Donald Trump roasted Democrats in a bizarre AI-generated Thanksgiving video which concluded with the president-elect bursting out of a turkey and dancing to YMCA.
The video, which parodies National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, shows a computer-generated President Joe Biden, whose head is superimposed on the body of Chevy Chase, carving a turkey.
“Save the neck for me, Clark,” California Representative Adam Schiff urges beside a giggling Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden continues to slice the turkey before Trump breaks out of the dry, crumbling carcass and grooves to the Village People’s hit.
Trump also attended a Thanksgiving dinner at Mar-a-Lago alongside Elon Musk, which saw the pair dance to YMCA as his 18-year-old son Barron watched on awkwardly.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin warned that the president-elect is “not safe” after a turbulent campaign which saw two assassination attempts on his life. The Russian President also praised Trump as a “real man” and “intelligent,” who suggested the incoming administration will “find a solution” to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Putin made the remarks in Kazakhstan on Thursday, the first time he has publicly congratulated Trump on his election victory.
Key Points
-
Trump roasts Biden, Harris in ‘Christmas Vacation’ parody video on Thanksgiving
-
Putin warns that Trump is ‘not safe’ after election victory
-
Mexican president denies country is closing border despite Trump claims
-
Canada ‘already discussing’ retaliatory tariffs on U.S.
Rhode Island Democratic lawmaker latest target of bomb threat
19:32 , Oliver O’Connell
Democratic Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island says he was “recently notified of a bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home.”
This comes after bomb threats and swatting incidents against five Democratic lawmakers in neighboring Connecticut as well as the targeting of some of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and administration appointees.
“We are safe and there was no evidence of a bomb on the property,” says Magaziner.
Full story: Hoax bomb threats to Democrats were ‘signed with MAGA,’ says House leader
19:27 , Oliver O’Connell
At least five Democratic members of Congress who were targeted with bomb threats and “swatting” attempts on Thanksgiving received messages signed with “MAGA,” according to House Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
US Capitol Police and state and local police cleared the threats, which followed a series of similar incidents targeting several of Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees.
Bomb threats were reported on Thursday at the homes of Senator Chris Murphy as well as Reps. Jahana Hayes, Joe Courtney, John Larson and Jim Himes, the top-ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, according to their offices. All represent the state of Connecticut.
Alex Woodward reports.
Hoax bomb threats to Democrats were ‘signed with MAGA,’ says House leader
Tis the season…
19:10 , Oliver O’Connell
Donald Trump has released his latest line of festive merchandise as he vows to “Make Christmas Merry Again.”
With the festive season now in full swing, the Trump Store has unveiled its holiday gift guide promising to “make the holidays that much greater,” complete with $150 sequin shirts, a $550 “bling” clutch and $95 baubles in the shape of Mar-a-Lago.
James Liddell has the details.
Tis the season: Trump hawks Christmas merch – including a $150 sequin sweatshirt
Musk names financial watchdog he wants to ‘delete’
18:58 , Oliver O’Connell
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur turned political adviser, announced on X he intends to push Donald Trump’s administration to get rid of the Consumer of Financial Protection Bureau, a financial watchdog agency.
The noteworthy announcement, made in a nine-word response to a clip from The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, is part of Musk’s new role co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – the committee advising Trump on how to cut down on government spending.
Ariana Baio reports.
Elon Musk names financial watchdog government agency he wants to ‘delete’
House Dem leader wants ‘maximum protection’ for all members after bomb threats against Connecticut lawmakers
18:46 , Oliver O’Connell
House Democratic leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is calling for “maximum protection for all Members and their families” after a series of bomb threats over Thanksgiving against the party’s Connecticut delegation.
The threats against Connecticut Democrats ranged from detailed threats about pipe bombs placed in mailboxes to swatting — all signed with “MAGA”.
“House Democrats will not be deterred or intimidated from serving the people by violent threats,” he wrote in a statement.
‘Embarrassed’ Barron Trump looks on as his dad dances
18:40 , Oliver O’Connell
If you were mortified by your family this Thanksgiving, spare a thought for Barron Trump, as James Liddell reports.
‘Embarrassed’ Barron looks on as Trump and Musk dance to YMCA at Thanksgiving
Trump reposts article on sheriffs gearing up to help with mass deportations
18:20 , Oliver O’Connell
This morning Donald Trump posted a link to a Wall Street Journal article about how a group of local sheriffs are gearing up to help with the president-elect’s plan for mass deportations.
The incoming administration will need help from local law enforcement to carry out its plans to detain and remove people and is reportedly weighing changes to give sheriffs more power and reward jurisdictions that cooperate, penalizing those that do not — blue states and cities.
There is already an organization keen to help.
Per the Journal:
The pro-Trump sheriffs eager to help with deportations include self-described “constitutional sheriffs,” who believe they have a duty to protect citizens against federal overreach.
Their group, called the Constitutional Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association, held a conference in Las Vegas earlier this year where speakers included former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne, who suggested 15 million immigrants in the U.S. are military-aged men here to take over the country. Byrne, an early proponent of stolen-election claims in 2020, has also said he is helping to fund the sheriffs’ movement.
The group’s founder, Richard Mack, a former sheriff, maintained in an interview with the Journal Tuesday that many migrants have been let in to bolster Democratic voting rolls. “I mean, come on, what else is there? Why do the Democrats want them here?” Mack said. Unauthorized immigrants or those in the asylum system risk deportation and jail for illegally casting ballots. Voter fraud by noncitizens is exceedingly rare, election experts have found.
Here’s The Independent’s Josh Marcus reporting on the “constitutional sheriffs” movement back in 2022:
How right-wing sheriffs are using their powers to further Trump 2020 agenda
Former Democratic megadonor says Barron Trump is ‘smarter’ than Harris campaign
18:10 , Oliver O’Connell
A former Democratic megadonor believes Donald Trump’s youngest son is “a lot smarter” than the Harris campaign because he pushed his father to go on popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience.
John Morgan, an attorney and now critic of the Democratic Party, said had Vice President Kamala Harris taken Barron Trump’s advice she may have fared better during the 2024 presidential election.
Ariana Baio has the story.
Former Democratic megadonor says Barron Trump is ‘smarter’ than Harris campaign
Unelected bureaucrat rages against unelected bureaucrats
17:40 , Oliver O’Connell
Failed Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stepped on a rake when he told Americans they should be afraid of unelected bureaucrats, after which a smattering of responders pointed out that he is, in fact, an unelected bureaucrat.
Graig Graziosi has the story.
Vivek Ramaswamy rages against ‘unelected’ bureaucrats despite being one himself
Watch: RFK Jr deep fries Thanksgiving turkey
17:30 , Oliver O’Connell
As we pointed out yesterday, please don’t stand around vats of boiling oil with no shoes on.
Silicon Valley Democrat urges liberals to stay on X
17:10 , Oliver O’Connell
After Donald Trump won the 2024 election, roughly one million users signed up for social media site Bluesky, many of them in protest of X’s increasing right-wing tone and owner Elon Musk’s alliance with the Republican candidate.
However, according to one prominent progressive, liberals shouldn’t jump ship from X just yet.
Josh Marcus reports from San Francisco.
Silicon Valley Democrat urges liberals to stay on X as they abandon it for Bluesky
Watch: Fox News host gets ‘realistic’ about Trump tariffs
17:00 , Oliver O’Connell
ICYMI: Laura Loomer goes on hours-long tirade against Mark Zuckerberg
16:40 , Oliver O’Connell
Far-right personality and Donald Trump enthusiast Laura Loomer spent hours on X ranting about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s visit to Mar-a-Lago.
Loomer posted at least 16 times on the social media platform in which she directly mentioned Zuckerberg, complaining that the Facebook founder allegedly “censored” the assassination attempt on Trump, according to the Daily Beast.
Graig Graziosi has teh details..
Laura Loomer goes on hours-long tirade against Mark Zuckerberg’s Mar-a-Lago visit
Trump’s call for ‘energy dominance’ is likely to run into real-world limits
16:09 , Oliver O’Connell
President-elect Donald Trump is set to create a National Energy Council that he says will establish American “energy dominance” around the world as he seeks to boost U.S. oil and gas drilling and move away from President Joe Biden’s focus on climate change.
The energy council — to be led by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department — will be key in Trump’s pledge to “drill, drill, drill” and sell more oil and other energy sources to allies in Europe and around the globe.
The new council will be granted sweeping authority over federal agencies involved in energy permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation and transportation, with a mandate to cut bureaucratic red tape, enhance private sector investments and focus on innovation instead of “totally unnecessary regulation,” Trump said.
But Trump’s energy wishes are likely to run into real-world limits.
Continue reading…
Donald Trump’s call for ‘energy dominance’ is likely to run into real-world limits
Putin lavishes praise on Trump after election victory
15:40 , Oliver O’Connell
Russian President Vladimir Putin has heaped praised on Donald Trump and suggested the incoming administration will “find a solution” to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“As far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution,” Putin said on Thursday.
Putin also commended the president-elect as a “real man” after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Putin full of praise for ‘intelligent and experienced’ Trump after election victory
JD Vance depicted himself as ‘Trump’s wife’ in Thanksgiving post — social media lost it
15:30 , Oliver O’Connell
While President-elect Donald Trump was sharing a Thanksgiving parody video of himself leaping out of a turkey and gyrating in front of prominent Democrats, his soon-to-be vice president decided to up the ante by posting an image of himself as “Trump’s wife.”
In a mock-up of Norman Rockwell’s famous painting “Freedom From Want,” JD Vance superimposed his face onto the matriarch serving up a Thanksgiving turkey to her family. A grinning Trump takes the place of the husband, who is standing behind a dress-clad Vance.
Definitely one for the “maybe think before you post” file.
Justin Barangoa has the story.
Social media loses it over JD Vance depicting himself as ‘Trump’s wife’
Elon Musk erupts over plan that could cut Tesla from EV tax credit
15:10 , Oliver O’Connell
Elon Musk blew up in a post on X after California Gov. Gavin Newsom floated the possibility of providing tax credits for buyers of electric vehicles that might not include Tesla.
“This is insane!” complained Musk, who has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to head a new federal efficiency department to cut waste from the government.
Mary Papenfuss reports.
Musk erupts over california plan that could cut Tesla from EV tax credit
RFK Jr shows Americans how to cook Thanksgiving turkey ‘the MAHA way’
14:40 , James Liddell
Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump’s choice for health secretary, has shared a video showing Americans how to cook Thanksgiving turkey the so-called “MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) way.”
In the tutorial posted on X, RFK Jr is seen deep-frying a Thanksgiving turkey while his wife Cheryl Hines looks on with apparent concern.
The vaccine skeptic who could soon be in charge of the nation’s health explains that he is cooking the turkey in beef tallow.
Rhian Lubin looks at Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary pick’s turkey cooking trick.
Trump’s health secretary pick RFK Jr deep fries Thanksgiving turkey the ‘MAHA way’
Biden marks Native American Heritage Day
14:26 , Oliver O’Connell
‘Pre-tariff sales’ cast shadow on Black Friday
14:22 , James Liddell
While Black Friday reels in a swarm of sale-hungry consumers, US businesses have begun broadcasting their pre-tariff sales after Donald Trump tariff plans threaten to raise costs – and subsequently prices.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, businesses are urging customers to make the most of their “pre-tariff” bargains.
“Pre-Tariff Sale! This is not a drill,” declares a Facebook post from Finally Home Furnishings.
The journal reported that beauty brand Jolie Skin emailed customers urging them to “lock in our current prices”.
“These are the best discounts we will likely offer until this time next year, and with potential tariffs looming, they might be the best prices for a lot longer than that,” a Facebook post from outdoor and sporting-goods retailer Tarptent read.
The president-elect promised to impose tariffs of 60 percent on Chinese goods imported into the US, and a blanket tariff of between 10 and 20 percent across other countries.
On Monday, Trump threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on US neighbors Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10 percent levy on Chinese imports into the country.
Trump vows to ‘Make Thanksgiving Great Again’
14:01 , James Liddell
Trump vows to ‘Make Thanksgiving Great Again’ in meme spinning off MAGA slogan (Donald Trump/Truth Social)
Democratic senator says party’s ‘mismanagement’ of border was ‘political malpractice’
13:41 , James Liddell
A Democratic senator claimed their party committed “political malpractice” by mismanaging the border, and considered it a key reason for Donald Trump’s election win and the loss of four seats in the Senate.
Senators recently met to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat at the ballot box during a lunch meeting, according to The Hill.
One Democrat hailing from the upper chamber, who spoke to the outlet under conditions of anonymity, claimed that the border issue was the party’s achilles heel, resulting in Trump returning to the White House
“We destroyed ourselves on the immigration issue in ways that were entirely predictable and entirely manageable. We utterly mismanaged that issue, including our Democratic caucus here,” the Democratic senator said.
“That’s political malpractice. That’s not someone else’s fault. That’s not the groups pushing us around.”
Brazil’s former president turns to Trump as he considers return to power
13:21 , James Liddell
Far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro believes that Donald Trump may be able to help him return to power.
Once one of Trump’s closest foreign allies, Bolsonaro held the top job in Brazil from between 2019 and 2023.
He was later banned from running for office until 2030 by Brazil’s Supreme Court for being found guilty of abusing his power ahead of 2022’s presidential poll. He now faces criminal charges for allegedly plotting a coup after his defeat in the 2022 election.
Bolsonaro said he has been in close contact with Trump, who he referred to as the “big orange guy,” after Election Day earlier this month.
“Trump is back, and it’s a sign we’ll be back too,” Bolsonaro told the Wall Street Journal.
“It’s time for MAAGA – Make All Americas Great Again.”
Seth Meyers jokes it ‘really is Thanksgiving’ for Republicans as Trumpworld goes from ‘lovefest’ to ‘knife fight’
13:00 , James Liddell
Seth Meyers gave Republicans a special Thanksgiving roasting on Thursday night, saying that Trumpworld has gone from being “a lovefest” to a “knife fight.”
The comedian joked that “it really is Thanksgiving” as he referenced reported in-fighting at Mar-a-Lago between some of Trump’s top lieutenants and advisers over his cabinet picks.
On the campaign trail, Trump often referred to the atmosphere at his rallies as “lovefests.”
Rhian Lubin has the story.
Seth Meyers jokes ‘it really is Thanksgiving’ as Trumpworld turns into ‘knife fight’
Dana White celebrates Thanksgiving wearing top with Trump eating a turkey dinner
12:40 , James Liddell
Donald Trump ally and UFC chief Dana White sported a Trump-themed Thanksgiving T-shirt on Thursday (Donald Trump/Truth Social)
Barron Trump ‘smarter’ than anyone in Harris’s campaign, Democrat megadonor says
12:20 , James Liddell
Donald Trump’s teenage son, Barron, is “smarter” than any of Kamala Harris’s campaign team, a prominent Democratic megadonor claimed.
John Morgan launched into an on-air tirade against the vice president while speaking on Fox News, following the news station’s reports that Harris may set her sights on the White House in 2028.
After pleading that Harris will “go away and never, ever come back,” Morgan also took aim at her aides on the campaign trail, which ended in her defeat at the ballot box to Donald Trump earlier this month.
“It turns out that Baron Trump, who looks like a runway model, was telling his father, you need to go on podcasts, you need to go on Joe Rogan,” he said on Wednesday.
“[Trump] was three hours late to a rally because he was doing Joe Rogan because that was so important. So, Barron Trump is a lot smarter than everybody in the Harris [campaign].”
Earlier this year Trump began trying to court young male voters by engaging with YouTubers and “bro” podcasters, many of whom were young, wildly popular with Gen-Z and sympathetic toward his MAGA movement.
Barron was said to have made the final call on the podcasts that his father appeared on, according to a report by Time early this month.
JD Vance shares bizarre meme celebrating Thanksgiving and election victory
12:00 , James Liddell
Barron watches awkwardly as Trump and Musk dance to YMCA at Mar-a-Lago Thanksgiving
11:40 , James Liddell
“First Buddy” Elon Musk joined Donald Trump and his family at Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving – with footage showing a seemingly “embarrassed” Barron looking on while the two men danced to YMCA.
The president-elect was surrounded by friends, family and the now ever-present tech billionaire at his West Palm Beach, Florida, resort on Thursday evening.
Video reshared by Musk online shows Trump sitting between his 18-year-old son and Musk, with his wife Melania next to Barron, in the ballroom.
James Liddell has the details.
‘Embarrassed’ Barron looks on as Trump and Musk dance to YMCA at Thanksgiving
Watch: RFK Jr shares his ‘dangerous’ method of cooking Thanksgiving turkey
11:20 , James Liddell
Trump posts bizarre ‘Christmas Vacation’ parody video of Biden and Harris
11:00 , James Liddell
Donald Trump has shared a parody video of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation featuring President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris – and ending with himself leaping out of a turkey.
In the video shared on Truth Social on Thanksgiving night – hours after Trump sent a fiery Thanksgiving message to the “radical left lunatics” – the president-elect put his own spin on the iconic scene from the holiday classic.
In the amusing 35-second video, Biden’s head is superimposed onto the body of Chevy Chase, who plays Clark Griswold.
Rhian Lubin breaks down the bizarre clip below.
Trump posts bizarre Thanksgiving ‘Christmas Vacation’ parody video of Biden, Harris
ICYMI: Putin warns that Trump is ‘not safe’
10:40 , James Liddell
Russian President Vladimir Putin heaped praise on Donald Trump but said he did not believe the president-elect was safe after attempts on his life.
Speaking to reporters in Kazakhstan after a summit on Thursday, Putin said he had been shocked by the way the election campaign had unfolded.
He cited “the absolutely uncivilized methods used to battle against Trump, up to and including an assassination attempt – and more than once”.
“By the way, in my opinion, he is not safe now,” Putin said.
Trump was wounded after being shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally in July.
In a separate incident in September, a man was charged with attempted assassination after allegedly positioning himself with a rifle at one of Trump’s Florida golf courses.
Elon Musk’s ‘woke’ rant to Sylvester Stallone at Trump’s Thanksgiving do
10:20 , James Liddell
Watch: Trump jumps out of Biden’s Thanksgiving turkey in bizarre AI-generated clip
10:00 , James Liddell
Trump spoofs Biden’s Thanksgiving in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation style clip
Silicon Valley Democrat urges liberals to stay on X
09:40 , Oliver O’Connell
After Donald Trump won the 2024 election, roughly one million users signed up for social media site Bluesky, many of them in protest of X’s increasing right-wing tone and owner Elon Musk’s alliance with the Republican candidate.
However, according to one prominent progressive, liberals shouldn’t jump ship from X just yet.
Josh Marcus reports from San Francisco.
Silicon Valley Democrat urges liberals to stay on X as they abandon it for Bluesky
‘I hope he rethinks it’: Biden lays into ‘counterproductive’ Trump tariff threats
09:20 , Oliver O’Connell
Joe Biden has panned Donald Trump’s plan to hit Americans with massive import taxes on goods from Mexico and Canada, hoping his successor will walk back the proposal.
The president was asked about Trump’s plan to hike the cost of Mexican and Canadian products by 25 percent via executive order if both countries did not take steps to curb what he described as unacceptable flows of drugs and migrants into the U.S. across their respective borders.
Biden, who is in Nantucket for his family’s annual Thanksgiving vacation, told reporters: “I hope he rethinks it. I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do.”
Andrew Feinberg reports.
Biden lays into ‘counterproductive’ Trump tariff threats: ‘I hope he rethinks it’
Putin full of praise for ‘intelligent and experienced’ Trump
09:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Russian President Vladimir Putin has heaped praised on Donald Trump and suggested the incoming administration will “find a solution” to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“As far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution,” Putin said on Thursday.
Putin also commended the president-elect as a “real man” after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July.
Alex Woodward reports.
Putin full of praise for ‘intelligent and experienced’ Trump after election victory
Despite Trump’s claims, Mexican president denies country is closing border
08:30 , Oliver O’Connell
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is pushing back on Donald Trump’s claim she promised to effectively close her country’s northern border with the United States after the incoming American leader alleged that she’d pledged to stop all migration through the country.
On Wednesday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to claim that Sheinbaum had made such a promise during a phone call earlier in the day. He wrote that she had “agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.”
But Sheinbaum quickly clapped back in a post of her own on X, as Andrew Feinberg reports.
Mexican president denies country is closing border despite Trump claims
What’s the one reason Trump could end up ditching Musk?
07:45 , Oliver O’Connell
Maggie Haberman of The New York Times has an idea.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Maggie Haberman reveals the one reason Trump could end up ditching Musk
Trump makes ‘nauseating’ last-ditch attempt to toss his fraud case
07:00 , Oliver O’Connell
After successfully delaying Donald Trump’s chances of facing criminal consequences before he returns to the White House, his legal team is making another last-ditch effort to block a massive civil fraud judgment against him.
Trump has appealed that judgment, but his attorney D. John Sauer — the man Trump has nominated for the next solicitor general of the United States — is urging the state of New York to drop the case entirely as “necessary for the health of our Republic.”
Alex Woodward has been closely following the case for The Independent from the start and filed this report.
Trump makes ‘nauseating’ last-ditch attempt to toss his New York fraud case
Thanks to Trump, your next iPhone is likely to be even more expensive
06:00 , Oliver O’Connell
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose tariffs on China which are set to make a wide variety of goods more expensive come the new year. That may include your next iPhone.
Trump said during the campaign that he would impose a 60 percent tariff on all Chinese products, with 10 to 25 percent tariffs being applied to other major trading partners.
If Trump goes ahead with his 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods, iPhone prices are likely to increase significantly. Economists have estimated that an iPhone 16 for $1,000 may cost $300 more under Trump’s policies.
Gustaf Kilander reports.
Your next iPhone is likely to be even more expensive thanks to Trump
ICYMI: Trump cabinet picks targeted by bomb threats and swatting
05:00 , Oliver O’Connell
A number of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks have been targeted by bomb threats and swatting attacks, the president-elect’s transition team has said.
The FBI is investigating as Gustaf Kilander reports.
Trump cabinet picks including Matt Gaetz targeted by bomb threats and swatting
RFK Jr will be surrounded with anti-abortion figures to appease Republicans
04:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Donald Trump’s transition team reportedly plans to surround Robert F Kennedy Jr with some anti-abortion figures to appease members of the GOP who are unconvinced by the prospective head of the Department of Health and Human Services and his stance on the divisive issue.
Concerns have been raised about RFK Jr – who previously said he opposed any government limits on abortion at the state or federal level – and his confirmation by the Republican majority Senate. Abortion is guaranteed to come up during the hearing.
Mike Bedigan reports.
Trump team plans to surround RFK Jr with anti-abortion figures to appease GOP
Musk accuses Trump impeachment witness of ‘treason’ and calls for ‘appropriate penalty’
03:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man and President-elect Donald Trump’s “first buddy,” took to his social media platform X to ominously accuse the key witness in Trump’s first impeachment of treason while calling for him to “pay the appropriate penalty.”
Musk, who has been tasked by Trump to lead an outside agency on government efficiency named after a meme, took issue on Wednesday with comments made by former National Security Council official Alexander Vindman during an appearance on MSNBC.
Justin Barangoa has the story.
Elon Musk calls for ‘appropriate penalty’ against Alexander Vindman for ‘treason’
What does RFK Jr really think about the CDC?
02:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Vaccine skeptic Robert F Kennedy Jr compared medical institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to a “Nazi death camp” in resurfaced footage from autism conferences for parents.
Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services also compared vaccinating children to “sex abuse in the Catholic church” during remarks at the events.
Rhian Lubin reports.
RFK Jr likened CDC to ‘Nazi death camp’ and vaccinating children to ‘sex abuse’
Trump unveils new strategy to stop Americans taking fentanyl
01:30 , Oliver O’Connell
Donald Trump has unveiled a new strategy for dealing with the fentanyl crisis.
“I will be working on a large-scale United States Advertising Campaign explaining how bad fentanyl is for people to use,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Michelle Del Rey reports on the president-elect’s latest idea.
Trump unveils new strategy to stop Americans taking fentanyl – an ad campaign
Five Republican senators could thwart Trump’s agenda and nominees — here’s who they are…
01:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Eric Garcia writes:
Donald Trump’s nominees will now need to be confirmed by the Senate, which Republicans control with a 53-seat majority. Trump got a reality check last week when Matt Gaetz, the embattled former Republican congressman, pulled his nomination for attorney general after it became clear he would face Senate opposition.
During his presidency, Joe Biden had to grapple with Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, the conservative Democrats-turned-independents, when he wanted to pass anything. Now Trump may face his own bloc of opposition within his party. Here are the Republican senators who could be a roadblock to Trump’s agenda.
The five Republican senators who could thwart Trump’s agenda and nominees
‘YMCA’ sees surge in popularity after Trump played gay anthem at every rally
00:30 , Oliver O’Connell
Disco classic “YMCA” has seen a massive surge in popularity in the months leading up to and since the election, after it became a campaign staple of Donald Trump.
The President-elect played the famous 1978 gay anthem at almost every single event during his successful run to reclaim the White House, often busting out his specific set of moves.
Mike Bedigan as the story.
YMCA sees popularity surge after Trump played gay anthem at every campaign rally
Jimmy Kimmel: Trump’s ‘dumb’ tariffs plan could hit MAGA fans where it hurts
00:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Jimmy Kimmel has detailed a potential flaw in Donald Trump’s plan to impose hefty tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, and an additional levy on Chinese goods and services.
The president-elect announced that he plans to introduce a 25 percent tariff on “all products” entering the US from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10 percent tariff on China, prompting fears he has set the stage for a bitter global trade war ahead of his inauguration on January 20, 2025.
The three countries account for about 40 percent of goods brought into the US, the world’s largest importer, each year.
James Liddell has the story.
Jimmy Kimmel reveals Trump’s ‘dumb’ tariffs plan could hit MAGA fans where it hurts
Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy. This time things could be very different
Thursday 28 November 2024 23:30 , AP
Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries.
The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared.
This time, though, his tariff threats might be different.
Continue reading…
Trump’s tariffs in his first term didn’t alter the economy. Thing could be different
Maggie Haberman says there’s one reason Trump could end up ditching Musk
Thursday 28 November 2024 23:00 , Oliver O’Connell
New York Times journalist and author Maggie Haberman has revealed the one reason she believes Donald Trump could end up ditching Elon Musk.
Haberman discussed the relationship between the billionaire, who has been at Trump’s side almost constantly since his election victory more than three weeks ago, and the president-elect during an appearance on CNN on Wednesday.
While she said the pair’s relationship appears to be “in good standing” at the moment, Haberman pointed to a potential problem down the line.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Maggie Haberman reveals the one reason Trump could end up ditching Musk
Watch: RFK Jr demonstrates deep-frying a Thanksgiving turkey
Thursday 28 November 2024 22:45 , Oliver O’Connell
Please, if you are doing this at home, do not over-fill your deep fryer — remember the turkey will displace oil and you could end up starting a massive fire and severely injuring yourself.
And maybe don’t hang around boiling oil barefoot… 🤦♂️
Biden praises first responders after Nantucket Fire Department visit
Thursday 28 November 2024 22:36 , Oliver O’Connell
‘Snacking continues’ even under RFK Jr.’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda, says Twinkies owner
Thursday 28 November 2024 22:30 , Oliver O’Connell
The CEO of the parent company that owns Twinkies and Uncrustables has declared that snacking will continue despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
On an earnings call with analysts Tuesday, J.M. Smucker CEO Mark Smucker responded to a question about whether Kennedy’s agenda could hurt the company, CNN reports.
Katie Hawkinson reports.
Twinkies owner declares ‘snacking continues’ even under RFK Jr.’s ‘MAHA’ agenda
Harris: Thanksgiving is about giving back to our communities
Thursday 28 November 2024 22:15 , Oliver O’Connell
Democrats on the Hill react to Trump’s proposed tariffs
Thursday 28 November 2024 22:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Democrats reacted with consternation to Donald Trump’s vow to impose massive tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, saying that the president-elect has failed to grasp the potential consequences of his promises and is heading into a “real horror show.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN on Tuesday that Trump would face a “hugely negative reaction” from the tariffs from US citizens once the effects were felt at home and that he would be “held accountable.”
Mike Bedigan reports.
‘A real horror show’: Democrats on the Hill react to Trump’s proposed tariffs
Laura Loomer goes on hours-long tirade against Mark Zuckerberg’s Mar-a-Lago visit
Thursday 28 November 2024 21:45 , Oliver O’Connell
Far-right personality and Donald Trump enthusiast Laura Loomer spent hours on X ranting about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s visit to Mar-a-Lago.
Loomer posted at least 16 times on the social media platform in which she directly mentioned Zuckerberg, complaining that the Facebook founder allegedly “censored” the assassination attempt on Trump, according to the Daily Beast.
Graig Graziosi reports.
Laura Loomer goes on hours-long tirade against Mark Zuckerberg’s Mar-a-Lago visit
Biden slams latest Russian attack on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure
Thursday 28 November 2024 21:38 , Oliver O’Connell
While earlier Vladimir Putin praised US President-elect Donald Trump in remarks during a visit to Kazakhstan, President Joe Biden gave the following statement regarding the most recent attack on Ukraine by Russia.
Overnight, Russia carried out a horrific aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities report that Russia launched nearly 200 missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, depriving Ukrainian civilians of access to electricity. This attack is outrageous and serves as yet another reminder of the urgency and importance of supporting the Ukrainian people in their defense against Russian aggression.
On this day, my message to the Ukrainian people is clear: the United States stands with you. Earlier this year, and at my direction, the United States began prioritizing air defense exports so they go to Ukraine first. The Department of Defense has delivered hundreds of additional air defense missiles to Ukraine, as a consequence of this decision, and further deliveries are underway. For months, my Administration has been working to help Ukraine increase the resilience of its energy grid in preparation for the winter, and the Department of Defense continues to surge other critical capabilities to Ukraine, including artillery, rockets, and armored vehicles.
Russia continues to underestimate the bravery, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people. The United States stands with more than 50 countries in support of Ukraine and its fight for freedom.
Trump team said to be debating ‘how much’ to invade Mexico
Thursday 28 November 2024 21:30 , Oliver O’Connell
Donald Trump and his team are reportedly debating “how much” to invade Mexico once he takes office, a new report claims.
Trump and his transition team staff are discussing a “soft invasion” of the country, Rolling Stone reports. These conversations come after Trump promised to “wage war” on drug cartels in Mexico both during his first term and on the campaign trail.
“How much should we invade Mexico?” a senior Trump transition member told Rolling Stone. “That is the question.”
Katie Hawkinson has the story.
Trump team said to be debating ‘how much’ to invade Mexico
Silicon Valley Democrat urges liberals to stay on X
Thursday 28 November 2024 21:15 , Oliver O’Connell
After Donald Trump won the 2024 election, roughly one million users signed up for social media site Bluesky, many of them in protest of X’s increasing right-wing tone and owner Elon Musk’s alliance with the Republican candidate.
However, according to one prominent progressive, liberals shouldn’t jump ship from X just yet.
Josh Marcus reports from San Francisco.
Silicon Valley Democrat urges liberals to stay on X as they abandon it for Bluesky
How to survive political debates at Thanksgiving dinner
Thursday 28 November 2024 21:00 , Oliver O’Connell
Today’s public service announcement.
Deep breaths, people.
The Independent’s Meredith Clark spoke with Sean O’Neill, a licensed marriage and family therapist, for his expert advice on how to navigate this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, all while avoiding political discussions that are sure to ignite a heated debate.
How to survive political debates at Thanksgiving, according to a family therapist
Joe Rogan claims he was ‘on Democrats side’, until…
Thursday 28 November 2024 20:45 , Oliver O’Connell
Joe Rogan claimed that Democrats are scrambling to create a liberal version of his hit podcast show following Donald Trump’s 2024 election win.
Kamala Harris was invited to appear on The Joe Rogan Experience, but her campaign was unable to agree on certain terms, such as location and length, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Harris campaign aides recently told podcast Pod Save America that she couldn’t take the time away from battleground states. Rogan did sit down for lengthy conversations with vice president-elect JD Vance, Elon Musk as well as Trump , and also endorsed the Republican on election day.
Despite this, Rogan claimed that we was on the Democrats side at one point, according to Huffington Post.
Graig Graziosi reports.
Joe Rogan claims he was ‘on Democrats side’ before they drove him away
Trump’s tariffs: Goldman Sachs analyst spells out ‘significant consequences’ for American shoppers
Thursday 28 November 2024 20:30 , Oliver O’Connell
A researcher with Goldman Sachs said he foresees “significant consequences” for US consumers under President-elect Donald Trump‘s proposed tariffs.
Trump announced that Canada and Mexico could soon see a 25 percent tariff added to all imported goods while China could face an additional 10 percent. Trump claims this is part of an effort to curtail “crime and drugs” coming into the U.S. and slow the number of illegal border crossings – but many critics are concerned it could lead to rising prices.
Daan Struyven, head of commodities research at Goldman, is one of those critics.
Katie Hawkinson reports on what he had to say.
Goldman Sachs analyst spells out ‘significant consequences’ of Trump’s tariff plans
Unelected bureaucrat rages at unelected bureaucrats
Thursday 28 November 2024 20:20 , Oliver O’Connell
Failed Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stepped on a rake when he told Americans they should be afraid of unelected bureaucrats, after which a smattering of responders pointed out that he is, in fact, an unelected bureaucrat.
Graig Graziosi reports on the reaction.
Vivek Ramaswamy rages against ‘unelected’ bureaucrats despite being one himself
Putin full of praise for ‘intelligent and experienced’ Trump
Thursday 28 November 2024 20:05 , Oliver O’Connell
Russian President Vladimir Putin has heaped praised on Donald Trump and suggested the incoming administration will “find a solution” to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“As far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution,” Putin said on Thursday.
Putin also commended the president-elect as a “real man” after an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July.
Alex Woodward reports.
Putin full of praise for ‘intelligent and experienced’ Trump after election victory
Trump’s tariffs: Ikea CEO warns prices will jump
Thursday 28 November 2024 19:55 , Oliver O’Connell
The CEO of Swedish furniture giant Ikea has joined the throng of politicians and business leaders warning that new international tariffs proposed by Donald Trump will result in price hikes for consumers.
Jesper Brodin, chief executive of Ingka Group – which runs the majority of Ikea stores – said that the company had “never experienced a period of benefit” when high tariffs had been imposed.
Mike Bedigan reports.
Ikea CEO warns prices will jump under new Trump tariffs
