This week, Lisa and David talk about Supreme Court decision on universal injunctions; 21-year-old Norwegian tourist claims he was denied access to the U.S. because of a JD Vance Meme; the NYC Mayoral race primary; sanctions and “shadow fleets”; Trump phone; armed churchgoers stop a mass shooting in Michigan; Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial wrapping up; rich tech bros handed lieutenant colonel U.S. Army ranks, bypassing military training and advancement requirements–unlike the rest of us, they can work remotely and won't be deployed to combat zones; Lisa is mad about clickbait; more U.S. citizens arrested by ICE; and more.
In 2016, Marco Rubio said “Donald Trump Proudly Outsources Jobs To China, Mexico & Other Countries” – it was true then and it’s even more true today
Trump openly acknowledged that his branded clothing and other merchandise were manufactured in China and Mexico, citing cost advantages and global supply chains. Trump also defended outsourcing on his now-defunct Trump University blog, arguing that it was not always a bad thing and could create jobs in the long run.
A wide range of Trump-branded and Trump-aligned products have been manufactured in China, despite Donald Trump's frequent rhetoric about bringing manufacturing back to the United States and imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. Here’s a few examples:
1. MAGA Merchandise (Hats, Banners, Apparel)
over 1,000 Trump-themed products (hats, clothing, flags, dolls, socks, figurines, etc.)
2. The "God Bless the USA" Bible
Trump-branded goods—including apparel, accessories, and campaign merchandise—continue to be produced overseas, especially in China. There is no public evidence that Trump or his businesses have reshored production of these items to the U.S. in any significant way since 2016.
While Trump’s political messaging emphasizes “America First” and reshoring jobs, his business practices—including the sourcing of Trump-branded products—have not fundamentally changed. Outsourcing remains part of his business model.
It remains accurate to say that Trump and his affiliated businesses continue to outsource production to China, Mexico, and other countries. Despite changes in trade policy and campaign rhetoric, the underlying business practices have not shifted significantly since Rubio’s 2016 statement.
Diddy's Fate Rests with the Jury as Sensational Trial Concludes
The future of Sean "Diddy" Combs, one of hip-hop's most prominent figures, now lies in the hands of a Manhattan jury. The high-profile trial has offered an unprecedented look into the private life of the music mogul, marked by shocking admissions and conflicting testimonies.
During the proceedings, Combs admitted to instances of partner abuse, a struggle with drug addiction, and engaging in "freak-offs"—prolonged sexual encounters involving his girlfriends and male prostitutes. He maintains these encounters were consensual.
The central question facing the jury is whether Diddy is guilty of sex trafficking and operating a criminal enterprise. Jurors must consider if he is a flawed individual targeted by overzealous prosecutors and women seeking financial gain, or if he leveraged his immense wealth, power, and influence to manipulate and coerce women into fulfilling his sexual desires.
Key Evidence and Conflicting Narratives
The prosecution presented a range of evidence, including video and photo evidence, text messages, hotel and financial records, and flight logs. However, the case ultimately hinges on witness credibility.
Cassie Ventura and another woman identified as Jane provided harrowing testimonies, detailing the physical and emotional toll of the "freak-offs" and drug use. They described Diddy's alleged control over every aspect of their lives and his use of threats, including blackmail.
Diddy did not testify, a right jurors cannot hold against him as the burden of proof rests with the government. His defense lawyers countered the accusations by asserting that the women were free to leave at any time and faced no repercussions when they did. The defense also claimed the women were enthusiastic participants in a "swinger lifestyle."
Unanswered Questions for the Jury
The trial has brought forth critical questions for the jury to deliberate:
Was there a significant power imbalance in Diddy's relationships with these women?
Were all the "freak-offs" consensual?
Did consensual activities evolve into sex trafficking when the women expressed a desire to stop participating?
The jury's answers to these questions will determine Diddy's fate and send a significant message about power dynamics and consent within high-profile relationships.
Links:
ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study (Time)
What is a universal injunction and how did the Supreme Court limit its use? (NPR)
How U.S. Customs and Border Protection Accidentally Sent a JD Vance Meme into the Viral Stratosphere (Esquire)
Andrew Cuomo to stay in race despite Zohran Mamdani primary win, Adams launches reelection campaign (ABC News)
How a growing "shadow fleet" poses risks to the economy — and the environment (Marketplace)
Rich tech bros bypass military training to secure high-ranking positions (Boing Boing)
U.S. citizen detained by ICE agents in downtown Los Angeles speaks out (KTLA)
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