Donald Trump said he would name his Federal Reserve appointments right away. He reassured emerging markets that his Treasury Secretary, Bessent, would remain in her position. The announcement comes at a very stormy moment. Texas Democrats are sticking to their guns and going hard against a tsunami of bigoted, ridiculous remarks and legislative attacks.
In his speech last week, Trump underscored the significance of that revision recently released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Passing this revision the week of the election was no small feat. This revision quickly became a focal point of the original report’s dramatic shift, which Trump argues changed the course of the election – and Trump’s victory. He insinuated that these changes were intended to rescue Democratic nominee Kamala Harris politically.
According to the former president, his Republican Party deserves an additional five House seats. That he believes will be the case if the proposed Texas redistricting map clears the necessary hurdles to be put into effect. It was at that hearing that he first raised the alarm about a coming “redistricting arms race.” He cautioned that if Democrats continue this strategic redistricting play, the stakes will become national.
“We are entitled to five more seats,” – Donald Trump
Trump then claimed that if the new map is enacted, it will end up showing an extreme Republican gerrymander in Texas. He also bashed Democratic-led gerrymandering in other states, which he argued gives a “warped representation” to voters.
“You notice, they go to Illinois for safety, but that’s all gerrymandered. California is gerrymandered. We should have many more seats in Congress in California. It’s all gerrymandered,” – Donald Trump
Trump alleged that every piece of data available for the election was “rigged” in favor of Biden. He claimed, again with no evidence, that the data was doctored to create an erroneous picture of the election’s outcome.
“They gave phony numbers in order to win the election,” – Donald Trump
Trump managed to discuss his administration’s current approach to the Epstein archives. He further teased the potential publication of the transcript from Ghislaine Maxwell’s interview with deputy attorney general Todd Blanche. The consequences of any such release would be way deeper than rank political gamesmanship.
Trump announced a $200 million project to renew and build infrastructure. This includes his plan for a new 90,000 square-foot ballroom at the White House. That would allow the project to be completed before his term ends in 2029. This timeline underscores his steadfast commitment to infrastructure and growth during his time in office.
While Trump toured the roof of the White House with architects, he reflected on various administration matters, including economic policies and labor issues. He especially praised the Texas Democrats who have fled their state to avoid special legislative sessions. Their behavior is nothing short of shameful, and today I’m telling them so.
“If you don’t show up to work, you get fired,” – Donald Trump
Texas legislators have drawn national attention, and scorn, for their dramatic move to flee the state in protest of proposals they don’t like. Senator John Cornyn expressed concern over this tactic, emphasizing the importance of accountability among elected officials.
“In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away,” – Senator John Cornyn
Cornyn went on to say that these actions should amount to at best, possible criminal offenses and that there should be complete examinations of their conduct. This feeling was shared by many of the Texas legislators advocates had on their side, even Representative Gina Hinojosa.
Hinojosa’s remarks reflected a moment of political change happening in Texas. He urged that Democrats need to stand and take wins on policy development rather than retreat from fights.
“Democrats need to fight to win,” – Representative Gina Hinojosa
There are, she added, deep political realities that exacerbate this. While the current situation as it exists is not perfect, it is largely a product of their political reality.
“It’s not ideal. It’s just the reality,” – Representative Gina Hinojosa
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker applauded the Texas Democrats for their bravery in deciding to put their principles before party political maneuvers. He particularly lauded their work in difficult economic times.
“Texas House Democrats are leading the way in choosing courage and country over politics and party,” – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker