No Peace and More Distractions

8.11.25

Happy Monday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco-your one stop shop for all the latest happenings in the U.S. Let’s break down the news from this weekend in politics and entertainment.

Trump Floats “Federal Takeover” of D.C.—Again….Donald Trump is talking about a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., claiming the capital has gone “totally out of control”—despite violent crime falling by roughly 26% this year. He’s dispatched hundreds of federal agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, and U.S. Marshals to high-traffic areas and is even floating deployment of the National Guard. He’s also suggested revoking the city’s current Home Rule, which hands much of D.C.’s governance to local officials, a move that could upend years of self-governance. Legal experts have pointed out that such maneuvers would require congressional action and could trigger court battles.

Common Sense take: Trump’s talk of a federal takeover of D.C. is less about safety and more about showing force. With violent crime down and legal hurdles in place, this move is just political grandstanding that threatens local democracy more than it protects citizens (and is an obvious a distraction from Epstein).

EU & NATO Back Zelensky Amid Trump–Putin Summit Plans….Ukrainian President Zelensky won firm support from the EU and NATO as concerns mounted over the upcoming Trump–Putin summit scheduled for August 15—all without Ukraine being present. Zelensky made it clear: “No peace without us.” European leaders are insisting any deal safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty. They warn that excluding Ukraine from the talks risks legitimizing Russian aggression and undermining regional security.

Vance: Peace Deal Won’t Please Anyone—and U.S. Is Now Setting Up Tri-Party Talks….Vice President J.D. Vance cautioned that any negotiated ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would likely leave both sides unhappy. The U.S. is working to organize talks that include Putin, Zelensky, and Trump—though Putin meeting Ukraine's leader first is off the table. Officials say the effort faces steep diplomatic hurdles but could mark the first direct engagement between all three leaders.

Common Sense take: Trying to broker peace without Ukraine at the table is setting the stage for failure. Vance’s tri-party talks sound promising, but leaving out key voices and ignoring diplomatic realities means this deal is more likely to disappoint than deliver.

Trump Wants UCLA to Pay $1 Billion to Resume Federal Funding….Trump is demanding $1 billion from UCLA as a ransom to restore $584 million in frozen federal research grants. The administration insists this massive payment will settle alleged civil rights violations tied to antisemitism, affirmative action, and protest policies. The proposed deal also includes policy overhauls—like ending identity-based scholarships and banning overnight encampments. UCLA's leadership calls the number “devastating,” and Governor Gavin Newsom branded it “political extortion” and vowing to take the state to court.

Common Sense take: Trump’s $1 billion demand from UCLA isn’t about justice—it’s a political power grab disguised as a settlement. Using federal funding as leverage to force policy changes is extortion that threatens academic freedom and the future of vital research.

The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Jesse McCartney reunited…..At the Jonas Brothers’ tour kickoff last night in New Jersey, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Jesse McCartney shared the stage yesterday for a nostalgic performance that had fans (including me) feeling like the world was healing. The rare gathering of the artists brought together some of the era’s most iconic voices and sent us straight back to the 2000s—a simpler time.

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading! Subscribe now to read tomorrow’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco.