Thursday Afternoon Update: Trump’s Two Announcements, Senate Passes Bill Banning TikTok, And More

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click here.

Trump Announces Free Speech Policies

Former President Donald Trump says his first order of business if he’s reelected president will be to forbid federal agencies from interfering on speech platforms and eliminate misinformation policing by the government.

In a video Trump gave to Jack Posobiec, the former president laid the framework for his “Free Speech Policy Proposal,” saying he’ll also fire anyone involved in previous efforts to censor speech and contain dissent.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: I have obtained a copy of President Trump unveiling the major planks of his official Free Speech Policy Proposal

This is the first video drop in a series to come from his 2024 presidential campaign pic.twitter.com/PDMUBNmc8W

— New Slippers Poso🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) December 15, 2022

Trump NFTS

Trump also teased a major announcement today — leading many to speculate that it had something to do with his campaign. Instead, he announced a new line of digital trading cards being sold for $99 each featuring his likeness in various characters. A few examples: Trump as a John Wayne-esque cowboy and Trump the superhero with laser eyes.

Senate Cracks Down On Chinese Telecom Giant

A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill to prevent Chinese telecom giant Huawei from accessing the U.S. financial system. The “NETWORKS Act” would impose sanctions on foreign telecommunications companies suspected of being engaged in economic or industrial espionage against American companies.

Senate Passes Bill Banning TikTok

The Senate unanimously passed a bill that would ban the use of TikTok on government devices amid growing national security concerns over the Chinese-owned social media platform. The No TikTok on Government Devices Act, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), was passed late Wednesday. The bill now heads to the House.

Last night the Senate voted to ban TikTok on all government devices. Now the House should follow pic.twitter.com/25oopZaads

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) December 15, 2022

Trump Special Counsel Subpoenas Officials From Seven States

Officials in seven states have now received subpoenas from the special counsel appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee investigations into former President Donald Trump. The latest subpoena to be disclosed publicly was sent to local officials in Allegheny (Al-Luh-Gay-Knee) County, Pennsylvania, according to a report published Wednesday evening.

Biden Offers Africa $55 Billion

President Joe Biden offered Africa $55 billion over the next three years this week as he claimed that the U.S. would become more involved on the continent. The remarks from Biden came during a dinner between U.S. and African leaders in Washington, D.C., the first such summit in eight years.

GOP Massachusetts Gov. Heads To NCAA

Outgoing Massachusetts Republican Governor and former college athlete Charlie Baker will be the NCAA’s next president. According to a press release Thursday, Baker is being tapped to bring bipartisan leadership to collegiate athletics.

Boehner Weeps For Pelosi

Former House Speaker John Boehner got emotional Wednesday as he delivered a tribute to outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The retired congressman appeared to fight back tears as he delivered remarks at the ceremonial unveiling of Pelosi’s official portrait at the U.S. Capitol.

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