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🎙️ Tariffs, Truth, Tension

Heated exchanges and fact checks mark Trump’s TV return post-election.

The Flag


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Left: How Dems Can Solve Their Elitism Problem, Alexander Nazaryan, MSNBC

Right: Carter 2.0: Biden Another Failed Democratic President, Jay Cost, Washington Examiner

Right: Hegseth's Nomination Is a Hill Trump Should Die On, John Daniel Davidson, The Federalist

Right: Why Trump Is Poised To Have a Successful Second Term, Michael Goodwin, New York Post

TRUMP

Tariffs, Truth, Tension

Today’s Top Story: In his first post-election network interview, President-elect Donald Trump sat down with Meet the Press’s Kristin Welker’s to outline his day-one plans, including mass deportations, Jan. 6 pardons, extended tax cuts, and no restrictions on abortion pills, while also signaling a legislative solution for Dreamers.

Reporting from the Left: Trump details sweeping changes he’ll carry out on day one and beyond in an exclusive interview (NBC News)

Reporting from the Right: Trump Blasts ‘Nasty’, ‘Hostile’ Kristen Welker: ‘You Hurt Yourself So Badly’ (Daily Wire)

LEFT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Promises, Prices, Pain?

The Top Argument From The Left: Trump is already backing off his most important campaign promise, James Downie, MSNBC: “Arguably the most significant moment of all, though, came near the beginning of the wide-ranging interview. During the campaign, Trump proposed tariffs of 10-20% on all imports — and 60% on goods from China. Welker asked whether he could ‘guarantee’ that Americans won’t pay higher prices under those tariffs. ‘I can’t guarantee anything,’ Trump replied. He noted (correctly) that his first term saw low inflation, even as he implemented new tariffs. But those tariffs were on a much smaller scale. Multiple studies project his sweeping new proposal would cost Americans hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. … The significance of inflation isn’t lost on Trump. ‘I won on two things,’ he told Welker later in the interview. ‘I won on the border, and I won on groceries.’ And yet even Trump, who has built a career on bluffing and promising the impossible, couldn’t pretend that his plan to avoid future price increases will work. Inflation indicators show annual increases of under 3%, well below the spike in the middle of Joe Biden’s presidency. But companies from Walmart-sized conglomerates to small businesses are already warning that they may have to raise prices. And just as Trump got credit for the low inflation in his first term, he will take the blame for any price hikes in his second.”

RIGHT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Deport, Pardon, Amend?

The Top Argument From The Right: Trump Promises to Launch Mass Deportations, Pardon January 6 Prisoners in Wide-Ranging NBC Interview, James Lynch, National Review: “Trump renewed his campaign promise to enact mass deportations, beginning with criminals and going from there. For families with mixed immigration status, Trump suggested deporting them all in order to keep them together. … Trump also committed to ending birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment and grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. regardless of their parents’ status. To achieve this transformational change, Trump floated a Constitutional amendment to avoid inevitable legal challenges. Another idea Trump explored on the campaign trail was freeing individuals who are currently imprisoned for charges connected to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. In the NBC interview, Trump criticized how they have been treated and said he would pardon them. … Besides immigration, Trump and Welker discussed a number of issues ranging from economic and foreign policy to political retribution. Trump told Meet the Press he is working on ending the war in Ukraine and said he would maintain the U.S.’s presence in NATO if other member nations fulfill their obligations to the alliance.”

Honorable Mention #2: Trump leaves Biden, Jack Smith prosecution to Bondi and Patel: ‘Disgrace’, Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner

FLAG THIS

Mixed Mandates

According to The New York Times, polls show that while many Americans support broad change in areas like the economy and immigration, opinions on specific policies are more mixed:

  • Economy: Americans prioritize the economy, and more trust Trump over Harris to improve it. Trump’s tariff plans received mixed reactions: 52% supported tariffs on overseas goods, but 59% worried that tariffs would increase costs. A specific 60% tariff on Chinese goods, however, has only 37% support.

  • Immigration: A majority (57%) support deporting undocumented immigrants, but the same percentage also favors a pathway to citizenship, highlighting a divide in public opinion. Even some Trump supporters back citizenship options alongside deportation.

Do you think Trump’s proposed tariffs will lead to higher costs for American consumers?

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WATERCOOLER

Jay Elected, Plural Last Names, State Teddy

On This Day in 1778, the former chief justice of the New York Supreme Court was elected president of the Continental Congress. Jay, who graduated from King’s College (now Columbia University) at the age of 19, was a prominent figure in New York state politics from an early age.

POWERED BY RYSE

No, it’s not Ring or Nest—it’s RYSE, the company redefining smart home innovation, and you can invest for just $1.75 per share.

RYSE’s patented SmartShades are transforming how people control their window shades—offering seamless automation without costly replacements. With 10 fully granted patents and a pivotal Amazon court judgment safeguarding their technology, RYSE has established itself as a market leader in an industry projected to grow 23% annually.

This year, RYSE surpassed $10 million in total revenue, expanded to 127 Best Buy locations, and experienced explosive 200% month-over-month growth. With partnerships in progress with major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, they’re set for even bigger milestones, including international expansion and new product launches.

This is your last chance to invest at the current share price before their next stage of growth drives even greater demand.

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