Ambassador Ken Fairfax
@portlandken.bsky.social
Retired former US Ambassador, NSC Director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia, NSC Director for Nuclear Materials Security, and Deputy Exec. Dir. of the International Energy Agency
Amid all the attempts by Trump and his toadies to mislead and distract, here is the reality: The Consumer Price Index is at its absolute highest point in history. Period.
Consumers across the country know this no matter how much Trump lies.
Consumers across the country know this no matter how much Trump lies.
December 13, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Amid all the attempts by Trump and his toadies to mislead and distract, here is the reality: The Consumer Price Index is at its absolute highest point in history. Period.
Consumers across the country know this no matter how much Trump lies.
Consumers across the country know this no matter how much Trump lies.
Release the Epstein files. ALL OF THEM.
Anything that DOJ or FBI tries to redact MUST be reviewed by cleared staff from the House and Senate. Any disagreements go to the full Oversight Committee.
Anything that DOJ or FBI tries to redact MUST be reviewed by cleared staff from the House and Senate. Any disagreements go to the full Oversight Committee.
December 13, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Release the Epstein files. ALL OF THEM.
Anything that DOJ or FBI tries to redact MUST be reviewed by cleared staff from the House and Senate. Any disagreements go to the full Oversight Committee.
Anything that DOJ or FBI tries to redact MUST be reviewed by cleared staff from the House and Senate. Any disagreements go to the full Oversight Committee.
Loved Taylor Swift on the Late Show. While I can't claim to be a Swiftie, I quoted her countless times in official diplomatic remarks in Russia, Polish, Vietnamese, and (of course) English. Because her songs highlight universal human truths, I referred to her as a great modern American philosopher.
Taylor Swift Gets Started On Her List Of Her Top Five Taylor Swift Songs
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
www.youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Loved Taylor Swift on the Late Show. While I can't claim to be a Swiftie, I quoted her countless times in official diplomatic remarks in Russia, Polish, Vietnamese, and (of course) English. Because her songs highlight universal human truths, I referred to her as a great modern American philosopher.
To be fair, reigning in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) is a good idea. The rest of the GOP proposal, however, is a replay of Trump's prescription for families facing a spiraling cost of living due to his failed policies: just make do with less. In this case, less health care and insurance.
House Republicans propose healthcare plan with no extension of tax credits
With insurance premiums set to rise sharply for at least 22 million Americans, Mike Johnson unveils alternative
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:16 AM
To be fair, reigning in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) is a good idea. The rest of the GOP proposal, however, is a replay of Trump's prescription for families facing a spiraling cost of living due to his failed policies: just make do with less. In this case, less health care and insurance.
What the new Danish security assessment proves is that the Danes aren't dumb, and will not be cowed by Trump's incessant rants, threats, and lies.
www.pbs.org/newshour/wor...
www.pbs.org/newshour/wor...
Danish intelligence report warns of U.S. military threat under Trump
The United States is using its economic power to “assert its will" and threaten military force against friend and foe alike, a Danish intelligence agency said in a new report.
www.pbs.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:12 PM
What the new Danish security assessment proves is that the Danes aren't dumb, and will not be cowed by Trump's incessant rants, threats, and lies.
www.pbs.org/newshour/wor...
www.pbs.org/newshour/wor...
This ad from the far-right Heritage Foundation repeats threats made directly by Trump, Vance, and others: "Do exactly as Trump wants, or he will cut off all funding for your state."
Hopefully these types of threats, which underline that Trump is a dangerous dictator wanna-be, will backfire bigly.
Hopefully these types of threats, which underline that Trump is a dangerous dictator wanna-be, will backfire bigly.
December 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
This ad from the far-right Heritage Foundation repeats threats made directly by Trump, Vance, and others: "Do exactly as Trump wants, or he will cut off all funding for your state."
Hopefully these types of threats, which underline that Trump is a dangerous dictator wanna-be, will backfire bigly.
Hopefully these types of threats, which underline that Trump is a dangerous dictator wanna-be, will backfire bigly.
The only surprising thing about this article describing a deeply racist, misogynist, violent thug recruited by ICE is that we aren't seeing dozens of such stories a day. Under Trump and Noem, ICE is targeting far right hate groups with recruitment efforts.
www.thedailybeast.com/gun-toting-b...
www.thedailybeast.com/gun-toting-b...
Gun-Toting Border Patrol Goon Unmasked as Racist Online Troll
An agent criticized for his role in a violent arrest boosted racist and anti-LGBT posts on his X account.
www.thedailybeast.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The only surprising thing about this article describing a deeply racist, misogynist, violent thug recruited by ICE is that we aren't seeing dozens of such stories a day. Under Trump and Noem, ICE is targeting far right hate groups with recruitment efforts.
www.thedailybeast.com/gun-toting-b...
www.thedailybeast.com/gun-toting-b...
Anyone who thinks Trump is "sleepwalking us into a war" clearly is not paying attention. Trump is pulling us, dragging us, and forcing us into a war no one wants but him.
He seems to believe the lie that if there is a war he can cancel elections.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
He seems to believe the lie that if there is a war he can cancel elections.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
US lawmakers condemn seizure of Venezuelan oil tanker: ‘Trump is sleepwalking us into a war’
Unease grows in Washington, including among some Republicans, over Trump administration’s escalating military posture in the Caribbean
www.theguardian.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Anyone who thinks Trump is "sleepwalking us into a war" clearly is not paying attention. Trump is pulling us, dragging us, and forcing us into a war no one wants but him.
He seems to believe the lie that if there is a war he can cancel elections.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
He seems to believe the lie that if there is a war he can cancel elections.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Ambassador Ken Fairfax
Ramirez to Noem: "You lied on the record and you lied to members of this committee. You violated court orders by not turning around deportation flights bound for El Salvador where we know that hundreds of people under your leadership reported they were raped, beaten, and nearly died."
December 11, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Ramirez to Noem: "You lied on the record and you lied to members of this committee. You violated court orders by not turning around deportation flights bound for El Salvador where we know that hundreds of people under your leadership reported they were raped, beaten, and nearly died."
On the 77th anniversary of the United National Universal Declaration on Human Rights--a document heavily shaped by the USA--the US under Trump is abandoning the very principles it once championed. The former "leader of the free world" is now abandoning freedom of speech, assembly, and others.
December 11, 2025 at 8:55 PM
On the 77th anniversary of the United National Universal Declaration on Human Rights--a document heavily shaped by the USA--the US under Trump is abandoning the very principles it once championed. The former "leader of the free world" is now abandoning freedom of speech, assembly, and others.
This is Trump's America -- where an American walking down the street doing nothing wrong can be chased, assaulted, and detained by armed thugs who refuse to even look at his proof of citizenship.
Trump has repeatedly said Somali Americans are "garbage," so now DHS is treating them that way.
Trump has repeatedly said Somali Americans are "garbage," so now DHS is treating them that way.
U.S. citizen offered to show I.D. but was arrested by immigration officers in Cedar-Riverside
A Somali U.S. citizen, Mubashir, was arrested by federal immigration officers in Cedar-Riverside Tuesday during a mass enforcement.
sahanjournal.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:28 AM
This is Trump's America -- where an American walking down the street doing nothing wrong can be chased, assaulted, and detained by armed thugs who refuse to even look at his proof of citizenship.
Trump has repeatedly said Somali Americans are "garbage," so now DHS is treating them that way.
Trump has repeatedly said Somali Americans are "garbage," so now DHS is treating them that way.
There is perhaps nothing more "on brand" for Trump than using all of the power of the US government to coerce a sovereign, democratic nation into releasing someone accused of raping children and trafficking women.
"Gift" article, so no subscription required to read.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
"Gift" article, so no subscription required to read.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
How a Manosphere Star Accused of Rape and Trafficking Was Freed
www.nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:18 AM
There is perhaps nothing more "on brand" for Trump than using all of the power of the US government to coerce a sovereign, democratic nation into releasing someone accused of raping children and trafficking women.
"Gift" article, so no subscription required to read.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
"Gift" article, so no subscription required to read.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/u...
Nothing screams "crazy fascist dictator" like declaring that anyone who even questions your health or decision making is guilty of a capital offense and needs to be executed.
I dedicated my working life to defending democracy and human rights. Trump is doing his best to support despots.
I dedicated my working life to defending democracy and human rights. Trump is doing his best to support despots.
Trump's 'Absolutely Crazed' Threat To Those Who Question His Health Sparks Outrage
The president melted down over what he argued was potentially seditious or even treasonous behavior.
www.huffpost.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Nothing screams "crazy fascist dictator" like declaring that anyone who even questions your health or decision making is guilty of a capital offense and needs to be executed.
I dedicated my working life to defending democracy and human rights. Trump is doing his best to support despots.
I dedicated my working life to defending democracy and human rights. Trump is doing his best to support despots.
The murder of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom is a tragedy, but let's remember that Trump did not deploy National Guard to DC to combat crime; they cannot act as police. He deploy them against aliens.
He deployed them to create a spectacle he could profit from. Trump wanted her to die.
He deployed them to create a spectacle he could profit from. Trump wanted her to die.
December 11, 2025 at 3:09 AM
The murder of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom is a tragedy, but let's remember that Trump did not deploy National Guard to DC to combat crime; they cannot act as police. He deploy them against aliens.
He deployed them to create a spectacle he could profit from. Trump wanted her to die.
He deployed them to create a spectacle he could profit from. Trump wanted her to die.
Trump's criminality comes through in BIG crimes, such as changing policies after receiving big gold bars as 'presents,' but sometimes his small-time crook nonsense is just as damning, such as his decision require National Park pass holders to show Trump's face for admittance. Pure dictator BS.
abcnews.go.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Trump's criminality comes through in BIG crimes, such as changing policies after receiving big gold bars as 'presents,' but sometimes his small-time crook nonsense is just as damning, such as his decision require National Park pass holders to show Trump's face for admittance. Pure dictator BS.
Justice Sotomayor has it right: Trump is demanding that the hyper-partisan MAGA majority on the Supreme Court "destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent."
Liberal Justice Stops SCOTUS With Shock Challenge to Trump
Justice Sonia Sotomayor suggested the Trump administration was asking the Supreme Court to completely upend the U.S. government in a remarkable exchange. The country’s highest court was hearing oral a...
www.yahoo.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Justice Sotomayor has it right: Trump is demanding that the hyper-partisan MAGA majority on the Supreme Court "destroy the structure of government and to take away from Congress its ability to protect its idea that the government is better structured with some agencies that are independent."
Would you provide 5 years of all Social Media history, all email addresses you have ever used, and all phone numbers, just to be able to take a vacation somewhere?
That's exactly what the Trump Administration is demanding that ALL foreign tourists do.
The level of insanity is beyond description.
That's exactly what the Trump Administration is demanding that ALL foreign tourists do.
The level of insanity is beyond description.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Arrival and Departure Record (Form I-94) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review an...
www.federalregister.gov
December 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Would you provide 5 years of all Social Media history, all email addresses you have ever used, and all phone numbers, just to be able to take a vacation somewhere?
That's exactly what the Trump Administration is demanding that ALL foreign tourists do.
The level of insanity is beyond description.
That's exactly what the Trump Administration is demanding that ALL foreign tourists do.
The level of insanity is beyond description.
As a retired career diplomat, I interpret the efforts the Trump Admin has taken to avoid having any survivors of alleged "drug boat" attacks brought to the USA as strong evidence that the Trump Admin knows it is in the wrong and is desperate to hide that fact from the public.
Inside the Pentagon’s Scramble to Deal With Boat Strike Survivors
www.nytimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:48 AM
As a retired career diplomat, I interpret the efforts the Trump Admin has taken to avoid having any survivors of alleged "drug boat" attacks brought to the USA as strong evidence that the Trump Admin knows it is in the wrong and is desperate to hide that fact from the public.
The Trump Administration has directed massive manpower at FBI, DOJ, and elsewhere to prosecuting perceived political opponents for so-called "mortgage fraud" even though the evidence they have presented is far from convincing.
When it comes to Trump himself, the evidence of fraud is overwhelming.
When it comes to Trump himself, the evidence of fraud is overwhelming.
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The Trump Administration has directed massive manpower at FBI, DOJ, and elsewhere to prosecuting perceived political opponents for so-called "mortgage fraud" even though the evidence they have presented is far from convincing.
When it comes to Trump himself, the evidence of fraud is overwhelming.
When it comes to Trump himself, the evidence of fraud is overwhelming.
As we await the Supreme Courts decision on whether Trump can unilaterally levy, and change, and re-change, tariffs, it is good to remember what the Constitution says and what the Supreme Court ruled on the limits of executive power just a few years ago.
www.facebook.com/share/p/16aC...
www.facebook.com/share/p/16aC...
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 PM
As we await the Supreme Courts decision on whether Trump can unilaterally levy, and change, and re-change, tariffs, it is good to remember what the Constitution says and what the Supreme Court ruled on the limits of executive power just a few years ago.
www.facebook.com/share/p/16aC...
www.facebook.com/share/p/16aC...
The press seems to be missing or ignoring the fact that the US Constitution quite clearly lays out what Trump must to do to impose tariffs, change immigration laws, or take any number of other actions reserved for Congress.
He needs to send a bill to Congress for their approval or rejection.
He needs to send a bill to Congress for their approval or rejection.
December 9, 2025 at 10:30 PM
The press seems to be missing or ignoring the fact that the US Constitution quite clearly lays out what Trump must to do to impose tariffs, change immigration laws, or take any number of other actions reserved for Congress.
He needs to send a bill to Congress for their approval or rejection.
He needs to send a bill to Congress for their approval or rejection.
Under Article 1, Section 8, of the US Constitution, Congress -- and NOT the Executive Branch -- has the sole right to establish laws and regulations concerning immigration and naturalization.
Despite that, Trump is arbitrarily cancelling naturalizations for people from counties he doesn't like.
Despite that, Trump is arbitrarily cancelling naturalizations for people from counties he doesn't like.
Fear grips US naturalization ceremonies—'Plucked out of line'
Former USCIS official Ricky Murray said Houston clients approved for naturalization in July and August haven’t been scheduled.
www.newsweek.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Under Article 1, Section 8, of the US Constitution, Congress -- and NOT the Executive Branch -- has the sole right to establish laws and regulations concerning immigration and naturalization.
Despite that, Trump is arbitrarily cancelling naturalizations for people from counties he doesn't like.
Despite that, Trump is arbitrarily cancelling naturalizations for people from counties he doesn't like.
Trump is sending the most advanced US-made AI chips to China.
Putin absolutely loves Trump's new National Security Strategy.
Trump pardoned a Central American strongman who smuggled 400 tons of cocaine into the USA.
This is NOT America first. It is Trump first and his dictator buddies next.
Putin absolutely loves Trump's new National Security Strategy.
Trump pardoned a Central American strongman who smuggled 400 tons of cocaine into the USA.
This is NOT America first. It is Trump first and his dictator buddies next.
December 9, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Trump is sending the most advanced US-made AI chips to China.
Putin absolutely loves Trump's new National Security Strategy.
Trump pardoned a Central American strongman who smuggled 400 tons of cocaine into the USA.
This is NOT America first. It is Trump first and his dictator buddies next.
Putin absolutely loves Trump's new National Security Strategy.
Trump pardoned a Central American strongman who smuggled 400 tons of cocaine into the USA.
This is NOT America first. It is Trump first and his dictator buddies next.
A more accurate headline, and story line, would be:
"Partisan MAGA Majority On The Supreme Court Appears Ready To Continue Trump's Coronation As Absolute Dictator"
www.cnn.com/2025/12/08/p...
"Partisan MAGA Majority On The Supreme Court Appears Ready To Continue Trump's Coronation As Absolute Dictator"
www.cnn.com/2025/12/08/p...
Takeaways: Supreme Court’s conservatives ready to back Trump on firings | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority signaled Monday it is ready to back President Donald Trump’s push to effectively take over independent agencies within the federal government and possibly ove...
www.cnn.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:22 AM
A more accurate headline, and story line, would be:
"Partisan MAGA Majority On The Supreme Court Appears Ready To Continue Trump's Coronation As Absolute Dictator"
www.cnn.com/2025/12/08/p...
"Partisan MAGA Majority On The Supreme Court Appears Ready To Continue Trump's Coronation As Absolute Dictator"
www.cnn.com/2025/12/08/p...