Balloon Juice - Open Threads Archives

Open Thread: How Has Trump Failed Us, Today?

by Anne Laurie| July 15, 202511:00 am| 206 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Republican Politics, Trump Crime Cartel, Trumpery

Inflation rose last month to its highest level since February as Trump's tariffs are pushing up the cost of a range of goods.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) July 15, 2025 at 9:15 AM

But mah ‘sponsive EGGS!… Per the AP, “The tariff-driven inflation that economists feared begins to emerge”:

…Consumer prices rose 2.7% in June from a year earlier, the Labor Department said Tuesday, up from an annual increase of 2.4% in May. On a monthly basis, prices climbed 0.3% from May to June, after rising just 0.1% the previous month.

Worsening inflation poses a political challenge for Trump, who promised during last year’s presidential campaign to immediately lower costs only to engage in a whipsawed frenzy of tariffs that have left businesses and consumers worried. Trump has already declared that the U.S. effectively has no more inflation as he has attempted to pressure Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell into cutting short-term interest rates…

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core inflation increased 2.9% in June from a year earlier, up from 2.8% in May. On a monthly basis, it picked up 0.2% from May to June. Economists closely watch core prices because they typically provide a better sense of where inflation is headed…

For Democratic lawmakers, the inflation report confirmed their warnings over the past several months that Trump’s tariffs would push up inflation. Their argument on Tuesday was that the situation will likely get even more painful given the size of the tariff rates in the letters that Trump posted over the past week.

“For those saying we have not seen the impact of Trump’s tariff wars, look at today’s data. Americans continue to struggle with the costs of groceries and rent — and now prices of food and appliances are rising,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “Families were already getting crushed, and the president’s making it worse.” …

Elsewhere on the Trump Smorgasbord of Suxx…

The Appalachian region in Ohio and elsewhere is bracing for a big hit as President Donald Trump proposed a 93% cut to funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/07/15/t…

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— David DeWitt (@daviddewitt.bsky.social) July 15, 2025 at 8:03 AM

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BREAKING: Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang says the technology giant has won approval from the Trump administration to sell its advanced H20 artificial intelligence computer chips to China. The White House announced in April that it would restrict sales of Nvidia’s H20 chips and AMD’s MI308 chips to China.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) July 14, 2025 at 11:57 PM

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The Supreme Court just ruled that Trump can dismantle the Department of Education
Justice Sotomayor:
“That decision is indefensible..The majority is either willfully blind to the implications of its ruling or naive, but either way the threat to our Constitution’s separation of powers is grave”

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— Adam Cohen (My Personal Views Only) (@axidentaliberal.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM

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"Five months into its unprecedented dismantling of foreign-aid programs, the Trump administration has given the order to incinerate food instead of sending it to people who need it"
@hana-kiros.bsky.social, on spending $130,000 to burn food worth $800,000
www.theatlantic.com/health/archi…

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— Anne Applebaum (@anneapplebaum.bsky.social) July 15, 2025 at 1:31 AM

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Sad trombone coda:

WATCH: House Republicans block a vote to release the Epstein files

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— The Tennessee Holler (@thetnholler.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 11:06 PM

Open Thread: How Has Trump Failed Us, Today?Post + Comments (206)

Holy Shit, Obama Has Entered the Chat (Open Thread)

by WaterGirl| July 15, 20259:40 am| 126 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

I can’t wait to read the 196 comment thread Anne Laurie’s post that I just woke up to!

I hope you haven’t been fighting among yourselves over what Obama said or what Obama should have said, or how he might have said the right thing better than he said it!

I have to run out to an appointment for Henry, and I see there is nothing currently happening in the back room, so here’s at least a new post to talk about whatever you want.

Totally open thread.

Holy Shit, Obama Has Entered the Chat (Open Thread)Post + Comments (126)

Late Night Open Thread: Obama Speaks

by Anne Laurie| July 15, 202512:34 am| 264 Comments

This post is in: Democratic Politics, Open Threads

obama weighs in on both fight/don't fight debate and also housing/no housing debate. bold moves
www.cnn.com/2025/07/14/p…

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— Dr. Samantha Hancox-Li (@sjshancoxli.liberalcurrents.com) July 14, 2025 at 1:55 PM

Former President Barack Obama issued a call to action for Democrats at a private fundraiser in New Jersey on Friday evening, urging those frustrated by the state of the country under President Donald Trump to “stand up for the things that you think are right.”

“I think it’s going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” Obama said at the fundraiser, according to excerpts of his remarks exclusively obtained by CNN.

“You know, don’t tell me you’re a Democrat, but you’re kind of disappointed right now, so you’re not doing anything. No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something,” he said. “Don’t say that you care deeply about free speech and then you’re quiet. No, you stand up for free speech when it’s hard. When somebody says something that you don’t like, but you still say, ‘You know what, that person has the right to speak.’ … What’s needed now is courage.” …

As Democrats debate who should lead the party, Obama encouraged them to channel their energy into the governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia, saying the off-year elections could be “a big jumpstart for where we need to go.”

“Stop looking for the quick fix. Stop looking for the messiah. You have great candidates running races right now. Support those candidates,” Obama said, calling out the New Jersey and Virginia elections, according to the excerpts of his remarks.

“Make sure that the DNC has what it needs to compete in what will be a more data-driven, more social media-driven cycle, which will cost some money and expertise and time,” he continued.

Obama spoke at a private fundraiser hosted by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy Murphy, at their home in Red Bank, New Jersey. The intimate dinner drew in $2.5 million through in-person and online donations for the Democratic National Committee, a source familiar with the event said.

A portion of the haul will be allocated to Democratic efforts in the governor’s race in New Jersey. The Democratic nominee, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and and DNC Chair Ken Martin were on hand for the event…

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Obama also argued that Democrats need to focus on how to “deliver for people,” acknowledging the different views within the party about how best to do that.

“There’s been, I gather, some argument between the left of the party and people who are promoting the quote-unquote abundance agenda. Listen, those things are not contradictory. You want to deliver for people and make their lives better? You got to figure out how to do it,” he said.

“I don’t care how much you love working people. They can’t afford a house because all the rules in your state make it prohibitive to build. And zoning prevents multifamily structures because of NIMBY,” he said, referring to “not in my backyard” views. “I don’t want to know your ideology, because you can’t build anything. It does not matter.” …

At the closed-press fundraiser on Friday, the former president said he has not been “surprised by what Trump’s done” or that “there are no more guardrails within the Republican Party.” He repeated his calls for institutions, including law firms and universities, to push back on intimidation efforts by the Trump administration.

“What’s being asked of us is make some effort to stand up for the things that you think are right. And be willing to be a little bit uncomfortable in defense of your values. And in defense of the country. And in defense of the world that you want to leave to your children and your grandchildren,” he said. “And if we all do that, if we do our jobs over the next year and a half, then I think we will rebuild momentum and we will position ourselves to get this country moving in the direction it should.”

vaguely surprised not that he's fight/yimby but that he's being public about it
though unclear how public "private multimilliondollar fundraiser" really is i guess

— Dr. Samantha Hancox-Li (@sjshancoxli.liberalcurrents.com) July 14, 2025 at 1:55 PM

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it's funny (but also depressing) how many people have quote-skeeted this and gone "how horrible it is that obama is telling people not to fight"
he in fact says the exact opposite… but who cares about posteriors when you've got priors to assert

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— Dr. Samantha Hancox-Li (@sjshancoxli.liberalcurrents.com) July 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Late Night Open Thread: Obama SpeaksPost + Comments (264)

War for Ukraine Day 1,236: Release the Tariffs!!!!

by Adam L Silverman| July 14, 20259:45 pm| 21 Comments

This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine

Trump announced his plan to help Ukraine today.

Trump’s “big announcement” on Ukraine is that he’s going to put 100 percent tariffs on Russia if there isn’t a Russia-Ukraine deal soon

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM

If this even happens, and I doubt it will, it will have absolutely no effect on Putin or Russia. For two reasons. First, all a 100% tariff on Russia means is that if any American tries to buy a Russian made product in the US then the American will pay 100% more for that item. Because, once again, tariffs do not work the way Trump thinks they do. The second reason is that we’ve got almost no trade whatsoever with Russia because of the sanctions we’ve placed on Russia.

How to sound tough but do nothing: Impose tariffs on a country where we already impose sanctions.

A 100% tariff on almost nothing will do almost nothing.

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— Justin Wolfers (@justinwolfers.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM

Of course, this gives Putin even more time to just keep doing what he’s doing:

On July 3, Putin told Trump that he plans to continue his offensive in Ukraine over the next 60 days.

Today, on July 14, Trump gave Putin 50 days,which is all the time he requested.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM

Not that Putin is going to stop in another fifty days.

Donald Trump: I speak to Putin a lot about getting this done, and I always hang up and say, “That was a nice phone call.” I go home and tell the First Lady, “I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.” She says, “Oh, really? Another city was just bombed.”
👀
Via Ostap Yarysh

— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 12:58 PM

Trump:My conversations with him (Putin) always very pleasant. I say, isn’t that a very lovely conversation? And then the missiles go off that night. I go home. I tell the First Lady, you know, I spoke to Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation. She said, oh, really? Another city was just hit

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM

REPORTER: How did you deliver this news to Putin?

TRUMP: Say it?

REPORTER: How did you tell Putin this was coming?

TRUMP: Uhhhhh. I speak to him. A lot.

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) July 14, 2025 at 11:45 AM

According to Axios: NATO allies will buy around $10 billion of the U.S. weapons. The supplies ultimately bound for Ukraine include missiles, air defense weaponry and artillery shells.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 1:01 PM

🤔🇺🇸 The Pentagon was unable to clarify whether Ukraine would receive 17 Patriot systems, as Trump stated, or whether it was missiles.

❗️“We recommend that you contact the White House for clarification,” the Pentagon said in response to a request from media.

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— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:40 PM

Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.

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I Am Counting On Sufficient Support From The Members Of Parliament For The New Configuration Of The Government Of Ukraine – Address by the President

14 July 2025 – 20:48

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

It has been a long day today. I met with General Kellogg – he has begun his visit to Ukraine, and it has been quite substantive. We had a productive discussion. I am grateful to President Trump for his readiness to help protect our people’s lives. This war continues solely because of Russia, solely because of Putin’s desire to prolong it, to drag it out. Russia is trying to make the war seem like the “new normal.” We must never put up with this. Absolutely everything possible – humanly possible – must be done to force Russia to stop the killings, to achieve real peace, and to ensure security. Peace is only possible through strength. We discussed this with President Trump. We discussed this with members of Congress. We are working at our teams’ level – teams of Ukraine and the United States – to secure the forces and means we need to protect lives and defend our state: American weapons, American sanctions against Russia – a sanctions bill has already been prepared in Congress – as well as European financing and support, our joint defense.

Ukrainian military officials, our intelligence and special services will provide General Kellogg with all the necessary information about what is happening right now on the frontline and about the new offensive actions Russia is preparing. Russia still has the money – the money to destroy the lives of its neighbors. And not only Ukraine. But the world knows where to hit so that Putin feels the pain and Russia feels the need to seek peace. Russia’s war financing must be cut off. Russia’s ties with Iran and North Korea must be cut off. Any supply of components and equipment for Russia’s military industry must be cut off.

I am grateful to our team, I am grateful to the United States, and I am grateful to Germany and Norway for preparing a new decision on Patriots for Ukraine. We are also working on major defense agreements with America. It is not yet time to reveal the details publicly, but together, we can achieve a great deal for the sake of security. Ukraine is absolutely ready for all honest and effective steps toward peace – lasting peace – and real security. It is Russia that is not ready. It is Russia that must be forced. And this is what is happening.

We will definitely continue to increase our domestic weapons production and develop all our defense projects – both our Ukrainian and joint projects with partners. And this is one of the top priorities for the renewed Government. We must increase the share of domestic weapons production – this is a clear and specific goal. We must engage in global tech competition through our own innovations. We must direct more of Ukraine’s economic strength to supplying our Defense Forces. It is important to carry out deregulation and give society more opportunities to develop our internal potential. It is also essential to eliminate all excessive bureaucracy and duplication of functions in our state institutions – this will definitely allow us to reduce all unnecessary spending. At the same time, we must provide greater social stability for our people – for all Ukrainians. All resilience programs in Ukraine must operate at full capacity.

Today, I spoke with Yuliia Svyrydenko – I have proposed that she head the Government of Ukraine and renew its work based on her extensive experience in supporting Ukrainian production and Ukrainian entrepreneurship, which Yuliia has as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy. The tremendous experience of Denys Shmyhal will undoubtedly be valuable in the role of Minister of Defense – this is exactly the area where the country’s greatest resources, the heaviest workload, and the highest responsibility lie right now. I am counting on sufficient support from the Members of Parliament for the new configuration of the Government of Ukraine. It is also important that the Government promptly conducts an audit of all agreements with our partners to determine what is working and what requires reassessment or intensification.

Today, I met with the Minister of Defense of Denmark – I thanked him for the support. Our cooperation with Denmark is nearly exemplary – many projects have already been implemented, and many agreements are in place. Today we discussed our next joint steps. And we are currently preparing for a conversation with the President of France – I always value Emmanuel’s perspective and the coordination of our policy, our collaboration with France.

I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! I thank everyone who is helping us keep global attention focused on Ukraine, on the needs of our state and our people.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

For the 229th consecutive day, Rustaveli Avenue is blocked in Tbilisi. ✅🇬🇪✊

Protests continue in 8+ cities across Georgia.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM

Giorgi Bachiashvili was reportedly beaten in a solitary cell—on his birthday.

VivaMed clinic confirms he suffered multiple head injuries and lacerations.

His cell was supposed to be under surveillance.

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:54 AM

It becomes obvious from Bachiashvili’s letter that Ivanishvili demands crypto codes from him. And had him brutally beaten when Bachiashvili refused.

Ivanishvili and the regime are fully focused on extracting money from everyone and anyone, and they seem in a rush. I wonder why.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 7:12 AM

🧵 1/ Investigative outlet iFact has uncovered that two Russian nationals, Yulia and Maria Arkhipova, purchased 14,000 square meters of land in the village of Shukhuti, Lanchkhuti Municipality, Guria, where they are reportedly building a cosmodrome named Kolkheti.

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

2/ At the same time, they have been sending information about Georgia to Pravfond, a Russian foundation established by a decree from Dmitry Medvedev.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

3/ According to the investigation, a checkpoint for Cosmodrome Kolkheti is under construction. The Arkhipovas arrived in Georgia in February 2022, founded two companies, and acquired land—some legally, others allegedly by deceiving locals.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

4/ The investigation reveals Pravfond covered legal expenses for Russian intelligence officer Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted of murdering Georgian citizen Zelimkhan Khangoshvili in Berlin.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

5/ Joint reporting by OCCRP and Lithuania’s national broadcaster LRT has shown that Pravfond financed Kremlin-linked lawyers, propagandists, and agents across Europe.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

6/ In Georgia, the Arkhipovas are reportedly issuing “recommendations” aimed at improving the status of Russians in the country. These include:

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

7/

– Granting Russian the status of a second official language;
– Strengthening the political and civic presence of Russians through engagement of both local and newly arrived Russian nationals;

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

8/ – Easing the procedures for residency and citizenship for Russians in Georgia; –
Conducting a national census to determine the actual number of Russians living in Georgia.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

9/ iFact notes that recent legislative changes by the ruling Georgian Dream party appear to align with some of these recommendations.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

10/ For instance, the citizenship process has been simplified, and heads and deputies of structural units in public institutions are no longer considered public servants, eliminating the requirement to know the Georgian language.

— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 5:44 AM

Regime prisoner democratic leader Zurab Girchi Japaridze rushedly escorted into his home, handcuffed, to briefly attend his mother’s wake. They only gave him 15-20 minutes.

His mother was his biggest worry in prison.

No one, not even regime supporters could explain his fault.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM

The regime is fully focused on extracting and extorting money – beginning from inter-clan struggles to not allowing businessmen to leave Georgia without paying a huge tribute first, and now to rushed proceedings regarding hundreds of tax disputes and more. 1/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM

“Suddenly, courts have begun urgently reviewing hundreds, if not thousands, of tax disputes that were on the shelves. Some lawyers have even accumulated fifty cases to review this week. Judges are being processed in a conveyor belt and are not allowed to go on vacation. 2/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM

Presumably, in order to replenish the budget, all disputes have been ordered to be urgently concluded in favor of the government.

If this assumption is confirmed, the next step will be to forcibly extract money from businesses. 3/

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM

Everything will become clear this week.
International isolation can be devastating for businesses” – says politician Roman Gotsiridze.

All this certainly means something. 4/4.

— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM

Belarus:

A Mi-24 helicopter of the Belarusian Air Defense Forces reportedly intercepted a Russian Gerbera UAV flying towards Ukraine over the Gomel region of Belarus, on July 12. This means that Belarus has intercepted more Russian drones than all NATO/EU forces combined.

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 4:13 AM

Back to Ukraine.

Ukraine hit back in its shadow war with Russia this weekend by “eliminating” two operatives allegedly responsible for the most prominent targeted killing in Kyiv since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began. My report.
www.ft.com/content/1903… via @financialtimes.com

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— Christopher Miller (@christopherjm.ft.com) July 14, 2025 at 8:14 AM

From The Financial Times:

Ukraine hit back in its shadow war with Russia this weekend by “eliminating” two operatives allegedly responsible for the most prominent targeted killing in Kyiv since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began.

The operation followed the killing of Ukrainian Col Ivan Voronych in broad daylight on Thursday, which sent a chill through Kyiv and marked the latest in an escalating battle between Ukraine’s and Russia’s vast and powerful state intelligence agencies.

Voronych, a veteran of Ukraine’s intelligence services and senior figure in the SBU’s elite special forces Alpha unit — a rough equivalent to the UK’s Special Air Service and the US Delta Force — was shot point blank near his home as he walked to his car.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the country’s main domestic intelligence agency, said on Sunday that it had tracked down two Russian intelligence operatives who went into hiding following the killing. The operation was personally overseen by the agency’s head Lt Gen Vasyl Maliuk.

The pair of assassins — a man and a woman — allegedly carried out the murder under orders from Russia’s FSB, according to an SBU statement. The agency said they were located in the Kyiv region and killed during a gunfight on Sunday morning. It did not disclose their names.

Ukrainian media named the shooter and his partner and reported they were both citizens of Azerbaijan. The Ukrainian news site Censor said they had entered Ukraine via Moldova in May. The FT could not independently confirm that information. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry and embassy in Kyiv did not respond to requests for comment.

A video of Maliuk at the scene showed him standing over the bodies of the two alleged assassins, who lay prone in a grassy area. With assistance from national police, the SBU had identified the suspects through surveillance and counter-intelligence measures, Maliuk said. The investigation found the operatives had monitored Voronych’s routine before receiving a weapon from an FSB handler in Kyiv.

Dinging Dear Leader Open Thread: Sportsball Diversion / Division

by Anne Laurie| July 14, 20251:27 pm| 84 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Sports, Trumpery

Cole Palmer was surprised to find U.S. President Donald Trump on the stand as Chelsea received the Club World Cup trophy after a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

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— The Associated Press (@apnews.com) July 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Cole Palmer was jumping up and down behind Reece James as the Chelsea captain received the trophy for the Club World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump to his left, standing between the midfielder and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

“I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy, so I was a bit confused,” Palmer said.

Palmer received the Golden Ball as top player of the tournament after scoring the first two goals in Chelsea’s 3-0 smothering of Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night. Trump — wearing a bright red tie — appeared to leave the award stand with a medal of his own, handed to him by FIFA President Gianni Infantino right after the medallion presented to James…

Apparently Trump brought his current emotional support team…

… Other guests spotted in the president’s suite included Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, NFL great Tom Brady and media mogul Rupert Murdoch…

Sporting events have made up the bulk of Trump’s trips in the U.S. since taking office this year. In addition to his visit this weekend to the soccer tournament, he’s attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500 in Florida, UFC fights in Miami and Newark, New Jersey, and the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia.

Matt Viser, at the Washington Post, is a born coat-holder, so consider this another sign that Trump is no longer considered untouchable — “Trump gets mixed reception at soccer final, a test run for the World Cup“:

… Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium featured Chelsea FC defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0, culminating weeks of competition in U.S. stadiums. It was something of a test run for the World Cup, which will include many of the same top names in the sport playing on behalf of their national teams.

That’s why many world leaders and sports fans have been scrutinizing the club games for on- and off-field clues about America’s ability to host. The skepticism is driven by concerns over whether a president who has taken actions to close America’s borders and imposed wholesale bans on residents from some countries can host a quadrennial celebration of global camaraderie and athleticism.

In one indication of the mixed relationship the “America First” president has with the global game, some on Sunday cheered his attendance, chanted “USA! USA!” and turned to take photos. But when he appeared on the jumbo screen during the national anthem, boos rose up before the camera quickly turned elsewhere.

As Trump took the field with FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the match for the medal ceremony the crowd loudly booed Trump again as he pumped his fists and took the stage. Chelsea players gave one another confused looks as Trump continued to linger while they raised the trophy in celebration…

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In recent weeks, complaints have already been raised about quality of the grass on the fields, the heat for midday matches, and partially filled stadiums.

The World Cup is likely to bring a host of other organizational and political challenges, especially amid the Trump administration’s harsh crackdown on immigration.

Will international fans and players be welcomed to stadiums in American cities that Trump has threatened over their more open immigration policies — and will the president be welcomed at an opening match played in Los Angeles, where he recently deployed National Guard troops?

What happens to the Iranian national team, which has already qualified for the World Cup, and the traveling fans who want to cheer their home country team but are banned from entering the United States? Other countries whose citizens Trump could ban — such as Ghana, Cabo Verde, and Egypt — might also qualify to be among the 48 nations competing…

Trump, more than many presidents, has embraced sports as a cultural touchstone and a way to expand his reach. He has attended the Daytona 500 and wants to host a UFC match at the White House. He pushed Major League Baseball to reinstate Pete Rose, bashed NFL players for protesting racial inequality during his first term, and this year became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl.

He has been less connected with soccer — although golf caddies reportedly nicknamed him Pelé after seeing him frequently kick his ball onto the fairway — but has taken pride in hosting the World Cup. The event will come next summer as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, an event that Trump has also been heavily involved in planning, and two years before Los Angeles hosts the Olympics.

Trump in March appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of close Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, as executive director of a World Cup task force he created to oversee planning and coordinating. Trump’s signature legislation — the One Big Beautiful Bill — included $625 million for security and other costs related to the World Cup, and some of his immigration policies have included carve-outs for soccer players and coaches, even as people from their country could be barred from attending…

Giuliani said immigration officials would not target stadiums where matches were being played.

“We’ve had 62 games at this point and that has not been an issue at all,” he said. “That was a narrative at the very beginning of this tournament that has been proven that this is not something we’re targeting here.”…

The order provides exemptions specifically for players and coaches in the World Cup, as well as support staff and immediate family members. But it doesn’t include fans. Human rights groups have also warned that fans from countries that are not officially banned from visiting might think twice, given Trump’s border policies.

Giuliani said that the U.S. is still working with FIFA and awaiting the results of qualification matches to figure out which countries will be competing, and how to handle administration policies with countries such as Iran.

“This is a dynamic situation right now,” Giuliani said. “This will have to be a conversation between some of the task force members and probably even the president himself in terms of what this looks like moving forward.”

Trump booed during the national anthem at the FIFA World Cup Final📍 MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

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— Bill Caine (@allchronology.com) July 14, 2025 at 5:35 AM

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The chance to make Donald Trump hear your jeers is the only reason some might risk coming to America to see the World Cup.

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— LOLGOP (@thefarce.org) July 13, 2025 at 10:31 PM

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Chelsea cropped him out lolol

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— J.A.Walker (@jawalker.bsky.social) July 14, 2025 at 10:35 AM

Dinging Dear Leader Open Thread: Sportsball Diversion / DivisionPost + Comments (84)

Four Directions Native Vote in Virginia – Raffle!

by WaterGirl| July 14, 202511:27 am| 34 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Political Action, Targeted Political Fundraising 2025-26

How there raffle works

Each raffle ticket is $25 – and raffle tickets are now on “sale”.

To “buy” a raffle ticket, make a donation to this thermometer.
Send EMAIL to WaterGirl letting her know how many tickets you “bought”.
Include your nym in your email to WaterGirl

Donate

One ticket is $25, two tickets $50, and so on.

First prize winner gets their pick of Prizes! Second prize winner picks between the remaining two.

Prizes are numbered in order of dollar value if you were able to purchase these.

1st Prize

~~I am waiting on the exact size of the quilt, but I am guessing that it’s 72″ x 72″.~~

This quilt is 78″ x 84″.

2nd Prize – Star earrings with Jade

3rd Prize – hammered copper earrings

Four Directions Native Vote in Virginia – Raffle!Post + Comments (34)

Trump Lost Control of the Epstein Narrative

by Betty Cracker| July 14, 20259:53 am| 217 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Politics, Republican Stupidity, Assholes, General Stupidity, Lock Him Up...Lock Them All Up, Our Failed Media Experiment

Anne Laurie covered the beginnings of the MAGA meltdown over the Epstein files here on Saturday morning. But I’m not sure the story is over.

One thing to keep in mind about MAGA dopes is that they marinate at all times in an information bubble that confirms the bullshit they already believe. It’s not an excuse — it’s 100% their fault because, as yet, no one is forcing them to consume nothing but propaganda and believe easily debunked lies. But it’s helpful to understand their former state of “innocence” to make sense of their furious reaction now.

Basically, the marks have been told for years that Epstein trafficked minors to elite and powerful pedophiles and was possibly murdered in jail to protect the wealthy and connected perverts for whom he served as procurer. Trump told the marks he would blow the lid off the conspiracy if reelected.

Then last week, Bondi said there was no Epstein client list after all (she previously said the list was in her possession) and nothing further to release, and the MAGAs started screaming for her head, convinced that she’s in on the coverup. (And she probably is — just not in the way they think.)

Enraged at fans who are howling for Bondi’s head, Trump posted an insane “nothing to see here, move along” rant on his Twitter knock-off on Saturday:

What’s going on with my “boys” and, in some cases, “gals?” They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We’re on one Team, MAGA, and I don’t like what’s happening. We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and “selfish people” are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein. For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again. Why are we giving publicity to Files written by Obama, Crooked Hillary, Comey, Brennan, and the Losers and Criminals of the Biden Administration, who conned the World with the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, 51 “Intelligence” Agents, “THE LAPTOP FROM HELL,” and more? They created the Epstein Files, just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier that they used on me, and now my so-called “friends” are playing right into their hands. Why didn’t these Radical Left Lunatics release the Epstein Files? If there was ANYTHING in there that could have hurt the MAGA Movement, why didn’t they use it? They haven’t even given up on the John F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. Files. No matter how much success we have had, securing the Border, deporting Criminals, fixing the Economy, Energy Dominance, a Safer World where Iran will not have Nuclear Weapons, it’s never enough for some people. We are about to achieve more in 6 months than any other Administration has achieved in over 100 years, and we have so much more to do. We are saving our Country and, MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, which will continue to be our complete PRIORITY. The Left is imploding! Kash Patel, and the FBI, must be focused on investigating Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020, and arresting Thugs and Criminals, instead of spending month after month looking at nothing but the same old, Radical Left inspired Documents on Jeffrey Epstein. LET PAM BONDI DO HER JOB — SHE’S GREAT! The 2020 Election was Rigged and Stolen, and they tried to do the same thing in 2024 — That’s what she is looking into as AG, and much more. One year ago our Country was DEAD, now it’s the “HOTTEST” Country anywhere in the World. Let’s keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

But the marks weren’t buying it as of this weekend. Trump got ratioed. Even his TV mouthpieces on Fox News weren’t buying it as of yesterday.

At approximately the 2:20 mark, the Fox News couch crew helpfully spell out how the Trump administration could “defuse this ticking time bomb.” They say Bondi, Patel and Bongino must get in front of cameras, make a statement and answer questions. The couch crew says their audience has legitimate questions, including:

Who are the perpetrators Epstein connected with trafficked minors?
Have they been deposed?
Why have they not been arrested?
Who is on the videos the admin says it has that were taken at Epstein’s pervert island as well as properties in NYC and the Southwest?

The Fox News propagandists say this story won’t go away until people get those answers from the administration. I have no idea if that’s true. Every week, Trump weasels out of scandals that would end any other politician a thousand times over.

Trump’s repulsive friendship with Epstein was documented in this nauseating video years ago, and it didn’t dent his sleazy political career. Have the Fox News-viewing MAGA zombies seen that video? I don’t know. Would it matter to them? Again, it would seem not because nothing else does.

But Trump has lost control of the narrative on this. He’s rattled. I’d say that’s a good thing, but who knows what he’s capable of doing to regain control of the media cycle, which is one talent he genuinely has? My guess is nothing’s off the table.

Open thread.

Trump Lost Control of the Epstein NarrativePost + Comments (217)

Democracy cannot function without a free press.

America is going up in flames. The NYTimes fawns over MAGA celebrities. No longer a real newspaper.

Fuck these fucking interesting times.

Roe is not about choice. It is about freedom.

Accountability, motherfuckers.

Reality always lies in wait for … Democrats.

They don’t have outfits that big. nor codpieces that small.

Optimism opens the door to great things.

Never give a known liar the benefit of the doubt.

I desperately hope that, yet again, i am wrong.

Sadly, media malpractice has become standard practice.

Their shamelessness is their super power.

This fight is for everything.

They are lying in pursuit of an agenda.

Museums are not America’s attic for its racist shit.

I might just take the rest of the day off and do even more nothing than usual.

The Giant Orange Man Baby is having a bad day.

Wake up. Grow up. Get in the fight.

Republicans do not trust women.

Sadly, there is no cure for stupid.

The revolution will be supervised.

Republicans want to make it harder to vote and easier for them to cheat.

If you don’t believe freedom is for everybody, then the thing you love isn’t freedom, it is privilege.

Stand up, dammit!

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Dinging Dear Leader Open Thread: Sportsball Diversion / Division

Four Directions Native Vote in Virginia – Raffle!

How there raffle works

1st Prize

2nd Prize – Star earrings with Jade

3rd Prize – hammered copper earrings

Trump Lost Control of the Epstein Narrative