Muslim Ban Part 2

6.4.25

Happy Wednesday, friends, and welcome back to Common Sense, your source for news and analysis on the circus that is American politics and entertainment.

Trump decides, as of today, all people from 12 countries are a threat to America… This one bears strong resemblance to Trump's first-term Muslim ban, which was overturned by the courts and then rewritten to not say “Muslim.” NBC News reports, “President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday that bans nationals from a dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti and the Republic of Congo, from entering the United States, framing the travel ban as necessary to fortify national security and building upon one of the most contentious policies of his first term… Trump banned nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.”

Trump Administration aims to cut rental assistance while pushing more tax breaks for ultra-wealthy… NPR reports, “The Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to limit the amount of time people can get federal rental subsidies and add work requirements as a condition of funding, according to an internal document seen by NPR. Only a few local housing authorities currently have the authority granted by Congress to impose such restrictions if they choose. The agency is writing a rule that would vastly expand that number — bypassing Congress in the process. A HUD spokesperson offered no confirmation or details on the proposal, but pointed to the two-year time limit in President Trump's recent budget proposal, ‘which will be immensely helpful to empower families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence.’”

Crippling new sanctions against Russia gain bipartisan momentum in both chambers… Well this is not one we expected. Donald Trump has personal business interests in Russia and a mancrush on Vladimir Putin, so he is not publicly calling for more sanctions against Russia. However, Republicans are introducing a strong sanctions package with bipartisan support (and the strong backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky) that have the potential to pass by overwhelming – even veto-proof majorities. The package is sponsored by Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who visited Kyiv recently. Republican leaders of both the House and Senate have committed to hold votes. Graham’s legislation is co-sponsored by more than 80 of 100 U.S. Senators. (The latest developments from The Hill)

Trump issues order revoking Harvard international student visas, because he hates the world and smart people…. The Guardian reports, “Donald Trump signed a proclamation to restrict foreign student visas at Harvard University, the White House said on Wednesday. The proclamation is the US president’s latest attempt to choke the Ivy League school from an international pipeline that accounts for a quarter of the student body, and a further escalation in the White House’s fight with the institution. In an executive order signed on Wednesday, Trump declared that it would jeopardize national security to allow Harvard to continue hosting foreign students on its campus.”

Bonus stories:

New York City mayoral candidates debate… (NBC News)
Trump aims to nix California high-speed rail funding… (Politico)

Today’s Furry Friend

What could possibly be cuter than the rescue of 10 baby ducklings?

Today’s Buzz

Will Ferrell aims to turn Netflix Eurovision film into Broadway musical… The Hollywood Reporter writes, “Eurovision may be turned into a Broadway musical. Producer Lia Vollack is creating a new musical based on the Netflix’s 2020 film, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which starred Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. Ferrell will write the book for the musical, alongside his co-writer on the film, Harper Steele, with whom he also stars in the documentary Will & Harper, and with Anthony King, who wrote the book for the Beetlejuice musical. The show will feature music by Savan Kotecha, who was the executive music producer on the film, and will be directed by Moulin Rouge! and Just In Time director Alex Timbers. The producers did not give a production timeline for the show.”

Thanks for reading, and check back tomorrow evening for the next edition of Common Sense.