#U.S. Security

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Trump’s Inauguration: Secret Service Taps ‘High-Cost’ Private Security Firm for Added Protection

In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Secret Service has enlisted the services of a private security firm with a hefty price tag to ensure the safety and security of former President Donald Trump during his inauguration. The decision has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the need for such high-cost measures during one of the nation’s most closely watched events.

The private security firm, known for handling high-profile clients, was brought on board to provide additional layers of protection amidst growing security concerns. While the Secret Service traditionally handles the security of the President and other key figures, the involvement of a private firm indicates a heightened level of preparation for potential threats and challenges during the inauguration.

Security experts believe that the firm’s specialized expertise is intended to address specific risks associated with high-profile events. With a large number of VIPs and international dignitaries expected to attend, ensuring their safety is paramount. The private firm’s team will work alongside federal agencies to bolster security protocols and assist in managing crowd control, potential protests, and other unpredictable scenarios.

The move to hire an outside firm has sparked a debate about the growing costs of presidential security, particularly in light of the firm’s premium pricing. Some argue that the expenditure is justified given the high stakes involved in securing the event, while others view it as an unnecessary and extravagant spending decision.

The role of private security companies in such sensitive operations is a growing trend, especially when dealing with complex security situations that require more than standard federal protocols. While the Secret Service has faced scrutiny over its ability to handle events on its own, the partnership with a private firm represents a shift in how large-scale security operations are being approached in the modern era.

Despite the controversies surrounding the cost, the security of the President and other high-ranking officials remains a top priority for federal agencies. As Trump’s inauguration draws nearer, all eyes will be on the security measures in place and the role private security will play in ensuring a safe and successful event.

[the-potus-is-a-russian-asset]

If this does not sound familiar, you may be in a cult.

[saywhat-politics]

BREAKING: Republican Mike Sen. Crapo has blocked Sen. Sanders' Social Security Expansion Act from getting a vote.

The bill would have increased benefits across the board, raised cost of living adjustments, and extended the solvency of Social Security for 75 years.

[onlytiktoks]

[ivygorgon]

An open letter to the U.S. House of Representatives

Vote NO on the SAVE Act!

8,228 so far! Help us get to 10,000 signers!

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 22, the so-called “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” (SAVE) Act. While this bill is framed as a measure to combat voter fraud, it is, in reality, a voter suppression effort that creates unnecessary barriers to voting and disenfranchises millions of Americans.

The SAVE Act would require voters to present narrow forms of “documentary proof of citizenship,” such as a passport or birth certificate, to participate in federal elections. This would disproportionately harm:

- Up to 150 million Americans who do not have a passport.

- Approximately 69 million women citizens who do not have a birth certificate with their current legal name on it.

- Elderly Americans, who are the least likely to hold passports.

Additionally, in 7 states, less than one-third of citizens have a valid passport – Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.

The SAVE Act is a solution in search of a problem. Worse, it would erode the fundamental right to vote, silencing the voices of vulnerable communities under the guise of election security. Rather than advancing harmful legislation like the SAVE Act, Congress should focus on protecting and expanding voting rights by supporting measures such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

One of the foundational values of our democracy is the idea that every person is entitled to a vote – a say in the direction of our nation. I urge you and your colleagues to work towards that founding ideal. Thanks.

▶ Created on February 6 by Jess Craven · 8,228 signers in the past 7 days

📱 Text SIGN PKFOYU to 50409 to sign!

🤯 Text FOLLOW JESSCRAVEN101 to 50409

[auntiebillionaire]

Be part of the resistance

Don’t give Bezos, Musk or Zuckerberg a dime. Shop locally and cut off these corporations.

Bombard your local and state government. Threaten their positions if they don’t act.

We have to dismantle the system from the bottom up.

Above all have a safety plan to escape

[kenyatta]

A critical resource that cybersecurity professionals worldwide rely on to identify, mitigate and fix security vulnerabilities in software and hardware is in danger of breaking down. The federally funded, non-profit research and development organization MITRE warned today that its contract to maintain the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program — which is traditionally funded each year by the Department of Homeland Security — expires on April 16. Tens of thousands of security flaws in software are found and reported every year, and these vulnerabilities are eventually assigned their own unique CVE tracking number (e.g. CVE-2024-43573, which is a Microsoft Windows bug that Redmond patched last year). There are hundreds of organizations — known as CVE Numbering Authorities (CNAs) — that are authorized by MITRE to bestow these CVE numbers on newly reported flaws. Many of these CNAs are country and government-specific, or tied to individual software vendors or vulnerability disclosure platforms (a.k.a. bug bounty programs). Put simply, MITRE is a critical, widely-used resource for centralizing and standardizing information on software vulnerabilities. That means the pipeline of information it supplies is plugged into an array of cybersecurity tools and services that help organizations identify and patch security holes — ideally before malware or malcontents can wriggle through them.

[faramirsonofgondor]

literally wdym the trump administration fired over 300 top secret nuclear analysts that had access to classified information about our nuclear arsenal bc they didn’t know that that’s what the NNSA (National Nuclear Security Administration) was for??? and now he wants them back bc they know sensitive information??? but he can’t get in touch with them because they don’t know anymore since he FIRED them???

[martyr-mayhem]

yeah, quick question: what the fuck?? give kristi noem a polygraph and ask how much she's being paid by trump and putin for heading the DHS, then ask if she enjoyed killing her own dog...

[televisionlullaby]

Don't Let Them LIE To You

Social Security pays for itself (basically)

It DOES NOT (legally CANNOT) contribute to the govt deficit

Above is a breakdown (in billions). In 2023 the total income was 1,350.7 and the cost of benefits of SS amounted to 1,392.1

In order to cover that difference (41.4), we dipped into the reserve which stood at 2,829.9. After covering the difference, the reserve has a balance of 2,788.5

The wealthiest people in this country want to discredit Social Security so they can loot the reserve that holds billions of dollars earned by average American citizens.

[apatosaurus]

Martin O’Malley addresses the Hands Off Social Security crowd

[saywhat-politics]

Lisa Anderson, a U.S.-born physician from Connecticut, said she received an email from the Department of Homeland Security telling her to leave the country.

By Sebastian Murdock

A physician born in the U.S. said she received an email from the Department of Homeland Security telling her to leave the country.

Lisa Anderson, a doctor based in Connecticut, said she received the troubling email from the DHS on Friday, NBC Connecticut first reported.

[ivygorgon]

An open letter to the U.S. Congress

Stop Elon Musk from stealing our personal information!

6,399 so far! Help us get to 10,000 signers!

I am writing to urge you to stop Elon Musk from stealing our personal information.

It appears Musk has hacked into millions of Americans’ personal information and now has access to their taxes, Social Security, student debt and financial aid filings. Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency was not created by Congress—it is operating with zero transparency and in clear violation of federal law.

This violation of our privacy is causing American families across the country to fear for our privacy, safety and dignity. If this goes unchecked, Musk could steal our private data to help in making cuts to vital government programs that our families depend on—and to make it easier to cut taxes for himself and other billionaires.

We must have guardrails to stop this unlawful invasion of privacy.

Congress and the Trump administration must stop Elon Musk from stealing Americans' tax and other private data.

▶ Created on February 10 by Jess Craven · 6,398 signers in the past 7 days

📱 Text SIGN PUTWGR to 50409

🤯 Text FOLLOW JESSCRAVEN101 to 50409

[tmarshconnors]

A Symbolic Duel of the Skies

When it comes to iconic aircraft, two names soar above the rest: Air Force One, the official aircraft of the sitting U.S. president, and Trump Force One, the private Boeing 757 jet owned by Donald Trump. While one symbolizes the institutional power of the United States government, the other epitomizes the flair and individuality of a man who thrives on spectacle. Let’s delve into the differences, similarities, and the symbolic weight each carries.

Air Force One: The Flying White House

Air Force One isn’t just an airplane—it’s a fortress in the sky. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, this customized Boeing 747 (VC-25) represents the full might of the federal government. Equipped with advanced defense systems, encrypted communications, and the ability to refuel midair, it ensures that the president can command the country even in the most turbulent times.

Beyond its military-grade specifications, the interiors are functional yet dignified: a medical suite, offices, conference rooms, and a space for press briefings. The blue and white livery, designed during JFK’s administration, projects a timeless elegance. Every flight embodies the continuity of American democracy.

Trump Force One: A Flying Statement

In contrast, Trump Force One is unabashedly personal and extravagant. This Boeing 757, emblazoned with the Trump name in gold, is less about function and more about flair. The interiors include 24-karat gold seatbelt buckles, leather seating, and a private bedroom. If Air Force One is a symbol of collective power, Trump Force One is a testament to individual ambition.

The jet made headlines during Trump’s 2016 campaign, often serving as a backdrop for rallies. It became a potent visual tool, reinforcing his outsider status and business success. After a hiatus during his presidency, the jet has recently been refurbished, signaling its owner’s ongoing political ambitions.

Technology and Capability: A Tale of Two Standards

Air Force One: Unparalleled security and cutting-edge technology make it the most sophisticated aircraft in the world. It’s EMP-hardened, armed with countermeasures against missile threats, and capable of functioning as a command center during national emergencies.

Trump Force One: While luxurious, it lacks the defensive and operational capabilities of Air Force One. Its primary purpose is comfort and style, with no pretensions of handling global crises.

Symbolism: National Power vs. Personal Branding

Air Force One transcends politics, representing the presidency itself regardless of who occupies the office. It is steeped in tradition and is a reminder of the gravity of the role it serves.

Trump Force One, on the other hand, is the embodiment of Donald Trump’s personal brand. It’s loud, unapologetic, and designed to command attention—whether on a runway or in the political arena.

Which Reigns Supreme?

Comparing Trump Force One and Air Force One is like comparing apples and oranges. One is a utilitarian marvel of government power; the other, a luxury jet tailored to a billionaire’s tastes. Both, however, reflect the man who commands them: the sitting president flies Air Force One as a steward of the nation, while Trump Force One is a vehicle for a businessman-turned-politician who thrives on the spectacle.

What’s fascinating is how these aircraft have become symbols of two very different approaches to leadership. Air Force One speaks to duty and decorum, while Trump Force One projects confidence and charisma. Together, they encapsulate the tensions and contrasts in American political life today.