Author: Eleanor Stratton
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Trump’s First 14 Days in 2025
14. Pardoning January 6 Defendants and Promoting Equal Justice President Trump issued pardons to nearly all individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 Capitol events. This action aligns with his goals of justice system reform and addresses what he perceives as misuse of the system against political opponents. The pardons reunited many families…
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USAID Shutdown Impact
USAID Shutdown Sparks Debate The Trump administration's decision to halt operations at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has ignited controversy. This move aims to save taxpayer money and prioritize American interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argues that USAID has functioned more like a global charity than an entity aligned with American policy.…
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NGOs and Constitutional Boundaries
Definition and Purpose of NGOs Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are independent entities operating outside government influence. They address societal needs like: NGOs aim to fill gaps where government action may be insufficient or alternative perspectives are needed. NGOs are active in numerous areas globally, promoting social welfare and adapting quickly to emerging issues. They lack legal…
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Is DOGE Constitutional?
Constitutional Powers and Impoundment The United States Constitution grants Congress authority over federal spending, often called the “power of the purse.” Article I, Section 9 states, “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Congress must enact laws to allocate any money spent by the government. The…
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Trump’s First 14 Days: Key Accomplishments
14. Visit to CIA Headquarters President Trump visited the CIA headquarters early in his presidency to mend relations with the intelligence community. This visit aimed to: The engagement signaled the administration's approach to strengthening its relationship with key federal agencies and prioritizing national security. 13. Mexico City Policy Reinstated President Trump reinstated the Mexico City…
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Mexico Border Security Deal
U.S.-Mexico Agreement on Border Security The U.S.-Mexico agreement to strengthen border security emerged from negotiations with tariffs as leverage. Under this accord, Mexico deployed about 12,000 National Guard members, primarily soldiers and military police, to its southern border. Their objective was to reduce northward migration flows. The National Guard's rapid deployment raised concerns about their…
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Canada Agrees to Security Measures
Trump Announces Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China President Trump has announced a decision to impose tariffs, affecting economic relations with Canada, Mexico, and China. He proposed: This move has stirred economic concerns among various stakeholders. Economists and business leaders expressed worries about potential increases in consumer prices and supply chain disruptions. The National Association…
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Panama Ends China Canal Deal
U.S. Pressures Panama Over Chinese Influence in Canal Zone U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a firm message to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, emphasizing concerns over Chinese influence in the Panama Canal area. The United States views the Chinese presence, primarily through the Belt and Road Initiative, as worrisome for the strategic waterway.…
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Trump’s Ukraine Rare Earth Demand
Trump Links Ukraine Aid to Rare Earth Access President Donald Trump has proposed a strategic move linking ongoing U.S. aid to Ukraine's fight against Russia with gaining access to Ukraine's rare earth materials. This approach showcases both a strategic and economic initiative, recognizing these elements' critical role in modern technology. Rare earth elements, a group…
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Top Effects of Trump’s New Tariffs
1. Rising Car Costs U.S. consumers may see higher car prices due to tariffs on automotive imports from Mexico and Canada. In 2023, these imports totaled $106 billion. A 25% tariff could raise the average new car price by $3,000, according to TD Economics. This adds to an already expensive market where new cars average…