Happy Friday and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on politics throughout the world. Let’s break it down.
Trump Unveils “Freedom 250” Plans for America’s 250th Birthday….Donald Trump announced sweeping plans for a 2026 celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday, branding it “Freedom 250” and promising the “most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen.” The White House says events will run from June 25 to July 10 and include a massive fireworks display on the National Mall, a “Spirit of America” parade honoring fallen soldiers, a Great American State Fair with all 50 states represented, and a multi-day “Patriot Games” athletic competition for high school students. Trump also teased a UFC fight on the White House grounds on Flag Day—his 80th birthday—and continued promoting new construction projects in Washington, including a proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. The rollout comes as the administration looks to shift focus from Trump’s low approval ratings, particularly on the economy, toward a high-profile patriotic spectacle.
Common Sense takeaway: More ridiculous optics and distractions that will cost taxpayers. The weirdest part about this is the “Patriot Games” is strikingly similar to the Hunger Games. Two students from each state and territory will compete in athletic games and one will be crowned a “victor.” The only difference is in the Hunger Games, they fought to the death. Let’s just hope that he doesn’t get any more ideas from this movie.
DOJ Begins Massive Release of Epstein Files….The Justice Department is set to release hundreds of thousands of documents tied to investigations into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a congressional deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Officials say more records will be released in the coming weeks, with extensive redactions to protect victims’ identities. DOJ leaders stress the review process has been slow and meticulous, involving scores of attorneys, to ensure victims are not exposed and active investigations aren’t jeopardized. The release comes amid political pressure and renewed scrutiny, after Donald Trump signed the transparency bill into law and directed further investigations into Epstein’s high-profile associates. While no new charges are expected immediately, DOJ officials say investigations remain ongoing—ensuring the Epstein case, and the questions surrounding it, are far from over.
Common Sense takeaway: Today is the day. At 3:00pm ET, thousands of documents from the Epstein Files will be released. They want us to move on from these quickly and forget about them over the holidays. Don’t look away, don’t move on. All eyes on the files.
White House Claims Kennedy Center Renamed “Trump-Kennedy Center”….The White House says the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—now chaired by Donald Trump and stacked with his appointees—voted unanimously to rename the landmark the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” The announcement immediately raised legal red flags, as federal law designates the building in honor of John F. Kennedy, and experts say congressional approval would be required to change its name. Democrats on the board dispute the White House’s account, saying opposition was silenced during the vote and calling the move illegal. The controversy comes as ticket sales reportedly decline and major artists cancel performances since Trump took over the center—undercutting administration claims that he has “saved” the institution financially and culturally.
Common Sense takeaway: This is just another ridiculous, self-serving move by the narcissist-in-chief. This is what he’s focused on—not the economy, not jobs, not healthcare. The biggest problem here is this was done extremely unethically and will almost certainly be reversed in the near future. Also, why does adding the Trump name to anything immediately make it 10x tackier?
Putin Claims Momentum in Ukraine as Peace Talks Stall….Vladimir Putin claimed Russia has “fully seized the strategic initiative” in Ukraine, saying Moscow’s forces are advancing and will make further gains by year’s end. Speaking at his tightly controlled annual call-in show, Putin expressed confidence that the Kremlin’s military goals would be achieved, even as Russia’s progress remains slow and costly. The remarks come as Donald Trump pushes a U.S.-backed effort to end the war, now nearing its fourth year. Putin said Russia is open to peace talks—but only on Moscow’s terms, including international recognition of territory Russia has seized, such as Crimea, and additional Ukrainian withdrawals—conditions Kyiv has firmly rejected.
Common Sense takeaway: Putin has now warned the U.S. that Moscow will try to extend its gains in Ukraine if Kyiv and its Western allies reject his demands. So much for peace. The only way to deal with Putin is treat him like the liar and murderer that he is. Kissing his butt will never, ever work. (See: Donald and Putin’s relationship).
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back on Monday for more.
yeah BUT they are NOT releasing all the files, some soon, some weeks from now, and some months from now. Deliberately violating the law. Welcome to totalitarianism.
Because , as you so eloquently put it, the NARCISSIST-IN-CHIEF IS TACKY!! Thanks Ally for your brevity and levity!