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Here are today’s news briefs. They include the Chiefs at the White House; Joe Manchin ditches Democrat label; Alan Jackson and more.
Major Democrat donor writes big check to who?
One of the Democratic Party’s largest donors has made a surprising move. Shaun Maguire, founder of Sequoia Capital, wrote a check for $300,000 to the Trump campaign after Thursday’s New York guilty verdict. “I just donated $300k to Trump. I’m prepared to lose friends. Here’s why,” he wrote on Twitter. “Back in 2016 I had drunk the media Kool-Aid and was scared out of my mind about Trump. As such I donated to Hilary Clinton’s campaign and voted for her. By 2020 I was disillusioned and didn’t vote – I didn’t like either option. Now, in 2024, I believe this is one of the most important elections of my lifetime, and I’m supporting Trump,” he added. The move got approval from other major tech executives including Elon Musk. Craft Ventures executive David Sacks described Maguire’s donation as an “act of courage.” He argued that Trump has “a lot of supporters in Silicon Valley” but “many are just afraid to admit it.” Trump was found guilty on 34 charges through 34 different misdemeanors related to one felony charge. Official fundraising websites for the Trump campaign went down overnight because of heavy volume.
Joe Manchin leaves Democrat Party
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a longtime political moderate who struggled with the direction of his party, took the plunge and left the Democratic Party Friday. In a statement, Manchin, stated, “From my first day in public service in 1982, I have always focused on doing what’s best for my state and my country, without regard to party or politics. Throughout my days in elected office, I have always been proud of my commitment to common sense, bipartisanship and my desire to bring people together. It’s who I am. It’s who I will always be. I have never seen America through a partisan lens.” Manchin says he is now an independent. It is not clear if he will switch his party caucus to Republicans, thus weakening the Democrat majority in the Senate. Speculation is that Manchin is preparing to run for W. Virginia governor.
Biden administration greenlights US weapons use in Russia
In a major policy shift, the US will now allow Ukraine to use American-made weapons to strike inside Russia, A senior U.S. official confirmed that President Biden has signed off on the Ukrainians’ use of U.S. long-range weapons near the city of Kharkiv to protect the second-largest city from ongoing Russian assault. Russia destroyed Ukraine’s largest shopping mall this week in a massive missile attack that killed or wounded dozens of shoppers. “The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S.-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region, so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them,” a U.S. official said. NATO countries have already eased restrictions on weapons use by Ukraine.
Alan Jackson extends farewell tour
Battling a disease that will ultimately strip him of his motor skills and ability to play, Alan Jackson is extending his long goodbye to fans. The country singer says his “last Call: One More for the Road Tour” will go on for a bit longer than planned before retreating to his family and privacy. “I’ve been touring for over 30 years — my daughters are all grown, we have one grandchild and one on the way. I’m enjoying spending more time at home. But my fans always show up to have a good time, and I’m going to give them the best show I can,” he said. He was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare genetic condition that affects movement. He previously said “There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious.”
Chiefs at the White House Friday
The Kansas City Chiefs will make the traditional trek to the White House today, to celebrate their Super Bowl win. The team, which sports several high-profile Christians, will take the stage along side President Joe Biden. During his last appearance, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker donned a pro-life tie in a subtle protest to the Biden administration’s pro-abortion policies. The tie read “Vulnerari Praesidio,” Latin for “protect the most vulnerable.” In an odd response to a question, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Butker was still invited to the celebration after his comments defending the dignity and value of motherhood.
–Dwight Widaman and wire services
