The Blueprint for Trump’s Enemies List & More
Friday, September 26, 2025
Trump goes after Soros and offers the blueprint for how he'll go after others on his enemies list.
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The Trump Administration • Politics • Climate • Culture • Education • World • Tech & Platforms • News of the Weird
The Trump Administration
Headline: White House directs DOJ to enforce federal death penalty laws in D.C.
What?
On Sept. 25, the White House issued a memorandum instructing the attorney general and the U.S. attorney in Washington to fully enforce federal capital punishment statutes in the District of Columbia.
So What?
The move signals a tough‑on‑crime posture in the nation’s capital and sets up legal and political fights over prosecutorial discretion, death‑penalty logistics, and D.C. home rule.
Now What?
Watch for: Any D.C. cases flagged for capital charges; litigation from defense groups; congressional statements on D.C. autonomy. Further reading: White House fact sheet.
Headline: Trump signs memo ordering crackdown on ‘domestic terrorism networks’
What?
The administration directed federal agencies to investigate and disrupt alleged funding networks behind “left‑wing terrorism,” naming Democratic donors without providing evidence.
So What?
This escalates use of federal power against civil society and could chill advocacy; expect First Amendment and due‑process challenges alongside heightened political rhetoric.
Now What?
Watch for: Agency guidance to JTTFs, IRS/Treasury actions on tax status and banking; court challenges from targeted groups. Further reading: Democracy Docket | The Independent | Bloomberg.
Headline: NYT: DOJ exploring probe of Soros’ Open Society Foundations | Bloomberg: OSF calls the move politically motivated
What?
Following Trump’s memo, reporting indicates DOJ leaders asked prosecutors to draft plans to investigate OSF; the foundation denounced the idea as an attack on free speech.
So What?
Targeting a major philanthropic network would reshape the advocacy ecosystem and could normalize criminal theories against mainstream grantmaking.
Now What?
Watch for: Any formal DOJ announcements or subpoenas; congressional oversight maneuvers; philanthropy‑sector responses and legal defense coalitions. Further reading: The Guardian | Reuters.
Headline: Pentagon says Wounded Knee soldiers will keep Medals of Honor
What?
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said 20 soldiers decorated for the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre will retain their medals, reversing momentum toward potential rescission.
So What?
Decision deepens fights over historical memory, Indigenous justice and military commemoration, with implications for reconciliation efforts.
Now What?
Watch for: Tribal and veteran‑community responses; congressional action to revisit award criteria; litigation options from descendants. Further reading: ABC/AP.
Politics
Headline: EPA chief Zeldin bars staff from attending climate activists’ dinners in official capacity
What?
An internal memo urges EPA staff not to attend certain advocacy events in an official role, citing conflict‑of‑interest concerns.
So What?
Signals tighter political control of staff engagement and potential retaliation climate as unions cite broader crackdowns inside EPA.
Now What?
Watch for: Whistleblower complaints; OSC/IG reviews; impacts on stakeholder outreach. Further reading: Daily Caller (doc details) | InsideEPA.
Headline: The Federalist: British billionaire Christopher Hohn bankrolling U.S. progressive causes
What?
A report from Americans for Public Trust alleges Hohn’s CIFF has routed hundreds of millions into U.S. advocacy.
So What?
Expect the piece to fuel foreign‑money narratives and scrutiny of cross‑border philanthropy—even as disclosure and tax‑law nuances complicate claims.
Now What?
Watch for: Follow‑up filings/complaints; responses from grantees; fact‑checks on methodology. Further reading: Federalist coverage.
Headline: The Intercept: The push to depict Luigi Mangione and his supporters as ‘terrorists’
What?
Intercept analysis argues officials and aligned media are framing a high‑profile homicide case as left‑wing terrorism despite contested links.
So What?
The narrative battle intersects with the administration’s domestic‑terror campaign, heightening risks of prejudice and criminalization of dissent.
Now What?
Watch for: Court rulings on gag orders and evidentiary limits; defense motions citing prejudicial publicity; watchdog reports on political interference. Further reading: Fox News (defense view).
What?
After AP reporting on U.S. firms’ hardware in Chinese policing systems, lawmakers and activists urge tighter export controls and corporate due diligence.
So What?
Adds human‑rights risk to tech/China debates; opportunities for corporate‑accountability campaigns.
Now What?
Watch for: Hill letters and hearings; Commerce/BIS actions; company statements and audits. Further reading: AP follow‑up.
Tech & Platforms
Headline: Details on Trump executive order clearing way for TikTok deal to keep app in U.S. (video) | Bloomberg: TikTok’s proposed $14B U.S. valuation stuns investors
What?
A new order outlines a path for U.S. investors to acquire TikTok’s U.S. business; early estimates peg valuation far below prior expectations.
So What?
Sets terms for a politically driven tech carve‑out with big speech, data, and competition stakes—and major lobbying on all sides.
Now What?
Watch for: CFIUS process and court challenges; buyer consortium details; platform policy shifts affecting creators. Further reading: Bloomberg.
Headline: DOJ Civil Division initiates False Claims Act probes into DEI practices
What?
Reports say DOJ is issuing civil investigative demands to federal contractors over DEI programs, linking compliance to False Claims Act risk.
So What?
Extends legal pressure on workplace equity initiatives; contractors need rapid audits of Title VI/VII alignment and grant/contract certifications.
Now What?
Watch for: Test cases and settlements; new compliance guidance; employer coalition responses. Further reading: DOJ initiative background.
News of the Weird / Media Ecosystem
Headline: Hate groups seize on Trump’s antifa order with online threats
What?
Online extremists are celebrating and amplifying the administration’s antifa designation rhetoric, escalating threats across platforms.
So What?
Highlights offline risk and the need for rapid platform enforcement plus coordinated civil‑society counter‑messaging.
Now What?
Watch for: Platform policy updates; law‑enforcement briefs; civil‑society safety advisories. Further reading: Bloomberg.
Headline: DealBook: Trump, Soros, Hoffman — donor politics collide
What?
DealBook frames how elite donor politics are shaping policy flashpoints from tech to civil society amid fresh probes and executive actions.
So What?
Useful context for funder‑narrative mapping and anticipating opposition talking points.
Now What?
Watch for: Market reactions to donor‑linked companies; further investigative leaks; think‑tank amplification. Further reading: Reuters.
Headline: InfluenceWatch Friday — Capital Research Center
What?
Weekly roundup from a right‑of‑center watchdog profiling advocacy networks and donors.
So What?
Signals narratives likely to feed GOP oversight and media hits; preview how progressive groups may be framed next.
Now What?
Watch for: Entries on OSF/CIFF and climate groups; cross‑posting into Hill/AG letters. Further reading: InfluenceWatch.
