Category: Transparency

trump cancels October Jobs Report

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has announced the cancellation of its October jobs report due to the ongoing government shutdown, marking a significant and troubling departure from standard protocol. This decision means that vital employment situation data for October will not be published, which is the first such occurrence since 2013. The BLS confirmed on its website that the inability to collect necessary household data led to this unprecedented move.

Originally scheduled for release on November 7, the jobs report was expected to provide critical insights into the nation’s employment landscape. However, the BLS cited the government shutdown as the reason for not being able to gather the requisite data for both the establishment and household surveys. As it stands, the household survey data will not be retroactively collected, further complicating the situation and diminishing transparency in economic reporting.

The announcement was made shortly after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that the likelihood of the jobs report being released was slim, attributing blame to Democrats for the impasse. This politically charged environment has cast a shadow over the figures that are crucial for understanding economic trends and the overall labor market health.

Market analysts and observers, including the global tracker The Kobeissi Letter, have expressed alarm at the implications of this cancellation, which undermines public trust in economic data that the administration should be providing. The absence of these statistics leaves many unanswered questions about employment trends and economic recovery, especially as other key economic data is set to release under uncertain conditions.

Following the cancellation, the BLS plans to include the October data with the November report, which may prolong the wait for clarity on employment statistics. As the administration continues to grapple with the effects of the government shutdown, the fate of future reports hangs in a precarious balance, leaving the public and analysts with limited information on America’s economic recovery.

Trump Endorses Epstein Files Release, Shifts Blame to Democrats

Donald Trump has shifted his stance on the release of the Epstein files, expressing willingness to sign a bill that facilitates their disclosure. This reversal comes on the heels of growing pressure from House Republicans advocating for transparency regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s associates, with Trump accusing Democrats of having deeper connections to Epstein.

During a recent interview, Trump downplayed his association with Epstein while attempting to underscore the alleged complicity of Democratic figures like Bill Clinton and others, attempting to frame the issue as a partisan problem. “All I want is for people to recognize a great job that I’ve done,” he proclaimed, attempting to divert attention from the implications of Epstein’s past connections.

In his typical evasive style, Trump stated, “Sure, I would [sign the bill]. Let the Senate look at it,” while still insisting that the issue is predominantly a Democratic concern. He predominantly focused on distancing his party from Epstein, despite numerous prominent Republicans also facing scrutiny for their past affiliations.

Trump’s comments reflect a broader strategy of deflection and blame-shifting, a tactic that has characterized much of his political narrative. By labeling Epstein as a “Democrat problem,” he aims to protect himself and the Republican Party from potential implications of their connections to the convicted sex offender.

This latest development demonstrates Trump’s ongoing attempts to manipulate narratives to his advantage, prioritizing self-preservation over accountability, despite calls for transparency regarding matters involving Epstein. His willingness to sign the bill may serve as a political maneuver rather than a genuine action toward justice.

Kevin Hassett Claims October Jobs Data May Remain Unknown

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council under Donald Trump, expressed grave concerns over the release of October jobs data amidst an extensive government shutdown, suggesting it may never be available. Speaking on Fox News, Hassett highlighted that the ongoing political impasse has severely disrupted the essential federal statistical system, with White House officials like press secretary Karoline Leavitt pointing fingers at Democrats for the issue.

During the Fox News segment, Hassett explained the data collection process, mentioning that one of the primary surveys—the household survey—was not conducted in October. Consequently, while some employment figures may be produced, a complete unemployment rate will remain elusive. Hassett stated, “We’ll probably be able to concoct something, but we’ll never actually know for sure what the rate was in October,” reflecting the detrimental impact the shutdown has had on accurate economic reporting.

Further elaborating on the economic ramifications, Hassett remarked that the Council of Economic Advisors estimated the daily losses to be about $15 billion, leading to a significant decline in jobs—specifically referencing a loss of around 60,000 American jobs due to depressed economic output. Such fallout raises awareness regarding how deeply intertwined government operations are with the overall economy and how partisan conflicts can exacerbate dire economic conditions.

Hassett’s insights offer a sober view of the historical context, as Trump previously dismissed significant jobs data that did not align with his administration’s narratives. He notably fired the head of the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, reflecting a broader pattern in which valid economic analyses are suppressed or dismissed if they fail to support Trump’s agenda.

This situation underscores an alarming trend where political maneuvering directly impacts economic stability and the integrity of crucial data sets, which should ideally be free from partisan influence. As the shutdown continues, the prospect of reliable economic metrics diminishes, with long-term implications for policymakers and citizens alike.

Trump’s Friend Timothy Mellon Donates $130 Million for Troops

The New York Times has identified Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, as the anonymous benefactor who donated $130 million to support U.S. troops during the recent government shutdown. This unprecedented donation has raised ethical and legal questions regarding its implementation within the framework of Department of Defense funding.

According to NYT reporter Tyler Pager, Mellon has recently emerged as a significant political donor, pouring millions into Republican campaigns, notably contributing to a pro-Trump super PAC for the 2024 election. Despite his visibility as a donor, details about him remain scarce, suggesting a deliberate choice to maintain his privacy.

During a CNN Newsroom discussion, Pager highlighted the rarity of private citizens making such large contributions to military funding. He noted that while the Department of Defense accepted the donation based on a specific regulatory provision, the actual processes through which the money would be deployed are still unclear. This lack of transparency adds to the unusual nature of Mellon’s contribution.

Pager further explained that while the donation is substantial, it does not meet the extensive financial needs of the Defense Department, which manages over a million active-duty personnel. He emphasized that this funding cannot be seen as a long-term solution to military pay, underscoring the need for a sustainable budget approach.

The incident raises broader concerns over the implications of private donations to public military funding and the associated governance issues. As the Trump administration navigates financial challenges, the legality and ethics of such contributions will likely remain in focus among lawmakers and the public.

White House Confirms No October Inflation Data Release

The White House announced that there will likely be no release of inflation data in October due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, marking a historical first for a data report spanning over a century. The shutdown, now in its 24th day, has halted most economic data collection across federal agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), raising concerns about the impact on economic surveillance.

In a statement, the White House indicated that the ongoing furloughs of approximately 700,000 federal workers have impeded data collection efforts. Only limited staff were recalled to process the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, which was released to assist the Social Security Administration in calculating adjustments for beneficiaries. Analysts suggest the October report will likely be missed entirely as BLS personnel are unable to gather the necessary data.

Erica Groshen, a former BLS commissioner, highlighted the challenges, stating that normally data collection would have started well before the month. Some economic experts argue that producing data based on limited inputs would compromise the accuracy of the report. Concerns over the shutdown’s extensive nature contrast with the previous shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, during which many reports were still generated.

Despite the worries, some economists believe the delay in publishing inflation data, while inconvenient, will not lead to catastrophic economic consequences. Steven Englander, global head of G10 FX research at Standard Chartered, noted that U.S. economic data already has many flaws, and a gap in reporting is manageable when not accompanied by a financial crisis.

The suspension of inflation data collection exemplifies the broader repercussions of the government shutdown, with significant implications for economic monitoring. The BLS typically relies on a rolling basis to collect data throughout the month, making timely reporting particularly challenging without field staff on duty.

The Pentagon’s Illegal $130 Million Donation

The Pentagon has confirmed the acceptance of a $130 million anonymous donation aimed at supporting military pay during the current government shutdown. This unprecedented action falls under the Pentagon’s general gift acceptance authority, enabling private contributions for specific uses.

According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, this donation is designated to offset costs associated with service members’ salaries and benefits. He expressed gratitude toward the donor, describing them as “a patriot” who wanted to assist troops amid funding shortages created by stalled negotiations in Congress.

However, this contribution addresses only a minor portion of the military pay needs. Recent reports indicate that typical military pay periods cost about $6.5 billion, which means the donation only represents a fraction of a day’s payroll for service members.

Trump, during a White House event, praised the donor as a “friend” who supports the military. The move also raises legal questions regarding compliance with the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from spending funds beyond congressional appropriations. Furthermore, any gifts over $10,000 that benefit military personnel require an ethics review.

As discussions continue around military funding, a Republican measure called the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, intended to protect pay for active-duty troops during this crisis, failed to pass in the Senate. The vote fell short at 54-45, reflecting a division along party lines.

Trump Blasts Reporter Over East Wing Demolition Questions

President Donald Trump criticized Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason during a live press event at the White House, labeling him a “third-rate reporter.” Trump was addressing a question regarding his transparency on the demolition of the East Wing to construct a new ballroom. Mason pointed out that many viewers were surprised by the extent of the demolition, which Trump initially indicated would not be entirely destroyed.

Trump, responding to Mason’s inquiry, argued that he had been transparent, claiming that pictures of the project had been widely circulated and that he had provided answers to anyone who would listen. He defended the decision to demolish the East Wing, stating that extensive studies and consultations with top architects concluded that the current structure was not salvageable for the planned ballroom.

He also asserted that the new ballroom would not cost taxpayers, as it is being financed through private donations from companies, including major donors like Apple and Amazon. Trump was keen to emphasize his vision for the ballroom, asserting that it had garnered great public reviews and that the construction was a positive reflection of progress.

The White House renovation project has faced criticism from public figures like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who have voiced concerns about the implications of such extensive changes to the iconic building. Clinton stated that Trump was “destroying” the White House, reflecting ongoing controversies related to the renovations.

Trump’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions between the administration and reporters, particularly regarding transparency in government operations and public sentiment toward the modernization efforts at the White House.

Trump Plans to Defund Inspector General Oversight Group

The Trump administration is set to terminate funding for an inspector general oversight group that plays a crucial role in identifying waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies. This decision, effective Wednesday, highlights Trump’s ongoing efforts to undermine federal oversight mechanisms, which were designed to hold government officials accountable.

By defunding this watchdog organization, the administration is sending a clear signal that it prioritizes curtailing oversight and transparency over ensuring ethical governance. This move is emblematic of Trump’s broader strategy to weaken the institutions that serve as checks on executive power, exacerbating fears about corruption and malfeasance in federal operations.

The administration’s actions come amidst ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s practices, which many argue reflect an authoritarian approach to governance. The dismantling of oversight functions not only jeopardizes public trust but also empowers those engaged in unethical practices, further entrenching corruption within the federal system.

As the Trump administration continues to attack the necessary mechanisms for accountability, it reveals a troubling disregard for the principles of democracy that safeguard against the misuse of power. This latest decision is yet another step toward eroding the protections against waste and fraud.

By effectively dismantling these resources, Trump risks undermining the very foundation of accountability in government, raising serious concerns about the future of democratic governance in America.

The recent decision by Tulsi Gabbard

The recent decision by Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, to eliminate the National Intelligence Council’s Strategic Futures Group has raised significant alarm regarding the integrity of the intelligence community in the U.S. Traditionally, this group has produced the Global Trends report, which highlights impending global challenges and risks that the country could face. However, Gabbard’s office claimed that the group’s work was tainted by a partisan political agenda and did not fulfill its mandated purpose, particularly on issues like climate change.

Critics of Gabbard’s actions argue that her decision to shut down such a vital office serves the interests of the Trump administration by silencing warnings that could be politically inconvenient. The elimination of reports addressing climate change and other critical global threats signifies a disturbing shift towards ignoring pressing issues that will severely affect national security. Prominent voices, including Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s national security adviser, have condemned the dismissal of these reports, stating that they do not align with the administration’s best interests.

Gabbard’s justification for discontinuing this year’s Global Trends report was cloaked in accusations of professional misconduct regarding the methodology used by its creators. This rationale has been met with skepticism by former officials, including Gregory F. Treverton, who asserted that the Global Trends project was essential for developing intelligence-gathering tradecraft. The dismantling of this office is part of a broader trend where the Trump administration has dismantled numerous security initiatives aimed at evaluating long-term threats.

Historically, the Global Trends report has not only provided a platform for evaluating national security but also contributed to understanding future wars and pandemics. The 2017 report had notably anticipated a pandemic that would severely impact the world’s economy, a prediction that came tragically true. With Gabbard’s recent purge of the Strategic Futures Group, the continuity of such foresight is severely jeopardized, signaling a detrimental shift towards neglecting proven intelligence practices for political gain.

The move to eliminate this intelligence group exemplifies the extent to which the Trump administration has manipulated national security entities to suppress critical voices in favor of its own narrative. In a time where informed decision-making is paramount, the retreat from devoting resources towards understanding global threats underscores a dangerous precedence that could leave the U.S. ill-prepared in the face of evolving challenges, particularly those related to climate and global health security.

Trump Administration Cancels Hunger Report Amid Food Stamp Cuts

The Trump administration has discontinued the federal government’s annual food insecurity report, branding it as redundant and politicized. This decision comes amidst the enactment of significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, which will ultimately leave 2.4 million Americans, including families with children, without food stamp benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) claims that the canceled report has perpetuated “fear mongering” while asserting that food insecurity trends have remained stable despite an over 87% increase in SNAP spending since 2019.

The USDA plans to release a final report on hunger scheduled for October 2024. Critics are alarmed by the administration’s move, arguing that it undermines efforts to track and address hunger in America, especially with the backdrop of rising grocery prices and an increasing demand on food banks. Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, stated that the cancellation indicates that fighting hunger is no longer a priority for the USDA.

Data from 2023 indicates that approximately 13.5% of American households experienced food insecurity at some point, compared to 12.8% in 2022. Reports demonstrate that increased federal support typically alleviates hunger, with a notable decline in food insecurity among families with children following the temporary child tax credit in effect during 2021. However, hunger rates surged again after the credit expired.

Opposition voices within government express concern over Trump’s dismissive stance toward critical data, citing recent administration claims that the government’s job report lacks accuracy and the dismissal of its commissioner. These actions reflect a broader pattern of the Trump administration attempting to discredit data that contradicts its agenda, jeopardizing crucial assistance efforts during a time when economic struggles are prevalent among many American families.

The consequences of these policies are dire, as millions face increased food insecurity amidst sweeping cuts to one of the country’s largest food assistance programs. The cancellation of this important report obscures the seriousness of these issues while aligning with the administration’s ongoing disregard for the welfare of vulnerable populations.

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