🌡️ RollingBoil Daily - November 17, 2025
If you thought the MAGA movement's circular firing squad couldn't get more chaotic, today proves otherwise. President Trump has turned on one of his most loyal acolytes, denouncing Marjorie Taylor Greene as a "traitor" in a stunning fracture that reveals just how volatile and personality-driven the Republican Party has become. Meanwhile, Trump is simultaneously defending Tucker Carlson's decision to platform white nationalist Nick Fuentes—a stark reminder that while loyalty tests shift by the hour, the movement's tolerance for extremism remains rock solid. This isn't just political drama; it's a window into how the right operates without ideology or principle, only power and personal grievance.
The stakes extend far beyond palace intrigue. Trump is already threatening primary challenges against Republicans who won't bend to his will on Indiana redistricting, demonstrating how he's weaponizing his influence to remake the party in his image—one loyalty test at a time. And while these internal battles rage, the right's broader culture war machinery grinds on, with new reporting today exposing how "gender ideology" has become the all-purpose boogeyman to justify discrimination against trans people and roll back civil rights gains. As one judge hints at dismissing the politically motivated Comey indictment, we're tracking every move of an administration that governs through intimidation, spectacle, and scapegoating. Let's dig in.
⚡ Quick Hits
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Pence group rips Trump's drug pricing plan in new ad campaign
A conservative group led by former VP Mike Pence launched a six-figure ad campaign criticizing Trump's drug pricing policy as 'socialist price controls,' representing a notable intra-Republican disagreement on healthcare policy. This reflects ongoing tensions between Trump and establishment conservative figures within the GOP, with Pence's Advancing American Freedom organization positioning itself as an alternative conservative voice on economic policy. -
Trump open to conducting strikes in Mexico to thwart drug smuggling
Trump's statement on potential military strikes in Mexico represents a significant escalation in right-wing border security rhetoric and reflects the administration's hardline approach to drug trafficking and immigration control. This positions military intervention as a potential policy tool, aligning with Trump's broader nationalist and sovereignty-focused agenda. The statement appeals to the Republican base's emphasis on strong border enforcement and national security priorities. -
Judge Says Justice Dept. May Have Committed Misconduct in Comey Case
A magistrate judge's finding of potential DOJ misconduct in the James Comey case provides ammunition for right-wing critics who have long argued the Justice Department weaponized against Trump and his allies. This development supports conservative narratives about institutional bias and could be leveraged by Republican lawmakers and Trump supporters to challenge the legitimacy of prosecutions stemming from Trump-era investigations. The potential dismissal of charges against Comey represents a symbolic victory for those claiming the FBI and DOJ engaged in politically motivated actions. -
As Trump Looks for Distraction on Epstein, Justice Dept. Rushes to His Aid
This article examines allegations that the Trump administration deployed the Justice Department to manage negative press coverage related to Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about executive branch politicization. The story is highly relevant to tracking Trump administration actions and governance practices, particularly regarding the use of federal agencies for political purposes. It represents a significant controversy within right-wing political discourse regarding executive authority and institutional independence. -
Trump proposes to narrow where Clean Water Act applies
The Trump administration is proposing to restrict Clean Water Act protections by narrowing the definition of federally regulated waters, a move aligned with the administration's deregulation agenda favored by business and development interests. This policy reversal represents a core Trump administration priority of reducing federal environmental oversight and regulatory burden on industries, reflecting conservative principles of limited government and states' rights. -
Supreme Court will review an old policy used to turn away asylum seekers at the US border
The Trump administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to reinstate the 'metering' policy that restricts asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, a practice first used under Obama but expanded during Trump's first term. This case represents a key Trump administration priority on immigration enforcement and border control, seeking to restore a tool for limiting asylum processing during border surges. The Supreme Court's decision will significantly impact the administration's ability to manage immigration policy and enforce stricter border protocols. -
Immigrant student enrollment is dwindling at schools across the US amid immigration crackdowns
This article documents the direct impact of Trump's immigration crackdown on school enrollment across the United States, with dramatic declines in immigrant student populations following increased ICE enforcement and border restrictions. The reporting demonstrates measurable consequences of Trump administration immigration policies on public institutions, including significant budget shortfalls and school closures, representing a key policy outcome of the current administration's enforcement priorities. -
Trump immigration crackdown leads to falling immigrant student enrollment
This article documents a direct policy consequence of Trump administration immigration enforcement actions, showing measurable impacts on school enrollment nationwide. The story illustrates how right-wing immigration crackdown policies are affecting institutional operations and family behavior across multiple states, representing a tangible outcome of the administration's enforcement priorities.
đź“Š By The Numbers
- 6,000 - Students enrollment decline in Palm Beach County this year
- 2,550 - Students entered Miami-Dade from another country this year
- $70 million - Budget shortfall in Miami-Dade from enrollment declines
đź“° Today's Big Stories
1. Trump denounces Marjorie Taylor Greene as traitor; MTG responds
Trump Turns on MTG: MAGA's Most Loyal Soldier Gets Purged
In a stunning fracture within the MAGA movement, President Trump has publicly denounced Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) as a "traitor," withdrawing his endorsement of one of his most vocally loyal congressional allies. The break, announced via Truth Social last week, marks a dramatic falling out between Trump and the Georgia congresswoman who has spent years amplifying his conspiracy theories, defending his actions through two impeachments, and positioning herself as MAGA royalty in the House.
The political context of this split remains unclear from available details, but it represents a significant moment in right-wing coalition politics. Greene has been among Trump's most reliable defenders, often going further than other Republicans in promoting election denial claims and attacking Trump's perceived enemies. Her willingness to embrace extremism made her both a fundraising powerhouse and a liability for GOP leadership. Whatever triggered Trump's denunciation, it demonstrates the former president's willingness to devour even his most faithful allies when they no longer serve his purposes—a pattern that has defined his political career.
This public rupture matters because it exposes the inherently unstable nature of authoritarian-style political movements built around personal loyalty rather than policy or principle. Greene's fall from grace could embolden other MAGA-aligned Republicans to chart their own course, or conversely, it could terrify them into even more obsequious behavior. It also raises questions about Trump's judgment and stability as he wields presidential power, casually destroying political careers via social media posts.
Watch for: Greene's response and whether she doubles down on MAGA principles or pivots away from Trump; how other Trump loyalists react to seeing one of their own cast out; and whether this signals broader instability within Trump's inner circle. Also monitor if this creates any opening for traditional Republicans to reassert influence—or if another loyalist simply fills Greene's role as Trump's most extreme congressional defender.
2. President Trump defends Tucker Carlson after Fuentes interview
Trump Shields Carlson After Platforming White Nationalist Fuentes
President Trump has publicly defended Tucker Carlson following widespread backlash over the conservative commentator's friendly interview with Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist known for antisemitic rhetoric and Holocaust denial. Rather than condemning the decision to platform Fuentes, Trump framed it as a matter of public judgment, telling reporters that "people have to decide" for themselves. The president's hands-off response effectively provides cover for mainstreaming extremist voices within conservative media—a signal that wasn't lost on Fuentes himself, who posted "Thank you Mr. President!" hours after Trump's remarks.
The interview sparked immediate condemnation from pro-Israel organizations and even some conservative groups who recognized the danger of normalizing Fuentes's ideology. Fuentes leads a movement centered on preserving what he describes as white, Christian identity in America, and has a documented history of antisemitic statements that have made him a pariah even within far-right circles—until now. Carlson's decision to conduct a softball interview with Fuentes, combined with Trump's subsequent defense, represents a troubling merger of fringe extremism with mainstream Republican media infrastructure. This isn't happening in the shadows; it's playing out with presidential blessing in prime time.
The implications extend far beyond one interview. Trump's refusal to draw a line against antisemitism and white nationalism—choosing instead to defend the platforming of these views—sets a dangerous precedent for his second term. It signals to other conservative media figures that amplifying extremist voices carries no political cost and may even earn presidential approval. For Jewish Americans, people of color, and anyone targeted by white nationalist ideology, this represents a direct threat: the normalization of hate speech is often a precursor to the normalization of hate-fueled violence.
Watch for: whether other Republican leaders will break with Trump on this issue or remain silent, how major advertisers respond to Carlson's platform, and whether this emboldens other media figures to feature white nationalist guests. Also monitor if Trump continues this pattern of defending extremist platforming—this may be a test case for how far the boundaries can be pushed in his second administration.
3. Judge hints at Comey indictment dismissal, orders DOJ to release grand jury material
Judge Signals Trouble for Politicized Comey Prosecution
A federal judge overseeing the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey has indicated he may dismiss the indictment entirely, while ordering the Department of Justice to release grand jury materials for review. The development comes amid mounting evidence that the prosecution was directly orchestrated by President Donald Trump, who reportedly pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges against Comey shortly before the Virginia indictment was handed down.
The case represents one of the most brazen examples of weaponizing the justice system against political adversaries. Comey, who led the FBI during the early Russia investigation and whose firing by Trump in 2017 sparked obstruction of justice concerns, has long been a target of the former—and now current—president's ire. With Trump ally Pam Bondi installed as Attorney General, the administration appears to have transformed Trump's social media threats and rally grievances into actual criminal prosecutions, raising fundamental questions about the independence of federal law enforcement.
If the judge follows through on dismissal, it would deal a significant blow to Trump's retribution agenda and potentially expose the administration to accusations of prosecutorial misconduct. The ordered release of grand jury materials could reveal the extent to which political considerations, rather than evidence of crimes, drove the indictment. This matters because it sets a precedent: if a president can successfully direct criminal charges against those who investigated him or testified against him, the rule of law becomes merely a tool of authoritarian control.
What's next: Watch for the DOJ's response to the judge's order and whether they comply fully with releasing grand jury materials. The timeline for a dismissal ruling remains unclear, but legal experts suggest it could come within weeks. Meanwhile, this case is just one of several Trump-era prosecutions of perceived enemies now facing judicial scrutiny, making it a potential bellwether for other politically motivated cases.
4. President Trump vows primaries over Indiana redistricting stance
Trump Weaponizes Primary Threats to Force Gerrymandering in Indiana
President Trump escalated his pressure campaign on state-level Republicans Monday, threatening to endorse primary challengers against any Indiana GOP legislator who opposes redrawing the state's congressional maps. In a characteristic social media post, Trump vowed to "strongly endors" against lawmakers who vote against redistricting, framing the partisan map manipulation as essential to "the Republican Party, and our Nation." The threat represents a brazen use of Trump's continued grip on the GOP base to strong-arm state legislators into supporting gerrymandering efforts designed to flip Democratic-held seats before the midterms.
This Indiana power play fits into a broader Republican strategy unfolding across multiple states. Following similar aggressive redistricting pushes in Texas and Ohio, GOP-controlled state legislatures are racing to redraw congressional boundaries in ways that maximize Republican advantages. What makes Trump's intervention particularly notable is the direct intimidation of members of his own party—some Indiana Republicans have resisted the specific redistricting proposals, likely due to concerns about political backlash or the appearance of naked partisan manipulation. Trump's message is clear: fall in line or face a primary challenger backed by the former president's endorsement machine.
The stakes extend far beyond Indiana's borders. Successful gerrymandering in the state could shift several competitive districts firmly into Republican territory, directly impacting the balance of power in Congress. This represents democracy in reverse—instead of voters choosing their representatives, party operatives are choosing their voters. For progressives and anyone concerned about fair representation, Trump's threats reveal how the modern GOP views democratic norms: as obstacles to be bulldozed rather than principles to uphold. The fact that Trump must threaten his own party members suggests some Republicans retain reservations about the most extreme gerrymandering proposals, but his intervention may eliminate that last vestige of restraint.
Watch closely whether Indiana Republicans cave to Trump's pressure or hold firm—their decision will signal whether any space remains for dissent within the GOP on voting rights issues. Also monitor whether Democratic lawmakers and voting rights organizations mount legal challenges to any maps that emerge from this coercion. This Indiana fight is a preview of how Trump plans to enforce party discipline heading into 2024, using the threat of primary challenges as a cudgel to demand absolute loyalty on issues from election administration to congressional map-drawing.
5. How the Right Uses “Gender Ideology” to Blame Trans People for Everything
How the Right Uses "Gender Ideology" to Blame Trans People for Everything
Within hours of his second inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to legally erase transgender Americans by defining sex as binary and "immutable" from conception. The order, framed as "defending women," represents the opening salvo in what the administration is calling a fight against "gender ideology"—a catchall term the right has weaponized to justify rolling back civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people.
This isn't just Trump acting alone. The "gender ideology" framework has become central to the conservative movement's political strategy, uniting religious fundamentalists, anti-LGBTQ+ activists, and mainstream Republicans around a manufactured crisis. By portraying trans rights as an existential threat to women, children, and "biological reality," right-wing politicians have found a wedge issue that energizes their base while providing cover for sweeping discrimination. The term itself—borrowed from European far-right movements—deliberately obscures what's actually at stake: whether transgender people can access healthcare, use public facilities, or exist in public life without state-sanctioned discrimination.
The immediate impact will be felt across federal agencies, potentially affecting everything from passport gender markers to anti-discrimination protections in healthcare, education, and employment. Transgender federal employees, military service members, and anyone who relies on federal programs face uncertainty about their rights and recognition. Beyond direct policy changes, the order sends a clear signal that this administration views trans people as acceptable targets, likely emboldening state-level attacks and private discrimination.
Watch for follow-up executive actions targeting trans healthcare access, particularly for minors, and attempts to withhold federal funding from schools and institutions that maintain inclusive policies. Expect legal challenges to move quickly, but also anticipate Republican-controlled states to rush forward with copycat legislation. This is just the beginning of a coordinated campaign—and how effectively advocates and Democratic officials push back in these early days will shape what comes next.
RollingBoil • Tracking right-wing actions and accountability
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