Smash The Bubble

News and opinion from both the left and the right, mixed together so you can break out of your filter bubble.

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Today's Headlines

How Kyrsten Sinema's decision makes Democrats' 2024 Senate map tighter

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decided to shake up the political world on Friday by becoming an independent. The former Democrat is still caucusing with the party in the Senate, so the Democratic caucus still has 51 members. Now, instead of 49 Democr…

Rep. Sessions to Newsmax: White House Staff 'Lied' About Biden

White House staff during the presidency of Democrat Joe Biden "lied" about his competency, Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, told Newsmax Saturday.

When Women Are Radicalised

Men aren’t the only ones susceptible to extremist thinking.

After GOP hypocrisy, Democrats see opening to abolish debt ceiling

As part of Trump’s tax-and-spend bill, Republicans extended the debt limit by $5 trillion, leaving some wondering if the policy of setting any limit is outdated.

Trump Loves ICE. Its Workforce Has Never Been So Miserable.

A “mission impossible” deportation campaign has left many employees burned out and morally conflicted.

This Is Peak Government...

Federal court demands response from Texas governor in redistricting case

America Has Never Seen Corruption Like This

Trump’s Qatari jet was just the beginning.

Trump threatens to strip Rosie O’Donnell of U.S. citizenship.

The president called Ms. O’Donnell, who moved to Ireland a a “threat to humanity” and said she should stay in Ireland, where she moved to in January after Mr. Trump won a second term.

Meet ‘China’s man in Lima’ who jetted over to US to collect trains donated by Biden admin

A key China ally with presidential ambitions in Peru is reportedly traveling this week to participate in a sending-off ceremony for a batch of trains donated by the Biden administration.

He Spent His Life Trying to Prove That He Was a Loyal U.S. Citizen. It Wasn’t Enough.

How Joseph Kurihara lost his faith in America

Could Butler happen again? Former Secret Service agents weigh in on political violence in 2025

President Donald Trump still faces a plethora of threats, ranging from violent extremists backed by proxy groups, to domestic actors inspired to incite violence amid heightened political rhetoric, according to experts.

What the Next Phase of Trump’s Presidency Will Look Like

The president got his “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Can he sell it to voters?

Trump’s New Favorite General

Dan “Razin” Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, doesn’t want the spotlight—but with this White House, there’s no avoiding it.

Democratic fissure over Israel hits a moderate swing state

An anti-Israel resolution in North Carolina points to a growing rift between the party’s voters and its leaders.

The Biggest Conservative Victory in 30 Years

After Texas Disaster, Trump Shifts His Tone on FEMA

Earlier this year, President Trump suggested he wanted to shutter the agency. Now, he says his aides “fixed it up in no time.”

Everything you need to know about Biden's student loan forgiveness program

President Joe Biden's federal student loan forgiveness program, which promises to deliver up to $20,000 of debt relief for millions of borrowers, is on hold indefinitely as legal challenges work their way through the courts.

$200M on the Table Between Columbia, Trump Admin

Columbia University has discussed paying some $200 million to settle with the Trump administration after losing about $400 million in canceled grants and contracts, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Trump Threatens to Revoke Rosie O'Donnell's Citizenship

President Donald Trump on Saturday called comedian Rosie O'Donnell a "threat to humanity" and said he was "seriously considering" revoking her citizenship.

Trump says of Texas flood damage, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this’

Get the latest news on President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House and the Republican-led Congress.

Ryan Routh Offers Himself for Prisoner Exchange

The man accused of plotting to kill President Donald Trump at his Florida golf course last September has pleaded with a federal judge to permit him to be part of prisoner swap with U.S. adversaries so that he may "freeze to death in Siberia."

Trump tours devastation in Texas, meeting with families and first responders

Trump and first lady Melania Trump spoke about how difficult it was to find the right words for the grieving, as they fulfilled a unifying public ritual for commanders in chief.

The Twelve Day War: Truths and Consequences

Operations Rising Lion and Midnight Hammer have been successful military operations, but a great deal of uncertainty remains.

Why the Islamic Republic Must Fall

As a dissident Iranian, I support Israel’s efforts to weaken the Ayatollahs’ regime. I’m not alone in this.

What the Constitution Says About Birthright Citizenship

On Jan. 20, 2025, newly reelected President Trump issued an executive order ending birthright citizenship.

Why the GOP's Recycled Midterms Strategy Won't Work

Hanging over all the audacious steps taken so far this year by Donald Trump and his Republican Party has been the fact that voters will get a chance to respond in 2026.

Fareed explains why AI's massive energy demands are straining the power grid, but also why AI could enable big breakthroughs in sustainability and clean energy.

The Friday Night 'Massacre' at State Department

The Doctor was in (and out): Biden's physician invokes Fifth Amendment during deposition

Former President Biden's White House doctor, Kevin O'Connor, invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to questions during a House Oversight Committee deposition.

How Foreign Enrollment Transformed Higher Ed

Investor and entrepreneur Marc Andreessen participated in the inaugural Reagan National Economic Forum and was featured in a fireside chat titled "The Case for American Optimism" alongside Joe Lonsdale, Managing Partner of 8VC.

Zohran Mamdani’s Lesson for the Left

The New York City mayoral primary showcased a better kind of politics than progressives are used to.

The Man Who Thinks Medicaid Cuts Won’t Cut Medicaid

In Kevin Hassett, the Trump administration has picked an especially unfortunate spokesperson.

Cobb: Trump Firing Bondi Would Be Huge Embarrassment

President Donald Trump likely didn't believe the Epstein files would "be this problematic for him" and won't fire Attorney General Pam Bondi because "it will be a huge embarrassment to him," says former White House lawyer Ty Cobb.

Texas Flood Survivors: Mother of Five Returns to Cabin in Ruins

Jacque White and her five children escaped the rising waters of the Guadalupe River just in time. Now they have to rebuild.

Rudy Giuliani to Newsmax: Mamdani Must Be Stopped

New York City Democrat mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is taking the direction set by communist Karl Marx and he has "got to be stopped," said former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Rationale for Not Releasing Epstein Files

He said, and I agree: There are a lot of names associated with Epstein that had nothing to do with Epstein's conduct. They maybe had lunch with him or maybe had some correspondence for one thing or another.

Minnesota Assassination Suspect: Case 'Didn't Involve' Trump, Abortion

Vance Boelter, the man accused in the political assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and the shootings of another lawmaker and his wife, refused to discuss a potential motive but insisted his case "didn't involve" either Pre…

Trump’s 30 percent tariff threat provokes anger and frustration in Europe.

The fine print of the Respect for Marriage Act

Let's start with the positive: Republicans and Democrats are coming together to protect same-sex marriage from the Supreme Court.

The Axe Files with David Axelrod

Go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting players in politics.

The Absurdity of Affirmative Action

On her 64th birthday, in 2012, the conceptual artist Adrian Piper "retired from being black." She posted a digitally altered portrait of herself, rendered in gray scale, and included a message underneath: "Henceforth, my new racial designation wil…

Trump Threatens Steep Tariffs on Goods From E.U. and Mexico

Leaders from both economies had been trying to negotiate more favorable terms, only to have those efforts blown up by form letters.

What Pete Hegseth Doesn’t Understand About Soldiers

Lethality alone doesn’t win wars.

Protesters clash with conservatives at Turning Point's Student Action Summit in Tampa Bay

Protesters organized by Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society marched against Turning Point USA's conference, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and an end to deportations.

Bass Unveils 'Pay to Stay Home' Plan for LA's Illegals

Rep. Weber to Newsmax: 'Not the Time to Start Looking for Blame'

Rep. Randy Weber told Newsmax Saturday that the focus in the aftermath of deadly Texas Hill Country flooding a week ago is not finding someone to blame.

Buckley’s Blind Spots

Sam Tanenhaus’s new biography of William F. Buckley provides a rich and nuanced portrait of one of the most consequential public intellectuals in modern American conservative politics.

In the wake of the Republican National Convention earlier this month, Fareed speaks with historian Niall Ferguson about how and why the modern-day GOP has changed since the Reagan era of the 1980s.

Conflicting Visions of Peace

Netanyahu’s Nobel Prize gesture masks serious diplomatic divisions over Iran’s nuclear programme and the future of Gaza’s devastated population.

Friday's Final Word

WIRED: Epstein Prison Tape Released by FBI Was Likely Manipulated

Bondi fires 20 Justice Dept. employees involved in Trump prosecutions

Those fired from the department include two prosecutors who worked under former special counsel Jack Smith.

David Gergen, consummate political insider, dies at 83

Labor Unions Kill Jobs

Education Department Announces Investigation of George Mason University's DEI Practices

'America Party'? 'America Caucus' Could Change DC Faster

The world's greatest innovator has set his sights on America's biggest problem: the two-party system that is ripping our social fabric, bankrupting our nation, and failing to solve our most basic problems.

Mexico has taken steps to curb drug trade and illegal migration. Trump says it’s not enough.

A Letter to the American Museum of Natural History

An exhibit in the museum’s Northwest Coast Hall repeats the false claim that the bodies of ‘215 Indigenous children’ were found at Kamloops, B.C. in ‘unmarked graves.’

Hell in North Germany

A riveting new book by American historian Lynne Olson re-examines the story of Ravensbrück, the Nazis’ notorious concentration camp for women.

CNN Political Briefing

The political news you need to know, in 10 minutes or less. Hosted by David Chalian.

Trump Pleads With Followers to Back Bondi in Dispute Over Epstein Inquiry

In a long social media post, President Trump praised Attorney General Pam Bondi and told his followers to “not waste Time and Energy” on the Jeffrey Epstein case.

About That Farm Raid the Democrats Are So Angry About...

Trump administration's Texas flood disaster response 'fundamentally different' from Biden's approach: Noem

Kristi Noem detailed how the federal government deployed resources and funds to Texas flood victims, signaling fundamental changes to FEMA under the Trump administration.

Trump defends embattled AG Pam Bondi, says 'nobody cares about' Jeffrey Epstein

Trump takes to Truth Social to support Attorney General Pam Bondi who has faced backlash from MAGA supporters regarding the DOJ's management of Jeffrey Epstein documents.

The Art of Not Quite Listening

Ian Penman has published an eccentric new book about Erik Satie, a French surrealist composer and celebratory nuisance with a tiny oeuvre and massive influence.

Trump Administration Fires More DOJ Employees Who Worked for Special Counsel

The latest round of firings targets not just prosecutors but also support staff members who played a smaller role.

San Antonio man who threatened Trump ahead of Texas visit is arrested, DOJ says

Bongino Weighs Quitting Over Handling of Epstein Files

I don't think Dan comes back if Pam stays, a source told The Post.

Friday Night Cheer: EPA Rules Maryland Off Shore Permit Improperly Issued

How Much Worse Is This Going to Get?

Political violence poses an existential threat to our nation and our freedoms—but it’s not too late.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a former US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, could be the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket after receiving President Joe Biden's support t…

MAGA leaders sound alarm about discontented Trump base: ‘A huge risk’

At the Turning Point USA conference in Tampa, the young MAGA faithful boils over the Epstein memo saga and boos talk of protecting immigrant workers.

Bondi says all charges against doctor who allegedly destroyed COVID vaccines have been dropped

Charges have been dropped against Dr. Kirk Moore, who faced decades in prison for allegedly destroying $28,000 in COVID-19 vaccines and fraudulently completing vaccination record cards.

Should You Be Having More Babies?

It’s time for everyone to engage in the depopulation debate, says Dean Spears, a co-author of After the Spike.

Another impostor scam hits Capitol Hill

An individual using an outdated cellphone number belonging to the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee contacted at least one current and one former member of Congress purporting to be working on a projected related to Melania Trump.

Latest tariffs apparently do not apply to cars.

Cars and trucks a

Carmakers brace for new tariffs in major manufacturing hubs.

Bill Pulte: 'Encouraged' By Reports Fed Chair Stepping Down

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Director Bill Pulte says he's "encouraged" by reports he says he's seen that embattled Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is considering stepping down.

Border czar Tom Homan's message to anti-ICE protesters: 'You want some? Come get some'

White House border czar Tom Homan defended ICE agents against protesters and hecklers at a Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Florida.

White House Hopefuls Eye S.C. in Early 2028 Jostling

Though President Donald Trump is only months into his second term, the 2028 presidential race is already taking shape in South Carolina, where a flurry of visits by high-profile Democrats and Republicans is fueling speculation about potential Whit…

Trump, WH Officials Backtrack on FEMA Following Texas Floods

President Donald Trump has backtracked on the Federal Emergency Management Agency following the disastrous flash floods in Texas, saying Friday during a visit to the disaster zone that "we have some good people running FEMA" thanks to his hires.

Why Isn't Obama Under Investigation?

FOX News host Jesse Watters on former Obama CIA director John Brennan's involvement in the DOJ investigation into Russian collusion.

Podcast #292: Social Work Without Stereotypes

Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay talks to Heterodox Academy scholar Nafees Alam about the need to challenge political orthodoxies in the field of social work

Trump Targets Google After Meta and X Payouts

Mark Zuckerberg paid $25 million. Elon Musk followed with $10 million. Now it could be Sundar Pichai’s turn.

No One Loves the Bill (Almost) Every Republican Voted For

But they didn’t want to anger the president.

The notable legal clouds that continue to hang over Donald Trump

All eyes are on former President Donald Trump, who has launched another White House bid.

Meet the woman steering Biden's bipartisan winning streak on Capitol Hill

The Biden administration managed to rack up a long list of major legislative wins in its first two years despite facing one of the most closely-divided Congresses in history. From bipartisan action on infrastructure, gun safety and same-sex marria…

1775: A Very Good Year for a Little Revolution

Carlson on Epstein: Ask What 'No One Has Ever Tried to Ask'

Tucker Carlson is calling on the public to ask questions "no one has ever tried to ask" about Jeffrey Epstein's case after the Justice Department and FBI decided to withhold records from the sex trafficking investigation, the Daily Caller reported.

Grave Concerns Over Bondi's Lack of Judgment at DOJ

The Epstein case isn't just another random story people are focused on. It is a proxy for whether the Trump DOJ has what it takes to hold the Deep State accountable across the board. And people are rightfully concerned about DOJ's competence given…

ICE Set to Vastly Expand Its Reach With New Funds

After the passage of President Trump’s domestic policy law, the Department of Homeland Security is poised to hire thousands of new immigration agents and double detention space.

Purity, Profit, and Politics

How journalism exchanged the duty to inform for an ethic of customer satisfaction.

Disco Inferno

Disco Demolition Night was an early episode of culture and counterculture being saddled with far greater political significance than they deserved.

Critical security lapses by Secret Service exposed in new report on Trump assassination attempt

New report details Secret Service security failures during the attempted assassination on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, as six agents face suspensions without pay.

U.S. Had Intel on Threat to Trump's Life Before Butler Rally

Still reveling in his political comeback after surviving two near-miss assassination attempts, last December, then-President-elect Trump stopped by the Christmas party of the Secret Service detail that was responsible for both saving his life and …

Trump says he’ll slap 30% tariffs on Mexico, European Union on Aug. 1

Trump has spent the past several days sending letters to world leaders about new tariffs the United States would be imposing on them.

Did Hakeem Jeffries Just Kinda-Sorta Endorse the Desire for 'Blood in the Streets?"

Politics of the Day

Politics of the Day

Kash Patel torches ‘conspiracy theories’ about Bondi feud amid MAGA furor over Epstein files

Trump defends Attorney General Pam Bondi amid Epstein files backlash as FBI Director Patel squashes resignation rumors, calling conspiracy theories about discord untrue.

Margins of Error

Look closely at almost anything and you'll find data—lots of it. But what are those numbers really saying about who we are and what we believe? Harry Enten is on a mission to find out.

Sean Duffy and six others with multiple jobs in Trump’s administration

Trump’s vow to shrink the federal government appears to rely, at least in part, on top officials doing multiples jobs. These seven are doing double, triple or quadruple duty.

Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Ban Faces New Peril: Class Actions

In last month’s decision limiting one judicial tool, universal injunctions, the court seemed to invite lower courts to use class actions as an alternative.

The First Journalists

The philosopher Stephen Harrop interviews Quillette’s Managing Editor Iona Italia about her book Anxious Employment on the journalism of Enlightenment London.

Trump kicks off week meeting with Netanyahu, closes it visiting Texas flood sites

President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and visited Kerrville, Texas, following massive floods.

Democrats Finally Have a Plan. Sort Of

The first six months of Donald Trump's second presidency have been a master class in what he truly excels at: wanton misrule. With an absence of adult minders and a determination to run roughshod over all of the democratic guardrails that have his…

Inside Dan Bongino's tense meeting with White House officials over Jeffrey Epstein fallout

Dan Bongino clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles in a heated meeting about the Epstein memo that found no client list existed.

Can Jay Powell Make It Through the Weekend?

Is the Fed chairman, Jay Powell, going to make it through the weekend? There is talk that he is being forced to resign.