Friday Insights-January 24, 2025
Trump administration rockets to a troubling start.
America’s Golden Age was supposed to start on Monday, but I don’t see any sign of it. The news I read about the administration is all bad—things like Trump’s anger at Bishop Budde, Elon Musk’s Hitler salute (Musk’s gesture was misinterpreted, in my opinion), Musk attempting to torpedo Trump’s “Stargate” initiative the day after he announced it, new allegations against Pete Hegseth and significant red flags being raised about Trump's conflicts of interest and disregard for ethics.
Apart from these issues, a federal judge has blocked Trump’s unconstitutional termination of birthright citizenship. Judge John Coughenour, a Reagan-nominated judge, commented, “I have been on the bench for over four decades. I can’t remember another case where the question presented was as clear.”
“January 6 hostages” back on the street.
Did Trump really end a discussion of which of his “January 6 hostages” to pardon by saying, “Fuck it! Pardon them all” before releasing prisoners convicted of assaulting police officers? I suspect that is true because there is no rational justification for pardoning criminals who attacked police, destroyed property, and called for the murders of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Pence at the Capitol.
Sadly, Republican legislators have declined to condemn or even question Trump's impulsive actions, with the exceptions of Senators Collins (R-ME) and Murkowski (R-AK).
Only 20 percent of the American public supported pardoning the January 6 insurrectionists. Hopefully, Trump will pay a price for his arrogant action.
One “hostage” has already been rearrested on gun charges. Others, including former Proud Boys’ leader Enrique Tarrio, are talking about retribution and are already shopping for guns.
Hegseth confirmation, coming today?
On January 23, the Senate took a procedural vote that cleared the way for Pete Hegseth's confirmation very shortly. Assuming Hegseth is sober after the anticipated confirmation, he will be sworn in as Secretary of Defense.
I wish Hegseth well. I hope I am wrong in expecting him to fail. If the allegations against him are true, Trump is in for problems. My guess is that the list of alternatives to Hegseth developed when his nomination was in jeopardy will be kept up-to-date.
If you agree with me on Hegseth, please send a thank you note to Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Trump suspends external communication from health agencies.
The CDC will not issue information on the Bird Flu or other health concerns, apparently until after RFK, Jr. is confirmed as HHS Secretary. President Trump has suspended all external communications from health agencies. Was this at the request of RFK, Jr.? If so, the administration may be putting lives at risk. Health advisories are essential, right?
Democrats focus on Trump's conflict-of-interests.
On January 21, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Investigations, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), wrote to Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) to ask for an immediate investigation of several Trump conflicts of interest. The letter lists five ethical issues:
Trump’s new cryptocurrency platform, World Liberty Financial (WLF), which offers a pathway to funnel cash directly to Trump and permits malign actors and foreign interests to buy President Trump’s favor.
$Trump, the cryptocurrency token launched by Trump three days before his inauguration, which creates another avenue where people can transfer money to the president’s family and allow Trump to cash in on the presidency.
Trump’s promise of special regulatory treatment to Hussain Sajwani and his company, DAMAC Properties, as a prize for DAMAC’s recent investment announcement.
The announcement on January 7, 2025, that Mar-a-Lago would host a LIV Golf league tournament later in the spring of 2025. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia owns and operates LIV Golf.
Billions of dollars in investments directed to Jared Kushner’s private equity firm by Persian Gulf nations.
Are you curious what Danes think about Trump’s interest in Greenland?
A Danish legislator, a member of the European Parliament, has an answer. During a meeting with Parliament earlier this week, Anders Vistisen offered this insight:
Dear President Trump, listen very carefully. Greenland has been part of the Danish kingdom for 800 years. It’s an integrated part of our country. It is not for sale. Let me put it in words you might understand. Mr. Trump, fuck off.
Trump revokes security details for John Bolton and Mike Pompeo.
Current members of the Trump administration should think twice about criticizing Donald Trump or even asking him questions prompted by his policy proposals. They may not get security protection if they ever leave the administration and are subject to foreign or domestic threats. That is the lesson Trump is sending this week as he revoked security details for his former national security advisor (Bolton) and Secretary of State (Pompeo). It's shameful, especially with Trump’s “January 6 Patriots” out of jail and already talking about retribution.
Trump declassifies remaining JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination files.
President Trump signed an executive order declassifying all remaining classified materials relating to the murders of the Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King, Jr.
What new information will be disclosed? Was the FBI or CIA involved in any of the murders? If so, that troubling revelation may help Trump remake both intelligence agencies. Is that part of the reason he issued the order? (The other part is that RFK, Jr. wanted him to.)
Thank you.
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