Trump 2.0: Experience, Retribution, and Unpredictability

Learned and Vengeful: Unlike his first term, Trump now understands the levers of power and is driven by a "detailed playbook" (Project 2025) and a desire for "retribution, grievance, settling scores, and punishing his 'enemies.'

Immigration Battles: Blue State Resistance and Political Risks

Deportation Focus: Trump is committed to high-profile deportations to appease his base, prompting preemptive legal challenges from blue states.

The Orban Playbook: A Warning for American Democracy

Authoritarian Blueprint: Trump's tactics and the rise of Viktor Orbán in Hungary, highlighting a potential roadmap for dismantling democratic institutions.

Key Figures: Bondi, Tillis, and Musk

Key Themes:

Failure of the Free Market System: Both articles, albeit in different contexts, reflect a growing disillusionment with the promises of free market capitalism. The Bloomberg article argues that the 2008 financial crisis exposed the flaws in this model and led to a decline in public trust. The Daily Caller article, through the actions of the migrant caravan, points towards a perception of limited opportunity and potential economic hardship under the existing system.

Rise of Economic Nationalism: The Bloomberg article traces the trajectory of economic thought from the Keynesian model to the free market policies of Reagan and Thatcher, ultimately culminating in a resurgence of mercantilism. This is evidenced by increasing protectionism, government intervention in the economy, and a focus on national interests over global cooperation. The Daily Caller article implicitly touches upon this theme by highlighting the perceived threat to American jobs and resources posed by immigration.

Government Intervention and Control: The Bloomberg article emphasizes the growing acceptance of government intervention in the economy, citing examples like the Dodd-Frank Act, the rise of ESG investing (and its subsequent backlash), and Biden's industrial policies. It suggests that this interventionism extends to social spheres as well, with governments increasingly seeking to "force behaviors" in line with their agendas. This theme is echoed in the Daily Caller article, where the incoming Trump administration is expected to implement stricter immigration controls, reflecting a desire for greater government control over borders and population flow.

Erosion of Shareholder Value Primacy: The Bloomberg article highlights the shift away from the Milton Friedman-inspired emphasis on shareholder value maximization. This is evident in the rise of ESG investing, which considers environmental and social factors alongside financial returns, and the pushback against it, which asserts the right of governments and companies to prioritize their own interests over shareholder returns. This suggests a move towards a stakeholder-driven model of capitalism, where broader societal concerns hold more weight.

The fallout from Matt Gaetz's failed nomination for Attorney General dominates today's news, with implications for Trump's power, Republican senators' willingness to oppose him, and Gaetz's future.

Speculation abounds about which other Trump nominees might be rejected, with Hegseth, Kennedy Jr., Gabbard, and McMahon identified as vulnerable due to lack of qualifications, controversial past statements, and accusations of misconduct.

Concerns arise about Trump's potential influence on a proposed MSNBC spinoff and merger, given his history of targeting media outlets he dislikes.

The 2024 election winds down, with notable results in Pennsylvania and Alaska, and three tight House races remaining.

Schadenfreude is directed at Kari Lake for her failed Senate run and subsequent abandonment by Trump, highlighting the risks of blind loyalty to him.

A young Maori MP in New Zealand captures attention with a powerful protest against a controversial treaty bill, signaling the potential for future leadership.