Co-Presidents Continue Their Dismantling of Federal Government

What looks like progress to the untrained, propaganda-fed eye is actually obliteration that cannot simply be repaired, even if they do change tact later.

The rapid dismantling of government oversight, mounting religious tensions, and economic turbulence continue to intensify under Trump's second term. What's particularly striking is the sudden surge in constitutional law experts openly using the term "constitutional crisis" - a phrase typically reserved for theoretical discussions now being applied to our daily reality.

The Blitz Continues:

AP: With Firings & lax enforcement, Trump moving to dismantle Government's public integrity guardrails

In a downright dizzying start to his second term, President Trump has rapidly dismantled government oversight by removing inspectors general, dismissing ethics officials, and suspending anti-bribery law enforcement. The administration has also fired prosecutors from previous investigations and loosened ethics rules, showing a more aggressive approach to eliminating oversight than in his first term. "It's the most corrupt start that we've ever seen in the history of the American presidency," said Norm Eisen, a former U.S. ambassador.

AP: 27 religious groups sue Trump Administration to protect houses of worship from immigration arrests.

Despite his announcement of a Faith Office as an apparent nod to his religious supporters, an unprecedented coalition of 27 faith groups has stepped forward to challenge the Trump administration. At the heart of their lawsuit is a deeply troubling policy allowing immigration arrests at houses of worship - a move they say is not just disrupting services, but fundamentally threatening their sacred mission to minister to all people, regardless of immigration status. Rev. Sean Rowe says "We cannot worship freely if some of us are living in fear."

AP: Pope rebukes Trump Administration over migrant corporations, and appears to take direct aim at Vance

Pope Francis has issued a strong critique of the Trump administration's deportation program with remarkable clarity. His statement that "What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly" particularly stands out. The growing tension between the Vatican and U.S. leadership is becoming more pronounced, especially as Francis challenges VP Vance's theological reasoning. At its heart, this represents a fundamental debate about balancing immigration enforcement with human dignity. Has the Pope ever issued a rebuke to a U.S. leader before? I am not religious myself, but I know his word holds weight…

AP: Stock market today: Wall Street falls as Trump imposes new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Markets showed a relatively modest response to the new tariffs, with the Dow dropping only 1.2% and the S&P 500 down 0.8%. International reaction was swift and forceful, with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau calling the measures "unacceptable" and "entirely unjustified," while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for retaliatory measures against U.S. goods. It is particularly surprising that the market hasn’t moved yet (to me, at least) despite all these major changes.

AP News: Top Justice Dept official orders prosecutors to drop charges against NY mayor Eric Adams

The Justice Department dropping charges against Adams reeks of political favoritism and corruption. The fact that a sitting mayor can potentially walk away from serious allegations without consequences shows just how broken our justice system has become. While I'm disgusted by this development, I take some comfort knowing that New York voters will have their say at the ballot box. Adams may dodge legal consequences, but he can't escape voter accountability. The court of public opinion isn't as easily manipulated as our justice system.

NYT: Trump pauses enforcement of law banning foreign bribery

Trump's latest move to pause the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement is nothing short of outrageous - giving corporations free rein to engage in overseas bribery for the next 180 days. Despite this law serving as a cornerstone of international business integrity since 1977, he's determined to dismantle it under the dubious claim that it "hurts American business." Let's be clear: undermining anti-corruption measures isn't just bad policy, it's a betrayal of American values.

Guardian: Trump aid cuts will lead to surge in propaganda and misinformation, says press freedom groups.

Guardian: Nearly $500m of food aid of risk of spoilage after Trump USAid cuts

It’s worthy of reminder that President Trump came into this presidency with more power than anybody who had come before him; the Chevron doctrine, the immunity ruling, all three branches tipped in his favor, and the three richest men on planet Earth behind him… he could have done this the legal way. HE CHOSE NOT TO. What looks like progress to the untrained, propaganda-fed eye is actually obliteration that cannot simply be repaired, even if they do change tact later. This money was already spent; they have played with people’s lives for no apparent reason, other than they could.

Notable quotes from Substack today:

PoliticusUSA, Jason Earley:

"While Donald Trump is breaking law everyday, House Republicans are acting like everything is fine, and this is business as usual. What Congress should be doing is holding hearings on the activities of Elon Musk, which Donald Trump claims are happening under his direction. Instead, the American People get goofy Subcommittee hearings about the scary sounding administrative state."

Paul Krugman:

"The best way to explain the sudden closure of the CFPB, as I see it, is as part of an effort to make predatory Finance great again."

Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes

WSJ: Ford CEO Sounds off on tariffs

In a striking display of irony, Ford CEO Jim Farley has publicly criticized Trump's tariffs for creating "a lot of cost & a lot of chaos" in the automotive industry. However, this criticism rings hollow given Ford's own political activities. The company has consistently supported election deniers through direct donations and maintains membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which directed approximately $400,000 (86% of their 2024 donations) to Republicans who are enabling these very policies. Ford's current predicament appears to be a direct consequence of their own political choices - a classic case of reaping what they've sown in the political arena.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduces bill in the House to authorize Trump to negotiate the acquisition of Greenland

Oh brilliant, just brilliant! Why stop at Greenland? Perhaps we should rename Canada to "Freedom Land North" while we're at it. I'm sure Denmark will be absolutely thrilled to receive this totally reasonable and not-at-all-ridiculous proposal.

A Bluesky post today from David Ho, a professor at the University of Hawai’i, shared a sentiment I think we can all agree with:

The stark contrast between Trump supporters' optimism and the rest of the world's growing alarm is deeply troubling. As we witness the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions, there's a profound sense of helplessness - like watching a slow-motion catastrophe unfold before our eyes. What's perhaps most heartbreaking is knowing that many Trump supporters are our neighbors, friends, and family members who have become so deeply entrenched in their beliefs that they've lost the ability to see the damage being done. The wall of misinformation they've built around themselves seems impenetrable, and each passing day makes it harder to maintain hope that they'll eventually recognize the gravity of their choice.

As 2026 approaches, the question looms: will voters finally hold accountable the Republican Congress that has enabled this transformation of American democracy? The answer may determine the future of our republic.