# The Trump Administration: The Clusterfuck Continues (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [December 1, 2025, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298 "2025-12-01T20:32:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 118
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2341 "2026-02-10T13:54:44Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > I would advice to paint it urine yellow Son of a gun! I believe you’ve pinpointed the exact fake tan shade he’s using. [Evidently Harvard’s not good enough for the felon’s crew.](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvgv9v2vd6o) > [@](#): > > The US Department of Defense is severing its academic connections to Harvard University, with Secretary Pete Hegseth accusing the oldest US university of being a centre of “hate-America activism”. > > In a video posted on X, Hegseth announced the Pentagon would end graduate-level military training, fellowships and certificate programmes with the Ivy League institution. > > Harvard has become a “factory for woke ideology and a breeding ground for anti-American radicals” that does not align with the department’s focus on “lethality” and “deterrence”, he said. > > The Trump administration has threatened to cut funds to Harvard, alleging it is “woke” and antisemitic. The BBC has contacted Harvard for comment. And let’s check out war criminal Pete’s use of coded language. > [@](#): > > “For too long, this department has sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard, hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class,” Hegseth said. > > “Instead, too many of our officers came back looking too much like Harvard — heads full of globalist and radical ideologies that do not improve our fighting ranks,” he added. I’m always concerned whenn a ~~Klansman~~ white supremacist Christian nationalist starts complaining about \*globalists". By the way, guess who got a master’s from Harvard. > [@](#): > > “For too long, this department has sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard, hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class,” Hegseth said. > > “Instead, too many of our officers came back looking too much like Harvard — heads full of globalist and radical ideologies that do not improve our fighting ranks,” he added. I’m wondering if he did that of his own volition or if he got word the school was going to yank the degree back. But, hey, he just might be too busy with [this](https://www.budget.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_to_hegseth_on_dod_classified_spend_plans.pdf). (It’s a PDF.) > [@](#): > > UNITED STATES SENATE > COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET > WASHINGTON, DC 20510-6100 > TELEPHONE: (202) 224-0642 FAX: (202) 224-4835 > > February 3, 2026 > > The Honorable Pete Hegseth > Secretary of Defense > U.S. Department of Defense > 1000 Defense Pentagon > Washington, DC 20301 > > Secretary Hegseth: > > We write to express significant concern regarding the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) decision to classify its budget reconciliation spending plan. Classifying the spending plan undermines congressional oversight and accountability. Even at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, defense appropriation spend plans were not fully classified. > > When H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21), passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate, it included Section 20014, requiring the Secretary of Defense to submit a detailed spending plan within 45 days of enactment and to provide an annual expenditure report beginning one year after enactment. Although the Senate Parliamentarian later determined Section 20014 to be non-budgetary, Democrats were willing to retain the language, but Republicans voluntarily removed it. The fact that Congress previously sought this reporting underscores the importance of transparency in reconciliation budgeting. > > Following enactment of H.R. 1, the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees issued informal programmatic guidance tables outlining congressional intent and requested that DOD submit a detailed spending plan by August 22, 2025 which adhered to that intent, even though such a legislative requirement would have been challengeable under budget reconciliation procedures. Senate Chairman Roger Wicker subsequently pressed military nominees and officials to publicly commit to adhering to that intent. Although DOD missed the deadline, media reports indicate DOD provided a classified spending plan to the defense committees covering roughly $90 billion of the $150 billion appropriated for national security.1 > > The Department has offered no explanation for why the spend plan was classified, even though some items included in H.R. 1, such as barracks improvements or personnel benefit increases, are not sensitive. It strains credulity that all the items in the $90 billion classified spend plan are sensitive enough to warrant complete classification. In prior years, only intelligence or specific sensitive programs required classified spend plans, while other defense budget materials were > > Page 2 > > provided in unclassified form or with classified appendices as appropriate. The current approach deviates sharply from long-standing practice and raises serious questions about DOD’s rationale. > > This decision also comes amid broader transparency concerns. The Pentagon has adopted new restrictions on communication with Congress and the press, further limiting oversight and undermining public accountability. Combined with the unprecedented classification of the reconciliation spend plan, these steps raise doubts about whether Congress is receiving the information necessary to fulfill its constitutional oversight responsibilities. > > In addition, there are indications that reconciliation funds may have been used for purposes not contemplated by law, including paying troops during the recent lapse in appropriations and providing a one-time bonus payment. Such uses appear contrary to congressional intent, which envisioned reconciliation funding as a tool for specific programmatic needs rather than a slush fund for the President’s ad hoc priorities. This underscores the risk that, absent robust > transparency, reconciliation funds may be diverted to unintended purposes. > In fact, classifying the spending plan for H.R. 1 risks further turning reconciliation funding into a slush fund—undermining public confidence and risking wasteful spending—since Congress cannot adequately exercise its oversight role. > > As members of the Senate Budget Committee, which has jurisdiction over the reconciliation process, and to support appropriate oversight and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, we request answers to the following questions by February 20, 2026: > > 1. What is DOD’s justification for classifying the spending plan? > 2. Funding for specific classified programs was not included in the reconciliation bill. Are any classified programs receiving funding through reconciliation? > 3. Will DOD commit to providing relevant committees of jurisdiction access to the > complete spending plan, including all classified and unclassified materials? > 4. Will the reconciliation spending plan be incorporated into the FY2027 budget request? > 5. Why did DOD transmit a spend plan for $90 billion but not the remaining $60 billion? What factors contributed to the development and transmittal of only a partial spend plan? > 6. When does the Department plan to submit a spend plan for the remaining $60 billion? Will any subsequent partial spend plan also be classified, and if so, why? > > Should you believe that any portion of your reply must be provided in classified form, please coordinate with the committee to ensure proper handling. > > Congress cannot forfeit its constitutional role in overseeing the defense budget. Transparency is not optional; it is the foundation of accountability. We strongly urge the Department to reconsider this approach and provide Congress with comprehensive, appropriately marked spending plans without delay. > > Page 3 > > Sincerely, > > Jeffrey A. Merkley > United States Senator > > Chris Van Hollen > United States Senator > > Sheldon Whitehouse > United States Senator > > Alex Padilla > United States Senator > > Patty Murray > United States Senator > > Ben Ray Luján > United States Senator > > Ron Wyden > United States Senator > > Tim Kaine > United States Senator > > Mark R. Warner > United States Senator > > Bernard Sanders > United States Senator > > * * * > > 1Bertuca, Tony. 2025. “DOD Sends Congress First ‘Tranche’ of Budget ReconBertuca, Tony. 2025. “DOD Sends Congress First ‘Tranche’ of Budget Reconciliation Spending Plan.” Inside > Defense. October 21. [Daily News | InsideDefense.com](https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/dod-sends-congress-first-%E2%80%98tranche) > %E2%80%99-budget-reconciliation-spending-plan. _The footnote appears at the foot of Page 1 in the actual letter. I could not get Discourse to format it correctly, so I’ve put it at the bottom of Page 3._ ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2342 "2026-02-10T14:23:15Z")
$90 billion in undisclosed classified DOD funding? I know what this means it’s either alien human hybrids, a portal to the nether realm, or an institute of maladjusted kids who can melt people’s brains. In any case nothing good. (Yes I know it’s just simple graft but a man can dream) ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2343 "2026-02-10T15:12:52Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > > “For too long, this department has sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard, hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class,” Hegseth said. “I went to University to teach the teachers…” If that doesn’t sum up the problem with the MAGA mindset, I don’t know what would. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2344 "2026-02-10T15:26:08Z")
Right. The US government sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard. And the government also sent Hegseth. ---
**Author:** ![fachverwirrt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/94ad74/32.png) [@fachverwirrt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fachverwirrt)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2345 "2026-02-10T15:56:21Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Bald eagles don’t scream. They tweet. I’d think that the talons would make it hard to type. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2346 "2026-02-10T16:12:07Z")
Nice one! 😂 [Here’s a comparison of the calls of a red tailed hawk, and a bald eagle](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEmYEQ78zS0). Listen quick for the hawk, as it only screeches once, at the beginning. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2347 "2026-02-10T16:14:37Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Bald eagles don’t scream. They tweet. > [@fachverwirrt](#): > > I’d think that the talons would make it hard to type. They use the hunt-and-peck method. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2348 "2026-02-10T16:15:32Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > They use the hunt-and-peck method. There’s an old joke in there about ‘hunt-and-peckers’, but I don’t think it’s allowed. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2349 "2026-02-10T19:37:18Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > A screaming eagle is then heard in the background… Eagles don’t scream. _Hawks_ scream, which is why a manly-man hawk-scream is usually dubbed over the image of an eagle. Bald eagles _chirp_. They make a sound you’d expect out of one of those anonymous small brown bird that seem to be everywhere. About 30 seconds into this clip: [https://youtu.be/PQ2uMauyBow?si=XPRM08V5Q7pcUEYh](https://youtu.be/PQ2uMauyBow?si=XPRM08V5Q7pcUEYh) Not that I expect anyone in Trumpland to know or care about that. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2350 "2026-02-10T20:31:29Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Eagles don’t scream. As was clearly and fully answered only 2 posts down from the post you’re replying to. If you look at the bottom of a post you want to reply to, you’ll see something that says “4 replies” or some such. If you click on it, it’ll show you the replies. Then you’ll see if you’re duplicating something that’s already been posted. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2351 "2026-02-10T20:41:46Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > There’s an old joke in there about ‘hunt-and-peckers’, but I don’t think it’s allowed. Isn’t that what MTG showed the public pictures of in Congress? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2352 "2026-02-10T21:22:50Z")
“I spoke to Mr. Toyota in Japan. I said, ‘What’s you name?’ ‘Toy-ota!’ I said, ‘If your name is Toyota you’re a very rich guy.’"“ > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mejuxkzpib22)** > > Trump: "Construction jobs are way up, right? Well, they're up because they're building all these factories all over the country. You have car plants under construction. I spoke to Mr. Toyota in Japan. I said, 'What's you name?' 'Toy-ota!' I said, 'If... “Connecticut is an extremely corrupt voting place. That’s why a guy like Blumenthal can keep getting elected. He admitted he cheated on the war. I went to Vietnam for a couple of days and I spent two more days than he did there. He was never there.” > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mejuqtse732u)** > > Trump: "Connecticut is an extremely corrupt voting place. That's why a guy like Blumenthal can keep getting elected. He admitted he cheated on the war. I went to Vietnam for a couple of days and I spent two more days than he did there. He was never... ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2353 "2026-02-10T21:50:25Z")
“So they’re building a massive plant that’s 4 miles long by 4 miles wide” > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mejvdd4ul22g)** > > Trump: "I'm letting everybody that builds a plant build their own electric plant. So they're building a massive plant that's 4 miles long by 4 miles wide, and I'm letting them build electric plants. Some are nuclear, some are oil and gas, some are... “We used to grow at 15 percent because we had spirit. Today we have a lot of communism” > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mejvigxiaj2o)** > > TRUMP: We can grow at 15 percent. I think more than that! > > KUDLOW: Well, 15 is a big number sir > > TRUMP: But Larry, you can do it. We used to grow at 15 percent because we had spirit. Today we have a lot of communism “every president we had over the last 50 years was bad on trade. Every single one. But I’m real good on trade." > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mejvxne2nn2o)** > > Trump: "Reagan was not good on trade ... he had the big shootout with Japan and he folded, and they came in and took our car market ... every president we had over the last 50 years was bad on trade. Every single one. But I'm real good on trade." ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2354 "2026-02-10T22:21:30Z")
I work with Trump morons who, after hearing that, will be convinced that Trump is _the_ trade genius of the last 50 years. It is, they are, really pathetic. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2355 "2026-02-11T00:13:39Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Canada paid for the entire Gordie Howe Bridge. Trump can rename it the “Mr. Hockey” bridge before he goes and fucks off. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2356 "2026-02-11T02:04:38Z")
> [@Coriolanus](#): > > > [@BobLibDem](#): > > > > Canada paid for the entire Gordie Howe Bridge. > > Trump can rename it the “Mr. Hockey” bridge before he goes and fucks off. I wouldn’t be surprised if, by this time tomorrow, Rip van Simple has named the thing after himself. [The felon sure has a hard-on about flags.](https://www.aol.com/articles/feds-remove-pride-flag-stonewall-165159832.html) > [@](#): > > WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has removed a large pride flag at the [Stonewall National Monument](https://www.yahoo.com/news/stonewall-veterans-sound-alarm-over-090109654.html)in New York City, just weeks after the government issued federal guidance on what types of flags are allowed to be flown at national parks. > > Volunteer caretakers of the monument noticed that the rainbow-colored flag had been removed on Monday, Feb. 9. The flag flew from a pole in a park across from the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. > > The National Park Service said in a statement provided to USA TODAY that, with limited exceptions, only the U.S. flag and other authorized flags are permitted on flagpoles managed by the agency. Exemptions can include flags that provide historical context, current military branch flags and the flags of federally recognized Tribal nations. > > “Any changes to flag displays are made to ensure consistency with that guidance,” the statement said. So in what universe is the Pride flag _not_ historic context for _Stonewall Inn_? [Yet another shell game stunt from the felon.](https://www.aol.com/finance/article/hoping-for-one-of-trumps-10000-car-loan-tax-breaks-we-have-bad-news-for-you-143705428.html) > [@](#): > > Tax season is here, and for the first time, Americans can claim the car loan interest deduction from the [One Big Beautiful Bill Act](https://www.aol.com/finance/article/big-tax-changes-are-coming-that-may-boost-your-refund-or-shrink-it-183852473.html). If you bought a qualifying new car in 2025, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on your federal return. > > Brace yourself, though. The fine print is strict, and many buyers who assume they qualify will find they don’t. Even those who qualify may find the actual savings underwhelming. Tariffs alone will add $3,258 to the cost of a new car, [according to J.P. Morgan](https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/autos/auto-tariffs), quickly eating into any tax benefits. And here’s the real kicker. (The **bolding** is mine.) > [@](#): > > **The vehicle must be new, assembled in the U.S.** , purchased for personal use and the buyer’s income must fall within specific limits. Used and leased cars don’t qualify. So far, so good. But wait! > [@](#): > > No car is fully manufactured in the U.S., but the tax break only looks at the final assembly location. [According to the White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-adjusts-imports-of-automobiles-and-automobile-parts-into-the-united-states/), **about 50% of cars sold in the U.S. are assembled abroad**. That means roughly half the vehicles on dealer lots won’t qualify, even if they’re made by American brands. [Commerce secretary contradicts self in testimony. (Epstien related)](https://www.aol.com/commerce-secretary-howard-lutnick-acknowledges-163817055.html) > [@](#): > > WASHINGTON (AP) — Under questioning from Democrats on Tuesday, Commerce Secretary [Howard Lutnick](https://apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-tariffs-commerce-department-9788590bbee10d09d3cb91822b0c9687) acknowledged that he had met with [Jeffrey Epstein](https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein) twice after the late financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child, reversing Lutnick’s previous claim that he had cut ties with him after 2005. > > Lutnick again downplayed his relationship with the disgraced financier, who was once his neighbor in New York City, as he was questioned by Democrats during a subcommittee hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He described their contact as a handful of emails and a pair of meetings that were years apart. > > “I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with him,” Lutnick told lawmakers. > > But Lutnick is facing growing scrutiny, including calls for his resignation, from lawmakers after the [release of case files on Epstein](https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-justice-department-trump-ed743598c320b94bd9d91631618678d9) contradicted Lutnick’s claims on a [podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8_s4Z2TQAE&list=PLHY8kGYAi5RLEf4OwozbCSlyF3wJoqcOB) last year that he had decided to “never be in the room” with Epstein again after a 2005 tour of Epstein’s home that disturbed Lutnick and his wife. > > The commerce secretary told senators Tuesday that he and his family actually had lunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012 and he had another hour-long engagement at Epstein’s home in 2011. Lutnick, a member of [President Donald Trump’s](https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump) Cabinet, is the highest-profile U.S. official to face bipartisan calls for his resignation amid revelations of his ties to Epstein. His acknowledgement comes as lawmakers are grasping for what accountability looks like amid the revelations contained in what’s known as the Epstein files. Why am I surprised someone in this mis-/mal-administration lied? Actually, I’m not suprised in the least. [I’m not surprised by the felon’s misogyny either.](https://www.aol.com/articles/trump-touts-bill-could-voting-210008338.html) > [@](#): > > President [Donald Trump](https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/donald-trump/) is urging lawmakers to pass a voter ID bill that has caught heat in the past for provisions that several voting rights groups warn could lead to voter disenfranchisement, including among married women. > > The [SAVE America Act](https://www.yahoo.com/news/save-act-why-married-women-174419068.html), which passed in the GOP-led House of Representatives last year but has since stalled in the Senate, is again at the center of discussions on Capitol Hill after it returned to the House floor. Lawmakers are expected to vote Feb. 11 on the legislation, which would require people provide proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, and demand voters show a government-issued photo ID that proves their citizenship to cast their ballots. Why did I say misogyny? Here you go. > [@](#): > > Millions of women whose married names aren’t on their birth certificates or passports would also face extra hurdles to register to vote and cast their ballots. > > Nearly 80% of women in opposite-sex marriages [take their spouse’s surname](https://www.yahoo.com/news/study-shows-americans-feel-changing-022102481.html), according to a 2023 study by Pew Research. Most married men – 92% – keep their last names. [Luckily the felon’s ~~winning~~ losing skid mark is stinking up the plan.](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/thune-not-even-close-enough-210505623.html) > [@](#): > > Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said “there aren’t anywhere close to the votes” needed to change the Senate’s filibuster rule to allow Republican-sponsored legislation to reform voter registration requirements to pass the upper chamber with fewer than 60 votes. [The felon just ~~won~~ lost in immigration court.](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/immigration-judge-terminates-removal-proceedings-035746104.html) > [@](#): > > An immigration judge terminated removal proceedings against [Tufts University doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk](https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/27/us/rumeysa-ozturk-detained-what-we-know?cid=external-feeds_iluminar_yahoo), who was detained for over a month last year as part of the Trump administration’s effort to target and deport international students and activists involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy, her lawyers said Monday. > > The Department of Homeland Security hadn’t met its burden to prove Öztürk’s removability, prompting the immigration court to end removal proceedings against her, according to a letter from her attorneys submitted in court and a federal appeals court docket. > > The move comes after recently [unsealed court documents showed](https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/23/politics/court-documents-student-israel-op-ed?cid=external-feeds_iluminar_yahoo) the federal government didn’t have any evidence that Öztürk had been supporting terrorist activity when she was arrested, and that her visa revocation and arrest were because of an opinion article she wrote containing criticisms of Israel. _These next two are in this thread because, let’s face it, we’re now in a bizarre version of a theocracy with one particular felon at the head of the cult. And it’s really a cult in the peorative sense of the word._ [Republican senator wants American Olympians kicked off the squad for trashing his idol.](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/maga-senators-ultimatum-olympians-over-102356016.html) > [@](#): > > Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) failed to medal with his ultimatum to U.S. athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, after several said [they aren’t happy with what’s going on in America](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chloe-kim-donald-trump-olympics_n_698ad74be4b0d92872202e7e) under Donald Trump’s administration. > > “Any person who goes to the Olympics to represent the United States and then says they don’t want to represent the United States should be immediately stripped of their Olympic uniform,” Scott fumed in a video shared on X. [Honor Killing American Style](https://www.aol.com/woman-shot-dad-arguing-donald-151336331.html) > [@](#): > > A British woman who was shot dead by her father while visiting his home in Texas had argued with him about US President Donald Trump earlier that day, an inquest has heard. > > Lucy Harrison, from Warrington in Cheshire, was shot in the chest on 10 January 2025 in Prosper, near Dallas. > > Police in the town investigated the 23-year-old’s death as possible manslaughter but no criminal case was brought against Kris Harrison after a grand jury in Collin County declined to indict him. > > An inquest into Lucy Harrison’s death opened earlier at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, where her boyfriend Sam Littler described the “big argument” about Trump, who was preparing to be inaugurated for his second term of office. > > Littler, who travelled to the US with Lucy Harrison for the holiday, said she would often become upset with her father when he spoke about owning a gun. _The article linked is about the British inquest._ ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2357 "2026-02-11T03:47:19Z")
Trump says he got a phone call from the prime minister of Switzerland and he didn’t like the way she was talking to him. Switzerland doesn’t have a prime minister. Its chief executive is a seven-person council elected by the legislature, and the current head of that council is a man. > **[Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com)](https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3mejv7chn2d2a)** > > Trump: "So I put on a 30% tariff, which is very low. I got an emergency call from I believe the prime minister of Switzerland. She was very aggressive ... I didn't really like the way she talked to us, so instead of giving her a reduction, I raised... [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal\_Council\_(Switzerland)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Council%5C_(Switzerland)) ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2358 "2026-02-11T03:58:32Z")
Grand jury rejects DOJ bid for indictment against 6 Democratic lawmakers who reminded troops they don’t have to obey unlawful orders. > The rejection of the case against the six lawmakers — who include Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan — was the latest extraordinary brushback by a grand jury of Washington, D.C., residents to a case brought by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor in the capital. [https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/10/lawmakers-military-orders-grand-jury-indictment-00775504](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/10/lawmakers-military-orders-grand-jury-indictment-00775504) ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2359 "2026-02-11T04:17:17Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > So in what universe is the Pride flag _not_ historic context for _Stonewall Inn_? I’m pretty sure that there is only [one flag](https://data:image/png;base64,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) that they accept as providing historical context. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298/2360 "2026-02-11T04:28:54Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > I work with Trump morons I’m very sorry for you. I can barely stand to read about them, let alone be around them. > [@Monty](#): > > Millions of women whose married names aren’t on their birth certificates or passports would also face extra hurdles to register to vote and cast their ballots. It took me _ **7 months** _ of hassle to get a passport approved due to this. And I had to get a signed notarized affidavit from someone who could verify having known me both before and after the name change (40 years earlier). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298.md?page=117) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-the-clusterfuck-continues-part-2/1025298.md?page=119)