politics

Ken Martin, the chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, said that as DNC chair, he would ensure the party does not accept contributions from billionaires that Biden was referencing while not swearing off wealthy donors entirely.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good billionaires out there that have been with Democrats, who share our values, and we will take their money,” Martin said. “But we’re not taking money from the bad billionaires.”

Summary

Snoop Dogg faced backlash from fans after performing at the "Crypto Ball," a black-tie event celebrating Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.

Snoop, who once criticized Trump in his music and public statements, praised him in 2024 and performed his hit "Nuthin’ but a G Thang" at the $2,500-$5,000 per ticket event hosted by tech moguls.

Fans labeled the performance "embarrassing" and "disrespectful," citing his past anti-Trump sentiments, including a music video and song that mocked Trump during his first term.

What this means in practice is a return to the very corrupt system we had before there was a professional civil service, in which the winning party uses federal jobs as a means of rewarding supporters.

Summary

In May 2021, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Meryl Nass, on behalf of Children's Health Defense, petitioned the FDA to revoke Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines, citing safety concerns.

The FDA rejected the petition, finding no evidence the vaccines' benefits were outweighed by risks.

Kennedy, nominated for health secretary, is expected to face scrutiny over his history of vaccine skepticism, including his false claim that COVID-19 vaccines are the "deadliest ever."

Summary

Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump, is expected to step down to launch a campaign for Ohio governor.

Sources report friction between Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, and incoming DOGE staff, with Musk's team criticizing his lack of participation and subtly encouraging his exit.

"Vivek has worn out his welcome," one Trump associate said.

DOGE, a task force to streamline federal bureaucracy, is not a formal agency.

Summary

Immigrants in Chicago are preparing for mass deportation arrests as Trump plans to target over 300 individuals with violent criminal records, alongside others without legal status.

Fear has prompted many to designate powers of attorney, plan for childcare, and install security cameras.

Community leaders condemned the plans, urging calm and emphasizing immigrants' legal rights.

Advocacy groups are hosting workshops, while some families are creating contingency plans to manage their assets and protect loved ones.

https://12ft.io/https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/whats-really-behind-the-house-bill-to-ban-transgender-athletes-from-school-sports

Summary

President Joe Biden leaves office with a legacy of leading the U.S. out of the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, and rallying global support for Ukraine.

However, since live television’s rise more than half a century ago, the skills needed to run for president have diverged from those required to govern.

This led many voters to doubt his capability despite his achievements, forcing him to withdraw from the 2024 race.

Meanwhile, voters have been less critical of Donald Trump’s age, overlooking unpopular policies like tariffs that hurt farmers and manufacturing.

Many Republicans and independent voters accepted Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election being stolen and justified the January 6 Capitol attack, enabling his return to office.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/24470558

Summary

Despite previously attempting to ban TikTok over national security concerns, Donald Trump now champions the platform, which went offline in the U.S. Sunday under a controversial ban upheld by the Supreme Court.

TikTok is good for Trump because it is a maelstrom of disinformation so massive that even Elon Musk-controlled Twitter cannot compete.

The app’s algorithm spreads disinformation and emotionally manipulative content, which boosts Trump’s messaging.

Critics warn that TikTok fosters disconnection, exploiting empathy to exhaust users and distract them from meaningful real-world action.

Summary

TikTok announced it is restoring U.S. service after Donald Trump pledged to issue an executive order delaying the app’s ban.

The law, upheld by the Supreme Court, mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, sell to a U.S.-based buyer or face removal.

Trump’s decision allows TikTok a 90-day extension to explore options, although lawmakers like Speaker Mike Johnson insist the ban will be enforced unless ByteDance divests.

Security concerns over data privacy and potential Chinese influence remain central, while possible buyers, including Elon Musk, have been rumored but remain unconfirmed.

Summary

Donald Trump announced Peggy Schwinn as the next U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education.

The decision sparked backlash from his MAGA supporters on Truth Social, who reminded him of his campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education.

Critics accused Trump of betraying his vow to reduce federal involvement in education, with several threatening to withdraw support if the department isn’t shut down.

Many expressed frustration over staffing the department instead of eliminating it as pledged.

Summary

Katherine Stewart’s book, Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, warns of a coordinated right-wing movement aiming to dismantle U.S. democracy.

This movement, comprising Christian nationalists, billionaire oligarchs, and conservative ideologues, aims to dismantle pluralistic democracy and establish a theocratic system.

Stewart highlights its deep organization, financial backing, and strategic voter mobilization, contrasting it with less coordinated pro-democracy efforts.