Week 3 : Flames of Division
- Kari Thomas
- Jan 24
- 13 min read
Week three of 2025 came with a heavy dose of dread - a point where the weight of the headlines almost made me stop in my tracks. I’ll admit, I considered skipping this one. The news this week has been bleak, and revisiting it doesn’t exactly spark joy.
But commitment matters. Following through on this project is as much about reliability as it is about documenting history, so - as they say - the show must go on.
Last week’s entry ended with TikTok’s dramatic (and painfully short-lived) “ban,” which turned out to be a 15-hour PR stunt capped with a “thank you, President Trump” flourish. As manufactured as that crisis felt, it was just the calm before the storm. This week’s headlines hit harder, darker, and left little room for distraction. By the end of the day on January 16th, that brewing chaos had already found a headline.
SpaceX’s latest test flight didn’t just fail - it exploded, spectacularly.
Flames against the night sky served as a haunting metaphor for the state of the week : ambitious plans going up in smoke. The wreckage of the day closed out the news cycle with a bang -both literal and symbolic- and set a grim tone for what was shaping up to be a rough week ahead.
January 17
Trump’s Operation Safeguard
On January 17, 2025, the Trump administration announced the launch of “Operation Safeguard,” a sweeping plan to carry out large-scale deportations beginning Tuesday. The operation, targeting urban areas with significant immigrant populations, aims to detain and expel thousands of undocumented individuals—many of whom have lived in the U.S. for years. Chicago, a sanctuary city, is set to be the first target, escalating tensions between federal authorities and local leadership.
The administration claims the operation will focus on individuals with violent criminal records, but immigrant advocacy groups and civil rights organizations are warning that the scale of the raids will inevitably result in widespread harm. Families face the threat of separation, entire communities risk being torn apart, and fears of overreach are growing as the use of military assets—such as bases for detention and deportation flights—is being planned.
Critics argue that this approach does little to address the systemic issues within the immigration system and instead fuels a culture of fear and division. Local officials in sanctuary cities, who have long resisted federal immigration crackdowns, are scrambling to respond, while advocates are organizing emergency resources and legal support for vulnerable populations. The looming operation casts a grim shadow over the national discourse on immigration policy, raising questions about the humanitarian cost of such an aggressive strategy.
January 18
Reality Check’s New Whistle Blower, Jacob Barber
On January 18, 2025, "Reality Check" featured an exclusive interview with Jacob Barber, a former U.S. Navy Airman, who detailed his involvement in a secretive UFO retrieval program. Barber recounted an incident where he encountered a white, egg-shaped object approximately the size of an SUV. Operating under night vision, he observed the object closely, noting its metallic, pearly white appearance and the absence of an engine or thermal signature. His team recognized the object as extraordinary, and subsequent confirmations indicated it was of nonhuman origin.
Barber also discussed the program's exploration of psionic abilities to communicate with UAPs, suggesting a potential connection between human consciousness and these phenomena. He emphasized the program's focus on nonhuman intelligence and the retrieval of advanced technologies, underscoring the need for transparency and public awareness regarding UAPs.
This interview is particularly noteworthy to me in light of a similar claim made by a Roswell whistleblower - an ex-CIA agent who, in a deathbed confession, described a "shiny egg-shaped object" tied to the infamous 1947 Roswell incident. The similarities between the two accounts suggest a possible ongoing pattern with these UAPs.
January 19
The Brink of Authoritarianism - Trump’s Rally
January 19, 2025, was a day brimming with anticipation and dread as the nation steeled itself for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration the following day. It was clear that this day was not just a countdown to another term for one of the most divisive figures in modern American history ; it was a countdown to the unraveling of everything the country had fought for. Trump’s rally at Capital One Arena, a show of force for his loyalists, echoed the chaos and fear that had been steadily building throughout his presidency. With Kid Rock blasting from the speakers and Trump spouting his dangerous rhetoric, the stage was set for a second term that would see America regress further into authoritarianism, anti-immigrant policies, and a general disregard for civil rights.
And let’s not fool ourselves - this isn’t just a day of political theater. This is the beginning of an agenda that promises to erode everything progressive and fight for the rights of those who have been historically oppressed. As the nation’s institutions prepare to bend under the weight of Trump’s rule, it’s hard to imagine a future where the fight for human rights, climate justice, and equal protection under the law doesn’t feel like an uphill battle against the tides of greed and ignorance.
The day closed with a sharp sense of inevitability - a stark reminder that the next four years will see this country pushed further to the brink. As the rally wrapped up, Trump allegedly declared, “Thanks to Elon and his vote counting computers, we won Pennsylvania in a landslide.” - a chilling acknowledgment of the disinformation campaign that has plagued American politics. The question isn’t whether we will survive it, but how much will be left in its wake.
January 20
Inauguration Day: A New Era of Regression
On January 20, President Donald Trump took office for a second term, signing a slew of executive orders that will undoubtedly push the country further away from progress. Here's a breakdown of a few of the Executive Orders signed on this very first day :
Executive Order on Immigration - A sweeping order reinstating the most harmful aspects of his previous immigration policies, including the expansion of family separations and a nationwide crackdown on undocumented workers.
Executive Order to Roll Back Environmental Protections - An order to gut the Clean Air Act, further deregulating polluting industries and prioritizing corporate interests over public health and the planet’s future.
Executive Order on Voting Rights - A move to undermine voting access by limiting mail-in voting and imposing stricter ID requirements, further suppressing the votes of marginalized communities.
Executive Order on Reversing Abortion Rights Protections - The reinstatement of policies aimed at overturning Roe v. Wade, pushing the country toward a future where women’s reproductive rights are no longer secure.
Executive Order to Expand Private Prison System - A direct push to increase the use of private, for-profit prisons, perpetuating the cycle of mass incarceration and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Executive Order on LGBTQ+ Discrimination - A damaging order reversing protections for transgender individuals, opening the door for discrimination in healthcare, education, and employment.
Executive Order on Public Health - Withdrawing the country from global health agreements and pushing for a dismantling of the Affordable Care Act, which will only deepen healthcare inequalities.
Executive Order on National Security - A continuation of Trump’s paranoia-fueled “America First” agenda, tightening restrictions on foreign nationals and heightening tensions with key allies.
The Dismantling of Progress on Day One
It wasn’t just Executive Orders to double down on his far-right agenda, but he also made several proposals that set the stage for a deeply regressive four years. Between declaring war with Panama and the LGBTQIA community, and changing the name to the “Gulf of America,” day one of this regime already has me among the millions of terrified Americans. But the shock didn’t stop there. The day’s unsettling turn took another dark twist when Elon Musk, standing beside Trump at a rally, gave what was widely interpreted as a Nazi salute - a chilling reminder of the dangerous nationalism being embraced in the highest levels of power. This brazen display of extremism from the tech mogul, now more intertwined with the administration, signals the further normalization of hateful ideologies in the mainstream. It’s clear that under this regime, we’re not just looking at policy shifts - we’re witnessing a fundamental change in the moral direction of the country.
January 21
The Beginning of the Second Term
Trump's Inaugural Actions: A Reassertion of Power and Purpose
President Trump's second term began with a flurry of executive actions that are bound to leave their mark on American policy for years to come. One of the most controversial moves was the issuance of 1,500 unconditional pardons, including for those involved in the January 6th insurrection. These pardons, widely seen as an attempt to solidify loyalty among his base, sparked immediate backlash from political opponents, who criticized the president for further deepening the division in the nation.
Trump’s inaugural speech was an unyielding declaration of his vision for the next four years. He railed against the "radical and corrupt establishment," framing his battle as a war against a system that he claimed had failed the American people. With words that seemed more in line with a campaign rally than an inauguration, Trump vowed to reverse policies on immigration, gender recognition, electric vehicles, environmental regulations, and foreign wars - laying the groundwork for a contentious second term.
His rhetoric was brimming with accusations that “the establishment” was out of touch with the people, positioning himself as the only leader capable of taking on the forces of what he called the "liberal elites" - a populist message that undoubtedly will fuel his base, but leaves the rest of the country questioning just how much division is too much. In short : the gloves are off. And America is bracing for a tumultuous ride ahead.
Immigration Crackdown: The Push for Mass Deportations
On the immigration front, the Trump administration wasted no time advancing its most controversial plans. The administration's strategy for mass deportations was set into motion, signaling a sharp departure from previous immigration policies and a return to the hardline rhetoric that characterized Trump’s first term.
With a focus on illegal immigration, the administration aimed to conduct mass deportations of individuals who had overstayed their visas or entered the country illegally. The proposal was met with vehement opposition from immigrant advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and lawmakers who argued that such actions would tear families apart and disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
The administration, however, was undeterred. Trump's rhetoric promised further crackdowns on sanctuary cities and a ramped-up effort to “restore law and order” by expediting deportations, making it clear that he intended to follow through on his promises, no matter the cost. If his first term was marked by controversy over immigration, this second term looks poised to take that rhetoric to a far more aggressive level.
The Day Closes with Uncertainty and Tension
As the dust settles on Day 1 of Trump's second term, the nation braces for what comes next. These executive orders and actions mark only the beginning of a second term filled with sharp ideological divides, difficult battles over policy, and a country deeply divided over the direction it should take.
January 22
Pentagon Deploys Troops for Immigration Crackdown
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation, the Pentagon announced plans to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. This unprecedented military involvement aims to enforce President Trump's stringent immigration policies, including mass deportations and the construction of the border wall. The decision has ignited fierce debates over the militarization of domestic policy and the potential human rights violations that may ensue. Critics argue that this heavy-handed approach could lead to widespread fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, while supporters claim it's a necessary step to restore order and uphold the rule of law. The deployment is set to begin immediately, with troops expected to arrive at the border within days.
End of Government Diversity Programs
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has moved to end all federal government diversity programs. This decision affects a wide range of initiatives designed to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity within federal agencies. The administration argues that these programs are no longer necessary and that resources should be redirected to other priorities. However, civil rights organizations and advocacy groups have expressed deep concern, warning that this move could reverse decades of progress toward racial and gender equality in the workplace. The full implications of this policy change are yet to be seen, but it has already sparked widespread protests and calls for legislative action to protect diversity and inclusion efforts.
Historic Snowstorms Hit Southeast, Canceling Thousands of Flights
A rare and powerful snowstorm has struck the Southeastern United States, causing widespread disruption and chaos. The storm has led to the cancellation of thousands of flights, leaving travelers stranded and airports overwhelmed. The severe weather has also resulted in power outages, hazardous road conditions, and significant property damage. Meteorologists are calling it a once-in-a-lifetime event for the region, with snowfall amounts reaching record-breaking levels. Emergency services are working tirelessly to assist those affected, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. This unprecedented weather event has raised concerns about climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather patterns.
The storm, which brought unprecedented snowfall and freezing temperatures to even the Gulf Coast, has left communities struggling to cope with the severe conditions. Emergency response teams are working around the clock to provide assistance, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources. The storm has also caused significant disruptions to transportation and commerce, with many roads impassable and businesses forced to close. This tragic event has highlighted the vulnerability of the South and Gulf Coast to extreme weather events and has sparked discussions about the need for better preparedness and infrastructure to handle such disasters.
January 23
A Nation in Flux
First School Shooting of the Year in Tennessee
Tragedy struck Antioch High School in Tennessee when 17-year-old student Solomon Henderson opened fire in the school cafeteria, fatally shooting classmate Josselin Corea Escalante, 16, and injuring another student. Henderson, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, had been in contact with Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old who committed a school shooting in Wisconsin the previous month. Investigators discovered a 300-page document among Henderson's belongings, filled with hate speech and content glorifying past school shooters and violent figures. The incident has reignited discussions on school safety, mental health support, and the influence of online communities on troubled youths. Despite the school's AI security system designed to detect weapons, Henderson managed to bring a firearm onto campus, raising concerns about the efficacy of current security measures. The Antioch High School community is left grappling with the aftermath, mourning the loss and calling for enhanced safety protocols.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Declassify Assassination Records
Hold onto your seats, folks, because this move could blow the lid off some of the most mind-bending conspiracy theories of the century. President Trump just signed an executive order to declassify documents on the assassinations of JFK and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And while the public eagerly awaits transparency, there’s a whole other level to these events that most are too quick to overlook.
JFK’s assassination? It’s long been whispered that the cover-up wasn’t just about a lone gunman - but something FAR bigger. Some say it’s connected to the government’s knowledge of extraterrestrial life, and that JFK was about to blow the whistle on UFOs and alien technology before his untimely death. Can you imagine? The idea that the powers-that-be silenced him because he was on the verge of exposing the truth about ETs is a tantalizing thought—and now, with these documents coming to light, we may be one step closer to confirming what many have long suspected.
And as for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? His assassination, too, holds dark and mysterious undertones. Was he taken out because of his civil rights activism? Or was it because he was beginning to uncover the deeper connections between the military-industrial complex and shadowy government operations? Some even believe that extraterrestrial forces played a role in silencing King, as he became too powerful a voice for change. We don’t know what’s going to come from this declassification, but you can bet it’s going to ignite the minds of conspiracy theorists everywhere. As these files trickle out, get ready for some shocking revelations—and perhaps the answers to questions we’ve been asking for decades. Is there more to these assassinations than just politics? Are UFOs involved? The countdown to truth has begun.
January 24
As we close out yet another tumultuous week, the relentless fires continue to burn, with no signs of abating. The California wildfires - now in their third week of devastation - have scorched more than 300,000 acres, wiping out homes, businesses, and irreplaceable wildlife. Yet despite the growing catastrophe, President Trump’s response has been almost criminally inadequate. The administration’s complete lack of action is overshadowed by his shocking proposal today, January 24th, to dismantle FEMA entirely. As lives and property are destroyed, his solution is to cut federal aid, leaving local and state governments scrambling with inadequate resources. The conspiracy theories surrounding these fires have taken root, with many wondering whether they’re part of a larger agenda. Are these fires simply a natural disaster, or is something more sinister at play? Could they be used as an excuse to further strip away federal funding for state and local response, as part of a larger agenda to privatize disaster relief? Was the entire thing set intentionally to create a new SMART city? The longer these fires rage on, the more questions remain. With over 300,000 acres gone and countless lives shattered, the firestorm outside is only matched by the one that is burning through the nation’s conscience.
Meanwhile, the political firestorm continues to rage in Washington, with Trump’s first week in office setting the stage for a nightmare of regressive policies. From pardoning January 6 rioters to his inflammatory rhetoric about "radical" groups, Trump seems hell-bent on erasing progress and returning to a darker, more divisive time. But it’s not just his words - his actions speak volumes. The controversial executive order to begin large-scale deportations immediately is one of his first major actions, and it is already putting thousands of immigrant families at risk.
But what really stood out to me this week was Trump’s response to Reverend Budde’s inaugural prayer. After she called for unity, justice, and mercy - Trump mocked her message, saying it was, “very boring and uninspiring." calling her “a Radical Left hard line Trump hater" who "brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way.” “After the service on Tuesday, Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins from Georgia posted a video clip on X of Budde's sermon along with the text, "The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list." A few days later, a GOP lawmaker suggested deporting Rev. Budde along with undocumented immigrants, dismissing her call for justice as nothing more than a “liberal fantasy.” This week, the president’s priorities have been made clear : division over unity, fear over hope, and destruction over preservation. But no matter how hard he tries to tear us apart, we will continue to rise. As the week winds down, we’re left wondering what’s next. With Trump’s chaotic agenda already in full swing, the consequences of these first few days are sure to be felt for years to come.
And as the fires burn on, it’s clear we’re not just battling natural disasters - we’re up against a political wildfire that threatens to consume everything in its path.
The only question is : will we survive the blaze, or will we be left standing in the ashes?
As always guys,
Keep your eyes to the skies.
👽✌️
…and I’ll see you next week.
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