• Thu, February 6, 2025

by: Politico

God, Trump and pancakes

During Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, it was revealed that BRAD PITT is a ninth cousin to the 44th president. The link is EDWIN HICKMAN, who died in Virginia in 1769, the Guardian reported in 2009. Obama is a direct descendant of Hickman's son JAMES HICKMAN, through the president's mother, ANN DUNHAM.

by: thenightly

Australian news and politics live updates: Veterans demand ex defence chief apologise for 'smearing' awards

Follow for live updates on what is happening in politics in Australia and abroad and for all the biggest breaking news stories.

by: ABC

Trump calls USAID a 'tremendous fraud.' His wife and daughter promoted its work

In 2019 then-President Trump signed a memorandum launching a new "Women's Global Development and Prosperity" Initiative aimed at empowering women in the developing world. The $50 million fund, known as W-GDP, was developed to be distributed by USAID with an ambitious goal of empowering 50 million women in developing countries by 2025.

by: fox13now

Trump signs executive order to 'eradicate anti-Christian bias' in government

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to "protect the religious freedoms of Americans and end the anti-Christian weaponization of government."

by: MSN

Trump promotes misleading claims about federal government's media subscriptions

Federal government payments to news outlets like Politico, The New York Times and The Associated Press for subscriptions or to license content are in the crosshairs of Trump administration spending hawks,

by: MSN

USAID paid $44K to Politico, not over $8M as White House claimed. It was for subscriptions

U.S. President Donald Trump, the White House press secretary and DOGE Director Elon Musk promoted misleading statements about USAID and Politico.

by: thenightly

Australian news and politics live updates: AFP shut out of Laos methanol deaths probe, Trump on Gaza

Follow for live updates on what is happening in politics in Australia and abroad and for all the biggest breaking news stories.

by: ABC

Trump's record number of executive orders are testing the limits of presidential power

All told, Trump has signed 54 executive orders in just over two weeks back in office, which is already more than any president has signed in their first 100 days since President Harry Truman (57).

by: MSN

Rep. Greene's DOGE subcommittee to tackle government waste in first hearing

The House Oversight Subcommittee chaired by Georgia's Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has scheduled its first hearing.

by: MSN

The Day Musk and Trump Got a DOGE of Reality

Has Elon Musk's DOGE dream taken the wrong fork in the road? Two key court decisions on Thursday have thrown a harsh spotlight on the buccaneering billionaire and his flippant attitude toward the law.

by: MSN

Reid Hoffman Rebuffs Elon Musk's DOGE: There's 'A Reason The Government Doesn't Work Like Companies'

Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and former COO of PayPal, isn't a fan of Elon Musk's actions in the Trump White House. The billionaire implied that much of his former PayPal colleague's decision-making has been reckless.

by: MSN

Bondi ends FBI effort to combat foreign influence in U.S. politics

Attorney General Pam Bondi halted a federal law enforcement effort to combat secret influence campaigns by China, Russia, and others that try to sow chaos in U.S. politics.
  • Fri, February 7, 2025

by: Time

Trump and Musk Promote Misleading 'Scandal' About Government Funding Media

Trump has bundled two of his long-favored political targets—federal government spending and the media—into one attack while offering no evidence for his claims.

by: MassLive

Northeastern prof: America is in a constitutional crisis. And it can get worse | John L. Micek

As Elon Musk and his lieutenants look to cut spending and trim the ranks of the federal bureaucracy, sidestepping powers normally reserved for Congress, that crisis is more than just underway.

by: Newsday

Protests and a New Zealand leader's absence overshadow a day marking the founding treaty with M?ori

The bill's architect, David Seymour, met with protests at Waitangi marae — a MÄ?ori meeting house — during speeches by political leaders on Wednesday, as he made a fresh pitch for the law. The measures are widely derided and prompted tens of thousands of people to march on Parliament in Wellington last November.

by: MLive

After Jan. 6, rioters say they lost jobs, homes and relationships, but regrets are few

Jan. 6 participants told MLive that the day of protest and violence shifted the course of their lives. After being pardoned, most say they did nothing wrong.

by: ABC

Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump sued over effort to dismantle USAID

President Donald Trump has begun his second administration with a series of controversial moves and decisions.

by: MSN

'This has to stop' - Boston and Skegness MP makes call for fairer police funding amid fear of job losses

The MP for Boston and Skegness has decried the formula used to allocate funds to the nation's police forces, as Lincolnshire Police announces it is considering plans to shed hundreds of roles in order to balance its books.

by: MSN

Swinney 'comfortable' with SNP vetting as Sturgeon and Beattie approved

Swinney 'comfortable' with SNP vetting as Sturgeon and Beattie approved - They were both arrested in relation to the SNP's finances, but were released without charge pending further investigation.

by: MSN

Hong Kong, law and order: Inside the rebel city now under Chinese control

FRANCE 24 brings you a special report on the new Hong Kong, with the freedom-loving former British colony undergoing a severe political, social and economic takeover by the authorities in Beijing. In what was until recently the last island of freedom in China,

by: MSN

Senator Kennedy Mocks Democrats Over Musk, USAID Freeze And Government Spending

Republican Senator John Kennedy slammed Democrats for their outrage over Elon Musk and the freeze on USAID funds. Using his trademark humor, Kennedy likened their reaction to a 'prison riot.' He meticulously dissected federal spending,

by: MSN

Didmus Barasa Pushes for Constitutional Change to Abolish Voter Registration, Allow Anyone with ID to Vote

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has ignited debate after proposing a radical amendment to the Elections Act, seeking to abolish voter registration process.

by: MSN

New polling data reveals rapid rise in Reform UK support and Labour losses in Derbyshire

A new MRP poll makes grim reading for the government with the Labour Party forecast to lose a huge number of seats in Derbyshire and the East Midlands.

by: MSN

Pakistani girls furious over Saudi Arabia decision over Mecca and Medina, say 'infidels will dominate...', the decision is to...

While they agreed with the adoption of modern policies and opening up of Saudi Arabia economy by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Pakistani girls expressed their dislike for his move to allow investment in Mecca and Medina.

by: MSN

Visas and deportation of Indian migrants on agenda as Modi prepares to visit Trump

Visas and deportation of Indian migrants on agenda as Modi prepares to visit Trump - India prime minister travels to Washington next week

by: MSN

German election polls steady despite week of controversy and protests

A heated week in German politics, prompted by conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz's divisive decision to lean on far-right votes in parliament, has hardly budged polls ahead of elections on February 23.

by: MSN

Simon Harris: Darragh O'Brien shouldn't have given government the 40,000 housing figure

Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

by: MSN

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council leader against redistributing local authority debt

Taxpayers in prudent councils must not be forced to bear the crushing burden of their debt-laden neighbours when the biggest shake up of local government for 50 years merges authorities in Surrey, say leaders across the political divide.

by: MSN

Bondi orders FBI to stop fighting foreign influence on US politics

On her first day in office, US Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the FBI to halt its efforts to combat foreign influence on US politics. This includes secret influence campaigns by China, Russia, and other adversaries seeking to gain favor and sow chaos in American politics,

by: MSN

Soros-funded Dems suddenly upset by billionaires in government

Sometimes you have to laugh. Earlier this week, Sen. Chuck Schumer threw his toys out of the stroller in a social media post. He wrote: "An unelected shadow government is conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government.

by: MSN

Mark Pocan introduces "ELON MUSK Act" to try to stop Musk's government-destroying rampage

Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced legislation yesterday in response to Elon Musk's potentially illegal takeover of several key government functions. His bill - the Eliminate Looting of Our Nation by Mitigating Unethical State Kleptocracy (ELON MUSK) Act - would force Musk to choose between his companies' lucrative government contracts or his position of influence in the Trump administration.

by: MSN

Post Office and Southern water and the dying art of handwriting

I have had the pleasure of meeting a number of constituents in and around Westminster, including at an event on early diagnosis of cardiac issues, at the Royal College of Radiologists conference and other local visitors who have simply been in Parliament for tours.

by: MSN

Taraba: Jibu vows to resolve boundary dispute in Ibi Local Government

The Chairman of Ibi Local Government Council in Taraba State, Alhaji Iliya Jibu, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the security of lives and property across the entire Ibi axis. Speaking to journalists on Friday in Jalingo,

by: MSN

Cocaine 'no worse than whiskey' and should be legal - says man likely to get rich from it

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

by: MSN

Anti-DEI bills clear both the Mississippi House and Senate

And the Mississippi legislature is joining in on taking action. However, that comes with its fair share of passionate debate. The House version of a DEI ban would impact the state's public schools from K-12 up to universities.

by: MSN

Kent Politics Podcast: Kent and Medway miss out on priority list for devolution and local government reorganisation

On this week's Kent Politics Podcast our reporters discuss the news Kent and Medway won't be on the priority list for devolution and local government reorganisation. Local government leaders have expressed disappointment and want answers about why the county was unsuccessful in its bid to be among the first areas to get a Mayor and see the shape

by: MSN

DOGE's biggest fans, Trump's trade war begins, and China hits back: Politics news roundup

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is here, and defense contractors can't wait for the "revolution" to reach the Defense Department. So far, his focus has been on other areas, but they're betting that Musk — himself a defense contractor through SpaceX — slashes a lot of red tape.

by: MSN

Elon Musk's D.O.G.E is giving the CIA and NSA nightmares now

by: MSN

Democrats demand answers on DOGE access to government payment systems

NASA gives major update on stranded astronauts' rescue mission SONA 2025 | SUMMARY | Ramaphosa introduces the Reform Agenda 20 Of The Rarest Cars You'll Never Get Your Hands On Ukraine receives French and Dutch fighter jets SONA2025: Women politicians serve looks and leave no crumbs President Ramaphosa's 2025 State of the Nation Address

by: MSN

Delhi election result 2025: Check date, time, where to watch live vote counting, and all other important information

The voting process for the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections concluded on February 5, with a 60.42% turnout. The results, to be announced on February 8, will determine whether AAP or BJP leads Delhi's legislative assembly.

by: MSN

'Kosovo's Che Guevara' is not for turning

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti has run his government on his own terms -- even as he risked rubbing Kosovo's most important allies up the wrong way and igniting conflict with bitter rival Serbia.

by: MSN

US judge temporarily blocks Trump buyout offer for government workers

A U.S. judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the Trump administration's proposed buyout for federal workers until at least Monday, giving an initial win to labor unions that sued to stop it. Even as the program was stayed,

by: MSN

Iowa's top leaders are strongly endorsing Musk and DOGE. Iowans are watching closely

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst has hailed Elon Musk and the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency as a necessary force in Washington, D.C., calling it "a storm that is headed this way that will sweep over this city and forever alter the way it operates.

by: MSN

Elon Musk emerges as Democrats' new boogeyman in Trump 2.0

Democrats are turning their attention to the richest man in the world as a way to target Republicans and win back key voter groups.

by: MSN

Factbox-What Trump has done to remake the US government so far

President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders and taken other actions since his inauguration on January 20 to remake and reduce the size of the United States' 2.2 million-strong federal workforce.

by: MSN

Kenya's digital struggle: AI, activism and crackdowns

Kenya's government has recently ramped up efforts to regulate social media and artificial intelligence, as AI-generated content fuels dissent and sparks a heated debate on free speech and regulation.

by: MSN

House GOP rushing to produce Trump's big budget bill with tax cuts, program cuts and other promises

House Republicans are working overtime after a lengthy White House meeting to meet President Donald Trump's demand for a big budget package that includes some $3 trillion in tax breaks, massive program cuts and a possible extension of the nation's debt limit.

by: MSN

Trump sued by USAID workers union after slashing thousands of jobs from government agency: Live

Trump sued by USAID workers union after slashing thousands of jobs from government agency: Live - President accuses ICC of 'illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israe

God, Trump and pancakes

During Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, it was revealed that BRAD PITT is a ninth cousin to the 44th president. The link is EDWIN HICKMAN, who died in Virginia in 1769, the Guardian reported in 2009. Obama is a direct descendant of Hickman's son JAMES HICKMAN, through the president's mother, ANN DUNHAM.
The article from Politico's West Wing Playbook, titled "God, Trump and Pancakes," discusses the intertwining of religion and politics at a recent event in Iowa where former President Donald Trump spoke at a breakfast hosted by the Family Leader, a prominent Christian conservative group. Trump, who has been actively courting evangelical voters, used the platform to reinforce his image as a defender of Christian values, despite his personal controversies. The event featured a mix of political rhetoric and religious fervor, with attendees engaging in prayer and Trump receiving endorsements from key evangelical leaders. The piece highlights how Trump's appeal to evangelicals remains strong, focusing on his promises to protect religious freedoms and his past actions like appointing conservative Supreme Court justices. However, it also notes the tension between Trump's personal behavior and the moral standards typically upheld by evangelical communities, illustrating the complex dynamics of faith, politics, and personal loyalty in contemporary American politics.

Read the Full Politico Article at:
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook/2025/02/06/god-trump-and-pancakes-00202964

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