Tag Archives: Trump

‘Bad for business’: CEO suing Trump in Supreme Court rails against ‘unlawful’ policy

2025 年 11 月 5 日 admin Leave a comment

The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a lawsuit brought by Learning Resources CEO Rick Woldenberg against President Donald Trump regarding the latter’s unilateral use of emergency powers to impose tariffs.

Woldenberg is challenging Trump’s invocation of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977, arguing that using it to slap tariffs on imported goods without Congressional approval is “unlawful.” Speaking to MSNBC on Tuesday, he described the tariffs as an “asphyxiating tax” costing his company millions of dollars each year and hindering its ability to make sound business decisions.

“The size of the problem and the size of the implications meant that we had to take action to defend ourselves. I think that the case is actually pretty simple,” Woldenberg said. “The government brags that it’s $50 billion a month in proceeds. That’s just not bearable. And they’ve also promised that this is permanent. So we either choose to pay a tax we believe is unlawful, or we challenge it and ask the court to review it and decide.”

Woldenberg and his legal team are pushing for a prompt decision following Wednesday’s oral arguments. He highlighted the financial impact the tariffs have had on his company, noting that in 2024 their tariff-related expenses were zero, but in 2025 they are expected to spike to approximately $14 million, with costs potentially doubling in 2026.

“We’re behaving the way someone would behave if they had a sudden and irreversible expense of $14 million,” he explained. “We’re hiring fewer people. We’re spending less money on capital expenditures. We’re developing fewer products. We’re reducing our marketing spend. It’s bad for business because it’s diverting us from exercising our business judgment, which is how we got this far and what we want to do going forward.”

Woldenberg also criticized the administration’s accounting of the tariffs’ effects. “I think that the math that the administration is showing is a one-sided equation. They don’t really care to think about the costs,” he said. “They contend that there are advantages that I think are principally negotiating advantages. But many of the problems that they say they’ve solved were problems that are a result of high tariffs.”

Watch the segment below:
https://www.rawstory.com/bad-for-business-ceo-suing-trump-in-supreme-court-rails-against-unlawful-policy/

general

California voters take up Democrats’ push for new congressional maps that could shape House control

2025 年 11 月 4 日 admin Leave a comment

By JONATHAN J. COOPER, MICHAEL R. BLOOD and TRÂN NGUYỄN, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The national battle to control the U.S. House shifts to California on Tuesday as voters consider a Democratic proposal that could erase as many as five Republican districts and blunt President Donald Trump’s moves to safeguard his party’s lock on Washington power.

The outcome will reverberate into next year’s midterm elections and beyond, with Democrats hoping a victory will set the stage for the party to regain control of the House in 2026. A shift in the majority would imperil Trump’s agenda for the remainder of his term at a time of deep partisan divisions over immigration, health care, and the future direction of the nation.

“God help us if we lose in California,” Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

Democrats need to gain just three seats in the 2026 elections to take control of the House. Heavily Democratic California and its 52 congressional districts represent by far the Democrats’ best opportunity in an unprecedented state-by-state redistricting battle, which started when Texas Republicans heeded Trump’s demand that they redraw their boundaries to help the GOP retain its House majority.

Democrats hold 43 of the state’s seats and hope to boost that number to 48. Trump is fighting not just the Democrats but history. Midterm elections typically punish the party in the White House, but four GOP-led states so far have adopted new district maps to pack more Republican voters into key districts.

### Measure Supported by Newsom, Obama

California’s Proposition 50 asks voters to suspend House maps drawn by an independent commission and replace them with rejiggered districts adopted by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Those new districts would be in place for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.

The recast districts aim to dilute Republican voters’ power, in one case by uniting rural, conservative-leaning parts of far northern California with Marin County, a famously liberal coastal stronghold across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

The measure has been spearheaded by Newsom, who has thrown the weight of his political operation behind it in a major test of his mettle ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Former President Barack Obama has urged voters to pass it as well.

Newsom has sought to nationalize the campaign, depicting the proposal as a counterweight to all things Trump.

“Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years,” Obama said in one ad. “You can stop Republicans in their tracks.”

### Critics Say Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right

Critics urge Californians to reject what they call a Democratic power grab, even if they have misgivings about Trump’s moves in Republican-led states.

Among the most prominent critics is Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie star and former Republican governor who pushed for the creation of the independent commission, which voters approved in 2008 and 2010.

“It makes no sense to fight Trump by becoming him,” Schwarzenegger said in September, arguing that the proposal would “take the power away from the people.”

After an early burst of TV advertising, opponents of the plan have struggled to raise cash in a state with some of the nation’s most expensive media markets. Data compiled by advertising tracker AdImpact last week showed Democrats and other supporters with over $5 million in ad buys booked on broadcast TV, cable, and radio.

But opponents had virtually no time reserved, though the data didn’t include some popular streaming services like Hulu and YouTube or mail advertising. Total spending on broadcast and cable ads topped $100 million, with more than two-thirds of it coming from supporters. Newsom told people to stop donating in the race’s final weeks.

Trump, who overwhelmingly lost California in his three presidential campaigns, largely stayed out of the fray. A week before the election, he urged voters in a social media post not to vote early or by mail — messaging that conflicted with that of top Republicans in the state who urged people to get their ballots in as soon as possible.

### The National House Map Is in Flux

Democrats hope to pick up as many as five seats in California if voters approve the new boundaries, offsetting the five that Republicans hope to pick up through their new Texas maps. Republicans also expect to gain one seat each from new maps in Missouri and North Carolina, and potentially two more in Ohio.

Congressional district boundaries are typically redrawn every 10 years to reflect population shifts documented in the census. Mid-decade redistricting is unusual, absent a court order finding fault with the maps in place.

Five other GOP-led states are also considering new maps: Kansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, and Nebraska. On the Democratic side, Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Virginia have proposals to redraw maps, but major hurdles remain.

A court has ordered new boundaries be drawn in Utah, where all four House districts are represented by Republicans, but it remains to be seen if the state will approve a map that makes any of them winnable for Democrats.

Cooper reported from Phoenix and Nguyen from Sacramento, California.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/04/election-2025-california-prop-50/

general

Trump tariffs could add $40 billion to holiday shoppers’ and sellers’ costs, LendingTree warns

2025 年 11 月 2 日 admin Leave a comment

American Consumers to Spend Billions More This Holiday Season Due to Trump-Era Tariffs

American consumers are expected to have wallets billions of dollars lighter this holiday season, according to a recent analysis by LendingTree. The increased costs stem from tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump’s administration, which continue to impact prices on a variety of consumer goods.

Sunday marked six months since the announcement of the broad “liberation day” tariffs. Since then, prices for select food items and consumer products have risen. Now, as holiday merchandise that has been stored in warehouses for months finally reaches store shelves, consumers are beginning to feel the full impact of these added costs.

### LendingTree’s Analysis on Holiday Spending

LendingTree, an online lending marketplace, used 2024 winter holiday spending data to assess the financial effect of the tariffs on the upcoming season. The company estimates that the new tariffs will increase total holiday costs for both consumers and retailers by approximately $40.6 billion.

Of this amount, consumers are expected to bear the brunt, shouldering an estimated $28.6 billion in extra expenses. This increase translates to about $132 more spent per shopper. Retailers, meanwhile, are expected to cover the remaining $12 billion in elevated costs.

Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s Chief Consumer Finance Analyst, commented on the findings:
“For most Americans, spending an extra $132 at the holidays is significant. While it may not be earth-shattering, it can have a real impact on many families. It could prompt people to cut back on gift-giving this year or lead to them taking on extra debt. That’s a choice no one wants to have to make.”

### Impact on Consumer Behavior and Retailers

Retail analysts have told CNBC that they expect consumers to purchase fewer items this holiday season as a result of higher costs caused by tariffs. Schulz echoed this sentiment, calling it an “unfortunate reality” many consumers will face.

He added, “That might mean giving fewer items as gifts, or it could mean having to absorb the higher costs to give your loved ones what they want. I doubt we’ll see a huge drop-off in the amount of electronics and clothes gifted this year, simply because they are what many people want. However, for some, higher prices may leave them with no other choice.”

### Sectors Most Affected by Tariffs

LendingTree’s analysis highlights electronics buyers as facing the biggest increase in holiday spending, with an average additional cost of $186 per shopper. Clothing and accessories follow, with an estimated added cost of $82 per shopper.

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers and retailers alike may need to adjust their plans and budgets in response to these increased prices driven by ongoing tariff policies.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/02/trump-trade-holiday-shopping-lending-tree-tariffs.html

defense, economy, international, politics, technology

Trump touts ‘12 out of 10’ meeting with Xi, downplays reports of Venezuela strikes

2025 年 11 月 1 日 admin Leave a comment

President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, where the two leaders reached an important agreement to reduce tariffs by 10%.

President Trump explained that this decision was influenced by China’s commitment to assist in addressing the fentanyl crisis. He emphasized the significance of international cooperation in tackling this urgent issue.

The agreement marks a notable step in U.S.-China relations, highlighting collaboration on both economic and security fronts.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-touts-12-out-10-meeting-xi-downplays-reports-venezuela-strikes

defense, government, politics

Editor Daily Rundown: Trump Calls On GOP To Unleash ‘Nuclear Option’ As Shutdown Continues

2025 年 10 月 31 日 admin Leave a comment

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! BREAKING THIS MORNING

‘Nuclear Option’: Trump Says Filibuster Should Be Eliminated As Government Shutdown Drags On

President Donald Trump is now calling for Republicans to eradicate the filibuster as the government shutdown continues for nearly a month.

https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/31/trump-shutdown-senate-gop-nuclear-option-filibuster-democrats/

general

Iraqi Refugees STUNNED as SNAP Benefits Cut Off Amid Government Shutdown

2025 年 10 月 30 日 admin Leave a comment

**An Iraq Refugee Goes Viral Over Loss of Food Stamps Amid Government Shutdown**

*Posted on 10/29/2025 by SmokingJoe*

An Iraqi refugee has gone viral for his heartfelt comments about losing food stamps and financial assistance amid the freezing of EBT and SNAP programs during the Democrat-induced government shutdown.

This incident has sparked a broader debate surrounding President Trump, Democrats, and the ongoing government shutdown. Moreover, it has expanded into discussions about immigration and refugee resettlement programs, as shocking data reveals the economic realities faced by both American and European migration policies.

The situation highlights the profound impact of current political decisions on vulnerable communities and fuels ongoing conversations around social support systems.

*Read more at youtube.com.*

—

**Topics:** News / Current Events
**Keywords:** Refugees, SNAP

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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4349541/posts

general

Trump orders Pentagon to ‘immediately’ restart nuclear weapons testing to compete with Russia, China’s arsenals

2025 年 10 月 30 日 admin Leave a comment

President Trump has ordered the military to “immediately” begin testing nuclear weapons in response to the growing arsenal Russia and China are amassing, he announced Wednesday.

“Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “That process will begin immediately,” the president added.

The US has not tested a nuclear explosive since 1992, observing a voluntary moratorium on the practice. Russia and China have not publicly disclosed any nuclear tests since the 1990s, but China is believed to have conducted secret, low-grade weapons tests in recent years.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to rule out future weapons tests involving nuclear explosions and has recently boasted about nuclear-capable missile and torpedo tests.

“The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,” Trump wrote. “This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office.”

“Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years,” he warned.

On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump frequently referred to nuclear weapons as “the N-word,” because of their devastating power. The president also explained that his uncle, the late MIT professor John Trump, taught him long ago that “nuclear is so powerful.”

Trump’s announcement comes ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, scheduled for Wednesday.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/29/us-news/trump-orders-pentagon-to-immediately-restart-nuclear-weapons-testing-to-compete-with-russia-chinas-arsenals/

general

Trump’s Media Company Set To Roll Out Polymarket-Like Prediction Market on Truth Social

2025 年 10 月 29 日 admin Leave a comment

Donald Trump appears to be getting back into the casino business, in a manner of speaking. This time, however, it won’t be Atlantic City slot machines and roulette tables.

On Tuesday, the president’s media firm, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG), announced a partnership with the digital asset exchange Crypto to launch a new product called “Truth Predict.” This platform will enable Truth Social users to bet on a wide range of future events such as election outcomes, sports, and commodity prices.

These wagers will take the form of prediction contracts, which are typically priced in cents and represent the percentage of confidence bettors have in a potential outcome. If a bet is correct, the contract settles for $1, but if incorrect, it goes to zero.

TMTG’s new offering will enter a competitive space alongside existing prediction markets like the US-regulated Kalshi and Polymarket. Polymarket, headquartered in New York, has not offered services to US customers since settling with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in 2022. Truth Predict plans to launch in the US first and then expand internationally “once all the requisite requirements are met.” Beta testing is set to begin soon, according to Tuesday’s announcement.

Notably, President Trump was the largest shareholder in TMTG before transferring 114,750,000 shares—valued at approximately $4 billion—to a trust controlled by his son, Donald Trump Jr., following his general election victory last year. However, SEC filings suggest that President Trump maintains indirect control over these shares.

Digital prediction markets raise several complex philosophical questions. Supporters argue that decentralized forecasting holds significant value by providing a window into what the general public truly expects, free from corporate and political influences. Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin shared his perspective on X last year, saying, “The point of Polymarket is that from the perspective of traders, it’s a betting site, but from the perspective of viewers it’s a news site. There are all kinds of people (including elites) on Twitter and the internet making harmful and inaccurate predictions about conflicts, and being able to go and see if people with actual skin in the game think that something has a 2% chance or a 50% chance is a valuable feature that can help keep people sane.”

Nevertheless, these platforms face criticism, especially for hosting “war markets” where users can bet on ongoing or potential geopolitical conflicts. For example, Polymarket currently estimates a 3% chance of “Will China invade Taiwan in 2025?” and a 14% chance of “Will the U.S. invade Venezuela in 2025?”. While the present level of liquidity in such markets is unlikely to influence real-world outcomes, critics warn that if enough money flows into these markets, it could incentivize powerful interests to manipulate events—such as assassinations, coups, or wars—to affect betting outcomes.

Zach Rynes, a community liaison for the decentralized oracle network Chainlink, commented on X last year: “It’s an extreme example, but any prediction market about an influenceable event will start to either incentivize action or subsidize the inevitable if sufficiently liquid enough, even if that wasn’t the original intention. If these markets traded with $100 million+ liquidity, would that change the outcome? Maybe not, but if insider traded, would they not be subsidizing war? I don’t think prediction markets are passive observers; their existence influences outcomes when operating at scale.”

To comply with regulations, the CFTC prohibits event contracts related to terrorism, assassination, war, or other illegal activities. As a result, US-approved firms don’t offer direct invasion markets like those found on Polymarket. However, controversial incentives remain present in some markets. For example, on Kalshi, users can wager on the number of deportations during Trump’s first year in office or whether leaders such as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will remain in power through 2025. To dissuade wagers on assassination, Kalshi notes that in the event of Maduro’s death, the market would pay out the last traded price rather than settling at $1 or zero.

These controversial incentives may become even more complex on a prediction markets platform closely affiliated with a sitting or former president of the United States.

Gizmodo reached out to Truth Social for comment and will provide updates if a response is received.
https://gizmodo.com/truth-social-prediction-market-2000677813

international, politics

Trump issues chilling warning to Putin after Russia tests new ‘invincible’ nuclear missile

2025 年 10 月 27 日 admin Leave a comment

President Trump issued a chilling warning to Vladimir Putin on Monday after the Russian leader boasted about testing his country’s new “invincible” nuclear missile.

“They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shore,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he prepared to travel to Japan.

His remarks came after Putin on Sunday hailed an 8,700-mile, 15-hour test flight for Russia’s “unique” nuclear-powered missile, dubbed a “flying Chernobyl.” Russia claims this weapon could strike targets in the United States.

“They’re not playing games with us. We’re not playing games with them either,” President Trump continued, before reiterating his demand that Putin end the war in Ukraine.

“I don’t think it’s an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying. By the way, he ought to get the war ended. A war that should have taken one week is now in its, soon, fourth year. That’s what he ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has increased his calls for the US to supply his country with long-range missiles to pressure Putin into making peace.

Zelensky praised President Trump’s latest sanctions on Russia, saying they “will make a difference,” but warned that more pressure is needed to bring an end to the conflict raging since February 2022.

“President Trump is concerned about escalation. But I think that if there are no negotiations, there will be an escalation anyway. I think that if Putin doesn’t stop, we need something to stop him. Sanctions is one such weapon, but we also need long-range missiles,” President Zelensky told Axios on Sunday.

[With Post wires.]
https://nypost.com/2025/10/27/us-news/trump-warns-putin-after-russia-tests-new-invincible-nuclear-missile/