It has been an exasperating six months for this author and blogger, as we are witnessing the persistent attack on American democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law by Donald Trump and his Cabinet officers and other loyalists.
So another break, going on vacation again, is in the offing, with the expectation that there will be a resumption of commentary by the week of August 4.
Meanwhile, to my readers and followers, I wish you all peace and tranquility, a major challenge in these times!
Thank you Professor Ron. We all understand and sympathize that you, and many of us who have empathy to others, are going through today.
Take time, and take care of yourself friend. Know you are loved. ❤️
Thanks, Wayne! I really appreciate your sentiments! 🙂
Trump decided to go on vacation to Scotland. He was greeted by protesters.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/26/world/europe/trump-protest-scotland.html
‘Total Mental Collapse’: Trump Ripped After ‘Insane’ New Ramble In Europe
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-europe-wind-power-rant_n_6886ecb0e4b0b306e5bb35ac
If Trump were some random guy on a park bench, you’d make a WIDE berth…and speed up your walk to get away from him quickly.
Trump and the EU have made a 15% tariff deal.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/28/world/europe/europe-trade-deal-trump.html
Trump’s Senior Moments Are Getting Worse
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-biden-senior-moments-health-age-1235394162/
Trump’s approval with independents sinks below Biden’s, Trump’s post-Jan. 6.
https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/trumps-record-low-approval-with-independents
Trump’s tariff blitz brings US levies to highest levels since 1930s.
https://www.ft.com/content/50f85d9b-cea8-407f-bde7-d543c7bf869a
Israel’s leader claims no one in Gaza is starving. Data and witnesses disagree.
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-starvation-israel-palestinians-aid-netanyahu-war-5315b1bdf244a21790a056570bb0ae19
Saudi Arabia and France to lead UN push for recognising Palestinian statehood.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/28/saudi-arabia-france-un-palestine-statehood
Congresswoman Nancy Mace is completely deranged.
Republican Nancy Mace says she likes to watch videos of Ice detaining people.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/28/nancy-mace-ice-videos
Nutjob RFK Jr. lashes out at vaccine injury program, pledges changes.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5424550-rfk-jr-vaccine-injury-program-pledges-changes/
Judge orders Medicaid funding temporarily restored to all Planned Parenthood affiliates.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5423680-planned-parenthood-medicaid-lawsuit-injunction/
Trump administration slashed federal funding for gun violence prevention.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-slashed-federal-funding-gun-violence-prevention-2025-07-29/
This is wildly wrong…
Trump administration reminds federal employees they can proselytize in the office.
Supervisors can solicit employees to attend their church, OPM says in new guidance.
https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/07/trump-administration-reminds-federal-employees-they-can-proselytize-office/407032/
The ‘Media Capitulation Index’
Bloomberg News earned a rare star. The New York Times got one chicken, which means “vulnerable.” Disney (which owns ABC News) got three chickens, which indicates “capitulating,” as did Paramount Global, which owns CBS News. Fox Corp., which includes Fox News, earned the worst-possible rating of four chickens. So did Meta, once known as Facebook.
https://margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/american-crisis-exclusive-the-media
In His Latest Turn Toward the Insane, Trump Said Obama “Owes” Him Big for Presidential Immunity
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a65530739/trump-obama-presidential-immunity/
Project 2025 architect Paul Dans to challenge Lindsey Graham for Senate.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/28/paul-dans-project-2025-lindsey-graham/
New State Navigate Forecast for 2025 Virginia Elections: “Democrats are heavily favored to win every level of the state government in Virginia this year.”
Dems forecast to win Governor, LG, AG by wide margins, plus 58 seats out of 100 in the House of Delegates.
https://bluevirginia.us/2025/07/new-state-navigate-forecast-for-2025-virginia-elections-democrats-are-heavily-favored-to-win-every-level-of-the-state-government-in-virginia-this-year/
US to burn $9.7 million worth of USAID-purchased contraceptives rather than deliver them to women overseas.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/europe/usaid-contraceptives-burn-belgium-france-intl
Dr. Susan Monarez confirmed to lead CDC.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/health/susan-monarez-cdc
Ex-Trump lawyer Emil Bove confirmed to federal appeals court by US Senate.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/29/trump-attorney-emil-bove-federal-appeals-court-senate
Confirming Emil Bove is one of the most disgraceful things that Senate Republicans have EVER done – in the history of the Senate, actually.
The Cowardice of Senate Democrats Made Emil Bove’s Confirmation Possible
Senate Democrats could have confirmed Biden nominee Adeel Mangi to the Third Circuit last year. They caved to a disgraceful right-wing smear campaign instead.
https://ballsandstrikes.org/nominations/emil-bove-confirmed-adeel-mangi-senate-democrats/
‘Disturbing new level of extreme science denial’: EPA proposes ending Endangerment Finding
https://augustafreepress.com/news/disturbing-new-level-of-extreme-science-denial-epa-proposes-ending-endangerment-finding/
Trump Administration Puts New Chokehold on Billions in Health-Research Funding
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-administration-puts-new-chokehold-on-billions-in-health-research-funding-19660215?st=YWVyJH&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Trump says Epstein ‘stole’ underage victim Virginia Giuffre from his Mar-a-Lago spa, leading to feud.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-epstein-virginia-giuffre-mar-a-lago-b2798336.html
Trump approval rating sinks to 40%, the lowest of his term, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-approval-rating-sinks-40-lowest-his-term-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2025-07-29/
He should be at ZERO approval, or 10%-20% or whatever. The fact that 40% of Americans approve of this corrupt, incompetent, sadistic, evil administration is really, really disturbing.
Roy Cooper breaks fundraising records as he kicks off expensive North Carolina campaign.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/30/roy-cooper-north-carolina-fundraising-records-00482997
Judge Sides with Virginia Democrats, Rules Youngkin’s Appointees Cannot Serve on Public College Boards
https://bluevirginia.us/2025/07/judge-sides-with-virginia-democrats-rules-youngkins-appointees-cannot-serve-on-public-college-boards/
Arab states call on Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in unprecedented move.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/30/middleeast/arab-league-hamas-gaza-israel-intl
A local city councilman in our neck of the woods was attacked this week. He was doused with gasoline and set on fire in his office. The suspect in the attack has been arrested and is in police custody. According to police reports, the two men knew each other. Police are saying that the attack appears to be personal in nature, not politically motivated.
Senate Confirms Conspiracy Theorist To Lead National Counterterrorism Center
You can’t make it up, folks. Senate Republicans voted Wednesday to confirm Joe Kent, a conspiracy theorist with alarming ties to white nationalists and far-right groups, to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Kent was confirmed, 52-44. Every Republican but one, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, voted for him. Every Democrat present opposed him.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-tariffs-white-house-latest_n_686ec29fe4b09bd98fe4be7e/liveblog_688aba56e4b015c1f1ba1ca7
The DOJ Appears to Be Investigating a Federal Judge for … Annoying the President
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a65553415/federal-judge-investigated-trump-bondi/
Donald Trump Goes On Wild Repost Rampage With Unhinged Memes Of Obama, Clinton And More
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-posting-spree_n_688b2d1ee4b0f5cda486a9ce
And most media will just yawn and/or ignore that.
Kamala Harris decides not to run for governor of California.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/kamala-harris-decides-not-run-governor-california-rcna222048
Musk’s America Party can’t get off the ground and was just to ‘blow off steam’ about Trump’s bill.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/musk-america-party-t-off-153643196.html
Trump just revealed his new tariff plan. Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/31/business/tariffs-trade-trump-deadline
Construction on Trump’s $200 million White House ballroom to begin in September.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/31/politics/white-house-ballroom-construction
His $200 million ballroom is a waste of taxpayer money!
Totally agree.
And his Golden Dome is another waste of taxpayer money…
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/politics/golden-dome-missile-test-election
Energy Dept. Attacks Climate Science in Contentious Report
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/climate/trump-climate-skeptics-science-report.html
Looting, chaos and Israeli gunfire prevent aid from reaching Gazans.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/01/gaza-food-israel-chaos/
Trump’s tariffs get frosty reception at federal appeals court.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/31/trump-tariff-arguments-appeals-court-00486972
ICE Plans to Build More Tent Jails for Immigrants.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/08/trump-ice-tent-facilities-conditions-problems-immigrants-alligator-alcatraz/
Smithsonian removes Trump from impeachment exhibit in American History Museum.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/07/31/trump-impeachment-smithsonian/
Elon Musk gives millions to Republican super PACs ahead of the midterms.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/elon-musk-gives-millions-republican-super-pacs-ahead-midterms-rcna222114
This is appalling!
Laura Loomer runs ‘tip line’ for Trump staffers eager to purge ‘disloyal’ colleagues.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/01/trump-firings-loomer-00488070
Cooper leads first public poll since jumping in North Carolina Senate race.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/01/cooper-leads-first-public-poll-of-north-carolina-senate-race-since-jumping-in-this-week-00487501
Trump moves nuclear submarines after ex-Russia president’s menacing tweet.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/01/trump-nuclear-submarines-russia-ukraine
Leave it to Trump to threaten nuclear war in response to a few mean tweets.
Appeals court keeps order blocking Trump administration from indiscriminate immigration sweeps.
https://apnews.com/article/immigration-raids-aclu-lawsuit-los-angeles-trump-3bbcb0634ed57ede1897c89f76676094
Trump’s Domestic Use of Military Set to Get Worse, Leaked Memo Shows
https://newrepublic.com/article/198708/trump-military-anti-immigration-dhs-leaked-memo
The bleak economic picture emerging from the jobs numbers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/01/erika-mcentarfer-trump-tariffs-jobs-unemployment/?itid=sf_opinions_columns_p002_f001
Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/01/trump-erika-mcentarfer-jobs-report-fired.html
Goodbye, reliable economic data.
This is insane!
CDC bars expert groups from advising on vaccines.
https://thehill.com/newsletters/health-care/5433074-cdc-bars-expert-groups-from-advising-on-vaccines/
Appeals Court Allows Trump Order That Ends Union Protections for Federal Workers
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/us/politics/collective-bargaining-ninth-circuit.html
I would say this is a coverup.
The FBI Redacted Trump’s Name in the Epstein Files
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-01/epstein-files-trump-s-name-was-redacted-by-the-fbi?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1NDA1OTE1MiwiZXhwIjoxNzU0NjYzOTUyLCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMEJLSjNHUTdMOEUwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiIyQjE3NzFFOTlEODc0QzRDOTY1Njg1RTZBQkJGM0QwRCJ9.3ALPrarxmje8f879sHyUxeFbyg60ntxdgX4Ar8jOZLQ
Ghislaine Maxwell Moved to Minimum-Security Women’s Prison in Texas
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/us/politics/ghislaine-maxwell-prison-texas.html
Corporation for Public Broadcasting to shut down after being defunded by Congress, targeted by Trump.
https://apnews.com/article/public-broadcasting-defunding-pbs-npr-94708ffb8313d4811fa6ca199fe454ad
FEMA plans to release nearly $1 billion in security funding after CNN report on proposal to slash it.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/01/politics/fema-plans-release-security-funding
Senate leaving Russia sanctions power fully in Trump’s hands.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5432717-senate-russia-bill-adjournment/
The US Senate at this point, with Republicans in charge, is a very bad joke.
Tens of thousands of Israelis rally after Gaza militants release videos showing emaciated captives.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/02/middleeast/israel-hostage-families-protest-gaza-intl
Trump and his allies mount a pressure campaign against US elections ahead of the midterms.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/02/politics/trump-elections-pressure-campaign
This reeks of authoritarianism.
US officials open investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1levr1l07go
Total insanity!
Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-confirms-jeanine-pirro-dc-us-attorney/
White House has no plan to mandate IVF care, despite campaign pledge.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/08/03/trump-administration-ivf-care/
New Photos Reveal Iconic White House Rose Garden Paved Over After Trump Makeover
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-rose-garden-paved-white-house_n_688e1db3e4b022c2fddf3cc1
Cory Booker is calling out Democrats for what he described as complying with parts of Trump’s agenda.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/02/politics/cory-booker-democratic-party-trump-redistricting