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We’re getting close to the end of our annual NewsMatch fundraising campaign. Our nonprofit newsroom depends on reader support to continue publishing the kind of human-focused journalism mainstream media outlets often neglect. If you can donate [ [link removed] ] today, NewsMatch will double your contribution.
In new commentary [ [link removed] ], Lydia El-Sayegh breaks down the myths behind the Trump administration’s deadly air strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and asks when, if not now, Congress will step in and put an end to the lawless killings.
While we’re on the topic of myths, I’ve also written a long essay [ [link removed] ] about the centuries-old conspiracy theory that portrays immigration as an “invasion,” its overlap with widespread white nationalist propaganda, and its often lethal consequences.
And a note on programming: Inkstick will be closed until Jan. 5, but be sure to check the site throughout the coming weeks as we post pieces about our most-read reportage and commentary of 2025.
That’s not all we’ve got at Inkstick. And if you’re not already, please follow us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ], Threads [ [link removed] ], Facebook [ [link removed] ], Instagram [ [link removed] ], Bluesky [ [link removed] ], and YouTube [ [link removed] ].
“Converting the American War Economy [ [link removed] ]” by Things That Go Boom (Dec. 15)
For decades, the US economy has been deeply intertwined with war-making — from Cold War-era aerospace and nuclear weapons to today’s AI-driven military technologies. But this wasn’t always seen as inevitable.
Bluesky this [ [link removed] ]. Link this [ [link removed] ].
“The Long, Lethal History of Trump’s ‘Invasion’ Rhetoric [ [link removed] ]” by Patrick Strickland (Dec. 15)
In 2018, US President Donald Trump began to routinely describe immigration as an ‘invasion.’ That rhetoric has fueled deadly violence for nearly two centuries — from the 19th century Know Nothing Party to the current-day GOP.
Bluesky this [ [link removed] ]. Link this [ [link removed] ].
“Can the Global Order be Saved? Not Without Punishing Russia [ [link removed] ]” by Nicholas Lokker (Dec. 16)
While it remains unclear whether a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement will materialize, it has become more and more evident that Washington is willing to sell out Kyiv at any cost to get a deal done quickly — even as Russian President Vladimir Putin jeopardizes the global order.
Bluesky this [ [link removed] ]. Link this [ [link removed] ].
“The United States is Committing Murder on the High Seas [ [link removed] ]” by Lydia El-Sayegh (Dec. 17)
No matter how you look at it, the president of the United States is directing the US military to commit murder with each bombing of civilians on the high seas. Domestic law says so. International law says so. Morality says so.
Bluesky this [ [link removed] ]. Link this [ [link removed] ].
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“What Will Unchecked Artificial Intelligence Mean for Immigration? [ [link removed] ]” by Tyler Hicks (Dec. 18)
With ICE deployments around the country, critics say the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda is a “nightmare” brought about by unfettered mass surveillance and unregulated artificial intelligence.
Bluesky this [ [link removed] ]. Link this [ [link removed] ].
“Deep Dive: What to Make of Trump’s National Security Strategy [ [link removed] ]” by Inkstick (Dec. 19)
Brookings scholars have collectively assessed the Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) and conclude that it represents a marked departure from recent US strategic orthodoxy, reorienting priorities toward the Western Hemisphere and economic instruments while downplaying the centrality of great‑power military competition.
Bluesky this [ [link removed] ]. Link this [ [link removed] ].
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