Good morning everyone. I am still reeling after last night’s 60 Minutes episode where the show admitted that they are placating the Trump Administration because its parent company, Paramount, is in talks to complete a merger. Journalistic independence is dying in the mainstream media.
I will have more thoughts today, but for now, know this. I will never be bought. I will never stand down in the face of attacks by Trump. He may want me silenced. Unlike Paramount, I won’t be. Your subscriptions help me stay independent and help me stand tall:
Now, let’s get to the news:
In a closing statement last night, 60 Minutes addressed the departure of its executive order with a shocking admission: "Our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger. The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways." Read that again. Let it sink in. I will never be bought by Trump. I promise you.
Pete Hegseth’s personal phone number, which he recently used in a Signal chat, was publicly available online and through apps as recently as March, raising concerns about potential national security risks. It was accessible through platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and a fantasy sports website.
Donald Trump is lashing out at protesters at town halls, claiming they are being paid to disrupt events. He said any American showing dissension against MAGA should be “immediately ejected” from their member of Congress’ town halls.
Massive protests are scheduled for this week. On Thursday, lawyers plan to peacefully assemble in front of more than 40 courthouses across the United States to reaffirm their oaths — an “unprecedented” step, they say, taken because they can "no longer stand idly by as judicial independence and the rule of law are systematically taken apart," according to a press statement. That same day, more than 800 protests are planned nationally and around the world as part of May Day Strong.
Large parts of Spain and Portugal experienced major power outages, shutting down traffic lights and causing chaos at airports and train stations. Repair efforts underway: Spanish power grid operator Red Eléctrica said it was working with energy companies to restore power. "The causes are being analyzed and all resources are being dedicated to solving it," the company said.
Governor Pritzker has called for widespread protests and disruption, declaring that "Republicans cannot know a moment of peace." He added that their portraits would eventually be displayed in museums "reserved for tyrants and traitors."
Several of the nation’s top universities have quietly formed a private alliance to push back against the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine research funding and academic freedom. Their goal is to avoid a domino effect similar to what happened with major law firms, where one compromise led to others.
Putin has announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on May 8.
Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 41%, falling 4 points since March and 7 points since late February, according to a new CNN poll. This is lower than the approval ratings of any newly elected president since at least Dwight Eisenhower.
A group of Yale classmates of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are urging him to rethink his involvement with the Trump administration, warning he could be helping to push the U.S. toward authoritarianism. They asked him to reflect on whether he wants to play a role in "the descent of America into fascism."
China has said that there have been no recent phone calls with the United States. The statement suggests a lack of direct communication between the two countries at this time.
Chinese retailer Shein has significantly increased its prices — in some cases by as much as 377% — to help absorb the impact of tariffs introduced during the Trump administration, according to Bloomberg. The move aims to protect the company's profits while dealing with higher costs from U.S. trade policies.
The economy during the first 100 days of the Trump Administration is at its worst point over the last four Administrations.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
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