“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” President Donald Trump declared with characteristic defiance.

That statement, dropped like a bombshell, has reignited a firestorm over America’s nuclear policy. It’s a decision that could shake the foundations of international treaties and global stability.

President Trump’s order to restart U.S. nuclear weapons testing has shattered decades of policy, drawing sharp criticism for potentially violating long-standing international bans, Just The News reported

The main players here are Trump, pushing a hardline stance against perceived global threats, and a chorus of critics from disarmament groups to foreign leaders. The stakes couldn’t be higher—nuclear escalation risks undoing years of fragile peace. But there’s more behind that move.

International Treaties Under Threat From Bold Policy

Trump’s directive to the Department of War marks a stark departure from U.S. policy since 1992, when President George H.W. Bush imposed a unilateral ban on full-scale nuclear testing. This isn’t just a domestic shift; it challenges the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which the U.S. has long supported, if not ratified.

The justification? Trump points to other nations’ testing programs, though only North Korea has detonated a nuclear device this century. Critics, however, see this as a dangerous overreach, especially when a single test could cost taxpayers a staggering $140 million.

Do you agree with that reasoning? Many readers might not. After all, with the Department of War and Energy already projecting $946 billion in nuclear stockpile maintenance over the next decade, is this the right time for such a gamble?

Critics Warn of Escalating Nuclear Dangers

Looking deeper, the context reveals a troubling picture. The Arms Control Association and other watchdog groups have raised alarms over both feasibility and fallout, noting it could take at least 36 months to resume underground testing at Nevada’s former test site. This isn’t a quick flex—it’s a long, costly road.

“This is an unnecessary and reckless nuclear escalation, increasing nuclear dangers, and disregarding the decades of harm already caused in 80 years of nuclear age,” warned the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. That firestorm of criticism isn’t just noise; it echoes decades of hard-won restraint.

For those catching up, here’s the backdrop: the U.S. halted testing in 1992 amid global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation, a stance reinforced by international agreements. Trump’s pivot away from that legacy has reignited debates over security versus stability. That word—escalation—keeps surfacing, and for good reason.

Global Leaders Push Back on Testing Plans

Reactions have been swift and sharp, with China’s Foreign Minister Guo Jiakun urging the U.S. to honor its commitments under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries didn’t mince words either, calling the move a “massive breach” of international law.

Here’s how we got here: Trump’s order follows claims of foreign testing, despite scant evidence beyond North Korea’s actions. Disarmament advocates argue this could trigger a new arms race, undoing years of diplomacy.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative’s cost estimates—$140 million per test—add fuel to the fire. With global tensions already simmering, the fallout could ripple far beyond Nevada’s desert. And it’s far from over.

Why This Decision Could Reshape Global Security

For everyday Americans, the message is clear: national security debates just got a lot louder. Trump’s bombshell declaration—“Because of other countries testing programs”—rings as a call to action for some, a reckless misstep for others. It’s a divide that mirrors our fractured political landscape.

Looking ahead, the implications are massive. A return to testing could embolden adversaries or alienate allies, all while draining taxpayer dollars. What’s the real cost of this defiance?

That bombshell isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a challenge to the world order. The next steps—whether congressional pushback or international sanctions—could redefine America’s role on the nuclear stage. Stay tuned, because this firestorm isn’t cooling anytime soon.

The Facts

  • President Trump ordered the resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing, breaking from decades of policy.
  • The U.S. last conducted full-scale nuclear testing in 1992 under a unilateral ban by President George H.W. Bush.
  • A single nuclear test could cost taxpayers approximately $140 million, per the Nuclear Threat Initiative.
  • Only North Korea has conducted a nuclear test in the 21st century, despite Trump’s claims of widespread testing.
  • Nuclear stockpile maintenance is projected to cost $946 billion over the next decade.

President Trump’s order to restart U.S. nuclear weapons testing has ignited fierce criticism for risking international treaties and escalating global tensions.

“Plaintiffs seek a ruling from this Court that would effectively disarm the President in the highly competitive arena of international trade,” warned the Department of Justice in a sharp brief to the U.S. Supreme Court.

This isn’t just legal jargon—it’s a battle cry from the Trump administration as it fights to preserve the “Liberation Day” tariffs. The stakes? Nothing less than America’s leverage on the global stage.

The Supreme Court is gearing up to hear arguments Wednesday on whether President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), overstep his authority, the Washingtong Examiner reported

At the heart of this showdown are the Trump administration, defending its trade and foreign policy muscle, and opponents who argue the president is trampling on Congress’s constitutional taxing powers. The tariffs target nations like Canada, Mexico, and China, tied by the administration to trade deficits and the fentanyl crisis. But that wasn’t the only revelation.

Legal Battle Heats Up Over Tariff Authority

The administration’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, enacted via IEEPA, have already reshaped trade with major partners. They’ve been a bargaining chip in framework deals with the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and China. The Justice Department insists these tariffs are vital to addressing declared emergencies.

“Plaintiffs would unwind trade arrangements worth trillions of dollars,” the Department of Justice argued in its brief, emphasizing how President Trump has turned IEEPA tariffs into negotiated wins with global heavyweights. That’s a bold claim, but it underscores the administration’s stance: stripping these powers would cripple U.S. negotiating strength.

Yet, the road hasn’t been smooth. The Trump team lost at both the federal district and appeals court levels in related cases, setting the stage for this Supreme Court clash. Do you agree with the idea that tariffs are a foreign policy necessity? Many readers might not.

Court Losses Set Stage for Historic Ruling

Digging deeper, this case is the first major test of Trump’s policy agenda before the Supreme Court since his return to office in January. For those catching up, the administration filed a reply brief defending the tariffs as lawful under the 1977 IEEPA, claiming they’re essential to combat trade deficits and crises like fentanyl. Historically, courts have often deferred to the executive on foreign policy matters, which could tilt the scales.

Still, the phrase “disarm the President” from the Justice Department’s brief echoes through this debate. It’s a stark warning of what’s at stake if the tariffs are overturned.

Opponents aren’t backing down, though. They argue IEEPA was never meant to grant tariffing power, a point they’ve hammered home in their legal challenges. Their position is clear: no president before Trump has used this law or its predecessor to slap on tariffs, despite its invocation 69 times since 1977.

Opponents Challenge Trump’s Use of Emergency Powers

On the other side, challengers insist that taxation, including tariffs, is a power the Constitution reserves for Congress. “IEEPA does not give the President any taxing or tariffing power,” their brief bluntly states. They warn that Trump’s actions rewrite U.S. trade laws without legislative approval.

Here’s how we got here: the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two combined cases, Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, following lower court defeats for the administration. The fallout from these earlier rulings has only intensified the stakes.

The clash isn’t just legal—it’s a fundamental question of power balance. Who gets to control America’s trade arsenal? And it’s far from over.

Why This Ruling Could Reshape Global Trade

For everyday Americans, the message is clear: this isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about whether the president can wield unilateral economic weapons in a cutthroat world. If the Supreme Court sides with opponents, the ripple effects could unravel trade deals worth trillions. If Trump wins, it’s a green light for even bolder moves.

That phrase “disarm the President” rings louder now than ever. It’s a reminder of the tension gripping this case, as both sides brace for a decision that could redefine U.S. trade policy. What will the justices prioritize—executive leverage or congressional authority?

The courtroom drama is just beginning. Wednesday’s arguments are set to ignite fierce debate among policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike. The next ruling could change everything.

The Facts

  • The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs under IEEPA.
  • These tariffs target Canada, Mexico, and China over trade deficits and the fentanyl crisis.
  • The Trump administration lost related cases in federal district and appeals courts.
  • Opponents argue IEEPA doesn’t grant tariff powers, which belong to Congress.
  • The administration claims overturning tariffs would weaken U.S. global negotiating power.

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide if President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, imposed under emergency powers, exceed his authority, with major implications for U.S. trade and foreign policy.

The Pentagon has just opened the door to arming Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, a move that could shift the balance in a war that’s already a geopolitical powder keg, the Hill reported

The Department of Defense has given its blessing to send these powerful weapons to Kyiv, though the final call rests with President Trump, who’s playing a cautious hand amid pressure from European allies and urgent pleas from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Let’s rewind a bit to see how we got here. Earlier in October, the Joint Staff provided an assessment to the White House, relaying that European allies saw no strong reason for the U.S. to hold back on the missile transfer. It seemed like a green light was imminent, with the Pentagon later confirming that sending Tomahawks wouldn’t dent U.S. stockpiles.

Trump’s Hesitation Sparks Diplomatic Debate

But then came the curveball—President Trump, in a meeting with Zelensky at the White House on October 17, expressed serious reservations. “It’s not easy for us to give … you’re talking about massive numbers of very powerful weapons,” Trump remarked before their discussion, signaling his reluctance to commit right away.

During that meeting, Trump made it clear he wasn’t ready to approve the transfer just yet, leaving Zelensky empty-handed for the moment. You can almost hear the frustration from Kyiv—after all, these missiles aren’t just hardware; they’re a potential game-changer. Tomahawks, with their radar-evading, low-altitude flight and subsonic speed, could let Ukraine strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military and energy assets.

Zelensky didn’t take the delay lying down, though. He’s been vocal about needing advanced weaponry to bolster Ukraine’s position against Russia, arguing that long-range strike capabilities could be the linchpin for peace. It’s a bold claim, but in a war of attrition, every edge counts.

Zelensky Pushes for Long-Range Leverage

In a video address earlier in October, Zelensky doubled down, suggesting that Ukraine’s ability to hit far-off targets might force Russia to the negotiating table. He’s framing this not just as a military need but as a diplomatic chess move. And let’s be honest—when your enemy is lobbing missiles made in-house and sourced from places like North Korea and Iran, as Russia is, you’d want every ace up your sleeve.

After his White House meeting, Zelensky kept the pressure on, highlighting the stakes of the missile discussion. “The front line can spark diplomacy. Instead, Russia continues to do everything to weasel out of diplomacy, and as soon as the issue of long-range capabilities for us — for Ukraine — became less immediate, Russia’s interest in diplomacy faded almost automatically,” he stated, pointing to the missed opportunity.

He didn’t stop there, adding, “This signals that this very issue — the issue of our deep strike capabilities — may hold the indispensable key to peace.” Now, that’s a powerful pitch, but it’s worth asking if arming Ukraine to this degree might escalate tensions rather than cool them. Russia’s already warned that such a move would be seen as a major provocation, and the Kremlin isn’t exactly known for restraint.

European Allies Surprised by Delay

Across the Atlantic, European officials were reportedly taken aback by Trump’s hesitation. Two of them told CNN they expected a quicker approval, especially given the Pentagon’s assessment that U.S. readiness wouldn’t suffer. It’s a reminder that not everyone in the West is on the same page when it comes to how far to push the envelope with Moscow.

Meanwhile, the White House and Pentagon have been contacted by outlets like The Hill for confirmation of these developments, though no official word has sealed the deal yet. CNN broke the initial story of the Pentagon’s approval, underscoring that Trump holds the ultimate veto power. It’s a classic case of bureaucratic green lights hitting a political red wall.

From a conservative vantage point, Trump’s caution isn’t unwarranted—handing over cutting-edge weaponry in “massive numbers” could drain resources or embolden adversaries if not managed with an iron grip. Yet, there’s empathy to be had for Ukraine, a nation under siege, fighting for survival against a relentless foe. The balance between supporting allies and safeguarding American interests is a tightrope walk, no question.

Russia’s Warning Looms Large

Russia, for its part, isn’t mincing words, cautioning that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would cross a dangerous line. When a nation already leaning on foreign drones and missiles issues such a stark warning, it’s not just posturing—it’s a signal they’re ready to up the ante. This isn’t a game of Risk; real lives and global stability hang in the balance.

So where does this leave us? Zelensky’s argument that delayed weaponry dulls Russia’s appetite for talks has merit, but it’s also a gamble to assume more firepower guarantees peace over escalation. Trump’s deliberation might frustrate some, but it’s a nod to the gravity of arming a war zone with tools of such destructive potential.

In the end, this decision isn’t just about missiles—it’s about whether the U.S. can thread the needle between deterring aggression and avoiding a broader conflict. While progressive voices might push for unchecked support, a measured approach that weighs every consequence isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. Let’s hope the final call, whatever it may be, prioritizes both security and sanity in a world already on edge.

Ronald Holmes III has left his position as national finance director for the campaign of U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine, WMTW-TV reported. Holmes announced that he was leaving the campaign because his "standards as a campaign professional no longer fully aligned with those of the campaign."

Platner, an oyster farmer, has positioned himself in the Democratic primary but has already hit some snags. The latest comes after Holmes abruptly announced that he was leaving the "Graham for Maine" campaign in a post to the professional networking site LinkedIn.

"I joined this campaign because I believed in building something different — a campaign of fresh energy, integrity, and reform-minded thinking in a political system that often resists exactly those things. Somewhere along the way, I began to feel that my professional standards as a campaign professional no longer fully aligned with those of the campaign," Holmes said in his post.

"I'm proud of the people who showed up with good hearts and clear purpose and the lessons that came with the work," he added. Losing Holmes is just the tip of the iceberg of problems Platner is facing.

Campaign Woes

Holmes is only the latest insider to abandon what appears to be a sinking ship. On Oct. 17, former Maine Rep. Genevieve McDonald left her job as the political director for the campaign following resurfaced Reddit posts crafted by Platner that attacked rural White Americans and slammed police.

As Politico reported, this trouble triggered the campaign to send out non-disclosure agreements to staffers, including McDonald. “The campaign offered me $15,000 to sign an NDA. I did not accept the offer. I certainly could have used the money. I quit my job to work on Platner’s campaign, believing it was something different than it is," McDonald told Politico.

This explaination from McDonald sounds shoickingly similar to the way Holmes described their parting. Unfortunately, the scandal has grown after additional posts came to light that he ridiculed the tipping culture of Black Americans and downplayed sexual assaults in the military.

Platner continued to experience personnel issues as recently as last Tuesday. His campaign manager, Kevin Brown, left his post after discovering that he and his wife were expecting a child, though the issues surrounding the campaign couldn't have helped. Prior to leaving, Brown had only served in the campaign position for a week.

As difficult as these changes have been for the campaign, arguably the worst scandal has to do with Platner's tattoo that contains a Nazi symbol. He has tried to explain it away as a drunken impulse, but the scandal is far from over.

Controversial Tattoo

According to Fox News, the controversy about Platner's tattoo erupted after old social media posts revealed the skull and crossbones design that was used by Nazi officers. The candidate said that he didn't know the origin of the design when he got the tattoo in Croatia in 2007, following a "night of drinking" while he was in the Marine Corps.

"We thought it looked cool," Platner claimed. He said he's "lived a life dedicated to anti-fascism, anti-racism and anti-Nazism" and was therefore "appalled" to find out its true origin. Platner shared the story in a video uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, on Oct. 22.

"Years ago I got a skull and crossbones tattoo with my buddies in the Marine Corps. I was appalled to learn it closely resembled a Nazi symbol. I altered it yesterday, into something that isn't deeply offensive to my core beliefs. I am very sorry to all of you who had to contemplate a symbol of hate over the past 48 hours," Platner explained in the caption.

Democrats have largely been silent on this controversy, but it seems Platner is unable to stop the momentum, even with the establishment remaining silent. Only time will tell whether Platner can ride this out, but it isn't looking good, and certainly won't serve him if he makes it to the general election.

Vice President J.D. Vance activated the outrage mob by saying that he hopes his wife, Usha, will convert to Catholicism, the New York Times reported. The vice president was asked about the possibility during a Turning Point USA appearance at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, and his answer sent people across the political spectrum into a tizzy.

Wednesday's event was held in honor of the memory of Turning Point USA's late founder, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated nearly two months ago. During a question-and-answer portion of the event, Vance was asked about his interfaith marriage and whether he hoped his wife would join him.

The vice president is himself a convert, having been raised in a culturally evangelical household. Vance is outspoken about his deep faith, and it seems he wishes for his wife, who is a Hindu of Indian descent, to have the same experience.

Vance was forthcoming that he hopes "that she is somehow moved by the same thing I was moved by in the church," the vice president reframed the questioner's point before agreeing. "Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian Gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way," Vance told the audience.

The Backlash

Because the left is overly scrupulous about such things, many are apoplectic about his instinct to want to impose his will on his wife. As the Times noted, "some Indians and Indian Americans across the political spectrum who said that Mr. Vance was not respecting his wife’s religious decisions" by wishing for her to come to the faith he loves.

"Some also said his remarks suggested that Hinduism was inferior at a time when aggressive immigration enforcement has left many South Asian Americans and people of non-Christian faiths feeling uncertain and afraid of their place in American society. The backlash reflected worries by some in the South Asian community over the Trump administration’s immigration policies and its embrace of conservative Christian groups," the Times went on.

While outsiders worry about their marriage and Usha Vance's autonomy, the vice president's wife is unfazed by such sentiment from her husband. "The kids know that I’m not Catholic, and they have plenty of access to the Hindu tradition from books that we give them, to things that we show them, to the visit recently to India and some of the religious elements of that visit," Usha Vance said in an interview with Meghan McCain in June.

"So it is a part of their lives and they know many practicing Hindus as a part of their lives in their own family," the second lady added. The Vances' children attend Catholic school, and Usha Vance often attends Mass with her family. Still, this isn't good enough for the left because there is allegedly a rise in anti-Asian sentiments with the success of Zohran Mamdani's mayoral candidacy in New York City and the controversy of H-1B visas.

Regardless of how this remark is being spun, the truth is that Catholics in particular believe that a person must be baptized to get to heaven, and it makes sense for J.D. Vance to want what is best for his wife. J.D. Vance said as much in a social media post Friday.

Vice President's Rebuttal

Amidst the controversy, J.D. Vance took to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday to dispel rumors and rebut accusations against him, including one that has since been deleted. "What a disgusting comment, and it's hardly been the only one along these lines. First off, the question was from a person seemingly to my left, about my interfaith marriage. I'm a public figure, and people are curious, and I wasn't going to avoid the question," the vice president wrote.

"Second, my Christian faith tells me the Gospel is true and is good for human beings. My wife--as I said at the TPUSA--is the most amazing blessing I have in my life," J.D. Vance explained. "She herself encouraged me to reengage with my faith many years ago. She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriage--or any interfaith relationship--I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, I'll continue to love and support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because she's my wife," J.D. Vance went on.

"Third, posts like this wreak of anti-Christian bigotry. Yes, Christians have beliefs. And yes, those beliefs have many consequences, one of which is that we want to share them with other people. That is a completely normal thing, and anyone who's telling you otherwise has an agenda," the vice president charged.

Christians are called to evangelize, and often the most pressing need comes from the people closest to them. Usha Vance is an intelligent woman and surely can handle a discussion about faith. Unfortunately, leftists don't give her enough credit.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has ordered the Trump administration to keep SNAP benefits funded as the government shutdown continues to drag on.

On Friday, Judge Talwani issued an order requiring the Trump administration to direct emergency funds to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP, funded as the government shutdown is beginning to drag into the months. 

The order will ensure that SNAP benefits continue to flow to the 42 million Americans who receive aid just hours before the funding was set to expire.

This order was issued just before a separate federal judge in Rhode Island issued an order mandating similar action from the Trump administration.

While military members and air traffic controllers face uncertainty about their next paycheck, these federal judges are making sure that those abusing welfare to support their lifestyle can still take advantage of the notoriously exploited SNAP program.

Food stamps must be paid out

A coalition of 25 Democratic governors and state attorneys general sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture over its refusal to keep SNAP benefits funded during the ongoing government shutdown.

Considering Democrats are reliant on votes from those perpetually on welfare, it's no surprise to see Democrats push hard to keep those benefits paid out while doing nothing to fund the troops' paychecks.

Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, wrote in her decision that, "It’s hard for me to understand how this isn’t an emergency when there’s no money and a lot of people need their SNAP benefits."

The issue is there isn't much money to go around as the USDA only has a $5 billion contingency fund which will now need to be spent on food stamps.

The Trump administration wanted to keep that contingency fund intact in order to respond to possible natural disasters.

Democrats don't care about ensuring that disaster response is maintained through the shutdown. After all, its Democrats in Congress who refuse to fund the government unless they secure absurd concessions from the GOP.

Next steps

It's unclear what will happen from here as the Trump administration has yet to announce how it will proceed following these decisions. It's possible that there will be an appeal, but it would take months for this case to be decided, long after the emergency fund is drained.

Ideally, the GOP will take drastic action to end the shutdown but at this point, it seems unlikely that the GOP will unite and end the filibuster.

This decision also highlights the problem of federal judges appointed by Democrat presidents who consistently make activist rulings at the expense of good governance.

James Carville criticized Hunter Biden for speaking publicly about anything, given the disgrace he has brought to his family, the Daily Caller reported. The famed Democratic strategist excoriated the son of former President Joe Biden on the "Politics War Room" podcast released on Thursday, telling him to "shut the f--k up."

The impetus for this tirade came from a revelation in a new book, Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America by ABC News's Jonathan Karl. In it, he claimed that Biden was angry over an incident that happened at a 2024 fundraiser where his father appeared with former President Barack Obama.

Joe Biden had one of his moments on stage, and Obama took him by the wrist to lead him off, which outraged the younger Biden. When Carville's co-host Al Hunt brought up the topic, Carville laid into the former president's son for being a grifter and embarrassing his family.

Hunter Biden's Antics

Carville pulled no punches when it came to the former president's son. "In terms of Hunter Biden, look — he did some really stupid g-----n things," Carville stated.

"That $50,000 a month from a Ukrainian energy company — I mean, if he cared so much about his father, it looks like he wouldn’t have done so much s--t to embarrass him. Getting him on the phone and whatever," Carville said.

Burisma employed Hunter Biden despite his lack of experience and education in the energy industry. There were also accusations that Hunter Biden was engaged in influence peddling and profiting from his famous name.

According to PBS News, Hunter Biden's former business partner, Devon Archer, accused him of using his famous father's influence to make a favorable impression. There were numerous shady dealings between Hunter Biden, his father, and business associates; however, Joe Biden pardoned his son on his way out of office.

"And I don’t criticize [former] President [Joe] Biden for pardoning his own son. I think he was a target of malicious prosecution, but I think he was guilty of some s--t. Okay?" Carville added. "He wasn’t like Chelsea Clinton or the Obama children or anything like that. He traded on his family name. But it would look like after you’ve gone through all of that, you would do the simple thing and just shut the f--k up.”

Laptop From Hell

Carville is correct that Hunter Biden appeared to be intent on embarrassing his father, considering the abandoned laptop that would have become a career-ending scandal, had Big Tech not suppressed the New York Post's report. Still, the humiliating details of his alleged drug-fueled life of debauchery will never go away.

There were photos of Hunter Biden allegedly doing drugs, engaging with prostitutes, and all sorts of other activities. Rather than being discreet about it, Hunter Biden allegedly left behind this hard drive containing a trove of damning evidence at a Delaware repair shop.

Still, Hunter Biden continues to downplay the findings on the laptop and its origins. "So number one, there’s really never a laptop," Hunter Biden claimed.

"But there was a hard drive, and that hard drive became just a dumping ground for things that were hacked, stolen, fabricated, manipulated, real. Lot of — vast majority of things that are real," Hunter Biden said.

Joe Biden was no choir boy by any means, but his son seems to have surpassed him in the ways he could allegedly break the law and misbehave. If Hunter Biden had any sense, he never would have done those things, but he can't even manage to keep his mouth shut about it.

President Donald Trump agreed to cut tariffs on China after the nation agreed to accept agricultural trade from the U.S., Breitbart reported. The deal was struck during a meeting on Thursday with the communist nation's dictator, Xi Jinping, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea.

Trump has been excoriated for trying to work with his Chinese counterpart. He has also received heat for imposing tariffs, which his enemies said would make goods more expensive and create an economic downturn in America.

All along, Trump has insisted that the tariffs would put money in America's coffers, while many speculated he was using them as a bargaining chip. Now it appears the world's best negotiator has come away from the table with another win for America its farmers, and the energy sector.

 

Trump's Deal

Trump shared his triumph in a lengthy post to his Truth Social on Thursday. "There is enormous respect between our two Countries, and that will only be enhanced with what just took place," Trump's post began.

"I had a truly great meeting with President Xi of China. There is enormous respect between our two Countries, and that will only be enhanced with what just took place. We agreed on many things, with others, even of high importance, being very close to being resolved," Trump went on.

"I was extremely honored by the fact that President Xi authorized China to begin the purchase of massive amounts of Soybeans, Sorghum, and other Farm products. Our Farmers will be very happy! In fact, as I said once before during my first Administration, Farmers should immediately go out and buy more land and larger tractors," Trump advised.

"I would like to thank President Xi for this! Additionally, China has agreed to continue the flow of Rare Earth, Critical Minerals, Magnets, etc., openly and freely. Very significantly, China has strongly stated that they will work diligently with us to stop the flow of Fentanyl into our Country," Trump continued.

"They will help us end the Fentanyl Crisis," he added. Trump has been adamant about getting the dangerous drug off the streets in America, and turning off the illicit drug pipeline from China goes a long way to getting it done.

More Good News

Besides helping with the drug crisis and purchasing agricultural products, China has also struck a deal that is good news for the energy sector. "China also agreed that they will begin the process of purchasing American Energy," Trump announced.

"In fact, a very large scale transaction may take place concerning the purchase of Oil and Gas from the Great State of Alaska. Chris Wright, Doug Burgum, and our respective Energy teams will be meeting to see if such an Energy Deal can be worked out," Trump added.

"The agreements reached today will deliver Prosperity and Security to millions of Americans. After this Historic trip to Asia, I am now heading back to Washington, D.C.," Trump said, underscoring the message that his work there is now done.

"I want to thank the Great Countries of Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea for being so generous, gracious, and hospitable. Also, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, who were at the Dinner last night hosted by His Excellency Lee Jae Myung. Hundreds of Billions of Dollars are being brought into our Country because of them. Our Nation is Strong, Respected, and Admired Again and, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" he concluded.

Trump has made America safer and more prosperous while also getting the nation's adversaries under control. This represents a significant triumph for the president and his administration, achieved in the first year of his second term.

President Donald Trump only plans to admit 7,500 refugees into the country in 2026, and that includes mostly white Afrikaners fleeing South Africa. 

Refugee groups are shocked and dismayed by the move, which reverses the huge numbers of refugees admitted under former President Joe Biden.

Just over 100,000 refugees were admitted to the U.S. in fiscal 2024, the latest year figures were available.

The number of refugees admitted has varied widely in recent years, but the 7,500 figure is historically low.

"A lifeline"

"For more than four decades, the U.S. refugee program has been a lifeline for families fleeing war, persecution, and repression," Krish O’Mara Vignarajah said. "At a time of crisis in countries ranging from Afghanistan to Venezuela to Sudan and beyond, concentrating the vast majority of admissions on one group undermines the program’s purpose as well as its credibility."

Vignarajah leads one of several groups paid by the federal government to resettle refugees in American communities, so of course she would be unhappy with the limits.

“Since the U.S. Refugee Program was created in 1980, it has admitted over two million people fleeing ethnic cleansing and other horrors,” Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, an advocate at the American Immigration Council, said.  “Now it will be used as a pathway for White immigration. What a downfall for a crown jewel of America’s international humanitarian programs.”

Refugees are typically given transportation into the country, and unlike illegal or other immigrants, they are eligible for all entitlement and aid programs.

Damage to communities

"Admission numbers will primarily be allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa, pursuant to Executive Order 14204, and other victims of illegal or unjust criminal discrimination in their respective homelands… [The order] mandates that the refugees receive the most stringent identification verification of any class of aliens seeking admission or entry to the United States," the Trump directive expected tomorrow reads.

Vice President JD Vance commented on the damage refugees can do to a community when a large number are settled there.

Because of the amount of government benefits they can get and their willingness to live in crowded conditions, they drive up rent prices so that citizens in the community are priced out, he said.

“That completely destroys the ability of Americans to live the American dream, and that’s what those open border policies did,” Vance added.

The presence of the refugees along with illegal immigrants also drives down wages for jobs in the area and puts citizens out of work, because the refugees are willing to work for less.

Trump is trying to reverse this damage by cutting off most illegal immigration and limiting refugees in a way consistent with his America-first policy focus.

Imagine walking into a state office building, expecting public service, only to find it’s a hub for a massive cocaine operation. That’s the shocking reality in Springfield, Massachusetts, where a high-ranking staffer for Gov. Maura Healey has been caught in a scandal rocking public trust.

This unfolding drama centers on Lamar Cook, a now-former deputy director in Healey’s western Massachusetts office, who was arrested and fired after being linked to a major drug trafficking probe involving huge amounts of cocaine and illegal firearms, as Breitbart reports.

Let’s start at the beginning, when authorities uncovered trouble with two major drug busts at Hotel UMass in Amherst, seizing roughly 28 pounds of cocaine in suspicious packages. Evidence from those seizures hinted at a larger operation, one that would soon lead to a state office building.

Uncovering the cocaine connection

Next came a controlled delivery operation at the Springfield State Office Building on Dwight Street, where Cook worked. Authorities intercepted about 17 pounds of cocaine in a sting that revealed a dark side of state employment.

The Hampden District Attorney’s office confirmed, “The controlled delivery took place at 436 Dwight St., the Springfield State Office Building, where the suspect was employed.” That statement is a gut punch -- state property allegedly used as a drug drop-off?

If true, it’s a glaring example of how progressive oversight can stumble when accountability isn’t prioritized. One has to wonder if the focus on social initiatives distracted from basic staff vetting.

Search warrant, mounting evidence

The night after the sting, investigators executed a search warrant at Cook’s former office in the same building. Evidence gathered there matched the narcotics from the controlled delivery, tightening the case against him.

It’s a grim reminder that corruption can hide behind a government title. How does this happen in a place meant to serve the public?

Then came the arrest during a traffic stop, where 45-year-old Cook was taken into custody. He now faces serious charges, including trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Governor’s office responds

The governor’s office acted quickly, confirming Cook’s immediate termination. A spokesperson declared, “The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust.”

That’s the right tone, but how did someone with such alleged ties land a deputy director role? It raises questions about hiring under an administration often more focused on narrative than rigorous governance.

Cook’s legal process began with an arraignment in Springfield District Court, where a not guilty plea was entered for him. The judge ordered him held in custody until a follow-up appearance.

Public trust takes a hit

The damage to public confidence is already done. When state offices become entangled in drug scandals, it fuels arguments that government overreach creates ground for misconduct.

For conservatives, this is why limited government and strict accountability matter. While empathy for personal struggles is valid, public roles demand integrity -- something allegedly missing here.

The investigation continues, and the governor’s office has vowed to assist law enforcement in resolving this mess. Let’s hope this scandal sparks a push for competence over political optics in state hiring practices.

Patriot News Alerts delivers timely news and analysis on U.S. politics, government, and current events, helping readers stay informed with clear reporting and principled commentary.
© 2026 - Patriot News Alerts