politics

Summary

Donald Trump’s transition team has been barred from accessing federal agencies due to delays in signing standard ethics and transparency agreements, leaving Cabinet nominees without access to classified or non-public data.

This standoff hampers preparation for national security, workforce, and budget issues as the administration readies for the January 20 inauguration.

Concerns include safeguarding against threats like conflicts abroad and domestic crises, such as avian flu.

The delays also risk derailing nominee confirmations, with scrutiny over FBI background checks and controversies involving key picks like Pete Hegseth and Matt Gaetz.

Summary

Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, has a history of promoting Russian propaganda and defending authoritarian leaders like Syria’s Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin.

Critics cite her support for Russia’s actions in Syria and Ukraine, as well as her embrace of Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories, raising concerns about her fitness for the DNI role.

Intelligence experts warn her appointment could strain relationships with U.S. allies and compromise national security due to her susceptibility to misinformation and lack of extensive national security expertise required by law.

The "Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2024" explores its potential impact on public health and access to reproductive care. Could this legislation enhance community health or lead to increased polarization in reproductive rights? What are the broader implications for underserved populations?

https://ace-usa.org/blog/research/research-publichealth/the-let-pregnancy-centers-serve-act-of-2024-key-insights-and-implications/

Summary

The next U.S. Congress will include a record 67 Black lawmakers, with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) reaching 62 members, its largest ever.

The CBC, representing 41% of Black Americans, plans to challenge Trump’s policies affecting Black communities, including health care and criminal justice reform.

Despite Republican control of Congress, CBC members aim to amplify their opposition and advocate for marginalized groups.

Leaders stress the importance of preparing for the 2026 midterms to counteract policies they believe will harm Black and poor communities nationwide.

Summary

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) dismissed the necessity of FBI background checks for Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, claiming the public prioritizes implementing Trump’s policies over vetting appointees.

On ABC’s This Week, Hagerty criticized Biden officials and supported Trump’s expedited transition process, despite reports that many nominees, including Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, have bypassed FBI checks.

Moderator Jonathan Karl expressed concern over abandoning standard vetting practices, but Hagerty argued the FBI is “weaponized” and insisted checks would be completed quickly, though no evidence supports his claims of agency bias.

Summary

Trump’s transition team is reportedly mired in infighting at Mar-a-Lago, with factions clashing over control and strategy for his return to the White House.

The Washington Post detailed heated disputes, including shouting matches, name-calling, and physical altercations.

Three key factions have emerged: one led by Donald Trump Jr. and JD Vance, another by Trump ally Susie Wiles, and a third by Linda McMahon.

High-profile confrontations involve figures like Boris Epshteyn, Elon Musk, and Vance, highlighting tensions over Cabinet picks and leaks, further fracturing the team.

As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington.

As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race, held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets, he didn’t just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin.

“It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.”

After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing.

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/15516476

Breaking with past practice, President-elect Donald J. Trump has not agreed to disclose the donors paying for his planning effort or to limit their contributions.

Summary

After Donald Trump’s 2024 victory, many politically engaged Black women are reassessing their role as key organizers in U.S. democracy.

Despite 92% supporting Kamala Harris, Black women expressed disillusionment over their contributions being met with indifference.

Historically at the forefront of social change, some are now prioritizing rest and mental health, shifting away from the “backbone” role in movements.

While some fear this withdrawal could leave gaps in advocacy, others argue it’s time for other groups to step up, as Black women grapple with the nation’s lack of solidarity with their concerns.

Summary

A CBS News poll shows Donald Trump starts his transition with widespread approval from Republicans and net-positive ratings from Americans for his Cabinet picks, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.

Many expect his administration to lower grocery prices, a priority for voters amid lingering inflation concerns.

While Republicans are optimistic about the economy and America’s future, most Democrats remain apprehensive, though fewer feel motivated to oppose Trump compared to 2016.

The poll also highlights renewed GOP confidence in U.S. elections and a strong preference for increased presidential power for Trump this term.

Donald Trump's proposed tariffs will dent U.S. economic growth going into 2026, said Morgan Stanley's chief global economist Seth Carpenter.

President-elect Trump has stated that he intends to impose a blanket tariff of 10% to 20% on all imports, along with extra tariffs ranging from 60% to 100% on goods imported from China. During the September Presidential debate, he described this approach as a means to extract funds from competing countries.

There is also a question of when and how swiftly these tariffs get implemented. In the event that they are enacted all at once, they could result in a "big negative shock" to the economy, Carpenter told CNBC's Sri Jegarajah on the sidelines of Morgan Stanley's annual Asia Pacific Summit in Singapore.

Carpenter, who maintained Morgan Stanley's base case of these tariffs being spread over 2025, said they would lead to higher inflation.

"Then into 2026, we think growth starts to come down a great deal in the U.S. because of those tariffs and some of the other policies," he cautioned.

"Very clear, tariffs push up inflation. Very clear, tariffs are a drag on growth for the U.S., not just for the countries that the tariffs are put on," Carpenter added.

Summary

Donald Trump’s 2024 victory was fueled by nationwide rightward shifts, with 85.2% of counties voting for him and the median vote margin moving 3.2 points right compared to 2020.

Kamala Harris underperformed Joe Biden across key demographics, including Black and Asian American communities, while Trump made notable gains among Latino voters, especially Hispanic men.

Shifts were also evident in counties with high school graduates, advanced-degree holders, and high costs of living.

Experts attribute these changes to lower Democratic turnout and voter dissatisfaction with the economy.

Summary

Elon Musk is facing criticism for targeting Ashley Thomas, a federal climate official, by reposting a right-wing troll’s comment labeling her job as a “fake job.”

Musk’s actions, reminiscent of his past harassment of ex-Twitter employee Yoel Roth, prompted concerns about the safety of federal employees.

This comes as Musk prepares to co-lead Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, aiming to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget, potentially outsourcing roles to private companies.

Critics argue Musk’s tactics intimidate public servants while benefiting billionaire-owned businesses.

Summary

President-elect Donald Trump’s team warned Republican lawmakers to support his controversial Cabinet picks or risk facing primary challenges funded by Elon Musk.

Amid scrutiny over nominees like Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, Trump insisted the president determines the Cabinet.

Resistance has grown among Senate Republicans, including Sen. Thom Tillis, opposing “recess appointments” to bypass confirmation.

Senators like Josh Hawley and Mitch McConnell emphasized the need for proper constitutional vetting of nominees despite Trump’s pressure tactics.