The Trump Presidency 2.0

[Ksyrup]

And his administration didn't know the country wasn't spelled with a 'u' either.

[Edward64]

Per CNN reporting, sounds like Colombia renege (or someone below Petro approved without his knowledge) ...

3D chess going on? Or just 2 kids in the playground?

Trump issuing ‘emergency 25% tariffs’ against Colombia after country turned back deportation flights | CNN Politics (https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/26/politics/colombia-tariffs-trump-deportation-flights/index.html)
Rubio said in an earlier Sunday statement that Colombian officials had approved two military flights carrying migrants to Colombia and then revoked the authorization once they were en route. CNN reported earlier, based on a review of documents, that Colombian officials had approved the flights.

“Colombian President Petro had authorized flights and provided all needed authorizations and then canceled his authorization when the planes were in the air. As demonstrated by today’s actions, we are unwavering in our commitment to end illegal immigration and bolster America’s border security,” Rubio said.

Petro disputed that he had given authorization, writing on X after the secretary of state’s statement, “I will never allow Colombians to be brought in handcuffs on flights. Marco, if officials from the Foreign Ministry allowed this, it would never be under my direction.”

CNN had previously reported Trump administration officials were surprised and frustrated when Petro said he was blocking US deportation flights from entering the country. Sources within the Colombian government were also caught by surprise by Petro’s post.

[Ksyrup]

I hope this is just BS, but is it true that Dr. Phil was with Homan in Chicago filming ICE deportation operations for some subscription service Phil runs now?

[Mota]

The alternative is death.

Trump just said they want to pave over Gaza and hopefully other countries will take them. This is death.

[Flasch186]

Colombia caved


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JPhillips]

Maybe. My guess is they worked out a deal regarding flights on military planes and the WH doesn't want to admit to making any concessions.

[GrantDawg]

The Colombians will now be picking up any Colombian nationals to be deported. No military flights, nor anyone in chains. So yes, Trump caved and claimed victory.

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[Edward64]

The Colombians will now be picking up any Colombian nationals to be deported. No military flights, nor anyone in chains. So yes, Trump caved and claimed victory.

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The situation still seems to be ... fluid.

Per NYT this morning.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/americas/colombia-us-deportation-flights.html
Under threats from President Trump that included steep tariffs, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has relented and will allow U.S. military planes to fly deportees into the country, after turning two transports back in response to what he called inhumane treatment.

If it is US military planes, I cannot imagine the illegals would NOT be restrained. So, the semantics might be what is "handcuffs vs chains". My guess is Colombia is giving Trump the win this time ... and then going to open up for another suitor like China.

If Colombia did renege on the deal per the CNN link above, then frak'em. If Colombia did not renege or the US didn't follow the terms of the deal, then pretty stupid for US to piss off a long-term partner in the region.

I'm upping the odds for some US military action against Colombia these next 4 years especially if they get closer to China ... say from 1% to 10%.

[Atocep]

I remember when disobeying a lawful order meant reduction in rank with a discharge. Now you get reinstated at your previous rank and backpay.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Colombians will now be picking up any Colombian nationals to be deported. No military flights, nor anyone in chains. So yes, Trump caved and claimed victory.

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So we don't have to pay to ship the vermin back?

We all win.

[Edward64]

Wonder if other companies will follow suit (e.g. Apple Maps).

Google said Monday it will change the name of Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” after the government updates its “official government sources.”

The company also said it will start using Mount McKinley, which is currently called Denali.

Last week, President Donald Trump signed executive actions that included an order to make the name changes on official maps and federal communications.

“We’ve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps,” the company said in an X post. “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.”

[Atocep]

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/indiana-man-pardoned-jan-6-crimes-killed-traffic-stop-shooting-deputy-rcna189502

An Indiana man who was recently pardoned for his participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was shot and killed during a traffic stop by a sheriff's deputy Sunday.

Matthew Huttle, 42, was involved in a traffic stop at 4:15 p.m. by a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy, authorities said in a news release. It alleged that Huttle resisted arrest and was found to have a firearm on him.

[JPhillips]

So now every President has the power to change the name of any location through EO.

Wonderful.

[Lathum]

Here comes Mt Trumpmore!

[RainMaker]

Sure China just decimated the future of our tech sector with a side project but the real issue is renaming bodies of water.

[JPhillips]

The Treasury Secretary says he wants a 2.5% universal tariff that goes up 2.5% each month.

[Atocep]

The Treasury Secretary says he wants a 2.5% universal tariff that goes up 2.5% each month.

Dem messaging on this is just terrible. Trying to explain tariffs to these people is stupid. They should be mocking Trump for embracing a socialist tax.

[JPhillips]

Trump Tax on everything you buy.

[HerRealName]

Has anyone changed their 401K investment mix lately? I'm strongly considering pulling a decent chunk out of the stock market and into bonds.

[JPhillips]

Trump has ordered all federal grants paused. Nobody knows what that includes, but it could impact millions of Americans.

Oh, and it's clearly illegal as defined by the Impoundment Control Act, but they're looking to have SCOTUS declare that unconstitutional.

[RainMaker]

Has anyone changed their 401K investment mix lately? I'm strongly considering pulling a decent chunk out of the stock market and into bonds.

With the way things are going, do you think treasuries are even safe?

[miked]

Trump has ordered all federal grants paused. Nobody knows what that includes, but it could impact millions of Americans.

Oh, and it's clearly illegal as defined by the Impoundment Control Act, but they're looking to have SCOTUS declare that unconstitutional.

Well, several colleagues of mine had grants terminated with no notice. We have quite a few grants that support students from underrepresented backgrounds (many 1st gen college grants) that were terminated with no notice because they fall under the DEI ban. I guess we only want white people in science (oh, and tons of J1 people from China, Korea, and India). It's insane, imagine fighting your way through college, getting in to a top PhD program (ours is ranked #2 in the country), getting a grant, making good progress, and suddenly the grant is terminated with no notice.

Of course, the college is going to temporarily cover it, but it will just turn in to tuition increases and more student loans.

I had a grant that was set to be reviewed in 2 weeks, but it looks like the pause will scuttle that.

[RainMaker]

Going out on a limb and guessing farmer welfare won't be part of this.

[GrantDawg]

There are a lot of questions about that. Aid and Grants covers lots of things, including aid to farmers, state block grants for a large variety of things, and almost every DOT road project. I have a feeling that if any of those things are paused, it will be very short-lived.

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[Edward64]

NYT has the actual memo but is behind a paywall. Below has some details of the memo. It also speculates on areas that could be cut.

403 Forbidden (https://rollcall.com/2025/01/27/trump-white-house-orders-freeze-on-federal-grants-loans/)
President Donald Trump’s budget office on Monday ordered all federal agencies to temporarily block disbursement of grants and loans — other than for Social Security, Medicare and other programs providing direct aid to individuals.

The memo says the temporary pause, effective starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, is intended to ensure agencies are complying with Trump’s executive orders to root out “Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies” from programs within their purview.
I think I understand "green new deal" but what is "green new deal social engineering policies"?

“This memorandum requires Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements.”
$3T is a lot of money. I'm sure there's some waste and wouldn't mind seeing some of that cut out, but doubt it'll come close to even a third of it.

At face value, the memo represents a major halt to the flow of funds from programs that could equal around 20 percent of all federal spending, not including interest on the debt. The memo said total spending on programs meeting the definition of “federal financial assistance” that could be impacted reached $3 trillion in fiscal 2024, though exemptions are likely to reduce that figure.
My guess is this will stir up quite a bit of commotion but ultimately get struck down per below ...

Kogan said the administration is likely to face lawsuits as a result, arguing the OMB pause violates both the the 1974 law restricting presidential impoundment of funds appropriated by Congress as well as various individual appropriations and authorization statutes.


How fast can the lawyers & courts work? I'm thinking this is part of the plan, flood the legal system with his X, Y & Z for the next 4 years when its being "sorted out" in the courts; and during that time period, some of his executive actions/policies will be "de facto" until it's struck down by the courts or (doubtful) Congress.

[Edward64]

Has anyone changed their 401K investment mix lately? I'm strongly considering pulling a decent chunk out of the stock market and into bonds.

For me, nope. Depends on your risk profile and how long till retirement. Average S&P is about 8-10%. Using Rule of 72 @9%, that means your $ will double every 8 years.

If it's 2-3 years and you can't sleep well at nights with market turbulence, sure.

If it's 5+ years, probably just leave it in some solid stock ETFs (e.g. VOO for S&P, SCHG for Nasdaq). Good odds that 5+ years will do better than bonds.

If it's 10+ years, I'd definitely leave it in solid stock ETFs.


But one thing to definitely consider is doing more with Roth vs Traditional 401k/IRAs. I've told my kids to take the hit now and just do Roth option.

[Edward64]

For some comic relief re: Greenland. This was during Trump 1.0

Worth watching first half and last couple min.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rE7NtY0daNU?si=13UzccwQ6qcvKNHP" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>


He's got a whole Greenland series ...

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVL8S3lUHf0RK98C3ulbRjSDaLV6Jqx4B

[HerRealName]

For me, nope. Depends on your risk profile and how long till retirement. Average S&P is about 8-10%. Using Rule of 72 @9%, that means your $ will double every 8 years.

If it's 2-3 years and you can't sleep well at nights with market turbulence, sure.

If it's 5+ years, probably just leave it in some solid stock ETFs (e.g. VOO for S&P, SCHG for Nasdaq). Good odds that 5+ years will do better than bonds.

If it's 10+ years, I'd definitely leave it in solid stock ETFs.


But one thing to definitely consider is doing more with Roth vs Traditional 401k/IRAs. I've told my kids to take the hit now and just do Roth option.

I ended up making the mix a little more conservative but not as much as I was thinking yesterday. Thanks for talking me through it :)

[Lathum]

Sounds like a federal judge put a stay on the EO not allowing open awards from being frozen

[Atocep]

Sounds like a federal judge put a stay on the EO not allowing open awards from being frozen

Everything was written really vague. It's been like that for several of the EOs and the white house nor anyone else is clarifying much of anything yet so a lot of this stuff is unenforceable until they give details.

[Lathum]

Everything was written really vague. It's been like that for several of the EOs and the white house nor anyone else is clarifying much of anything yet so a lot of this stuff is unenforceable until they give details.

Yeah, I have seen a lot of things saying that, which IMO is a good thing. Tie this shit up in the courts as long as possible.

[Ksyrup]

Admin offering 7 months' pay to all federal workers if they leave by February 6th.

[Atocep]

Admin offering 7 months' pay to all federal workers if they leave by February 6th.

Yeah this is going to be a mess. The younger, good workers are going to be the ones most likely to take them up on this offer. I'm sure a couple from my department will take it. I could see maybe one from the branch i manage take them up on it but most of my team are around 40 with families. They'd be unlikely candidates.

Compounding the problem is you could see clusters from the same branch or department go for this and cripple them. Lets say our entire networking branch decided to accept this resignation. We're kind of fucked and there's nothing that could be done about it. Do you know how long it takes to hire and onboard a federal employee? Sorry the network went down during your heart transplant. We hope to have someone hired to fix it within the next 6 months.

[Ksyrup]

I think the intent is to cripple the government. I'll be curious how many positions would be back-filled. The purpose is to incentivize people to leave so the administration isn't sued for firing them. But the goal is the same - reduction.

[Ksyrup]

At my old company, they did something similar, but it was targeted at 50+ year olds with at least 10 years' service. You got 2x the number of weeks' severance for each year of service if you took the offer.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think the intent is to cripple the government.

Considering how crippling it's become, that seems only fair.

And long overdue.

[Atocep]

Yeah, I have seen a lot of things saying that, which IMO is a good thing. Tie this shit up in the courts as long as possible.

They're still going to get destroyed in court for sloppy legal work. I've seen multiple attorneys say these EOs appear to be written using ChatGPT or another AI. Spelling, grammar, and formatting issues in a lot of them. One had a numbered list and each one was numbered 1. They're not even proofreading the AI'S work and most judges aren't grandma's on Facebook.

[Edward64]

Admin offering 7 months' pay to all federal workers if they leave by February 6th.

I saw an article, target of 10% and same 7 months of pay.

In the commercial world, buyouts typically have different buyout packages of pay, health, benefits etc. based on years of service (and level). I didn't see this mentioned in the article.

If it truly is just 7 months pay for everyone, the ones with less years (and already thinking about leaving) will make out like a bandit and the more senior ones screwed (relatively speaking).

I'd think it can't be as simple as that? Fun times ...

[Kodos]

Access Denied (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/indiana-man-pardoned-jan-6-crimes-killed-traffic-stop-shooting-deputy-rcna189502)

But he had one glorious week before he was shot dead!

I do feel for the poor cop who ran into him. :(

[JPhillips]

The terms of the buyout look like it just allows people to stay remote but doesn't actually say they leave employment.

[Atocep]

The terms of the buyout look like it just allows people to stay remote but doesn't actually say they leave employment.

I have the email. If you choose to resign you're getting paid until September 30th 2025 no matter what. You can choose to accelerate that resignation date, are open to be put on administrative leave, etc. Whatever. You're still choosing to resign with pay guaranteed through September 30th.

It's worded really weirdly and kind of vague so I'm already getting questions from other federal employees that aren't fully grasping what this email says.

[Atocep]

And as Tim Kaine just pointed out, anyone accepting this will likely be stiffed on the severance pay because this is an offer without congressional authority.

[Atocep]

https://newrepublic.com/post/190784/trump-lawsuit-funneling-info-federal-workers-elon-musk

There was an anonymous post that went out yesterday on social media from someone that claimed to work at OPM HQ. He hinted at what was about to happen and named names of those involved. One of the names he dropped was someone named Amanda Scales, who he said worked for Elon and was running the OPM email account from a shady server Doge had installed to send these mass emails from.

We now have a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of sending every federal employee's personal information to Amanda Scales, who is an employee of Elon Musk, not the federal government.

[Lathum]

And as Tim Kaine just pointed out, anyone accepting this will likely be stiffed on the severance pay because this is an offer without congressional authority.

I'm so old I remember the GOP freaking out over Biden forgiving student loans without congressional approval.

[cuervo72]

Yeah, that’s not a great thing to have out there from a security standpoint. If most hacks are a result of fishing and a nice handy list of every Federal email address gets out…

[Lathum]

https://newrepublic.com/post/190784/trump-lawsuit-funneling-info-federal-workers-elon-musk

There was an anonymous post that went out yesterday on social media from someone that claimed to work at OPM HQ. He hinted at what was about to happen and named names of those involved. One of the names he dropped was someone named Amanda Scales, who he said worked for Elon and was running the OPM email account from a shady server Doge had installed to send these mass emails from.

We now have a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of sending every federal employee's personal information to Amanda Scales, who is an employee of Elon Musk, not the federal government.

But Hillary!!!

[JPhillips]

Crazy how Dems are now the high propensity voter party. They just won an Iowa senate district that was Trump +21.

[Edward64]

The actual text of the buyout letter here. Always good to read the actual text ...

Fork in the Road (https://www.opm.gov/fork)

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from employment with my employing agency, effective September 30, 2025.
Given my impending resignation, I understand I will be exempt from any “Return to Office” requirements pursuant to recent directives and that I will maintain my current compensation and retain all existing benefits (including but not limited to retirement accruals) until my final resignation date.

I don't know how the word "buyout" originated but this doesn't seem like any buyout that I've seen.

It's more ... you can continue to work remotely if you want through Sep 30 but then you're likely going to be released. There's no "severance" just the right to work remotely through Sep 30.

e.g. if I resign in Mar, I'm gone and don't get any pay through Sep 30

[Lathum]

Thank God they are focusing on the important things

Access to this page has been denied (https://thehill.com/homenews/5112359-hegseth-cutting-milleys-security-detail-stripping-star-reports/)

[Ksyrup]

The actual text of the buyout letter here. Always good to read the actual text ...

Fork in the Road (https://www.opm.gov/fork)




I don't know how the word "buyout" originated but this doesn't seem like any buyout that I've seen.

It's more ... you can continue to work remotely if you want through Sep 30 but then you're likely going to be released. There's no "severance" just the right to work remotely through Sep 30.

e.g. if I resign in Mar, I'm gone and don't get any pay through Sep 30

Apart from the text of the letter, I think the key consideration is what is the expectation for work. I know how it reads, but then there's the reality.

I suppose this could just be a limited-effect attempt to secure some downsizing from people who care more about remote work than their jobs, or who probably see the writing on the wall anyway and see this as an 8 month headstart on finding new employment.

[Edward64]

I suppose this could just be a limited-effect attempt to secure some downsizing from people who care more about remote work than their jobs, or who probably see the writing on the wall anyway and see this as an 8 month headstart on finding new employment.

The goal is supposedly 10% reduction. I doubt they'll hit the target with the offer but really a no offer deal. IMO they really should offer targeted, real buyout packages based on years of service, level etc.

Don't know the legalese with any unions or contracts, but I'm thinking this is a setup to do mass reorganizations, terminations after Sep 30.

[Ksyrup]

I think the ultimate goal is to put this out there with all of the noise about purging liberals and overall reduction in the federal workforce and see if they can scare enough people into taking the deal. Like you, I don't have any knowledge of the union/contract aspect of actually firing a bunch of rank-and-file federal employees who are not political appointees. I assume, like most everything else Trump is testing the waters on right now, we'll be finding out.

[HerRealName]

With Trump just golfing all the time, who is actually issuing these Executive Orders? It's obviously someone at the Heritage Foundation but it would be interesting to see who the aspiring king of America is at this point.

[Ksyrup]

The architects of P2025 that Trump said wouldn't be involved in his administration. Plus some form of AI writing assistance, it appears.

[Mota]

If a federal job starts to become a 4 year position, you're going to struggle finding top people to work these jobs.

Imagine you're working a desk job, and you have to "bend the knee" to the current president or get fired. That's so weird.

[Ksyrup]

I think that's the long-term intent. Of course, given that we've got GOP legislators floating amendment scenarios so Trump can stay in office (or at least run again) perpetually, the idea is to purge the liberals and reset what's left of the government with right-wingers who would have some manner of job stability (especially since the Dems have shown no inclination to throw out norms like the GOP, so even if they win in 2028, they'd probably leave all of the right-wingers in their positions).

[cuervo72]

(especially since the Dems have shown no inclination to throw out norms like the GOP, so even if they win in 2028, they'd probably leave all of the right-wingers in their positions).

/waves to Postmaster General

[Edward64]

Haven't seen this in MSM but ... FAFO. Didn't want to compromise with Joe as lesser of 2 evils? You'll figure it out pretty quick. Looking forward to your TikTok posts decrying this fascism.

Trump launches anti-Semitism crackdown as he orders deportation of pro-Hamas students who terrorized campuses | Daily Mail Online (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14338259/Trump-deport-students-college-campus-protests-antisemite.html)
President Donald Trump will launch an anti-Semitism crackdown on Wednesday when he signs an executive order instructing federal agencies to find ways to deport anti-Jewish activists who violated laws, including students on college campuses.

The executive order will allow the deportation of resident aliens — including students with visas — who broke laws as part of anti-Israel protests following the October 7th attacks in Israel, DailyMail.com confirmed.

Trump, during his presidential campaign, called for the deportation of pro-Hamas students who are in the United States on visas.

[Edward64]

Elon clarifying some on the buyout. If true, great deal for someone who wants & is able to leave before Sep 30. But I really did not read this in the memo so I'd stay put unless there is a formal FAQ or clarification ...

And from Elon Musk on Wednesday morning, who posted on X: "Those deciding to take the deferred resignation deal can do anything they want for the next 8 months are not required to work at all whatsoever."

[Ksyrup]

I'd say the delta between what the letter says and what Musk/others are saying is their lack of attention to detail/competency.

[Lathum]

This is insane. No one elected Elon musk to shitcsn a bunch of civil servants.

[Edward64]

I'd say the delta between what the letter says and what Musk/others are saying is their lack of attention to detail/competency.

You're too nice. I think its strategic ambiguity (aka has X paid Twitter executives their severance yet or still hung up in courts?).

But if true, then a pretty sweet deal for some with the right timetable.

[miami_fan]

My wife is in a virtual meeting now for the VA federal employees. Whooo boy, folks are HEATED!

[Atocep]

My wife is in a virtual meeting now for the VA federal employees. Whooo boy, folks are HEATED!

The General for our agency put an email out this morning and it's clear she isn't happy but is trying to walk a fine line.

None of my employees seem to be taking it seriously. They mostly see it as a joke.

[NobodyHere]

This is insane. No one elected Elon musk to shitcsn a bunch of civil servants.

Have you listened to Jon in this thread?

[miami_fan]

Ok, we are about 20 minutes in and three people have mentioned that they voted for the President before going on a diatribe and/or asking questions about the current situation. Is this some sort of code to save their jobs? They do understand that once we reach the RIF stage, supporters of the current administration will lose their jobs as well, right?

EDIT: To be clear, I don't mean this in a FAFO sort of way. I just don't understand throwing out your voting bonifides in a Q/A session where there are still very little answers.

[SirFozzie]

It's because Trump's goons are asking when people had their "MAGA Conversion" moment to judge who's sufficiently loyal.

[Ksyrup]

Seems to be par for the course. Some Florida Man's Guatemalan wife got nabbed as an illegal and he posted an open plea on social media for Trump to contact him so they can work out a deal to let her stay since he voted for him.

[miami_fan]

The federal aid freeze trial balloon has been pulled back.

[RainMaker]

Dems didn't even get around to their emergency meeting either.

He handed them such an easy layup and I think the only person who really made a stink was JB Pritzker. Enormous missed opportunity.

[Atocep]

If a federal job starts to become a 4 year position, you're going to struggle finding top people to work these jobs.

Imagine you're working a desk job, and you have to "bend the knee" to the current president or get fired. That's so weird.

State jobs generally are better anyway. The only reason I've stayed federal is so that my 9 years active duty goes toward my retirement. Better pay, better benefits, far less bullshit, and at least in Washington they support full time telework and remote work if it fits your job. Our hospital has bled a lot of our best employees, whether it's provider, nurse, or admin to the state over the years.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Have you listened to Jon in this thread?

And I really hate to break the news to people but I'm a moderate compared to many of the true believers.

The simplest example is that I recognize the need for some sort of FBI-like organization, under some sort of rebranding/refined mission, etc. I have to be ... judicious ... in saying that aloud in some circles, lest I be drawn into an argument I simply lack the energy to bother having.

[JPhillips]

The federal aid freeze trial balloon has been pulled back.

Maybe? The Press Secretary is saying the funding freeze is still in place.

Who knows with these charlatans?

[cuervo72]

I mean, the FBI basically (really boiled down) came about because of a) organized crime, b) rampant unlawfulness/cronyism/corruption at state/local levels (basically, organized crime with a badge or office; "murder? what murder we didn't see any murder...")

It's not a surprise some people don't like the idea of such an organization.

[cuervo72]

Maybe? The Press Secretary is saying the funding freeze is still in place.

Who knows with these charlatans?

Yeah, someone from HS is a long-time Fed parole officer and was both a little freaked out by the email, but also annoyed with the media for not getting the story straight. Girl, when the gov't itself is shifting messages constantly, it's not completely the media's fault if they're not getting the story quite right.

[Atocep]

Yeah, someone from HS is a long-time Fed parole officer and was both a little freaked out by the email, but also annoyed with the media for not getting the story straight. Girl, when the gov't itself is shifting messages constantly, it's not completely the media's fault if they're not getting the story quite right.

No one knows what's going on right now. Our 3 star is trying to get answers for people.

The most straightforward of these EOs was the one on DEI and even that one's a mess. We're no longer an Army agency but we still work closely with them and most Army EEO offices had pulled DEI in under their umbrella for efficiency since they're closely related. Trying to define what falls under DEI and what falls under EEO is nearly impossible but they've been ordered to pull all DEI materials and related content.

[Atocep]

reuters.com (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-cancel-student-visas-all-hamas-sympathizers-white-house-2025-01-29/)

WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Wednesday to combat antisemitism and pledge to deport non-citizen college students and others who took part in pro-Palestinian protests, a White House official said.

[cuervo72]

No one knows what's going on right now. Our 3 star is trying to get answers for people.

The most straightforward of these EOs was the one on DEI and even that one's a mess. We're no longer an Army agency but we still work closely with them and most Army EEO offices had pulled DEI in under their umbrella for efficiency since they're closely related. Trying to define what falls under DEI and what falls under EEO is nearly impossible but they've been ordered to pull all DEI materials and related content.

I mean, I assume they want to get rid of EEO too.

[Atocep]

I mean, I assume they want to get rid of EEO too.

EEO and SHARP offices are exempt and are sticking is the official word. So no one knows anything.

[Ksyrup]

Good thing they got rid of DEI policies just as Tucker Carlson's son is hired as deputy press secretary for JD Vance!

[NobodyHere]

Didn't we have anti-nepotism laws for the federal government?

[Passacaglia]

And I really hate to break the news to people but I'm a moderate compared to many of the true believers.

The simplest example is that I recognize the need for some sort of FBI-like organization, under some sort of rebranding/refined mission, etc. I have to be ... judicious ... in saying that aloud in some circles, lest I be drawn into an argument I simply lack the energy to bother having.

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?

[Ben E Lou]

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?Is this a serious question? The sheer fact that he IS here makes him suspect/moderate in many circles. There's a good chunk of folks who regard anyone who has ANY civil online interaction with non-MAGA people (aka "the enemy") as being too soft.

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[JonInMiddleGA]

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?

I'm not sure how many gamers are included in that group off-hand. Definitely no sportsgamers that I can think of.

I mean, I know roughly a dozen people who were in DC for the inauguration, several who spent weeks on the "caravan tours" (whatever they call those), etc

I know a lot of the "ready for sainthood" supporters.

[Danny]

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?


I have no doubt there is many. Just look at the most devoted religious fanatics and then apply that same fanatisicm to worshiping Trump.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I have no doubt there is many. Just look at the most devoted religious fanatics and then apply that same fanatisicm to worshiping Trump.

This is a discussion I've had with one friend in particular. Her husband is basically that level of supporter, she's more like me, capable of seeing the occasional flaw on a specific point(s). And we know that we have to carefully pick & choose our moments to express any of that.

[Lathum]

It's the largest cult in history. Is that even up for debate at this point?

[JPhillips]

Trump just announced a 30000 person internment camp at Guantanamo that would hold people for an indefinite length of time.

[Atocep]

Trump just announced a 30000 person internment camp at Guantanamo that would hold people for an indefinite length of time.

Calling them internment camps is the woke bullshit they claim to be fighting against. Call them what they are.

[Ben E Lou]

It's the largest cult in history. Is that even up for debate at this point?it was fascinating/sad to watch one particular person on FB flip-flop on Tik Tok. His first post on the matter…

“Everybody on here whining and crying about Tik Tok. Who cares! Yall need to go fishing, or get you a better hobby. Maybe you should do your research on why this app has been banned. Glad it's gone!”

And then of course, not even 48 hours later…

“I tell you what, Trump gets stuff DONE! Biden tried to kill Tik Tok but Trump saved it!”

If he received any pushback for the contradiction, he deleted it. There’s none there now. Just some likes, hearts, and approving comments on both posts….some from the same people.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Lathum]

Trump just announced a 30000 person internment camp at Guantanamo that would hold people for an indefinite length of time.

Wonder what DOGE and Musk say about the cost...

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's the largest cult in history. Is that even up for debate at this point?

Only for the sane people.

Not for the pathetic sacks of shit suffering from TDS

[Atocep]

Only for the sane people.

Not for the pathetic sacks of shit suffering from TDS

Mostly miserable people that get off and feel better when someone else suffers.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Mostly miserable people that get off and feel better when someone else suffers.

There seem to be three main causes for TDS, ironically the same as the three main causes for liberalism

Ignorance
mental/emotional illness or defect
plain old evil

I tend to avoid trying to parse the percentages because in the end the cause doesn't really change the amount of damage done by the disease but in the case of TDS, it does seem to skew heavily toward the mental illness and plain ol' evil roots.

And I cannot begin to describe just how much better my coffee tastes for the past week when I can make it with the tears of the TDS crowd. Sooooo fucking tasty.

[Lathum]

I've hated Trump since he stiffed one of my dads best friends and almost bankrupted him building the Taj.

The man is human garbage and always has been.

[BYU 14]

There seem to be three main causes for TDS, ironically the same as the three main causes for liberalism

Ignorance
mental/emotional illness or defect
plain old evil

I tend to avoid trying to parse the percentages because in the end the cause doesn't really change the amount of damage done by the disease but in the case of TDS, it does seem to skew heavily toward the mental illness and plain ol' evil roots.

And I cannot begin to describe just how much better my coffee tastes for the past week when I can make it with the tears of the TDS crowd. Sooooo fucking tasty.

Jesus Christ Jon, or some people just see him for what he is and this is coming from a 60/40 GOP voter at one point

[HerRealName]

I'm plain old evil.

[Atocep]

There seem to be three main causes for TDS, ironically the same as the three main causes for liberalism

Ignorance
mental/emotional illness or defect
plain old evil

I tend to avoid trying to parse the percentages because in the end the cause doesn't really change the amount of damage done by the disease but in the case of TDS, it does seem to skew heavily toward the mental illness and plain ol' evil roots.

And I cannot begin to describe just how much better my coffee tastes for the past week when I can make it with the tears of the TDS crowd. Sooooo fucking tasty.


Finding enjoyment in people suffering is mental illness. There's no way around that or to rationalize it another way.

It's also telling that the same people that speak about the bible and religion now find the teachings of Christ too woke. The same people now saying empathy is sin. If Christ returned tomorrow these people would send him to Guantanamo for not having his papers.

[JPhillips]

Facebook pays Trump 25 million to settle the suit relating to Trump being banned on Facebook. It's being reported that Trump said they had to pay if they wanted to be inside the tent.

We're already pretty damned close to being Hungary.

[PilotMan]

Finding enjoyment in people suffering is mental illness. There's no way around that or to rationalize it another way.

It's also telling that the same people that speak about the bible and religion now find the teachings of Christ too woke. The same people now saying empathy is sin. If Christ returned tomorrow these people would send him to Guantanamo for not having his papers.


Jon is nothing but a class act folks. A class act and perfect example of how Christ is in everyone. He's building a house for Jon right now. A heavenly house for lovers of trump and christ and Jon. Where they can all bond together in the shared love of humanity and the great, big wonderful world of straight, white, homophobic, xenophobic, you better get out of town before nightfall, America that we've been missing!

[Passacaglia]

Is this a serious question? The sheer fact that he IS here makes him suspect/moderate in many circles. There's a good chunk of folks who regard anyone who has ANY civil online interaction with non-MAGA people (aka "the enemy") as being too soft.

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I'm not sure how many gamers are included in that group off-hand. Definitely no sportsgamers that I can think of.

I mean, I know roughly a dozen people who were in DC for the inauguration, several who spent weeks on the "caravan tours" (whatever they call those), etc

I know a lot of the "ready for sainthood" supporters.

How is it not a cult then?

[PilotMan]

It is fully a cult.

*Loyalty Tests
*Own language and key words that are used.
*High control
*Full devotion to a single individual.
*Anyone who leaves is an enemy.
*Only one person can 'save' the group.

[Atocep]

Trump's cult would happily accept getting a leg cut off if they got to see someone else get both chopped off.

[RainMaker]

Just as long as it's not attached to whoever's boots they're licking today.

[Lathum]

Just a moment... (https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/trump-mount-rushmore-house-bill?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwY2xjawIHpmVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWXdPGmVUfFHuIMhpw3ka5gM0uZdU2Pj4errxv9aWDiCyE8yl2FNc3_7FQ_aem_GOxaND6GqjspnjJJ4NTQVQ)

[PilotMan]

Totally a cult

[Atocep]

The story on some of the J6ers that were pardoned is wild. We have one killed by police after trying to pull a gun during a traffic stop, one arrested on gun charges that already has 3 felony convictions (not including J6) 1 was pardoned despite having charges pending for soliciting a minor, and 2 others are wanted on child porn charges.

Gotta get those migrants to GITMO though.

[Ksyrup]

Lost in the rescinded memo fiasco (at least to me) was the reason why they rescinded the memo - they actually thought that because one of the courts had issued a TRO against enforcement of the memo, that if the memo didn't exist, the case was moot. A government attorney tried to make that argument, at which point the press secretary's tweet saying the freeze was still in place was raised in court.

Not surprisingly, the childish attempt to pretend that the memo, and not the freeze, was the lynchpin of the case against the freeze, failed horribly.

You couldn't pay me enough to embarrass myself daily in front of courts like Trump lawyers do.

[Lathum]

His lawyers are like everyone else around him, completely unqualified and incompetent because anyone with a brain knows not to go near him.

[CrimsonFox]

So like I thought DEI was about the hiring process and hiring diverse people. Not about protecting people from being fired. I mean you can't just fire someone for no reason. THey can still sue for wrongful termination. Just firing people from important departments isn't smart either.

[Edward64]

I mean you can't just fire someone for no reason.

In the commercial, non-union world, pretty much for any reason.

In most US states, yes, you can fire someone for "no reason" because most employment is considered "at-will," meaning an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, as long as it's not illegal like discrimination or retaliation; however, they are still typically required to follow proper termination procedures.

[Brian Swartz]

It's an interesting state of affairs in which we concern ourselves with people being fired for no reason, but not with them quitting for no reason.

[Kodos]

What, can we force them somehow not to quit?

**Points gun at employee** "You'd best get back to work, son."

[RainMaker]

Feels like having no head of the FAA and a guy from the Real World who voted to increase air traffic in charge of Transportation should be a bigger part of this story.

[Danny]

Theres been executive orders related to attemps to pull funding from schools that teach content Trump finds objectionable (which is illegal but not sure that will stop them) along with one that pertains to prosecuting school personell who support trans or non binary students.

Project 2025 is definitely in full force trying to be put into place.

[Danny]

Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling – The White House (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-indoctrination-in-k-12-schooling/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIIof5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaxOTZ3NaXyPs9fZlj7bvO1vWlDxwjEDKjTibsyPhvh8Qpdk5BYMR4GIuA_aem_iU64MYjG0ivRHqvjs9mM5g)

[Lathum]

instill a patriotic admiration for our incredible Nation and the values for which we stand.

North Korea style shit....

[Atocep]

North Korea style shit....

I saw this last night. This was my favorite.

an accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling characterization of America’s founding and foundational principles;

I'm not sure how this is even possible. You can't be honest and accurate about our founding while always being inspiring and ennobling.

[Drake]

I wonder what would happen if a President issued an executive order and most people just quietly agreed to ignore it?

[Drake]

Also, why does the EO linked above read like it was *written* by a high school student?

I'd like to see an EO more focused on fixing that problem in people who work for the government writing EOs.

[Atocep]

Also, why does the EO linked above read like it was *written* by a high school student?

I'd like to see an EO more focused on fixing that problem in people who work for the government writing EOs.


Because they're using chatgpt to write them. Not a joke. The formatting and grammar issues in these EOs are clear signs of AI.

[Drake]

Because they're using chatgpt to write them. Not a joke. The formatting and grammar issues in these EOs are clear signs of AI.

So does that mean we finally get to welcome our computer overlords? I've been waiting practically since the internet started and/or The Matrix came out.

[JPhillips]

"I will be meeting with some people that were very badly hurt."

Trump on the crash. Can we talk about Trump's mental state?

[Ksyrup]

He's talking about people who didn't get air traffic controller jobs, probably. You know, the true victims.

[Atocep]

He's talking about people who didn't get air traffic controller jobs, probably. You know, the true victims.

Just the white ones.

[Ksyrup]

I thought that went without saying. The is the Trump Presidency thread, after all!

[Edward64]

A self-imposed Feb. 1 deadline by Donald Trump for a first round of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China looms in less than two days as economic observers and world leaders try to plan amid the uncertainty.

On Thursday afternoon, Trump reiterated his plans to put a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, repeating his warning against America's top U.S. trade partners. But even then he added to the uncertainty by saying some provisions remain undecided.

Think I’ll top off the gas tank tomorrow and stock up on some bananas & avocado.

[flere-imsaho]

"Concepts of a plan"

[JPhillips]

I was reading how the government is only funded until mid-March so any promise to pay employees until the end of the fiscal year is being made on faith. I wonder if the plan is to get people to accept deferred resignation and then refuse to fund it past mid-March. There's no way I would trust these fuckers.

[Mota]

I'm not looking forward to the 25% tariffs for Canada which apparently start tomorrow, but no one knows what they'll actually be yet. I guess ChatGPT "what tariffs should I charge Canada?" will give the answer.

[cuervo72]

Well, this guy's a downer.

Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/mcopelov.bsky.social/post/3lh26zsjht22l)

(I mean, not for the fascists here, but for all the rest of us.)

[MIJB#19]

So, when some president blames the guys before him doing stuff the wrong way, and he himself had a term in between, doesn't that basically mean he's blaming himself as well?

[Atocep]

The wife kicked off the talks with the Trump supporters in our circle last night in a conversation with her brother. They got into an argument and she told him if he didn't reevaluate his views she would be reevaluating their relationship. He tried spitting out MAGA talking points and she swatted each one away with facts. He ended the conversation admitting that he's not educated enough on these issues. The talk with my mom will be this weekend. The big one will be the rest of her Texas family. Specifically her mom and stepdad. I don't see that one going well at all.

[RainMaker]

I'm not looking forward to the 25% tariffs for Canada which apparently start tomorrow, but no one knows what they'll actually be yet. I guess ChatGPT "what tariffs should I charge Canada?" will give the answer.

They'll probably get delayed. If they were really going into effect tomorrow, the markets would be down like 3%+. Guessing they realize it's just another PR stunt.

[RainMaker]

Well, this guy's a downer.

Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/mcopelov.bsky.social/post/3lh26zsjht22l)

(I mean, not for the fascists here, but for all the rest of us.)

My conspiracy theory is that Musk has some really bad financial positions. Tesla is a walking timebomb. Company is regressing and he's running out of things to make up that they'll never do. They're even now starting to go Enron by marking unrealized gains as profits from fucking crypto of all things.

Twitter is still a huge financial drain. Billion a year in just interest on loans.

So my conspiracy is this is all to just gut what he can from the government and he'll do some fucked up things to make it happen.

[cuervo72]

Well the real conspiracy theory I thought was that they were going to destroy the dollar and make crypto the basis for everything. I don't know the details of how that works exactly, but that's what I'd heard Thiel, etc. wanted to do.

I agree that he probably has bad financial positions.

[RainMaker]

I think there are people who are overly leveraged and others like Tether that are straight ponzi schemes that desperately need that crypto bailout they've been talking about.

[cuervo72]

I mean, I never quite get market caps, either. Tesla had $25.7B in revenue, has a $1.3T market cap. GM on the other hand made $180B, has a market cap of $49B. Huh? Just how many cars is Tesla expected to sell?

[RainMaker]

It's a meme stock. You can't compare it to how traditional companies operate in the market.

[flere-imsaho]

My conspiracy theory is that Musk has some really bad financial positions.

I don't think that's a conspiracy theory at all. It's clear that most of Musk's wealth is on paper and he's likely leveraged himself to the hilt* (like Trump, ironically) so he's more sensitive to most to market changes.


*generally, not just to buy twitter

[Ksyrup]

The wife kicked off the talks with the Trump supporters in our circle last night in a conversation with her brother. They got into an argument and she told him if he didn't reevaluate his views she would be reevaluating their relationship. He tried spitting out MAGA talking points and she swatted each one away with facts. He ended the conversation admitting that he's not educated enough on these issues. The talk with my mom will be this weekend. The big one will be the rest of her Texas family. Specifically her mom and stepdad. I don't see that one going well at all.

I refuse to do this. It's simply not worth my mental health and the drama, plus my parents are nearing their 80s and my dad has a TBI. What is my ultimatum - enjoy the rest of your lives? Not gonna happen. So I just ignore it all and don't engage on any of it.

Now, my wife's family, outside of her parents (who are Trumpers but low-key about it and not really political) ... I'd be happy to tell each one of them what I think and never see any of them again. But they don't visit anyway. It's been 3.5 years since her parents moved FROM Florida TO Kentucky to live near us due to lack of family support, and her sister still hasn't visited once. Fuck 'em all. Out of sight, out of mind.

[Kodos]

I mean, I never quite get market caps, either. Tesla had $25.7B in revenue, has a $1.3T market cap. GM on the other hand made $180B, has a market cap of $49B. Huh? Just how many cars is Tesla expected to sell?

Especially when Tesla's owner has been going out of his way to alienate the very people who would be most likely to buy his cars.

[JPhillips]

Even if you accept the absurd notion that the tariffs are national security related, how is Canada possibly a greater threat than China?

This is just Trump trying to get kickbacks from local businesses that he thinks he can strongarm. There's a lot less of available graft for him with Chinese companies. The message has gone out that if you pay him off before tomorrow he'll cut your tariff.

[Atocep]

I refuse to do this. It's simply not worth my mental health and the drama, plus my parents are nearing their 80s and my dad has a TBI. What is my ultimatum - enjoy the rest of your lives? Not gonna happen. So I just ignore it all and don't engage on any of it.

Now, my wife's family, outside of her parents (who are Trumpers but low-key about it and not really political) ... I'd be happy to tell each one of them what I think and never see any of them again. But they don't visit anyway. It's been 3.5 years since her parents moved FROM Florida TO Kentucky to live near us due to lack of family support, and her sister still hasn't visited once. Fuck 'em all. Out of sight, out of mind.

I refuse to have anything to do with people that support and cheer on someone that's threatening my job. I brought it up to the wife a couple of nights ago and was honestly surprised that she was all in agreement. Her brother just kicked things off early by calling her last night to rant about "illegals".

My mom doesn't follow politics and just gets caught up in all the facebook posts from her circle in WV. The wife's mom and step dad, however, are hardcore Fox News watching Trumpers as is the rest of her family in Texas.

[JPhillips]

Sounds like Elon is single-handedly in control of the country's payment system.

[SirFozzie]

Sounds like Elon is single-handedly in control of the country's payment system.

He's going to tie it into X, isn't he?

[RainMaker]

We're going the 90's Russia route which I guess we sort of deserve.

[RainMaker]

So I guess it's official on the tariffs if the press conference is correct. Kind of surprised no one spoke up to tell him what's up.

Just sort of feels like America is out of ideas. China crushing us, biggest growth sectors are scams, institutions crumbling, and falling for economic ideas that were discredited 100 years ago. No real economic plan to make lives better, no foreign policy plans, just hyperfocus on removing pronouns from e-mails or whatever people are worked up about that doesn't matter. A few rich guys completely raiding the coffers and no one has the energy to care anymore (nor can I blame them). And there is no longer even a sniff of an opposition party.

Like I said, it feels a lot like we're going the 1990's Russia route. Except our Yeltsin isn't a drunk, he's just really dumb. I guess the annoying part of this is the uncertainty. One minute there's 25% tariffs on a country, the next it's delayed, then it's back on, then it's going to encompass Europe, then who fucking knows. People are just winging it.

[JPhillips]

WaPo has the blueprint for the GOP reconciliation bill.

315 billion in cuts over ten years and over 5.8 trillion in tax cuts and new spending. But they plan on saying tax cuts largely pay for themselves so it fits reconciliation rules.

[Lathum]

Hard to know what to believe, but it appears Trump ordered a couple dams to release water to get it flowing to LA and all thats happening if farmers fields are getting flooded.

[Flasch186]

They&rsquo;re culling the fbi by the thousands


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[RainMaker]

Well we finally defunded the police. Welcome to the resistance Donald Trump.

[Fidatelo]

I think the world will be lucky if you guys just go the route of 90's Russia. I suspect it will look a lot more like 30's Germany.

[JPhillips]

Don't know if it will last, but early on JB Pritzker is easily the highest profile Dem Presidential hopeful who understands what the rank and file of the party wants to see in response to Trump.

[GrantDawg]

Isn't it funny that it is yet another billionaire?

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[Mota]

Like I said, it feels a lot like we're going the 1990's Russia route. Except our Yeltsin isn't a drunk, he's just really dumb. I guess the annoying part of this is the uncertainty. One minute there's 25% tariffs on a country, the next it's delayed, then it's back on, then it's going to encompass Europe, then who fucking knows. People are just winging it.

He's not dumb, he's evil. This is malicious.

He is single handedly turning the USA into an enemy of the world. He is currently an enemy to every other country, and it could negatively change the long-term relationships if this is allowed to fester long enough.

On a good note, his character archetype is going to make a great antagonist for many many movies in a few years. I give it 2 years before you start seeing "evil dictator tries to take over the world" movies.

[PilotMan]

He wants the world to look at him the way it looks at Putin. Out for himself, the desire to be the most important person in the world, out to poke fingers at people who resent him, willing to stab anyone in the back or the front to further his personal advantage, willing to take advantage of stability through inserting instability when it will give him an advantage, whether or not it's moral or ethical.



This is not who the USA is. It's not the USA I was raised in. It's never been who the USA is, and frankly, it paints a giant target on all our backs.

[Lathum]

This is not who the USA is. It's not the USA I was raised in. It's never been who the USA is, and frankly, it paints a giant target on all our backs.

I think you're wrong. Despite knowing what he is he won the popular vote and an electoral college landslide. Made gains in young people and minorities. Despite Jan 6th, the arrests and convictions, the chaos of his first term, people chose him. This is exactly who we are and that is what is most depressing to me.

[JPhillips]

A majority of voters picked someone other than Trump.

[JPhillips]

NTSB says they won't provide information through channels other than X.

X is the official state media now.

[Lathum]

A majority of voters picked someone other than Trump.

I never said otherwise. In fact I purposely didn't say a majority picked him.

It doesn't change the fact that millions sat out either from apathy or protest and here we are.

The fact that he was even on the ticket is a disgrace.

Like it or not this IS who we are now.

[bhlloy]

A majority of voters picked someone other than Trump.

This is different from other democracies how exactly? The American voters made their choice.

[JPhillips]

I think it's important to keep saying Trump was the choice of a minority of voters. There isn't such overwhelming support that nothing can be done to stop what's happening.

[Lathum]

I think it's important to keep saying Trump was the choice of a minority of voters. There isn't such overwhelming support that nothing can be done to stop what's happening.

Then why isn't something being done?

He hasn't been in office 2 weeks and he is already committing impeachable offenses.

[JPhillips]

Because too many people, including electeds, think there's overwhelming support for Trump and they're scared to do anything.

[Danny]

I do think its an important point. This isnt what say 75% of the population voted for. Yes a lot of people are getting what they voted for but there is still time to turn thingd srpund. Even 1-2% from the trump voters and 1-2% of non voters is enough to swing future elections.

[cuervo72]

If we emerge from this at some point, we’re gonna need a new system now that Elon’s exfiltrating everyone’s SSN.

[Lathum]

Because too many people, including electeds, think there's overwhelming support for Trump and they're scared to do anything.

Liz Cheney says hello...

[Lathum]

I do think its an important point. This isnt what say 75% of the population voted for. Yes a lot of people are getting what they voted for but there is still time to turn thingd srpund. Even 1-2% from the trump voters and 1-2% of non voters is enough to swing future elections.

There is nothing to indicate that will happen. The man led a coup, committed treason, is a felon, and oversaw the most chaotic 4 year period in our history. That is on top of him so blatantly a horrific person. All that being said he gained 3 million voters and won the election in an EC landslide. He also chipped away in traditionally blue states like mine and made inroads with minorities and young people..

You guys need to come to grips with the fact this is who we are and what people want and that magic line you guys think he will cross someday does not exist.

[Lathum]

Because too many people, including electeds, think there's overwhelming support for Trump and they're scared to do anything.

He has literally driven all opposition from the party. He controls the courts. He is putting unqualified yes men in high profile positions to do his bidding.

No one is coming to help. Our only hope at this point is the hamberders do their job.

[JPhillips]

Literally 2 GOP House members can stop any legislation. 4 GOP Senators. They aren't immune to public pressure. Giving up and saying there's nothing to be done is no better than complying before it's necessary.

And if we're at a point where the next election won't happen it's even more important to build as much opposition as possible. Trump's going to win a lot, but those wins don't have to be easy.

[Lathum]

Literally 2 GOP House members can stop any legislation. 4 GOP Senators. They aren't immune to public pressure. Giving up and saying there's nothing to be done is no better than complying before it's necessary.

.

Look at the people they are confirming to high level cabinet positions.

You're fooling yourself if you think there will be any resistance. Hopefully when midterms roll around there is some semblance of democracy left, but I suspect some gerrymandering will happen.

[JPhillips]

Your choices are throw up your hands and say nothing can be done or fight back wherever you can.

[Danny]

Were not quite nazi germany yet. There will still be opportunities to get back to some semblence of democracy and justice (though the days of being possibly the greatest country in the world or almost certainly over).

[Lathum]

Your choices are throw up your hands and say nothing can be done or fight back wherever you can.

My point was this is who we are as a nation. People want this, they voted for this. There isn't going to be some epiphany for these people.

I will fight like hell. I have a daughter and a gay son. We are a one income household. I stand to lose a lot if we continue down this path.

None of that changes the fact that for the next 4 years, and maybe more, this is who we are because more people chose this over normalcy and decency. It says something about who we are as a nation that 77 million people, full well knowing what they were doing, voted for him.

I'm on your side man. I get it, you are afraid for your daughter, and should be, but you also have to be real. For the next 2 years at least this is a dictatorship and oligharchy.

[JPhillips]

A minority of people voted for Trump and we're already seeing approval ratings dropping. There's definitely not majority support for a lot of the shit going on now and letting people know they are the majority will only help grow the opposition.

I have no illusions about how bad the next two or four years will be, but I'm not willing to let them do it while I hide in the corner. Most Americans are decent.

[Lathum]

Most Americans are decent.

77 million of them either actively support that shit or are OK with it because they were told eggs would be cheaper.

If you want to be like Edward and split hairs, fine, but lets not act like a huge number of people are decent. They chose this.

[JPhillips]

There are 330 million Americans.

[Lathum]

There are 330 million Americans.

You realize at no point have I tried to claim a majority supports him?

We elected him under our process. This is who we are now.

[Lathum]

I am seeing reports Canadas plan to retaliate to the Trump tariffs is to hurt the red states.

I laughed.

[JPhillips]

We got a win today and the money for PEPFAR has been restored. Literally millions of people have lived longer lives because of PEPFAR and the outrage from lots of different angles changed the policy.

[RainMaker]

I am seeing reports Canadas plan to retaliate to the Trump tariffs is to hurt the red states.

I laughed.

The smart approach would be to target the oligarchs. Heavy tariffs on Tesla products. Loosen tariffs on Chinese EVs. If we're going to just turn into a Russia style economy, treat it that way in retaliation.

[cuervo72]

I’ve seen rumblings that some Canadians are discussing that, yeah.

Would also be interesting if countries seized Trump properties. Bold, but interesting.

[RainMaker]

Liz Cheney says hello...

A person objectively more evil than Trump.

I don't think much has changed besides optics. Politicians did evil things and most Americans support those evil things. But it's acceptable to do those things as long as you hide it behind some fancy political speech or wave a pride flag every year for a few days.

What throws people off about Trump is he's more transparent in the grift and what he's doing. He isn't hiding this shit behind dogwhistles and intermediaries. I think that's why it's been so difficult for Democrats to counter him. They treat him as some aberration that will go away when he's really just a run-of-the-mill conservative with some populist ideas who doesn't care about the optics.

[Lathum]

A person objectively more evil than Trump.

I don't think much has changed besides optics. Politicians did evil things and most Americans support those evil things. But it's acceptable to do those things as long as you hide it behind some fancy political speech or wave a pride flag every year for a few days.

What throws people off about Trump is he's more transparent in the grift and what he's doing. He isn't hiding this shit behind dogwhistles and intermediaries. I think that's why it's been so difficult for Democrats to counter him. They treat him as some aberration that will go away when he's really just a run-of-the-mill conservative with some populist ideas who doesn't care about the optics.

I get your Neocon schtick, but this is such next level horseshit.

He's putting Kash fucking Patel in charge of the FBI

[RainMaker]

Her family killed a million innocent civilians to juice the stock in their family business.

[PilotMan]

FBI will be replaced by Trump Troopers. Hell, all the forces that he's using might as well be called that.

[RainMaker]

And wait till you find out about some of the other fine gentlemen that have run the FBI over the years. They literally had a domestic operation to assassinate civil rights leaders and destroy their organizations for decades. Reagan put in charge a guy who would go on to be the lawyer for one of the most notorious Russian mobsters in history. Heck, James Comey, the liberal icon spent most of his tenure violating civil rights and installing morally bankrupt tactics.

Sorry to say but Kash Patel fits right in with what the FBI has always been.

[Mota]

My point was this is who we are as a nation. People want this, they voted for this. There isn't going to be some epiphany for these people.

I will fight like hell. I have a daughter and a gay son. We are a one income household. I stand to lose a lot if we continue down this path.

None of that changes the fact that for the next 4 years, and maybe more, this is who we are because more people chose this over normalcy and decency. It says something about who we are as a nation that 77 million people, full well knowing what they were doing, voted for him.

I'm on your side man. I get it, you are afraid for your daughter, and should be, but you also have to be real. For the next 2 years at least this is a dictatorship and oligharchy.

If the people voted for Trump because they suffered through COVID and the post-COVID inflation and are pissed, this is also very similar to post WWI Germany who had massive inflation and the Great Depression. They were angry and they voted for someone who would provide revenge. The parallels are quite similar, and frightening.

[RainMaker]

Don't know if it will last, but early on JB Pritzker is easily the highest profile Dem Presidential hopeful who understands what the rank and file of the party wants to see in response to Trump.

He's been the only major Dem to understand things the past few years. Not afraid to speak up or stand up to people. He should be #1 on the list for 2028 but he's not part of the Clinton/Obama in-crowd so he probably won't make it far on the national level.

[JPhillips]

I've got a high school friend, a big Trump supporter, who is pissed because the tariffs are potentially going to ruin his employer. He's really pissed at Trump today. Now that may not last, but people can be persuaded by what happens.

Here is one of a few posts:

Trump has just ruined the U.S. China has stopped importing our products. I'm sorry but he really screwed us. No one outside the US will deal with the US now, and our dollar will crumble. Someone, please tell me how you think this will work.

[Ksyrup]

Fuck 'em all and fuckin' no regrets.

[JPhillips]

There's no minimum amount for the tariffs, so in theory every purchase from Canada, even say one book through Etsy, is supposed to have the tariff. There's no possible way we have the manpower to make that work without massive delays in shipping.

[Danny]

There were a lot of people simply mad at Biden and their lives who voted Trump or didnt vote. Those people will end up mad at Trump. I dont have the mindset of screw them anymore because all the help against Trump is important. The tariffs will indeed start to hurt Trumps support. If anything is done to social security or medicaid etc he will lose tons of support. Maybe then he blames Musk and reverses course, who knows but im with jphillips that alienating people just because they voted stupid isnt the solution.

[Ksyrup]

I really don't care. This country is lost either way. The same people mad about this will be distracted by some ridiculous social issue and vote against their self-interest in 2/4 years. So, I hope they get everything they voted for.

[kingfc22]

I am seeing reports Canadas plan to retaliate to the Trump tariffs is to hurt the red states.

I laughed.

Haha. Please tell me this is true.

[Atocep]

Haha. Please tell me this is true.

The Canadian tariffs are broad but it sounds like they are specifically including some goods like bourbon and whiskey to target red states. There was also talk of a 100% tariff on Tesla but EVs aren't happening until the 2nd round of tariffs later this month.

[Edward64]

Little more details on Canadian tariffs

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trudeau-retaliatory-tariffs-canada-us-trump-rcna190314
"Like the American tariffs, our response will also be far reaching and include everyday items such as American beer, wine and bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, including orange juice, along with vegetables, perfume, clothing and shoes," Trudeau said. "It'll include major consumer products like household appliances, furniture and sports equipment, and materials like lumber and plastics, along with much, much more."
Mexico hasn't gone to the next level of details yet

Also on Saturday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said in Spanish in a post to X that she had instructed her secretary of the economy "to implement the Plan B we have been working on, which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico’s interests." Details about that plan have not yet been announced.

[Edward64]

Depressing stuff.

I'm all for strategic and/or targeted tariffs for national security purposes & to protect embryonic industries/technologies, but this is way too broad and for the wrong reasons.

Fentanyl and illegals are serious issues but Trump can take other actions and be less disruptive to our economy. And typically, there are negotiations to try fix the problem. I haven't read of any serious effort to talk to Mexico & Canada about fixing the problems. Just seems unnecessarily retaliatory at this time.

Additional 10% on China, no problem. Trump started it, Joe continued it, haven't seen much adverse impact to us.

Interesting to see how this thing eventually plays out.

[SirFozzie]

Haha. Please tell me this is true.

CBC article on stop buying red-state liquor (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-premier-david-eby-us-tariffs-1.7448307)

Also, the fetanyl link is so he can impose the tariffs in the name of "national security", instead of having Congress do it. He needs money to fund everything, so is trying to use the US bully power to generate funds. Whether it will work or not.. last time they tried this (with China and corn), 92% of the money they generated through tariffs went to bail oout the farmers who were affected.

[GrantDawg]

CBC article on stop buying red-state liquor (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-premier-david-eby-us-tariffs-1.7448307)

Also, the fetanyl link is so he can impose the tariffs in the name of "national security", instead of having Congress do it. He needs money to fund everything, so is trying to use the US bully power to generate funds. Whether it will work or not.. last time they tried this (with China and corn), 92% of the money they generated through tariffs went to bail oout the farmers who were affected.
It is a recessive tax, which is why he loves it. He will claim the other country pays the tax all he wants, this is a sales tax paid by Americans on all imported goods. Most of those goods are on lower/cheaper end of the price scale, so it is a tax that will hit the lowest incomes the hardest. They have been wanting a National Sales Tax forever, but now they have figured out a way to back door it. All to fund huge tax cuts for the 1%.

[JPhillips]

Trump:

WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!). BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID.

Not a strong message, IMO.

[Ksyrup]

But it's in all caps! And if you disagree, then you're clearly not a patriot!

[Ksyrup]

Also, how quickly he pivoted from "there are no downsides to a tariff" to "there will be some pain!"

[Jas_lov]

I thought they might try the old "don't believe your eyes and ears" but looks like they're going with 'it's now patriotic to pay higher prices."

[Ghost Econ]

Arrested Development predicted this

It’s one banana, Michael, how much could it cost? 10 dollars?

[Mota]

Starting on Tuesday, there won't be any American liquor or wine in Ontario shelves. They're being pulled.

[Lathum]

I've got a high school friend, a big Trump supporter, who is pissed because the tariffs are potentially going to ruin his employer. He's really pissed at Trump today. Now that may not last, but people can be persuaded by what happens.

Here is one of a few posts:

And if history is any indicator he will continue to support Trump and this version of the GOP because some trans kid in Idaho wants to play volleyball...

[Lathum]

Starting on Tuesday, there won't be any American liquor or wine in Ontario shelves. They're being pulled.

One billion in sales a year, and that is just one product.

[Sweed]

And if history is any indicator he will continue to support Trump and this version of the GOP because some trans kid in Idaho wants to play volleyball...

That people continue to discount folks caring about their daughters having a level playing field is mind boggling to me. You are right that it costs the left votes. Here's a tidbit of information for you, it always will. And when you condescend to those voters from "your moral high ground" with name calling and trying to guilt them for something they shouldn't feel guilty about you will lose more votes.

[Lathum]

That people continue to discount folks caring about their daughters having a level playing field is mind boggling to me. You are right that it costs the left votes. Here's a tidbit of information for you, it always will. And when you condescend to those voters from "your moral high ground" with name calling and trying to guilt them for something they shouldn't feel guilty about you will lose more votes.

I want kids to have a level playing field, but if you can't see it has massively been blown out of proportion you are part of the problem. Not to mention it has also been use to completely demonize and vilify a community of maybe the most vulnerable kids in society.

Talking about moral high ground is pretty rich. How man trans kids committed suicide because one party feels icky about them? I effing guarantee it is more than participated in some swim meet in New Mexico. So take your moral high ground and stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

[cuervo72]

“We will always hate trans people and how dare you say we should feel guilty about it.”

[kingfc22]

GOP is excellent at taking an issue impacting an extremely tiny amount of people, like transgender athletes, and turning it into a some sort of boogeyman that is around every corner and in every small town across America.

[cuervo72]

@bubbaprog.lol on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/bubbaprog.lol/post/3lh77ekgdas2h)

Elon going through the Treasury database figuring out what not to pay with…Mike Flynn.

[JPhillips]

Dems should be able to make hay out of Elon stealing access to every American's Social Security number and tax returns, but instead they went home for the weekend.

[kingfc22]

Trump tariffs Canada: Ottawa Senators fans boo U.S. anthem (https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/hockey-fans-boo-us-national-anthem-at-ottawa-senators-game-after-trump-imposes-tariffs/)

Four more years of actively trying to grow hatred towards the US.

Should do wonders for that make America great strategy.

[GrantDawg]

Trump tariffs Canada: Ottawa Senators fans boo U.S. anthem (https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/hockey-fans-boo-us-national-anthem-at-ottawa-senators-game-after-trump-imposes-tariffs/)

Four more years of actively trying to grow hatred towards the US.

Should do wonders for that make America great strategy.
My biggest fear, and this is beginning to be not so much a tinfoil hat thing, that this is all a pretext for active invasion of the whole Northern Hemisphere. Tank the economy, blame it on Canada and Mexico, and invaded to take resources, subjugate them. Taking Greenland is strategic to prevent European interdiction. Invading Panama to take back the canal to control all trade. "Manifest Destiny"

[Edward64]

My biggest fear, and this is beginning to be not so much a tinfoil hat thing, that this is all a pretext for active invasion of the whole Northern Hemisphere. Tank the economy, blame it on Canada and Mexico, and invaded to take resources, subjugate them. Taking Greenland is strategic to prevent European interdiction. Invading Panama to take back the canal to control all trade. "Manifest Destiny"

No way on Canada. I can see some unilateral action against Mexico narco gangs but not an invasion to conquer.

I would be more worried if I was Panama and Cuba as a wildcard (e.g. Florida Cubans voters & Rubio)

[PilotMan]

My biggest fear, and this is beginning to be not so much a tinfoil hat thing, that this is all a pretext for active invasion of the whole Northern Hemisphere. Tank the economy, blame it on Canada and Mexico, and invaded to take resources, subjugate them. Taking Greenland is strategic to prevent European interdiction. Invading Panama to take back the canal to control all trade. "Manifest Destiny"


Our kids get drafted.



The Mrs' biggest fear. I won't feed into it, but you can draw some lines, connect some dots to where it points more towards it as reality. Still, I refuse to give in to that fear just yet. I do feel like we're still totally fucked. That the representative democracy that we had is over.

[Flasch186]

So glad I got the family dual citizenship to Austria of all places. The irony in that is not lost on me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ksyrup]

I watched a clip of some young white male Rep a few weeks ago when Trump was making noise about Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal and he just had this weird look in his eyes as he talked about this being the modern Manifest Destiny. This is just the natural extension of all the Alpha Male BS the right has been spouting for years. Now it's the country as the Alpha Male bullying whomever it wants without caring who it hurts.

[RainMaker]

The Taliban ran our military out of Afghanistan. This country doesn't have the ability to take over others.

[bhlloy]

Ironically Trump has done an incredible job uniting the left and right in Canada and antagonizing people who probably would have been in power soon and natural allies for him.

And yeah, as bloody and insane and brutal as it would be, even the US doesn't have the military means to pacify a country with the size, population and modern military of Canada. Doesn't mean I have total confidence he wouldn't try, but I have to believe even this Congress would impeach if he tried to get into an offensive war that would cost millions of American lives.

[RainMaker]

Dems should be able to make hay out of Elon stealing access to every American's Social Security number and tax returns, but instead they went home for the weekend.

Hakeem Jeffries is at an AIPAC event asking for more money for Israel. That's the opposition party in 2025.

[Flasch186]

I&rsquo;m seeing on my Facebook wall a lot of

&ldquo;It&rsquo;ll be ok, we have to have pain to get the deficit right&rdquo;

And

&ldquo;This is nothing new&rdquo;

I think they&rsquo;ll need to feel more pain before trying to figure out what happened.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sweed]

I want kids to have a level playing field, but if you can't see it has massively been blown out of proportion you are part of the problem. Not to mention it has also been use to completely demonize and vilify a community of maybe the most vulnerable kids in society.

Talking about moral high ground is pretty rich. How man trans kids committed suicide because one party feels icky about them? I effing guarantee it is more than participated in some swim meet in New Mexico. So take your moral high ground and stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

A girl's right to play sports with other girls is trivial to you and being blown out of proportion? I'd wager a lot of girls would disagree. Which would of course result in them being called names, trying to shame them into silence and compliance, when there's nothing to be ashamed of.


Obviously you don't want kids to have a level playing field as you want an exception for a group that is not prohibited from playing sports now. But it seems many with your view, not sure about you, are happy to label girls as anti-trans (got to heap that guilt on at every opportunity. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME) and having no empathy (not possible, it can only be hate) for trans kids because they'd like to keep their ability to compete on the level playing field you claim to want too. Girls, Mothers, Fathers, and many others that want girl's sport, for them, doesn't mean those folks have no empathy for anyone that is Trans. But yeah, thanks for trying to put guilt where it doesn't belong.

How about we treat human beings like human beings, including the girls?


“We will always hate trans people and how dare you say we should feel guilty about it.”

Yeah, hate is the only possible reason. :popcorn: Thank you for confirming my post. :)


I thought about writing another paragraph on how anti Trump/maga I am, but I knew that would be a waste of time. I've trespassed against the far left and nothing I can say will take me out of the unholy place I now inhabit in this world.

[RainMaker]

How often is that even happening? Like are there more than 20 instances of this taking place in the entire country?

It just seems like people way too interested in children's genitalia.

[kingfc22]

I&rsquo;m seeing on my Facebook wall a lot of

&ldquo;It&rsquo;ll be ok, we have to have pain to get the deficit right&rdquo;

And

&ldquo;This is nothing new&rdquo;

I think they&rsquo;ll need to feel more pain before trying to figure out what happened.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Nothing and I mean NOTHING will turn the MAGA/GOP crowd against Trump.

I don’t understand why people think something new will come up that will turn things around.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I've trespassed against the far left and nothing I can say will take me out of the unholy place I now inhabit in this world.

That's because that wing is completely batshit insane.

And it's getting to the point where they probably -- scratch that, almost certainly -- don't need to be left on the streets with the sane people.

[cuervo72]

Sports are trivial compared to a campaign which is trying to make it impossible to function as a trans person in the US, if not eliminate them altogether, yes.

[cuervo72]

https://translegislation.com/

These bills aren’t just about sports.

[Edward64]

I would be more worried if I was Panama ...

Good call Panama.

Doesn't make it right but its best for Panama at this point in time.

Trump signs tariffs on top trade partners as he enacts ‘America First’ agenda | CNN Politics (https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-tariffs-presidency-news-02-02-25/index.html)
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said his country would not renew a 2017 memorandum of understanding to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting the agreement could end early. He said Panama would seek to work with the US on new investments, including infrastructure projects.

Mulino reiterated on Sunday that the country’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal was not up for debate, saying that he addressed the United States’ concerns over China’s presence around the canal during talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Mulino also said Panamanian authorities are carrying out an audit on the Panama Ports Company, a firm linked to China that operates two ports around the canal. “We have to wait until that audit ends before we can reach our legal conclusions and act accordingly,” Mulino said.

[Lathum]

How about we treat human beings like human beings, including the girls?




.

Laughable sentiment since you are railing against a community with an attempted suicide rate of close to 40%. But I guess you are OK with a bunch of dead trans kids as long as the .000000000001% of these instances where they invade a womans sport doesn't happen.

[Lathum]

https://translegislation.com/

These bills aren’t just about sports.

They never were. Sports is just a way to create a boogey man for small minded people who can't see whats really happening.

[Lathum]

Nothing and I mean NOTHING will turn the MAGA/GOP crowd against Trump.

I don’t understand why people think something new will come up that will turn things around.

I mentioned it earlier. People seem to think there is some magic line he is going to cross and that line doesn't exist. These people will always find an excuse because dear leader can not ever be wrong

[Ghost Econ]

It's like banning allowing people from entering any body of water because a few people got bit by sharks in the past decade.

Sure, this is a ridiculous analogy, but the percentages are the same.

[Edward64]

I've trespassed against the far left and nothing I can say will take me out of the unholy place I now inhabit in this world.
Eh, new to gender identity politics around here? No whining. Join the club.

I don't know exactly your stance on is on transgenders in sports, but see my (and Joe's stance) on it. Haven't kept up with it (did it pass?) but IMO a good compromise.

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Discussion on FL "Don't Say Gay" bill (https://forums.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=3398096&postcount=314)

I like this compromise. I think Biden is saying in vast majority of sports, it doesn't matter if there is a transgender student participating in either sex. But in select & highly competitive ones, acknowledge there may need to be some restrictions set.

But his proposed rule is pretty vague (purposely so I think) and I'm sure there'll be challenges and fine-tuning.

Title IX: Biden proposes rule for transgender student athletes that allows for some restrictions, opposes categorical bans | CNN Politics (https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/06/politics/title-ix-transgender-student-athletes-biden-rule/index.html)

The Biden administration proposed Thursday a new federal rule change that would allow for schools to enforce some restrictions on transgender student athletes, but opposes policies that “categorically” ban those students from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender.

“The proposed rule would establish that policies violate Title IX when they categorically ban transgender students from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender identity just because of who they are,” according to a public notice from the US Department of Education.

“The proposed rule also recognizes that in some instances, particularly in competitive high school and college athletic environments, some schools may adopt policies that limit transgender students’ participation,” it continued.
“For older students, especially at the high school and college level, the Department expects that sex-related criteria that limit participation of some transgender students may be permitted, in some cases, when they enable the school to achieve an important educational objective, such as fairness in competition, and meet the proposed regulation’s other requirements,” according to a summary of the proposed rule.

[CrimsonFox]

oh no baby wet his pants, that's six more weeks of lying.

[JPhillips]

Trump says he's cutting off money to South Africa due to certain classes of people being treated badly. He's about two steps from advocating for a return to apartheid.

[BYU 14]

Trump says he's cutting off money to South Africa due to certain classes of people being treated badly. He's about two steps from advocating for a return to apartheid.

I'm sure Musk had absolutely nothing to do with this ;)

I promise, South Africa would never be on Trump's delusional radar otherwise.

[RainMaker]

So with markets set to tank tomorrow, how long till he drops the tariffs and says he fixed the problem?

[Flasch186]

So with markets set to tank tomorrow, how long till he drops the tariffs and says he fixed the problem?

Actually I think the “pain” will be a badge of honor and the price we have to pay in order to make right the sins of the democrats.

That’ll be going on for a while then he’ll release the crimp and be the hero fixing the pain (that he created)

[JPhillips]

Crypto bloodbath going on now.

[kingfc22]

So much winning.

FAFO baby!

[Edward64]

Budget deficit is $1.8T out of $6.76T in spending (e.g. parents spending with their kid's credit cards). I do hope we get near to a balanced budget.

No doubt the cost cutting (and revenue increases) is going to hurt people, but USAID is, relatively speaking, low hanging fruit. The biggest funding is Ukraine, Israel, Jordan & Egypt. I'd think Israel will definitely get her funding. Jordan & Egypt if they accede to Trump & Bibi's demands. Ukraine ... up in the air. Most everyone else, probably going to lose out.

$40B here, $40B there. Soon we'll be talking about real money.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/elon-musk-says-trump-are-shutting-usaid-rcna190388
Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Monday that he and President Donald Trump were in the process of shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development, escalating their war on the federal bureaucracy and defying the constitutional power of Congress to determine how money is spent.
Trump administration officials have discussed placing USAID under the authority of the State Department
Its budget for the 2023 fiscal year was about $40 billion, according to a report last month from the Congressional Research Service. That’s a tiny fraction of the overall federal discretionary spending of $1.7 trillion.

[GrantDawg]

Crypto bloodbath going on now.
Explain that one to me. Shouldn't Crypto be exploding? Isn't it supposed to be the hedge against the market?

[Edward64]

Very nice dig, Vladimir ...

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/03/putin-says-europe-will-stand-at-feet-of-master-as-trump-imposes-tariffs.html
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised President Trump on Sunday, saying his second administration would “restore order” in Europe.

“I assure you: Trump, with his character, with his persistence, he will restore order there quite quickly. And all of them, you will see — it will happen quickly, soon — they will all stand at the feet of the master and will wag their tails a little. Everything will fall into place,” Putin told pro-Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin
Criticising his European counterparts on Sunday, Putin said European leaders on the continent lacked conviction in their beliefs.

All Zelensky has to do is tell Trump that he has the opportunity to be the greatest US President ever by decisively defeating Russia without shedding US blood (only money).

[Ksyrup]

All of Musk's weekend shenanigans are frankly impossible to believe. An unelected billionaire has taken over US payment systems, shut down government offices, and downloaded onto private servers millions of Americans confidential information, using a bunch of lackeys with no security clearance. And I haven't heard a peep from Dems. I mean, who works on the weekends?

[Fidatelo]

My biggest fear, and this is beginning to be not so much a tinfoil hat thing, that this is all a pretext for active invasion of the whole Northern Hemisphere. Tank the economy, blame it on Canada and Mexico, and invaded to take resources, subjugate them. Taking Greenland is strategic to prevent European interdiction. Invading Panama to take back the canal to control all trade. "Manifest Destiny"


This is where I'm at. Didn't sleep much this weekend. If this was a shakedown there would be an ask that we could try to meet. My kids are 14 and 15, this is not the future I dreamed for them :(

[JPhillips]

Explain that one to me. Shouldn't Crypto be exploding? Isn't it supposed to be the hedge against the market?

I don't know. Maybe the tariffs put downward pressure on heroin, hookers, and assassins?