Looks like the demoncraps are starting to throw shit at the wall and see what sticks.

Stephen A. Smith: Possible '28 Run Based on 'Rudderless' Dems

https://www.newsmax.com/politics/stephen-a-smith-2028-white-house/2025/04/13/id/1206782/

Sunday, 13 April 2025 09:02 PM EDT

ESPN Sportscaster Stephen A. Smith announced on Sunday he was considering a 2028 run at the White House based on the poor showing of Democrats as well as the Republicans.

Smith told ABC's "This Week" he was considering a bid at the presidency based on fielding calls from "billionaires," "elected officials," "pundits," and most notably his "pastor."

"I couldn't be happier" with life right now, Smith said. But "people have walked up to me, including my own pastor for crying out loud, who has said to me, 'You don't know what God has planned for you. At least show the respect to the people who believe in you, who respect you, who believe that you can make a difference in this country to leave the door open for any possibilities two to three years down the line.'"

Smith then jumped on the rumors that the 22nd Amendment was going to be circumvented, making way for a possible third Trump term.

"And then you're talking about circumventing the 22nd Amendment, and you think that's cool? No way. That's not something that we should stand for."

"So I would hope somebody else would step up that's more qualified than me, but if it has to come down to me, it is something I would consider. Yes, I would. I don't mind tussling with these folks at all on the left or the right. All of them disgust me, to be quite honest with you."

China Suspends Exports of Rare Earth Minerals, Magnets

https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/china-exports-rare-earth-minerals/2025/04/13/id/1206771/

Sunday, 13 April 2025 06:38 PM EDT

China has suspended exports of rare earth minerals and magnets used by auto manufacturers and military contractors, among others, in retaliation for President Donald Trump's 145% tariffs on the country, The New York Times reported Sunday.

China halted the exports while it crafts a new regulatory system that would require special export licenses, according to the report. The Chinese could permanently stop exports to certain companies, including U.S. military contractors, the Times reported.

The Times also reported that China has barely started on its new system, a process that if drawn out, could see global supplies dwindle given that China has a monopoly on the world's supply of heavy rare earth metals, according to the report. China also produces 90% of the world's rare earth magnets, according to the report.

Of particular concern is the impact on U.S. military contractors, one mining leader told the Times.

"Drones and robotics are widely considered the future of warfare, and based on everything we are seeing, the critical inputs for our future supply chain are shut down," CEO of MP Materials Corp. James Litinsky told the Times.

The suspension comes roughly 10 days after China placed export restrictions on rare earth elements that are also vital in the production of smartphones and electric car batteries. Samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium-related items were put on an export control list on April 4.

That was a response to Trump's tariffs that went into effect on April 2. Since then, Trump escalated tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. China retaliated by placing 125% tariffs on U.S. imports.