Mona Burns
@monaburns.bsky.social
Political writer. Covering Congress. Vincit Omnia Veritas.
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
No DMs please
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
No DMs please
Tom Nichols for The Atlantic:
“Hegseth’s tenure so far has featured a series of appalling security lapses and janky public performances that call into question not only his character but his emotional stability”
GIFT LINK
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
“Hegseth’s tenure so far has featured a series of appalling security lapses and janky public performances that call into question not only his character but his emotional stability”
GIFT LINK
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Senator Mark Kelly Is in the Wrong Job
He should be secretary of defense.
www.theatlantic.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Tom Nichols for The Atlantic:
“Hegseth’s tenure so far has featured a series of appalling security lapses and janky public performances that call into question not only his character but his emotional stability”
GIFT LINK
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
“Hegseth’s tenure so far has featured a series of appalling security lapses and janky public performances that call into question not only his character but his emotional stability”
GIFT LINK
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump on AF-1 tonight on health care subsidies:
“I don’t want to extend them for two years. I’d rather not extend them at all .. some extension may be necessary to get something else done.”
“I don’t want to extend them for two years. I’d rather not extend them at all .. some extension may be necessary to get something else done.”
November 26, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Trump on AF-1 tonight on health care subsidies:
“I don’t want to extend them for two years. I’d rather not extend them at all .. some extension may be necessary to get something else done.”
“I don’t want to extend them for two years. I’d rather not extend them at all .. some extension may be necessary to get something else done.”
Reposted by Mona Burns
Some Republicans coming to Sen. Mark Kelly's defense tonight amidst DoD investigation into his video appearance
Murkowski says "to accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong"
Murkowski says "to accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong"
November 25, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Some Republicans coming to Sen. Mark Kelly's defense tonight amidst DoD investigation into his video appearance
Murkowski says "to accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong"
Murkowski says "to accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong"
Reposted by Mona Burns
The Jeffrey Epstein story should be ripe for QAnon since it centers around a rich pedophile who courted wealthy people. But, as @willsommer.bsky.social writes, QAnon believers prioritize protecting Trump above all else.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o...
Opinion | QAnon Isn’t So Thrilled About the Epstein Revelations
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The Jeffrey Epstein story should be ripe for QAnon since it centers around a rich pedophile who courted wealthy people. But, as @willsommer.bsky.social writes, QAnon believers prioritize protecting Trump above all else.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Small dick energy on full display
What a petty, insecure and mean spirited little prick Pete Hegseth is
November 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Small dick energy on full display
Reposted by Mona Burns
If you would like to understand Benny's principles, here's a story. While at IJR on the day of the 2015 Roanoke shooting, Benny cried in the newsroom. Not because of the shooting itself, but because we told him he wasn't allowed to post the video of the murder on the website.
Benny Johnson had perhaps the best 2025 of any streamer on the right, drawing more than 1 billion YouTube views as he hobnobbed with Trump administration power players and GOP elites.
His job is to have no principles. Business is booming. www.mediamatters.org/benny-johnso...
His job is to have no principles. Business is booming. www.mediamatters.org/benny-johnso...
MAGA influencer Benny Johnson’s job is to have no principles. Business is booming.
www.mediamatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:24 PM
If you would like to understand Benny's principles, here's a story. While at IJR on the day of the 2015 Roanoke shooting, Benny cried in the newsroom. Not because of the shooting itself, but because we told him he wasn't allowed to post the video of the murder on the website.
Reposted by Mona Burns
Mark your calendars, the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on impeaching "rogue" judges has been rescheduled for 12/3 at 2:30pm
www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-ac...
www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-ac...
Impeachment: Holding Rogue Judges Accountable | United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary
www.judiciary.senate.gov
November 25, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Mark your calendars, the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on impeaching "rogue" judges has been rescheduled for 12/3 at 2:30pm
www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-ac...
www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-ac...
Reposted by Mona Burns
‘No One’s Safe’: Underwood Says Passports Now Essential for All U.S. Citizens (VIDEO)
@laurenunderwood.bsky.social tells Americans their U.S. passport is the only reliable defense against immigration detention, plus BIA rebuked for rejecting torture claims migrantinsider.com/p/no-ones-sa...
@laurenunderwood.bsky.social tells Americans their U.S. passport is the only reliable defense against immigration detention, plus BIA rebuked for rejecting torture claims migrantinsider.com/p/no-ones-sa...
‘No One’s Safe’: Underwood Says Passports Now Essential for All U.S. Citizens (VIDEO)
Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood tells Americans their U.S. passport is the only reliable defense against immigration detention, plus BIA rebuked for rejecting torture claims
migrantinsider.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:09 PM
‘No One’s Safe’: Underwood Says Passports Now Essential for All U.S. Citizens (VIDEO)
@laurenunderwood.bsky.social tells Americans their U.S. passport is the only reliable defense against immigration detention, plus BIA rebuked for rejecting torture claims migrantinsider.com/p/no-ones-sa...
@laurenunderwood.bsky.social tells Americans their U.S. passport is the only reliable defense against immigration detention, plus BIA rebuked for rejecting torture claims migrantinsider.com/p/no-ones-sa...
What a petty, insecure and mean spirited little prick Pete Hegseth is
November 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
What a petty, insecure and mean spirited little prick Pete Hegseth is
Note:
There is no ACA focused event on the WH public schedule for today 👇
He's going to pardon turkeys
And then leave for Mar-a-Lago
They have just 36 days to avoid ACA subsidy expiration
And .. nothing
Wonder what kind of party he'll be having for 🦃
He certainly isn't worried about us
There is no ACA focused event on the WH public schedule for today 👇
He's going to pardon turkeys
And then leave for Mar-a-Lago
They have just 36 days to avoid ACA subsidy expiration
And .. nothing
Wonder what kind of party he'll be having for 🦃
He certainly isn't worried about us
November 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Note:
There is no ACA focused event on the WH public schedule for today 👇
He's going to pardon turkeys
And then leave for Mar-a-Lago
They have just 36 days to avoid ACA subsidy expiration
And .. nothing
Wonder what kind of party he'll be having for 🦃
He certainly isn't worried about us
There is no ACA focused event on the WH public schedule for today 👇
He's going to pardon turkeys
And then leave for Mar-a-Lago
They have just 36 days to avoid ACA subsidy expiration
And .. nothing
Wonder what kind of party he'll be having for 🦃
He certainly isn't worried about us
"The fact that the WH was even seriously working on [an ACA] plan caught Republicans by surprise.. the WH was preparing to unveil the proposal-before eventually backtracking amid resistance from conservatives & a general sense among Republicans that the WH was mismanaging the issue."
It's a mess 👇
It's a mess 👇
Congress needs to resolve the ACA credit extension issue in 36 days to avoid expiration
And a nationwide spike in insurance premiums
The WH has now pulled back on it's so-called 'plan'
Because Republicans are arguing about it
Even they "can't swallow" curbing them 👇
punchbowl.news/article/whit...
And a nationwide spike in insurance premiums
The WH has now pulled back on it's so-called 'plan'
Because Republicans are arguing about it
Even they "can't swallow" curbing them 👇
punchbowl.news/article/whit...
Trump’s perilous path on health care
Trump appeared ready to roll out a health care proposal to address Obamacare subsidies, but the W.H.’s decision to pause underscores how difficult it’ll be.
punchbowl.news
November 25, 2025 at 3:14 PM
"The fact that the WH was even seriously working on [an ACA] plan caught Republicans by surprise.. the WH was preparing to unveil the proposal-before eventually backtracking amid resistance from conservatives & a general sense among Republicans that the WH was mismanaging the issue."
It's a mess 👇
It's a mess 👇
Congress needs to resolve the ACA credit extension issue in 36 days to avoid expiration
And a nationwide spike in insurance premiums
The WH has now pulled back on it's so-called 'plan'
Because Republicans are arguing about it
Even they "can't swallow" curbing them 👇
punchbowl.news/article/whit...
And a nationwide spike in insurance premiums
The WH has now pulled back on it's so-called 'plan'
Because Republicans are arguing about it
Even they "can't swallow" curbing them 👇
punchbowl.news/article/whit...
Trump’s perilous path on health care
Trump appeared ready to roll out a health care proposal to address Obamacare subsidies, but the W.H.’s decision to pause underscores how difficult it’ll be.
punchbowl.news
November 25, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Congress needs to resolve the ACA credit extension issue in 36 days to avoid expiration
And a nationwide spike in insurance premiums
The WH has now pulled back on it's so-called 'plan'
Because Republicans are arguing about it
Even they "can't swallow" curbing them 👇
punchbowl.news/article/whit...
And a nationwide spike in insurance premiums
The WH has now pulled back on it's so-called 'plan'
Because Republicans are arguing about it
Even they "can't swallow" curbing them 👇
punchbowl.news/article/whit...
OMG
Oligarch Watch with an exclusive today:
"Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Colossus, using Chinese transformers, leaving it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
Colossus performs sensitive work for the US military"
Headed for Armageddon
oligarchwatch.substack.com/p/musks-ai-s...
Oligarch Watch with an exclusive today:
"Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Colossus, using Chinese transformers, leaving it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
Colossus performs sensitive work for the US military"
Headed for Armageddon
oligarchwatch.substack.com/p/musks-ai-s...
Musk’s AI supercomputer, used by U.S. military, secretly relies on Chinese hardware
Records obtained by Oligarch Watch reveal that the facility relies on Chinese transformers, creating a major security vulnerability.
oligarchwatch.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
OMG
Oligarch Watch with an exclusive today:
"Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Colossus, using Chinese transformers, leaving it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
Colossus performs sensitive work for the US military"
Headed for Armageddon
oligarchwatch.substack.com/p/musks-ai-s...
Oligarch Watch with an exclusive today:
"Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Colossus, using Chinese transformers, leaving it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
Colossus performs sensitive work for the US military"
Headed for Armageddon
oligarchwatch.substack.com/p/musks-ai-s...
Hegseth has been railing against Scouting America since they changed their name from 'Boy Scouts' and starting admitting girls
He's said that the institution has been influenced by "woke ideology" and .. "diluted"
Not so fun living a world run by men who actually *hate* women
He's said that the institution has been influenced by "woke ideology" and .. "diluted"
Not so fun living a world run by men who actually *hate* women
Pete Hegseth is planning for the military to sever all ties with Scouting America, saying the group once known as the Boy Scouts is no longer a meritocracy and has become an organization designed to "attack boy-friendly spaces," according to documents reviewed by NPR.
www.npr.org/2025/11/25/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/25/n...
U.S. ready to cut support to Scouts, accusing them of attacking 'boy-friendly spaces'
Documents show the U.S. military is planning to sever all ties with the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts.
www.npr.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Hegseth has been railing against Scouting America since they changed their name from 'Boy Scouts' and starting admitting girls
He's said that the institution has been influenced by "woke ideology" and .. "diluted"
Not so fun living a world run by men who actually *hate* women
He's said that the institution has been influenced by "woke ideology" and .. "diluted"
Not so fun living a world run by men who actually *hate* women
Here's the thing:
There are lots of reasons Mark Kelly could win the presidency
Especially against JD Vance
And the way that he's stepping up to this threat truly reflects his strong leadership characteristics
Trump & Hegseth are their own -& MAGA's- worst enemies
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
There are lots of reasons Mark Kelly could win the presidency
Especially against JD Vance
And the way that he's stepping up to this threat truly reflects his strong leadership characteristics
Trump & Hegseth are their own -& MAGA's- worst enemies
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
Is DOD targeting Kelly a political gift?
President Donald Trump’s administration may have handed Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) the biggest in-kind contribution of his career.
punchbowl.news
November 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Here's the thing:
There are lots of reasons Mark Kelly could win the presidency
Especially against JD Vance
And the way that he's stepping up to this threat truly reflects his strong leadership characteristics
Trump & Hegseth are their own -& MAGA's- worst enemies
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
There are lots of reasons Mark Kelly could win the presidency
Especially against JD Vance
And the way that he's stepping up to this threat truly reflects his strong leadership characteristics
Trump & Hegseth are their own -& MAGA's- worst enemies
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
A sitting US Senator & his wife being sued by the IRS
I don't know that this has ever happened to a US Senator before
There has been scrutiny over tax skirting and hinky business dealings by others
But this .. might be a first
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
I don't know that this has ever happened to a US Senator before
There has been scrutiny over tax skirting and hinky business dealings by others
But this .. might be a first
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
GOP Sen. Jim Justice agrees to pay $5 million in back taxes after DOJ lawsuit
The West Virginia senator agreed to pay the amount shortly after the Justice Department sued him and his wife over unpaid taxes from 2009.
www.nbcnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A sitting US Senator & his wife being sued by the IRS
I don't know that this has ever happened to a US Senator before
There has been scrutiny over tax skirting and hinky business dealings by others
But this .. might be a first
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
I don't know that this has ever happened to a US Senator before
There has been scrutiny over tax skirting and hinky business dealings by others
But this .. might be a first
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Reposted by Mona Burns
So many fun circumlocutions for "it's fascism 101” here
"unusual new strategy"
"Incredibly rare"
"More aggressive and opportunistic"
"Potential for favoritism, corruption, and market distortions"
"Contradicts traditional Republican thinking"
"unusual new strategy"
"Incredibly rare"
"More aggressive and opportunistic"
"Potential for favoritism, corruption, and market distortions"
"Contradicts traditional Republican thinking"
$10 Billion and Counting: Trump Administration Snaps Up Stakes in Private Firms
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:21 PM
So many fun circumlocutions for "it's fascism 101” here
"unusual new strategy"
"Incredibly rare"
"More aggressive and opportunistic"
"Potential for favoritism, corruption, and market distortions"
"Contradicts traditional Republican thinking"
"unusual new strategy"
"Incredibly rare"
"More aggressive and opportunistic"
"Potential for favoritism, corruption, and market distortions"
"Contradicts traditional Republican thinking"
Reposted by Mona Burns
Trump cronies are cackling about how the GOP House majority is the Duma; that's on Republican Reps entirely
November 24, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Trump cronies are cackling about how the GOP House majority is the Duma; that's on Republican Reps entirely
Reposted by Mona Burns
there is a LOT of chatter today about GOP lawmakers in the House looking for the exits but very little discussion of the fact that every dissatisfied and disillusioned Republican elected did this to themselves
newrepublic.com/post/191772/...
newrepublic.com/post/191772/...
The Incredible Disappearing Republican Lawmaker
The GOP’s total withdrawal from governing is nearly complete, and they’re increasingly determined to push the entire legislative branch into functional irrelevance.
newrepublic.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:01 PM
there is a LOT of chatter today about GOP lawmakers in the House looking for the exits but very little discussion of the fact that every dissatisfied and disillusioned Republican elected did this to themselves
newrepublic.com/post/191772/...
newrepublic.com/post/191772/...
Reposted by Mona Burns
NEWS: Lawmakers Launch Master ICE Tracker
Historic congressional data tool documents abuse and systemic violence in federal immigration enforcement.
migrantinsider.com/p/news-lawma...
Historic congressional data tool documents abuse and systemic violence in federal immigration enforcement.
migrantinsider.com/p/news-lawma...
NEWS: Democrats Launch Master ICE Tracker
Historic congressional data tool documents abuse and systemic violence in federal immigration enforcement.
migrantinsider.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:51 PM
NEWS: Lawmakers Launch Master ICE Tracker
Historic congressional data tool documents abuse and systemic violence in federal immigration enforcement.
migrantinsider.com/p/news-lawma...
Historic congressional data tool documents abuse and systemic violence in federal immigration enforcement.
migrantinsider.com/p/news-lawma...
Reposted by Mona Burns
New — Wesley Hunt and his plans to shake up race for Cornyn seat.
R leaders had hoped Hunt would bow out before filing deadline, but he tells us he “absolutely” will file this week.
Increases chances of costly runoff
All sides wooing Trump, who is staying out for now
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/p...
R leaders had hoped Hunt would bow out before filing deadline, but he tells us he “absolutely” will file this week.
Increases chances of costly runoff
All sides wooing Trump, who is staying out for now
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/p...
Defiant GOP congressman rejects push by party bosses to drop out of Texas primary, scrambling race for Senate majority | CNN Politics
GOP leaders in Washington are ramping up pressure on Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt to drop out of the Texas Senate race, warning that his candidacy could cost their party tens of millions of dollars and...
www.cnn.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:53 PM
New — Wesley Hunt and his plans to shake up race for Cornyn seat.
R leaders had hoped Hunt would bow out before filing deadline, but he tells us he “absolutely” will file this week.
Increases chances of costly runoff
All sides wooing Trump, who is staying out for now
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/p...
R leaders had hoped Hunt would bow out before filing deadline, but he tells us he “absolutely” will file this week.
Increases chances of costly runoff
All sides wooing Trump, who is staying out for now
www.cnn.com/2025/11/23/p...
Reposted by Mona Burns
every Republican has to learn two or three times that the reason they can't deliver on healthcare is that they fundamentally don't believe in helping people
November 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
every Republican has to learn two or three times that the reason they can't deliver on healthcare is that they fundamentally don't believe in helping people
Reposted by Mona Burns
big dose of nostalgia, this reminds me of when "The Republican Alternative to Obamacare" used to play the small indie clubs
prepare to be shocked:
*WHITE HOUSE TO DELAY HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL
*WHITE HOUSE TO DELAY HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL
November 24, 2025 at 9:57 PM
big dose of nostalgia, this reminds me of when "The Republican Alternative to Obamacare" used to play the small indie clubs
Reposted by Mona Burns
Will fit right in with the House GOP
November 24, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Will fit right in with the House GOP
Reposted by Mona Burns
Reasons:
-Bad economy
-Large chunk of the population is pro-choice
-Backlash to more than a decade of Republican rule
-Bad economy
-Large chunk of the population is pro-choice
-Backlash to more than a decade of Republican rule
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Reasons:
-Bad economy
-Large chunk of the population is pro-choice
-Backlash to more than a decade of Republican rule
-Bad economy
-Large chunk of the population is pro-choice
-Backlash to more than a decade of Republican rule