Mona Burns
@monaburns.bsky.social
Political writer. Covering Congress. Vincit Omnia Veritas.
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
No DMs please
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
No DMs please
Reposted by Mona Burns
This would be cringily appalling if it were not so appallingly cringey. Also a junior varsity attempt at being Fox News will not work.
January 3, 2026 at 2:18 AM
This would be cringily appalling if it were not so appallingly cringey. Also a junior varsity attempt at being Fox News will not work.
Reposted by Mona Burns
“Instead CBS News has to foot the bill for her five security guards, private jet, and more guards with heavy weapons. Does she not understand how much journalism could be made with the money we’re instead spending on perks for her?”
January 3, 2026 at 2:20 AM
“Instead CBS News has to foot the bill for her five security guards, private jet, and more guards with heavy weapons. Does she not understand how much journalism could be made with the money we’re instead spending on perks for her?”
Reposted by Mona Burns
Oh swell. Just what we need.🙄
In a January 14 broadcast from Chicago, the main focus is planned to be on a “Bari Pitch” to bring on former President Barack Obama and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on to discuss “how the Dems lost touch and how to regain the working class trust.”
In a January 14 broadcast from Chicago, the main focus is planned to be on a “Bari Pitch” to bring on former President Barack Obama and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on to discuss “how the Dems lost touch and how to regain the working class trust.”
January 3, 2026 at 2:24 AM
Oh swell. Just what we need.🙄
In a January 14 broadcast from Chicago, the main focus is planned to be on a “Bari Pitch” to bring on former President Barack Obama and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on to discuss “how the Dems lost touch and how to regain the working class trust.”
In a January 14 broadcast from Chicago, the main focus is planned to be on a “Bari Pitch” to bring on former President Barack Obama and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on to discuss “how the Dems lost touch and how to regain the working class trust.”
Reposted by Mona Burns
This from the president who asked if it was okay to shoot peaceful American protesters in the legs.
January 2, 2026 at 5:56 PM
This from the president who asked if it was okay to shoot peaceful American protesters in the legs.
Also WHY do Trump's doctors keep giving him these cognitive exams?
Three times in a few months seems like a lot ..
Three times in a few months seems like a lot ..
January 2, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Also WHY do Trump's doctors keep giving him these cognitive exams?
Three times in a few months seems like a lot ..
Three times in a few months seems like a lot ..
There are *three dozen* gubernatorial elections in 2026
Including in 6 of 7 key battleground states that Trump took in 2024
Per NBC:
“The setting is good for Democrats"
These are the top 10 to watch:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
Including in 6 of 7 key battleground states that Trump took in 2024
Per NBC:
“The setting is good for Democrats"
These are the top 10 to watch:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
10 races for governor to watch in 2026
Across the country, 36 governor's elections are on the ballot this year, including six in presidential battleground states.
www.nbcnews.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:40 PM
There are *three dozen* gubernatorial elections in 2026
Including in 6 of 7 key battleground states that Trump took in 2024
Per NBC:
“The setting is good for Democrats"
These are the top 10 to watch:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
Including in 6 of 7 key battleground states that Trump took in 2024
Per NBC:
“The setting is good for Democrats"
These are the top 10 to watch:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/202...
Before SCOTUS in 2026:
Trump's tariffs
Redistricting (poss another hit to the VRA)
Birthright citizenship
Conversion therapy
Trans-athletes (2 cases)
Trump's power to fire heads of independent agencies
How many will they loophole in his favor?
Brace yourselves, kids
www.axios.com/2026/01/01/2...
Trump's tariffs
Redistricting (poss another hit to the VRA)
Birthright citizenship
Conversion therapy
Trans-athletes (2 cases)
Trump's power to fire heads of independent agencies
How many will they loophole in his favor?
Brace yourselves, kids
www.axios.com/2026/01/01/2...
How Trump's agenda lands at the Supreme Court in 2026
Trump has relied heavily on emergency appeals during his second term thus far.
www.axios.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Before SCOTUS in 2026:
Trump's tariffs
Redistricting (poss another hit to the VRA)
Birthright citizenship
Conversion therapy
Trans-athletes (2 cases)
Trump's power to fire heads of independent agencies
How many will they loophole in his favor?
Brace yourselves, kids
www.axios.com/2026/01/01/2...
Trump's tariffs
Redistricting (poss another hit to the VRA)
Birthright citizenship
Conversion therapy
Trans-athletes (2 cases)
Trump's power to fire heads of independent agencies
How many will they loophole in his favor?
Brace yourselves, kids
www.axios.com/2026/01/01/2...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Trump cares for the poor and suppressed Iranian people as much as he cares for Somalians in Minnesota, homeless people anywhere, or the victims of Epstein (and himself?).
Or for any of us, including his own voters.
Not even one microscopically small tiny bit.
Or for any of us, including his own voters.
Not even one microscopically small tiny bit.
January 2, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Trump cares for the poor and suppressed Iranian people as much as he cares for Somalians in Minnesota, homeless people anywhere, or the victims of Epstein (and himself?).
Or for any of us, including his own voters.
Not even one microscopically small tiny bit.
Or for any of us, including his own voters.
Not even one microscopically small tiny bit.
This is really rich from the guy who used the military in Chicago to pepper spray peaceful protests
Trump threatening US intervention in Iran to protect peaceful protesters is just an excuse to attack Iran
He's desperate for a war
Any war
Another irresponsible, self-serving distraction
Trump threatening US intervention in Iran to protect peaceful protesters is just an excuse to attack Iran
He's desperate for a war
Any war
Another irresponsible, self-serving distraction
January 2, 2026 at 4:20 PM
This is really rich from the guy who used the military in Chicago to pepper spray peaceful protests
Trump threatening US intervention in Iran to protect peaceful protesters is just an excuse to attack Iran
He's desperate for a war
Any war
Another irresponsible, self-serving distraction
Trump threatening US intervention in Iran to protect peaceful protesters is just an excuse to attack Iran
He's desperate for a war
Any war
Another irresponsible, self-serving distraction
"More appropriators may be on the chopping block, too, depending on how some states may draw their maps."
Changing Appropriations Cmte make-up is normal
What's not normal:
Handing their power to the White House and OMB
Let's face it:
Abdicating spending powers to Trump/Vought is the real problem
Changing Appropriations Cmte make-up is normal
What's not normal:
Handing their power to the White House and OMB
Let's face it:
Abdicating spending powers to Trump/Vought is the real problem
Approps Cmte members "struggling" to remain relevant
Senate Approps:
McConnell, Durbin, Shaheen, & Peters are retiring
(Collins in Nov?)
Leaving House Approps:
Newhouse, Hinson, Watson Coleman & poss Hoyer & Clyburn
More:
punchbowl.news/article/fina...
Senate Approps:
McConnell, Durbin, Shaheen, & Peters are retiring
(Collins in Nov?)
Leaving House Approps:
Newhouse, Hinson, Watson Coleman & poss Hoyer & Clyburn
More:
punchbowl.news/article/fina...
How 2026 is shuffling the appropriations panels
Appropriators have a lot to prove over the next month — not only that their committees are still relevant, but also that new lawmakers should join.
punchbowl.news
January 2, 2026 at 4:01 PM
"More appropriators may be on the chopping block, too, depending on how some states may draw their maps."
Changing Appropriations Cmte make-up is normal
What's not normal:
Handing their power to the White House and OMB
Let's face it:
Abdicating spending powers to Trump/Vought is the real problem
Changing Appropriations Cmte make-up is normal
What's not normal:
Handing their power to the White House and OMB
Let's face it:
Abdicating spending powers to Trump/Vought is the real problem
Approps Cmte members "struggling" to remain relevant
Senate Approps:
McConnell, Durbin, Shaheen, & Peters are retiring
(Collins in Nov?)
Leaving House Approps:
Newhouse, Hinson, Watson Coleman & poss Hoyer & Clyburn
More:
punchbowl.news/article/fina...
Senate Approps:
McConnell, Durbin, Shaheen, & Peters are retiring
(Collins in Nov?)
Leaving House Approps:
Newhouse, Hinson, Watson Coleman & poss Hoyer & Clyburn
More:
punchbowl.news/article/fina...
How 2026 is shuffling the appropriations panels
Appropriators have a lot to prove over the next month — not only that their committees are still relevant, but also that new lawmakers should join.
punchbowl.news
January 2, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Approps Cmte members "struggling" to remain relevant
Senate Approps:
McConnell, Durbin, Shaheen, & Peters are retiring
(Collins in Nov?)
Leaving House Approps:
Newhouse, Hinson, Watson Coleman & poss Hoyer & Clyburn
More:
punchbowl.news/article/fina...
Senate Approps:
McConnell, Durbin, Shaheen, & Peters are retiring
(Collins in Nov?)
Leaving House Approps:
Newhouse, Hinson, Watson Coleman & poss Hoyer & Clyburn
More:
punchbowl.news/article/fina...
"[A] looming Supreme Court decision on Trump’s authority to impose tariffs could give the leaders a bit more control than they’d like. A ruling against Trump would force the GOP..to take a series of uncomfortable votes on what has been a key tenet of Trump’s economic policies."
Brace yourselves:
Brace yourselves:
Congress is back next week
The next shutdown deadline is Jan 30
9/12 funding bills are not finished
They have 12 days in session in Jan
And when MTG exits on 1/6, Johnson's majority shrinks to a 2 vote margin (again)
And then .. there's healthcare
What to look for:
punchbowl.news/article/camp...
The next shutdown deadline is Jan 30
9/12 funding bills are not finished
They have 12 days in session in Jan
And when MTG exits on 1/6, Johnson's majority shrinks to a 2 vote margin (again)
And then .. there's healthcare
What to look for:
punchbowl.news/article/camp...
The 6 things Thune and Johnson have to watch out for
With 43 weeks until Election Day, Johnson and Thune are facing a daunting legislative and political climate.
punchbowl.news
January 2, 2026 at 3:48 PM
"[A] looming Supreme Court decision on Trump’s authority to impose tariffs could give the leaders a bit more control than they’d like. A ruling against Trump would force the GOP..to take a series of uncomfortable votes on what has been a key tenet of Trump’s economic policies."
Brace yourselves:
Brace yourselves:
Congress is back next week
The next shutdown deadline is Jan 30
9/12 funding bills are not finished
They have 12 days in session in Jan
And when MTG exits on 1/6, Johnson's majority shrinks to a 2 vote margin (again)
And then .. there's healthcare
What to look for:
punchbowl.news/article/camp...
The next shutdown deadline is Jan 30
9/12 funding bills are not finished
They have 12 days in session in Jan
And when MTG exits on 1/6, Johnson's majority shrinks to a 2 vote margin (again)
And then .. there's healthcare
What to look for:
punchbowl.news/article/camp...
The 6 things Thune and Johnson have to watch out for
With 43 weeks until Election Day, Johnson and Thune are facing a daunting legislative and political climate.
punchbowl.news
January 2, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Congress is back next week
The next shutdown deadline is Jan 30
9/12 funding bills are not finished
They have 12 days in session in Jan
And when MTG exits on 1/6, Johnson's majority shrinks to a 2 vote margin (again)
And then .. there's healthcare
What to look for:
punchbowl.news/article/camp...
The next shutdown deadline is Jan 30
9/12 funding bills are not finished
They have 12 days in session in Jan
And when MTG exits on 1/6, Johnson's majority shrinks to a 2 vote margin (again)
And then .. there's healthcare
What to look for:
punchbowl.news/article/camp...
"Republicans are never going to fix that problem because they don’t want to. .. While that’s been a usual state of affairs for years, the Trump admin is turbo-charging it. Somehow, the alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota .. is now the basis for freezing all childcare funding."
This is excellent:
This is excellent:
New in PN: The blame for alleged fraud in Minnesota belongs to conservatives
"Republican policies have created a perfect vicious cycle: Privatize services, let private companies run amok, then declare that the government is the problem. And the Trump administration is turbo-charging it."
"Republican policies have created a perfect vicious cycle: Privatize services, let private companies run amok, then declare that the government is the problem. And the Trump administration is turbo-charging it."
The blame for alleged fraud in Minnesota belongs to conservatives
Privatization and a lack of oversight creates a vicious cycle.
www.publicnotice.co
January 2, 2026 at 3:27 PM
"Republicans are never going to fix that problem because they don’t want to. .. While that’s been a usual state of affairs for years, the Trump admin is turbo-charging it. Somehow, the alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota .. is now the basis for freezing all childcare funding."
This is excellent:
This is excellent:
"The problem here, of course, is that the administration is run by hyper-online trolls just like Shirley..A normal federal government .. wouldn’t use a random video from a 23-year-old with no background in government funding, investigations, or, well, anything really, as positive proof of fraud."
New in PN: The blame for alleged fraud in Minnesota belongs to conservatives
"Republican policies have created a perfect vicious cycle: Privatize services, let private companies run amok, then declare that the government is the problem. And the Trump administration is turbo-charging it."
"Republican policies have created a perfect vicious cycle: Privatize services, let private companies run amok, then declare that the government is the problem. And the Trump administration is turbo-charging it."
The blame for alleged fraud in Minnesota belongs to conservatives
Privatization and a lack of oversight creates a vicious cycle.
www.publicnotice.co
January 2, 2026 at 3:20 PM
"The problem here, of course, is that the administration is run by hyper-online trolls just like Shirley..A normal federal government .. wouldn’t use a random video from a 23-year-old with no background in government funding, investigations, or, well, anything really, as positive proof of fraud."
The 'interview' WSJ did with him about his so-called "perfect" health didn't play exactly as they'd planned
And it seems he's upset about it ..
And it seems he's upset about it ..
January 2, 2026 at 3:09 PM
The 'interview' WSJ did with him about his so-called "perfect" health didn't play exactly as they'd planned
And it seems he's upset about it ..
And it seems he's upset about it ..
Reposted by Mona Burns
Reposted by Mona Burns
JACK SMITH ON MARSHA BLACKBURN: “False & misleading — I did not choose those members of Congress, President Trump did.”
@MarshaBlackburn & @SenatorHagerty tried to grab millions and get Jack disbarred… for protecting 🇺🇸 after the insurrection Trump called them to help him with.
@MarshaBlackburn & @SenatorHagerty tried to grab millions and get Jack disbarred… for protecting 🇺🇸 after the insurrection Trump called them to help him with.
January 1, 2026 at 3:12 PM
JACK SMITH ON MARSHA BLACKBURN: “False & misleading — I did not choose those members of Congress, President Trump did.”
@MarshaBlackburn & @SenatorHagerty tried to grab millions and get Jack disbarred… for protecting 🇺🇸 after the insurrection Trump called them to help him with.
@MarshaBlackburn & @SenatorHagerty tried to grab millions and get Jack disbarred… for protecting 🇺🇸 after the insurrection Trump called them to help him with.
Clooney:
"Trump has always been a pathetic, venial man. He used to masquerade as a Dem because he liked ingratiating himself with celebrities .. but he never truly believed in liberal principles. The moment that power was within reach, he tore away his mask to reveal the leering visage of a fascist"
"Trump has always been a pathetic, venial man. He used to masquerade as a Dem because he liked ingratiating himself with celebrities .. but he never truly believed in liberal principles. The moment that power was within reach, he tore away his mask to reveal the leering visage of a fascist"
Someone was having a fun New Year's Eve celebration last night
Sitting in his room ranting about Clooney
When Nicolle Wallace said, "Trump is *obsessed* with the Hollywood elite"
She was deadly serious
And right
Receipts👇
Sitting in his room ranting about Clooney
When Nicolle Wallace said, "Trump is *obsessed* with the Hollywood elite"
She was deadly serious
And right
Receipts👇
January 1, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Clooney:
"Trump has always been a pathetic, venial man. He used to masquerade as a Dem because he liked ingratiating himself with celebrities .. but he never truly believed in liberal principles. The moment that power was within reach, he tore away his mask to reveal the leering visage of a fascist"
"Trump has always been a pathetic, venial man. He used to masquerade as a Dem because he liked ingratiating himself with celebrities .. but he never truly believed in liberal principles. The moment that power was within reach, he tore away his mask to reveal the leering visage of a fascist"
Someone was having a fun New Year's Eve celebration last night
Sitting in his room ranting about Clooney
When Nicolle Wallace said, "Trump is *obsessed* with the Hollywood elite"
She was deadly serious
And right
Receipts👇
Sitting in his room ranting about Clooney
When Nicolle Wallace said, "Trump is *obsessed* with the Hollywood elite"
She was deadly serious
And right
Receipts👇
January 1, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Someone was having a fun New Year's Eve celebration last night
Sitting in his room ranting about Clooney
When Nicolle Wallace said, "Trump is *obsessed* with the Hollywood elite"
She was deadly serious
And right
Receipts👇
Sitting in his room ranting about Clooney
When Nicolle Wallace said, "Trump is *obsessed* with the Hollywood elite"
She was deadly serious
And right
Receipts👇
If you overindulged last night
Here, courtesy of WaPo, are a few suggestions for quelling a hangover:
Here, courtesy of WaPo, are a few suggestions for quelling a hangover:
January 1, 2026 at 3:05 PM
If you overindulged last night
Here, courtesy of WaPo, are a few suggestions for quelling a hangover:
Here, courtesy of WaPo, are a few suggestions for quelling a hangover:
Kevin Van Valkenburg on Trump ending Nat'l Links Trust's 50 yr lease on DC golf courses:
"[W]hat this admin is essentially doing is taking over a nat'l park for invented reasons so that the Trump Org can run it & profit from it. Imagine if Yellowstone suddenly cost $1k but mostly served lobbyists."
"[W]hat this admin is essentially doing is taking over a nat'l park for invented reasons so that the Trump Org can run it & profit from it. Imagine if Yellowstone suddenly cost $1k but mostly served lobbyists."
January 1, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Kevin Van Valkenburg on Trump ending Nat'l Links Trust's 50 yr lease on DC golf courses:
"[W]hat this admin is essentially doing is taking over a nat'l park for invented reasons so that the Trump Org can run it & profit from it. Imagine if Yellowstone suddenly cost $1k but mostly served lobbyists."
"[W]hat this admin is essentially doing is taking over a nat'l park for invented reasons so that the Trump Org can run it & profit from it. Imagine if Yellowstone suddenly cost $1k but mostly served lobbyists."
This is enlightening
Oh my goodness, this Wall Street Journal piece about Trump's ailing health that includes an interview with him (gift link). There are a number of ridiculous details in it and I'll put a few of them in this thread. (1/6)
Exclusive | As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance
In an interview, President Trump—the oldest man to assume the office—said he has eschewed some advice from his doctors and regrets getting advanced imaging.
www.wsj.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:58 PM
This is enlightening
From Ryan Lizza:
The 10 "most consequential figures" in US public life who capitulated most cravenly to improper demands from Trump in 2025
This is well done:
www.telos.news/p/caving-to-...
The 10 "most consequential figures" in US public life who capitulated most cravenly to improper demands from Trump in 2025
This is well done:
www.telos.news/p/caving-to-...
Caving to Trump: The Top Ten Worst Offenders of 2025
The newsroom leaders, tech oligarchs, law firm chairs, university presidents, and others who helped Trump coerce and capture large swathes of the media, the legal profession, and academia.
www.telos.news
January 1, 2026 at 2:55 PM
From Ryan Lizza:
The 10 "most consequential figures" in US public life who capitulated most cravenly to improper demands from Trump in 2025
This is well done:
www.telos.news/p/caving-to-...
The 10 "most consequential figures" in US public life who capitulated most cravenly to improper demands from Trump in 2025
This is well done:
www.telos.news/p/caving-to-...
"The lawyer, David Schoen, is representing Michael Sessa and Vic Orena, who were convicted in 1992 and then sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the Mafia. .. Schoen zeroed in on the fact that the prosecutor in the cases against Sessa and Orena was Andrew Weissmann."
Gabe Kaminsky for The FP:
According to a clemency request obtained by The FP:
"Former Trump impeachment lawyer David Schoen is lobbying the president to free two mobsters prosecuted by Trump foe Andrew Weissmann"
www.thefp.com/p/as-pardons...
According to a clemency request obtained by The FP:
"Former Trump impeachment lawyer David Schoen is lobbying the president to free two mobsters prosecuted by Trump foe Andrew Weissmann"
www.thefp.com/p/as-pardons...
As Pardons Soar, an Ex-Trump Lawyer Lobbies to Free Mobsters Prosecuted by an Enemy of the President
As pardons soar, a defender of Trump during his impeachment might help win clemency for two men because of the president’s lingering resentment of the Mueller investigation, writes Gabe Kaminsky.
www.thefp.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:50 PM
"The lawyer, David Schoen, is representing Michael Sessa and Vic Orena, who were convicted in 1992 and then sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the Mafia. .. Schoen zeroed in on the fact that the prosecutor in the cases against Sessa and Orena was Andrew Weissmann."