Happy Monday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on politics. Let’s break it down.
Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Feud Goes Nuclear….The feud between Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene exploded this weekend, turning into one of the most public GOP meltdowns of the year. After Greene criticized the administration’s handling of the Epstein investigation — and questioned Trump’s focus on foreign affairs—Trump withdrew his endorsement, mocked her as “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Greene,” and said he’d back a primary challenger. Greene fired back, accusing Trump of unleashing a wave of threats against her, including hoax pizza deliveries and a pipe bomb threat, calling his attacks a “dog whistle” that could lead to violence. Trump dismissed her concerns outright, saying, “I don’t think anybody cares about her.” The clash stems from Greene’s push to release the Epstein files—a move Trump and his team have been trying to block. Greene says that’s exactly why he’s coming after her so viciously.
Common Sense takeaway: Four words: We told you so. Marjorie has been aware of Trump’s cruel, vindictive nature for a long time but she has chosen to look past it. Now when she becomes the victim, she wants to put an end to the harsh political rhetoric. Marjorie, I appreciate that you are willing to speak up now, but the writing has been on the wall for a long time. Donald Trump has loyalty to no one, including you.
Trump Suddenly Supports Releasing the Epstein Files — After Trying to Block the Vote….After the public feud with MTG, Donald Trump is now urging House Republicans to vote yes on releasing the full Epstein files—despite spending weeks working with Speaker Mike Johnson to stop that vote from ever happening. It’s unclear why, but there plenty of theories already swirling. The reversal came after four Republicans joined Democrats to force the measure onto the House floor, including Rep. Lauren Boebert, whom the White House privately pressured to back down. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, co-sponsoring the bill, says he expects a “deluge” of Republican support, warning colleagues that voting against transparency now means being remembered as protecting pedophiles later—and not even Trump can shield them from that.
Common Sense takeaway: This quick 180 by Trump screams calculated. I think there a couple different possible explanations to consider: he knows the files will be released inevitably and doesn’t want to look guilty, the files have been destroyed or doctored in his favor, or the DOJ will declare that the files cannot be released for some reason or another.
Epstein Survivors Demand Full Release of Files….A powerful new PSA from the anti-trafficking group World Without Exploitation features Epstein survivors holding photos of their younger selves and calling on Congress to release the full Epstein files. “It’s time to shine a light into the darkness,” they say, urging the public to pressure lawmakers ahead of this week’s House vote on compelling the DOJ to release all records. The White House continues to insist the documents “prove absolutely nothing,” even as survivors stand firm: five administrations later, they’re still fighting to be heard. Survivors will be on Capitol Hill Tuesday with Reps. Massie, Khanna, and Greene to continue demanding transparency.
Common Sense takeaway: These are the women that we should be focused on. These are the people that endured the abuse of Jeffrey Epstein and other pedophiles. Somewhere along the way, we lost the plot, but we need to get back to it. These girls were real, their stories are horrifying, and we should listen to them.
Immigration Crackdown Hits Charlotte….At least 130 people were arrested in Charlotte over the weekend during DHS’s latest immigration sweep, Operation Charlotte’s Web. The move has sparked local protests, including a high school walkout, and closures of small businesses after agents confronted residents. The action comes as the Supreme Court prepares to review a major Trump-era asylum policy, and Democrats warn that the operation is politically motivated despite falling local crime rates. North Carolina doesn’t have long-term detention facilities, so detainees are being moved to Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, and Folkston ICE Processing Center in Folkston, Georgia.
Common Sense takeaway: The Mayor of Charlotte and the District Attorney that has jurisdiction over Charlotte need to take action and make it clear that they will prosecute any federal agents that break the law. It’s not enough to hope that these untrained ICE agents will kindly start to make their way home. ICE doesn’t care if the crime rate is down, they are going to destroy families and communities at any chance they get.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense. Check back tomorrow for more.
Yep. The situation room mtg last week came up with a plan. Wonder if some or any of the fired FBI agents made some copies…..
This comment refers back to a press conference last week during which Karolyn Leavitt claimed that the Democrats released the Epstein Emails provide by his estate right before the elections because, she claimed, "there are no coincidences in Washington!" I would agree and was not surprised, but quite disappointed that none of the press followed up her statement by asking for her take/explanation on how Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a Club Fed one day after meeting with Todd Blanche. Coincidence? Not according to her I would think!!