Articles by Eleanor Stratton

Trump Ends CBP One App

On his first day as President, Donald Trump made good on his campaign promise to overhaul border policies by shutting down the CBP One App. This digital system, introduced in 2023, had allowed nearly 1 million migrants to lawfully enter the U.S. by scheduling appointments at border ports. Trump...

On January 20, President Trump’s administration enacted significant changes at the El Paso Port of Entry, signaling a shift in border enforcement policy. Officers in riot gear stood ready, embodying the renewed focus on border security. The President had taken office prepared to address border...

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction allows taxpayers to subtract state and local taxes from their federally taxable income. In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) capped SALT deductions at $10,000, affecting taxpayers in high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey. Former...

Income taxes have been a subject of national debate throughout American history. The Constitution initially gave Congress the authority to impose taxes, but with limitations on “direct” taxes. In the late 1800s, the Supreme Court’s decision in Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co. declared a...

President Biden's executive actions have extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela, affecting hundreds of thousands who can now renew their statuses and continue residing in the U.S. with work permits. This move impacts: Approximately...

Trump’s 2025 Tax Proposal Analyzed

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to expire, and Trump aims to make the income tax rate cuts and standard deduction permanent. This decision could maintain lower tax bills for many middle-class families. If the TCJA expires by 2026, most people would face higher taxes as income brackets...

Throughout American history, the presidency has reflected broader constitutional debates and tensions. Examining these presidencies offers insight into how leadership choices can shape the nation's trajectory, particularly when they intersect with the enduring principles enshrined in the...

The Minnesota Republican Party is planning to pursue constitutional recalls against Democrats considering absence from the state legislature. At a Monday press conference, Chairman Alex Plechash declared: "Minnesotans expect one thing from their elected officials: to show up and do the job they...

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to consider challenges to gun regulations in Delaware and Maryland, leaving intact lower courts' decisions that support the states' firearm laws. This move disappoints gun enthusiasts and advocacy groups while affirming states' rights to implement certain types...

President-elect Trump has voiced opposition to the continuing resolution (CR) currently under debate in the House. He believes the bill concedes too much to Democrats without adequate benefits for Republicans. Trump urged lawmakers to support a "streamlined spending bill that doesn't give Chuck...

Behind the scenes at the White House, a team of Aides and Advisers work to hide the truth from the American public. President Biden’s administration operates with a team of key aides and advisers who manage his public presence and decision-making processes. This inner circle provides support to...

Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden both cancelled their planned trips, opting to stay in Washington D.C. This sudden change in plans has sparked curiosity and speculation. While no official reason was given, some wonder if the threat of a partial government shutdown, with Congress...

The Montana Supreme Court’s interpretation of the ‘clean and healthful environment’ clause within its state constitution marks a significant judicial decision. In the Held v. Montana case, the court ruled that this clause includes the right to a stable climate system. This determination arose...

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, established after the Civil War, disqualifies certain federal officials who engaged in rebellion or insurrection after swearing to support the Constitution. Its original intent was to prevent former Confederates from returning to positions of power. The language is...

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter's executive order. Its dual mission encompasses managing emergencies and handling civil defense. FEMA's role extends beyond disaster response, ensuring the continuity of U.S. government operations...

The Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard has brought constitutional scrutiny to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that government entities cannot use race as a stereotype, aligning with previous rulings that...

The current congressional pay raise proposal has sparked heated debate. Members of Congress have seen their salaries frozen at $174,000 since 2009, with no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for over a decade. Some lawmakers contend that this pay level discourages talented individuals from seeking...

“No one is above the law” has already been challenged this year; and a new provision raises questions about whether congress should be able to write it’s own rules – putting themselves above the law. The continuing resolution (CR) includes a provision that has ignited controversy. It allows...

The House Natural Resources Committee has approved legislation allowing Washington, D.C. to enter a 99-year lease with the National Park Service for the old RFK Stadium site. This marks a pivotal moment for the city’s redevelopment aspirations and could pave the way for the Washington Commanders...

The Global Engagement Center (GEC) was established with a noble mission: to combat foreign disinformation efforts and protect U.S. interests. Its aim was to ensure information integrity by collaborating with social media platforms and tech companies. However, the GEC now faces intense scrutiny and...