We have seen yet another week (or slightly more) of total chaos in the United States government: from nationwide protests to the demolition of part of the White House to one of the longest government shutdowns we’ve ever seen, the news keeps coming at a pace that is difficult to keep up with.
I invite civil, bipartisan discussion on this post.
National Guard and Portland
This week, an appeals court ruled that Donald Trump can deploy the National Guard in Portland. The President does have the authority to deploy the national guard in the event there is “rebellion or danger of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.” The President’s legal team essentially argued that he alone has the authority to determine the facts and whether there is danger of rebellion.
Mike Johnson vs Adelita Grijalva
On September 24th, Adelita Grijalva won a special election in Arizona which was certified on October 14th. Despite that win, and certification, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is continuing to refuse to swear in an elected official, saying he will only do so when the government opens.
The Shutdown Continues
The government shutdown has continued into its third week. Senate Republicans could end it at any time by invoking the ‘nuclear option’ and changing the rules of the Senate. Meanwhile democrats could agree to simply approve more spending without concessions, but they are also hesitant to give up one of the few pieces of leverage they have.
Farewell East Wing
The East Wing of the White House has been demolished to make room for Donald Trump’s ballroom. I truly do not know who should get to decide on renovations and architectural changes to the White House, but I do know it feels wrong that the President gets to do it entirely on his own.
President Trump demands $230 million from DOJ
This week it has come to light that Donald Trump has requested the Department of Justice give him $230 million for past cases against him. Given the control he has asserted over the DOJ with Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche in charge, it sure feels like he is asking his own lawyers to decide if he should get free taxpayer money from the American public.
New Media at the Pentagon
Last week, I was heartened to see many media organizations hand in their press credentials instead of capitulating to new rules at the Pentagon. Now, an entirely new, Trump-Friendly press arrangement has been added to the Pentagon. I hope we continue to see good journalism reporting on important matters from the Department.
The White House Continues Attacking Boats
The United States has continued attacking boats in international waters and claiming they were drug smugglers but providing no evidence of their claims.
Sources:
9th Circuit rules that National Guard can deploy to Portland : NPR
Adelita Grijalva election win officially certified, still not sworn in
Speaker Johnson continues to resist swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Grijalva – ABC News
What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump’s attorney general pick | AP News
Three things to know about Todd Blanche, Trump’s pick for deputy attorney general
White House East Wing demolished, new images appear to show – ABC News
9 things to know about the $250 million ballroom Trump is adding to the White House | PBS News
Trump’s White House demolition couldn’t be stopped. Here’s why.
Government hits longest full shutdown in US history with no end in sight | Fox News
What Is the ‘Nuclear Option’? Republicans Invoke It Again | TIME
Democrats voted for a shutdown and now have to find a way out | AP News
Journalists exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules | AP News
Pro-Trump outlets flock to the Pentagon under new media policy – POLITICO