The Morning Sixpack - January 24, 2025
Trump, Trump, and more Trump. Sick of whining yet?
Trump's Defense Nominee Hegseth Narrowly Survives Senate Test Vote
The U.S. Senate has narrowly advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, to serve as President Donald Trump's Secretary of Defense. In a razor-thin 51-49 procedural vote on Thursday, senators cleared the way for a final confirmation decision expected late Friday. Hegseth’s nomination has been contentious, with two Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins—joining Democrats in opposition amid allegations of past misconduct. Despite these concerns, Trump's influence over the Republican caucus has largely secured support for his pick, whom he described as having his "Complete and Total support" on Truth Social.
Hegseth, a vocal critic of diversity initiatives in the military, has faced accusations including claims of abuse from his former sister-in-law and a 2017 sexual assault settlement, which he denies. His supporters, including Republican Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, remain steadfast, stating, "After this thorough review, I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee...is prepared to be the next Secretary of Defense." Democratic opposition remains strong, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer arguing, "Is Pete Hegseth really the best one we’ve got? Come on, you know he isn't. You know he's not even close!"
If confirmed, Hegseth will oversee 1.3 million active-duty service members and a nearly $1 trillion annual budget. His leadership will be closely watched for potential changes to military policies on women in combat roles and the handling of geopolitical tensions, including U.S. relations with China and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Source: Reuters
This guy. He couldn’t pour piss out of a boot if the instructions were on the bottom, as my grandfather used to say. He has no business running a 3 million-person organization, much less running the most potent military the world has ever known. These senators should be ashamed.
But as we know, all those who’ve bent the knee to MAGA have no shame. They literally have no shame. It’s pitiful.
Russia Shrugs Off Trump’s Warnings, Doubts U.S. Pressure Will Change Ukraine Strategy
Despite President Trump’s renewed threats to ramp up economic pressure, Russia remains unfazed, believing it has the resources and manpower to sustain its war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Trump’s remarks as nothing new, signaling Moscow’s confidence in its ability to endure Western sanctions and continue its offensive. Analysts suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin is angling for direct negotiations with Trump but remains skeptical of U.S. attempts to force concessions. "We are in a position to press on with our demands...and if Ukraine’s defense continues to collapse as it is now, it would be wiser for the other side to agree to our terms," said Vasily Kashin of the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.
While Russia faces economic strain and high inflation due to its heavy military spending, officials believe they can sustain the fight for at least another year. With significant territorial gains and Western aid to Ukraine uncertain, Moscow appears determined to maintain its hardline stance. Analysts argue that Putin sees Trump’s public threats as political posturing rather than genuine diplomatic efforts, with the Kremlin waiting for concrete proposals from Washington. Some Russian officials remain cautiously optimistic about Trump's potential willingness to negotiate, though they anticipate a drawn-out process rather than a swift resolution.
Trump’s efforts to bring Putin to the table have so far failed to alter Russia’s core demands, which include recognition of occupied Ukrainian territory and a rollback of NATO ties. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to secure guarantees against future Russian aggression, knowing that a complete military victory may no longer be realistic. As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the prospect of a swift diplomatic breakthrough appears increasingly unlikely.
Source: WSJ
Putin doesn’t seem threatened by Trump, MAGA, or Musk. I get the feeling that Musk is NOT the richest person in the world… Putin has him beat by at least an order of magnitude.
Trump to Visit LA Wildfire Zones While Clashing with Newsom Over Federal Aid
President Donald Trump is set to visit wildfire-ravaged areas of Los Angeles on Friday, continuing his ongoing feud with California Governor Gavin Newsom over disaster response and federal funding. Speaking on Fox News, Trump criticized California’s forest management and water policies, stating, "I don’t think we should give California anything until they let water flow down." The visit comes amid escalating tensions as Trump pushes for conditions on aid, linking it to changes in state environmental policies.
Newsom has pushed back against Trump's claims, asserting that water management policies have minimal impact on wildfire severity. Environmental experts have also refuted the president’s assertions, with Ashley Overhouse, a California water policy adviser, stating that protections for the delta smelt—cited by Trump as a water issue—account for only about 1.2% of additional outflow. Meanwhile, the House has passed the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, aimed at improving wildfire prevention and recovery efforts and streamlining environmental reviews for forest management projects.
While Trump’s visit aims to address the aftermath of the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, political tensions continue to overshadow relief efforts. California officials and federal agencies remain at odds over the best approach to disaster management, with Trump doubling down on his stance that significant policy changes are necessary before federal funds are allocated.
Source: ABC News
I feel like Trump is just a vengeful reptillian village idiot.
'I'm Not a Victim': Jan. 6 Rioter Pamela Hemphill Rejects Trump Pardon
Pamela Hemphill, a 71-year-old woman who participated in the January 6th Capitol riot, has made headlines by rejecting a pardon from President Donald Trump, stating that accepting it would undermine accountability and the rule of law. "I broke the law that day, period. Black and white," Hemphill told NPR, firmly taking responsibility for her actions and distancing herself from Trump’s continued claims of political persecution. Her decision stands in contrast to the more than 1,500 other defendants who accepted Trump's blanket clemency this week.
A former ardent Trump supporter, Hemphill had joined the crowd seeking to halt the certification of the 2020 election but now openly regrets her involvement. Since serving 60 days behind bars for misdemeanor charges related to the riot, she has worked to counter misinformation about the event. She describes the pro-Trump movement as a "cult" that "gaslighted" supporters with conspiracy theories, leading many to believe in a so-called "deep state" conspiracy against Trump. Hemphill has since been vocal about correcting falsehoods, even facing online backlash for her efforts.
Hemphill's rejection of Trump's pardon highlights her transformation and commitment to truth. She has criticized the former president for attempting to use her as a political pawn, previously tweeting, "Please @realDonaldTrump don't be using me for anything, I'm not a victim of Jan6, I pleaded guilty because I was guilty! #StopTheSpin."
Despite facing social media attacks, Hemphill remains determined to push back against misinformation, insisting that Trump "is a criminal" who "has to keep this narrative going that the DOJ is weaponized against him and his followers."
Source: NPR
Finally! A MAGA criminal with some shame!
Trump Pressures Bank of America CEO Over Alleged 'De-Banking' of Conservatives
During a virtual session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump challenged Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan over accusations that conservatives are being denied banking services due to their political beliefs. "I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives, because many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business," Trump said, adding that regulatory pressure from the Biden administration may be to blame. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon was also mentioned in Trump’s remarks as he called on major banks to address the issue.
Moynihan avoided directly responding to Trump’s claims, which have gained traction among conservatives and crypto enthusiasts alike. The issue of "de-banking" has been a growing concern within GOP circles, with newly empowered Republican lawmakers signaling plans to investigate further. Acting FDIC Chairman Travis Hill has also identified the matter as a regulatory priority. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc Andreessen recently suggested that government agencies pressured banks to close accounts tied to crypto and other tech industries—a claim banks have repeatedly denied.
JPMorgan's Dimon recently refuted accusations of political bias, stating, "We have not de-banked anyone because of political or religious relationships, period." However, he acknowledged that compliance with regulations such as the Bank Secrecy Act forces banks to avoid high-risk customers, leading to cautious decision-making. As the GOP takes control of key financial committees in Washington, the debate over political bias in banking is likely to intensify in the coming months.
Source: Yahoo!
Look, I don’t know whether BofA or any other bank “de-banked” people because of their political beliefs. I highly doubt it. I’m SURE bank regulators would have been all over that shit. And you could say, “Well, Joe Biden directed them to do xyz.” I guess he could have. But I doubt it.
But let’s just start a run on the banks that are “too big to fail” so we can bail all our asses out AGAIN.
Trump is such a fucking moron. Why doesn’t he just take Bank of America’s name for himself and start his own crypto bank?
Hey, there’s an idea!
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order, Calling It 'Blatantly Unconstitutional'
A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional." U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, issued a 14-day restraining order following a lawsuit from four Democratic-led states—Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon. The order, signed by Trump on his first day back in office, sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents. "I've been on the bench for over four decades. I can't remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one," Coughenour remarked during the hearing.
Trump, responding to the ruling, vowed to appeal, arguing that his executive order is a crucial step in addressing immigration challenges. The Justice Department defended the order, claiming it is an "integral part" of Trump's broader efforts to tackle what he calls a "broken immigration system." However, the states challenging the policy argue it directly violates the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Legal experts anticipate a lengthy court battle, with the possibility of the case reaching the Supreme Court.
If implemented, Trump's order would deny Social Security numbers and government benefits to children born to undocumented parents and make them subject to deportation. The ruling marks the first legal setback in Trump’s renewed push for hardline immigration policies, and further court hearings are set for February 6 to determine whether the restraining order should be extended. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders insist the Constitution is clear on the matter, with Washington Attorney General Nick Brown stating, "You are an American citizen if you were born on American soil—period."
Source: Reuters
Look, I’m no legal scholar. But it seems like something that’s a fucking AMENDMENT to the US Constitution is something you can’t just “paper over” with a bullshit “Presidential Action.”
If I’m remembering history, Prohibition was an amendment that had to be repealed because the drunks in Congress just couldn’t live without booze.