Today is January 17th, and we are 3 days away from Trump’s presidency. Today’s newsletter edition is writen by DML, Denny, and Ryan.

The 47 Report

Big News

Goodbye Joe Biden: Last night, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address from the Oval Office, marking the end of his tenure as the 46th President of the United States. Many viewers received Biden's speech as subpar, criticizing its content for being filled with what they perceived as misleading statements and outright lies (not to mention, evidently pre-recorded).

Biden has also taken credit for the recent ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, despite clear indications that the incoming Trump administration played a significant role in its negotiation. Arab officials, alongside some from within Biden's own State Department, have acknowledged that Trump's team was instrumental in facilitating the agreement. This discrepancy was highlighted when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Donald Trump as the key figure in the negotiations, essentially giving credit where Biden claimed it for himself.

Critics on social media accused Biden of attempting to rewrite history in his last official speech. The speech was also noted for its focus on personal achievements, with some believing it was an attempt to polish his legacy.

Biden's claims and how they were delivered left a bitter taste for those who expected a more reflective and truthful acknowledgment of his presidency's ups and downs. In many ways, his final speech encapsulates the era of his administration - one marked by controversy and censorship, disputed and questionable achievements, and a polarizing effect on public trust not witnessed in decades.

Thus, with Biden's departure, his presidency officially ends, ushering in a new era that begins this Monday with Donald Trump assuming office once again.

ALSO…

You’re Fired!: Aides to Trump have asked three senior career diplomats, Dereck Hogan, Marcia Bernicat, and Alaina Teplitz, to step down, signaling potential significant changes at the State Department. These diplomats, overseeing workforce and internal coordination, have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations and would not typically resign during a presidential transition. The request came from the State Department’s transition team, known as the Agency Review Team.

Reactions

More On Trump

We will update President Trump's approval rating daily based on Rasmussen Polling. This index reflects the opinions of 1,500 likely voters regarding Trump's leadership as the 47th President.

Take Back Hollywood: President-elect Donald Trump announced via Truth Social plans to "Make Hollywood Great Again," naming his three appointed conservative celebrities to assist in the effort: Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson. He will enlist them as special envoys to bring Hollywood back to a golden era since the West Coast tinseltown has “lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries,” hurting one of California’s most notorious industries.

Newsom’s Decision: Meanwhile, California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom will temporarily raise the American flag to full-staff at the state Capitol on Inauguration Day, aligning with many other GOP governors. Newsom's office confirmed the decision Wednesday, despite flags currently flying at half-staff nationwide to honor the late President Jimmy Carter. Flags will return to half-staff on Jan. 21, resuming Carter's 30-day mourning period.

Pelosi’s Absence: California’s governor and top actors might show Trump respect, but former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will avoid appearing at the president-elect’s inauguration. Pelosi, like Michelle Obama, will be skipping Inauguration Day events, though she has not stated why. Some have speculated it could be due to her hip injury.

Media Mania

Family First: Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of President-elect Donald Trump, has stepped away from the political limelight, choosing not to join her father's administration for his second term.

This decision marks a significant departure from her role during his first term where she served as a senior advisor. Despite media narratives suggesting that she and her husband, Jared Kushner, were unwelcome in the new administration, sources close to the couple have clarified that this choice was personal.

Recently on a podcast interview, Ivanka expressed the desire to prioritize her family, focusing on raising her three children in a less politically charged environment. She also labeled politics as a "dark world" she no longer wishes to be part of, emphasizing her commitment to her family's well-being over public service. Kushner, too, has opted out of an official role.

The media's portrayal of their exclusion has been countered by statements from Ivanka herself, indicating the decision was rooted in personal values rather than external pressures. She aims to support her father outside the political arena, maintaining a low profile in Miami, Florida.

Vance

Presidential Looks: The official portraits of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have been released, sparking a wave of positive reactions across the internet.

The Trump-Vance Transition Team described the portraits with the phrase, "They go hard," reflecting both leaders' strong and confident imagery. Social media platforms enthusiastically buzzed over Vance's portrait, which many found to effectively represent the new vice president's youthful energy and determination, and he projected an image of a grounded yet ambitious leader.

On the other hand, Trump's portrait was lauded for its resemblance to his 2023 mugshot, showcasing his resilience and unyielding spirit. The portraits were shared widely and described as a testament to the duo's leadership readiness.

Additionally, the fact that Vance's portrait marked him as the first vice president with facial hair in nearly a century was celebrated as a break from political tradition.

Congress

Florida’s Next Senator: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has selected state Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace outgoing Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, praising her "record of delivering results."

Rubio, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as U.S. Secretary of State, is expected to be easily confirmed, ending his tenure as Florida’s senator since 2011. Moody, a staunch conservative and Trump supporter, will now fill Rubio’s seat.

She has served as attorney general since 2019 and as a judge from 2007 to 2017. She has actively opposed special counsel Jack Smith’s investigations into Trump, filed lawsuits against Biden’s border policies, and called for the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas and the designation of Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

“I probably won’t like being in D.C., but I am ready to show up and fight for this nation and fight for Trump and his agenda,” said Moody in response to the appointment. “What has angered me the most as attorney general is unelected bureaucrats and international organizations trying to take away the will of the people. We will not stand for that and we will return this country to the people.”

Before You Go!

Don't forget to listen to our latest podcast episode: The Democratic Clown Show & The Truth on the Mystery Drones (1-15-25)

Also, download the DML News App for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to stay ahead of the news curve with real-time updates and reports on Donald J. Trump's return to the Oval Office as the 47th President of the United States.

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Have a blessed day, and God Bless America!