Month: December 2025
Border Security / DOJ / Executive / Federal Court / Government / Government Watch / Illinois / Immigration / Law and Order / Military / Military & Defense / National Affairs / National News / National Policy / National Security / National Security & Defense / Politics / Politics & Power / Public Safety

Supreme Court Checks Trump’s National Guard Deployment — For Now

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court’s emergency ruling in Trump v. Illinois blocks — for now — the federalization of National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, exposing deep divisions over executive power, domestic military use, and how far a president can go without invoking the Insurrection Act.

Supreme Court Checks Trump’s National Guard Deployment — For Now Read More
Economy / Economy & Trade / Government / Government Watch / Politics / Taxes / Taxes and Fees

America’s Property Tax Revolt Is No Longer Theoretical — It’s Political

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Rising property taxes have sparked a nationwide revolt among homeowners, fueled by skyrocketing home values and stagnant incomes. This movement has gained momentum, seen in multiple states pushing for tax relief measures ahead of the 2026 elections. While the revolt spans political lines, the challenge remains to balance homeowner relief with sustainable funding for local services.

America’s Property Tax Revolt Is No Longer Theoretical — It’s Political Read More
Editorial

Christmas, Power, and the Discipline of Restraint

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Christmas symbolizes restraint rather than excess, urging a reflection on power’s responsible exercise. Amid today’s tumult, it serves as a reminder that true leadership values limits and accountability over constant assertion. The holiday calls for a disciplined approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of presence and discernment over loudness and urgency.

Christmas, Power, and the Discipline of Restraint Read More
Government / Government Watch / Law Enforcement / Politics

Armored BMWs, Public Trust, and the Optics Problem at the FBI

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Kash Patel, newly confirmed FBI director, faces backlash for using taxpayer money to purchase armored BMW X5s for personal transport, allegedly to be less conspicuous than traditional Suburbans. The FBI claims cost savings, but lacks transparency and evidence. Critics raise concerns about government credibility and resource use, fueling skepticism and distrust.

Armored BMWs, Public Trust, and the Optics Problem at the FBI Read More
Government / Government Watch / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / Mental Health / Public Health

The Adderall Shortage Isn’t an Accident—It’s a Policy Failure

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The ongoing Adderall shortage, affecting Americans with ADHD since late 2022, results from regulatory failures and mismatched supply and demand. Rising ADHD diagnoses, increased telehealth access, and reduced stigma highlighted the need for flexible production quotas. Patients face significant disruptions, impacting their performance and well-being, while effective governance remains elusive.

The Adderall Shortage Isn’t an Accident—It’s a Policy Failure Read More
Media & Influence / National Affairs / Politics & Power

AmericaFest After Charlie Kirk: A Movement Mourning, Fracturing, and Searching for Its Future

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

AmericaFest 2025 was meant to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk. Instead, it exposed deep fractures inside the post-Trump conservative movement—over conspiracy theories, antisemitism, foreign policy, and the limits of “open debate.” As thousands gathered in Phoenix to mourn Kirk’s assassination, the movement he helped build found itself at a crossroads between discipline and disorder.

AmericaFest After Charlie Kirk: A Movement Mourning, Fracturing, and Searching for Its Future Read More
Business of Sports / Colleges / Education / Education / Power Structures / Sports

Stop Calling Them “Conferences”: The Power Two, the Oregon–JMU Reality, and College Football’s Semi-Pro Truth

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The commentary by Michael Phillips emphasizes that college football has shifted from amateur competition to a money-driven system dominated by the SEC and Big Ten, now seen as “cartels.” This structural advantage leads to unequal opportunities, as demonstrated in the Oregon-James Madison game, highlighting economic disparities that favor wealthier programs.

Stop Calling Them “Conferences”: The Power Two, the Oregon–JMU Reality, and College Football’s Semi-Pro Truth Read More
3 - Investigations / Border Security / Government / Immigration / National Policy / National Security / National Security & Defense / Politics

Trump Expands U.S. Travel Ban to 39 Countries, Framing Move as Data-Driven National Security Reset

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On December 16, 2025, President Trump announced an expansion of U.S. travel restrictions from 19 to 39 countries, citing national security concerns. The policy, effective January 1, 2026, targets issues like visa overstay rates and citizenship-by-investment programs. Immigration advocacy groups criticize the changes, while supporters emphasize security and cooperation as priorities.

Trump Expands U.S. Travel Ban to 39 Countries, Framing Move as Data-Driven National Security Reset Read More
3 - Investigations / Defense / Economy / Economy & Trade / Government / Government / Military & Defense / National Policy / National Security & Defense / National Security & Defense / Policy / Politics

Trump’s Week in Review: Space Power, Drug Price Breakthroughs, and a Busy December at the White House

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In December 2025, President Trump focused on domestic policy through executive orders addressing space superiority, marijuana research, and significant pharmaceutical agreements aimed at lowering drug prices. The administration highlights tangible outcomes over legislative battles, emphasizing drug pricing reforms and a new platform for consumer access, aiming to resonate with voters in the upcoming election.

Trump’s Week in Review: Space Power, Drug Price Breakthroughs, and a Busy December at the White House Read More
Accountability / Government / Government / Government Waste

Federal Workforce Shrinks to 2014 Levels: Efficiency Win or Risky Gamble?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. federal civilian workforce has decreased to 2.74 million, its lowest in over a decade, following significant job cuts in 2025, driven by various strategies including hiring freezes and buyouts. While proponents claim increases in efficiency and reduced waste, critics warn of negative impacts on specialized knowledge and service backlogs.

Federal Workforce Shrinks to 2014 Levels: Efficiency Win or Risky Gamble? Read More