DJT.”
https://www.ft.com/content/21dff2c7-1e27-4f74-81d8-31dcdbe9188e?syn-25a6b1a6=1
Mexico's Sheinbaum demands explanation after US officials die after operation in Chihuahua.
“ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday she would demand explanations over what U.S. and Mexican officials were doing in northern Chihuahua when they died in an accident over the weekend, noting that any joint collaborations between the local government and the U.S. without federal permission would be a violation of Mexican law.
The crash, following an operation to destroy a clandestine drug lab in a rural area, has reignited a debate over the extent of U.S. involvement in Mexican security operations. Speculation was only fueled by Sheinbaum, local officials and the U.S. Embassy appearing to contradict each other and at times themselves, and offering sparse details about the U.S. officials who died.”
https://apple.news/AsyuV4bhNToeM23zTuO5YSg
The U.S. military may have already used up half of its most expensive missiles, and it could take up to 4 years to rebuild its stockpiles.
“The Pentagon has used at least 45% of its stockpile of Precision Strike Missiles; 50% of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors inventory; and almost half of its stockpile of Patriot ballistic interceptor missiles—all within the first seven weeks of war with Iran, according to an analysis published this week by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Though the U.S. has enough missiles to continue to fight in the Iran war without limitations, there is an increased risk of the U.S. military being insufficiently prepared for a future war in the Pacific, noted the report, authored by Mark Cancian, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, and Chris Park, a CSIS research associate. Prior to the conflict in Iran, munitions stockpiles were already drained. CSIS estimated it would take one to four years to restock the seven major munitions to prewar levels.”
https://fortune.com/2026/04/24/us-military-depleted-half-most-expensive-missiles-cost-of-iran-war/
US, Iran clash at UN after Tehran gets nuclear non-proliferation role.
“The United States and Iran clashed at the United Nations on Monday over Tehran's nuclear program and its selection to be one of dozens of vice presidents at a month-long conference to review the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The 11th conference to review implementation of the NPT, which came into force in 1970, began on Monday at the United Nations in New York. Different groups nominated 34 conference vice presidents, and the conference chair, Vietnam's U.N. ambassador Do Hung Viet, said Iran was picked by "the group of non-aligned and other states."
https://apple.news/APzwszERhQLaZolPZ0GOJ-A
US is being humiliated by Iran, says German chancellor – video.
“Friedrich Merz says he cannot see what exit strategy US has in its war with Iran, warning 'an entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards'
https://apple.news/A8qGhSG8CT3uPmcTWxKOPrQ
LOL: JD Vance can't escape the Iran war—The more the vice president tries to distance himself from the conflict, the further he gets sucked in.
“With everything going wrong in Donald Trump‘s presidency these days, he is still the master at one thing: making sure that no one who pledges fealty to him will escape with their dignity intact. As vice president, JD Vance receives regular reminders of this, including an especially brutal one delivered on Tuesday. His plane was standing ready to fly to Islamabad, Pakistan, to lead the administration’s peace negotiations with Iran. But instead of taking off, Vance was made to wait hours while his boss dawdled, before eventually extending a deadline for Iran to offer a proposal to end the war that Trump impetuously started in late February in partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
https://apple.news/AH5VBlvboQXK-Hs7hwAHJlg
GOP Armed Services chair warns ending mandatory military flu shots ‘a mistake’
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5841737-gop-armed-services-chair-warns-ending-mandatory-military-flu-shots-a-mistake/
…and One wonders if Hegseth knows the flu vaccine was developed in the 1940s with assistance from the U.S. Army, whose brass had supported vaccine efforts since World War I, during which the Spanish flu killed almost as many troops as died in combat (45,000 versus 53,402) and sickened over a million more.
https://apple.news/AyjhWUjJ-Teii3cLUQOae5g
Correspondents' dinner conspiracy theories spread so fast that even Trump was alarmed.
“Some posited that the attack was covertly orchestrated by the Trump administration for political gain and to support the building of a $400 million ballroom on the East Wing of the White House. As evidence, some pointed to the quick reaction of Trump and many of his most prominent supporters calling for the ballroom to be built.
Ashley St. Clair, a former right-wing social media influencer who has recently been critical of Trump, did not entertain the idea that the incident was staged but did say in a video on TikTok that she believed the ballroom messaging had been coordinated in the immediate aftermath, noting that she had been in group chats with other influencers for such purposes.
“I told you guys that all of MAGA is paid, and they coordinate their messaging in lockstep via group chats,” she said. “And what do you know? All of these people came to the conclusion that, after they saw what happened at the White House Correspondents’ dinner, their first thought was all independently, ‘Trump needs his ballroom.’”
https://apple.news/AMLY-viIhTA6-XtLkzeEHPg
Trump ballroom lawsuit plaintiff rejects DOJ demand to drop case after 'assassination attempt’.
“Your assertion that this lawsuit puts the President's life at 'grave risk' is incorrect and irresponsible," wrote Gregory Craig, a lawyer for the plaintiff, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, to DOJ Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate.
"Simply put, this case does not jeopardize the President's safety in any way," Craig wrote in the new letter, which he provided to CNBC.”
https://apple.news/Ag11cFNBXTaiUv1DZbarclg
Journalist and legal analyst Katie Phang has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, accusing it of failing to comply with a landmark transparency law requiring the release of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his network.
https://meidasnews.com/news/katie-phang-sues-doj-over-alleged-violations-of-epstein-files-transparency-law
The month-long battle to pass the SAVE America Act ended with a whimper early Thursday morning, as the Senate — including three Republicans — voted against adding the extreme voter suppression legislation to the filibuster-proof reconciliation bill.
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/senate-rejects-bid-to-revive-save-america-act-but-the-war-isnt-over/?utm_campaign=13200977-Free%20Newsletter%20Emails&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9_mq6w5e8H-qJdOpRbbdcEhIQyE75In2WoZkgoNS_rp-1YSg0NjN9J9r1LhBHDYwM8n5-j_jJHeDSf0q_j6oeCiSfQ9w&_hsmi=415461815&utm_content=415461813&utm_source=hs_email
Over 1,000 US TSA officers have left since start of shutdown, DHS says.
https://apple.news/ANBlWayvdQ_GYug3lVF0stA
Trump’s Gerrymander Gambit Has (Mostly) Failed.
“Last week, Virginia voters narrowly passed a state constitutional amendment allowing Democratic legislators to rewrite the congressional maps, which may flip as many as four U.S. House seats. After this highly consequential vote, there’s bipartisan agreement that the gerrymandering war Donald Trump launched last summer was a bad idea. Aside from all the money diverted into map wars and the intraparty tensions that arose from unsettling congressional incumbents, it’s now clear that Trump’s hope of dramatically shifting the national landscape to ensure that Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House has failed.”
https://apple.news/AkmqnD1k5RjKwJB5Xn9mtwQ
Indiana GOP lawmakers defied Trump on redistricting. Now GOP voters may thwart his push for revenge.
“Across several political events in Indiana in recent days, a significant share of Republican voters said they are willing to break with Trump.
At a recent candidate forum in Rockville, 75-year-old retiree Jack Butler said he’d long been a Trump supporter — but the redistricting fight changed his message to the president.
“Now, it’s ‘leave us alone,’” he said of his opinion about Trump. “You go do your thing, that’s fine. But stay out of Hoosier politics.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/26/politics/indiana-redistricting-primaries-trump-revenge
Trump DOJ loses again, now 0 for 5 on voter roll cases, as court rejects Rhode Island lawsuit.
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/trump-doj-loses-again-now-0-for-5-on-voter-roll-cases-as-court-rejects-rhode-island-lawsuit/
A federal court Monday approved a settlement forcing Virginia to halt voter purges near elections — delivering a major win for voters by reinforcing federal protections against last-minute disenfranchisement.
“Virginia agreed to stop removing voters from its rolls within 90 days of federal elections, ending a yearslong battle over a purge program that disproportionately targeted naturalized citizens and relied on flawed government data.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/in-voting-rights-win-virginia-agrees-to-stop-mass-voter-purges-near-election-day/
Judge tosses Kash Patel's defamation suit against former MSNBC contributor Frank Figliuzzi.
“The judge said that Frank Figliuzzi's statement, "when taken in context, cannot have been perceived by a person of ordinary intelligence as stating actual facts about Patel.”
https://apple.news/AtSaOotRaQ4CgmPW8zKTjYA
Nebraska lawmaker fails again to revive anti-trans bills after repeated attempts.
https://apple.news/AcUczm4TsRQ6rDebCEVuqIA
Trump’s Labor secretary departs, leaving scandal and vast disappointment in her wake.
“Lori Chavez-DeRemer seemed at first to be a good Trump hire as Labor secretary. Wow, were we wrong.”
https://apple.news/AXpccBuiHTauDMNYKa034lw
Top counterterrorism official accused of scamming ex, using ‘sugar daddy’ site put on leave.
“A high-ranking official with the Department of Homeland Security was placed on administrative leave amid allegations she scammed her 57-year-old ex-boyfriend out of $40,000 and has a profile on a “sugar daddy” website.
Julia Varvaro, deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism in DHS’ Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans, dismissed the claims made by Robert Bianchi, the CEO of government contractor SVDO Solutions, as coming from a disgruntled ex.”
https://apple.news/AcBEWvyZXT82xmPvAm93Q6g
A U.S. special forces soldier involved in the military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was arrested on Thursday after allegedly betting on Maduro's removal from office before news of the raid was made public, a law enforcement source and a senior military official told CBS News.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-special-forces-won-409k-bet-maduro-removal-venezuela/
Ohio Republican congressman named in active child abuse investigation amid custody dispute.
“Emily disputes that account, stating the broken collarbone occurred while the child was in Miller’s custody, and that she “unequivocally” stands by her claim that he was physical with her during the parenting transfer. Bay Village police confirmed to TMZ the department has an active investigation into “suspected child abuse.” A judge has not yet ruled on the requested custody modification.”
Amazon layoffs hit 4 states tomorrow—Hundreds laid off in Virginia today.
Filings reviewed by Newsweek show that thousands of Amazon employees across Washington, California, Maryland, and New York are slated to lose their jobs on Tuesday, April 28. Some job losses are at the corporate office in New York City, while others are tied to the shuttering of Amazon Fresh grocery stores. Amazon is also laying off 691 workers on Monday in Virginia.
https://apple.news/A-uiOIpWjSxeYtr638tMNEQ
Schwab says investors are ignoring a growing $39 trillion problem.
“Sonders and Martin framed the national debt not as an abstract government accounting exercise, but as a force that directly influences the yields investors earn, the mortgage rates they pay, and the returns they can expect from bonds.
The Congressional Budget Office projects annual deficits will average more than $2 trillion through 2036, pushing publicly held debt toward $56 trillion and roughly 120% of GDP. That trajectory would surpass the post-World War II record of 106% set in 1946.”
https://apple.news/A6EznQPQzTTejSlJKncUVEg
A new poll from Reuters/Ipsos finds that 55 percent of Republicans blame President Donald Trump for the rise in gas prices.
https://www.newsweek.com/over-half-of-republicans-blame-trump-for-spike-in-gas-prices-poll-11876438
A new poll found that 64 percent of U.S. adults believe children born in the country should be granted birthright citizenship.
https://apple.news/ARG4rXtyOTqymTPrT7ad8Jw
Dozens of Democrat physicians and public health experts across the country are running for elected office in this year’s midterm elections in response to the rise of the GOP’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.
“For example, Dr. Annie Andrews is running as a Democrat against four-term Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Nearly all of Andrews’s campaign messaging emphasizes her 20 years of practice as a pediatrician, and the health and welfare of children is a central piece of her platform.”
https://apple.news/A4qr08NnoQ5eN3DmhzzsJeA
Susan Collins’ Chances of Losing Senate Seat Hit All-Time High.
https://www.newsweek.com/susan-collins-chances-losing-senate-seat-11877613
Royce White, a Republican running for Senate in Minnesota, was found liable for abusing his ex-wife and son by a judge, according to new court documents.
https://www.newsweek.com/gop-senate-hopeful-royce-white-liable-for-abusing-wife-and-son-judge-11876321
Branding problem: NICE Agents: Donald Trump Backs Name Change for Key Government Agency.
“The president was resharing a March 25 X post from a journalist and MAGA supporter called Alyssa, in which she said, “I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.”
Trump posted his response to Truth Social just after midnight on Monday, saying, “GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT. President DJT.”
Anonymous
04/22/2026 19:53
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
anonymous wrote:Trump Sued For Seeking To Defy Presidential Records Act—"As of this moment, the Administration believes that the President is legally free to destroy records of his official government conduct," the lawsuit says.
“The lawsuit, filed Monday by watchdog groups American Historical Association and American Oversight, accuses Trump and his administration of using the Office of Legal Counsel to give the president unfettered legal backing to destroy or refuse to hand over records to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) when he leaves office.”
https://apple.news/AaFqvtX1sTf-F0ls4ahfhJQ
Anonymous
04/18/2026 22:25
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
DoorDash grandma sidesteps Trump’s question on whether men should play women’s sports—Simmons, a grandmother of 10 from Arkansas, said she started working for the delivery giant in 2022 after burning through much of her life’s savings to help pay for her husband’s cancer treatment.
“President Trump quizzed deliverywoman Sharon Simmons about her views on a hot-button social issue Monday after she dropped off an order of McDonald’s cheeseburgers and fries for West Wing staff.
“Do you think that men should play in women’s sports?” Trump, a former McDonald’s employee for a day, asked Simmons after railing against Democrats on issues including border security, election integrity, and trans athletes.
Simmons deftly sidestepped the question, replying: “I really don’t have an opinion on that.”
There is so much so wrong with this story.
Anonymous
04/18/2026 21:33
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Anonymous wrote:Doing God's work, OP
-an atheist
Trust me, being an atheist is better than being a Christian AND a MAGA at the same time
Anonymous
04/18/2026 17:23
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Some fun ones this weekend... 
Hungry At Sea: USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli Crews Report Food Shortage Amid Iran Deployment.
“Dan F., whose daughter is a Marine aboard the USS Tripoli, told USA Today he was alarmed after seeing a photo of her meal. “A lunch tray, two-thirds empty, carried one small scoop of shredded meat and a single folded tortilla,” he said. Another image from the USS Abraham Lincoln showed “a small handful of boiled carrots, a dry meat patty and a gray slab of processed meat.”
https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/uss-abraham-lincon-uss-tripoli-food-shortage-meal-rationing-iran-war-middle-east-article-154097383/amp
County prosecutor charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun at people on Minneapolis highway.
“There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told a news conference.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/16/county-prosecutor-charges-ice-agent-with-assault-for-pointing-gun-at-people-on-minneapolis-highway-00877884
They’ve been detained by ICE and ordered deported. Judges, including tohse appointed by Trump, are releasing them from custody.
“A POLITICO analysis of immigration detention cases has found that federal judges have ordered bond hearings and, more often, outright release for more than 400 people detained under these circumstances. And the rebukes have come from judges appointed by every president since Ronald Reagan.”
https://apple.news/ARgvC0hhvRTWZfFocFvPKqA
The Clever New Lawsuit That Could Finally End ICE’s Reign of Terror in Blue States.
“But many legal scholars, and at least some judges, believe there is a path around this obstacle. As the New York Times’ Adam Liptak explained in February, this idea was put forth by Yale Law professor Akhil Amar in a 1987 law review article (though it was largely overlooked at the time). Professors Carlos Manuel Vázquez and Steve Vladeck fleshed out the theory in an important 2013 article that has only grown more relevant since. These scholars argue that states can authorize lawsuits against federal officials who violate constitutional rights. In other words, state law can provide for monetary damages where federal law does not.”
https://apple.news/AzqZyO6gKRLuVOY02YQXGQw
Judge rejects Trump lawsuit to block Hawaii from filing climate lawsuit.
“A federal judge this week rejected the Trump administration’s pre-emptive lawsuit from last year to block the state of Hawaii from suing fossil fuel companies over climate impact concerns.”
https://apple.news/AMvYiJayIQnGnqQVt4Kpsmg
Lawmakers and advocates were gaining momentum on federal support for child care until the president backtracked on his campaign promise.
“President Donald Trump’s rejection this month of federal support for child care upended significant bipartisan work to address an issue that families emphasize is driving up costs, according to advocacy groups and lawmakers involved in the efforts.”
https://apple.news/AHngR7Pv1SLOeScMpiBBA8A
Pilot Files Lawsuit to Challenge Renaming of Palm Beach Airport After President Trump.
“Florida statutes governing public facilities reflect a consistent legislative framework in which local entities manage and control airport operations,” Poncy writes in the complaint. “HB 919 departs from the framework by mandating a specific naming outcome without standards, findings or procedural safeguards.”
He adds: “This departure reflects an unstructured and unreasoned exercise of legislative power.”
Poncy says the renaming efforts would also cause “asynchronous updates” across systems like air traffic control communications and navigation databases.”
https://apple.news/AWORA1THwS7euQb8fQBOVyQ
Trump may believe he is the messiah – but his attack on the pope could prove costly for JD Vance.
“Alienating Catholics is not the smartest move: they are the US’s biggest religious swing voters. They largely voted for Biden in 2020, but, in 2024, Trump won the group by a 10- to 20-point margin. Unless he makes good on his threat to run for an unconstitutional third term, Trump doesn’t have to worry about courting the Catholic vote again himself, but he hasn’t made life easy for his Catholic vice-president, JD Vance, who is generally seen as Trump’s successor. Vance has been very quiet about all this, causing Denise Murphy McGraw, the national co-chair of Catholics Vote Common Good, to call him out and state that silence is complicity.”
https://apple.news/APqeU8f_HS_GwQBEwzA0xJA
…and Megyn Kelly Kelly called Trump’s explanation “such a f—— lie” during a recent taping of her podcast.
“Take it down and just say you’re sorry or don’t say you’re sorry and take it down, but don’t try to gaslight us. We can see,” she said.”
https://apple.news/ABG2Cb4FBS_eY_cWd7wzs2Q
Ranking Member Raskin Opens Sweeping Investigation into “U.S. Special Envoy for Peace” Jared Kushner’s Foreign Entanglements and Staggering Conflicts of Interest.
“Mr. Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, has amassed approximately $6.16 billion in assets under management—including $1.2 billion in the past year alone—with an extraordinary 99 percent of its funding derived from foreign nationals. These include sovereign wealth funds operated by the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. At the same time, Mr. Kushner has assumed a central role in sensitive geopolitical negotiations across the Middle East and beyond.
Despite explicit public assurances that he would avoid both government service and fundraising during President Trump’s second term, Mr. Kushner has done precisely the opposite. He has inserted himself into the world’s most volatile global conflicts as one of the United States’ chief negotiators all while deepening his financial reliance on, and entanglement with, foreign governments.”
https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-raskin-opens-sweeping-investigation-into-us-special-envoy-for-peace-jared-kushner-s-foreign-entanglements-and-staggering-conflicts-of-interest
‘A trend that can’t be ignored’: Dems have made up ground in nearly every election since Trump took office.
“A POLITICO analysis of 229 state and federal elections since Trump’s inauguration shows Democratic candidates outperformed Harris in 193 of them. On average, Democratic candidates overperformed Harris by 5 points. In a handful of special elections, they have pulled more than 20 points to the left.
It is a warning sign for Republicans that has continued to flash across the country every few weeks. Consistent overperformances in special elections have been an indicator of midterm shifts in the past, and the trend over the last 15 months is particularly strong. In the two-year cycle of special elections heading into 2018, margins shifted to the left in about two-thirds of special elections, according to The Downballot. In November of that year, Democrats netted 40 seats.”
https://apple.news/Atd-7SJtaRZGqtKWEwmA_mg
Former Trump lawyer John Eastman disbarred in California over efforts to overturn 2020 election.
https://apple.news/AheelO-hfQQ6Uqve_3R_KUA
Jeanine Pirro’s prosecutors make surprise visit to Fed headquarters and are turned away by construction workers.
https://apple.news/A-PsRVcO5TTuS41Cb0x209A
Kash Patel has alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.
“On friday, april 10, as FBI Director Kash Patel was preparing to leave work for the weekend, he struggled to log into an internal computer system. He quickly became convinced that he had been locked out, and he panicked, frantically calling aides and allies to announce that he had been fired by the White House, according to nine people familiar with his outreach. Two of these people described his behavior as a “freak-out.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/kash-patel-fbi-director-drinking-absences/686839/
Erika Kirk’s high school talk sparks furious backlash from parents.
Parents at an Arizona high school have objected to an event that would see Erika Kirk, the chief executive of conservative group Turning Point USA, speak on campus during the school day, prompting district officials to move the event off-site and after hours.
The controversy unfolded at Pinnacle High School in north Phoenix, where a student-led club affiliated with Turning Point USA had invited Kirk to address members during the lunch period.
Parents raised concerns about student safety and disruption to classes, particularly after Kirk recently canceled another public appearance citing threats.”
https://apple.news/AUMwYqeN_QbS_NcDbv5S3zg
…which backfired on her because the Secret Service Found ‘No Credible Threats’ Before Erika Kirk Canceled Event Despite Claims: Report.
https://apple.news/Afg0_kGn7QeOHeJqP7WChIA
…and LOL now Iran LEGO trolls take her on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKGNkWExq_Y
LOL: Trump came to Arizona to rally young voters. An older crowd greeted him.
“The megachurch in Phoenix was supposed to be a venue for President Donald Trump to drum up support among the young voters who helped deliver him to the Oval Office. Instead, he found an audience whose members skewed older and were focused on divisions within their own party.
…
Trump traveled here, to the spiritual heartland of the Turning Point movement, to address a slice of his base that polling warns is drifting away from him. A CBS-YouGov poll last week found that 70 percent of adults under the age of 30 disapproved of his leadership. More than 60 percent said they disapproved of his handling of the economy and Iran.
…
Before Trump’s address, a lineup of conservative speakers acknowledged the rifts in the GOP, many of them widened by podcasters and influencers who helped motivate the young people who powered Trump’s victory. The war in Iran, in particular, has pitted conservative figureheads against one another, as they fight over how American Jews and Israel should fit into their party, and what it means to be “America First.”
https://apple.news/A9ydw-I8TRp-zla7VJytRKw
LOL: Hegseth channels his inner Tarantino with fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction.
https://apple.news/AQGi7VvvRRuuw-tr0OKQ7wA
Trouble in Paradise: MAGA Is Increasingly Convinced the Trump Assassination Attempt Was Staged.
As Trump’s hold over MAGA has waned, though, an increasing number of his supporters have begun to push the narrative that the entire incident was staged.
"I think that maybe it was staged," Tim Dillon said on his show last weekend about the assassination attempt. Dillon, who was previously a staunch Trump supporter, went on to share that Trump should now come out and say, “Some people are going to be upset by this, but we staged the assassination attempt in Butler to show people how important it was to vote for me and how far I was willing to go for them.”
Some of these claims began months ago. In November, former Fox News pundit Tucker Carlson promoted the idea that the FBI was somehow involved in covering up the shooting, writing on X that the “FBI lied” about the shooter's online footprint.”
https://apple.news/AW_YHL_OiRSOOWj5rsiQ_Ig
Hungry At Sea: USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Tripoli Crews Report Food Shortage Amid Iran Deployment.
“Dan F., whose daughter is a Marine aboard the USS Tripoli, told USA Today he was alarmed after seeing a photo of her meal. “A lunch tray, two-thirds empty, carried one small scoop of shredded meat and a single folded tortilla,” he said. Another image from the USS Abraham Lincoln showed “a small handful of boiled carrots, a dry meat patty and a gray slab of processed meat.”
https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/uss-abraham-lincon-uss-tripoli-food-shortage-meal-rationing-iran-war-middle-east-article-154097383/amp
County prosecutor charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun at people on Minneapolis highway.
“There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty told a news conference.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/16/county-prosecutor-charges-ice-agent-with-assault-for-pointing-gun-at-people-on-minneapolis-highway-00877884
They’ve been detained by ICE and ordered deported. Judges, including tohse appointed by Trump, are releasing them from custody.
“A POLITICO analysis of immigration detention cases has found that federal judges have ordered bond hearings and, more often, outright release for more than 400 people detained under these circumstances. And the rebukes have come from judges appointed by every president since Ronald Reagan.”
https://apple.news/ARgvC0hhvRTWZfFocFvPKqA
The Clever New Lawsuit That Could Finally End ICE’s Reign of Terror in Blue States.
“But many legal scholars, and at least some judges, believe there is a path around this obstacle. As the New York Times’ Adam Liptak explained in February, this idea was put forth by Yale Law professor Akhil Amar in a 1987 law review article (though it was largely overlooked at the time). Professors Carlos Manuel Vázquez and Steve Vladeck fleshed out the theory in an important 2013 article that has only grown more relevant since. These scholars argue that states can authorize lawsuits against federal officials who violate constitutional rights. In other words, state law can provide for monetary damages where federal law does not.”
https://apple.news/AzqZyO6gKRLuVOY02YQXGQw
Judge rejects Trump lawsuit to block Hawaii from filing climate lawsuit.
“A federal judge this week rejected the Trump administration’s pre-emptive lawsuit from last year to block the state of Hawaii from suing fossil fuel companies over climate impact concerns.”
https://apple.news/AMvYiJayIQnGnqQVt4Kpsmg
Lawmakers and advocates were gaining momentum on federal support for child care until the president backtracked on his campaign promise.
“President Donald Trump’s rejection this month of federal support for child care upended significant bipartisan work to address an issue that families emphasize is driving up costs, according to advocacy groups and lawmakers involved in the efforts.”
https://apple.news/AHngR7Pv1SLOeScMpiBBA8A
Pilot Files Lawsuit to Challenge Renaming of Palm Beach Airport After President Trump.
“Florida statutes governing public facilities reflect a consistent legislative framework in which local entities manage and control airport operations,” Poncy writes in the complaint. “HB 919 departs from the framework by mandating a specific naming outcome without standards, findings or procedural safeguards.”
He adds: “This departure reflects an unstructured and unreasoned exercise of legislative power.”
Poncy says the renaming efforts would also cause “asynchronous updates” across systems like air traffic control communications and navigation databases.”
https://apple.news/AWORA1THwS7euQb8fQBOVyQ
Trump may believe he is the messiah – but his attack on the pope could prove costly for JD Vance.
“Alienating Catholics is not the smartest move: they are the US’s biggest religious swing voters. They largely voted for Biden in 2020, but, in 2024, Trump won the group by a 10- to 20-point margin. Unless he makes good on his threat to run for an unconstitutional third term, Trump doesn’t have to worry about courting the Catholic vote again himself, but he hasn’t made life easy for his Catholic vice-president, JD Vance, who is generally seen as Trump’s successor. Vance has been very quiet about all this, causing Denise Murphy McGraw, the national co-chair of Catholics Vote Common Good, to call him out and state that silence is complicity.”
https://apple.news/APqeU8f_HS_GwQBEwzA0xJA
…and Megyn Kelly Kelly called Trump’s explanation “such a f—— lie” during a recent taping of her podcast.
“Take it down and just say you’re sorry or don’t say you’re sorry and take it down, but don’t try to gaslight us. We can see,” she said.”
https://apple.news/ABG2Cb4FBS_eY_cWd7wzs2Q
Ranking Member Raskin Opens Sweeping Investigation into “U.S. Special Envoy for Peace” Jared Kushner’s Foreign Entanglements and Staggering Conflicts of Interest.
“Mr. Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, has amassed approximately $6.16 billion in assets under management—including $1.2 billion in the past year alone—with an extraordinary 99 percent of its funding derived from foreign nationals. These include sovereign wealth funds operated by the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. At the same time, Mr. Kushner has assumed a central role in sensitive geopolitical negotiations across the Middle East and beyond.
Despite explicit public assurances that he would avoid both government service and fundraising during President Trump’s second term, Mr. Kushner has done precisely the opposite. He has inserted himself into the world’s most volatile global conflicts as one of the United States’ chief negotiators all while deepening his financial reliance on, and entanglement with, foreign governments.”
https://democrats-judiciary.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-raskin-opens-sweeping-investigation-into-us-special-envoy-for-peace-jared-kushner-s-foreign-entanglements-and-staggering-conflicts-of-interest
‘A trend that can’t be ignored’: Dems have made up ground in nearly every election since Trump took office.
“A POLITICO analysis of 229 state and federal elections since Trump’s inauguration shows Democratic candidates outperformed Harris in 193 of them. On average, Democratic candidates overperformed Harris by 5 points. In a handful of special elections, they have pulled more than 20 points to the left.
It is a warning sign for Republicans that has continued to flash across the country every few weeks. Consistent overperformances in special elections have been an indicator of midterm shifts in the past, and the trend over the last 15 months is particularly strong. In the two-year cycle of special elections heading into 2018, margins shifted to the left in about two-thirds of special elections, according to The Downballot. In November of that year, Democrats netted 40 seats.”
https://apple.news/Atd-7SJtaRZGqtKWEwmA_mg
Former Trump lawyer John Eastman disbarred in California over efforts to overturn 2020 election.
https://apple.news/AheelO-hfQQ6Uqve_3R_KUA
Jeanine Pirro’s prosecutors make surprise visit to Fed headquarters and are turned away by construction workers.
https://apple.news/A-PsRVcO5TTuS41Cb0x209A
Kash Patel has alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.
“On friday, april 10, as FBI Director Kash Patel was preparing to leave work for the weekend, he struggled to log into an internal computer system. He quickly became convinced that he had been locked out, and he panicked, frantically calling aides and allies to announce that he had been fired by the White House, according to nine people familiar with his outreach. Two of these people described his behavior as a “freak-out.”
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/kash-patel-fbi-director-drinking-absences/686839/
Erika Kirk’s high school talk sparks furious backlash from parents.
Parents at an Arizona high school have objected to an event that would see Erika Kirk, the chief executive of conservative group Turning Point USA, speak on campus during the school day, prompting district officials to move the event off-site and after hours.
The controversy unfolded at Pinnacle High School in north Phoenix, where a student-led club affiliated with Turning Point USA had invited Kirk to address members during the lunch period.
Parents raised concerns about student safety and disruption to classes, particularly after Kirk recently canceled another public appearance citing threats.”
https://apple.news/AUMwYqeN_QbS_NcDbv5S3zg
…which backfired on her because the Secret Service Found ‘No Credible Threats’ Before Erika Kirk Canceled Event Despite Claims: Report.
https://apple.news/Afg0_kGn7QeOHeJqP7WChIA
…and LOL now Iran LEGO trolls take her on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKGNkWExq_Y
LOL: Trump came to Arizona to rally young voters. An older crowd greeted him.
“The megachurch in Phoenix was supposed to be a venue for President Donald Trump to drum up support among the young voters who helped deliver him to the Oval Office. Instead, he found an audience whose members skewed older and were focused on divisions within their own party.
…
Trump traveled here, to the spiritual heartland of the Turning Point movement, to address a slice of his base that polling warns is drifting away from him. A CBS-YouGov poll last week found that 70 percent of adults under the age of 30 disapproved of his leadership. More than 60 percent said they disapproved of his handling of the economy and Iran.
…
Before Trump’s address, a lineup of conservative speakers acknowledged the rifts in the GOP, many of them widened by podcasters and influencers who helped motivate the young people who powered Trump’s victory. The war in Iran, in particular, has pitted conservative figureheads against one another, as they fight over how American Jews and Israel should fit into their party, and what it means to be “America First.”
https://apple.news/A9ydw-I8TRp-zla7VJytRKw
LOL: Hegseth channels his inner Tarantino with fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction.
https://apple.news/AQGi7VvvRRuuw-tr0OKQ7wA
Trouble in Paradise: MAGA Is Increasingly Convinced the Trump Assassination Attempt Was Staged.
As Trump’s hold over MAGA has waned, though, an increasing number of his supporters have begun to push the narrative that the entire incident was staged.
"I think that maybe it was staged," Tim Dillon said on his show last weekend about the assassination attempt. Dillon, who was previously a staunch Trump supporter, went on to share that Trump should now come out and say, “Some people are going to be upset by this, but we staged the assassination attempt in Butler to show people how important it was to vote for me and how far I was willing to go for them.”
Some of these claims began months ago. In November, former Fox News pundit Tucker Carlson promoted the idea that the FBI was somehow involved in covering up the shooting, writing on X that the “FBI lied” about the shooter's online footprint.”
https://apple.news/AW_YHL_OiRSOOWj5rsiQ_Ig
Anonymous
Anonymous
04/15/2026 11:20
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Well Vance is having a terrible, no good, very bad week and it couldn’t happen to a more unlikable guy…
NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Iranian port blockade.
“NATO allies said on Monday they would not get involved in U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to blockade Iranian ports, proposing to intervene only once fighting ends, in a move likely to anger Trump and increase strains in the alliance.”
https://apple.news/AgWTWurELRQ2x52Ml_0MkuQ
As Iran war drags on, midterm forecasts for Republicans get even worse.
“The GOP was already bracing for a tough election, but with the ceasefire in doubt, gas prices are likely to stay high, and voters’ economic outlook is dismal.”
https://apple.news/AIGnoF0bJSLybbzqkeqhZdA
Senate GOP divided over Trump push for Iran war funding.
“Senate Republicans are deeply divided over how to handle an expected request from President Trump to fund the military conflict with Iran, which some GOP lawmakers worry has no end in sight.
…
And they want the White House to provide much more information about its strategic goals and plans for eventually ending the conflict before agreeing to another big tranche of funding.
Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) said the White House needs to fulfill a “long list” of requirements before he votes to authorize the war beyond the window established by the War Powers Act.
Curtis said he wants to know more about the administration’s “goals, objectives and strategies” for conducting and eventually ending the conflict.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5831305-gop-divided-iran-conflict-funding/
Trump lawsuit against WSJ over lewd Epstein birthday letter dismissed.
“What the article says "is true," the newspaper said in a Sept. 22 court filing requesting Trump's lawsuit be dismissed. It noted that Epstein's estate provided the House Oversight Committee with a birthday book containing an identical letter, which the committee publicly released.
Trump posted on social media April 13 that he would be re-filing the lawsuit, saying he has a "powerful case."
The letter was one of many collected by Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein's, for a birthday album in 2003, The Journal reported, citing documents it had reviewed. It includes Trump's name and several typewritten lines framed within an outline of a naked woman's body, with "Donald" as a signature mimicking pubic hair.”
https://apple.news/AB-eyw6aZQvam6HoWqSbUQQ
Church leaders and MAGA influencers decry Trump’s blasphemous posting spree.
““Christian nationalist pastor Joel Webbon, who has been boosted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, wrote Sunday on X that he "genuinely" believes "Trump is currently demon possessed."
"Is Donald Trump the Anti-Christ?" Webbon wondered in a video posted on social media later on Monday.
MAGA influencer Brilyn Hollyhand, meanwhile, called Trump's religious posting spree a form of "gross blasphemy," writing that "faith is not a prop. You don't need to portray yourself as a savior when your record should speak for itself."”
https://apple.news/AfNnpoSwoSSeN8nxrOSj43A
Democrats push 25th Amendment commission targeting Trump's fitness.
“Representative Jamie Raskin and 50 Democratic co-sponsors have introduced legislation to create a standing commission empowered to assess a president’s capacity to serve. The bipartisan 17-member panel would include former senior officials, doctors, and psychiatrists, with authority to recommend removal if the president is deemed unable to discharge duties. While framed as applying to future presidents, Raskin cited Trump’s recent conduct as the immediate catalyst for the proposal.
…
"Public trust in Donald Trump's ability to meet the duties of his office has dropped to unprecedented lows as he threatens to destroy entire civilisations, unleashes chaos in the Middle East while violating Congressional war powers, aggressively insults the Pope of the Catholic Church and sends out artistic renderings online likening himself to Jesus Christ. We are at a dangerous precipice, and it is now a matter of national security for Congress to fulfill its responsibilities under the 25th Amendment to protect the American people from an increasingly volatile and unstable situation."
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/insight/democrats-push-25th-amendment-commission-targeting-trump-s-fitness/gm-GMC21A3DF6?gemSnapshotKey=GMC21A3DF6-snapshot-2&uxmode=ruby
DoorDash grandma sidesteps Trump’s question on whether men should play women’s sports—Simmons, a grandmother of 10 from Arkansas, said she started working for the delivery giant in 2022 after burning through much of her life’s savings to help pay for her husband’s cancer treatment.
“President Trump quizzed deliverywoman Sharon Simmons about her views on a hot-button social issue Monday after she dropped off an order of McDonald’s cheeseburgers and fries for West Wing staff.
“Do you think that men should play in women’s sports?” Trump, a former McDonald’s employee for a day, asked Simmons after railing against Democrats on issues including border security, election integrity, and trans athletes.
Simmons deftly sidestepped the question, replying: “I really don’t have an opinion on that.”
Crockett says Oversights Democrats will move to hold Bondi in contempt.
“Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said Tuesday that Democrats will move to hold former Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for failing to appear for a deposition as part of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein probe.
“Pam Bondi refused to show up for today’s Oversight deposition — defying our lawful subpoena,” Crockett wrote on social platform X. “We couldn’t care less that she was fired from her job as Attorney General. She is responsible for leading the White House cover-up of the Epstein files.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5831322-democrats-move-contempt-bondi/amp/
Republicans break with Trump in California governor’s race.
“California Republicans refused Sunday to endorse Donald Trump’s pick for governor here, a stark rebuke of the sitting president by the party’s rank-and-file in the nation’s most populous state.”
https://apple.news/ACvt4e0fvS6S-IiMRfH19Lg
Olivia Troye, an adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence who became a critic of President Donald Trump, announced Tuesday that she is running for a House seat in Virginia as a Democrat.
“Troye became a fierce critic of Trump after she resigned from her position as Pence’s homeland security and counterterrorism adviser in 2020, criticizing the president over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
https://apple.news/AK1E05U_9QsKI7VtMwe2sjA
Trump admin agrees to fly pride flag at Stonewall National Monument.
“The Trump administration on Monday agreed to fly the rainbow pride flag on federal grounds at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City after the National Park Service's removal of the flag was challenged in a federal lawsuit filed by a coalition of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The Department of the Interior, which oversees NPS, agreed to fly the flag at the site as part of a resolution to the lawsuit filed on Feb. 17 by the Gilbert Baker Foundation, Village Preservation and Equality New York.”
https://apple.news/ALdVAk5vKSh-xbn8cFtZ8jQ
Justice Department repeatedly making unforced errors under Trump.
“In a case against Washington state, the feds filed the lawsuit, issued a press release and then forgot to serve notice of the lawsuit on the secretary of state. The case was about to be dismissed, but a lenient judge gave the department another chance.
It happened again in Georgia, where the secretary of state said he was never properly served in the department’s initial lawsuit. It turns out that it didn’t matter because the lawsuit was filed in the wrong federal court, where a judge tossed it.
The Justice Department had to make another attempt by refiling in the correct court, 80 miles away.
Flubs happen.
For this Justice Department, they have been happening at an exceptionally high rate, compounding problems for federal government attorneys struggling to defend President Trump’s agenda in front of a largely skeptical judiciary.
“Word is getting around to the bench. They’re seeing what’s happening,” said one former department lawyer, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.”
https://apple.news/AVooaDOaJQFaY1oy4R_64Ow
Mexico rebukes Trump admin as 'unacceptable,' Sheinbaum wants ICE investigation.
“Another Mexican national died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody this week, prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum‘s government to denounce the growing number of fatalities as “unacceptable.”
Speaking to the press Tuesday morning, Mexico‘s leader took a stronger stance against the Trump administration than she has in the past, saying she wants Mexican officials to visit ICE detention centers daily.
“We are going to defend Mexicans at every level,” Sheinbaum told reporters. “There are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.”
https://apple.news/AagFRZC9YRlS-M9QIaMiSAg
Latino New Yorkers file lawsuit alleging racial profiling by Trump immigration agents.
“The federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges “roving bands of masked and heavily-armed federal agents, both on foot and in unmarked cars, are indiscriminately stopping and arresting thousands of Black and Brown people, the vast majority of whom are Latino, based solely on their perceived race and ethnicity.”
Doing so violates people’s rights against unreasonable searches by government agents, as well as people’s right to equal protection under the law, the complaint says.”
https://apple.news/A9M_QN0jjSdiGF4YtP3r_MA
Trump’s economy officially passes Biden’s for worst consumer sentiment in recorded history.
““The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 47.6 in preliminary April 2026 readings released Friday—a 10.7% drop from March’s 53.3 and the lowest reading in the survey’s 74-year history. The figure blew past the prior record low of 50, set in June 2022 during the worst of the post-pandemic inflation crisis under President Biden, when gas prices and grocery bills were squeezing households nationwide. Three of the lowest consumer sentiment readings ever recorded have now occurred within the past nine months of Trump’s second term.”
https://apple.news/AIQW7uBqjT1eIRNuA6b3_Wg
Trump says gas prices may not come down before the midterms.
https://apple.news/A_j9s6K_cRlqr6zjsf38Klw
65% of Americans can't keep up with rising prices amid war, cut on food, alcohol.
“Nearly two-thirds of Americans say their incomes are failing to keep up with rising prices, forcing households to cut back on everyday spending amid renewed inflation pressures driven largely by geopolitical conflict.”
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/65-of-americans-can-t-keep-up-with-rising-prices-amid-war-cut-on-food-alcohol-report-13886639.html
Tax Day arrives with Republicans struggling to sell their cuts.
“Refunds haven’t jumped as much as Republicans hoped, which underscores a broader problem for the party. Many taxpayers remain unaware of last year’s tax cuts and aren’t feeling much relief, even though their “big, beautiful bill” offered substantial benefits to a good portion of them.
That’s one reason why Republicans are still doing everything they can to keep last year’s tax cuts top of mind this Tax Day, even as they also might be guilty of overpromising on refunds.
GOP officials also have another problem: Any benefits they might get from talking up the tax cuts are running headlong into the war in Iran and the surging gas prices associated with it, making their goal of holding Congress more daunting.
Even the most fervent of tax-cut evangelists is concerned.”
https://apple.news/AwxFqhKb-R7qF61LieE04uQ
With Help From Trump-GOP Law, At Least 88 Big US Corporations Paid $0 in Federal Income Tax Last Year—The companies avoided more than $26.7 billion in income taxes last year, enough to give free school lunches to every child in America.
“The 88 companies—which include Tesla, Southwest Airlines, Live Nation, Palantir, Citigroup, and many others listed in the S&P 500—brought in a collective $105 billion in pretax income last year.
ITEP found that 2025 saw a spike in corporate tax avoidance, enabled in part by new loopholes created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump and by his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced the corporate tax rate to 21% from its previous 35%.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to hand the wealthiest 1% of Americans $117 billion in tax cuts this year, while those in the bottom 95% are set to pay more in taxes while facing across-the-board cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/88-companies-no-income-tax
The IRS reductions from funding and layoffs have likely resulted in about $861 billion in decreased revenue.
“The layoffs from actions like DOGE alone have likely resulted in $597.8 billion in decreased revenue over the 2026-2035, and the clawback in IRS funding of $20 billion has likely resulted in $262.8 billion in decreased revenue over the same period.”
https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/weakened-irs-has-substantial-consequences
Trump’s agricultural tariffs hit all 50 states—driving up food prices, crushing exports, and leaving farmers with nowhere to turn.
“Trump’s tariffs effectively revealed 50 different trade vulnerabilities across the country, each dictated by a state’s own production and consumption patterns, according to a paper published last week by researchers at Ohio State University and Cornell University. By the end of 2025, even states that had never depended on buying goods from abroad were feeling tariff tremors in their own way.
The peer-reviewed study, published by the Agriculture and Applied Economics Association, analyzed where and how goods are produced, shipped, and consumed in each U.S. state. “
…
“But the writing was always on the wall for consumers. Small businesses with fewer resources were among the first to be forced to raise prices, eventually joined by companies including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. By 2026, U.S. businesses and consumers were covering almost 90% of tariff costs, according to Federal Reserve research.”
https://apple.news/AEQ6KuNDGTc-gB84r_mQ8Qg
Court orders probe of DOGE’s secret voter data deal after ‘alarming’ revelations.
“A federal judge Tuesday ordered a sweeping evidence-gathering process in a case over the Trump administration’s access to Social Security data — a shift that could force the government to turn over records tied to a secret voter data agreement with election deniers.
The decision comes just days after a federal appeals court warned of “alarming” conduct by the Trump administration, including a previously undisclosed agreement between Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel and a political advocacy group seeking to challenge election results.”
…
“That means, for the first time, DOGE and the Social Security Administration could be required to hand over records detailing what happened behind the scenes as they accessed the data of millions of Americans.
The court’s order follows months of shifting explanations from the government.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/court-orders-probe-of-doges-secret-voter-data-deal/
In major win for voters, judge blocks Indiana GOP’s student ID ban.
“In a sweeping decision issued Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young granted a preliminary injunction halting enforcement of Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), a Republican-backed law that eliminated student IDs as an acceptable form of identification at the polls.
The ruling means student IDs can once again be used in upcoming elections while the case works its way through court.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/judge-blocks-indiana-gops-student-id-ban/
Disasterville: ICE Barbie Humiliated as Dozens of Insiders Reveal Her Mayhem at DHS.
“The chaos, incompetence, and alleged lawbreaking that defined Kristi Noem’s tenure at the Department of Homeland Security have been laid bare in a bombshell new investigation.
The New York Times article, published Tuesday, draws on interviews with more than 80 current and former DHS employees and Justice Department officials.
It amounts to a sweeping indictment of the agency under Noem, 54, who was fired by Donald Trump on March 5 after a controversial 14-month run. As the Daily Beast has reported, Trump’s aides had wanted her gone for months before he finally acted, with the final straw reportedly being her insistence, under oath, that he had personally signed off on her $220 million vanity ad campaign.
…
Underlying it all is a damning statistic. While the administration repeatedly claimed to be targeting the “worst of the worst,” ICE data shows that arrests of people with no criminal record at all surged 770 percent under Trump, against a 37 percent rise in arrests of those with violent records. Only around 5 percent of those taken into ICE custody had any violent conviction.”
https://apple.news/AXsn6n7D2RCS_fBSaF534Pg
LOL: Vance and Iranians fail to reach agreement after marathon session.
https://apple.news/AMTXHvhHnR8WlthxujxkUGg
LOL: Trump ally Orbán sees government fall despite Vance visit.
https://apple.news/AoyvfGbVWRxOmxqC_AGuViQ
LOL: Video Showing JD Vance Crowd Size at Turning Point Goes Viral.
“The footage, which shows multiple rows of empty seats at the event in the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia, on Tuesday, has been viewed more than 4.3 million times as of Wednesday morning.
Journalist Jake Traylor, who posted the video, wrote on X: "Turning Point USA seems to have misestimated crowd size for Vance. Akins Ford Arena less than 25 percent filled for the vice president."
https://www.newsweek.com/video-showing-jd-vance-crowd-size-turning-point-usa-event-georgia-athens-goes-viral-11830469
…and then JD Vance heckled at Turning Point USA event as supporters turn their back on Trump.
“Kolvet asked Vance directly about the war and Trump’s back-and-forth with Leo. Audience questions were more aggressive. Vance jousted with at least one heckler over the war in Gaza, and he was pressed by another person over the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files.”
https://apple.news/AcIF7Ilb8Tb623KPgTfzCSA
AND FINALLY…JD Vance's support tumbles among working class Republicans.
“Among respondents earning under $50,000, Vance’s backing slipped to 37 percent. That represents an eight‑point decline among lower‑income Republican‑leaning voters and a five‑point drop overall.”
https://apple.news/AwLdWe3oCREeNglNhhRkMFQ
LOL: Department of War shares X post on Iran—then people spot glaring typo.
“Just three seconds into the video, which is two minutes, 31 seconds long, an on-screen graphic introduces Podleski as the “Assistant Press Secratary.” The misspelling of the word “secretary” could not come at a worse time in the video.”
…
Fred Wellman, a Democrat candidate for Congress, commented on the clip: “What kind of clown show can’t even spell ‘Secretary’ correctly in your crappy propaganda video?”
Liam Pearsall Jr., meanwhile, wrote: “You can’t even make this s*** up. Trump 2.0 is littered with the dumbest people on earth.” Ed Boyle, meanwhile, asked: “Maybe Riley could learn to spell ‘secretary’, and people might trust her more?”
https://apple.news/AkdgzzOkzR0C5Ex3creIFzQ
NATO allies refuse to join Trump's Iranian port blockade.
“NATO allies said on Monday they would not get involved in U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to blockade Iranian ports, proposing to intervene only once fighting ends, in a move likely to anger Trump and increase strains in the alliance.”
https://apple.news/AgWTWurELRQ2x52Ml_0MkuQ
As Iran war drags on, midterm forecasts for Republicans get even worse.
“The GOP was already bracing for a tough election, but with the ceasefire in doubt, gas prices are likely to stay high, and voters’ economic outlook is dismal.”
https://apple.news/AIGnoF0bJSLybbzqkeqhZdA
Senate GOP divided over Trump push for Iran war funding.
“Senate Republicans are deeply divided over how to handle an expected request from President Trump to fund the military conflict with Iran, which some GOP lawmakers worry has no end in sight.
…
And they want the White House to provide much more information about its strategic goals and plans for eventually ending the conflict before agreeing to another big tranche of funding.
Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) said the White House needs to fulfill a “long list” of requirements before he votes to authorize the war beyond the window established by the War Powers Act.
Curtis said he wants to know more about the administration’s “goals, objectives and strategies” for conducting and eventually ending the conflict.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5831305-gop-divided-iran-conflict-funding/
Trump lawsuit against WSJ over lewd Epstein birthday letter dismissed.
“What the article says "is true," the newspaper said in a Sept. 22 court filing requesting Trump's lawsuit be dismissed. It noted that Epstein's estate provided the House Oversight Committee with a birthday book containing an identical letter, which the committee publicly released.
Trump posted on social media April 13 that he would be re-filing the lawsuit, saying he has a "powerful case."
The letter was one of many collected by Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein's, for a birthday album in 2003, The Journal reported, citing documents it had reviewed. It includes Trump's name and several typewritten lines framed within an outline of a naked woman's body, with "Donald" as a signature mimicking pubic hair.”
https://apple.news/AB-eyw6aZQvam6HoWqSbUQQ
Church leaders and MAGA influencers decry Trump’s blasphemous posting spree.
““Christian nationalist pastor Joel Webbon, who has been boosted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, wrote Sunday on X that he "genuinely" believes "Trump is currently demon possessed."
"Is Donald Trump the Anti-Christ?" Webbon wondered in a video posted on social media later on Monday.
MAGA influencer Brilyn Hollyhand, meanwhile, called Trump's religious posting spree a form of "gross blasphemy," writing that "faith is not a prop. You don't need to portray yourself as a savior when your record should speak for itself."”
https://apple.news/AfNnpoSwoSSeN8nxrOSj43A
Democrats push 25th Amendment commission targeting Trump's fitness.
“Representative Jamie Raskin and 50 Democratic co-sponsors have introduced legislation to create a standing commission empowered to assess a president’s capacity to serve. The bipartisan 17-member panel would include former senior officials, doctors, and psychiatrists, with authority to recommend removal if the president is deemed unable to discharge duties. While framed as applying to future presidents, Raskin cited Trump’s recent conduct as the immediate catalyst for the proposal.
…
"Public trust in Donald Trump's ability to meet the duties of his office has dropped to unprecedented lows as he threatens to destroy entire civilisations, unleashes chaos in the Middle East while violating Congressional war powers, aggressively insults the Pope of the Catholic Church and sends out artistic renderings online likening himself to Jesus Christ. We are at a dangerous precipice, and it is now a matter of national security for Congress to fulfill its responsibilities under the 25th Amendment to protect the American people from an increasingly volatile and unstable situation."
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/insight/democrats-push-25th-amendment-commission-targeting-trump-s-fitness/gm-GMC21A3DF6?gemSnapshotKey=GMC21A3DF6-snapshot-2&uxmode=ruby
DoorDash grandma sidesteps Trump’s question on whether men should play women’s sports—Simmons, a grandmother of 10 from Arkansas, said she started working for the delivery giant in 2022 after burning through much of her life’s savings to help pay for her husband’s cancer treatment.
“President Trump quizzed deliverywoman Sharon Simmons about her views on a hot-button social issue Monday after she dropped off an order of McDonald’s cheeseburgers and fries for West Wing staff.
“Do you think that men should play in women’s sports?” Trump, a former McDonald’s employee for a day, asked Simmons after railing against Democrats on issues including border security, election integrity, and trans athletes.
Simmons deftly sidestepped the question, replying: “I really don’t have an opinion on that.”
Crockett says Oversights Democrats will move to hold Bondi in contempt.
“Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) said Tuesday that Democrats will move to hold former Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for failing to appear for a deposition as part of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s Jeffrey Epstein probe.
“Pam Bondi refused to show up for today’s Oversight deposition — defying our lawful subpoena,” Crockett wrote on social platform X. “We couldn’t care less that she was fired from her job as Attorney General. She is responsible for leading the White House cover-up of the Epstein files.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5831322-democrats-move-contempt-bondi/amp/
Republicans break with Trump in California governor’s race.
“California Republicans refused Sunday to endorse Donald Trump’s pick for governor here, a stark rebuke of the sitting president by the party’s rank-and-file in the nation’s most populous state.”
https://apple.news/ACvt4e0fvS6S-IiMRfH19Lg
Olivia Troye, an adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence who became a critic of President Donald Trump, announced Tuesday that she is running for a House seat in Virginia as a Democrat.
“Troye became a fierce critic of Trump after she resigned from her position as Pence’s homeland security and counterterrorism adviser in 2020, criticizing the president over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
https://apple.news/AK1E05U_9QsKI7VtMwe2sjA
Trump admin agrees to fly pride flag at Stonewall National Monument.
“The Trump administration on Monday agreed to fly the rainbow pride flag on federal grounds at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City after the National Park Service's removal of the flag was challenged in a federal lawsuit filed by a coalition of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
The Department of the Interior, which oversees NPS, agreed to fly the flag at the site as part of a resolution to the lawsuit filed on Feb. 17 by the Gilbert Baker Foundation, Village Preservation and Equality New York.”
https://apple.news/ALdVAk5vKSh-xbn8cFtZ8jQ
Justice Department repeatedly making unforced errors under Trump.
“In a case against Washington state, the feds filed the lawsuit, issued a press release and then forgot to serve notice of the lawsuit on the secretary of state. The case was about to be dismissed, but a lenient judge gave the department another chance.
It happened again in Georgia, where the secretary of state said he was never properly served in the department’s initial lawsuit. It turns out that it didn’t matter because the lawsuit was filed in the wrong federal court, where a judge tossed it.
The Justice Department had to make another attempt by refiling in the correct court, 80 miles away.
Flubs happen.
For this Justice Department, they have been happening at an exceptionally high rate, compounding problems for federal government attorneys struggling to defend President Trump’s agenda in front of a largely skeptical judiciary.
“Word is getting around to the bench. They’re seeing what’s happening,” said one former department lawyer, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.”
https://apple.news/AVooaDOaJQFaY1oy4R_64Ow
Mexico rebukes Trump admin as 'unacceptable,' Sheinbaum wants ICE investigation.
“Another Mexican national died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody this week, prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum‘s government to denounce the growing number of fatalities as “unacceptable.”
Speaking to the press Tuesday morning, Mexico‘s leader took a stronger stance against the Trump administration than she has in the past, saying she wants Mexican officials to visit ICE detention centers daily.
“We are going to defend Mexicans at every level,” Sheinbaum told reporters. “There are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.”
https://apple.news/AagFRZC9YRlS-M9QIaMiSAg
Latino New Yorkers file lawsuit alleging racial profiling by Trump immigration agents.
“The federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges “roving bands of masked and heavily-armed federal agents, both on foot and in unmarked cars, are indiscriminately stopping and arresting thousands of Black and Brown people, the vast majority of whom are Latino, based solely on their perceived race and ethnicity.”
Doing so violates people’s rights against unreasonable searches by government agents, as well as people’s right to equal protection under the law, the complaint says.”
https://apple.news/A9M_QN0jjSdiGF4YtP3r_MA
Trump’s economy officially passes Biden’s for worst consumer sentiment in recorded history.
““The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 47.6 in preliminary April 2026 readings released Friday—a 10.7% drop from March’s 53.3 and the lowest reading in the survey’s 74-year history. The figure blew past the prior record low of 50, set in June 2022 during the worst of the post-pandemic inflation crisis under President Biden, when gas prices and grocery bills were squeezing households nationwide. Three of the lowest consumer sentiment readings ever recorded have now occurred within the past nine months of Trump’s second term.”
https://apple.news/AIQW7uBqjT1eIRNuA6b3_Wg
Trump says gas prices may not come down before the midterms.
https://apple.news/A_j9s6K_cRlqr6zjsf38Klw
65% of Americans can't keep up with rising prices amid war, cut on food, alcohol.
“Nearly two-thirds of Americans say their incomes are failing to keep up with rising prices, forcing households to cut back on everyday spending amid renewed inflation pressures driven largely by geopolitical conflict.”
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/65-of-americans-can-t-keep-up-with-rising-prices-amid-war-cut-on-food-alcohol-report-13886639.html
Tax Day arrives with Republicans struggling to sell their cuts.
“Refunds haven’t jumped as much as Republicans hoped, which underscores a broader problem for the party. Many taxpayers remain unaware of last year’s tax cuts and aren’t feeling much relief, even though their “big, beautiful bill” offered substantial benefits to a good portion of them.
That’s one reason why Republicans are still doing everything they can to keep last year’s tax cuts top of mind this Tax Day, even as they also might be guilty of overpromising on refunds.
GOP officials also have another problem: Any benefits they might get from talking up the tax cuts are running headlong into the war in Iran and the surging gas prices associated with it, making their goal of holding Congress more daunting.
Even the most fervent of tax-cut evangelists is concerned.”
https://apple.news/AwxFqhKb-R7qF61LieE04uQ
With Help From Trump-GOP Law, At Least 88 Big US Corporations Paid $0 in Federal Income Tax Last Year—The companies avoided more than $26.7 billion in income taxes last year, enough to give free school lunches to every child in America.
“The 88 companies—which include Tesla, Southwest Airlines, Live Nation, Palantir, Citigroup, and many others listed in the S&P 500—brought in a collective $105 billion in pretax income last year.
ITEP found that 2025 saw a spike in corporate tax avoidance, enabled in part by new loopholes created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump and by his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced the corporate tax rate to 21% from its previous 35%.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to hand the wealthiest 1% of Americans $117 billion in tax cuts this year, while those in the bottom 95% are set to pay more in taxes while facing across-the-board cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/88-companies-no-income-tax
The IRS reductions from funding and layoffs have likely resulted in about $861 billion in decreased revenue.
“The layoffs from actions like DOGE alone have likely resulted in $597.8 billion in decreased revenue over the 2026-2035, and the clawback in IRS funding of $20 billion has likely resulted in $262.8 billion in decreased revenue over the same period.”
https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/weakened-irs-has-substantial-consequences
Trump’s agricultural tariffs hit all 50 states—driving up food prices, crushing exports, and leaving farmers with nowhere to turn.
“Trump’s tariffs effectively revealed 50 different trade vulnerabilities across the country, each dictated by a state’s own production and consumption patterns, according to a paper published last week by researchers at Ohio State University and Cornell University. By the end of 2025, even states that had never depended on buying goods from abroad were feeling tariff tremors in their own way.
The peer-reviewed study, published by the Agriculture and Applied Economics Association, analyzed where and how goods are produced, shipped, and consumed in each U.S. state. “
…
“But the writing was always on the wall for consumers. Small businesses with fewer resources were among the first to be forced to raise prices, eventually joined by companies including Amazon, Walmart, and Target. By 2026, U.S. businesses and consumers were covering almost 90% of tariff costs, according to Federal Reserve research.”
https://apple.news/AEQ6KuNDGTc-gB84r_mQ8Qg
Court orders probe of DOGE’s secret voter data deal after ‘alarming’ revelations.
“A federal judge Tuesday ordered a sweeping evidence-gathering process in a case over the Trump administration’s access to Social Security data — a shift that could force the government to turn over records tied to a secret voter data agreement with election deniers.
The decision comes just days after a federal appeals court warned of “alarming” conduct by the Trump administration, including a previously undisclosed agreement between Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel and a political advocacy group seeking to challenge election results.”
…
“That means, for the first time, DOGE and the Social Security Administration could be required to hand over records detailing what happened behind the scenes as they accessed the data of millions of Americans.
The court’s order follows months of shifting explanations from the government.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/court-orders-probe-of-doges-secret-voter-data-deal/
In major win for voters, judge blocks Indiana GOP’s student ID ban.
“In a sweeping decision issued Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young granted a preliminary injunction halting enforcement of Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), a Republican-backed law that eliminated student IDs as an acceptable form of identification at the polls.
The ruling means student IDs can once again be used in upcoming elections while the case works its way through court.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/judge-blocks-indiana-gops-student-id-ban/
Disasterville: ICE Barbie Humiliated as Dozens of Insiders Reveal Her Mayhem at DHS.
“The chaos, incompetence, and alleged lawbreaking that defined Kristi Noem’s tenure at the Department of Homeland Security have been laid bare in a bombshell new investigation.
The New York Times article, published Tuesday, draws on interviews with more than 80 current and former DHS employees and Justice Department officials.
It amounts to a sweeping indictment of the agency under Noem, 54, who was fired by Donald Trump on March 5 after a controversial 14-month run. As the Daily Beast has reported, Trump’s aides had wanted her gone for months before he finally acted, with the final straw reportedly being her insistence, under oath, that he had personally signed off on her $220 million vanity ad campaign.
…
Underlying it all is a damning statistic. While the administration repeatedly claimed to be targeting the “worst of the worst,” ICE data shows that arrests of people with no criminal record at all surged 770 percent under Trump, against a 37 percent rise in arrests of those with violent records. Only around 5 percent of those taken into ICE custody had any violent conviction.”
https://apple.news/AXsn6n7D2RCS_fBSaF534Pg
LOL: Vance and Iranians fail to reach agreement after marathon session.
https://apple.news/AMTXHvhHnR8WlthxujxkUGg
LOL: Trump ally Orbán sees government fall despite Vance visit.
https://apple.news/AoyvfGbVWRxOmxqC_AGuViQ
LOL: Video Showing JD Vance Crowd Size at Turning Point Goes Viral.
“The footage, which shows multiple rows of empty seats at the event in the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia, on Tuesday, has been viewed more than 4.3 million times as of Wednesday morning.
Journalist Jake Traylor, who posted the video, wrote on X: "Turning Point USA seems to have misestimated crowd size for Vance. Akins Ford Arena less than 25 percent filled for the vice president."
https://www.newsweek.com/video-showing-jd-vance-crowd-size-turning-point-usa-event-georgia-athens-goes-viral-11830469
…and then JD Vance heckled at Turning Point USA event as supporters turn their back on Trump.
“Kolvet asked Vance directly about the war and Trump’s back-and-forth with Leo. Audience questions were more aggressive. Vance jousted with at least one heckler over the war in Gaza, and he was pressed by another person over the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files.”
https://apple.news/AcIF7Ilb8Tb623KPgTfzCSA
AND FINALLY…JD Vance's support tumbles among working class Republicans.
“Among respondents earning under $50,000, Vance’s backing slipped to 37 percent. That represents an eight‑point decline among lower‑income Republican‑leaning voters and a five‑point drop overall.”
https://apple.news/AwLdWe3oCREeNglNhhRkMFQ
LOL: Department of War shares X post on Iran—then people spot glaring typo.
“Just three seconds into the video, which is two minutes, 31 seconds long, an on-screen graphic introduces Podleski as the “Assistant Press Secratary.” The misspelling of the word “secretary” could not come at a worse time in the video.”
…
Fred Wellman, a Democrat candidate for Congress, commented on the clip: “What kind of clown show can’t even spell ‘Secretary’ correctly in your crappy propaganda video?”
Liam Pearsall Jr., meanwhile, wrote: “You can’t even make this s*** up. Trump 2.0 is littered with the dumbest people on earth.” Ed Boyle, meanwhile, asked: “Maybe Riley could learn to spell ‘secretary’, and people might trust her more?”
https://apple.news/AkdgzzOkzR0C5Ex3creIFzQ
Anonymous
04/14/2026 22:10
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
MAGA moron pilot gets lost on the way to Dubai, stuck on African prison.
https://wgntv.com/western-suburbs/suburban-pilot-in-west-african-prison-pleads-for-president-trumps-help/
https://wgntv.com/western-suburbs/suburban-pilot-in-west-african-prison-pleads-for-president-trumps-help/
Anonymous
04/11/2026 14:22
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
It was a tough week, but the losses don’t stop…
Trump's threat to Iran shocks global leaders, unnerves some Republicans.
“The official said several White House aides helped craft the Tuesday morning social media post, but the language about ending a civilization came from Trump himself.”
https://apple.news/Aju-_XJgdTyCH7jcUnGjMTg
Army Survivors of Deadliest Iran Attack Say Pete Hegseth Is Lying.
“When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described a deadly Iranian strike in Kuwait as a rare “squirter” that had broken through the defenses of a U.S. military base, it didn’t quite sound right—especially to the service members who actually lived through it.
“Painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood,” one of the injured soldiers told CBS News Thursday. “I want people to know the unit … was unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/army-survivors-deadliest-iran-attack-153917161.html
There's growing disquiet in the military. The Iran war made it worse.
“It's been very, very busy," he says. Galvin is the counseling director at the Center on Conscience and War, which helps run the 24-hour GI Rights Hotline, set up to inform service members of their options for military discharge.
Most callers are asking how to apply to become a conscientious objector — a difficult, invasive and rarely used process. But they're also airing their concerns and frustrations, often anonymously, as the hotline allows them a space to do so without repercussions.
…
“ In March alone, Galvin's center took on more than 80 new clients — almost twice as many as it takes on in an average year. The busiest single day saw 12 new clients join, with one person saying four other members of their platoon were also interested.”
https://www.npr.org/2026/04/10/nx-s1-5771612/military-iran-war-trump-conscientious-objector
Dems file impeachment papers accusing Trump and Hegseth of ‘risking 9/11 2.0’.
“Democratic members of Congress have initiated actions against President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing concerns over their conduct.
Rep. John Larson filed 13 articles of impeachment against Trump, accusing him of "criminal lawlessness," "serial usurpation of congressional war power," and "commission of murder, war crimes and piracy" related to actions in Iran, Venezuela, and immigration.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging he violated his oath of office and committed war crimes, including targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran.
Nearly 100 congressional Democrats are urging the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, citing his recent threats against Iran and perceived instability. “
https://apple.news/APRGEtnTtQl-twe67LelVKQ
Donald Trump impeachment backed by most Americans: Poll.
“Fifty-two percent of registered voters back impeachment compared to 40 percent opposed, according to the survey of 790 voters commissioned by two groups opposing his Iran war and other policies. The finding includes one in seven Republicans supporting removal proceedings.”
https://apple.news/AXq5UVMu5Ray58kG6-y3RVw
Democrats demand Trump undergo cognitive assessment after ‘disturbing’ rhetoric on Iran war.
“Political figures on both sides of the aisle raised concern about the president’s leadership following a series of escalating threats against Tehran in which he threatened to end “a whole civilization.”
https://www.courthousenews.com/democrats-demand-trump-undergo-cognitive-assessment-after-disturbing-rhetoric-on-iran-war/
Trump Sued For Seeking To Defy Presidential Records Act—"As of this moment, the Administration believes that the President is legally free to destroy records of his official government conduct," the lawsuit says.
“The lawsuit, filed Monday by watchdog groups American Historical Association and American Oversight, accuses Trump and his administration of using the Office of Legal Counsel to give the president unfettered legal backing to destroy or refuse to hand over records to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) when he leaves office.”
https://apple.news/AaFqvtX1sTf-F0ls4ahfhJQ
Melania Trump’s weird disavowal of Epstein is getting weirder.
“Melania Trump stood at a podium in the same room Donald Trump used to address the nation on the war in Iran last week to make an announcement: she “never had a relationship” with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
It was unclear which specific accusations spurred Trump to respond publicly. ”
…
“Adding to the swirl of confusion over the reasoning behind the first lady’s statement are reports the president has been telling reporters he had no idea his wife would give them.”
https://apple.news/ATQClDAUkScCUDInUUHr7CA
Judge tosses another Trump lawsuit seeking voter information from states.
“A federal judge rejected the Justice Department's attempt on Thursday to get a look at Massachusetts' voter lists, complete with identifying information, saying the government didn't give a valid reason to see the data.”
https://apple.news/AMfq5kXceTaCoGU9y0C-XoQ
Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, expanding liberals' majority.
https://apple.news/A9N6QysqhS5KpNiNnrjW0OA
The White House tried — and failed — to push a candidate out of a Republican state Senate primary in Indiana.
“White House officials and their allies sought to pressure an Indiana Republican to drop out of a state Senate primary earlier this year, floating job opportunities and warning of the personal attacks she could face as they worked to pave the way for President Donald Trump’s preferred candidate.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/white-house-failed-push-candidate-indiana-republican-senate-primary-rcna267361
Iowa farmers sound alarm as Trump economy leaves them 'on the brink of something bad'.
"A lot of farmer discouragement out there. Prices of our soybeans, prices of all our commodities started going down, prices of fertilizer and other things we import to plant a crop started going up. So for a year, we've seen some real chaos on all sorts of trade tensions," Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation farmer, told CNN's Jeff Zelany.
…
The farmer said that there are more uncertainties than in most other years.”
https://www.alternet.org/farming-cost/
Popular Restaurant Chains Are Quietly Closing Locations In April—Here’s What To Know.
“Individual closures may not be enough to raise eyebrows, but on a macro level, this speaks volumes about the state of the restaurant industry. Inflation is still squeezing margins, diners are more price-conscious, and value has become the main selling point for the consumer.”
https://apple.news/AjVHifFsyT-2m2lMaZgdjSg
Judge Advances Suit Over RFK Jr.'s Layoffs, Reorganization.
“A federal judge refused to toss an amended lawsuit seeking relief from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s massive layoffs and reorganization of the health department, allowing the case to proceed against the government.
The revised complaint from 19 states challenging Kennedy’s actions from last year contain “sufficient, plausible allegations” that demonstrate the US government “constituted arbitrary and capricious agency action,” Judge Melissa R. DuBose for the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island said in an order filed Tuesday.”
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/judge-advances-suit-over-rfk-jr-workforce-cuts-reorganization
The world’s deadliest infectious disease is on the rise in the US.
“After 30 years of being on the decline, tuberculosis rates are rising in the US. In February alone, it popped up in American high schools beyond the Bay Area, with confirmed cases in Long Island, New York, and Seattle. One of the largest American outbreaks since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started reporting tuberculosis data in the 1950s happened just two years ago in Kansas, leading to 68 active cases, 91 latent infections, and two deaths.
Broad disinvestment in public health infrastructure, medication supply shortages, delays in diagnosis due to the Covid pandemic, and the challenges of detecting and treating latent cases are all part of why tuberculosis is still a disease worth worrying about in the United States.“
https://apple.news/ANkqUqVi_RqWDi9lPnN0Pww
How Trump's tax law boosts the wealthy and leaves behind some workers he promised to help.
“But some middle-income households are finding the benefits are smaller than they anticipated because of how certain tax cuts are structured, according to interviews with workers, accountants and tax policy analysts. Large groups, including many railroad workers and truck drivers, are excluded from the overtime tax savings. The Social Security deduction excludes both very low and higher earners. And the tips deduction is capped at $25,000 — even for couples like Cummings and her husband who both earn a big share of their wages from tips.”
https://apple.news/ABXBu_SKgQgORJx2s1bpc6w
The Trump Administration Is Fighting a Losing Battle Against Local Energy Laws.
“The Trump administration’s latest attempt to dismantle a local energy law could test whether President Donald Trump’s energy agenda can endure mounting legal headwinds.
The Justice Department asked a federal judge last week to deem Morris Township, New Jersey’s 2022 ban on gas-powered and other nonelectric appliances in new apartments unlawful. The lawsuit is the latest effort by the administration to dismantle state and local environmental laws that it argues are “overly restrictive” — a campaign it started exactly a year ago with an executive order.”
https://apple.news/A1fxLOD8pSuS4cGU8I4Ljgg
Cash-strapped US Postal Service suspends contributions to pension plan.
“The U.S. Postal Service said Thursday it will temporarily suspend employer payments for a federal pension program to conserve cash amid a severe financial crisis.
USPS told the White House Office of Personnel Management that effective Friday it will stop making $200 million payments every other week for its employer contributions for the defined benefit portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System. USPS warned Thursday that without reforms it could run out of cash as soon as February.”
https://apple.news/AF5GFTbh1TxiRirogSoYMdA
US inflation soars in March as war on Iran drives economy into uncertainty.
“US inflation soared in March amid the US-Israel war with Iran, with prices up 0.9% compared to last month and 3.3% over the year, according to new data released Friday.”
https://apple.news/ApwUuXzY7Qy2SU0KKRKaw5w
In 2025, total bankruptcies in the United States rose 11%, driven by increases in both business and non-business filings, with 24,737 business bankruptcies filed, according to data from the U.S courts.
https://apple.news/AE2cuKk44S5ulvs3bO6_SPQ
Fox News has bad news for Trump about the price of beef.
“A report from the broadcaster revealed that for the first time in history the price of a pound of ground beef is now more expensive than the minimum wage in the U.S. The shocking figures show the harsh reality for citizens living and working in America with living costs reaching worrying levels.
Speaking on the news platform business anchor Stuart Varney said, "A pound of ground beef now costs more than the minimum wage. What does that say about the economy?"
https://www.aol.com/entertainment/fox-news-bad-news-trump-205000917.html
Judge gives federal government three weeks to turn over evidence from Renee Good’s killing.
“Evidence from Jonathan Ross’ fatal shooting of the Minneapolis woman on Jan. 7 is sought as part of a separate case in which a man was convicted of dragging the federal agent with his car.”
https://apple.news/AAHMB8nfrSMSQMetOQVFPlA
DHS pauses new immigrant warehouse purchases as all Noem-era contracts are reviewed.
“So far, 11 warehouses have been purchased in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah, with the federal government spending a combined $1.074 billion.
But lawsuits are pending in three of the states. Meanwhile, the capacity of at least one warehouse has been scaled back. Plans initially called for a warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise to be used as a 1,500-bed processing site, but Homeland Security now plans to cap occupied beds at 542, Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor said during a news conference on Monday.
…
The warehouse plan ran into challenges from the start. Eight deals were scuttled in places like Kansas City, Missouri, when owners decided not to sell.”
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/dhs-pauses-new-immigrant-warehouse-purchases-as-all-noem-era-contracts-are-reviewed
LOL: Orban’s Chances of Winning Hungary Election Drop After JD Vance Rally.
“The likelihood Viktor Orbán winning Hungary's upcoming parliamentary election has dropped since U.S. Vice President JD Vance made a speech endorsing him, according to the latest betting odds.”
https://www.newsweek.com/viktor-orban-hungary-election-jd-vance-rally-11804123
LOL: Video of ‘Awkward Silence’ During Trump Artemis 2 Call Goes Viral.
https://www.newsweek.com/video-of-awkward-silence-during-trump-artemis-2-calls-goes-viral-11791079
Trump's threat to Iran shocks global leaders, unnerves some Republicans.
“The official said several White House aides helped craft the Tuesday morning social media post, but the language about ending a civilization came from Trump himself.”
https://apple.news/Aju-_XJgdTyCH7jcUnGjMTg
Army Survivors of Deadliest Iran Attack Say Pete Hegseth Is Lying.
“When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described a deadly Iranian strike in Kuwait as a rare “squirter” that had broken through the defenses of a U.S. military base, it didn’t quite sound right—especially to the service members who actually lived through it.
“Painting a picture that ‘one squeaked through’ is a falsehood,” one of the injured soldiers told CBS News Thursday. “I want people to know the unit … was unprepared to provide any defense for itself. It was not a fortified position.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/army-survivors-deadliest-iran-attack-153917161.html
There's growing disquiet in the military. The Iran war made it worse.
“It's been very, very busy," he says. Galvin is the counseling director at the Center on Conscience and War, which helps run the 24-hour GI Rights Hotline, set up to inform service members of their options for military discharge.
Most callers are asking how to apply to become a conscientious objector — a difficult, invasive and rarely used process. But they're also airing their concerns and frustrations, often anonymously, as the hotline allows them a space to do so without repercussions.
…
“ In March alone, Galvin's center took on more than 80 new clients — almost twice as many as it takes on in an average year. The busiest single day saw 12 new clients join, with one person saying four other members of their platoon were also interested.”
https://www.npr.org/2026/04/10/nx-s1-5771612/military-iran-war-trump-conscientious-objector
Dems file impeachment papers accusing Trump and Hegseth of ‘risking 9/11 2.0’.
“Democratic members of Congress have initiated actions against President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing concerns over their conduct.
Rep. John Larson filed 13 articles of impeachment against Trump, accusing him of "criminal lawlessness," "serial usurpation of congressional war power," and "commission of murder, war crimes and piracy" related to actions in Iran, Venezuela, and immigration.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging he violated his oath of office and committed war crimes, including targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran.
Nearly 100 congressional Democrats are urging the invocation of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, citing his recent threats against Iran and perceived instability. “
https://apple.news/APRGEtnTtQl-twe67LelVKQ
Donald Trump impeachment backed by most Americans: Poll.
“Fifty-two percent of registered voters back impeachment compared to 40 percent opposed, according to the survey of 790 voters commissioned by two groups opposing his Iran war and other policies. The finding includes one in seven Republicans supporting removal proceedings.”
https://apple.news/AXq5UVMu5Ray58kG6-y3RVw
Democrats demand Trump undergo cognitive assessment after ‘disturbing’ rhetoric on Iran war.
“Political figures on both sides of the aisle raised concern about the president’s leadership following a series of escalating threats against Tehran in which he threatened to end “a whole civilization.”
https://www.courthousenews.com/democrats-demand-trump-undergo-cognitive-assessment-after-disturbing-rhetoric-on-iran-war/
Trump Sued For Seeking To Defy Presidential Records Act—"As of this moment, the Administration believes that the President is legally free to destroy records of his official government conduct," the lawsuit says.
“The lawsuit, filed Monday by watchdog groups American Historical Association and American Oversight, accuses Trump and his administration of using the Office of Legal Counsel to give the president unfettered legal backing to destroy or refuse to hand over records to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) when he leaves office.”
https://apple.news/AaFqvtX1sTf-F0ls4ahfhJQ
Melania Trump’s weird disavowal of Epstein is getting weirder.
“Melania Trump stood at a podium in the same room Donald Trump used to address the nation on the war in Iran last week to make an announcement: she “never had a relationship” with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell.
It was unclear which specific accusations spurred Trump to respond publicly. ”
…
“Adding to the swirl of confusion over the reasoning behind the first lady’s statement are reports the president has been telling reporters he had no idea his wife would give them.”
https://apple.news/ATQClDAUkScCUDInUUHr7CA
Judge tosses another Trump lawsuit seeking voter information from states.
“A federal judge rejected the Justice Department's attempt on Thursday to get a look at Massachusetts' voter lists, complete with identifying information, saying the government didn't give a valid reason to see the data.”
https://apple.news/AMfq5kXceTaCoGU9y0C-XoQ
Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, expanding liberals' majority.
https://apple.news/A9N6QysqhS5KpNiNnrjW0OA
The White House tried — and failed — to push a candidate out of a Republican state Senate primary in Indiana.
“White House officials and their allies sought to pressure an Indiana Republican to drop out of a state Senate primary earlier this year, floating job opportunities and warning of the personal attacks she could face as they worked to pave the way for President Donald Trump’s preferred candidate.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/white-house-failed-push-candidate-indiana-republican-senate-primary-rcna267361
Iowa farmers sound alarm as Trump economy leaves them 'on the brink of something bad'.
"A lot of farmer discouragement out there. Prices of our soybeans, prices of all our commodities started going down, prices of fertilizer and other things we import to plant a crop started going up. So for a year, we've seen some real chaos on all sorts of trade tensions," Aaron Lehman, a fifth-generation farmer, told CNN's Jeff Zelany.
…
The farmer said that there are more uncertainties than in most other years.”
https://www.alternet.org/farming-cost/
Popular Restaurant Chains Are Quietly Closing Locations In April—Here’s What To Know.
“Individual closures may not be enough to raise eyebrows, but on a macro level, this speaks volumes about the state of the restaurant industry. Inflation is still squeezing margins, diners are more price-conscious, and value has become the main selling point for the consumer.”
https://apple.news/AjVHifFsyT-2m2lMaZgdjSg
Judge Advances Suit Over RFK Jr.'s Layoffs, Reorganization.
“A federal judge refused to toss an amended lawsuit seeking relief from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s massive layoffs and reorganization of the health department, allowing the case to proceed against the government.
The revised complaint from 19 states challenging Kennedy’s actions from last year contain “sufficient, plausible allegations” that demonstrate the US government “constituted arbitrary and capricious agency action,” Judge Melissa R. DuBose for the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island said in an order filed Tuesday.”
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/judge-advances-suit-over-rfk-jr-workforce-cuts-reorganization
The world’s deadliest infectious disease is on the rise in the US.
“After 30 years of being on the decline, tuberculosis rates are rising in the US. In February alone, it popped up in American high schools beyond the Bay Area, with confirmed cases in Long Island, New York, and Seattle. One of the largest American outbreaks since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started reporting tuberculosis data in the 1950s happened just two years ago in Kansas, leading to 68 active cases, 91 latent infections, and two deaths.
Broad disinvestment in public health infrastructure, medication supply shortages, delays in diagnosis due to the Covid pandemic, and the challenges of detecting and treating latent cases are all part of why tuberculosis is still a disease worth worrying about in the United States.“
https://apple.news/ANkqUqVi_RqWDi9lPnN0Pww
How Trump's tax law boosts the wealthy and leaves behind some workers he promised to help.
“But some middle-income households are finding the benefits are smaller than they anticipated because of how certain tax cuts are structured, according to interviews with workers, accountants and tax policy analysts. Large groups, including many railroad workers and truck drivers, are excluded from the overtime tax savings. The Social Security deduction excludes both very low and higher earners. And the tips deduction is capped at $25,000 — even for couples like Cummings and her husband who both earn a big share of their wages from tips.”
https://apple.news/ABXBu_SKgQgORJx2s1bpc6w
The Trump Administration Is Fighting a Losing Battle Against Local Energy Laws.
“The Trump administration’s latest attempt to dismantle a local energy law could test whether President Donald Trump’s energy agenda can endure mounting legal headwinds.
The Justice Department asked a federal judge last week to deem Morris Township, New Jersey’s 2022 ban on gas-powered and other nonelectric appliances in new apartments unlawful. The lawsuit is the latest effort by the administration to dismantle state and local environmental laws that it argues are “overly restrictive” — a campaign it started exactly a year ago with an executive order.”
https://apple.news/A1fxLOD8pSuS4cGU8I4Ljgg
Cash-strapped US Postal Service suspends contributions to pension plan.
“The U.S. Postal Service said Thursday it will temporarily suspend employer payments for a federal pension program to conserve cash amid a severe financial crisis.
USPS told the White House Office of Personnel Management that effective Friday it will stop making $200 million payments every other week for its employer contributions for the defined benefit portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System. USPS warned Thursday that without reforms it could run out of cash as soon as February.”
https://apple.news/AF5GFTbh1TxiRirogSoYMdA
US inflation soars in March as war on Iran drives economy into uncertainty.
“US inflation soared in March amid the US-Israel war with Iran, with prices up 0.9% compared to last month and 3.3% over the year, according to new data released Friday.”
https://apple.news/ApwUuXzY7Qy2SU0KKRKaw5w
In 2025, total bankruptcies in the United States rose 11%, driven by increases in both business and non-business filings, with 24,737 business bankruptcies filed, according to data from the U.S courts.
https://apple.news/AE2cuKk44S5ulvs3bO6_SPQ
Fox News has bad news for Trump about the price of beef.
“A report from the broadcaster revealed that for the first time in history the price of a pound of ground beef is now more expensive than the minimum wage in the U.S. The shocking figures show the harsh reality for citizens living and working in America with living costs reaching worrying levels.
Speaking on the news platform business anchor Stuart Varney said, "A pound of ground beef now costs more than the minimum wage. What does that say about the economy?"
https://www.aol.com/entertainment/fox-news-bad-news-trump-205000917.html
Judge gives federal government three weeks to turn over evidence from Renee Good’s killing.
“Evidence from Jonathan Ross’ fatal shooting of the Minneapolis woman on Jan. 7 is sought as part of a separate case in which a man was convicted of dragging the federal agent with his car.”
https://apple.news/AAHMB8nfrSMSQMetOQVFPlA
DHS pauses new immigrant warehouse purchases as all Noem-era contracts are reviewed.
“So far, 11 warehouses have been purchased in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah, with the federal government spending a combined $1.074 billion.
But lawsuits are pending in three of the states. Meanwhile, the capacity of at least one warehouse has been scaled back. Plans initially called for a warehouse in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise to be used as a 1,500-bed processing site, but Homeland Security now plans to cap occupied beds at 542, Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor said during a news conference on Monday.
…
The warehouse plan ran into challenges from the start. Eight deals were scuttled in places like Kansas City, Missouri, when owners decided not to sell.”
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/dhs-pauses-new-immigrant-warehouse-purchases-as-all-noem-era-contracts-are-reviewed
LOL: Orban’s Chances of Winning Hungary Election Drop After JD Vance Rally.
“The likelihood Viktor Orbán winning Hungary's upcoming parliamentary election has dropped since U.S. Vice President JD Vance made a speech endorsing him, according to the latest betting odds.”
https://www.newsweek.com/viktor-orban-hungary-election-jd-vance-rally-11804123
LOL: Video of ‘Awkward Silence’ During Trump Artemis 2 Call Goes Viral.
https://www.newsweek.com/video-of-awkward-silence-during-trump-artemis-2-calls-goes-viral-11791079
Anonymous
04/05/2026 11:36
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Thank you OP!
Anonymous
04/04/2026 18:07
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Mike Johnson caves to Democrats' DHS funding bill demands.
“The shift also highlighted deep Republican divisions over how to handle Democrats’ demands for changes to immigration enforcement, after the Senate’s early-morning voice vote advanced a bill funding most of DHS without ICE and Border Patrol.”
https://apple.news/AVuq8_799RZGO9X6E2eOYRQ
Trump not immune from civil claims from Jan. 6 speech, judge rules.
“A federal judge is allowing a civil suit brought against President Trump for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021 to proceed in court, a victory for Democratic lawmakers and Capitol Police officers who brought the litigation.
The late Tuesday ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta found that Trump’s speech on the Ellipse that day was not covered by the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling, determining it could not be considered a core presidential act.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5811066-judge-allows-trump-jan6-suit/
Bondi fired because even she couldn't be as awful as Trump.
“As attorney general, Pam Bondi lied for President Donald Trump. She hurled insults at Democrats for him. She tried to shield him from the Jeffrey Epstein files. She groveled and doused him with praise in Cabinet meetings.
But in the end, doing everything the president wanted, selling her soul and whatever shards of dignity she had left, just wasn’t enough.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2026/04/02/pam-bondi-fired-attorney-general-trump/89435849007/
…and Lawmakers vow to force Pam Bondi to testify despite ouster.
https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/pam-bondi-fired-democrats-congress-epstein-files
...and LOL Pam Bondi's Portrait Seen in Trash Bin at Justice Department 1 Day After Trump Announced Her Firing.
https://people.com/pam-bondi-portraits-removed-11942659
Amy Coney Barrett Unraveled the Case Against Birthright Citizenship With One Question.
“Wednesday’s Supreme Court arguments over birthright citizenship went very poorly for Donald Trump. The president watched from the front row as a majority of the justices expressed deep skepticism toward his executive order seeking to deny U.S. citizenship to the American-born children of many immigrants. He walked out of the courtroom midway through arguments and later ranted on Truth Social that the nation is “stupid” for protecting this fundamental right. Trump is not a sophisticated legal observer, but even he seemed to understand that the case is not going to go his way.
There was no single turning point against the administration at arguments—but one exchange between Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Solicitor General John Sauer may have locked in the government’s loss.”
https://apple.news/A1vSGR5x8SFW9Htt3ZgQQyw
US military jets hit in Iran war are the first shot down by enemy fire in over 20 years.
“Iran shooting down two American military jets marks an exceedingly rare assault for the U.S. that has not happened in more than 20 years and shows the Islamic Republic’s continued ability to hit back despite President Trump asserting it has been “completely decimated.”
The attacks came five weeks after U.S. and Israeli strikes first pounded Iran, with Trump saying earlier this week that Tehran’s “ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-u-s-news/5816462-us-military-jets-hit-in-iran-war-are-the-first-shot-down-by-enemy-fire-in-over-20-years/
World leaders bypass Trump to tackle Strait of Hormuz crisis.
“The United Kingdom convened 41 countries on Thursday to discuss plans to reopen the Strait, pinning the blame on Iran for holding the global economy “hostage” by hijacking the international shipping route.
While not publicly addressed at the meeting, allies are deeply frustrated with Trump, who launched the operation in Iran on Feb. 28 without a plan to keep the Strait open, and without consulting the countries he is now telling to take charge of resolving the crisis.
French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a hard line against the U.S. war against Iran, rejecting Trump’s pleas to European nations to join offensive operations to open the Strait.
“They cannot then complain about not being supported in an operation they decided on their own. It is not our operation,” Macron told reporters on Thursday, on the sidelines of his visit to South Korea.”
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5815706-iran-strait-hormuz-tensions-global-plans/
Austria bans US military planes from its airspace.
“Austria is rejecting a request from the U.S. to use its airspace for military flights related to the war against Iran, with the Austrian government reaffirming its neutral stance and separating itself from President Trump’s war.
“We want nothing to do with Trump’s policy of chaos and his war, which will bring us the next energy crisis,” Austria’s Vice Chancellor Andi Babler wrote in a post on social platform X. “
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5815053-austria-defies-trump-war/
Iran’s war propaganda homes in on Trump with Lego memes.
“One shows a panicked Trump ordering an airstrike after reviewing the “Epstein File” alongside Satan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Another, a rap diss track, calls Trump a “loser” and accuses him of being Netanyahu’s “puppet” over images of stock market sell-offs, missile strikes and coffins.
Those and other messages out of Iran regularly reference Jeffrey Epstein, the late notorious sex offender and former Trump friend at the center of conspiracy theories that the president launched the Iran war to distract the public from headlines about releases of files related to the Epstein investigation.
The plain intent of Iran’s messaging is not just to project defiance and counter U.S. assessments of Tehran’s military weakness, but also to undermine Trump by homing in on some of his biggest political vulnerabilities.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/01/iran-war-social-media-meme-propaganda.html
Trump gushes over his policies – ‘Thank you Mr. Tariff!’ – as desperate search continues for US pilot missing in Iran.
“Trump’s tone on Truth Social Saturday morning ranged from fuming about the media and leveling new threats against Iran, to jauntily celebrating his trade tariffs amid soaring gas prices.
“THANK YOU MR. TARIFF!” he crowed in one post.
While he has been active on his social media platform, the president has kept a relatively low profile since reports of the missing U.S. airman broke on Friday, and the last time he spoke publicly was late Wednesday in an address to the nation about the war.”
https://apple.news/A42ojr1s0Q62NM4GDCCwmIw
Trump’s VA killed a home loan program. Vets are now losing their homes because of it.
“More than 10,000 veterans lost their homes to foreclosure since May of last year, when the Trump administration shut down a key safety net in the VA home loan program, according to the latest industry data. That is the highest pace of foreclosures for VA loans in a decade.
Another 90,000 vets are heading toward foreclosure. This comes after a years-long debacle inside the Department of Veterans Affairs has whiplashed thousands of vets between various enacted and canceled programs and left many of them on the brink of losing their homes — often through no fault of their own.
…
The Trump administration was warned this would happen.”
https://apple.news/AhpCFwAUSRcy-9nE1KUxPZg
United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50 as fuel prices nearly double since Iran war.
“The increase, which the airline said marks its first bag fee hike in two years, comes after JetBlue announced similar measures in late March.”
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/united-airlines-checked-bag-fees-climbs-10-50-fuel-prices-nearly-double-iran-war
Amazon to add 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for sellers as Iran war drives up energy prices.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/02/amazon-add-3point5percent-fuel-and-logistics-surcharge-for-sellers-amid-iran-war.html
China now tops US in global approval ratings: Gallup.
“Global approval of China surpassed the U.S. in 2025, the widest favorability gap between the two countries in almost 20 years, according to a new Gallup poll released Friday.”
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5816375-china-global-approval-surpasses-us-gallup/
A Walmart-related recession indicator that's preceded the last 4 economic downturns is flashing red.
“Paulsen noted that the Walmart Recession Signal has seen a sharp increase leading up to the past four US downturns. So far this year, it's climbed about 28 basis points, likely due to economic anxiety surrounding the Iran war, he said.
"The WRS is increasingly advising caution about the US economy," Paulsen wrote. "My guess is the economy avoids a recession this year, but I am becoming more convinced that a significant US economic slowdown is unfolding," he added.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/a-walmart-related-recession-indicator-thats-preceded-the-last-4-economic-downturns-is-flashing-red/ar-AA1ZJEVN?ocid=BingNewsBrowse
Bigotry among young conservatives has Republicans on edge.
“And online, Republicans have fretted about the rise of white-supremacist influencer Nick Fuentes, who courts disaffected young men and has summed up his views as, “Jews are running society, women need to shut the f--- up, Blacks need to be imprisoned for the most part, and we would live in paradise.” The College Republicans of America this month appointed a longtime fan of Fuentes as their political director.
Radicalization on the young right has set off a bitter debate in the GOP about how much Republicans should police their movement and how serious a threat its most extreme elements pose. ”
https://apple.news/ACEiYi2khR2CjjNgGgZTbfg
Democrats, voter rights groups file lawsuits on Trump order on mail ballots.
“The plaintiffs in both cases argue that the president’s order violates the Constitution, which directly gives states and Congress the power to regulate federal elections and voter rolls.”
Delta’s CEO Explains Why He’s Done Giving Congress Special Treatment—Delta halted all congressional flight perks as TSA shortages and the shutdown pushed airports into chaos.
““In a recent interview on The Claman Countdown, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the company is “beyond frustrated at the lack of leadership that is coming out of Congress.” Because of what he described as faltering leadership, Bastian argued that it would be inappropriate to continue extending privileges that allow lawmakers to bypass the very system they helped disrupt. “We want to make sure they understand and stand in line just like everybody else,” he said.”
https://apple.news/A9BNUXD9FRaeO2dpc6tkYmQ
South Carolina Democrats Announce Historic Full-Slate Candidate Recuitment.
“The South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) today announced the successful recruitment of Democratic candidates for all 124 State House seats, all seven statewide constitutional offices, all 7 U.S. Congressional districts, and the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Lindsey Graham, making 2026 the most expansive candidate recruitment cycle in the modern history of the state party.”
https://scdp.org/scdp-news/press-releases/south-carolina-democrats-announce-historic-full-slate-candidate-recruitment/
Heart Association Clashes With RFK Jr. Over Red Meat, Dairy and Beef Tallow.
“New nutrition guidance from the American Heart Association advises getting protein from plants rather than meat, choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy and using olive, soybean and canola oils instead of beef tallow and butter.
…
“The AHA counts 30,000 scientific, medical and healthcare professionals among its more than 35 million volunteers and supporters. Long an authoritative source of health recommendations, the group releases dietary guidance about every five years to promote cardiovascular health.”
…
“The federal government has been promoting an upside down pyramid that features steak and cheese at the top, along with vegetables, to go along with its new dietary guidelines.”
https://apple.news/AOHIxpiBoSGmBW5Y4leW6xA
Judge halts construction on Trump’s ballroom, says Congress must decide.
https://apple.news/AbI04SwEqRr-u38L-XY0oIg
Even Republicans are frantic for Trump to 'shut up' about his ballroom: ex-GOP strategist.
“President Donald Trump's "obsession" with putting a massive ballroom onto the White House has become such an optics problem that even Republicans want him to stop talking about it, former GOP strategist Rick Wilson told MS NOW on Wednesday.
…
"I think Trump's in some real trouble on this because ... it's a perfect split-screen of, of out of touch. It's not just the corruption. It's that he's out of touch. He doesn't get it. And part of his shtick was always, I'm the guy that gets the middle class, I'm the guy that gets the working class, I'm your billionaire advocate. And it's just not true."
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-ballroom-2676651457/#
Federal judge finds Trump violated free speech by ordering NPR defunded.
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/31/nx-s1-5768399/npr-pbs-trump-federal-funding
Months after calling Trump the ‘most pro life president ever,’ the White House quietly released funds to Planned Parenthood.
“The Trump administration tried to withhold Title X funds in 2025 but was forced to release the money after losing a legal challenge brought by abortion rights activists”
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-admin-pro-life-planned-parenthood-funds-b2950313.html
Jan. 6 rioter pardoned by Trump gets prison sentence for possessing more than 100,000 child sexual abuse images and videos discovered in connection with his Capitol riot case.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/jan-6-rioter-pardoned-by-trump-sentenced-child-pornography-collection-rcna265963
Oracle’s Ellison, Trump crony, slashes 30,000 jobs with a cold 6 a.m. email.
“The layoffs are directly tied to Oracle’s aggressive and debt-heavy expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure. According to analysis from TD Cowen, the job cuts are expected to free up between $8 billion and $10 billion in cash flow — money the company urgently needs to fund a massive buildout of AI data centers.
The financial picture surrounding that expansion is striking. Oracle has taken on $58 billion in new debt within just two months. Its stock has lost more than half its value since reaching a peak in September 2025. Multiple U.S. banks have reportedly stepped back from financing some of its data center projects. All of this is happening even as the company posted a 95% jump in net income — reaching $6.13 billion — last quarter.”
https://rollingout.com/2026/03/31/oracle-slashes-30000-jobs-with-a-cold-6/
Walmart closes Illinois facility, cuts jobs as 'power buyer' controversy grows.
“The move comes amid an ongoing controversy. The National Grocers Association (NGA), which represents more than 21,500 independent grocery retailers, wholesales and suppliers, is requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) address market manipulation “by dominant national grocery retail power buyers, especially Walmart.”
https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-closes-facility-cuts-jobs-002011844.html
Suit asks court to force Trump administration to use 'The Kennedy Center' name.
“In the filing, Beatty’s attorneys wrote: “Can the Board of the Kennedy Center — in direct contradiction of the governing statutes — rename this sacred memorial to John F. Kennedy after President Donald J. Trump? The answer is, unequivocally, ‘no.’ By renaming the Center — in violation of the law — Defendants have breached the terms of the trust and their most basic fiduciary obligations as trustees. Shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Congress designated the Kennedy Center as the ‘sole national memorial to the late’ President in the nation’s capital.”
https://apple.news/A_MgChLmhTl-F0c-WaT03kg
Not just the base: Democrats in recent elections are flipping independent and Republican votes.
“Two special election victories in Florida provided more evidence that the Democratic success in elections since Donald Trump’s return to the White House rests not just on a motivated base but also on winning over Republicans and independents.
More registered Republicans than registered Democrats voted in two special elections on March 24, according to turnout data from election officials. In state House District 87, the district including Mar-a-Lago that was flipped by Democrat Emily Gregory, voter turnout was 46% Republican to 36% Democrat. In state Senate District 14, Democrat Brian Nathan finished ahead in a race with 46% GOP turnout versus 37% Democrat.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/01/politics/democrats-elections-flip-seats
FAFO: MAGA Podcasters Are Having a Nervous Breakdown Over Trump.
“Joe Rogan and Theo Von used the word “scared” about Trump’s actions more than 30 times in one episode.”
https://apple.news/AvIvk2EF4QWKBnfZc6jdDhQ
Donald Trump is ‘gone,’ Alex Jones warns: ‘The brain’s not doing too hot’.
“We need to be sad about Trump,” he continued. “This is not funny. This is not good. But he’s gone, and that’s it. And all the people rallied around him, you can see (Pete) Hegseth’s freaked out. You can see the press secretary is freaked out. They’re being loyal. They think it’s the lesser of two evils and OK. But Trump needs an intervention. Needs to take some time off. We need to pray for Trump and that the Holy Spirit takes his heart and loosens him from whatever evil control he is under, and I’m being serious. I think that’s the answer. We need to pray for President Trump.”
https://apple.news/A0Rxs-2HiRW2S5BH8C1GEyw
Anonymous
03/30/2026 18:57
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
It's only Monday...
Troop deployments test Republicans’ nerves on Capitol Hill.
“Some are warning in public and private that the midterm backlash to any ground invasion of Iran would be swift and severe.
“We lose 60 to 70 seats,” said one House Republican granted anonymity to speak candidly about the matter.
Senior House Democrats are making plans to force another vote on a resolution that would restrict U.S. military action in Iran. But they’ve delayed it until the House returns from recess in mid-April given absences in their ranks and the need to secure more GOP support after a similar measure narrowly failed earlier this month.”
https://apple.news/AlGmC5zdFSk2DMR3wN8kgJg
Republican Mace says Congress must approve any US troop deployment to Iran.
“Despite general support for war, several Republicans say boots on the ground would be a political Rubicon for Trump.”
https://apple.news/AguECBH15S0qFYsYQD9N5Fg
Iran starts to formalize its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz with a ‘toll booth’ regime.
“Entities that want their vessels to safely pass through must submit their details to what Lloyd’s List Intelligence refers to as “approved intermediaries” of the Revolutionary Guard, including the cargo, owners, destination and a complete crew list. Approved vessels receive a code and are escorted by an IRGC vessel. Oil is prioritized and vessels are subject to “geopolitical vetting,” Lloyd’s said.
“While not all ships are paying a direct toll, at least two vessels have and the payment is settled in yuan,” Lloyd’s List said, referring to the Chinese currency.”
https://apnews.com/article/iran-hormuz-shipping-tolls-china-de5159966cde7de7b964b3c2c67eec07
U.S. uses hundreds of Tomahawk missiles on Iran, alarming some at Pentagon.
“One official characterized the number of Tomahawks left in the Middle East as “alarmingly low,” while another said that without intervention, the Pentagon is closing in on “Winchester” — military slang meaning out of ammunition — for its supply of Tomahawk missiles in the Middle East.”
…
“The most recent versions of the missile can cost as much as $3.6 million a piece and require up to two years to build, according to Navy documents. In recent years, they have been purchased in small batches, with just 57 included in last year’s defense budget.”
https://apple.news/AMqfq9kDAQHOLY0aHoaEoWQ
Trump’s war in Iran is costing the U.S. economy 10,000 jobs a month, Goldman Sachs.
“The U.S. military conflict with Iran is quietly draining the American labor market, with Goldman Sachs estimating that the oil price shock triggered by the war will suppress payroll growth by roughly 10,000 jobs per month through the end of the year — a toll that will be felt most acutely in restaurants, hotels, and retail stores across the country.”
https://apple.news/ANt3W02Q6QeyfAxXWhTTO8Q
Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war, defence minister says.
“Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous denial of use of jointly-operated military bases, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.”
https://apple.news/AyUluCw6zRpejpXNvwtRK2A
A majority of Jewish Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran, according to a new national survey released Monday by the Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI).
“The poll, conducted in mid‑March among 800 registered Jewish voters, found that 55 percent disapprove of U.S. military action against Iran, while 32 percent approve, and the remainder say they are undecided or conflicted.
Nearly half of respondents said they strongly disapprove of the war, the survey also shows.”
https://apple.news/AUBD4um-xQYWmbG9pHRK_nQ
Epstein victims sue Google, Trump administration for disclosing personal information.
“A victim of notorious sex predator Jeffrey Epstein filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of herself and other survivors against the Trump administration and Google for allegedly wrongfully disclosing and publishing personal information about them.
The suit, filed on Thursday in the Northern District of California, where Google is headquartered, claims the U.S. Justice Department "outed" about 100 Epstein survivors in late 2025 and early 2026, and that even after the government acknowledged the mistake and withdrew the information, "online entities like Google continuously republish it, refusing victim's pleas to take it down."
https://apple.news/AcDMDNF4YQeeDKitkWFU7yA
Justice in fragments: Epstein’s shredded records resurface.
“Law enforcement sources tell The Miami Herald that bags of shredded documents tied to the disgraced financier were found at a New York jail shortly after his death, raising fresh legal and transparency questions about one of the most controversial criminal cases of the past decade. According to reporting from the Herald, these materials were discovered during a cleanup or document review process in the days after Epstein’s August 2019 death in federal custody, and they have drawn scrutiny from advocates and investigators who say they may relate to evidence that has never been fully disclosed.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/justice-fragments-epstein-shredded-records-192352649.html
California voters sue demanding GOP sheriff return 650,000 seized ballots.
“Four voters have filed a lawsuit with the California Supreme Court demanding a GOP sheriff running for governor return hundreds of thousands of ballots cast in last year’s redistricting referendum, accusing him of violating state election laws that require the ballots to remain in the custody of election officials.
The California Attorney General’s office filed a separate lawsuit Thursday in county superior court, arguing that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco obtained warrants lacking probable cause and began conducting an “amateur and dubious” recount of the more than 650,000 votes.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/california-voters-sue-demanding-gop-sheriff-return-650000-seized-ballots/#:~:text=Every%20day%20that%20Bianco%20is,legal%20remedies%20against%20the%20warrants.%E2%80%9D
‘Visibly upset and struggling’: Acting ICE head hospitalized twice over stress, officials say.
“Todd Lyons has been hospitalized at least twice for stress-related issues as he has carried out President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda — strain that has caused him to struggle to make key decisions for the agency, according to two current and two former administration officials.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/27/todd-lyons-ice-stress-hospital-00848458
More Republicans are retiring ahead of the midterms than at any point in nearly a century, according to an ABC News tally of retirement announcements and a review of historical data since 1930 compiled by the Brookings Institution.
“On Friday, Republican Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri became the 36th Republican -- and 57th House member -- to announce plans not to seek re-election, saying it was time to "pass the torch" to a new generation.”
https://apple.news/AXIfIR951RpeOXtmwSAVmpg
Why millions of seniors have suddenly lost health care coverage.
“But over the last year, insurers sharply retreated from the plans in some regions, saying rising health care costs and reduced government reimbursements have hurt profitability. That left Petchkis and millions of other elderly people scrambling to find alternatives.
The shift highlights one of the risks for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, especially in rural areas where options tend to be meager: plans are under no obligation to offer coverage year-to-year. When profit margins are threatened, insurance companies can suddenly withdraw coverage. This year the churn reached a peak.
In all, almost 3 million people were forced off Medicare Advantage plans because their carriers pulled out of their counties, according to a recent analysis in the medical journal JAMA. Most affected seniors nationally had other Medicare Advantage options to choose from, but around 30,000 did not, according to a new analysis by KFF, a health research organization.”
https://apple.news/AgVG8yCMZTNKAYp_Pv7Yfwg
States pay Deloitte, others millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls.
“States are now racing to update their eligibility systems to adhere to President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and domestic spending law. The changes will add red tape and restrictions. They are coming at a steep price ― both in the cost to taxpayers and coverage losses ― according to state documents obtained by KFF Health News and interviews.”
…
“The law's Medicaid policies will cause 7.5 million people to become uninsured by 2034, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Roughly 2.4 million people will lose access to monthly cash assistance for food, including those with children.”
…
“In Iowa, changes to its Medicaid system are expected to cost at least $20 million, according to an estimate prepared by Accenture, a consulting firm that operates the state's eligibility system.”
https://apple.news/AaCoRpQv4Shimnt63m2A5hw
Kennedy Center to start layoffs ahead of planned closure for renovations.
“It wasn’t immediately clear how many workers would be affected. The arts center has employed more than 2,000 people in recent years.”
https://apple.news/A4R_sUJ9rR3mZCmf-0-Ddmg
Tech Worker Confidence Hits a New Low as AI Fears and Layoffs Reshape the Job Market.
“It’s kinda hard to be happy about being at work nowadays. Layoff round after layoff round in the headlines, the imminent threat of AI stealing your job, and endless debates about the weak, messy job market. And now a new study confirms, with tough-to-read statistics, that worker sentiment is tanking. Or rather that it’s still falling. One sector is suffering the most: worker confidence in the tech industry is hitting horrible lows.”
https://apple.news/AAdNQkHHwRwilguH5AYnESw
Trump Seethes as ‘Stupid Lawsuit’ Exposes Ballroom’s Underground ‘Military Complex’ Plans.
“President Donald Trump lashed out at a “stupid” legal challenge to his White House ballroom project that exposed, for the first time, that a “massive” military complex is being constructed beneath it, before also angrily attacking a New York Times critique of his design.
The president gave an impromptu presentation promoting the $400 million building project one day after The Times deep dive by qualified architects challengedthe choices being made, just days before the plans are set for final approval by the National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-seethes-stupid-lawsuit-exposes-102606691.html
In win for voters, Arizona Supreme Court rejects string of anti-voting lawsuits.
“Arizona voters notched sweeping, back-to-back victories Friday after the state Supreme Court declined to hear three separate challenges backed by Republicans and right-wing groups — leaving in place key safeguards for mail-in voting, election administration and certification.
In three orders issued Friday, the conservative-leaning court refused to take up appeals in cases that sought to restrict how mail-in ballots are verified, allow counties to hand count ballots and weaken rules governing early voting and election certification.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/arizona-supreme-court-rejects-anti-voting-lawsuits/
Over 100 Harvard Jewish faculty condemn Trump administration lawsuit.
“More than 100 Jewish faculty members at Harvard University signed a letter condemning the Trump administration’s recent lawsuit against the institution and its “weaponization of antisemitism.”
“Although we hold a range of views about Israel, Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests on campus, we stand united in the belief that this lawsuit can only harm Harvard’s Jewish community,” the faculty members said.”
https://apple.news/A1-p6_ayNSMi9Ih_j_ZZGFw
Judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit challenging in-state tuition for undocumented students in Minnesota.
“The Trump administration argued the law discriminates against U.S. citizens who live outside of Minnesota who do not get the cheaper in-state tuition rate.
Menendez rejected that argument on Friday, saying the law allows anyone who went to a Minnesota high school for three years to receive in-state tuition, not just those who live in the state.”
https://apple.news/ACB3JPM_MQnuKaUmGLAAB3A
LOL: Republican bigwig’s hype effort at CPAC backfires horribly.
“A Republican’s attempt to get the crowd on side at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) backfired.
Speaking to the crowd at the event in Grapevine, Texas on Thursday (26 March), Matt Schlapp asked the crowd how many of them would be keen to see impeachment hearings against President Trump.
Schlapp, who is the Chair of the American Conservative Union (ACU) which hosts the CPAC, looked unimpressed as the crowd cheered. “No, that was the wrong answer,” he said.
“Let’s try it again,” he said before repeating the question, this time gaining a much less enthusiastic response from the crowd.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/cpac-matt-schlapp-maga-video-b2947234.html
Republican lobbyists issue warning on Trump policy harming GOP.
“As the area in Washington, D.C. is seen as the center of the U.S. lobbying and advocacy sectors, the views from those working on K Street will matter to lawmakers in Congress, with influential figures there often impacting policy decisions.
More than three-quarters of Republican participants in The Canvass survey said the administration’s use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would harm the party in November, while only 17 percent said it would help.”
https://apple.news/AkbvsYqUtTS6Ae0BlKMxn8A
Army investigating helicopter fly by of Kid Rock 'southern White House'
“The Army is investigating after one of its helicopters appeared to fly by Kid Rock's home in Nashville to greet him, according to video the conservative musician posted to social media.
The videos showed the country rap-rocker saluting and applauding a military helicopter as it hovered in the sky next to an outdoor pool at his "southern White House," modeled after the president's home in Washington.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/30/army-helicopter-kid-rock-white-house-nashville/89389838007/
Protests and cancellations mar Trump administration’s America 250 tour.
“Education Secretary Linda McMahon bills her “History Rocks!” tour, where she leads students in cheering for America, as a nonpartisan celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. But across the country, the program’s ties to a bevy of conservative organizations have fostered an unusual level of opposition.
At least four stops have been canceled — including one in Massachusetts, another in Alabama and two in McMahon’s home state of Connecticut — after parents, students and teachers objected to the visits. Stops in Wisconsin, New Jersey and Illinois have been met with protests.
There is no evidence that the events themselves are pushing a political message. But the America 250 Civics Education Coalition that sponsors the tour has produced ideological material and is composed of conservative and religious groups such as Turning Point USA, Moms for Liberty and the Heritage Foundation. It is led by the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump advocacy group. Liberal groups were not included, nor were several prominent nonpartisan civics groups such as Civx Now, an ideologically diverse coalition of more than 450 organizations.
“I just found it hypocritical,” Red Zellner, a senior at Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama, said in an interview. “They tried to say their tour was apolitical while being very publicly supported by strongly political groups.”
https://apple.news/AekvSlhEuTAOzyKo_C9EiJw
Red flare for Trump: 'No Kings' rallies a show of political force.
“The left-leaning protests with the Revolutionary-era call against President Donald Trump as a would-be monarch and authoritarian had the broadest geographic reach of any single-day protest in the United States in more than a half-century.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/29/no-kings-rallies-a-red-flare-for-trump/89306058007/
Troop deployments test Republicans’ nerves on Capitol Hill.
“Some are warning in public and private that the midterm backlash to any ground invasion of Iran would be swift and severe.
“We lose 60 to 70 seats,” said one House Republican granted anonymity to speak candidly about the matter.
Senior House Democrats are making plans to force another vote on a resolution that would restrict U.S. military action in Iran. But they’ve delayed it until the House returns from recess in mid-April given absences in their ranks and the need to secure more GOP support after a similar measure narrowly failed earlier this month.”
https://apple.news/AlGmC5zdFSk2DMR3wN8kgJg
Republican Mace says Congress must approve any US troop deployment to Iran.
“Despite general support for war, several Republicans say boots on the ground would be a political Rubicon for Trump.”
https://apple.news/AguECBH15S0qFYsYQD9N5Fg
Iran starts to formalize its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz with a ‘toll booth’ regime.
“Entities that want their vessels to safely pass through must submit their details to what Lloyd’s List Intelligence refers to as “approved intermediaries” of the Revolutionary Guard, including the cargo, owners, destination and a complete crew list. Approved vessels receive a code and are escorted by an IRGC vessel. Oil is prioritized and vessels are subject to “geopolitical vetting,” Lloyd’s said.
“While not all ships are paying a direct toll, at least two vessels have and the payment is settled in yuan,” Lloyd’s List said, referring to the Chinese currency.”
https://apnews.com/article/iran-hormuz-shipping-tolls-china-de5159966cde7de7b964b3c2c67eec07
U.S. uses hundreds of Tomahawk missiles on Iran, alarming some at Pentagon.
“One official characterized the number of Tomahawks left in the Middle East as “alarmingly low,” while another said that without intervention, the Pentagon is closing in on “Winchester” — military slang meaning out of ammunition — for its supply of Tomahawk missiles in the Middle East.”
…
“The most recent versions of the missile can cost as much as $3.6 million a piece and require up to two years to build, according to Navy documents. In recent years, they have been purchased in small batches, with just 57 included in last year’s defense budget.”
https://apple.news/AMqfq9kDAQHOLY0aHoaEoWQ
Trump’s war in Iran is costing the U.S. economy 10,000 jobs a month, Goldman Sachs.
“The U.S. military conflict with Iran is quietly draining the American labor market, with Goldman Sachs estimating that the oil price shock triggered by the war will suppress payroll growth by roughly 10,000 jobs per month through the end of the year — a toll that will be felt most acutely in restaurants, hotels, and retail stores across the country.”
https://apple.news/ANt3W02Q6QeyfAxXWhTTO8Q
Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war, defence minister says.
“Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous denial of use of jointly-operated military bases, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.”
https://apple.news/AyUluCw6zRpejpXNvwtRK2A
A majority of Jewish Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran, according to a new national survey released Monday by the Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI).
“The poll, conducted in mid‑March among 800 registered Jewish voters, found that 55 percent disapprove of U.S. military action against Iran, while 32 percent approve, and the remainder say they are undecided or conflicted.
Nearly half of respondents said they strongly disapprove of the war, the survey also shows.”
https://apple.news/AUBD4um-xQYWmbG9pHRK_nQ
Epstein victims sue Google, Trump administration for disclosing personal information.
“A victim of notorious sex predator Jeffrey Epstein filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of herself and other survivors against the Trump administration and Google for allegedly wrongfully disclosing and publishing personal information about them.
The suit, filed on Thursday in the Northern District of California, where Google is headquartered, claims the U.S. Justice Department "outed" about 100 Epstein survivors in late 2025 and early 2026, and that even after the government acknowledged the mistake and withdrew the information, "online entities like Google continuously republish it, refusing victim's pleas to take it down."
https://apple.news/AcDMDNF4YQeeDKitkWFU7yA
Justice in fragments: Epstein’s shredded records resurface.
“Law enforcement sources tell The Miami Herald that bags of shredded documents tied to the disgraced financier were found at a New York jail shortly after his death, raising fresh legal and transparency questions about one of the most controversial criminal cases of the past decade. According to reporting from the Herald, these materials were discovered during a cleanup or document review process in the days after Epstein’s August 2019 death in federal custody, and they have drawn scrutiny from advocates and investigators who say they may relate to evidence that has never been fully disclosed.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/justice-fragments-epstein-shredded-records-192352649.html
California voters sue demanding GOP sheriff return 650,000 seized ballots.
“Four voters have filed a lawsuit with the California Supreme Court demanding a GOP sheriff running for governor return hundreds of thousands of ballots cast in last year’s redistricting referendum, accusing him of violating state election laws that require the ballots to remain in the custody of election officials.
The California Attorney General’s office filed a separate lawsuit Thursday in county superior court, arguing that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco obtained warrants lacking probable cause and began conducting an “amateur and dubious” recount of the more than 650,000 votes.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/california-voters-sue-demanding-gop-sheriff-return-650000-seized-ballots/#:~:text=Every%20day%20that%20Bianco%20is,legal%20remedies%20against%20the%20warrants.%E2%80%9D
‘Visibly upset and struggling’: Acting ICE head hospitalized twice over stress, officials say.
“Todd Lyons has been hospitalized at least twice for stress-related issues as he has carried out President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda — strain that has caused him to struggle to make key decisions for the agency, according to two current and two former administration officials.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/27/todd-lyons-ice-stress-hospital-00848458
More Republicans are retiring ahead of the midterms than at any point in nearly a century, according to an ABC News tally of retirement announcements and a review of historical data since 1930 compiled by the Brookings Institution.
“On Friday, Republican Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri became the 36th Republican -- and 57th House member -- to announce plans not to seek re-election, saying it was time to "pass the torch" to a new generation.”
https://apple.news/AXIfIR951RpeOXtmwSAVmpg
Why millions of seniors have suddenly lost health care coverage.
“But over the last year, insurers sharply retreated from the plans in some regions, saying rising health care costs and reduced government reimbursements have hurt profitability. That left Petchkis and millions of other elderly people scrambling to find alternatives.
The shift highlights one of the risks for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, especially in rural areas where options tend to be meager: plans are under no obligation to offer coverage year-to-year. When profit margins are threatened, insurance companies can suddenly withdraw coverage. This year the churn reached a peak.
In all, almost 3 million people were forced off Medicare Advantage plans because their carriers pulled out of their counties, according to a recent analysis in the medical journal JAMA. Most affected seniors nationally had other Medicare Advantage options to choose from, but around 30,000 did not, according to a new analysis by KFF, a health research organization.”
https://apple.news/AgVG8yCMZTNKAYp_Pv7Yfwg
States pay Deloitte, others millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls.
“States are now racing to update their eligibility systems to adhere to President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and domestic spending law. The changes will add red tape and restrictions. They are coming at a steep price ― both in the cost to taxpayers and coverage losses ― according to state documents obtained by KFF Health News and interviews.”
…
“The law's Medicaid policies will cause 7.5 million people to become uninsured by 2034, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Roughly 2.4 million people will lose access to monthly cash assistance for food, including those with children.”
…
“In Iowa, changes to its Medicaid system are expected to cost at least $20 million, according to an estimate prepared by Accenture, a consulting firm that operates the state's eligibility system.”
https://apple.news/AaCoRpQv4Shimnt63m2A5hw
Kennedy Center to start layoffs ahead of planned closure for renovations.
“It wasn’t immediately clear how many workers would be affected. The arts center has employed more than 2,000 people in recent years.”
https://apple.news/A4R_sUJ9rR3mZCmf-0-Ddmg
Tech Worker Confidence Hits a New Low as AI Fears and Layoffs Reshape the Job Market.
“It’s kinda hard to be happy about being at work nowadays. Layoff round after layoff round in the headlines, the imminent threat of AI stealing your job, and endless debates about the weak, messy job market. And now a new study confirms, with tough-to-read statistics, that worker sentiment is tanking. Or rather that it’s still falling. One sector is suffering the most: worker confidence in the tech industry is hitting horrible lows.”
https://apple.news/AAdNQkHHwRwilguH5AYnESw
Trump Seethes as ‘Stupid Lawsuit’ Exposes Ballroom’s Underground ‘Military Complex’ Plans.
“President Donald Trump lashed out at a “stupid” legal challenge to his White House ballroom project that exposed, for the first time, that a “massive” military complex is being constructed beneath it, before also angrily attacking a New York Times critique of his design.
The president gave an impromptu presentation promoting the $400 million building project one day after The Times deep dive by qualified architects challengedthe choices being made, just days before the plans are set for final approval by the National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-seethes-stupid-lawsuit-exposes-102606691.html
In win for voters, Arizona Supreme Court rejects string of anti-voting lawsuits.
“Arizona voters notched sweeping, back-to-back victories Friday after the state Supreme Court declined to hear three separate challenges backed by Republicans and right-wing groups — leaving in place key safeguards for mail-in voting, election administration and certification.
In three orders issued Friday, the conservative-leaning court refused to take up appeals in cases that sought to restrict how mail-in ballots are verified, allow counties to hand count ballots and weaken rules governing early voting and election certification.”
https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/arizona-supreme-court-rejects-anti-voting-lawsuits/
Over 100 Harvard Jewish faculty condemn Trump administration lawsuit.
“More than 100 Jewish faculty members at Harvard University signed a letter condemning the Trump administration’s recent lawsuit against the institution and its “weaponization of antisemitism.”
“Although we hold a range of views about Israel, Gaza and pro-Palestinian protests on campus, we stand united in the belief that this lawsuit can only harm Harvard’s Jewish community,” the faculty members said.”
https://apple.news/A1-p6_ayNSMi9Ih_j_ZZGFw
Judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit challenging in-state tuition for undocumented students in Minnesota.
“The Trump administration argued the law discriminates against U.S. citizens who live outside of Minnesota who do not get the cheaper in-state tuition rate.
Menendez rejected that argument on Friday, saying the law allows anyone who went to a Minnesota high school for three years to receive in-state tuition, not just those who live in the state.”
https://apple.news/ACB3JPM_MQnuKaUmGLAAB3A
LOL: Republican bigwig’s hype effort at CPAC backfires horribly.
“A Republican’s attempt to get the crowd on side at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) backfired.
Speaking to the crowd at the event in Grapevine, Texas on Thursday (26 March), Matt Schlapp asked the crowd how many of them would be keen to see impeachment hearings against President Trump.
Schlapp, who is the Chair of the American Conservative Union (ACU) which hosts the CPAC, looked unimpressed as the crowd cheered. “No, that was the wrong answer,” he said.
“Let’s try it again,” he said before repeating the question, this time gaining a much less enthusiastic response from the crowd.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/cpac-matt-schlapp-maga-video-b2947234.html
Republican lobbyists issue warning on Trump policy harming GOP.
“As the area in Washington, D.C. is seen as the center of the U.S. lobbying and advocacy sectors, the views from those working on K Street will matter to lawmakers in Congress, with influential figures there often impacting policy decisions.
More than three-quarters of Republican participants in The Canvass survey said the administration’s use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would harm the party in November, while only 17 percent said it would help.”
https://apple.news/AkbvsYqUtTS6Ae0BlKMxn8A
Army investigating helicopter fly by of Kid Rock 'southern White House'
“The Army is investigating after one of its helicopters appeared to fly by Kid Rock's home in Nashville to greet him, according to video the conservative musician posted to social media.
The videos showed the country rap-rocker saluting and applauding a military helicopter as it hovered in the sky next to an outdoor pool at his "southern White House," modeled after the president's home in Washington.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/30/army-helicopter-kid-rock-white-house-nashville/89389838007/
Protests and cancellations mar Trump administration’s America 250 tour.
“Education Secretary Linda McMahon bills her “History Rocks!” tour, where she leads students in cheering for America, as a nonpartisan celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday. But across the country, the program’s ties to a bevy of conservative organizations have fostered an unusual level of opposition.
At least four stops have been canceled — including one in Massachusetts, another in Alabama and two in McMahon’s home state of Connecticut — after parents, students and teachers objected to the visits. Stops in Wisconsin, New Jersey and Illinois have been met with protests.
There is no evidence that the events themselves are pushing a political message. But the America 250 Civics Education Coalition that sponsors the tour has produced ideological material and is composed of conservative and religious groups such as Turning Point USA, Moms for Liberty and the Heritage Foundation. It is led by the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump advocacy group. Liberal groups were not included, nor were several prominent nonpartisan civics groups such as Civx Now, an ideologically diverse coalition of more than 450 organizations.
“I just found it hypocritical,” Red Zellner, a senior at Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama, said in an interview. “They tried to say their tour was apolitical while being very publicly supported by strongly political groups.”
https://apple.news/AekvSlhEuTAOzyKo_C9EiJw
Red flare for Trump: 'No Kings' rallies a show of political force.
“The left-leaning protests with the Revolutionary-era call against President Donald Trump as a would-be monarch and authoritarian had the broadest geographic reach of any single-day protest in the United States in more than a half-century.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/29/no-kings-rallies-a-red-flare-for-trump/89306058007/
Anonymous
03/27/2026 12:49
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Anonymous wrote:Doing God's work, OP
-an atheist
+100!
Anonymous
03/27/2026 12:07
Subject: Re:All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Aw, thanks pps! What a week...
Iran-linked hackers breach FBI director's personal email, publish excerpts online.
“On their website, the hacker group Handala Hack Team said Patel "will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims." The hackers published a series of personal photographs of Patel sniffing and smoking cigars, riding in an antique convertible, and making a face while taking a picture of himself in the mirror with a large bottle of rum.
A Justice Department official confirmed that Patel's email had been breached and said the material published online appeared authentic. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The hackers did not immediately respond to messages.”
https://apple.news/AxO6SHxRhQsSFC2FohXe4-Q
TACO Time: Trump extends deadline for Iran to reopen oil route or face power plant strikes.
“Earlier this week, President Trump said Friday was the deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face a resumption of attacks on energy infrastructure. Late Thursday, Trump said he's extending his deadline until April 6.”
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-extends-deadline-for-iran-to-reopen-oil-route-or-face-power-plant-strikes
Top Iranian Lawmaker Accuses Trump of Trying to ‘Manipulate’ Markets With Claims of Talks.
“Fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” said the speaker of the Iranian Parliament.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-iran-talks
Dollar falls as Trump pauses Iran strikes, cooling supply-shock fears.
“The dollar fell against most major currencies on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed striking Iran's energy infrastructure following what he called productive talks between the two countries, easing near-term concerns about further supply shocks and slightly boosting risk assets.
Trump said he had asked the Department of Defense to postpone "any and all" military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.”
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/dollar-poised-rally-escalating-middle-east-conflict-spurs-haven-demand-2026-03-23/
Top Republican attacks Pentagon for not providing details on Iran.
“A top Republican denounced the Pentagon Wednesday for failing to give lawmakers enough information about U.S. military operations during a classified briefing on Iran — including plans for troops.
House Armed Services Committee chair Rep. Mike Rogers said members warned defense officials that troop movements in the region should be “thoughtful and deliberate.” They also made it clear the administration isn’t offering details on American efforts in the U.S. campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/25/rogers-attacks-pentagon-iran-troops-00844639
Trump claims 'Iran is dead,' calls Democratic Party 'America's worst enemy’.
“House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed Trump's statements, saying the President should "keep his reckless mouth shut before he gets somebody killed.”
Speaking with CNN, Jeffries warned that Trump's accusation could bring further violence into the US political arena.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-claims-iran-dead-calls-192057922.html
In Trump’s war messaging, veterans see something new — and disturbing.
Service members and families who lost loved ones say the Trump team’s memes and jokes trivialize combat and sacrifice. Trump aides say the backlash sends views soaring.
“The videos have also fueled fierce backlash as they clash with real-world grief: On the same day earlier this month that an Air Force refueling plane crash killed six American service members, the White House posted a meme video interspersing explosions in Iran with celebrations from a sports game on the Nintendo Wii.
John Vick, the executive director of Concerned Veterans for America, a conservative advocacy group, told The Washington Post in a statement that the military’s success deserves to be celebrated, but that “gamifying or making light of war also undermines the sacrifice of the Americans who have died, and obfuscates the cost of open-ended conflict.”
https://apple.news/AC1W5XXcOQX20vMuZNn_htQ
Poll shows most Americans feel war against Iran has gone too far.
As Trump provides mixed messages on whether the Iran war will end soon, about 9 in 10 Democrats and about 6 in 10 independents say the Iran attacks have "gone too far."
Republicans are more divided. About half of Republicans say the U.S. military action has been "about right," but relatively few want to see it go further. Only about 2 in 10 Republicans say the U.S. military action has not gone far enough, while about one-quarter say it's gone too far.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/poll-shows-most-americans-feel-war-against-iran-has-gone-too-far
Airport wait times are longest in TSA history, agency says.
“So far this shutdown, McNeill told lawmakers, TSA has lost more than 480 TSA officers, and said callouts and wait times continue to accelerate with travelers forced to stand in long queues, some that have stretched outside terminals.
"Multiple airports are experiencing days where 40-50 percent of their staff are calling off because they simply cannot afford to report to work," McNeill said. "This has led to the highest wait times in TSA history, with some wait times greater than 4.5 hours."
https://apple.news/AaTMEmXkjRj6RBbyiWULQAA
Senate unanimously agrees to fund DHS, except ICE and CBP, in bid to end extreme airport delays.
“The legislation would fund all of DHS except Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, which Democrats have refused to vote for without significant reforms to immigration raids and deportation practices.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-agrees-fund-dhs-ice-border-patrol-bid-shutdown-tsa-pay-delays-rcna265108
'This is about attention': Mike Lee's MAGA crusade is driving his colleagues crazy.
“Among online activists and in some corners of the Republican Party, Mike Lee is being heralded as a MAGA champion willing to pressure his own party to embrace hardball tactics or risk political suicide.
But inside the Senate, the Utahn’s scorched-earth, hyper-online methods are sparking a wave of mostly private animosity from GOP colleagues who believe his plan to push through legislation overhauling how federal elections are conducted is ill-conceived and potentially harmful to the party’s chances in the midterms.”
https://apple.news/A5o8ZnqgJS5mFh85T2zS9eA
LOL: Trump tells Republicans to pass controversial SAVE Act 'for Jesus’.
“Trump has encouraged congressional Republicans to work through the upcoming Easter holiday to pass the controversial SAVE Act voting bill that has held up the passage of a new Homeland Security budget, saying they should push the bill through "for Jesus."
Trump told Republicans during a roundtable in Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday, March 23, that any budget proposal to fund DHS, which has been shut down since Feb. 13 when Senate Democrats and Republicans came to an impasse over immigration enforcement, would also have to include voting provisions.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/24/trump-save-act-plea-to-republicans/89301984007/
MAGA says the SAVE America Act is crucial. A new poll shows Americans don’t agree.
“But when the poll asked about the actual piece of legislation, formerly known as the SAVE Act, support wasn’t anywhere close to those numbers. In fact, just 28% supported it, while 31% opposed it.
Even inside the GOP, just 60% said they supported the legislation. Another 6% opposed it, while 34% said they weren’t sure.
A likely reason so many aren’t sure? They just don’t know much about it. Despite all the focus on the legislation in Washington, DC, and on social media and in conservative media, just 16% of Republicans said they knew a lot about the SAVE America Act. Another 33% of Republicans said they generally knew what it’s about, including some specifics. The rest — about half — said they don’t really know any specifics.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/21/politics/save-america-act-republicans-poll
Elon Musk misled Twitter investors ahead of $44 billion acquisition, jury says.
“A jury in California found that Elon Musk defrauded Twitter shareholders during the runup to his $44 billion acquisition of the social media company, according to a verdict issued on Friday.
Total damages could reach up to $2.6 billion, attorneys for the plaintiffs said.”
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/20/elon-musk-determined-to-be-liable-for-misleading-twitter-investors.html
US must face claims of Musk power overreach as Trump adviser.
“A federal judge in Washington will allow a lawsuit to go forward that accuses billionaire Elon Musk of unconstitutionally exercising executive power during his time in the Trump administration last year as a presidential adviser.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday denied the government’s request to fully dismiss a case filed by nonprofit organizations that claimed their members were harmed by the federal funding cuts and mass firings of government workers that they contend Musk played an unlawfully outsized role in directing.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/us-must-face-claims-of-musk-power-overreach-as-trump-adviser/ar-AA1ZfN8s
ICE plans to convert Big Lots warehouse into detention center blown up by tribal nation.
“ICE has been dealt yet another setback in its hunt for a new detention site in Durant, Oklahoma, as a tribal nation opposed to its plans bought a disused warehouse it was eyeing.”
https://www.rawstory.com/ice-oklahoma/#
Court blocks Trump’s arrests of already vetted refugees.
“DHS has used the policy to conduct warrantless arrests and detentions of refugees who had yet to apply for Green Cards as required after at least one year of physical presence in the country. The directive also targets abouty 100,000 refugees with pending applications for permanent residency awaiting approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.”
https://baptistnews.com/article/court-blocks-trumps-arrests-of-already-vetted-refugees/
Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Is Hitting Republican States Hard.
“President Donald Trump’s behemoth spending bill is forcing Republican lawmakers to consider dramatic budget cuts in many states.
Lost tax revenue from Trump’s tax cuts and added costs for new requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are costing Republican-led states as much as $450 million per year, Politico reported Wednesday.”
https://newrepublic.com/post/208164/trump-big-beautiful-bill-republican-state-budget-cuts-shortfall
The University of North Texas to close or consolidate dozens of academic programs due to a projected $45 million shortfall as international student enrollment falls.
"The announcement comes a month after Keller announced UNT’s projected budget shortfall, driven in part by a steep drop in international student enrollment amid federal policy changes. UNT saw its international graduate student population drop by half from 2024 to 2025. Keller also cited a $32 million reduction in state funding, which is largely calculated based on enrollment, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027."
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2026/03/19/unt-to-close-consolidate-dozens-of-academic-programs-amid-budget-cuts/
US import prices post biggest increase in four years amid broad rise in goods.
“U.S. import prices increased by the most in four years in February as energy costs surged in anticipation of conflict in the Middle East, adding to signs that inflation is poised to accelerate in the months ahead.
…
Import prices jumped 1.3% last month, the largest increase since March 2022, after an upwardly revised 0.6% gain in January, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast import prices, which exclude tariffs, increasing 0.5% after a previously reported 0.2% rise in January.”
https://apple.news/Az2T6YUSOTOCHa8Lo_SyMaw
Mortgage demand drops more than 10% as rates hit the highest level since October.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-demand-drops-highest-level-since-october.html
USPS seeks a temporary 8% charge on Priority Mail and other products to offset transportation costs through the 2026 holiday season.
https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/us-postal-service-surcharge-priority-mail-transportation-costs/
Trump votes by mail in Florida special election, despite calling it ‘cheating’.
https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/03/25/trump-votes-by-mail-in-florida-special-election-despite-calling-it-cheating/
…and LOL: Democrats flip Florida state seat that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago home.
“Democrat Emily Gregory, a first-time candidate, defeated Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in a race for the open Florida District 87 state House seat.
The result is a reversal from 2024, when a Republican won the district by 19 percentage points.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qd7wyln2jo
…and now special election shocker has Florida Republicans nervous about redistricting.
“I think the Legislature needs to be very cognizant of the fact that if they get too aggressive … you could put incumbent members at risk,” GOP Rep. Greg Steube said. Some seats that Republicans previously won by eight or nine points, he said, could instead have only a four- or five-point GOP advantage — putting them in reach for Democrats in a wave election.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/25/florida-redistricting-worried-republicans-00845388
Trump-endorsed North Carolina state Senate leader loses by 23 votes.
“The result adds an uncommon blemish to the president’s endorsement scorecard. Candidates he backed have almost universally either won or advanced to runoffs in primaries this cycle, although Trump withheld his endorsement in some heated contests.
…
Berger’s defeat creates a power vacuum in Republican politics in North Carolina. He has led Republicans in the state senate since 2005, including all the nearly 15 years they have spent in the majority since 2011.
Berger has played a key role in crystallizing Republican control, leading a 2024 move to shift authority over elections from the governor to an elections board and to strip the governor and attorney general of key powers shortly before Democratic Gov. Josh Stein and Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson entered office.”
https://apple.news/Ajwdj46xxQmWh6cFf8_k05Q
Trump-backed Utah redistricting repeal fails to make ballot.
“In a blow to Republicans, an initiative that would repeal an anti-gerrymandering law will not be on Utah’s ballot this fall.”
https://apple.news/Agnh2wJ-uRaaFHMqZyCj8mQ
Means’ surgeon general nomination is stalled as senators question her experience and vaccine stance.
“Wellness influencer Dr. Casey Means’ nomination to be U.S. surgeon general is stalled a month after senators of both major political parties grilled her on vaccines and other health topics during a tense confirmation hearing, deepening doubts about her ability to secure the votes she needs for the role.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/25/health/casey-means-surgeon-general-delay
Republican resistance grows to RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda.
“At the same time, the administration has yet to name a new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wednesday marked the 210th day since the agency last had a confirmed director—the legal limit for how long an acting official may serve in the role. The White House’s first choice withdrew after he determined he lacked the votes, and officials are concerned about a messy confirmation battle, according to The Washington Post.”
https://apple.news/AXvqwilUbQb-aCfl15jhyLw
Mad Mike emerges as FISA fight boils over.
“Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) lost his cool on the House floor, telling Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) she would bear responsibility for "thousands of American deaths" if she votes against reauthorizing FISA, according to sources familiar with the exchange.
ohnson brands himself as a "happy warrior" who never loses his temper, but the battle over extending the government's powers to conduct surveillance on foreign interests in the U.S. under the FISA law is showing the limits of that persona.
Johnson got heated with Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Luna about their FISA opposition during informal floor conversations amid Wednesday votes, with lawmakers describing Johnson as visibly frustrated and upset.”
https://www.axios.com/2026/03/27/mike-johnson-house-intelligence-fisa-extension-luna-fight
Number of Republican-identifying voters hits lowest level in over 4 years.
https://apple.news/ADuiS0BKyRtenkmhrxSkBjQ
After a year of Trump’s Washington, private sector prepares for some Democratic power.
“Capitol Hill staffers have “sent warnings downtown, saying when the Democrats are back in power – not if but when – they are going to do aggressive, aggressive oversight over everything Trump has been doing,” said a Democratic lobbyist, who, like some others in this report, was granted anonymity to describe the private conversations.
While Capitol Hill expects Trump and his administration to ignore subpoenas issued to them, “corporations that have been supporting Trump in countless ways here are not going to be afforded that same opportunity to take a pass,” the person said. “So they’re going to have to answer for, what was promised when you gave money to the ballroom? Or Freedom 250?”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/private-sector-prepares-democratic-power-00844780
Trump-loving Mike Lindell humiliatingly served with lawsuit during live TV interview at CPAC.
https://www.themirror.com/news/politics/trump-loving-mike-lindell-humiliatingly-1760487
LOL: Trump imagines negotiation with Sharpie maker for $5 signature pens.
“President Donald Trump spent five minutes of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting boasting of his thrift with a story about negotiating for $5 personalized Sharpies. The company that makes the permanent markers said the exchange never happened.”
https://apple.news/A1Ef-lEUhTgiLBQT3VkZ1SQ
See you tomorrow!
No Kings March 28 protest extpected to be the largest in American history: 3000 events planned in all 50 states.
“Saturday’s rally could top 7 million people as Americans turn out against Trump amid the Iran war and ICE immigration crackdown.”
https://www.fastcompany.com/91510737/no-kings-day-march-28-protest-rally-list-of-events-schedule-locations-cities-in-all-50-states-millions-expected
Iran-linked hackers breach FBI director's personal email, publish excerpts online.
“On their website, the hacker group Handala Hack Team said Patel "will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims." The hackers published a series of personal photographs of Patel sniffing and smoking cigars, riding in an antique convertible, and making a face while taking a picture of himself in the mirror with a large bottle of rum.
A Justice Department official confirmed that Patel's email had been breached and said the material published online appeared authentic. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The hackers did not immediately respond to messages.”
https://apple.news/AxO6SHxRhQsSFC2FohXe4-Q
TACO Time: Trump extends deadline for Iran to reopen oil route or face power plant strikes.
“Earlier this week, President Trump said Friday was the deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face a resumption of attacks on energy infrastructure. Late Thursday, Trump said he's extending his deadline until April 6.”
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-extends-deadline-for-iran-to-reopen-oil-route-or-face-power-plant-strikes
Top Iranian Lawmaker Accuses Trump of Trying to ‘Manipulate’ Markets With Claims of Talks.
“Fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” said the speaker of the Iranian Parliament.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-iran-talks
Dollar falls as Trump pauses Iran strikes, cooling supply-shock fears.
“The dollar fell against most major currencies on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed striking Iran's energy infrastructure following what he called productive talks between the two countries, easing near-term concerns about further supply shocks and slightly boosting risk assets.
Trump said he had asked the Department of Defense to postpone "any and all" military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.”
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/dollar-poised-rally-escalating-middle-east-conflict-spurs-haven-demand-2026-03-23/
Top Republican attacks Pentagon for not providing details on Iran.
“A top Republican denounced the Pentagon Wednesday for failing to give lawmakers enough information about U.S. military operations during a classified briefing on Iran — including plans for troops.
House Armed Services Committee chair Rep. Mike Rogers said members warned defense officials that troop movements in the region should be “thoughtful and deliberate.” They also made it clear the administration isn’t offering details on American efforts in the U.S. campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/25/rogers-attacks-pentagon-iran-troops-00844639
Trump claims 'Iran is dead,' calls Democratic Party 'America's worst enemy’.
“House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed Trump's statements, saying the President should "keep his reckless mouth shut before he gets somebody killed.”
Speaking with CNN, Jeffries warned that Trump's accusation could bring further violence into the US political arena.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-claims-iran-dead-calls-192057922.html
In Trump’s war messaging, veterans see something new — and disturbing.
Service members and families who lost loved ones say the Trump team’s memes and jokes trivialize combat and sacrifice. Trump aides say the backlash sends views soaring.
“The videos have also fueled fierce backlash as they clash with real-world grief: On the same day earlier this month that an Air Force refueling plane crash killed six American service members, the White House posted a meme video interspersing explosions in Iran with celebrations from a sports game on the Nintendo Wii.
John Vick, the executive director of Concerned Veterans for America, a conservative advocacy group, told The Washington Post in a statement that the military’s success deserves to be celebrated, but that “gamifying or making light of war also undermines the sacrifice of the Americans who have died, and obfuscates the cost of open-ended conflict.”
https://apple.news/AC1W5XXcOQX20vMuZNn_htQ
Poll shows most Americans feel war against Iran has gone too far.
As Trump provides mixed messages on whether the Iran war will end soon, about 9 in 10 Democrats and about 6 in 10 independents say the Iran attacks have "gone too far."
Republicans are more divided. About half of Republicans say the U.S. military action has been "about right," but relatively few want to see it go further. Only about 2 in 10 Republicans say the U.S. military action has not gone far enough, while about one-quarter say it's gone too far.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/poll-shows-most-americans-feel-war-against-iran-has-gone-too-far
Airport wait times are longest in TSA history, agency says.
“So far this shutdown, McNeill told lawmakers, TSA has lost more than 480 TSA officers, and said callouts and wait times continue to accelerate with travelers forced to stand in long queues, some that have stretched outside terminals.
"Multiple airports are experiencing days where 40-50 percent of their staff are calling off because they simply cannot afford to report to work," McNeill said. "This has led to the highest wait times in TSA history, with some wait times greater than 4.5 hours."
https://apple.news/AaTMEmXkjRj6RBbyiWULQAA
Senate unanimously agrees to fund DHS, except ICE and CBP, in bid to end extreme airport delays.
“The legislation would fund all of DHS except Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, which Democrats have refused to vote for without significant reforms to immigration raids and deportation practices.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-agrees-fund-dhs-ice-border-patrol-bid-shutdown-tsa-pay-delays-rcna265108
'This is about attention': Mike Lee's MAGA crusade is driving his colleagues crazy.
“Among online activists and in some corners of the Republican Party, Mike Lee is being heralded as a MAGA champion willing to pressure his own party to embrace hardball tactics or risk political suicide.
But inside the Senate, the Utahn’s scorched-earth, hyper-online methods are sparking a wave of mostly private animosity from GOP colleagues who believe his plan to push through legislation overhauling how federal elections are conducted is ill-conceived and potentially harmful to the party’s chances in the midterms.”
https://apple.news/A5o8ZnqgJS5mFh85T2zS9eA
LOL: Trump tells Republicans to pass controversial SAVE Act 'for Jesus’.
“Trump has encouraged congressional Republicans to work through the upcoming Easter holiday to pass the controversial SAVE Act voting bill that has held up the passage of a new Homeland Security budget, saying they should push the bill through "for Jesus."
Trump told Republicans during a roundtable in Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday, March 23, that any budget proposal to fund DHS, which has been shut down since Feb. 13 when Senate Democrats and Republicans came to an impasse over immigration enforcement, would also have to include voting provisions.”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/24/trump-save-act-plea-to-republicans/89301984007/
MAGA says the SAVE America Act is crucial. A new poll shows Americans don’t agree.
“But when the poll asked about the actual piece of legislation, formerly known as the SAVE Act, support wasn’t anywhere close to those numbers. In fact, just 28% supported it, while 31% opposed it.
Even inside the GOP, just 60% said they supported the legislation. Another 6% opposed it, while 34% said they weren’t sure.
A likely reason so many aren’t sure? They just don’t know much about it. Despite all the focus on the legislation in Washington, DC, and on social media and in conservative media, just 16% of Republicans said they knew a lot about the SAVE America Act. Another 33% of Republicans said they generally knew what it’s about, including some specifics. The rest — about half — said they don’t really know any specifics.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/21/politics/save-america-act-republicans-poll
Elon Musk misled Twitter investors ahead of $44 billion acquisition, jury says.
“A jury in California found that Elon Musk defrauded Twitter shareholders during the runup to his $44 billion acquisition of the social media company, according to a verdict issued on Friday.
Total damages could reach up to $2.6 billion, attorneys for the plaintiffs said.”
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/20/elon-musk-determined-to-be-liable-for-misleading-twitter-investors.html
US must face claims of Musk power overreach as Trump adviser.
“A federal judge in Washington will allow a lawsuit to go forward that accuses billionaire Elon Musk of unconstitutionally exercising executive power during his time in the Trump administration last year as a presidential adviser.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday denied the government’s request to fully dismiss a case filed by nonprofit organizations that claimed their members were harmed by the federal funding cuts and mass firings of government workers that they contend Musk played an unlawfully outsized role in directing.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/us-must-face-claims-of-musk-power-overreach-as-trump-adviser/ar-AA1ZfN8s
ICE plans to convert Big Lots warehouse into detention center blown up by tribal nation.
“ICE has been dealt yet another setback in its hunt for a new detention site in Durant, Oklahoma, as a tribal nation opposed to its plans bought a disused warehouse it was eyeing.”
https://www.rawstory.com/ice-oklahoma/#
Court blocks Trump’s arrests of already vetted refugees.
“DHS has used the policy to conduct warrantless arrests and detentions of refugees who had yet to apply for Green Cards as required after at least one year of physical presence in the country. The directive also targets abouty 100,000 refugees with pending applications for permanent residency awaiting approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.”
https://baptistnews.com/article/court-blocks-trumps-arrests-of-already-vetted-refugees/
Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Is Hitting Republican States Hard.
“President Donald Trump’s behemoth spending bill is forcing Republican lawmakers to consider dramatic budget cuts in many states.
Lost tax revenue from Trump’s tax cuts and added costs for new requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are costing Republican-led states as much as $450 million per year, Politico reported Wednesday.”
https://newrepublic.com/post/208164/trump-big-beautiful-bill-republican-state-budget-cuts-shortfall
The University of North Texas to close or consolidate dozens of academic programs due to a projected $45 million shortfall as international student enrollment falls.
"The announcement comes a month after Keller announced UNT’s projected budget shortfall, driven in part by a steep drop in international student enrollment amid federal policy changes. UNT saw its international graduate student population drop by half from 2024 to 2025. Keller also cited a $32 million reduction in state funding, which is largely calculated based on enrollment, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027."
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2026/03/19/unt-to-close-consolidate-dozens-of-academic-programs-amid-budget-cuts/
US import prices post biggest increase in four years amid broad rise in goods.
“U.S. import prices increased by the most in four years in February as energy costs surged in anticipation of conflict in the Middle East, adding to signs that inflation is poised to accelerate in the months ahead.
…
Import prices jumped 1.3% last month, the largest increase since March 2022, after an upwardly revised 0.6% gain in January, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast import prices, which exclude tariffs, increasing 0.5% after a previously reported 0.2% rise in January.”
https://apple.news/Az2T6YUSOTOCHa8Lo_SyMaw
Mortgage demand drops more than 10% as rates hit the highest level since October.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/25/mortgage-demand-drops-highest-level-since-october.html
USPS seeks a temporary 8% charge on Priority Mail and other products to offset transportation costs through the 2026 holiday season.
https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/us-postal-service-surcharge-priority-mail-transportation-costs/
Trump votes by mail in Florida special election, despite calling it ‘cheating’.
https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/03/25/trump-votes-by-mail-in-florida-special-election-despite-calling-it-cheating/
…and LOL: Democrats flip Florida state seat that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago home.
“Democrat Emily Gregory, a first-time candidate, defeated Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in a race for the open Florida District 87 state House seat.
The result is a reversal from 2024, when a Republican won the district by 19 percentage points.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qd7wyln2jo
…and now special election shocker has Florida Republicans nervous about redistricting.
“I think the Legislature needs to be very cognizant of the fact that if they get too aggressive … you could put incumbent members at risk,” GOP Rep. Greg Steube said. Some seats that Republicans previously won by eight or nine points, he said, could instead have only a four- or five-point GOP advantage — putting them in reach for Democrats in a wave election.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/25/florida-redistricting-worried-republicans-00845388
Trump-endorsed North Carolina state Senate leader loses by 23 votes.
“The result adds an uncommon blemish to the president’s endorsement scorecard. Candidates he backed have almost universally either won or advanced to runoffs in primaries this cycle, although Trump withheld his endorsement in some heated contests.
…
Berger’s defeat creates a power vacuum in Republican politics in North Carolina. He has led Republicans in the state senate since 2005, including all the nearly 15 years they have spent in the majority since 2011.
Berger has played a key role in crystallizing Republican control, leading a 2024 move to shift authority over elections from the governor to an elections board and to strip the governor and attorney general of key powers shortly before Democratic Gov. Josh Stein and Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson entered office.”
https://apple.news/Ajwdj46xxQmWh6cFf8_k05Q
Trump-backed Utah redistricting repeal fails to make ballot.
“In a blow to Republicans, an initiative that would repeal an anti-gerrymandering law will not be on Utah’s ballot this fall.”
https://apple.news/Agnh2wJ-uRaaFHMqZyCj8mQ
Means’ surgeon general nomination is stalled as senators question her experience and vaccine stance.
“Wellness influencer Dr. Casey Means’ nomination to be U.S. surgeon general is stalled a month after senators of both major political parties grilled her on vaccines and other health topics during a tense confirmation hearing, deepening doubts about her ability to secure the votes she needs for the role.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/25/health/casey-means-surgeon-general-delay
Republican resistance grows to RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda.
“At the same time, the administration has yet to name a new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wednesday marked the 210th day since the agency last had a confirmed director—the legal limit for how long an acting official may serve in the role. The White House’s first choice withdrew after he determined he lacked the votes, and officials are concerned about a messy confirmation battle, according to The Washington Post.”
https://apple.news/AXvqwilUbQb-aCfl15jhyLw
Mad Mike emerges as FISA fight boils over.
“Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) lost his cool on the House floor, telling Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) she would bear responsibility for "thousands of American deaths" if she votes against reauthorizing FISA, according to sources familiar with the exchange.
ohnson brands himself as a "happy warrior" who never loses his temper, but the battle over extending the government's powers to conduct surveillance on foreign interests in the U.S. under the FISA law is showing the limits of that persona.
Johnson got heated with Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Luna about their FISA opposition during informal floor conversations amid Wednesday votes, with lawmakers describing Johnson as visibly frustrated and upset.”
https://www.axios.com/2026/03/27/mike-johnson-house-intelligence-fisa-extension-luna-fight
Number of Republican-identifying voters hits lowest level in over 4 years.
https://apple.news/ADuiS0BKyRtenkmhrxSkBjQ
After a year of Trump’s Washington, private sector prepares for some Democratic power.
“Capitol Hill staffers have “sent warnings downtown, saying when the Democrats are back in power – not if but when – they are going to do aggressive, aggressive oversight over everything Trump has been doing,” said a Democratic lobbyist, who, like some others in this report, was granted anonymity to describe the private conversations.
While Capitol Hill expects Trump and his administration to ignore subpoenas issued to them, “corporations that have been supporting Trump in countless ways here are not going to be afforded that same opportunity to take a pass,” the person said. “So they’re going to have to answer for, what was promised when you gave money to the ballroom? Or Freedom 250?”
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/private-sector-prepares-democratic-power-00844780
Trump-loving Mike Lindell humiliatingly served with lawsuit during live TV interview at CPAC.
https://www.themirror.com/news/politics/trump-loving-mike-lindell-humiliatingly-1760487
LOL: Trump imagines negotiation with Sharpie maker for $5 signature pens.
“President Donald Trump spent five minutes of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting boasting of his thrift with a story about negotiating for $5 personalized Sharpies. The company that makes the permanent markers said the exchange never happened.”
https://apple.news/A1Ef-lEUhTgiLBQT3VkZ1SQ
See you tomorrow!
No Kings March 28 protest extpected to be the largest in American history: 3000 events planned in all 50 states.
“Saturday’s rally could top 7 million people as Americans turn out against Trump amid the Iran war and ICE immigration crackdown.”
https://www.fastcompany.com/91510737/no-kings-day-march-28-protest-rally-list-of-events-schedule-locations-cities-in-all-50-states-millions-expected
Anonymous
03/21/2026 19:43
Subject: All the Trump/Vance/MAGA LOSSES -- another BIGLY thread
Doing God's work, OP
-an atheist
-an atheist