politics

Summary

Donald Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants is causing alarm in Texas, where industries like construction heavily depend on undocumented labor, comprising nearly 60% of the workforce.

Experts warn mass deportations could cripple the state’s economy, already strained by labor shortages and low population growth.

Workers like Veronica Carrasco, an undocumented house painter, fear family separations and job losses.

While Trump signals determination, some hope his policies might push Congress to enact immigration reform, such as a guest-worker program, to balance economic needs with national security concerns.

Summary

Pete Hegseth, nominated by Trump as Secretary of Defense, is a polarizing figure with minimal managerial experience and a controversial worldview shaped by far-right ideology.

Through his books, Hegseth outlines beliefs steeped in conspiracy theories, disdain for diversity and gender integration in the military, and a militarized view of domestic politics.

He advocates purging military leaders aligned with Democratic administrations, opposes the “rules of war,” and equates the American left with wartime enemies.

Critics warn his extremist rhetoric and combative philosophy could endanger civil liberties and exacerbate political polarization.

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Summary

President-elect Donald Trump is prioritizing media personalities for key administration roles, favoring individuals with TV experience to create what critics describe as a “nuclear-armed reality television show.”

Notable picks include Pete Hegseth, Sean Duffy, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Tulsi Gabbard, many of whom lack traditional qualifications but have strong on-air presence.

Trump’s focus on celebrity and loyalty over expertise has raised concerns among lawmakers.

Former allies like Chris Christie liken the selection process to “casting a TV show,” reflecting Trump’s reality-TV roots and reliance on conservative media.

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.

The author was trying to shield themselves from the despair of political doomscrolling by reading books, but was dismayed to learn of Trump's plans to declare a national emergency and use the military to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. The author speaks with anti-imperialist veteran friends who remind them that this is not the first time Trump has threatened to deploy the military against immigrants, and that actually carrying out such a plan would be a logistical and legal nightmare, requiring a massive expansion of the prison system at immense cost. The author argues that the only reasonable response for active-duty soldiers is to refuse to carry out these immoral orders, drawing parallels to the G.I. resistance during the Vietnam War. They advocate reviving networks of support like "G.I. coffeehouses" to provide a space for soldiers to organize and resist. Experts emphasize that troops have a moral responsibility to disobey illegal and immoral orders, and that immigrants are not the true enemy - it is the ruling class elite who are stealing from the working class. The author acknowledges the impulse to retreat into escapism, but argues that now is the time to collectively challenge these dangerous policies.

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.

From Marco Rubio as secretary of state, to Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth as defence secretary, to Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, and Steve Witkoff as Middle East envoy, the nominations are telling. Each has previously wedded himself not just to Israel, but also to the extremist narratives of religious Zionism represented in the country’s current government.

But while Rubio and Huckabee in particular have been pushing these narratives on the campaign trail for political reasons, all of them will now face a reality check when it comes to formulating and delivering a coherent Middle East policy.

For one, their unequivocal support for Israel’s unhinged government policy of military annihilation of the idea of resistance, will cause friction with Trump’s overarching objective to end all wars in the region.

The second and equally important point of friction is the reliance of Trump’s regional policy on the Gulf states. While the pro-Israel lobby will try to sell narratives to the Trump ideologues, the various Gulf lobbies have deep pockets that have already entangled business networks around Trump.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have all built extensive relationships with the Trump ecosystem - all underwritten by lucrative investments. More so, Trump knows he will not need the pro-Israel lobby to get re-elected, as this will be his last term.

The Gulf lobbies, however, can provide lucrative avenues to retirement not just for Trump and his family, but also for many of those appointed by him into positions of power. And the interests of the Gulf states will not be easily reconcilable with the interests of Netanyahu’s Israel.

On Gaza, there is strong opposition to what Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week referred to as “collective genocide” committed by Israel. The annexation of territory in Gaza and and the West Bank will not be acceptable to Washington’s Gulf partners, and likely presents a red line that Trump and his ideologues won’t dare to cross.

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/

Do let them know if you disagree with them and they are enabling genocide

Summary

Elon Musk, now deeply embedded in Donald Trump’s transition team, is navigating the cutthroat dynamics of Trump’s inner circle.

Musk has used his massive influence, including 200 million X followers and $200 million in campaign contributions, to push for “radical reform” and staff picks like Brendan Carr for FCC chair and Russell T. Vought for budget director.

However, his lack of political experience and constant presence at Mar-a-Lago has divided Trump’s aides.

Musk has publicly downplayed his influence, following the unspoken Trumpworld rule: don’t overshadow the boss.

Summary

Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, faces backlash over a newly surfaced 2017 sexual assault allegation, which he failed to disclose during the vetting process.

Trump’s team, reportedly furious, criticized Hegseth for not revealing the incident, detailed in a police report, ahead of his nomination.

Hegseth denies wrongdoing, stating the matter was fully investigated and he was cleared.

Republican senators remain divided, with some voicing concerns about his suitability given the military’s ongoing sexual assault issues.

The controversy adds to challenges for Hegseth, a Fox News host lacking government experience.

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to protect youth mental health by enforcing safer online environments, but critics worry about censorship and free speech implications. Should platforms bear more responsibility for kids’ online safety? Does KOSA strike the right balance between protection and freedom? Share your thoughts

https://ace-usa.org/blog/research/research-technology/pros-and-cons-of-the-kids-online-safety-act/

Summary

Republican senators are privately pushing to review Tulsi Gabbard’s FBI file amid concerns about her alignment with Russian interests following her nomination as Trump’s director of national intelligence.

Gabbard’s past support for Edward Snowden, who leaked U.S. state secrets, has drawn particular scrutiny, as has her history of echoing Russian talking points on Ukraine and Syria.

While GOP senators are publicly deferring to Trump’s pick, some, including Sens. Mike Rounds and Susan Collins, emphasize the importance of full background checks and hearings to address potential security risks.

Bessent will lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Treasury Department. Bessent is the first out gay member of Trump’s Cabinet.

Summary

House Ethics Committee Chair Rep. Michael Guest has ended the committee’s investigation into former Rep.

Matt Gaetz after Gaetz withdrew from Trump’s attorney general nomination and announced he would not seek reelection.

Gaetz had faced allegations of paying a minor for sex and drug use, as well as federal investigations into sex trafficking and obstruction, though no charges were filed.

The committee’s report remains unreleased, with further review set for Dec. 5. Florida will hold a special election to fill Gaetz’s vacated congressional seat.