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@ISIDEWITH submitted…5 days5D
Trump proposes a "Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement" with Iran, expressing preference for diplomacy over military action and calling for immediate negotiations.Despite advocating for diplomacy, Trump simultaneously issued an executive order reinstating his "maximum pressure" sanctions policy from his first administration.The sanctions campaign aims to completely halt Iran's oil exports, particularly focusing on exports to China, which currently receives about 1.7 million barrels per day.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by calling the maximum pressure strategy a "failed experience" while indicating openness to discussions about their nuclear program.The executive order includes reviewing and potentially rescinding existing sanctions waivers, including those related to the Chabahar port project operated by India.Iranian oil exports had previously dropped from 3 million barrels per day in 2018 to 420,000 barrels per day in December 2019 under Trump's first-term sanctions.Iran currently maintains a "shadow fleet" of oil tankers operating outside Western banking and insurance services to circumvent US restrictions.Oil markets showed limited reaction to Trump's announcement, with Brent crude dropping 1% as traders doubt the ability to completely block Iranian exports.Analysts suggest Iran could become a negotiating tool in US-China trade discussions, with China potentially willing to reduce Iranian oil imports as it modernizes its refining sector.Iranian analysts indicate Tehran would likely reject any agreement attempting to restrict their ballistic missile program, which they consider their primary deterrent.
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PBS hit back at attacks from Republican allies of President Donald Trump this week by releasing an internal poll finding the public broadcaster has broad support among Americans, including among Trump voters.Axios’s Sara Fischer obtained the internal poll, commissioned using YouGov, and noted that it found “65% of Trump voters think the public broadcaster is either underfunded or adequately funded.” Axios also reported that the poll found “82% of voters, including 72% of Trump voters, said they valued PBS for its children’s programming and educational tools.”The poll was made public the day after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced her subcommittee will hold Oversight hearings and requested both the heads of NPR and PBS to testify.The House Oversight Committee sent Paula Kerge, the CEO of PBS, a letter on Monday that read, “The Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (Subcommittee) is planning a hearing on federally funded radio and television, including its systemically biased content. The Subcommittee is concerned by Public Broadcasting Service’s (PBS) blatantly ideological and partisan coverage and looks forward to your participation in our upcoming hearing.”
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…2 days2D
Governor Newsom signed legislation allocating $50 million total to protect California's policies from Trump administration challenges and defend immigrants facing deportation, split evenly between the state's DOJ and legal defense groups.The funding comes as California anticipates renewed conflicts with Trump's administration, following over 100 legal actions against his first term policies on issues including climate, water, and immigration.Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas justified the funding by characterizing the Trump administration as "out-of-control" and threatening to Californians' constitutional rights.The signing occurred just after Newsom's Washington visit to secure federal disaster aid for January's devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which claimed more than two dozen lives.California recently enacted a separate $2.5 billion fire relief package, with expectations of federal reimbursement for disaster response costs.Republican lawmakers criticized the legal defense funding as a political distraction from wildfire recovery efforts, with State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones calling it a "slush fund."Critics raised concerns about the possibility of funds being used to defend immigrants with serious felony convictions, though Newsom indicated this wasn't the intended purpose.The legislation emerged from a special session Newsom called shortly after Trump's election in November, demonstrating California's proactive stance against anticipated federal challenges.During Trump's first term, California initiated more than 120 lawsuits against his administration, spending approximately $42 million on legal battles.Annual legal expenses fighting federal policies during Trump's first term ranged from $2 million to nearly $13 million per year.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…6 days6D
Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights CouncilThe order also prohibits future US funding to UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees)US funding to UNRWA was already suspended under Biden in 2024 following Israeli allegations about employee involvement in October 7 attacksPrevious investigations, led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, found some "neutrality related issues" but noted Israel hadn't provided evidence for its main allegationThis marks Trump's second withdrawal from both UNRWA funding and the UN Human Rights CouncilTrump previously cut UNRWA funding in 2018, which Biden restored in 2021Similarly, Trump left the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, with Biden rejoining three years laterTrump stated Palestinians have "no alternative but to leave Gaza"He suggested Jordan and Egypt should take displaced PalestiniansThe announcement included continued Ukraine aid and increased support for Israel and Egypt
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A Trump official anonymously expressed concern over Elon Musk's unprecedented autonomy within the administration.Musk's DOGE department has expanded beyond its advisory role into operational territory without proper security clearances.The billionaire's dual position holding government contracts with both US and China has raised significant concerns.The NY Times report features multiple high-profile journalists documenting Musk's unusual influence.Musk employed a young team (19-25 year-olds) who are reportedly disrupting government operations without oversight.The official noted Musk operates "with a level of autonomy that almost no one can control."Musk reportedly enters the White House through side entrances and drops into meetings unannounced.He maintains a close relationship with Stephen Miller, sharing disdain for federal workers.Speaker Mike Johnson appears to support this arrangement despite its challenge to legislative oversight.Traditional media outlets were largely silent on this story until the NY Times investigation.
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Trump proposed unprecedented U.S. control of Gaza Strip during a White House press conference with Netanyahu, suggesting "long-term ownership" that could last 10-15 years.The plan calls for nearly two million Palestinian residents to permanently relocate to neighboring countries, marking a dramatic shift from decades of U.S. policy.Congressional leaders from both parties expressed skepticism, with even Trump ally Lindsey Graham calling the proposal "problematic."Middle East experts, including former Palestinian Authority advisor Khaled Elgindy, criticized the plan as "bizarre and incoherent."White House officials argue mass relocation is the only viable option and seek to convince Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians.The administration estimates Gaza reconstruction would take 10-15 years, far longer than the 3-5 years outlined in cease-fire agreements.The proposal lacks clear details on how to handle Palestinian resistance to relocation or potential U.S. military deployment.Saudi Arabia immediately rejected the plan, stating it wouldn't normalize ties with Israel without a clear path to Palestinian statehood.Trump expressed uncertainty about the current cease-fire's durability while presenting his proposal.The plan faces significant implementation challenges and could complicate other regional objectives, including Israel-Saudi normalization efforts.
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