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December 18, 2025
Trump's 'Bah! Humbug!' address suggests he is feeling the chill of opinion polls
(The Guardian) It will go down in history as the “Bah! Humbug!” address. Surrounded by Christmas trees and garlands before a fireplace, Donald Trump on Wednesday gave a convincing rendition of Ebenezer Scrooge, the elderly miser who despises Christmas and blames everyone but himself. The US president sounded like a desperate man, pointing an accusing finger at Joe Biden and spreading the opposite of charity and cheer on issues such as immigration. So much for ’tis the season to be jolly.
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House Republicans Call Early Christmas Break Before Epstein Files Release
(Newsweek) Republicans in the House have brought their Christmas recess a day forward—before the Department of Justice (DOJ) is scheduled to release a tranche of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to a floor update released by Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the House will hold its final votes on Thursday afternoon, a change from the GOP’s previously announced schedule which would have seen these taking place on Friday.
Go to discussionDonald Trump's White House Ballroom Price Tag Suddenly Massively Jumps Again
(Huff Post) Donald Trump delivered an update on the cost of building his much-hyped White House ballroom on Tuesday. The venue, which the president controversially razed the East Wing to make way for, will now cost $400 million, he revealed during his speech at a White House Hanukkah reception. Previously, Trump had talked about the construction project price being $250 million, and then $300 million. “We’re donating a $400 million ballroom,” Trump said, adding another $100 million to the cost.
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Trump admin targets Boulder-based National Center for Atmospheric Research for dismantling
(Denver 7 News) The Trump administration is seeking to dismantle the Boulder-based National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), according to Russ Vought, the director of the United States Office of Management and Budget. In an X post Tuesday, Vought said that the NCAR facility in Boulder is “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country."
Go to discussion"I can't believe this is America": U.S. Veteran who voted for Trump says ICE arrested his wife
(WTF Detective) “Why did you vote for him?” a member of Congress asked. “Because I was an idiot,” the veteran replied. “Evangelical Christian people were lied to, if you really want to know the truth. And that’s exactly what happened.” He said he believed deportations would only target criminals, but instead his wife — someone devoted to serving others — was detained. “My wife and I, when we don’t work, we’re ministers. We help the needy. That’s what we do. And that’s who they’re arresting.”
Go to discussionGOP bid to block blue state redistricting torn apart as judges dismantle party's arguments
(Raw Story) Republicans' lawsuit trying to overturn California's mid-decade redistricting map ran into a brick wall this week, as a three-judge panel grilled them intensively, with a clear indication they weren't moved by the arguments. Voters approved Proposition 50 in November, a redraw of the congressional lines that seeks to give Democrats five currently Republican-held seats.
Go to discussionLawyer tells Trump the Constitution is unclear on third term, WSJ reports
(Reuters) President Donald Trump discussed a draft copy of a book by lawyer Alan Dershowitz that examines whether Trump could constitutionally serve a third term as president, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Trump's flirtation with the idea of a third term has alarmed opponents and constitutional experts, who say it would test the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which Congress approved after Franklin Roosevelt was elected four times. The 22nd Amendment states in part that "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice."
Go to discussionTrump administration asking US oil industry to return to Venezuela -- but getting no takers
(Politico) The Trump administration is asking U.S. oil companies if they’re interested in returning to Venezuela once leader Nicolás Maduro is gone, four people familiar with the discussions told POLITICO. And so far, the answer is a hard “no.” The administration’s outreach to the industry, previously unreported, is the latest sign the White House is dreaming of a post-Maduro future for Venezuela — and how the world’s oil markets are both helping and hindering that goal.
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