Category: Trump

General Gregory Guillot, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, has requested Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to return 200 out of approximately 4,000 California National Guard members to address wildfire duties. This proposal, aimed at preparing for the upcoming wildfire season, seeks to place the Guard members on standby to respond to potential fire outbreaks.

While wildfires can occur year-round in California, they are particularly prevalent during the summer and fall months. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has indicated that this year may see an “early and active” wildfire season, with heightened activity expected in July and August.

The objective of this redeployment is to ensure readiness and support for firefighting efforts in the state. The deployment of National Guard forces to Los Angeles has been a contentious issue, facing legal challenges from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

In response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, President Trump deployed around 4,000 Guard members, along with roughly 700 Marines, despite Governor Newsom’s objections. Newsom argued that the deployment was both illegal and unnecessary, diverting resources from critical wildfire response efforts.

When the deployment was initiated, the state expressed concerns that it would hinder its ability to combat wildfires, as Guard members typically collaborate with Cal Fire. Reports have indicated that due to the Los Angeles deployment, the National Guard’s firefighting capability was operating at only 40% capacity.

Amidst these developments, a federal court initially ruled in favor of the state, but a higher court later reversed that decision, permitting the Trump administration to maintain control of the Guard. The legal battle continues, focusing on the authority exercised by the President to federalize National Guard forces without the governor’s consent.

Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, expressed concerns over President Trump’s tax bill, stating it could become a “political albatross” for Republicans. He highlighted the bill’s potential cuts to social safety nets and significant projections for the national debt, suggesting many Republicans are uneasy about their support. “I think many of my Republican friends know they’re walking the plank on this,” Warner said during his appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”

The Senate is currently rushing to pass the controversial legislation, often referred to as the “big, beautiful bill,” in time for a July 4 deadline. The House had narrowly approved the bill the previous month, which aims to extend the tax cuts initiated in 2017 under Trump, while also funding border security and energy production. However, these efforts come with trade-offs, including cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill could increase the deficit by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next decade. In addition to the increase in national debt, Warner criticized the bill for its adverse effects on rural hospitals, health insurance access, food assistance, and clean energy job prospects. The Senate is entering an extensive overnight session as they work toward finalizing the legislation, which will require approval from the House before heading to the president.

Senate Republicans are utilizing the budget reconciliation process to advance the bill without bipartisan support, a move that leaves Senate Democrats with limited options other than delaying the vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s strategy to read the entire bill delayed discussions significantly. When addressing concerns about bipartisan opposition to the bill, including some provisions beneficial to Democrats, Warner remarked, “You can put as much lipstick on this pig as you want.”

Warner also noted that the legislation could lose Republican support, stressing that the outcome was still uncertain. Meanwhile, House Republicans are feeling pressure to support the bill, fearing repercussions from both President Trump and their constituents. GOP Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas indicated he would back the measure due to its funding for border security and tax cuts, asserting that even those skeptical of the bill might ultimately support it.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has intensified his criticism of President Trump’s controversial tax and spending bill. On Saturday, Musk expressed his concerns on social media, stating that the legislation, which Republican senators are eager to pass, would lead to the destruction of millions of jobs in America and cause significant strategic harm to the country.

He characterized the bill as providing handouts to outdated industries while impeding the growth of future sectors. Musk’s comments came as the Senate prepared to vote on the nearly 1,000-page bill.

In his post, he called the legislation a substantial threat to employment and industry innovation. He also suggested that supporting the bill could be “political suicide for the Republican Party.” The billionaire previously voiced his disappointment regarding the bill’s high costs and effectiveness, indicating that a proposal cannot be both substantial and visually appealing, a sentiment he shared during a CBS interview.

This renewed conflict marks a shift in Musk’s relationship with the Trump administration, particularly after a period of commendation for the president. Musk has previously labeled the bill as “pork-filled” and a “disgusting abomination,” urging voters to reconsider their support for it.

Tensions heightened further when Trump publicly expressed disappointment in Musk, leading to exchanges that included Musk’s unverified claims linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the animosity, Musk attempted to mend fences by expressing regret for some of his messages.

Trump acknowledged the tensions, stating he understood such disagreements. The complex relationship was initially reinforced by Musk’s substantial financial contributions to Trump’s campaign and other Republican candidates.

As Musk continues to focus on his business endeavors, the impact of his latest criticisms on his political influence and rapport with Trump remains uncertain.