At first glance, the story I’m going to tell you may seem only obliquely related to the enormous challenge we face in how to prevent the Trump-Musk criminal syndicate from dismantling our government, but hang in there. because I promise there is a link, and it is a hopeful one.
Back in December, I posted a piece called “A Wrinkle in Time,” which discussed an expose published by the Guardian, entitled “Revealed: the US government-funded ‘private social network’ attacking pesticide critics.”
The Guardian article revealed the existence of a private portal used by the agrochemical industry and its allies in government to maintain detailed profiles of anyone they deemed anti-pesticide,
This included a “wide range of personal information about hundreds of individuals from around the world deemed a threat to industry interests.” Gathering this data was financed, in part, by US taxpayer dollars ”to downplay pesticide dangers, discredit opponents and undermine international policymaking.”
Investigative reporters know that simply thing a light on something unsavory is sometimes enough to have an impact and that is exactly what happened in this matter.
Yesterday the Guardian reported: US-funded ‘social network’ attacking pesticide critics shuts down after Guardian investigation.” The original expose had prompted a widespread backlash, which forced the operators of the network to stop what they had been doing.
So here is the link to the larger dilemma facing those of us who want to stop Trump and Musk from succeeding in demolishing the federal government. We need investigative reporters who will expose the illegality and immorality and provoke a public backlash that will force them to stop.
It may seem like a long shot, but just in the past few days, three new investigations have showed up in the daily list of headlines I aggregate. All three have the potential to help motivate members of the public to resist the destruction of our democracy.
Elon Musk’s Enemy, USAID, Was Investigating Starlink’s Contracts in Ukraine (Gizmodo). Is this why Musk targeted USAID?
In chaotic Washington blitz, Elon Musk’s ultimate goal becomes clear. Shrink government, control data and -- according to one official closely watching the billionaire’s DOGE -- replace “the human workforce with machines.” (WP)
Revealed: how a shadowy group of far-right donors is funding federal employee watchlists. Project 2025 architects are among those behind the American Accountability Foundation and their blacklists targeting people of color (Guardian)
It will take a lot more of this kind of courageous muckraking to stop Trump and Musk, but as long as we still have a free press, there is hope that our best journalists will step up and do what now urgently needs to be done.
HEADLINES:
Federal judge says Trump administration has been violating court order to disburse grant funding (WP)
Hamas suspends hostage releases - Israel says military now on 'highest alert' (BBC)
Trump says Palestinians will have no right of return to Gaza under his plan (Guardian)
Trump has unleashed chaos by distraction upon the international community. That’s no accident (AP)
Elon Musk’s gutting of US agencies is illegal, experts say. How do you muzzle Doge? (Guardian)
Musk’s Threats Suddenly Darken as Trump Legal Losses Trigger MAGA Fury (TNR)
Third judge blocks Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship for kids of people in US illegally (AP)
With Steel and Aluminum Tariffs, Trump Relaunches Familiar Fight (NYT)
China’s Strategy in Trade War: Threaten U.S. Tech Companies (WSJ)
China Is at the Heart of Trump Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum (NYT)
Trump said Sunday night he has directed the Treasure Department to stop minting new pennies, calling them too expensive and “so wasteful.” [AP]
At Least 10 Student Loan And Federal Aid Programs Run By The Department Of Education May Be Cut (Forbes)
Farmers on the hook for millions after Trump freezes USDA funds (WP)
Farmers ‘very worried’ as US pesticide firms push to bar cancer diagnoses lawsuits (Guardian)
Trump’s Shameful Campaign Against Transgender Americans (NYT)
US-funded ‘social network’ attacking pesticide critics shuts down after Guardian investigation (Guardian)
Humanitarian Organizations Arrive In Philadelphia To Feed City’s Hungover Residents (The Onion)
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