Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Elder of Ziyon
His team, apparently at the last minute, canceled a planned prayer by a pro-Iran imam who had refused to call Hezbollah terrorist. The rabbi who spoke, Rabbi Ari Berman, did speak and highlighted the hostages while wearing a hostage pin.
Trump invited hostage families on stage and greeted every one of them at a post-inauguration event.
Trump revoked Executive Order 14115, which had sanctioned some Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
He restored sanctions on the International Criminal Court, reversing their cancellation under Biden.
He placed a 90-day pause on all U.S. foreign developmental assistance programs to review their alignment with administration policy, which includes UNRWA.
He authorized the deportation of visa holders who support hateful ideologies, terrorism, or national security threats, such as individuals involved in pro-Hamas protests, riots, or fundraising efforts.
He lifted restrictions on arms sales to Israel, including the supply of 2,000-pound bombs, to reaffirm U.S. support for Israel’s defense.
Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff spoke at the rally, signaling a continuing role for him. The billionaire with strong Qatar ties is a source of concern and the hostage deal he forced on Netanyahu was not good for Israel at all. My guess is that his main priority will be to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords and while that would be a huge deal it will require more concessions from Israel that may compromise its security. It is too early to say.
The Democrats tried to make an issue of Elon Musk doing what they called a "sieg hail" salute, but when you watch the actual video Musk says exactly what is meant: "My heart goes out here" to the voters. There was nothing in the context that indicated a secret Nazi message, and even the ADL said that it looked like an awkward over-enthusiastic gesture, nothing more. (Not that it was the brightest thing to do.)
Altogether I give Trump's first half day a B+, which is far better than any of the previous 2,921 half days of the Biden White House.
(h/t Eitan Fischberger)
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