Support of Edward Snowden pardon grows as 2nd Trump term nears
Will President-elect Donald Trump pardon Edward Snowden in his second term? Several people on Trump’s team are reportedly supporting efforts to make it happen.
Trump passed over the option of granting Snowden a pardon in 2021 during his first presidency and said he would let the courts work it out.
Snowden, a former spy for the National Security Agency, is responsible for the largest leak of top-secret information about United States surveillance programs in the nation’s history. He’s been living in Moscow and avoiding an indictment from the Justice Department for more than a decade.
Matt Gaetz, who withdrew as Trump’s nominee for attorney general said the topic of pardoning Snowden is still on the table.
“I have discussed the matter with others in and around the transition and there seemed to be pretty broad support for a pardon,” Gaetz told The Washington Post.
Gaetz also noted that even though he never talked to Trump directly about Snowden, his advocacy for a pardon didn’t stop Trump from nominating him.
Trump’s director of national intelligence pick Tulsi Gabbard sponsored a 2020 house bill with Gaetz calling for the government to drop charges against Snowden.
Nominee to become Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports a pardon of Snowden as well, campaigning on that promise while running for president.
Vice President-elect JD Vance has not taken any public positions on Snowden, but people close to him told The New York Post they expect him to be sympathetic to Snowden’s situation.
According to the attorney who represented Snowden, he released the classified information in order to expose “abuses” by the government. Snowden has not commented yet on the possibility of a renewed push for a pardon from Trump.
Majority of Americans satisfied Trump won, approve of transition handling: Poll
President-elect Donald Trump is beginning his return to the White House with a majority of Americans expressing satisfaction or excitement over his victory. Most approve of his transition handling, including his selection of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as secretary of state, which garners net-positive reviews from those familiar with his choices.
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According to a poll by CBS News and YouGov, Republicans are more optimistic about Trump’s presidency now than in 2016, and their outlook on the economy has improved since the election. Inflation remains a top issue, with many believing Trump’s administration will help lower prices for food and groceries, a key concern that drove his support.
Democrats, however, are largely fearful of Trump’s leadership, with many believing he will threaten their rights and freedoms. Still, fewer than half are motivated to oppose him actively, and many support bipartisan cooperation to ensure a smooth transition of power.
Economic perceptions reflect partisan divides, as Republicans increasingly describe the economy in positive terms. Tariffs are popular among Trump voters, even as many accept potential price increases as a trade-off. The broader public opposes tariffs, citing concerns about rising costs.
Trump’s cabinet picks receive overwhelming approval from his base, and net-positive ratings among Americans familiar with the choices. Republicans emphasize loyalty as a priority for appointees, while Americans overall value experience and independence.
There is strong bipartisan support for Senate hearings on Trump’s nominations, though MAGA Republicans are more willing to skip this step. Notably, many Republicans favor Elon Musk having influence in the administration, though opinions on this are split nationwide.
Confidence in democracy rebounded among Republicans, with fewer suspecting election fraud in 2024 compared to 2020. Post-election, most Republicans now believe America’s best days lie ahead, reversing their earlier pessimism, while Democrats’ optimism about the future has waned.
Trump’s cabinet: A bold experiment in ideological diversity?
President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet appointments are generating controversy and conversation for their unconventional nature, but they also stand out as one of the most ideologically diverse in modern history. From pro-union Republicans to former Democrats and figures tied to liberal causes, the cabinet reflects a broad range of political perspectives under Trump’s populist vision.
Among the notable picks is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a pro-abortion-rights advocate, nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Trump insiders believe Kennedy’s bipartisan appeal may secure his Senate confirmation, a rare feat in today’s polarized political climate.
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For secretary of labor, Trump has chosen Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., a pro-union Republican who supported the PRO Act — a piece of legislation championed by President Joe Biden to strengthen workers’ rights.
This move aligns her more closely with progressive labor policies than traditional conservative stances.
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Another eyebrow-raising appointment is Scott Bessent, nominated to lead the Department of the Treasury.
Bessent, a financial expert with deep knowledge of bond and currency markets, previously advised liberal philanthropist George Soros, a figure often criticized by conservatives.
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For the position of director of national intelligence, Trump has tapped Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman.
Gabbard has taken a number of stances that have in some areas isolated her, and she was also placed on a TSA terror watch list for a short time.
Trump’s unconventional picks also include Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon and Fox News regular, who gained prominence for his contrarian views on COVID-19 policies, as his choice to lead the FDA.
At the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Trump has selected Scott Turner, a former NFL player and motivational speaker, who spearheaded the Opportunity and Revitalization Council during his first term.
Critics argue that many of these nominees lack traditional qualifications or institutional experience, raising concerns about their ability to lead federal agencies effectively. However, Trump supporters hail the diversity of viewpoints as evidence of his commitment to disrupt Washington’s status quo and push bold reforms.
The cabinet reflects Trump’s goal to transform the GOP into a populist movement, moving away from the traditional conservatism of figures such as former President George W. Bush or Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah. As confirmation hearings approach, Trump’s choices signal his broader vision of reshaping the political landscape with an emphasis on personal loyalty, disruption and reform.
Trump attends UFC event in NYC as he makes more presidential picks
President-elect Donald Trump returned to Madison Square Garden to see the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) pay-per-view event on Saturday, Nov. 16. It was the first time Trump was back at the New York City venue since his rally last month and he received roaring applause from the UFC crowd, including chants of “USA! USA!”
Trump was joined by friend and UFC President Dana White, as well as some of the names he’s recently picked to join his administration: Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were also in attendance.
The president-elect also shook hands with Joe Rogan, one of the commentators for the event. Trump was a guest on Rogan’s podcast in the days leading up to the election.
Trump’s weekend also involved filling more key positions in his administration, including nominating Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the chief executive of Liberty Energy, a Denver, Colorado-based fracking company.
He also picked current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the agency’s chairman. Carr recently made headlines after claiming Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on “Saturday Night Live” violated FCC rules.
More nominations from the president-elect are expected to come this week.
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles
With North Korea entering the war, the Biden administration is now allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russia. And President-elect Donald Trump returned to New York for a UFC showdown this weekend while also making more presidential picks. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles
It’s been nearly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while the U.S. has supported Ukraine since the start, President Joe Biden is now easing limitations on how U.S.-supplied weapons can be used.
The policy shift comes as President Biden’s time in office winds down and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to limit U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has also promised to quickly put an end to the war with Russia but has yet to say how.
Biden’s decision comes as Russia unleashed a barrage of its own missiles in Ukraine Sunday, Nov. 17. Ukrainian authorities said 10 people, including two children, were killed and dozens injured in a Russian strike on a residential building in Sumy, near the Russian border.
Earlier in the day, Russia launched its largest attack against Ukraine since August, once again targeting power plants and energy infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian authorities said at least five people were killed in those strikes.
On the social site Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said about 120 missiles and 90 drones were fired into the country, with Ukrainian air defenses downing more than 140 targets.
Israeli strike in Beirut kills Hezbollah’s top spokesman
An Israeli strike on a neighborhood in Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top spokesman, according to the militant group.
Mohammed Afif was an adviser to the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, whom Israel killed in an attack on Beirut in September. Afif had been responsible for Hezbollah’s media relations since 2014.
Lebanon’s health ministry said no evacuation warning was issued before the strike, which happened in the middle of the day, and four people were killed.
🔴ELIMINATED: Chief Propagandist and Spokesperson of Hezbollah, Mohammed Afif
Afif was a senior Hezbollah military operative, in contact with senior officials and directly involved in advancing and executing Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a “precise, intelligence-based strike” that “eliminated the terrorist Mohammed Afif, the chief propagandist and spokesperson of the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”
Trump attends UFC event in New York City, makes more picks for 2nd term
Over the weekend, President-elect Trump returned to Madison Square Garden to see the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s pay-per-view event. It was the first time Trump was back at the New York City venue since his rally last month and he received roaring applause from the UFC crowd Saturday night, Nov. 16, including chants of “USA!”
Trump was joined by friend and UFC President Dana White, as well as some of the names he’s recently picked to join his administration, including Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were also in attendance.
The president-elect also shook hands with Joe Rogan, one of the commentators for the event. Trump was a guest on Rogan’s podcast in the days leading up to the election.
Trump’s weekend also involved filling more key positions in his administration, including nominating Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the chief executive of Liberty Energy, a Denver, Colorado based fracking company.
He also picked current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the agency’s chairman. Carr recently made headlines after claiming Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on Saturday Night Live violated FCC rules.
More nominations from the president-elect are expected to come this week.
Biden becomes first sitting president to visit Amazon rainforest
President Biden made history Sunday, Nov. 17, becoming the first sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest.
While there, Biden met indigenous leaders and visited a museum at the gateway to the amazon. He also toured the drought-shrunken waters of the Amazon River’s greatest tributary and signed a U.S. proclamation designating Nov. 17 International Conservation Day, highlighting his commitment to the preservation of the region.
He also touched on concerns the incoming Trump administration might change U.S. climate policy.
“It’s no secret that I’m leaving office in January,” Biden said. “I will leave my successor and my country in a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so.”
Today I issued an official proclamation to support the conservation of nature around the world.
That was the most that Biden publicly referenced President-elect Trump during his South American tour.
The transition was briefly mentioned during Chinese president Xi Jinping’s remarks on Saturday, Nov. 16 during his final meeting with Biden. While he also did not mention Trump by name, Xi appeared to signal his concern over what the new administration could mean for China’s relationship with the U.S. During his campaign, Trump promised to levy 60% tariffs on Chinese imports.
Reports: WBD, NBA settle with 11-year deal; ‘Inside the NBA’ to air on ABC
Warner Brothers Discovery is back in the game when it comes to the NBA. Though the company will no longer be airing games on its TNT network after this season, the Wall Street Journal and other outlets report the two sides have come to an agreement to keep NBA programming in the Warner Bros. family.
The reports said the new deal will settle Warner Brothers Discovery’s breach of contract lawsuit, which it filed against the league after the NBA signed rights deals with Disney’s ESPN, Comcast’s NBC, and Amazon.
This 11-year agreement will see NBA content remain on Warner Bros. Discovery’s digital platforms Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. It also gives Warner Brothers Discovery the right to distribute games overseas in places such as northern Europe and parts of Latin America, excluding Mexico and Brazil.
Reports said Warner Brothers Discovery also struck a deal with Disney to license its popular TNT show “Inside the NBA,” featuring former-players-turned-commentators Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley starting next season. The show will air throughout the season on ABC and ESPN.
The deals are expected to be officially announced this week.
Netflix says 60 million households tuned in live for Tyson vs. Paul
Netflix also said 50 million households watched the co-main event that saw Katie Taylor retain her championship against Amanda Serrano. The streaming giant said that would make it the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in United States history.
Netflix said more information, like total viewers, will be released later this week.
Netflix’s future live sporting events will include NFL games on Christmas Day and WWE weekly programming starting next year.
Bolton says Gaetz, Gabbard should be investigated by FBI before confirmation
President-elect Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton is reacting to Trump’s cabinet picks. He called for an FBI investigation into two of his choices: Tulsi Gabbard and Matt Gaetz.
Trump choosing Gaetz, a now-former Florida representative, as attorney general was a surprise to both Democrats and Republicans. Gaetz was investigated by the Justice Department over allegations related to sex trafficking.
Prosecutors did not charge Gaetz. He was also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, converting campaign funds for personal use and accepting a bribe.
The former Florida representative also has a history of being at odds with the DOJ over the Jan. 6 riots and has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories. Gaetz has called for the FBI to be defunded and abolished.
When it comes to Gabbard, a former congresswoman and veteran, both parties are pointing out her views on Russia as she’s been accused of amplifying Russian propaganda. Trump tapped Gabbard to be the next director of national intelligence.
In 2022, Gabbard said the U.S. had been funding biological laboratories in Ukraine. Some have also criticized the fact she never worked an intelligence job or served on a congressional intelligence committee.
Bolton said because of the track record Gabbard and Gaetz have, he wants the FBI to get involved.
“With his announcement of Tulsi Gabbard to be the director of national intelligence, he’s sending a signal that we’ve lost our mind when it comes to collecting intelligence,” Bolton said. “I don’t think she or Matt Gaetz should have a confirmation hearing until they have both had full field FBI investigations.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted her support for Gaetz on X.
Another incredible choice by President Trump to nominate my friend, @mattgaetz, as the next Attorney General of the United States.
For the past four years, the Department of Justice has been a haven for corruption and political persecution.
Monday, Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day in the United States. As Americans thank those for their service, numbers are coming on how veterans voted in the recent presidential election. It seems many backed President-elect Donald Trump.
According to exit polling from The Washington Post, 12% of voters served in the U.S. military. Of those, 65% say they voted for, Trump while 34% said they cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Trump campaign played up its ties to the military as Vice President-elect JD Vance served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq.
Trump advocate Tulsi Gabbard also served in the military. She served in the Army National Guard and was deployed to the war in Iraq. She was also later stationed in Kuwait. Gabbard campaigned heavily for Trump during the election.
The veteran turnout for Trump exceeded polling expectations. A recent Pew Research poll found that 61% of registered voters who are veterans, said they would vote for Trump while 37% favored Harris.
The most recent census data shows Alaska, Virginia and Montana have the highest population when it comes to veterans. All three have rates between 9% and 10.5%.
The District of Columbia, New York and New Jersey have the lowest percentages.
Is it illegal for a presidential candidate to offer someone a job for an endorsement?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the presidential race and went all in for former President Donald Trump, and the endorsement is already paying off. The New York Times reported Trump is making Kennedy and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat turned independent, honorary co-chairs of his presidential transition team, should he win in November.
In that role, Kennedy will help create the policies and hire the staff for a second Trump administration. Kennedy denied that he gave his endorsement in exchange for a cabinet post or other government position.
“There’s been no commitments,” Kennedy said on Fox News Sunday, Aug. 25. “You know I met with President Trump, with his family, with his close advisors and we just made a general commitment that we’re going to work together.
The Washington Post reported that Kennedy called both Trump and Vice President Harris before he dropped out. He talked to Trump about endorsing him and taking a job in the administration. Now Trump and Kennedy are being accused of breaking federal law.
Attorney Tristan Snell, who prosecuted the Trump University case, posted on X about the endorsement.
“Oh, by the way, it is a FEDERAL CRIME to promise a post in an administration in exchange for a candidate endorsement,” Snell wrote. “So of course convicted felon Donald Trump got RFK Jr. to endorse him.”
The section of code states whoever “directly or indirectly, promises any employment, (or) position…to any person as consideration, favor, or reward for any political activity or for the support of or opposition to any candidate…” can face up to one year in prison.
But Duke Law Professor Stuart Benjamin wrote in Reason that promising a position to RFK Jr. is not illegal, and that criminalizing such promises would violate the First Amendment.
He focused on 18 U.S. Code § 599 — “Promise of appointment by candidate.” It was the subject of a 1982 Supreme Court case in which the justices ruled unanimously in favor of a politician who promised voters he would lower his salary.
“The government might have an interest in prohibiting concealed promises from candidates to potential nominees,” Benjamin wrote. “Secret promises give no information to voters, so their only benefit is a private one to the candidate and/or to the nominee. That underscores the implausibility of any government interest in preventing the public naming of nominees in advance. There is no corrupting element.”
Rep. Jim Jordan investigating why Tulsi Gabbard is on TSA terror watchlist
Former Democratic Representative and current Army Reserve Officer Tulsi Gabbard recently announced legal action against the Biden administration after she found out she is on a secretive Transportation Security Administration (TSA) terror watchlist known as Quiet Skies. On Wednesday, Aug. 21, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, announced he is requesting TSA whistleblowers who leaked the revelations to come forward.
In addition, Jordan is also asking the TSA to release all documents pertaining to Gabbard’s surveillance under its Quiet Skies program.
Jordan wants to know why Gabbard is on a list meant for suspected terrorists and whether she’s being politically targeted by the Biden administration for past criticism.
In a letter to Administrator David Pekoske of the TSA, Jordan, who chairs the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, wrote that the probe is to “ensure the Biden-Harris administration is not weaponizing its federal surveillance powers against its political opponents.”
Whistleblowers from the TSA previously disclosed Gabbard was surveilled at airports by explosive detection K-9 teams and other federal agents. That came after an interview on Fox News in which she called U.S.-backing of Ukraine in its war against Russia a U.S. “proxy war.”
The TSA has not publicly confirmed nor denied that Gabbard is on the Quiet Skies watchlist. While the agency declined to comment on Gabbard’s recent lawsuit, it did say that Quiet Skies “uses a risk-based approach to apply enhanced security measures on some domestic and outbound international flights.”
Trump, Harris have never met face-to-face. How are they preparing to debate?
There is less than a month until the second presidential debate of the year on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The debate will be the first debate between Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
This debate will mark not only their first time sharing a stage but also the first time Harris and Trump have ever spoken to each other in person, according to The New York Times.
Both candidates are beginning their debate preparations, bringing in key individuals familiar with high-stakes settings. The presidential debate will be hosted by ABC.
In the weeks leading up to the debate, both campaigns are already prepping.
The Trump team has brought in Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat who once shared the stage with Harris in a 2019 Democratic presidential primary debate.
Gabbard has reportedly visited Mar-a-Lago for “practice sessions” with Trump, though the former president is known for foregoing traditional debate prep such as mock debates. Instead, Trump is said to prefer discussions about potential topics and lines of questioning.
For the Harris campaign, mock debates are being hosted with someone familiar to the job standing in as Trump.
Philippe Reines, a long-time Democratic operative, is reprising his role as Trump in these mock sessions. Reines previously served in this role in 2016 to prepare Hillary Clinton for her debates against Trump.
Harris has already participated in at least two mock debates with her campaign team, including one at Howard University, her alma mater where Reines was also seen.
Harris and Trump have never met or spoken face-to-face, and the only time they have been in the same room was when Harris attended Trump’s State of the Union address.
As for a potential second debate between the two, that remains uncertain as the campaigns continue to go back and forth. Currently, only the Sept. 10 debate is confirmed.
