Chris Brennan
@bychrisbrennan.bsky.social
USA Today columnist writing about people, power and politics. Tell me a story: cbrennan@gannett.com.
https://www.usatoday.com/staff/72269205007/chris-brennan/
https://www.usatoday.com/staff/72269205007/chris-brennan/
Donald Trump, after watching his Republican Party take a thorough thrashing on Election Day, briefly appeared to be on the edge of learning a lesson about affordability. Then his narcissism kicked in. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Trump doesn't want to hear how much a Walmart Thanksgiving costs. He prefers the lie. | Opinion
Prices are up, not down. And Trump doesn't want to hear it. And he really doesn't want you to hear it, even as you live it.
www.usatoday.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Donald Trump, after watching his Republican Party take a thorough thrashing on Election Day, briefly appeared to be on the edge of learning a lesson about affordability. Then his narcissism kicked in. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
President Donald Trump's allies in Congress, eager to help him rewrite the history of criminal investigations into his conduct, might have inadvertently offered us all a path to transparency about some of his alleged lawlessness. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
GOP pushes to question Trump prosecutor Jack Smith quietly. What are they hiding? | Opinion
Republicans in Congress want to put Jack Smith under a microscope, in private. He's cornering them in their own game, very much in public.
www.usatoday.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:59 PM
President Donald Trump's allies in Congress, eager to help him rewrite the history of criminal investigations into his conduct, might have inadvertently offered us all a path to transparency about some of his alleged lawlessness. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Donald Trump’s attacks on the rights of Americans to cast ballots in support of politicians not named Trump will inevitably escalate. His motivation is as clear as it is predictable: He is terrified of the 2026 midterms. My USA Today newsletter explains:
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
November 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Donald Trump’s attacks on the rights of Americans to cast ballots in support of politicians not named Trump will inevitably escalate. His motivation is as clear as it is predictable: He is terrified of the 2026 midterms. My USA Today newsletter explains:
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
Hunker down in a storm, Isle of Skye-style.
October 31, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Hunker down in a storm, Isle of Skye-style.
Reposted by Chris Brennan
NEW: Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power.
Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well beyond the borders of his state.
By @dougbockclark.bsky.social
Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well beyond the borders of his state.
By @dougbockclark.bsky.social
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM
NEW: Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power.
Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well beyond the borders of his state.
By @dougbockclark.bsky.social
Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well beyond the borders of his state.
By @dougbockclark.bsky.social
Reposted by Chris Brennan
Journalism tip: If someone says drop the story, that’s a sign to keep reporting.
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
October 30, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Journalism tip: If someone says drop the story, that’s a sign to keep reporting.
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
Back reporters who won’t flinch. Support our independent journalism ➜ propub.li/43MugoG
A bartender on my first trip to Scotland 25 years ago recommended #Talisker. It’s been my go-to since then. And today, on my second trip to Scotland, I got to see where it is made by the sea here on the Isle of Skye.
October 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
A bartender on my first trip to Scotland 25 years ago recommended #Talisker. It’s been my go-to since then. And today, on my second trip to Scotland, I got to see where it is made by the sea here on the Isle of Skye.
If someone asks if you want to slurp oysters in a shed on a windswept mountain in the Scottish Highlands you say yes.
October 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
If someone asks if you want to slurp oysters in a shed on a windswept mountain in the Scottish Highlands you say yes.
Happened again today in Scotland. Hiking up to The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye. Guy on his way back down sees my hat and yells, “Go Birds!” I greet him with “Go Birds!” Hike continues. Also, the Scots say “youse” a lot. I feel at home. #FlyEaglesFly
October 28, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Happened again today in Scotland. Hiking up to The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye. Guy on his way back down sees my hat and yells, “Go Birds!” I greet him with “Go Birds!” Hike continues. Also, the Scots say “youse” a lot. I feel at home. #FlyEaglesFly
Walking out of the Eilean Donan Castle near Dornie in Scotland today and a guy walking in looks at my hat and says “Go birds.” I reply, “Go Birds.” Tourists around us from different countries pause to wonder what they just heard.
October 27, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Walking out of the Eilean Donan Castle near Dornie in Scotland today and a guy walking in looks at my hat and says “Go birds.” I reply, “Go Birds.” Tourists around us from different countries pause to wonder what they just heard.
This is Coire Gabhail (or Lost Valley) in the Scottish Highlands. There are 3 stages to a mountain hike:
1. You read about it on the internet and think, this seems cool.
2. You do it and question your sanity on the way up and then back down.
3. You sit in the pub and laugh about how stupid you are.
1. You read about it on the internet and think, this seems cool.
2. You do it and question your sanity on the way up and then back down.
3. You sit in the pub and laugh about how stupid you are.
October 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
This is Coire Gabhail (or Lost Valley) in the Scottish Highlands. There are 3 stages to a mountain hike:
1. You read about it on the internet and think, this seems cool.
2. You do it and question your sanity on the way up and then back down.
3. You sit in the pub and laugh about how stupid you are.
1. You read about it on the internet and think, this seems cool.
2. You do it and question your sanity on the way up and then back down.
3. You sit in the pub and laugh about how stupid you are.
Reposted by Chris Brennan
I guess they're learning about personal liberties and free markets
Some news: The Washington Post is preparing to cut newsroom staff even after several high profile exits. Bezos’ new opinion editor has privately told people The Post is in “severe financial distress.” Details in @status.news www.status.news/p/washington...
Pain at The Post
As morale sinks and top talent exits, staffers at The Washington Post are bracing for more pain ahead of the holidays—raising questions about Will Lewis’ leadership, nearly two years into his tenure a...
www.status.news
October 23, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I guess they're learning about personal liberties and free markets
Reposted by Chris Brennan
Uhhhhh…
CNBC: Is importing beef from Argentina a possibility?
BROOKE ROLLINS: Yes, the president has said he's in discussions with Argentina. It will not be very much. Argentina is also facing a foot and mouth disease issue.
BROOKE ROLLINS: Yes, the president has said he's in discussions with Argentina. It will not be very much. Argentina is also facing a foot and mouth disease issue.
October 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Uhhhhh…
Reposted by Chris Brennan
"American farmers need a president who cares as much about their livelihood right now as he does about the fortunes of a political ally in a far-away country," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/3JhZmxu
October 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
"American farmers need a president who cares as much about their livelihood right now as he does about the fortunes of a political ally in a far-away country," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/3JhZmxu
Reposted by Chris Brennan
The numbers I am seeing, and the breadth of people and places with basically no arrests and so forth, seem to me an unqualified political loss for them. It is a show of strength rather than the fight itself, but you can’t downplay it.
October 18, 2025 at 11:23 PM
The numbers I am seeing, and the breadth of people and places with basically no arrests and so forth, seem to me an unqualified political loss for them. It is a show of strength rather than the fight itself, but you can’t downplay it.
Reposted by Chris Brennan
"The central messaging for Donald Trump's second term as president is propelled by an inversion of reality," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/4o7T1nm
October 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
"The central messaging for Donald Trump's second term as president is propelled by an inversion of reality," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/4o7T1nm
October 18, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Reposted by Chris Brennan
"Ask yourself why Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are so desperate to recast his critics marching in our streets as rampaging criminals bent on destroying America," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/4qlYM2G
October 18, 2025 at 12:01 PM
"Ask yourself why Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are so desperate to recast his critics marching in our streets as rampaging criminals bent on destroying America," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/4qlYM2G
Show up to a 'No Kings' protest Saturday, no matter how you feel about Donald Trump. Take a good look for yourself at the people he and his ridiculous allies try to cast as terrorists who hate America. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Thin-skinned Trump's sycophants call 'No Kings' protests violent. Don't buy it. | Opinion
There will be protest placards, chants about democracy and rousing speeches. Does that sound like some sort of violent urban uprising to you?
www.usatoday.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Show up to a 'No Kings' protest Saturday, no matter how you feel about Donald Trump. Take a good look for yourself at the people he and his ridiculous allies try to cast as terrorists who hate America. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
House Speaker Mike Johnson will probably be sued by Arizona's AG for failing to swear in a new representative (as a way of stalling the inevitable vote on releasing the Epstein files.) Boy, does he have it coming. My USA Today newsletter explains:
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
October 16, 2025 at 3:48 PM
House Speaker Mike Johnson will probably be sued by Arizona's AG for failing to swear in a new representative (as a way of stalling the inevitable vote on releasing the Epstein files.) Boy, does he have it coming. My USA Today newsletter explains:
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
www.usatoday.com/story/nlette...
Trump to Argentinians yesterday while bailing out their economy (and their president) with $20 billion: "We love them. We'll be there for them.”
Trump to American soybean farmers yesterday as Argentina grabs their market in China: (…)
My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Trump to American soybean farmers yesterday as Argentina grabs their market in China: (…)
My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
US soybean crisis is a 'man-made disaster caused by' Trump. And farmers know it. | Opinion
On Oct. 10, Trump escalated trade tensions with China. By Oct. 12, he was posting that 'it will all be fine.' But that doesn't help America's farmers.
www.usatoday.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Trump to Argentinians yesterday while bailing out their economy (and their president) with $20 billion: "We love them. We'll be there for them.”
Trump to American soybean farmers yesterday as Argentina grabs their market in China: (…)
My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Trump to American soybean farmers yesterday as Argentina grabs their market in China: (…)
My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Reposted by Chris Brennan
"Trump has always valued a slapdash scramble on the fly more than a long-term, cohesive plan," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/3Ww2F79
October 15, 2025 at 12:15 AM
"Trump has always valued a slapdash scramble on the fly more than a long-term, cohesive plan," writes columnist @bychrisbrennan.bsky.social. bit.ly/3Ww2F79
The official Trump administration message is that Qatar will have an air force base built in Idaho. Except, not really. And blame for that mix-up goes to the media... for accurately reporting what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
MAGA balked at Team Trump's Qatari air force base. So now it's a 'fake story.' | Opinion
Team Trump hates being accurately quoted, especially when something they say inflames the MAGA influencers who usually spread his inverted reality.
www.usatoday.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
The official Trump administration message is that Qatar will have an air force base built in Idaho. Except, not really. And blame for that mix-up goes to the media... for accurately reporting what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. My USA Today column:
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
www.usatoday.com/story/opinio...
Joe Biden, on Jan. 6, 2021, was a former vice president who defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election but was still two weeks away from being sworn into office. Trump, as outgoing president on Jan. 6, 2021, had control of the FBI. Timelines get hazy as people age,
October 12, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Joe Biden, on Jan. 6, 2021, was a former vice president who defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election but was still two weeks away from being sworn into office. Trump, as outgoing president on Jan. 6, 2021, had control of the FBI. Timelines get hazy as people age,
America is about to spend a weekend watching furious social media posts from a politician who didn't get a peace prize he campaigned for while also trying to use his country's military against his country's citizens because they don't agree with his authoritarian agenda.
October 10, 2025 at 5:10 PM
America is about to spend a weekend watching furious social media posts from a politician who didn't get a peace prize he campaigned for while also trying to use his country's military against his country's citizens because they don't agree with his authoritarian agenda.