Remembering
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The Brew: Trump Goes for the Deep State Jugular: Appoints Gaetz as AG and Gabbard for DNI

By Al Perrotta Published on November 14, 2024

Happy Wednesday!

The news is flying fast, so let’s just get to it.

The key theme? Donald Trump is not playing around this time.

Firebrand Rep. Matt Gaetz Named Attorney General

If you were hoping someone would take a sledgehammer to the corrupted Department of Justice and FBI, you’re in luck. President-Elect Donald Trump, in another “Wow, my gosh” selection, has picked Florida’s firebrand Congressman Matt Gaetz to be U.S. Attorney General.

Said Trump: “Matt will end weaponized government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore Americans’ badly shattered faith and confidence in the Justice Department.”

Gaetz has become famous — or infamous, depending on your leanings — for vivisecting smug DOJ/FBI and administration officials during House hearings.

If you thought the selection of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary sent the Swamp into a frenzy, Gaetz as Attorney General has got the place in a state of apoplexy.

I pray nobody at the DOJ suffocates while getting crushed in the stampede for the exits.

The Federalist’s Sean Davis spells out why the DOJ so desperately needs reformation.

The big question: Will a congressman who has made so many enemies among Republican establishment types even be able to get confirmed? Gaetz will definitely face a tough road to that once the Senate gets its collective jaw off the floor. Already, liberal GOP Senator Susan Collins has announced her opposition to Gaetz.

Tulsi Gabbard Named Director of National Intelligence

Currently, the U.S. intelligence community consists of 18 agencies within the federal government. And come January 20, they’re all going to have to answer to Tulsi Gabbard.

The former congresswoman, Democratic presidential candidate, and current lieutenant colonel in the National Guard has been selected by Trump to be the new director of the Department of National Intelligence. The DNI is the executive head of the United States Intelligence Community and directs the National Intelligence Program.

Do you think she isn’t going to make heads roll? Gabbard was placed on a TSA terrorist watch list earlier this year for making a smart remark about Kamala Harris.

Tweet of the Day:

It’s Official: Marco Rubio Will Be America’s Next Secretary of State

Trump officially announced that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will be his Secretary of State.

“He will be a strong advocate for our nation, a true friend to our allies, and a fearless warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” he said.

Imagine hopping in a time machine, landing in 2016, and then going backstage after one of the ugly early debates of primary season. “Pssst. Hey, Marco,” you say. “You know that guy who’s calling you names and you’re attacking as well? In January 2025, you will become his Secretary of State when he starts his second term.”

“Wait. So he loses to Hillary, and comes back to win two terms?” he asks.

“Well … that’s not quite how it works out.”

Ballgame: Networks Finally Call House of Representatives for the Republicans. GOP Controls All of Congress

It’s taken a week, but CNN, NBC News, and ABC News have now all conceded that Republicans have retained control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Trump will, indeed, have a GOP-controlled House and Senate to enact his agenda.

Biden and Trump Meet for 90 Minutes

Trump and Joe Biden met for 90 minutes, a half hour longer than scheduled, yesterday in the Oval Office. Afterward, Trump told the New York Post in a phone interview that they “both enjoyed seeing each other.”

“You know, it’s been a long, it’s been a long slog,” he said. “It’s been a lot of work on both sides, and he did a very good job with respect to campaigning and everything else. We really had a really good meeting.”

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The two discussed the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, on which they differ.

“I asked for his views and he gave them to me,” Trump said. “Also, we talked very much about the Middle East, likewise. I wanted to know his views on where we are and what he thinks. And he gave them to me, he was very gracious.”

Added Trump, “We got to know each other again.”

This shot of the two of them beaming? Priceless.

How about this friendly shot with Jill Biden?

Report: Iran Having Second Thoughts About Striking Israel Again in Wake of Trump’s Victory

The Trump Effect is already being felt around the world.

According to a report from Sky News, Iran is holding off on its vowed third attack on Israel in the wake of Trump’s win. Sources within Iran told the outlet, “The Iranian response against Israel is postponed until negotiations with President Trump begin.”

When asked about the report, Israeli spokesman David Mencer said, “An Iran that is deterred from attacking Israel is a good thing.”

Thanksgiving Two Weeks Away: Will the Liberals in Your Life Refuse to Break Bread With You?

What’s worse? Being a poor loser or bragging about it to the world?

A cheerful fellow who goes by @OhRick4 on social media celebrated the way he recently hurt his aunt, who had kindly inquired about his plans for Thanksgiving. He told her, “I have no space in my life for those who could care less about the United States.”

This comes after The View’s Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg agreed with a Yale psychiatrist’s advice for those who are upset over the election to avoid spending the holiday with Trump-supporting relatives. Hostin said it’s a “moral” issue. (She supported Tim Walz and Willie Brown’s mistress, and she wants to talk about morals? OK.)

Whoopi at least shared the rational perspective that coming together so soon after a bitter election might not be wise, due to the inevitable tension.

“You know, there are certain things you don’t have to put your family in the middle of it,” she said. “You can have dinner at another point, but it might not be the time to gather, because you know there’s going to be some tension.”

What do you think? Still planning to share Thanksgiving with those who voted differently than you? Have you had any liberal friends or family treat you the way this guy treated his aunt? Some of you may be thinking, “What’s the problem? There’s always family tension at our Thanksgivings!” Others are thinking, “Great. More turkey for me.”

By the way, what would cause more friction in your family: a discussion of politics or whether fresh versus jellied cranberry sauce is better?

Along the Stream

Wanda Alger warns us that despite the relative peace after the election right now, “They’re Just Waiting for an Opportune Time.”

Yesterday’s serving of Al’s Afternoon Tea chewed over the selection of Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency.

 

Al Perrotta is The Stream’s Washington bureau chief, coauthor with John Zmirak of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration, and coauthor of the counterterrorism memoir Hostile Intent: Protecting Yourself Against Terrorism.