Happy Thursday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.
DOJ Launches Criminal Probe Into E. Jean Carroll….The Department of Justice has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation. The probe is focused on whether Carroll committed perjury during the civil cases that resulted in nearly $90 million in judgments against Trump. The investigation is being led by U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself due to his prior work representing Trump. Democrats say the move is part of a broader pattern of the Trump DOJ targeting perceived political enemies while Trump continues trying to overturn the Carroll rulings in court.
Common Sense Takeaway: Serious question, what the hell ever happened to an independent DOJ? Is that a long lost fever dream now? I am sick that our government is going after this woman. This is not what government resources should be used for—ever. Not taxpayer dollars and not campaign dollars. This is a perfect example of why women don’t come forward about sexual assault or sexual harassment. Fear of retaliation—and in this case, retaliation being directed by the most vengeful man in America.
Inflation Rises Again as Iran Conflict Drives Gas Prices Higher….Inflation climbed for a second straight month in April, hitting 3.8% year-over-year as the Iran conflict pushed gasoline prices sharply higher and squeezed household budgets, according to new federal data. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge—has now risen from 2.8% in February to its highest level since May 2023. The report also shows growing pressure on consumers, with the savings rate falling to 2.6%, its lowest since 2022. Meanwhile, gas prices have surged nearly 48% since the war began, with the national average reaching $4.42 per gallon.
Common Sense Takeaway: Hello?? Is anyone paying attention to this?? While Donald is fixated on his ballroom and UFC cage, Americans are getting DROWNED by inflation and gas prices due to his war of choice in Iran. Have Republicans become blind and deaf suddenly? No no, they just only care about the economy when a Democrat is in charge!
Trump Tariff Refunds Top $20 Billion After Supreme Court Ruling….A new court filing shows the Trump administration has issued $20.6 billion in tariff refunds so far, following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of President Donald Trump’s tariffs as illegal. Tens of thousands of U.S. businesses are now recovering payments through a federal refund process, with major companies including Walmart, Apple, Costco, Home Depot, and General Motors among those filing claims. Walmart said it expects about $2.4 billion in refunds and may use the savings to lower prices for consumers. While some logistics firms like UPS, FedEx, and DHL plan to pass refunds directly back to customers, most companies are unlikely to retroactively reimburse shoppers who already paid higher prices.
Common Sense Takeaway: That last sentence is the key. Consumers get the short end of the stick once again. We paid the higher prices and now CORPORATIONS get to keep the profits. Once again, Republicans put billion dollar companies over people. And no, of course they are not going to use the savings to lower prices. Executives are going to keep the savings to buy a third boat on the Amalfi coast! We should be making this a MUCH, MUCH bigger deal.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.
Drump just cannot say I was wrong or I lost. How sad. This man is our president.