The U.S. Marches Toward State Capitalism With American Characteristics
Recent examples include President Trump's demand that Intel's CEO resign; the 'golden share' Washington will get in U.S. Steel as a condition of Nippon Steel's takeover; and the $1.5 trillion of promised investment from trading partners Trump plans to personally direct.
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Newsweek
2 minutes ago
- Newsweek
National Guard in DC May End Up Carrying Weapons—Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., have been told they should prepare to carry weapons in the nation's capital despite previous assurances from officials that the troops would not be armed, according to a Saturday report by The Wall Street Journal. When reached for comment, the D.C. Army National Guard told Newsweek that "Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training." Newsweek reached out to the White House by email outside of normal business hours on Saturday afternoon for comment. The Pentagon directed Newsweek to speak with the Washington Guard when reached by email for comment. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's office told Newsweek it had no comment at this time. Why It Matters President Donald Trump ordered 800 National Guard troops to deploy to Washington, with the troops arriving on Tuesday. The deployment aims to combat crime in the city, even as crime rates have reached a 30-year low, marking one of the most aggressive federal interventions in local law enforcement in recent history. The deployment has prompted strong backlash due to the fact the administration bypassed the city's elected leaders, who have variously described Trump's directive as "unsettling," "unprecedented" and "dangerous." Washington officials sued the administration to block the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which prompted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to issue a memo that leaves the current police chief in charge of the department but also directs the police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, the Associated Press reported. Anti-Trump protesters demonstrate near U.S. National Guard members at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on August 15. Anti-Trump protesters demonstrate near U.S. National Guard members at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on August 15. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Administration officials had previously said the National Guard would not carry weapons, and troops who have already made the rounds on patrol around the city have done so without carrying them. The Journal, citing people familiar with the plan, reported on Saturday that those troops were told on Friday evening they should expect an order to carry weapons. As of Saturday afternoon, no formal order had been issued. A White House official told the Journal that additional troops may be called to D.C., and they may be armed, but they would not be making any arrests. The Army had stressed the lack of weapons in a press release issued Thursday, writing that the troops were deployed to "provide a visible presence in key public areas, serving as a visible crime deterrent." "They will not arrest, search, or direct law enforcement," the Army wrote. "While they will not conduct arrests, they have the authority to temporarily detain individuals to prevent imminent harm, ensuring that custody is promptly transferred to law enforcement authorities." Most notably, the Army wrote that the troops would be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), including body armor, and that "weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory," while noting that "future requirements will be assessed and determined based on the evolving needs of the supported law enforcement agencies." The shifting framework highlights the tension in the capital and the unease between the administration and local officials. Bondi in her Friday notice wrote of the responses from Washington officials, saying that "unfortunately, the D.C. Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, D.C.," in contrast to Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, "who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors in Washington, D.C." What People Are Saying Captain Tinashe T. Machona, a spokesperson for the D.C. Army National Guard, told Newsweek in an email statement: "Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training. Their presence is focused on supporting civil authorities and ensuring the safety of the community they serve. The DC National Guard remains committed to assisting the District of Columbia and serving its residents and visitors whenever called upon." U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi on Friday wrote on X: "I have just issued a new directive to Mayor Bowser requiring MPD to provide the services found necessary by my designee, DEA Administrator Terry Cole, to comply fully and completely with federal immigration law and authorities, regardless of any policies MPD might otherwise have." "Unfortunately, the D.C. Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, DC. It is important to note that this same D.C. Attorney General is responsible for failing to enforce consequences for dangerous juvenile offenders," Bondi wrote. "We remain committed to working closely with Mayor Bowser, who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors in Washington, D.C." D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in an open letter to city residents this week, in part: "...Over the course of a week, the surge in federal law enforcement across D.C. has created waves of anxiety. I was born one year after Home Rule became law, and while our autonomy has been challenged before, our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now. My jobs are many right now. Part of my job is just managing us through this crisis and making sure that our government continues to operate in a way that makes DC residents proud." ...In fact, this evening, I am pleased to be able to report that, after a day in court and in accordance with Home rule, Pamela Smith remains our Chief of Police, and command and control of our 3,100 men and women at the Metropolitan Police Department. I am incredibly proud of how the chief has handled this experience." She concluded: "...I know that if we keep sticking together, we will make it to the other side of this, we will make future generations of Washingtonians proud, we will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy—even when we don't have full access to it."
CNBC
2 minutes ago
- CNBC
West Virginia governor deploys hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday that he is deploying members of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington, D.C., in support of the Trump administration's efforts to ramp up a military presence in the nation's capital. Morrisey's office said that the National Guard mobilization will include 300-400 troops, plus "mission-essential equipment" and "specialized training." "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey, a Republican, said in a statement. "The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America." The statement also said Morrisey's decision to deploy his state's National Guard came after a request from the Trump administration and that the troops would be operating under the command of West Virginia's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward. In a statement, a White House official confirmed that the national guardsman had been called to D.C., saying, "As part of President Trump's ongoing effort to make D.C. safe and beautiful, additional National Guard troops will be called in to Washington DC — the National Guard's role has not changed. The National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime." The governor's move comes just days after President Donald Trump announced that he was deploying 800 members of the National Guard to D.C. and directing federal law enforcement agents to assist local police with patrolling and executing warrants in the city. Trump's stated aim of cracking down on crime in Washington comes as crime rates in the city are at their lowest levels in decades. Washington residents almost immediately began to notice an increase in law enforcement on the streets, as local police and federal law enforcement set up checkpoints in neighborhoods across the city. Residents and tourists also noticed the increased presence of military and law enforcement around tourist-heavy areas like Union Station and the National Mall. Initially, Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to take over control of the Metropolitan Police Department, but backed down after the city sued the Trump administration. Chief Pamela Smith remains in day-to-day control of the city's police force. Democrats have slammed the president's decision, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling the move earlier this week "illegitimate" and an "unjustified power grab."
New York Times
2 minutes ago
- New York Times
New Orleans Mayor Joins Long Line of Louisiana Politicians Accused of Corruption
Hundred-dollar bills stashed in a freezer. Riverboat casino licenses sold to the highest bidder. Truckloads of granite traded in a quid pro quo. Louisiana has a long and colorful history of political corruption allegations, which for decades have ensnared lawmakers at many levels of government. The most recent was Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, who was indicted on Friday after a lengthy federal investigation. According to the charges laid out in the indictment, Ms. Cantrell abused public funds to facilitate a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, a city police officer, and then sought to cover up the personal time they spent together in New Orleans and on out-of-state trips while he claimed to be on duty. Ms. Cantrell's lawyer said on Friday that he needed to review the indictment before commenting; he declined to comment again on Saturday. Here's a look back at some of the most significant corruption scandals in Louisiana history: Richard Leche After the assassination of Huey Long, a popular Louisiana governor turned United States senator, in 1935, Richard Leche emerged as his successor. But Mr. Leche's single term as governor came to an early end when he resigned in 1939 amid corruption allegations. His resignation failed to stave off charges, and in 1940, he was convicted of mail fraud in a plot that prosecutors said involved a dealer selling trucks to the state's Highway Department at excessively high prices, and then giving Mr. Leche a kickback. He served five years in prison before President Harry S. Truman pardoned him in 1953. Huey and Earl Long Earl Long, the lieutenant governor under Leche in 1939, was swept into the state's highest office when his predecessor resigned. Mr. Leche's scandals loomed over Mr. Long's first term, and in 1940, Long was himself charged with embezzlement. The charges didn't stick, however, and Mr. Long would go on to win the governorship in two elections, holding office from 1948 to 1952 and from 1956 to 1960, in a career defined by personal excess and eccentric behavior. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
