Good afternoon,
Toxicity is infiltrating our country as the second Trump administration prepares to move back into the White House and a Republican-led Congress awaits its rein. At the end of last week, Matt Gaetz <a href='[link removed]'>withdrew</a> as Trump's nominee for attorney general in fear of being vetted further amid sexual misconduct allegations. It's certainly a relief that a pedophile won't be our new attorney general, but his new pick Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general, comes with her own problems. Bondi has '<a href='[link removed]'>landed in the headlines for her political maneuvers, as she grew increasingly partisan during her two terms in office.</a>' To add to the unfortunate developments following the re-election of Trump, federal prosecutors have <a href='[link removed]'>filed a motion</a> to dismiss the Jan. 6 case against him. A longstanding Justice Department policy says a sitting president cannot be indicted or tried on criminal charges because it would violate the Constitution and interfere with the executive branch's work. The U.S. Supreme Court decided the Constitution gave the president broad immunity over the summer. Whether we like it or not, Trump is returning to power with more baggage than ever.
Here are a few important updates ...
ROLLING WITH ROLLINS FOR USDA CHIEF
After weeks of internal fighting, President-elect Donald Trump has <a href='[link removed]'>nominated</a> Brooke Rollins to serve as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During Trump's first presidency, Rollins served as director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council. Rollins co-founded and leads the America First Policy Institute think tank. She is known to have little experience in agriculture policy however she grew up on a farm. The selection of Rollins is even surprising to conservative-leaning agriculture groups who 'were hoping for Trump to tap an agriculture-friendly USDA chief, with strong experience to help them counter Kennedy's influence.' This latest pick is just <a href='[link removed]'>another example</a> of Trump making cabinet appointments for his own personal benefit rather than real expertise.
Trump has not revealed much about his agriculture policies, but if follows through with his pledge to impose widespread tariffs, many farmers could be negatively impacted. If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins will oversee agriculture policy and programs, including tariffs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and more. It's hard to believe that someone like Rollins who has little experience in this critical area of policy will '<a href='[link removed]'>MAKE AGRICULTURE GREAT AGAIN</a>.'
BILLIONAIRE BESSENT FOR TREASURY
Trump also named <a href='[link removed]'>billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent</a> to serve as the next Treasury Department secretary. He is the founder of the investment firm Key Square Capital Management and has <a href='[link removed]'>emerged</a> as a central economic adviser to Trump over the past year. While Bessent's policy ideas align with conservative economic principles, Republicans could criticize his rise in the finance world as a protégé of George Soros, the billionaire Democratic donor. Like several of Trump's other cabinet selections, the pick for treasury was debated upon for weeks.
Secretary of Treasury comes with big responsibility and unfortunately, Bessent will be responsible for turning Trump's unconventional campaign ideas into policy. Additionally, if Trump starts new, harmful trade wars, Bessent will be in charge of calming financial markets. The future of America is full of unknowns, but one thing remains consistent; Trump loves his billionaire buddies and is doing everything in his power to ensure he has a cabinet full of his friends who will enable him to execute his agenda.
LOOKING AHEAD
The leadership race for the DNC is beginning to take shape with former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Minnesota-DFL Chair Ken Martin throwing their hats in the ring. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wickler is expected to join the race as well. As many as 16 candidates have expressed interest in succeeding outgoing Chair Jamie Harrison of South Carolina.
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