Elon Musk: Leading the Charge Toward a Government Shutdown

As the U.S federal government tensions are running high in Washington, lawmakers are scrambling to avert disaster. The current temporary funding measure is set to expire on December 20, 2024. If a new spending bill is not passed, the government will face a shutdown just days before Christmas. A shutdown would cause federal employees to work without pay and various services to shutdown.

How We Got Here

This issue traces back to September 2024 when Congress passed a short-term CR to keep the government funded until December 20. Speaker Mike Johnson assured Republicans that they would not face a "kitchen sink" spending bill at year-end. However, the recently proposed 1,547-page bill, designed to fund the government through March 14, 2025, has reignited controversy. The bill includes provisions for disaster aid, economic relief for farmers, and even pay raises for lawmakers. These measures have drawn criticism from conservatives and opponents, notably billionaire Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump. Their rejection of the bipartisan agreement has once again thrown negotiations into chaos as Mike Johnson scrambles to draft a new bill.

Musk’s Role

Billionaire Elon Musk helped lead a revolt on Wednesday to try to stop a bipartisan funding bill, directly challenging the authority of House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other Republican leaders who helped create the bill, vowing political retribution against anyone voting for the bill. Similarly within hours, Trump joined him in condemning the measure, calling it too bloated and unaccountable. Remarkably Musk’s revolt has succeeded, throwing budget negotiations into chaos increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown this weekend.

Musk posted to X about the funding bill more than 150 times over the course of a day, repeatedly calling it “criminal” and asking his followers to call their representatives. In addition Musk has also posted memes, including one of him taking a sword to the bill and another referring to the “Kill Bill” films. Later in the day, the phrase “Kill Bill” was trending on X in the United States. His posts also included exaggerated and wildly inaccurate claims. For example, Musk alleged that the proposed congressional pay raise would be 40%, when in reality, the maximum potential pay increase for 2025 has been set at 3.8%, according to the Congressional Research Service. He additionally falsely claimed the bill funded “bioweapon labs” and a new NFL stadium in Washington, D.C.

What Happens Next?

Since then, House Republicans have scrapped the first bill, and a second version that was backed by Trump failed to secure the required votes, pushing the government closer to a shutdown. This vote that happened on Thursday evening displayed internal party divisions, with dozens of Republicans voting against the measure, while only two Democrats supported it. The final vote was 174 in favor, 235 against, and one present.

Lawmakers are racing to avoid a government shutdown when funding runs out on Friday night. The bill, which would keep the government funded through mid-March and suspend the nation's debt limit for two years, would still need approval from the Democratic-controlled Senate.

The Implications

As the clock ticks down, the outcome will set the tone for the incoming administration and the Republican-controlled Congress. Whether law makers are able to navigate the situation and come to a resolution remains to be seen, but for the American people the stakes could not be higher. Musk, despite having never been formally elected, has been called a “shadow president” and “co-president” by many. Musk’s growing political influence, amplified by his wealth, celebrity, and ownership of X, has positioned him as an unique but powerful force in shaping federal policy.

Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-budget-house-republican-05481374b154949c3fe1270141a02918 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6l9e3jq7xo 

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/18/politics/government-funding-bill-congress-explainer/index.html 

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/us/politics/elon-musk-politics.html 

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/elon-musk-leads-charge-kill-spending-bill-meant-avert-government-shutd-rcna184779 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-shutdown-congress-trump-elon-musk/

Christopher Wray Retires, Paving Way for Kash Patel

The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Christopher Wray, resigned from his post on Wednesday December 11th. This is unexpected and unnecessary since his term wasn’t slated to end until 2027 and this role is not supposed to transition with partisan terms.

Wray, a lifelong Republican, was appointed by Trump in 2017 but has since fallen out of favor with Trump after the FBI assisted with a federal probe into Trump's handling of classified documents. Wray said he will serve until the end of Biden’s term and then leave when Trump takes office in January. He is quoted saying “This is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” 

Many critics believe that this is not what is best for the FBI or for the country and are very worried about Trump’s current nominee Kash Patel. He’s been labeled a dangerous political hack motivated by witch hunts and has threatened to go after people named on his “enemies list” who he believes are members of the “deep state.” They include reputable public servants like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Lloyd Austin, Jim Comey, Hillary Clinton, Eric Holder and many others. Basically anyone who does not vow featly to Trump could find their way on his list. Last year Patel told Steve Bannon “We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media, who lied and helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections — we’re going to come after you. Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out.”

Ardent Republicans with a history of fealty to Trump say Patel is a bad candidate. Former Attorney General William Barr wrote in his memoir that when Trump considered making Patel the deputy director of the FBI, Barr responded “over my dead body.” In Barr’s book, he noted that Patel “had virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the world’s preeminent law enforcement agency. The very idea of moving Patel into a role like this showed a shocking detachment from reality.”

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe told CNN “No part of the FBI’s mission is safe with Kash Patel in any position of leadership in the FBI, and certainly not in the deputy director’s job. If you enter into that position with nothing more than a desire to disrupt and destroy the organization, there is a lot of damage someone like Kash Patel could do,” 

Patel requires confirmation by the Senate before he can be appointed. In the meantime, FBI deputy director Paul Abbate, a veteran FBI agent, will run the bureau after Wray's departure. 

The New Republic FBI Director Caves to Trump’s Dangerous Wishes by Resinging

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce902z8lp81o 

ForbesFBI Director Stepping Down As Trump Picks Kash Patel To Lead Agency—Here’s Why Critics Are Worried6 hours ago

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/11/us/trump-news?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/11/fbi-director-christopher-wray-resign?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Chris Wray Makes It Easy For Trump - The Atlantic

FBI Director Christopher Wray says he will resign at end of Biden's term | AP News

Wray resigning 'undermines' intent that FBI Director is apolitical: Weissmann

SlateWe’ve Seen Kash Patel’s Enemies List. It’s Terrifying

Why Kash Patel shouldn’t (but might) be confirmed as FBI director

Rebels and Regime in Syria: HTS challenges Assad's grip on power

Credit: Middle East Eye

HTS forces Iranian-backed dictator al-Assad out of Syria

For over 50 years, the Assad family has ruled Syria under a brutal regime characterized by mass incarceration, torture, and atrocities against the Syrian people. However, recent developments indicate cracks in this long-standing control. A rebel coalition, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) exerting influence in the northwestern province of Idlib, has continued to challenge the Assad regime, forcing the Iranian dictator, Bashar al-Assad to flee to Moscow. Syrian rebels freed prisoners from the former ruler's "human slaughterhouse" and celebrated the Syrian people's liberation from Assad's regime. According to The Washington Post, the rebel group in charge of Syrian Bureaucracy even offered to help the US search for Journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted 12 years ago just outside of Syria's capital, Damascus while reporting on the civil war. 

Despite the apparent weakening of Iranian dictatorship in Syria, U.S' support for these particular opposition groups has remained limited in recent years. The Syrian rebel coalition, called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was formed as a terroist organization. Though one of its leaders, Jolani promised governance by institutions and a "council chosen by the people," skepticism remains about the groups capacity to uphold their democratic principles. His past ties with pan-Islamic militant groups have made him a subject of international concern. In fact, the US State Department's Rewards for Justice program placed a $10 million bounty on the high-priority figure, which underscores its serious stance against HTS. The rebel forces has taken advantage of a power vacuum created by Iran's distractions with domestic protests and Israel, as well as Russia’s preoccupation with the war in Ukraine. As a result, the US Pentagon has expressed concerned over the rebel alliances taking advantage of this momentum to step into the leadership void to seize further control.

HTS in Damascus  Credit: CBS News

Impact on US-Russia-Isreal relations 

A fragmented Syria could further increase tensions between Israel, Iran, and other regional powers, which complicates power dynamics and undermines the US' past diplomatic efforts. Moscow had relied on its partnership with Iran and Assad to project power in the Middle East, using bases in Syria as strategic outposts. Though the Iranian embassy attack and Assad's fleeting represents significant dismantling of Russian influence in Syria and the middle east, the absence of a robust Syria policy weakens America's ability to challenge the military advancements/threats from Moscow. Isreal's airstrikes on Iranian backed militias in Syria as a form of defense have further demonstrated how this is beyond a domestic conflict.

Syria, now caught between the Assad regime and extremist factions, highlights the regions need for more strategic and sustained support from global powers from US, for example. Without it, the US risks ceding influence to rivals like Russia which further destabilizes the region. To counter extremist threats, the US needs to continue providing targeted support to moderate opposition groups, like Syria Free Army opposition faction, for example, and continue engaging with European and Middle Eastern allies to distribute the cost of these efforts. The stability in Syria currently hinges on the creation of an inclusive government; and for now, the non-dictatorial candidate, Ahmad al Sharaa, with his full inner circle government made up entirely of HTS loyalists who vows to punish those who tortured Syrian detainees, still raises skepticism. If he attempts to govern Syria, it's likely to be as another region controlled by Sunni-dominated rebel groups. Because of that, the nation is bound to experience further repression and instability as feuding warlords wrestle for control domestically. 

Credit: AP News

What now

For Syria to rebuild and for millions of refugees to return, it has to rebuild its government internally. Though the involvement of external power has often exacerbated its struggles, a unified approach can prevent the nations instability from spilling into Iran and Jordan. The US should encourage regional powers to support sustainable political settlement. If Sharaa ever emerges as a national leader, the US may need to reposition its stance and alter its strategy. This outcome is still far from certain, but HTS's solidified authority over parts of Syria offers it an opportunity to free itself from the control of Iran and Russia. The question of who is going to step up and how they are going to reshape the region remains ambiguous, but in order for the nation to be less politically and religiously fractured, the leader and their foreign supporters have to commit to policies that promote inclusivity and long-term stability. 

Live coverage by WSJ: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HSZDjnChAw&list=RDNS3HSZDjnChAw&start_radio=1

Sources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce313jn453zo

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/12/12/austin-tice-hts-syria-biden/

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/12/12/how-the-new-syria-might-succeed-or-fail

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/11/iran-supreme-leader-khamanei-assad-syria-downfall-us-israel-plan-claim

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/09/middleeast/syria-assad-rebels-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html

https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/12/11/what-do-syrias-other-rebels-want-now

Experts Oppose Kennedy’s Department of Health and Human Services Nomination

Donald Trumps nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has experts urging the senate to reject the nomination. In fact, today over 75 Nobel prize winning laureates in medicine, chemistry, physics and economics signed a letter outlining the danger Kennedy would be as the head of the DHHS.

The letter warned that “Placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy and undermine America’s global leadership in the health sciences.” As Kennedy has previously opposed important public health tools, such as vaccines and the fluoridation of drinking water,  critics have good reason to be wary of his potential appointment. Kennedy has also inaccurately linked vaccines to autism, denied the connection of H.I.V. to AIDS, and erroneously proposed a link between certain races to the contraction of Coronavirus (specifically stating that Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people would be immune to it). His rejection of proven science poses a great threat to our nation as the department is so important. 

The Department of Health and Human Services contains critical agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. Vowing to threaten and fire long standing professionals in these agencies, Kennedy worries Nobel laureates of the future success and global standing of the DHHS. 

If confirmed, Kennedy would head a department responsible for 13 agencies, a nearly $2 trillion budget, and federal health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. This is by far the biggest job he would have ever had, with nothing coming even remotely close. Jeff Hutt, spokesperson for the Make America Healthy Again political action committee and Kennedy’s former national field director, said, “He’s an inspirational leader who’s able to communicate. But he’s not a manager.” Kennedy’s last professional effort, his campaign, ended before any votes were cast, leaving him $4.5 million in debt. “I have no idea how he’s going to run a full department, if that’s how he ran the campaign,” said one observer.

Experts agree through example that Kennedy has proven he is not qualified to lead the DHHS. His approval process in the senate will offer more insight into the quality of the senate's vetting process rather than the candidate himself. 

 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/09/health/kennedy-hhs-nobel-laureates.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5031298-nobel-laureates-oppose-rfk-jr/

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/a-look-at-rfk-jr-s-record-as-trump-selects-him-to-lead-nations-health-agency

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-expected-to-choose-robert-f-kennedy-jr-who-has-promoted-vaccine-misinformation-as-health-secretary

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/11/28/rfk-hhs-management-doubts-00191852

Trump's Threats to Jail Political Opponents

(The Independent)

In a recent interview with NBC, President-elect Donald Trump made serious threats about jailing political foes he believes have wronged him, especially targeting the members of the House Select Committee involved in the January 6th attacks. Having been formed to investigate the Capitol riot and Trump’s involvement in it, as he heads into his second term, Trump calls to jail committee members such as Rep. Liz Cheney and Chairman Bennie Thompson, raising concerns about the future of American democracy.

During the interview on NBC, Trump didn’t hold back when asked about the committee members. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” he said, referring to both Cheney and Thompson. Trump has actually been seen suggesting jailing his political opponents in the past as well. He has made similar comments in the past about figures like Hillary Clinton. However, this time, as he nears his return to office, many are worried that he may take action and proceed with the actions made in his threats.

Cheney, who served as vice chair of the House committee, quickly responded to his claims, calling them false and ridiculous. She stated that the committee’s investigation was based solely on the facts and evidence that showed Trump’s actions and his role in instigating the Capitol riot, reminding the public of this. Although Trump has said he would not tell his attorney general or FBI director to investigate and prosecute those who oppose him, the trend he is beginning to send from his administration is worrisome. He is considering appointing people to top positions in his administration like loyalist Kash Patel, who called for dismantling the FBI to carry out his vision. These officials have the power to go after Trump’s political enemies, raising questions about their safety.

Trump’s threats to use his executive power for personal revenge are troubling because they challenge the values of our democracy. Trump’s actions suggest that he is willing to go as far as to bend the norms if it means protecting his interests. The justice system, the fairness of elections, and the peaceful transfer of power depend on the leader's volition to follow the law. His action for retribution could very well strike at the very foundations of our rules in the country.

President Biden and his team are trying to protect individuals such as Cheney from politically involved prosecutions, while also combating Trump's threats during his term. If he does decide to follow through with his threats, it could set a precedent where political opponents are treated as actual criminals and enemies. This change would hurt the trust the public has in the government and democracy as a whole and would depend on whether the country could continue upholding its ideals regardless of such stark actions.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/us/politics/liz-cheney-donald-trump.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/12/08/trump-january-6-biden-jack-smith/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-jan-6-defendants-first-day-inauguration/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-jan-6-liz-cheney-b2660885.html

Donald Trump Appoints David Sacks as White House AI and Crypto Czar

President-Elect Donald Trump has recently announced venture capitalist and podcaster David Sacks as the “White House A.I. and Crypto Czar” in a post on his social media network, Truth Social. Sacks has close ties with recently appointed DOGE lead Elon Musk, has advocated for deregulation, and is instrumental in influencing tech policy. His appointment suggests a shift toward a more industry-friendly approach, moving away from a more cautious stance seen under the Biden administration.

(Washington Post)

Who Is David Sacks?

David Sacks is a prominent figure in the tech world, best known for his role as a co-founder of PayPal along with fellow entrepreneur Peter Thiel, and as a venture capitalist at Craft Ventures. His recent pivot toward political activism, including financing a recall campaign against San Francisco’s district attorney, as well as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s campaign aligns him closely with right-wing political movements and pro-business policies.

Sacks is also known for his podcast, All In, which he co-hosts with fellow venture capitalists. The podcast delves into tech, business, and politics, reflecting Sacks' belief in a laissez-faire economy, and his concerns about what he views as the increasing woke culture in Silicon Valley.

The Role of AI and Crypto Czar

Although the specific duties of the AI and Crypto Czar remain unclear, the appointment reflects Trump’s commitment to promoting innovation in these fields. Trump’s administration has indicated a preference for less strict regulations on AI and cryptocurrency, both of which are seen as essential to future economic growth. For example, Trump’s previous criticism of AI safety regulations under the Biden administration is now being reversed, with a more an agenda focusing more on growth emerging.

In his new role, Sacks will advise Trump on tech policy, specifically working on creating favorable conditions for the AI and cryptocurrency industries. One of his key goals will be to provide clarity to the crypto market, to help AI companies avoid strict regulations while ensuring their operations are not subject to legal trouble.

Influence and Backlash

Sacks’ appointment has already attracted mixed reactions. Supporters, including members of the Republican Party and tech industry leaders, view him as a wise choice with the knowledge and connections to make impactful change. Republican Representative Dusty Johnson has praised Sacks for his ability to progress forward on critical issues such as digital assets and AI. However, others have expressed concern that Sacks’ industry ties might lead to excessive deregulation, potentially at the cost of public safety and fair market practices.

Skeptics, like Democratic Representative Stephen Lynch, worry that Sacks’ close relationship with Silicon Valley and his pro-business stance might lead to policies that prioritize industry interests over the broader public good. This concern is especially apparent in the context of cryptocurrency, where regulatory oversight remains a controversial issue.

Looking Ahead

David Sacks’ appointment as AI and Crypto Czar marks a significant shift in the Trump administration’s approach to technology policy. With a clear pro-business and deregulation stance, Sacks is tasked to shape the future of these emerging industries in a way that aligns with his Silicon Valley roots. As the U.S. continues to navigate the complexities of AI and crypto, Sacks’ influence will likely play a key role in determining how the government interacts with these innovations. As these technologies evolve, so too will the scrutiny over their regulation, and Sacks’ approach could either develop innovation or push the U.S. into unknown territory with potentially unpredictable consequences.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/us/politics/david-sacks-crypto-ai-trump.html?searchResultPosition=1
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-appoints-former-paypal-coo-david-sacks-ai-crypto-czar-2024-12-06/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/12/06/trump-david-sacks-crypto-ai-czar/
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/06/ai-sacks-appointment-trump-00193028
https://time.com/7200518/david-sacks-new-white-house-ai-crypto-czar-trump-administration/

Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO: what it reveals about America's healthcare insurance system

    On Dec. 4, 2024, the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson sparked public outrage and highlighted systemic issues within the U.S health insurance industry. When the UnitedHealth Group expressed their sadness for Thompson's death in a Facebook post, the post received 62,000 reactions--- and ironically, 57,000 of which were laughing emojis. 

Credit: KARE 11

   So why were people reacting the way they were? Was this a minority v elite power struggle? Though the gunman's identity and motive has not yet been identified, Thompson's widow revealed that there had been "some threats potentially related to a lack of coverage" targeted at her husband. These threats were not exclusively targeted at the CEO, but the corporation itself. 

The problem

     Interestingly, the bullet casting was marked with phrases like "deny" and "defend," which implies a connection to systemic issues in insurance industry. The public backlash reflects widespread frustration with the private insurance sector. These issues include insurers using practices like prior authorizations and AI-driven claim denials to control costs; and this is often at the expense of patient health, specifically those facing high-cost care. For example, the 2023 KFF survey revealed that nearly one in five insured adults experienced claim denials in a 12-month period. On top of that, 1 in 4 of these individuals faced significant delays or were ultimately unable to receive care. For UnitedHealthcare specifically, a senate report found that its denial rate for post-acute care doubled from 10.9% in 2020 to 22.7% in 2022, and while some of the increase is caused by the spike in demand due to covid, part of it can also be attributed to the company's increased reliance of automation in claims processing. 

    Although reports show that 81% of insured adults rate their insurance as "excellent" or "good," there's still a significant gap in consumer protection. Only 43% of adults challenged a denial of care, and 50% of which were successful in their appeal. This demonstrates the arbitrary nature of the system's algorithms and their denials. Having personally gone through the healthcare coverage registration process for myself and my family, it's definitely a hassle:  making over 20 phone calls back and forth with three different corporate and governmental entities that are somehow connected to each other; registering on two different websites, and uploading a number of documents multiple times--I can see how this process can be extremely frustrating for many, especially those who are less proficient with technology. While it was a matter of whether I get cleared in time for sports tryouts, for other patients, the delay in coverage can greatly impact the decisions made by their families, especially on continuing with costly medications and medical trials for long-term treatment. In turn, this causes mental health strain among the impacted communities. For instance, 80% of adults reported anxiety or worry about delays in care, according to the Commonwealth Fund survey. 

    This ultimately exposes deep flaws in the US health care system. While private insurers struggle constantly with cases where clients are left with millions in unpaid medical bills, they are also blamed for prioritizing profits over patients. It's a systematic issue that private corporations cannot fix alone; and for this sector to keep running, public trust needs to be restored.

Are private insurers the ones to blame? 

    The underlying frustrations with the health insurance industry are also caused by market concentration issues, which are often caused by government policies/regulations. Federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, essential for millions of Americans, unintentionally consolidate market power by favoring large insurers, which shuns out competitors and drive up costs. Some policies like restrictions on cross-state insurance sales fosters monopolistic behaviors and limits consumer choice. This can ultimately allow dominant insurers to slow down innovation/efficiencies to increase profit margin over patient care. As the social media reactions show earlier, Americans are increasingly aware of how systemic flaws in the system exacerbate their challenges with accessing accountable and affordable insurance providers. To make reforms, bureaucratic agencies have to step up and potentially deregulate the industry. Because by enabling greater participation from diverse competitors, the industry can shift toward prioritizing patient care, as more patients will be accounted for, not just by the dominant players in the market. 

Sources:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/12/unitedhealthcare-ceo-assassination-investigation/680903/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/nyregion/social-media-insurance-industry-brian-thompson.html

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/06/business/insurance-claim-denials-unitedhealthcare-ceo/index.html

https://www.cato.org/briefing-paper/market-concentration-health-care-government-problem-not-solution#repeal-or-overhaul-federal-policies-encourage-market-concentration

https://www.economist.com/business/2023/10/08/who-profits-most-from-americas-baffling-health-care-system

Trump states that he will end birthright citizenship within his second term

Trump in an interview with Kristen Welker (Politico)

Trump has been a long-time advocate for ending birthright citizenship, a right protected under the 14th Amendment, dating back to 2015. During his first term as president, he stated in an interview with Axios that he would try to end birthright citizenship using an executive order. However, most legal scholars and those closest to him believed that he had no grounds to do so. Due to this, he didn't really attempt to do much about this during his first term. Come 2024, Trump is once again attempting to end birthright citizenship. In a recent interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, incoming President Donald Trump stated that he plans to end birthright citizenship in America on his first day in office. Although he does not clearly state his plans, it is known that he will attempt to do so using executive action.

To give Trump credit, attempting to change U.S. law early in his presidency could be strategic, as he will probably have the highest approval rating and greatest public support at this time than any other. The timing of his plan seems to be similar to how former President Barack Obama got his Affordable Health Care Act done; a push for change as early as possible. However, changing or erasing the 14th Amendment would still be impossible through executive action. The only real way to do so would be to create a new amendment that would override the 14th Amendment which is a grueling process. 

The process of amending the Constitution under Article V is intentionally rigorous and involves several steps. Article V forces a proposed amendment to go through Congress and/or the state legislation where a majority vote has to be taken. Because of this many attempts to change the Constitution have failed and Trump's attempt will probably have the same fate as most. 

I do not believe Trump has the power to end birthright citizenship in America, but it is concerning to see him make such attempts. His approach often appears aimed at restricting minorities' access to this country, and his electoral victory remains surprising to some. I anticipate that during his presidency, he will try to pass bills aimed at deporting immigrants and tearing families apart. I can only hope that such measures do not succeed. His attempts seem like a presidential overreach and I do hope the checks and balances that are implemented into our government will make sure that he cannot do anything extreme. 

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/08/trump-end-birthright-citizenship-00193184 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-aims-end-birthright-citizenship-says-american-citizens-family-il-rcna183274

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj30er1d6mxo

MAGA Loyalist Kash Patel to Lead the FBI

Donald Trump has picked former aide Kash Patel to become FBI director, which has stirred controversy. Patel would replace Christopher Wray, who was originally appointed by Trump in 2017 and still has three years left in his term. Wray would need to resign or be fired to make way for Patel.

Who Is Kash Patel?

Patel has worked closely with Trump in the past, and has held important roles such as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
Trump has praised Patel on Truth Social, calling him a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People.” Trump clearly has very high and confident expectations for Patel, having also posted that “This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America.” These expectations, however, may lead to issues. Patel may feel like me must follow Trump's beliefs at all times if wants to keep his job, though he has proven many times to be very loyal.

The Nomination

Many critics fear that he puts his loyalty to Trump above the duties of the government agencies he has served in. In his past positions, he has supposedly fired officials who did not fully align with Trump. Trump actually wanted to appoint Patel at the end of his previous term, however then-CIA Director Gina Haspel and then-Attorney General William Barr reportedly threatened to resign in protest.

He still needs to be confirmed by the senate, but despite the controversy, several senators predict that he will be confirmed. There may be benefits to having such an experienced individual in this position, however many worry rightfully about the potential politicization of the FBI under his leadership. It remains to be seen what will actually happen regarding his nomination as well as the other figures Trump has already proposed, however, it seems that Patel is part of a pattern of Trump nominating highly loyal, controversial figures to key positions

Sources

https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-kash-patel-fbi-director-b2656674.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/12/04/kash-patels-fbi-nomination-some-senators-predict-hell-be-confirmed-despite-controversial-views/

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/02/politics/who-is-kash-patel-trump-fbi-director/index.html

Governor Newsom gears up to fight back the Trump Administration by requesting 25 million dollar litigation fund to defend California from potential federal overreach.

 Last month, only a day after Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the presidential election,  California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special session to discuss “Trump-Proofing”. That day finally came this Monday, December 2nd and included encouraging lawmakers to approve a $25 million dollar bonus litigation fund in preparation for Trump to take office. If passed, “the California Department of Justice and state agencies would get the extra[$25 million] funding for court battles in areas such as reproductive rights, environmental protection and immigration”(Reuters).

In Trump's 2016-2020 presidency, it has been reported that California spent nearly $42 million on litigation and filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump Administration (National). According to Newsom’s office, the spending on lawsuits “resulted in tens of millions of dollars more in federal reimbursements, billions of dollars in savings for California consumers, and protected billions of dollars in federal funding”(National). One example of California's success against Trump's budget-cutting policies would be back in 2017 when Trump issued immigration enforcement conditions on certain law enforcement grants. California's Attorney General Xavier Beccera responded by suing the administration. He stated, the administration “cannot manipulate federal grant fund requirements to pressure states, counties or municipalities to enforce federal immigration laws,”(Calmatters). California's Public Safety $28 million dollar a year grant was on the line, but two years later, after the Ninth District Court of Appeals upheld an injunction in the case, the federal government had to award California $57 million (Calmatters). 

California also joined other states as plaintiffs against Trump's unconstitutional civil rights bans such as his Transgender Military Ban and his attempt to repeal legal protection for DACA recipients. This largely ended in success as the Transgender Military Ban obtained a nationwide injunction and the court rejected Trump’s attempt to repeal legal protections for DACA recipients, siding with plaintiffs in the case, including California (Sacbee). The lawsuits display a trend of legal warfare between presidents and attorneys general from opposing parties that grew exponentially during the Obama administration.

If this $25 million dollar increase for litigation is approved, Newsom asserts that the fund “will help safeguard critical funding for disaster relief, health care, and other vital services that millions of Californians depend on daily”.  He added that the state plans to “defend against unlawful federal actions that could jeopardize not only tangible resources and the state’s economy as well as protection of reproductive health care and civil rights” (Reuters). 

Unsurprisingly, Trump issued a social media statement in response to Newsom’s unrelenting battle against his policy agenda stating, “He is using the term 'Trump-Proof' as a way of stopping all of the GREAT things that can be done to 'Make California Great Again,' but I just overwhelmingly won the Election”(CBS News). Newsflash, Trump; winning the election does not allow implementation of civil rights violations. 

If all goes well, Newsom’s office expects the special budget legislation to be signed into law before Trump’s inauguration on January 20 (Reuters). California's fight against Trump's executive authority displays the struggle between Federal control and states’ autonomy. 

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/legal/california-governor-proposes-25-million-war-chest-legal-fights-with-trump-2024-12-02/ 

https://calmatters.org/justice/2021/01/california-cost-trump-lawsuits/ 

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article244692807.html 

https://www.nationalreview.com/news/california-governor-newsom-requests-25-million-from-legislature-for-anti-trump-litigation-fund/ 

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/gavin-newsom-donald-trump-california-special-session-legislature/ 

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article188901094.html 

 

South Korea's quick martial law creates chaos as Parliament scrambles to undo it

South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol,  announcing martial Law on South Korea (Reuters)

This Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, imposed martial law on South Korea. This news was unexpected, there was no schedule for President Yoon to to have a speech broadcasted, and it occurred in the middle of the night. In this broadcast, he declared that he was placing South Korea under "emergency martial law". His explanation was vague, stating only that the South Korean government was under threat from North Korea.

Protesters stopping Military personnel from getting into the National Assembly building(france24 news)

Martial law means that the military takes over the government. To try and execute this, soldiers were sent to the National Assembly building to try and stop members of Parliament from entering the building and lifting the order. Although the soldiers were sent quickly, 190 of the 300 members of Parliament were able to get into the building with some even having to jump over a fence because the police were blocking the gate. However, this was not the end as military personnel attempted to storm the National Assembly. They were met with fierce resistance from the staff and protesters piled up near parliament. The protesters were doing everything they could, from pulling soldiers away from the doors to even trying to pull away their guns. Although the soldiers were able to get into the building, barricades were set up within the building making it difficult to traverse. This gave the members of Parliament enough time to vote on whether to lift the martial law. With a unanimous vote, Parliament officially lifted the martial law at around 4:30 am on December 4th, 2024 local time.

 

What could this mean for President Yoon? President Yoon has had a low approval rating, with just about a 17% rating from the start and this new event will cause it to lower even more. With several corruption scandals on him, this will probably be his last one with many calling for his resignation or impeachment. There are already lawmakers in South Korea that have started the process of impeaching him and this will probably not have a hard time passing through as he tried to overthrow them using military force. It will only be a matter of time until he is impeached. 

This raises the question: Could this happen in America? The short answer is likely no. While the President has the authority to implement martial law, it would require a specific and compelling reason. In such a scenario similar to South Korea’s, Congress has the power to lift martial law promptly, ensuring that the situation is resolved before it escalates into something more severe. An overstep of this power will result in the same outcome as South Korea’s president, an impeachment. 

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241204-soldiers-vs-office-chairs-south-korea-s-martial-law-standoff

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lgw1pw5zpo

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/south-korean-president-declares-emergency-martial-law-says-opposition-sides-with-north-korea

https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-yoon-martial-law-997c22ac93f6a9bece68454597e577c1