INTERNACIONAL
The politics of shamelessness: a survival tactic from Trump to party loyalty
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Every politician operates with a certain degree of shamelessness. It’s practically in the job description.
As they try to navigate in howling political winds, they regularly have to justify changing their positions. Maybe the country’s mood has shifted. Maybe it’s a matter of party loyalty. Maybe they’re bowing to pressure from big donors.
And maybe they’re being hypocritical because something they opposed during the Biden administration is now perfectly fine in the Trump administration.
WE ARE STILL NOT GETTING THE ‘STRAIGHT STORY’ ABOUT ALLEGED BIDEN DECLINE: KURTZ
Whatever the circumstances, it’s shameless to offer an explanation that everyone knows is garbage.
And they have to do it with a straight face. They can’t very well say, Donald Trump is going to make sure I’m primaried if I don’t go along on this one. So they offer the transparently bogus explanation.
That, you could argue, is the nature of politics. You need to have some flexibility, some wiggle room.
In one of my two interviews with President Trump last year, he tried to explain why he had totally flipped on TikTok. After all, he had spent his first term trying to ban the Chinese-owned company on national security grounds, only to be blocked by the courts. Now, suddenly, he had done a 180 and was trying to save the app, despite a congressional ban.
President-elect Trump is pictured in front of the TikTok logo. (Getty Images)
Trump told me he changed his mind because outlawing TikTok would help Facebook, which he considered a greater threat.
I didn’t buy it. He had concluded that TikTok was incredibly popular, especially with younger people, and wanted to position himself as its savior. This, of course, was before Mark Zuckerberg began cozying up to Trump, such as by making a million-dollar donation to his inaugural.
Trump may have the biggest shameless gene of them all–and that’s part of why he’s successful.
TRUMP RATTLED BY ‘NASTY’ ‘TACO’ QUESTION FROM REPORTER
He doesn’t get hung up on what he said the day before or an hour before. He can go from expressing sympathy for Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis to saying he doesn’t feel sorry for Biden at all. He can go from blaming the Ukraine war impasse on Volodomyr Zelenskyy to finally condemning Vladimir Putin to calling it Biden’s war.
Ross Douthat has a smart take on this in his New York Times column:
«The willingness to swerve and backpedal and contradict himself is a big part of what keeps the president viable, and the promise of chickening out is part of Trump’s implicit pitch to swing voters — reassuring them that anything extreme is also provisional, that he’s always testing limits (on policy, on power) but also generally willing to pull back.»
So MAGA voters trust Trump to go pretty far–but not too far?
Supporters of President Elect Donald Trump attend a rally at Capital One Arena in Washington DC, Sunday January 19th, 2025, the eve of Inauguration Day (Breanne Deppisch/Fox News Digital)
That brings them into John Kerry territory: «I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it,» referring to military aid to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Republican ads immediately portrayed the 2004 presidential nominee as a flip-flopper. Kerry later allowed that he had been «inarticulate.»
It’s useful to think about flipping the script. In the media furor over Trump’s spate of pardons, the president gave one to the leader of a violent Chicago gang, Larry Hoover, a drug dealer who’s been serving six consecutive life sentences for killing a man.
Largely symbolic? Sure, because Hoover will remain in prison on state charges. Doesn’t matter.
If Biden had done that, conservative voters would have gone haywire. How dare he side with a murderer? Does Biden have no regard for human life? The man who was killed doesn’t get a second chance.
DEMOCRATS ABANDON TRADITION AS 2028 PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS OPENLY DECLARE WHITE HOUSE AMBITIONS
The MAGA-driven story would have been on television every 10 minutes. With Trump, it was a blip, barely a story at all.
Naturally, Biden’s hands aren’t exactly clean on the pardon front. He repeatedly promised not to pardon Hunter, then did exactly that after the election. It was a blatant lie and a big story.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. ACRD champions the rights of those who depend on Social Security and disability services. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The other day Trump got angry when a CNBC reporter asked him about his TACO nickname, Trump Always Chickens Out, based on the chatter on Wall Street. He called the question «nasty,» this from the king of bestowing derogatory nicknames (see Joe, Sleepy).
Poultry metaphor aside, the president does frequently delay draconian tariffs, conduct quick negotiations and declare victory. His supporters like that because the markets usually shoot up, though the turmoil clearly shakes up the global economy.
As Trump bounces back a bit in the polls, says Douthat, «with a different president…you might say that this recovery happened in spite of the White House’s various backtracks and reversals (plus various rebukes from the judiciary). But with Trump it’s more apt to say that it’s happened because of these setbacks and recalibrations. Seeing Trump both check himself and be checked by others is what an important group of voters expect from his presidency. They like that Trump pressures institutions they distrust or dislike, from official Washington to elite universities, but their approval is contingent on a dynamic interaction, where he accepts counterpressure and retreats.»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
One reason Trump gets away with all this is that the Democrats don’t have a national spokesman. Tim Walz, the VP flop, toying with running for president? People like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer aren’t breaking through. AOC gets some good jabs in on social media, but she’s not even a member of the leadership.
You also have to credit Trump’s political skills. He doesn’t have the slightest fear of being shameless.
INTERNACIONAL
Sen Mullin urges spring breakers to cancel trips to Mexico amid country’s violence: ‘No one should be going’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., on Tuesday urged spring breakers with plans to visit Mexico to cancel their trips due to violent clashes in the country triggered by the Mexican army’s killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as «El Mencho,» earlier this week.
Mullin made the comments during an appearance on CNBC’s «Squawk Box,» in which he said his chiropractor was still planning to visit a popular tourist destination in Mexico.
«Anybody that’s planning on going to Mexico for spring break … I mean, my chiropractor called me yesterday and said he’s still planning on going to Cancún, I said, ‘Are you crazy?’» Mullin said.
«No one should be going down there right now, it is very volatile and the United States is laser-focused on watching what’s taking place,» he continued.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin urged spring breakers with plans to visit Mexico to cancel their trips. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The senator’s comments come after Mexican troops conducted operations on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, targeting El Mencho, a former police officer who became the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, which U.S. authorities have identified as a major supplier of fentanyl to the United States.
El Mencho carried a $15 million U.S. bounty and rose to power following the arrest of Joaquín «El Chapo» Guzmán, the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Over roughly the past 15 years, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación has expanded from a regional criminal group into a global trafficking organization operating from its stronghold in Jalisco.
The Mexican Defense Department said the operation was conducted as part of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the U.S., and that U.S. authorities provided complementary intelligence that contributed to El Mencho’s killing.
After El Mencho’s death, cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in several Mexican states. Violent clashes were also reported in parts of western Mexico.
Mexican authorities later said that the security situation had been «stabilized.»
Vehicles drive past a burning bus used as a roadblock by organized crime following a federal operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord El Mencho was killed, in Zapopan, Mexico. (Gabriel Trujillo/Reuters)
«The security situation has now stabilized following targeted operations in Jalisco,» the Mexican Embassy in the U.S. said on Tuesday.
«Federal and State authorities are proceeding to reopen transit corridors and restore public services smoothly,» the embassy continued. «Airline operations are normal, and international carriers are resuming flights today. Puerto Vallarta International Airport has reopened to domestic traffic.»
The embassy added: «If traveling through Jalisco, some local security measures remain in place, while authorities are restoring airport operations to full capacity. We are working with international partners to ensure safety and stability at all transit hubs and tourist destinations.»
But the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico remains in effect. The U.S. government earlier issued a shelter-in-place order for Americans in Mexico, but that order has since been lifted.
STATE DEPT SLAMMED WITH HUNDREDS OF CALLS FROM AMERICANS TRAPPED IN MEXICO
A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, in Cointzio, Michoacán state, Mexico. (AP Photo/Armando Solis)
The Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación is considered the most powerful cartel in Mexico with an estimated 19,000 members and operations across 21 of the country’s 32 states.
The Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Mullin said on Tuesday that cartels splitting after Mexico’s operation is a «great opportunity for us, and Mexico, to take them all out.»
«Now, are we going to eliminate all the drug trafficking in the world? Absolutely not. But can we get a handle on it again? Absolutely,» he added.
Related Article
location mexico,world,mexican cartel violence,politics,travel
INTERNACIONAL
Japón denunció el arresto de un nipón en Teherán y exigió su liberación al régimen iraní
El Gobierno de Japón denunció este miércoles la detención de un ciudadano nipón en Teherán, capital de Irán, ocurrida a mediados de enero, y exigió “enérgicamente” a las autoridades de la República Islámica su liberación.
El subsecretario de gabinete, Masanao Ozaki, informó en rueda de prensa que el arresto tuvo lugar el 20 de enero, pero evitó dar detalles sobre las circunstancias o la identidad del detenido para proteger su integridad.
“Desde que se conoció el incidente de la detención, el Gobierno instó encarecidamente a la parte iraní a que lo libere lo antes posible. También estamos en contacto con el detenido, su familia y otras partes relacionadas, y le brindamos el apoyo necesario. Nos gustaría seguir brindando el máximo apoyo posible desde la perspectiva de la protección de los ciudadanos japoneses”, declaró Ozaki.
El funcionario respondió así a preguntas sobre las informaciones de Iran International, que señalaban que el detenido sería un periodista de NHK. La cadena pública japonesa se limitó a manifestar que “siempre priorizamos la seguridad de nuestro personal”. “No hay nada que podamos decir en este momento”, insistió.
Las declaraciones llegan un día después de que Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty afirmara que el jefe de la oficina de NHK en Irán, Shinnosuke Kawashima, fue arrestado en Teherán y transferido el lunes a la capitalina prisión de Evin, utilizada por Irán para recluir a presos políticos.
En la capital del país en plena crisis, estudiantes de varias universidades realizaron nuevas protestas el lunes pasado contra el régimen iraní, en la tercera jornada consecutiva de movilizaciones tras la represión que dejó miles de muertos en enero.
De acuerdo con testigos y videos verificados, las manifestaciones se llevaron a cabo en la Universidad de Sharif, la Universidad de Teherán y Al-Zahra, donde los jóvenes corearon consignas contra los ayatollahs, exhibieron banderas del antiguo monarca Reza Pahlavi y, en algunos casos, se enfrentaron con la fuerza paramilitar Basij.
En Al-Zahra, estudiantes y profesoras se congregaron para expresar su apoyo a la monarquía exiliada y reclamar derechos civiles y libertad política, gritando “¡Queremos recuperar Irán, basta de opresión!”. En el campus de Al-Zahra, los estudiantes intensificaron las protestas quemando banderas del régimen y mostrando pancartas en apoyo a la monarquía.
“Es nuestra responsabilidad levantar la voz, aunque nos amenacen con detenciones”, afirmó una estudiante que solicitó anonimato por razones de seguridad.
En la Universidad de Sharif, los alumnos se concentraron frente a la cafetería central ondeando una bandera con el emblema del león y el sol, mientras entonaban “Mujer, vida, libertad”, consigna presente en las protestas de 2022.
En la Universidad de Teherán, la protesta surgió durante un homenaje a un estudiante fallecido en las manifestaciones previas. Los asistentes corearon consignas contra el Líder Supremo, Ali Khamenei, y exigieron la caída del régimen. En esta ocasión, los guardias no intervinieron en la Universidad de Teherán, aunque se registraron enfrentamientos aislados en otros campus con miembros de la Basij que intentaron dispersar a los manifestantes.
La Agencia de Activistas de Derechos Humanos, con sede en Estados Unidos, informó que al menos 7.015 personas han fallecido, entre ellas 214 miembros de las fuerzas de seguridad. Por su parte, las autoridades iraníes reconocen 3.117 víctimas. Las restricciones en las comunicaciones dentro del país dificultan la verificación independiente de estas cifras.
(Con información de Europa Press)
Asia / Pacific
INTERNACIONAL
Spanberger slams Trump on ‘affordability’ in SOTU response — as Virginia Democrats push new taxes
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger slammed President Donald Trump over his mass deportation operations in her official Democratic response to the State of the Union and repeated claims her party favors «affordability» even as the Old Dominion sees scores of new taxes.
Spanberger, elected in November to succeed conservative Gov. Glenn Youngkin, has sought to claim the mantle of «affordability,» even as she and Richmond Democrats move to enact or raise new taxes in multiple forms.
Speaking from the original historic House of Burgesses at the head of Colonial Williamsburg’s Duke of Gloucester Street, Spanberger noted how in 1705, the colony first gathered with the «extraordinary task of governing themselves.»
«The United States was founded on the idea that ordinary people could reject the unacceptable excesses of poor leadership, band together to demand better of their government, and create a nation that would be an example for the world,» she said, contrasting that vision with what Trump has brought.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers an address in Richmond. (Al Drago/Getty Images)
«Tonight, as we watched our nation’s lawmakers gather for a joint session of Congress, we did not hear the truth from our president,» she said, going on to rhetorically ask three questions:
«Is the President working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the President working to keep Americans safe — both at home and abroad? Is the President working for you?»
Spanberger recounted her 2025 election season, traveling around Virginia and addressing, «housing, health care, energy and childcare.»
She blamed Trump’s tariff policies for increasing costs, and claimed it has been Republicans trying to «make your life more expensive.»
Republicans have criticized Spanberger for supporting the legislative Democratic majority’s slew of taxes, from new sales taxes to a levy on fantasy football operators.
DEMOCRATS’ ‘TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME’ ON ‘FULL DISPLAY’ WITH COUNTER-STATE OF THE UNION EVENTS, JOHNSON SAYS
Instead, Spanberger said it was Virginia’s blue legislature that is working to lower costs:
«But here in Virginia, I am working with our state legislature to lower costs and make the Commonwealth more affordable.»
«And it’s not just me. Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability — in our nation’s capital and in state capitals and communities across America.»
At one point in her speech, Spanberger appeared to briefly lose her place on the teleprompter:
«But as the President spoke of his perceived successes tonight, he continues to cede economic power and technological strength to Russia … bow down to … China …to bow down to a Russian dictator, and make plans for war with Iran,» she said, as her prepared remarks cited China as the technological rival.
Just as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wielded George Washington’s gavel for the first time in State of the Union history, Spanberger also gave a nod to the famous Stafford, Va., native.
«In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned us about the possibility of ‘cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men’ rising to power,» she said. «But he also encouraged us — all Americans — to unite in ‘a common cause’ to move this nation forward.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«That is our charge once more. And that is what we are seeing across the country. It is deeply American and patriotic to do so, and it is how we ensure that the State of our Union remains strong, not just this year but for the next 250 years as well.»
«Because ‘We the people’ have the power to make change, the power to stand up for what is right, and the power to demand more of our nation,» Spanberger said to close her remarks.
Related Article
state of the union,republicans,abigail spanberger,virginia,taxes
Karina Milei subió a Adorni al ring porteño y presiona a Jorge Macri con una batería de proyectos de ley
La sociedad entre La Libertad Avanza y los gobernadores deja al kirchnerismo sin autoridades en el Senado
Sen Mullin urges spring breakers to cancel trips to Mexico amid country’s violence: ‘No one should be going’
Se triplicaron las ventas de autos importados en enero: qué marcas lideraron el ranking de 0 km
Sentencian a Ødegaard en el Arsenal: ‘Ya no es influyente’
Gran Hermano Generación Dorada: quiénes son los nuevos participantes que ingresaron en el segundo día
Villarruel cuestionó la apertura de importaciones: «Sin industria, se pasa a depender de China»
“Ahora es la hora de jugarse”: el mensaje de Patricia Bullrich a los empresarios tras aprobarse la reforma laboral
Según un especialista, el precio de la carne se mantendrá alto “entre dos y tres años”
Cómo será el tratamiento de la reforma laboral en el Senado, luego de haber obtenido la media sanción en Diputados
POLITICA1 día agoDaiana Fernández Molero defendió la reforma laboral: “Va a haber mayor creación de empleo porque va a ser más fácil contratar en blanco”
- POLITICA2 días ago
“Nos hacemos cargo”: Patricia Bullrich admitió un error del Gobierno en la inclusión del artículo de las licencias médicas
- ECONOMIA2 días ago
El salario pretendido por los argentinos volvió a caer en enero: cuánto piden por cada puesto
