Happy Thursday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on U.S. politics. Let’s break it down.
U.S. Sanctions Russian Oil Companies….The Trump administration announced tough new sanctions on Russia’s oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil Wednesday, marking the most aggressive U.S. action against Moscow’s energy sector since the war in Ukraine. These two firms alone account for about 5% of global oil output and nearly half of Russia’s seaborne exports. The sanctions sparked nearly a 5% jump in oil prices, as major buyers such as India and China reevaluate their Russian imports. India’s largest buyer of Russian crude, for example, is already reviewing supplies tied to Rosneft and Lukoil.
Common Sense takeaway: Good. We need more of this type of action taken against Russia. Vladimir Putin has pulled a fast one on Trump so many times, it’s about to time he stood up to him—if not for Ukraine or the U.S., but for himself.
Shutdown Prioritizes Security, Leaves Civil Servants Out to Dry….As the U.S. government shutdown wears on, the White House revealed a new payment plan: security, border-force and intelligence personnel will continue to receive paychecks, while many civilian federal workers remain furloughed without pay. Legal experts warn this could violate appropriations law and worsen morale issues across the federal workforce. The decision effectively draws a line between “essential enforcement” and everyone else, despite no clear reason why.
Common Sense takeaway: Cherrypicking “essential” workers based on your own personal agenda is so backwards and counterproductive. Either pay all of our federal workers or don’t. 20+ year employees of the DOT shouldn’t be forced to go without pay while ICE agents who just got hired receive paychecks.
Trump Pardons Crypto Mogul Changpeng Zhao…President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of the crypto giant Binance, after Zhao’s conviction for failing to maintain anti-money-laundering controls at the exchange. Zhao served about four months in prison following a $4.3 billion settlement. The White House statement framed it as the end of the “war on crypto,” even though federal regulators had been targeting Binance for years. This pardon also follows reports that the Trump family’s crypto venture was in talks to take a stake in Binance’s U.S. arm.
Common Sense takeaway: More pardons for personal favors. Whatever norms and traditions that were once held around pardons are long gone under this administration. It’s tit for tat now and a giant “f*** you” to the justice system.
Trump Walks Back Prior Statement; Plans to Demolish Entire East Wing….Crews have continued their demolition of the East Wing of the White House, clearing space for President Trump’s planned 90,000-square-foot, $250 million ballroom. Trump has walked back prior statements saying the existing White House structure wouldn’t be affected. Despite zero formal approval from oversight commissioners, the plan is in motion. The project replaces historic offices used by First Ladies and foreign dignitaries and is allegedly being funded in part by names tied to the Trump circle.
Common Sense takeaway: Republicans keep trying to justify this unvetted project by saying other presidents also made renovations to the White House. The only difference is prior presidents got Congressional approval before making any changes! Pretending to not see is the difference is willful ignorance.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.
The Russian sanctions are full of loopholes and are essentially worthless. American firms don’t trade with those Russian oil companies and for everyone else it’s a warning, not a sanction.
I am truly sad at what is happening to the White House. Why does he get away with everything??!!