Aman Batheja
@amanbatheja.bsky.social
Senior Political Editor at TIME Magazine. Background in economics and TX politics. Formerly New York Times, Texas Tribune. Dad. #washingtondc @nytimes.com
Signal: @amanbatheja.46
Signal: @amanbatheja.46
A ‘strategic and moral mistake’: Why Trump didn’t tap María Machado to run Venezuela
"Put on a lie detector, he probably isn’t a big fan because she stole his Nobel Prize"
time.com/7343295/vene...
"Put on a lie detector, he probably isn’t a big fan because she stole his Nobel Prize"
time.com/7343295/vene...
'Moral Mistake’: Why Trump Didn’t Tap Machado to Run Venezuela
"He probably isn’t a big fan because she stole his Nobel Prize"
time.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:06 PM
A ‘strategic and moral mistake’: Why Trump didn’t tap María Machado to run Venezuela
"Put on a lie detector, he probably isn’t a big fan because she stole his Nobel Prize"
time.com/7343295/vene...
"Put on a lie detector, he probably isn’t a big fan because she stole his Nobel Prize"
time.com/7343295/vene...
Reposted by Aman Batheja
“.. In a telephone interview this morning, .. Trump issued a not-so-veiled threat against the new Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying that ‘if she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,’ ..”
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
January 4, 2026 at 5:32 PM
“.. In a telephone interview this morning, .. Trump issued a not-so-veiled threat against the new Venezuelan leader, Delcy Rodríguez, saying that ‘if she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,’ ..”
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Today is Marjorie Taylor Greene's last day as a member of Congress
January 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Today is Marjorie Taylor Greene's last day as a member of Congress
Last month, a U.S. official gave this quote to TIME for a story on the prospect of preparing for worst-case scenarios in a post-Maduro Venezuela
time.com/7340252/vene...
time.com/7340252/vene...
January 3, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Last month, a U.S. official gave this quote to TIME for a story on the prospect of preparing for worst-case scenarios in a post-Maduro Venezuela
time.com/7340252/vene...
time.com/7340252/vene...
Reposted by Aman Batheja
every reporter who covers AI should paste their latest piece into it and ask it to tell them if it’s good, and then when it offers obsequious praise, change the prompt to “tear it to shreds,” in order to understand on a personal level that it has no viewpoint and just responds to the prompt
It’s also time to start wondering if some of these reporters are a little cooked by the bots themselves. Reporters aren’t inured to chatbot psychosis. In fact, some of them may have drank too much of the kool aid from sources selling them stuff. We’re in a new world of stupid. Adjust your credulity.
January 3, 2026 at 3:22 AM
every reporter who covers AI should paste their latest piece into it and ask it to tell them if it’s good, and then when it offers obsequious praise, change the prompt to “tear it to shreds,” in order to understand on a personal level that it has no viewpoint and just responds to the prompt
Reposted by Aman Batheja
I went to Texas to write about the sudden end of one of America's most successful experiments: the six decades of welcoming India's most educated and ambitious citizens. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/29/o...
Opinion | One of America’s Most Successful Experiments Is Coming to a Shuddering Halt
www.nytimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
I went to Texas to write about the sudden end of one of America's most successful experiments: the six decades of welcoming India's most educated and ambitious citizens. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/29/o...
“I asked [Mamdani] and some of his advisers if there were cities that had pulled this off that New York could emulate, places that had managed to meaningfully lower the cost of living. None sprang to mind. Talk to policy experts, and they find the prospect laughable”
The Making of Mayor Mamdani
He is a brilliant political talent with dizzying ambitions to change the city. Is he ready for the actual job, though?
nymag.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
“I asked [Mamdani] and some of his advisers if there were cities that had pulled this off that New York could emulate, places that had managed to meaningfully lower the cost of living. None sprang to mind. Talk to policy experts, and they find the prospect laughable”
Incredible quote from a band leader who is out $40,000 after cancelling two Kennedy Center gigs scheduled for April: “It is financially devastating but morally exhilarating”
New Year’s Eve Concerts at Kennedy Center Are Canceled
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Incredible quote from a band leader who is out $40,000 after cancelling two Kennedy Center gigs scheduled for April: “It is financially devastating but morally exhilarating”
The most requested song by women at piano bars is “Pink Pony Club.”
The most requested by men? “Ignition (Remix)" by R. Kelly.
“The R&B slow jam from 2002 actually gets requested more since the singer’s 2021 conviction for sex trafficking. Women have stopped requesting it almost entirely.”
The most requested by men? “Ignition (Remix)" by R. Kelly.
“The R&B slow jam from 2002 actually gets requested more since the singer’s 2021 conviction for sex trafficking. Women have stopped requesting it almost entirely.”
Opinion | I perform at a piano bar. The most requested song might surprise you.
So long “Piano Man.” Chappell Roan’s ode to a gay bar now draws the most requests.
wapo.st
December 28, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The most requested song by women at piano bars is “Pink Pony Club.”
The most requested by men? “Ignition (Remix)" by R. Kelly.
“The R&B slow jam from 2002 actually gets requested more since the singer’s 2021 conviction for sex trafficking. Women have stopped requesting it almost entirely.”
The most requested by men? “Ignition (Remix)" by R. Kelly.
“The R&B slow jam from 2002 actually gets requested more since the singer’s 2021 conviction for sex trafficking. Women have stopped requesting it almost entirely.”
“No one, except maybe kids too young to remember the 20th century, mistook Stranger Things for being original. But it did feel fresh.”
Stranger Things started out as a fun, clever, well-made little distraction from the hellscape of 2016. Then we all started living full-time in the Upside Down, a franchise-thirsty streamer stretched one season's worth of story into four, and—much like our brains—the show never recovered.
'Stranger Things' Was a Casualty of the Franchise Machine
How the nostalgic, well-made treat we couldn't help devouring amid the traumas of 2016 devolved into a content factory
time.com
December 26, 2025 at 7:02 PM
“No one, except maybe kids too young to remember the 20th century, mistook Stranger Things for being original. But it did feel fresh.”
Reposted by Aman Batheja
"Let people enjoy things" isn't the populist cri de coeur some people seem to think it is. It's giving everyone who gets rich making entertainment products for mass consumption cover to cater to the lowest common denominator. At least make them put some effort into taking your hard-earned money!
December 26, 2025 at 4:50 PM
"Let people enjoy things" isn't the populist cri de coeur some people seem to think it is. It's giving everyone who gets rich making entertainment products for mass consumption cover to cater to the lowest common denominator. At least make them put some effort into taking your hard-earned money!
“A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center, a holiday tradition dating back more than 20 years, has been canceled.”
Musician Chuck Redd told the AP he called it off when he saw saw Trump’s name added to the building.
Musician Chuck Redd told the AP he called it off when he saw saw Trump’s name added to the building.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve jazz concert canceled after Trump name added to building
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled. Musician Chuck Redd, the show's host, says he called off the performance after the White House announced President Donald ...
apnews.com
December 25, 2025 at 3:14 AM
“A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center, a holiday tradition dating back more than 20 years, has been canceled.”
Musician Chuck Redd told the AP he called it off when he saw saw Trump’s name added to the building.
Musician Chuck Redd told the AP he called it off when he saw saw Trump’s name added to the building.
The Department of Justice has declared the Epstein letter to Nassar is “FAKE,” citing three discrepancies
December 23, 2025 at 9:46 PM
The Department of Justice has declared the Epstein letter to Nassar is “FAKE,” citing three discrepancies
"But in seeking to defend the department, Mr. Blanche publicly contradicted the president.
'Mr. Siebert wasn’t fired because he refused to bring cases,' Mr. Blanche said. 'He resigned.'
In September, Mr. Trump had angrily declared on social media: 'He didn’t quit, I fired him!'"
'Mr. Siebert wasn’t fired because he refused to bring cases,' Mr. Blanche said. 'He resigned.'
In September, Mr. Trump had angrily declared on social media: 'He didn’t quit, I fired him!'"
Blanche Says Mentions of Trump in Epstein Files Won’t Be Removed
www.nytimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:54 PM
"But in seeking to defend the department, Mr. Blanche publicly contradicted the president.
'Mr. Siebert wasn’t fired because he refused to bring cases,' Mr. Blanche said. 'He resigned.'
In September, Mr. Trump had angrily declared on social media: 'He didn’t quit, I fired him!'"
'Mr. Siebert wasn’t fired because he refused to bring cases,' Mr. Blanche said. 'He resigned.'
In September, Mr. Trump had angrily declared on social media: 'He didn’t quit, I fired him!'"
Trump just now on boat strikes and plans to move to land: "We saved 25,000 lives every single time we knocked out a boat...We're going to have the same success, and even quicker...on land...we're doing a great job and we enjoy doing it."
December 22, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Trump just now on boat strikes and plans to move to land: "We saved 25,000 lives every single time we knocked out a boat...We're going to have the same success, and even quicker...on land...we're doing a great job and we enjoy doing it."
Reposted by Aman Batheja
John Brennan, the former CIA director, is trying to keep the Trump DOJ from steering its "grand conspiracy" investigation into Trump's political foes to Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed Trump's classified documents case. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/u...
Ex-C.I.A. Chief Asks to Keep Justice Dept. From Steering Case to Favored Judge
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:25 PM
John Brennan, the former CIA director, is trying to keep the Trump DOJ from steering its "grand conspiracy" investigation into Trump's political foes to Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed Trump's classified documents case. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/u...
"Staffers in the Heritage Foundation’s economic, legal, and data centers resigned over the weekend to join a conservative advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence"
Resignations Continue at Heritage Foundation amid Frustrations with Leadership | National Review
www.nationalreview.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
"Staffers in the Heritage Foundation’s economic, legal, and data centers resigned over the weekend to join a conservative advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence"
“Weiss told colleagues this weekend the piece…could not run without an on-the-record comment from a Trump admin official”
“Alfonsi wrote that she and her colleagues on the story had sought comments and interviews from the Department of Homeland Security, the White House and the State Department.”
“Alfonsi wrote that she and her colleagues on the story had sought comments and interviews from the Department of Homeland Security, the White House and the State Department.”
CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls '60 Minutes' story, sparking outcry
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss pulled a 60 Minutes segment on allegations of abuses at an El Salvador detention center where the Trump administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants.
www.npr.org
December 22, 2025 at 1:02 PM
“Weiss told colleagues this weekend the piece…could not run without an on-the-record comment from a Trump admin official”
“Alfonsi wrote that she and her colleagues on the story had sought comments and interviews from the Department of Homeland Security, the White House and the State Department.”
“Alfonsi wrote that she and her colleagues on the story had sought comments and interviews from the Department of Homeland Security, the White House and the State Department.”
AP: “At least 16 files disappeared from the Justice Department’s public webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein — including a photograph showing President Donald Trump — less than a day after they were posted, with no explanation from the government and no notice to the public.”
At least 16 files have disappeared from the DOJ webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein
The Justice Department’s webpage for documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is missing at least 16 of its files a day after they were released.
apnews.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:39 PM
AP: “At least 16 files disappeared from the Justice Department’s public webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein — including a photograph showing President Donald Trump — less than a day after they were posted, with no explanation from the government and no notice to the public.”
Re-upping this recent excellent piece on how Epstein survivors’ lobbied Washington through World Without Exploitation.
WWE’s director today: “The Department of Justice’s release of Epstein-related files on December 19 was a step backward for transparency and accountability”
WWE’s director today: “The Department of Justice’s release of Epstein-related files on December 19 was a step backward for transparency and accountability”
In September, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein met on a rooftop in downtown Washington. Some were meeting each other for the first time. They had gathered to make posters for a rally at the Capitol, but something more meaningful unfolded.
Can not recommend this story enough:
time.com/7340275/jeff...
Can not recommend this story enough:
time.com/7340275/jeff...
Epstein Files: Victims Brace for Big Moment They Brought About
Scores of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein are set to be released in the coming days.
time.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Re-upping this recent excellent piece on how Epstein survivors’ lobbied Washington through World Without Exploitation.
WWE’s director today: “The Department of Justice’s release of Epstein-related files on December 19 was a step backward for transparency and accountability”
WWE’s director today: “The Department of Justice’s release of Epstein-related files on December 19 was a step backward for transparency and accountability”
Reposted by Aman Batheja
imagine having an actual evil twin
Incredible story. A Democrat on the Indiana city council went viral for a video explaining that the guy who looks like him showing up at GOP events was his MAGA twin brother.
It wasn't a joke. TIME spoke to both Nick and Nathan Roberts about their relationship
time.com/7341364/twin...
It wasn't a joke. TIME spoke to both Nick and Nathan Roberts about their relationship
time.com/7341364/twin...
Meet the Identical Twins on Opposite Sides of the Political Divide
One is a Democratic city councillor, the other is an anti-immigration activist. Things got confusing when they appeared at the same public debate.
time.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:44 PM
imagine having an actual evil twin
Reposted by Aman Batheja
Elise Stefanik Tried Everything to Please Trump. He Still Jilted Her. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
Elise Stefanik Tried Everything to Please Trump. He Still Jilted Her.
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Elise Stefanik Tried Everything to Please Trump. He Still Jilted Her. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...