>>22862335

July 3, 20101/2

Just How Much Land Does the Federal Government Own — and Why?

The rough beauty of the American West seems as far as you can get from the polished corridors of power in Washington DC.

The rough beauty of the American West seems as far as you can get from the polished corridors of power in Washington DC. Until you look at the title to the land. The federal government owns large tracts of the western states: from a low of 29.9% in Montana, already more than the national average, up to a whopping 84.5% in Nevada.

This map, depicting the distribution and share of federal land per state, was first published on this blog way back in 2008. Nevertheless, it keeps accumulating comments and hits at a steady pace, and is still frequently shared around. Unlike hundreds of other random maps, this one has become a perennial. That raises an interesting question for map geeks like yours truly: Which nerve, exactly, does this map strike with the Great Online Public?

Let’s start with the most obvious answer: the map is stunningly effective at bringing home its message. And that message is: Federal land ownership out west is huge.

Few minds will stir when they learn that the US federal government owns a grand total of 640 million acres of land: that figure is so vast that it becomes meaningless [1]. The sum of all that acreage adds up to about 28% of the nation’s total surface, 2.27 billion acres. That sounds like a lot, but since it is an average, and because we have nothing to compare it to, that percentage is, to use one of my favorite quotes, “the kind of information they conceal in books” [2].

Both issues – the blandness of averages, the lack of comparison – are eliminated by the map, which presents an immediate, jaw-droppingly clear frame of reference. In the blink of an eye, the contrast between the west and the rest becomes clear.

The clever device delivering that instant insight: 50 icons, each shaped like the particular state they are centered on and sized to reflect the percentage of the federal lands in each particular state.

Back east, but even in the Midwest, those icons – colored red for better contrast – barely amount to a distant mirror of the state they’re modelled on. In those parts, the federal share of state territory rarely runs into the double digits. It even stays below 2% for the Top 10 states with the lowest percentage of federally owned land:Picture

The largest splotches of red are all in the 11 westernmost states of the Lower 48. The federal government’s enormous share of Alaska is only less obvious because as usual the largest state in the Union is shown in an inset map, at a much larger scale [3].

These red icons look like parasites, about to take over the body of the host. Take a look at poor Nevada, where non-public land is pushed out to a narrow band skirting the state’s borders – marginalized, in the most literal sense of the word. Even in most other western states, that ledge is not much wider than a toehold.

The Top 10 list of states with the highest percentage of federally owned land on this map looks like this:PICTURE

Both because of its enormous total size and its huge percentage of federal lands, Alaska alone represents almost half the government-owned area in the 10 most ‘federalised’ states combined. The only two western states falling out of the Top 10 are Montana (29.9%) and Washington state (30.3%).

What is all that federal land for? And exactly who is in charge?According to the Congressional Research Service [4], a total area of just under 610 million acres – more than twice the size of Namibia – is ==administered by no

more than 4 federal government agencies:==

 The United States Forest Service (USFS), which oversees timber harvesting, recreation, wildlife habitat protection and other sustainable uses on a total of 193 million acres – almost the size of Turkey – mainly designated as National Forests.

 The National Park Service (NPS) conserves lands and resources on 80 million acres – a Norway-sized area – in order to preserve them for the public. Any harvesting or resource removal is generally prohibited.

 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), managing 248 million acres [5] – an area the size of Egypt – has a multiple-use, sustained-yield mandate, supporting energy development, recreation, grazing, conservation, and other uses.

 the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages 89 million acres – an area slightly bigger than Germany – to conserve and protect animal and plant species.

https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/291-federal-lands-in-the-us/

>>22862495

=2/2==

The first agency is part of the Department of Agriculture, the latter three of the Department of the Interior. TheDepartment of Defense manages an additional 20 million acres – a bit larger than the Czech Republic – as military bases, testing and training grounds, etc.

Back to the map – apart from making its point in such an excellent manner, why is it so popular? The aforementioned Congressional Overview of Federal Land Ownership provides a broad outline of the answer:

“47% of the 11 coterminous western states [is federally owned]. By contrast, the federal government owns only 4% in the other states. This western concentration has contributed to a higher degree of controversy over land ownership and use in that part of the country”.

“Throughout America’s history, federal land laws have reflected two visions: keeping some lands in federal ownership while disposing of others. From the earliest days, there has been conflict between these two visions.

During the 19th century, many laws encouraged settlement of the West through federal land disposal. Mostly in the 20th century, emphasis shifted to retention of federal lands.”

That conflict came to a head very publicly last year with the case of Cliven Bundy, a Nevada rancher whose conflict with the Bureau of Land Management over grazing rights led to the federal government impounding his cattle [6].

But the federal government’s extra-extra-large involvement in the management of western lands is far more than a conflict about grazing, water, mining, logging and other development.It pits the principle of good stewardship of the land, for the welfare of present and future generations,against one of America’s foundational axioms: That government is best which governs least[7].

The former attitude requires a central government to assume authority, restrict access, punish rule-breakers – and increasingly so, since resource depletion is a growing threat.

The latter viewpoint holds government intervention to be the problem, not the solution, and the stated reasons for it – be it conservation or climate change – as convenient cover stories at best.

Two quotes from the story’s comments section illustrate the gap between the two extremes:

“It’s too late [to take back our country]. Jump ship and buy land in a poor undeveloped country, Start a farm and build a new community.”

“Or we could stop wasting time with this nonsense and get back to the real issues.”=

Ultimately, this map reverberates and keeps bouncing around the internet becauseit touches a divide in American politicsand wider society thatis about much more than land use. It pits libertarians versus federalists, with the gap between them increasing to such an extent that the former often seem to the latter to be no more than right-wing vigilantes, the latter to the former nothing less than world-government-promoting socialists. Until some middle ground emerges to bridge that divide, this map (and other incendiary devices) will continue to add fuel to the ideological fire.

[1] Remember the Joseph Stalin quote: “One death is a tragedy, one million is a statistic”. Not that one acre is a tragedy. But you catch our meaning.

[2] Oliver Platt as Hector Cyr in Lake Placid (1999).

[3] Contrary to intuition, map objects shrunk to fit in with others are shown at a larger, not a smaller scale. See the scales at the bottom: Alaska’s 500-mile line is 4 times shorter than the Lower 48’s. Meaning (a) that Alaska is shown 4 times smaller than the Lower 48; and (b) that if Alaska’s scale would have been as long as the other, it would have measured 2,000 miles – i.e. would measure a larger distance.

[4] Federal Land Ownership: Overview and Data

[5] The BLM is also responsible for subsurface mineral resources in areas totaling 700 million acres.

[6] The sentiment is often attributed to Jefferson, but the quote as such is from the opening lines of Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience.

[7] Mr. Bundy refused to pay $1.2 million in grazing fees to the BLM, arguing that the land his cattle uses belongs not to the federal, but the state government. In the spring of last year, BLM officials agreed to leave his property and release his cattle after hundreds of armed supporters showed up at the Bundy ranch. As the Washington Postrecently reported, the conflict remains unresolved.

https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/291-federal-lands-in-the-us/

>>22862513

Public LandsSenator Mike Lee

It is often said we now live in two Americas. Nowhere is that description truer than when it comes to land owned by the federal government.

In the United States east of the Rockies, the federal government owns just 4 percent of all land.But west of the Rockies, the federal government owns more than half of all land including almost two thirds of all land in Utah.

When an unelected and unaccountable bureaucracy owns and manages more than half the land in your state, that is a recipe for disaster.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Section 9 of the federal legislation that created Utah saidthat federally owned land within the state of Utah, “shall be sold by the United States subsequent to the admission of said state into the union.”

Similar language in enabling acts for Missouri and North Dakota were honored.Almost all of the federally owned land in those states was sold decades ago.

ButCongress has not honored that promise to sell federal land in Utah or most of the west. They should. Sen. Lee is fighting to make Congress keep that promise and to mitigate the damage the federal government is inflicting on rural communities in the meantime.

Amending the Great American Outdoors Act

In its current form, the Great American Outdoors Actenables the federal government to purchase new lands in perpetuitythrough the Land and Water Conservation Fund – spending massive amounts of moneywithout accountability, oversight, or any measures to make sure it can actually care for the land that it owns. This will only further grow the already vast federal estate, and will mean further devastating consequences for our lands and the people who live, work, and recreate on them.

Below are three amendments I have drafted to address some of the shortcomings of this legislation.

Reporting Requirements

State Approval for LWCF Acquisitions

Sale Prior to Acquisition

Speech: Floor Remarks Against Permanent Land Acquisition

Speech: The Great American Outdoors Act process is Broken

Antiquities Act Reform

Signed into law in 1906, the Antiquities Act gives the president the power to unilaterally designate tracts of federal land as “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest.”

The purpose of the law is to enable the Executive to act quickly to protect archeological sites on federal lands from looting, destruction, or vandalism.

But the Antiquities Act was designed to have limits. It instructs the president to restrict the designation of national monuments to the “smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”

This is not how President Clinton acted when created the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in 1996, and it is not how President Obama is threatening to act by creating a Bears Ears monument this year.

The American people deserve a voice in how federal land is managed. That is why Sen. Lee has offered an amendment to the Antiquities Act that would still allow the president to designate land as a monument, but then states and Congress would have to then ratify that decision before it could become permanent.

Lands Package: Myth v Fact Sheet

Oped: This bill is not the right move for Utah lands

Speech: "Or Utah"

Short term reauthorization

Or Utah

Payment in Lieu of Taxes

Land owned by the federal government is beyond local government jurisdiction, including taxing jurisdiction. This meansmany rural western counties lack the property tax basethat urban and eastern counties take for granted.

There is a program, “Payment in Lieu of Taxes,” that compensates rural counties for this lossof revenue, butCongress does not fully fundthis program every year.

Ultimately,Congress should honor its promise to sell federal land in western states. But until then, they should at least make rural counties financially whole.

https://www.lee.senate.gov/issue-lands

(It seems like the major problem is the Federal Government, in Congress, Senate and the Presidents have never honored their pledges, laws and other responsibilities to the states, when it comes to Federal Lands and whether they should own them in the first place.)

Trump War Room

@TrumpWarRoom

PRESIDENT TRUMP: "The markets are going to boom. The stock is going to boom. The country is going to boom — and the rest of the world wants to see is there any way they can make a deal."

2:56 PM · Apr 3, 2025

·33.6K Views

0:51

https://x.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1907869930130698402

Stellantis idles plants in Mexico and Canada due to tariffs

Published Thu, Apr 3 20259:49 AM EDT Michael Wayland1/2

Key Points

• Stellantis said it is pausing production at two assembly plants in Canada and Mexico as the company attempts to navigate President Donald Trump’s new round of 25% automotive tariffs.

• About 900 U.S.-represented employees at supporting plants will be temporarily laid off, in addition to about 4,500 hourly workers at the Canadian plant, Stellantis said.

• Ford Motor and General Motors also responded to the tariffs, but not by idling production.

DETROIT — Stellantis is pausing production at two assembly plants in Canada and Mexico as the company attempts to navigate President Donald Trump’s new round of 25% automotive tariffs, the company confirmed Thursday.The actions are the swiftest and most drastic by an automaker regarding the new tariffs, which took effect Thursday and are imposed on all vehicles imported to the U.S., including from Canada and Mexico.

Stellantis’ downtime starts Monday and isset for two weeksat the automaker’s Windsor Assembly Plant inOntario, Canada, and theentire month of Aprilat its Toluca Assembly Plant inMexico.

As a result of the pause in production, about 900 workers in the U.S. at supporting plants will be temporarily laid off, in addition to about 4,500 hourly workers at the Canadian plant, according to a company spokeswoman.

Workers at the plant in Mexico will still report to the facility but not produce vehicles due to their contract terms, the spokeswoman said.In an email to employees Thursday, Stellantis North American chief Antonio Filosa said the plant downtime is tied to the tariffs, as the company reviews its options.

“We are continuing to assess the medium- and long-term effects of these tariffs on our operations, but also have decided to take some immediate actions, including temporarily pausing production at some of our Canadian and Mexican assembly plants,” Filosa said. “Those actions will impact some employees at several of our U.S. powertrain and stamping facilities that support those operations.”

Shares of Stellantis closed Thursday at $10.21, down 9.4%. It’s the stock’s worst day since September. The Canadian plant produces the Chrysler Pacifica minivan and the recently released Dodge Charger Daytona EV. The Mexico plant produces the Jeep Compass SUV and Jeep Wagoneer S EV.

Unifor National President Lana Payne, whose union represents the Canadian workers, on Thursday condemned the tariffs and voiced concerns for her members.

“Unifor warned that U.S. tariffs would hurt auto workers almost immediately (Oh you mean likes the millions lost in America in the 80's, when their jobs were shipped to Canada and elsewhere, you mean those Union jobs?) and in this case the layoffs were announced before the auto tariff even came into effect,” she said in a release.

“Trump is about to learn howinterconnected the North American production system is the hard way, with auto workers paying the price for that lesson.” (It’s really funny they don’t think Trump understands every aspect of the tariffs, unions and government when it comes to auto tariffs, he’s been talking about this for almost 50 years.)

Filosa said the “current environment creates uncertainty,” but assured employees that the company, which continues to search for a new CEO, is “very engaged with all of our key stakeholders, including top government leaders, unions, suppliers and dealers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/03/stellantis-idles-plants-in-mexico-and-canada-due-to-tariffs.html

>>22862615

2/2

Halting production also will help Stellantislower vehicle inventory levels that have built up amid lackluster sales for many of its brands. Stellantis’ Detroit rivalsFord Motor and General Motorsalso responded to the tariffs,but not by idling production.

GM ups truck productionGM plans totemporarily increase pickup truck productionat a plant in Indiana. The increase in workers is in addition to those who the company was already hiring for the plant as supplemental workers to support summer breaks and time off for their regular employees, according to a person familiar with the plans. GM, in an emailed statement, confirmed the plans Thursdaywithout mentioning tariffs.

The Detroit automaker produces its crucial, highly profitable pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra at various plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. GM has not cut production at any plants as a result of the tariffs like Stellantis is doing, said the person, who was not authorized to speak to media.

Ford employee discount

Hours after Trump’s tariffs went into effect,Ford announced it will offer its employee discount to all customers. Ford said the sales program — ==running from April 3 through June 2 — includes “significant savings” but did not release exact details on the discounts.

The program, which it’s calling“From America, For America,”excludes some larger vehicles like the FordRaptor, 2025 FordExpedition, FordSuper Duty trucksandLincoln NavigatorSUVs.

“We understand that these are uncertain times for many Americans,” the company said in a statement. ==“We have the retail inventory to do this and a lot of choice for customers that need a vehicle.”

U.S. auto sales in the first quarter came in higher than expected as consumers flocked to buy cars ahead of auto tariffs taking effect, which many expect will lead to higher vehicle prices.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/03/stellantis-idles-plants-in-mexico-and-canada-due-to-tariffs.html

(Seems like some of these car and truck manufacturers took Trump seriously and others didn’t.)

Anons, if you are looking for deals, check out the Ford deal above.

Mike Pence to receive JFK Profile in Courage AwardKEKKITY, KEK, KEK KEK!

By Veronica Stracqualursi, CNN Published 1:37 PM EDT, Thu April 3, 2025

Former Vice President Mike Pence is this year’s recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for “putting his life and career on the line” in overseeing the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Thursday.

“Despite our political differences, it is hard to imagine an act of greater consequence than Vice President Pence’s decision to certify the 2020 presidential election during an attack on the U.S. Capitol,” the Foundation’sCaroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossbergsaid in a statement.

“Upholding his oath to the Constitution and following his conscience, the Vice President put his life, career, and political future on the line,” the pair continued.

The award, created in 1989, is presented to “public servants who have made courageous decisions of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences.”

The former Republican vice president said he’s “deeply humbled and honored to be the recipient” of the award, which he’ll be presented with in May.

“I have been inspired by the life and words of President John F. Kennedy since my youth and am honored to join the company of so many distinguished Americans who have received this recognition in the past,” Pence said in a statement.

Pence broke with his boss President Donald Trump in his decision to not overturn the 2020 election results while he was ceremonially overseeing Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s win on January 6, 2021.

Pence later said Trump’s “reckless words” that day, when a mob of the president’s supporters violently breached the US Capitol, “endangered” his family and others at the US Capitol. He ran against Trump in the 2024 GOP primary and continued defending his actions on January 6.

Past recipients of the award have been tied to “protecting democracy” against the efforts to overturn the election results, including Republican former Rep.Liz Cheney, Michigan Democratic Secretary of StateJocelyn Benson, former Arizona Republican House SpeakerRusty Bowersand Fulton County, Georgia, election workerWandrea “Shaye” Moss

(The worst of the worst get the awards, I hope they are proud of their Treason, I guess that award is for Neo Cons and liars, JFK would be ashamed of his family.What will happen when the “the full exposure of the 2020 election theft”?I’m sure they just do this to aggravate Trump, but little do they know, it would never bother him, because their are obviously petty creatures. It’s almost time for Pence to be exposed for his perverted pedo ways.)

https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/03/politics/mike-pence-jfk-profile-in-courage-award/index.html

3 Apr, 2025 20:47

US to skip Ukraine military aid meeting for first time – media

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will reportedly not attend the Ramstein group either virtually or in person

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will skip the next meeting of countries coordinating military support for Ukraine –the first such absence by a Pentagon chief– Defense News has reported, citing US and European officials.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, or UDCG – also known as the Ramstein group – is set toconvene in Brussels on April 11 for the 27th timesince the escalation of the conflict in 2022. Founded by Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin,the 50-nation coalitionhas provided more than $126 billion in military aid to Kiev, including F-16 fighter jets and large quantities of 155mm artillery shells.

An unnamed US official told the outlet on Wednesday thatHegseth would not attend in person and is not expected to join virtually either. The Pentagon is unlikely to send any senior representatives, who typically accompany the secretary on such trips, the official said.

Washington is still assessing how its officials will participatein various Ukraine-related forums,including those overseeing arms deliveries and training, according to the source.

Reacting to reports of Hegseth’s likely absence, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote ironically on Telegram:“The crew bids you farewell and wishes you a pleasant flight.”KEK

Hegseth attended the Ramstein group’s meeting in February but unlike Austin, did not chair the session.

According to the report,Austin missed only one in-person meetingduring his tenure – in early 2024 due to health issues – but joined virtually while a senior Pentagon official led the group. The US, which often hosted the meetings at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base, became closely associated with the format.

The US, Ukraine’s largest military donor, has since shifted its approach under President Donald Trump, who has called for Kiev to repay aid already delivered.

The Trump administration has signaled a broader policy shift, urging European allies to take the lead in supporting Ukraine and boosting their own military spending.

In Brussels in February, Hegseth told European officials they should take greater responsibility for their military posture instead of relying on Washington. He also ruled out the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine – a position confirmed by President Donald Trump.

https://www.rt.com/news/615207-pentagon-ukraine-military-aid-meeting/

(I think the message is to Ukraine, when you don’t participate in the ceasefire and still bomb and attack the infrastructure on Russia, especially when the US has put an amazing of amount expertise and energy into the peace talks; Zekelensky & Kiev prove they don’t won’t peace, but want war to continue. If you Ukraine are not interested in peace, we the US are not interested in discussing your country or giving you any more arms. Until you come to the table and honor your commitments, we will not spend another minute on your problems.And if you think we are joking, Fuck Around and Find Out!)

https://www.rt.com/news/615207-pentagon-ukraine-military-aid-meeting/

Excellent!

3 Apr, 2025 21:06

Russian MP sacked after skipping work for two years

The lawmaker has vowed to challenge the decision, insisting he has been sick and missed only about a week without a valid reason

A Russian MP has been stripped of his mandate after an internal probe at the State Duma, the country’s lower chamber of parliament, established he hasbeen skipping work for about two years, missing some 200 days without a valid excuse.

The lawmaker with Russia’s right-wing Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), Yuri Napso, was booted from the legislature on Wednesday, with thedecision backed by 345 MPs of the 450-strong body.The LDPR faction, as well as members of the Russian Communist Party (KPRF) largely abstained from voting.

It was determined that the legislator waseffectively absent from the Duma beginning in April 2023, and resided in the United Arab Emirates. Napso skipped about 200 workdays without having a valid reason. The mandate termination process can be launched after an MP has not attended a session for a total of 30 days.

“The decision comes into force on the day of its adoption. The State Duma strengthens accountability for work and attendance of the lawmakers, continuing to increase discipline. Each MP has a special legal status, which imposes responsibility and obligations,” the legislature stressed.

Napso, however, has rejected the decision, condemning it as “rushed” and not properly investigated, and promising to challenge it in court. Speaking to Russian daily RBK, the now formerlawmaker claimed the skipped work days must be consecutive to merit the revocation of his mandate.

“They have added up the days that were between unpaid leave and between sick leaves during remission. They have added them up, and it turned out to be more than 200 days,” Napso asserted, claiming he has only skipped a mere six workdays without a valid reason.

The impending dismissal of the lawmaker has been rumored since last October, when State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin reportedly tasked the legislature’s internal regulation and mandate commission to look into the affair. The situation has been also assessed by the legislature’s ethics commission, with head Vassily Piskarev strongly condemning the Napso’s behavior.

“The status of an MP, as a people’s representative, implies both great powers and special responsibility – to his voters, to the state and to his fellow lawmakers. In accordance with the law, failure of an MP to fulfill his duties for 30 or more calendar days is a reason for termination of his tenure,” Piskarev said earlier this year.

https://www.rt.com/russia/615212-work-skipping-mp-sacked/

This sounds like American Congress and Senate members, plus they take more vacations then school children.

Hey NATO and EU keep on challenging Trump and you will see what happens.

3 Apr, 2025 20:30

Trump tariffs breach NATO rules – Norway

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has said the new US trade policymay violatethe military bloc’s economic commitments

Recently imposed US tariffs could breach NATO’s founding principles by undermining economic cooperation among allies, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has said. He raised the issue during the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Thursday, public broadcaster NRK has reported.

The official reportedly pointed to Article 2 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which commits members to strengthen economic ties to foster peace and stability within the alliance. (They just have to drop their tariffs to foster peace and stability, but they didn’t, so your tariffs don’t threaten peace and stability, but the US’s do? Make that make sense.)

“If you want a strong NATO, you should ensure that there is as much economic growth as possible in the NATO countries,” NKR quoted him as saying.

“That was the insight of those who established NATO, that economic cooperation would be good for the entire alliance,” the diplomat added.

According to the outlet, Eide raised the matter directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the meeting, saying “We must be clear that protectionist measures between allies are a serious problem.”

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff increases on numerous trading partners, including NATO countries. Norway is among those affected, facing a 15% duty on selected exports to the United States.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told NKR on Thursday that ==Oslo would seek to negotiate with the US over the tariffs.

“This is bad news, it is very serious,” Store said. “There is an opening for negotiations here, the Americans say, and we will use that in every possible way that we can==,” he added.

Trump’s announcement has sparked concern across the EU, with several NATO allies voicing fears that the tariffs could harm both trade and alliance unity. French President Emmanuel Macron has called the tariffs “brutal and unfounded,” and warned that retaliation could include a digital tax on American tech companies.

(These supposed allies, never seem to concerned how their tariffs have harmed our country and people, it’s always about their rage of being exposed.)

https://www.rt.com/news/615208-us-violates-nato-rules/

3 Apr, 2025 16:11

‘Sit back and take it in’ – US treasury to tariff-hit nations

Secretary Scott Bessent has urged American trading partners not to retaliate against Washington’s new import taxes

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Washington’s trading partners not to retaliate against President Donald Trump’s latest set of tariffs.

Trump on Wednesday announced reciprocal tariffs on exports from countries around the world, part of what he has branded his ‘Liberation Day’ plan, raising fears of a global trade war.

Speaking to Fox News shortly after Trump’s announcement, Bessent said thatthe levies aimed to lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth.

“My advice to every country right now is do not retaliate,” Bessent said. “Sit back, take it in, let’s see how it goes.”

He warned that retaliation would lead to escalation.

Trump has framed his ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs as a way to restore balance to global trade. He has long accused foreign countries of abusing the openness of the US market and “ripping off” the American people.

The US will impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports starting April 5. Individual, reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 9. A separate 25% tariff on cars and trucks comes into force on April 3, with the same rate on auto parts to follow on May 3.

Countries targeted with reciprocal tariffs include China (34%), India (26%), Japan (24%), South Korea (25%) and South Africa (30%).Trump also imposed 20% duties on EU goods, calling the bloc’s members “very tough traders.”

World leaders have condemned the sweeping measures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday called them a “major blow to the world economy.”

“The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe,” she said, adding that while the EU is ready to negotiate, it is also prepared to respond with countermeasures. (The sky is falling anytime they don’t get their way.)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed the criticism, calling Trump’s decision “fundamentally wrong” and “an attack on a trade system.”

“We want cooperation, not confrontation, and will defend our interests,” Scholz said.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry urged the US to “immediately” lift unilateral tariffs and properly resolve trade disputes “through dialogue on an equal footing.”

“There are no winners in trade wars, and is no way out for protectionism,” the ministry said.

https://www.rt.com/business/615193-us-trump-tariffs-retaliation/

Why are none of them admitting they were the ones that did this to America for years, so they don't want an even playing field for bother continents?

3 Apr, 2025 21:28

Putin envoy visits Washington

Kirill Dmitriev said that the Trump administration “understands” Russia’s position

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, visited Washington on Thursday.He is the highest Russian official who traveled to the US since diplomatic contacts were suspended in 2022.

Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, previously participated in the Russian-US talks in Riyadh on February 18, where both sides agreed to start gradually normalizing the ties severed by the Biden administration.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, Dmitriev noted thatPresident Donald Trump and his team have a better understanding of Russia’s terms than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.

“We are seeing absolutely clearly that, unlike President Biden,the Trump administration is determined to resolve the whole spectrum of bilateral issues,”the diplomat said.

“They are very respectful. They are listening to Russia’s position, and are understanding Russia’s concerns.They are asking a lot of questions and finding compromises,” he added.

“Naturally, there are differences. But there is dialogue, which we believe will help to overcome these differences,” Dmitriev said.

The envoy said that he had discussions about restoring trade and normal business relations between the states. “Many American companies would like to replace European companies that have left Russia,” he said. Dmitriev stressed that Moscow is ready to work on business projects that would be beneficial to both countries.

He added that the sides talked about potential cooperation in the Arctic and the development of rare-earth minerals.“We are actively working on the resumption of direct flights”between Russia and the US, he said.

https://www.rt.com/news/615215-dmitriev-visits-us-talks/

Bidan and the EU’s goal was to dehumanize Putin and the Russian people, direct flights between Russia and the US will first of all piss off the EU, but the cooperation between the US and Russia, will remove that shameful, hateful thing these creatures did to all of the Russia, not just leadership. Trump Admin is working with Russia to reestablishment friendly ties and doing it with respect and understanding.

2 Apr, 2025 09:10

Belgian festival cancels ‘Russians at War’ film

Docville has dropped the documentary showing Russian soldiers’ perspectives after objections from the Ukrainian Embassy

The Docville documentary film festival in Belgium has canceled its screening of ‘Russians at War’after a formal request from the Ukrainian Embassy.

The festival said it made the decision “out of immense respect for the Ukrainian people.” However, it also defended its original choice to include the film, saying it aimed “to offer a platform to very different voices that often do not find their way into the mainstream.”

The documentary, filmed by director Anastasia Trofimova with Canadian government funding, follows Russian soldiers in the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. The former Ukrainian regions joined Russia after referendums in 2022.

Shot over seven months in 2023, the film features interviews with fighters and explores their personal experiences. Trofimova has said she aimed to present Russian troops in a way that differs from typical portrayals. “I think it’s important to tell this side of the story because there’s almost nothing from this side of the story,” she stated in an interview with Canadian magazine POV last year.

The film has drawn criticism in the West, where some claim it is soft on the Russian military. In 2024 Trofimova was listed on the notorious Ukrainian state-linked Mirotvorets (Peacemaker) database for “Russian propaganda.” The controversial database lists individuals who supposedly pose a threat to Ukrainian national security, and has been branded a ‘kill list’ due to the number of people featured on it who have died under suspicious circumstances.

In a statement, the Docville festival said it is “very difficult in times of disinformation and propaganda to gain insight into the story of Russian soldiers.”

‘Russians at War’ was previously screened in the non-competitive section of the Venice Film Festival. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) had also planned a screening in September 2024, but canceled it citing safety concerns after protests from Ukrainian groups.

It is the second film Docville has withdrawn from its program, following the earlier removal of ‘Not In My Country, Serbia’s Lithium Dilemma’. The documentary explored protests against a proposed lithium mine in Serbia, which President Aleksandar Vucic claimed was a plot against the government along the lines of the 2013-14 Western-backed coup in Kiev.

Docville said on its website it could no longer “guarantee the serenity of the screening and the debate.”Docville’s director, Frank Moens, called the situation unprecedented, saying that in the festival’s 21-year history, they had never had to withdraw a film.

https://www.rt.com/news/615130-belgian-festival-cancels-russians-documentary/

They should release this in America, I bet a lot of people would want to see it

2 Apr, 2025 07:52

US not ready to fight China – Trump’s pick for top general

The American military is unprepared to deter its adversaries, John Caine has said

The US military would be unprepared for a protracted war with China due to shortcomings in the defense industrial base, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff has said.

In his written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday – part of the confirmation process – retired Lieutenant General John Caine stressed that rivalry with China remains one of the most pressing issues facing the US.

”The threat posed by China to American interests in the Indo-Pacific is real and growing. The US needs to work with allies and partners to deter China’s aggression in this region,” he claimed.

He warned, however, that the US is not currently in a position to respond to the perceived threat.

“Unfortunately, at this critical moment, the Joint Force is contending with an acquisition process and defense industrial base that are not optimized for protracted conflict.

TheUS does not have the throughput, responsiveness, or agilityneeded to deter our adversaries,” Caine said.

Identifying the Indo-Pacific as a key theater for the US, the general remarked that the Chinese military “has made significant military improvements to include adjusting its military structures, fielding modern indigenous systems,” adding that“numerically, China has the largest navy in the world.”

He added, however, that Beijing “still has deficiencies in commander proficiency, long-distance logistics, urban warfare, and… modern warfare experience writ large.”

Caine also addressed the broader geopolitical landscape, arguing that whileChina, Russia, and North Korea are engaged in limited cooperation, “these countries are not acting as a bloc, nor are they trending toward a NATO-style alliance.”

The US and China are at odds over a number of issues, with tensions especially high over the self-governed island of Taiwan. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said that while Beijing would prefer “a peaceful reunification” with what it considers a breakaway province, it has not ruled out the use of force to accomplish this.

Beijing has accused Washington of being “obsessed with suppressing China,” warning that this will only hurt the US.

https://www.rt.com/news/615125-us-isnt-ready-fight-china/

2 Apr, 2025 01:30

Trump national security team used Gmail for government matters – WaPo

Top presidential adviser Mike Waltz reportedly kept “potentially exploitable” information on his private email

Members of the US National Security Council (NSC), including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, have used personal Gmail accounts to discuss sensitive government information, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing obtained emails and three people familiar with the matter.

The report comes after Waltz accidentally added a journalist to a Signal chat group in which Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other senior officials discussed US strikes in Yemen.

According to the Post,a senior Waltz aide used Gmailfor “highly technical conversations” with colleagues, which included “sensitive military positions and powerful weapons systems relating to an ongoing conflict.” (So Waltz wasn't involved.)

The Post cited officials as saying that Waltz had“potentially exploitable information”sent to his Gmail account andposted parts of his scheduleinto Signal to coordinate meetings and discussions.

Officials are normally required to use secure government-issued means of communication.

NSC spokesman Brian Hughes told the Post thatWaltz “didn’t and wouldn’t send classified information on an open account.”He added that when “legacy contacts” were emailing Waltz, he always copied the messages to his government email “to ensure compliance with records retention.”

Hughes said that NSC staff are instructed to use “only secure platforms for classified information.”

In a statement to Fox News,Hughes said he could not verify the Post’s claimsbecausethe journalist “refused to share any part of the document reported.”

The Democrats have criticized the administration of President Donald Trump for using the Signal chat app when discussing the bombing of Houthi positions in Yemen last month. According to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, he was added to a group in which Hegseth shared the timeline of the March 15 strikes, as well as the weapons systems used in the operation.

Hegseth and other White House officials have denied that any classified information was shared in the chat with Goldberg. Trump has rejected the calls to dismiss Waltz. “I don’t fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts,” he told NBC News on Saturday.

https://www.rt.com/news/615118-waltz-gmail-email-report/

WAPO making up lies to start more bullshit and try to interfere with Trump and Team, if they are found lying about this Waltz or his team, should sue WAPO.