The Morning Sixpack - January 28, 2025
The overwhelm is on high alert today, but this is what they're counting on (giving up). DO NOT SUCCUMB!
Kristi Noem Hits the Ground Running as Homeland Security Secretary with NYC Enforcement Operation
Just days after her Senate confirmation, newly sworn-in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined immigration enforcement operations in New York City, underscoring her commitment to tackling illegal immigration and criminal activity.
On Tuesday, Noem accompanied law enforcement teams on both criminal and civil enforcement actions, including the arrest of an alleged member of a Venezuelan gang operating in the Bronx. The gang is linked to a takeover of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, according to sources familiar with the case.
Noem shared footage of one arrest on her social media, showcasing her direct involvement in the field. Trump political theater 101: NEVER miss a photo (or video) opp!
The operation reflects the renewed focus of the Trump administration’s immigration policy, with Noem and "border czar" Tom Homan spearheading enforcement efforts.
“The Trump Administration will once again empower our brave men and women in law enforcement to do their jobs and remove criminal aliens and illegal gangs from our country,” Noem said in a statement after her confirmation. She emphasized the importance of equipping intelligence and law enforcement to prevent terror threats and respond to crises effectively.
The New York division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration collaborated with the Justice Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to assist the Department of Homeland Security during the operation. This high-profile event marks Noem's determination to prioritize security and immigration reform in her new role.
Source: ABC
I wonder when she’ll murder a dog and claim it was here illegally?
Nvidia and ASML Stocks Plunge as DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI Market
Shares of Nvidia and ASML took a significant hit as the latest AI model from DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, raised fears of disruption in the AI sector.
Nvidia's stock dropped 9% in premarket trading (it dropped 17 percent yesterday), while ASML shares fell as much as 11% in Amsterdam—marking ASML’s steepest intraday drop since October 2023. The Nasdaq 100 futures index also suffered, reflecting broader market jitters. DeepSeek’s open-source AI model, spearheaded by quant fund chief Liang Wenfeng, has quickly gained traction, topping Apple’s App Store rankings and challenging established AI giants like OpenAI and Meta.
“Concerns have immediately emerged that it could be a disruptor to the current AI business model, which relies on high-end chips and extensive computing power and hence energy,” Jefferies analysts warned in a note. Nvidia and ASML, both critical players in AI infrastructure, have thrived on surging AI demand, with Nvidia specializing in advanced semiconductors and ASML supplying the machines needed to produce them. However, DeepSeek’s apparent ability to achieve efficiency with limited resources is shaking confidence in the chip-reliant AI ecosystem.
The broader context includes geopolitical tensions, with the U.S. banning exports of advanced semiconductor technologies to China. These restrictions have hampered Nvidia and ASML’s business with Chinese firms, but DeepSeek’s progress signals that Chinese engineers are innovating despite these barriers. Meanwhile, U.S. tech leaders like Meta and OpenAI are doubling down on AI investments, with Meta planning to increase AI capital expenditures to $65 billion and a new $100 billion AI joint venture, Stargate, underway.
Source: Yahoo! Finance
I learned yesterday, that because Nvidia isn’t allowed, by law, to ship its most powerful chips to China, that the Chinese simply said, “Let’s do this! (I’m paraphrasing).
So they used what they had and made a better model than OpenAI with—get this—95 percent fewer resources (and cost).
It’s open source and I hear it can run on your local machine.
We truly live in amazing times.
One more thing. I hope China does with crypto what they’ve done with AI, just so they can keep Trump from being the leader in AI and crypto, which is what he REALLY wants. Forget about lowering grocery prices… he wants to be like his buddy Putin—filthy rich.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents in Gunfire Exchange with Suspected Mexican Drug Cartel
In a tense incident near Fronton, Texas, U.S. Border Patrol agents exchanged gunfire with suspected Mexican drug cartel members at the southern border. The shootout occurred near Fronton Island, an uninhabited territory in the Rio Grande that has been a point of dispute between Texas and Mexico. According to reports, there were no injuries on either side, and a group of illegal migrants being escorted by the cartel did not manage to cross the river.
"Per multiple law enforcement sources, within the last hour, Border Patrol agents near Fronton, TX were fired upon from MX by suspected cartel gunmen... BP returned fire, nobody hit on either side," Fox News' Bill Melugin reported on X, formerly known as Twitter. The area has long been a hotspot for cartel activity, but NewsNation's Ali Bradley noted that tensions have escalated in "unprecedented ways" recently, with cartels reportedly issuing orders to target U.S. agents.
As news of the exchange broke, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the Texas Tactical Border Force to support federal agents in securing the area. Abbott posted, "Texas is working closely with the Trump Administration to secure the border and make America safe again." This incident highlights the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border as officials navigate growing threats from cartel operations.
Source: Newsweek
When I was in fifth grade, I became enamored with stories about the war on drugs. Then I grew up. Seems this is similar—it’s exciting but mostly masturbatory.
Federal Grants and Loan Disbursements Frozen: White House Pauses Trillions in Funding
The White House has issued a sweeping pause on all federal grants and loans, halting trillions of dollars in government spending and disrupting public programs nationwide. In a memorandum released Monday, Acting White House Budget Director Matthew Vaeth announced that federal agencies must cease disbursing funds and issuing new grants by 5 p.m. Tuesday. While Social Security, Medicare, and direct assistance to individuals are unaffected, other programs—including research, nonprofit funding, and foreign aid—are now on hold.
“This temporary pause will provide the Administration time to review agency programs and determine the best uses of the funding... consistent with the law and the President’s priorities,” Vaeth stated, citing alignment with President Trump’s recent executive orders.
The pause extends to programs tied to foreign aid, diversity initiatives, and environmental projects, reflecting Trump’s budgetary priorities. Critics argue the move will have devastating impacts, particularly on nonprofits and public services. Diane Yentel, President of the National Council on Nonprofits, warned, “From pausing research on cures for childhood cancer to closing homeless shelters… the impact of even a short pause in funding could be devastating and cost lives.”
All I can say is, “This fucking guy…” He has no fucking clue about the real world and how it works and how this may monumentally ruin people and organizations.
OR—he does and he’s just fucking evil. Pick one.
The announcement sparked bipartisan concern, with Democrats accusing the administration of overreach.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated, “Congress approved these investments and they are not optional; they are the law.”
Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott voiced support, emphasizing coordination with the Trump administration to implement these priorities. Federal agencies are now required to submit detailed reports on paused programs by February 10, as the nation grapples with the ramifications of this unprecedented action.
Source: CNN
Man Pardoned for Jan. 6 Riot Fatally Shot During Indiana Traffic Stop
Matthew W. Huttle, a 42-year-old man from Hobart, Indiana, who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy on Sunday following a traffic stop.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. near the Pulaski County line. Authorities stated that Huttle resisted arrest during the stop, leading to an altercation in which the deputy fired his weapon, killing Huttle.
“During the traffic stop, the officer attempted to arrest the suspect when the suspect resisted,” the state police said in a statement. “An altercation took place between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect.”
Investigators also confirmed that Huttle was in possession of a firearm at the time of the incident, though the reasons for the initial traffic stop remain unclear.
The Indiana State Police, in collaboration with the Jasper County prosecutor, is conducting an investigation into the shooting. Once complete, the findings will be submitted to the county prosecutor for review.
This fatal encounter adds a somber chapter to the ongoing aftermath of the January 6 riot, highlighting a tragic intersection of legal pardons and law enforcement actions.
Source: MDGN
I won’t rejoice in his death, but you won’t find me shedding any tears over it. You reap what you sow, I guess!
Trump to Reinstate Ban on Transgender Military Service with New Executive Orders
President Donald Trump is set to sign executive orders reinstating a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense.
Scheduled for Monday, these orders will revive policies from Trump’s first term, reversing the Biden administration’s 2021 directive that allowed transgender people to enlist and provided coverage for transition-related medical care.
The new orders also prohibit individuals assigned male at birth from using female-designated facilities, including sleeping and bathing areas.
This won’t cause any problems at all! /end sarcasm
According to a White House document cited by NBC News, the administration argues that transition-related medical care hinders military readiness. “It can take a minimum of 12 months for an individual to complete treatments after so-called transition surgery... This is not conducive for deployment or other readiness requirements,” the document states. Additionally, the Trump administration criticized the Biden-era policy for allegedly requiring the Department of Defense to fund surgeries for service members and their dependents, claiming it cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
The orders will also mandate changes to Department of Defense policies, such as rescinding guidance on the use of pronouns and imposing stricter medical standards for service.
The move has reignited debate over the inclusion of transgender individuals in the military, with critics arguing it undermines inclusivity while supporters claim it prioritizes operational readiness.
Questions remain about the status of currently enlisted transgender service members receiving medical care under the now-revoked Biden policy.
Source: Rolling Stone
Next up: Transgender folks will be purged from the military. There is no doubt. The Trump administration is counting on attrition. But, if forced, I’m sure they’ll oblige and forcibly remove them.