Category Blogger C0nservative Tree House

May 9 2025

The First American Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected to Become Pope Leo XIV


Posted originally on CTH on May 8, 2025 | Sundance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago has been selected by the papal conclave to become the next pope.  Cardinal Prevost was created by Pope Francis in 2023.  As the new Bishop of Rome, Cardinal Prevost has selected the name Pope Leo XIV.

(VIA MSM) – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the first-ever American elected as the leader of the Catholic Church — now known by his pontifical name of Pope Leo XIV.

The 69-year-old, born on the Southside of Chicago, is seen as a diplomat of the church and was an important adviser to his predecessor, Pope Francis.

He became a front-runner to the papacy in the days before the conclave began, said Rev. James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC News.

Leo emerged from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening to throngs of cheering crowds, following the signal of white smoke that emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.

Leo is the fifth-most-popular name chosen by popes. Pope Leo XIV’s full authority and jurisdiction begins immediately upon his acceptance of the office. (more)

♦ Pope Leo XIV, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has addressed thousands of people gathered in Vatican Square for the first time as pontiff.

Leo took a moment to take in the crowd after stepping onto the center balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his remarks.

“Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you,” Leo said in Italian. “This is the peace of the risen Christ.”

Leo asked the crowd to pray for the late Pope Francis and expressed gratitude to his predecessor — encouraging followers to continue Francis’ mission “for building bridges.”

“We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming,” Leo told the crowd.

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May 9 2025

President Trump Announces U.S-U.K Trade Deal – 10:00am EST Livestream


Posted originally on CTH on May 8, 2025 | Sundance

President Trump is scheduled to announce the first negotiated trade deal in the global trade reset with the United States.  The deal is between the U.K and the USA, which is interesting as a UK free trade agreement was being worked on at the time COVID-19 hit in 2020.

Back in 2019 President Trump and then Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross were working two strategic trade negotiations at the same time that never materialized. The first was an FTA with the U.K and the second was with the EU.  The nuance of the U.K deal was favorable and structurally aligned to create leverage against the EU negotiations. It will be interesting to see how this one is structured.

From President Trump this morning on Truth Social: “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come. Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”

UPDATE: VIDEO ADDED

The outline of the trade agreement is scheduled to be announced at 10:00am ET.  Livestream Links Below

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May 8 2025

President Trump Withdraws Nomination of Janette Nesheiwat for Surgeon General, Replaces with Casey Means


Posted originally on CTH on May 7, 2025 | Sundance

Social media, in particular those who are deeply aligned with the COVID-19 vaccination stuff, is all abuzz about Casey Means as the replacement nomination for withdrawn candidate Janette Nesheiwat (Mike Waltz’s sister-in-law).

I do not have enough insight to provide opinion, other than to share statements by Means and call attention to the announcement.  Apparently, Robert F Kennedy Jr wanted this nominee:

Via Truth Social – “I am pleased to announce that Dr. Casey Means, will be nominated as our next Surgeon General of the United States of America. Casey has impeccable “MAHA” credentials, and will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to ensure a successful implementation of our Agenda in order to reverse the Chronic Disease Epidemic, and ensure Great Health, in the future, for ALL Americans. Her academic achievements, together with her life’s work, are absolutely outstanding. Dr. Casey Means has the potential to be one of the finest Surgeon Generals in United States History. Congratulations to Casey! Secretary Kennedy looks forward to working with Dr. Janette Nesheiwat in another capacity at HHS. Thank you for your attention to this matter.” (link)

Here’s a couple of videos from Casey Means advocating for the Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Video #1

Video #2

May 8 2025

Vice-President JD Vance Speaks at the DC Munich Security Conference


Posted originally on CTH on May 7, 2025 | Sundance

Vice President JD Vance speaks at the DC session of the Munich Security Conference.   Inside the discussion JD Vance outlines the status of President Trump foreign policy in a host of regions.

The status of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.  The perspective of the Trump administration toward NATO and the EU.  The relationship between President Trump and the European leadership in Brussels.  The China issue.  The ongoing trade discussions.  The middle-east, Iran, Gaza and the upcoming President Trump trip to Saudi Arabia.

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May 8 2025

French President Macron Asks EU and USA to Drop Sanctions Against Al-Qaeda in Syria


Posted originally on CTH on May 7, 2025 | Sundance 

We have witnessed a lot of crazy in the past several years, but this just about takes the proverbial cake.

Current Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, was the leader of al-Qaeda in Syria and had a $10 million bounty on his head as a designated terrorist only a few months ago.  Today, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed him to the presidential palace and called for the EU and USA to drop sanctions against the terrorist network.

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron called on the United States and the European Union to lift sanctions against Syria on Wednesday after hosting the Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on his first visit to Europe.

The French leader said Washington should “rush to lift sanctions,” maintain troops in Syria and then review the situation at a later date.

“The interest of all, including of the Americans, is today to act and accompany us in lifting sanctions on the Syrian people,” Macron said at a press conference alongside al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda member, has received a cautious welcome from the international community after his forces toppled brutal Syrian dictator Bashar Assad late last year.

He has vowed to protect minority groups in Syria and to pursue more inclusive policies. But sectarian violence in recent months, including two bloody days in March during which security forces killed hundreds of civilians, has raised fears that al-Sharaa is failing to rein in Syria’s extremist factions. The Syrian leader subsequently vowed to punish those responsible.

In Paris al-Sharaa argued that “elements of the former [Assad] regime took advantage of the situation to rekindle the war … we’ve launched an investigation committee and a reconciliation committee.”

The French president also called on the EU to stand by its decision to suspend sanctions against Syria. In February Brussels lifted restrictions in the areas of energy, transport and banking, but a June deadline for reviewing them is fast approaching.

“Several allied nations have hesitations, we will work toward dispelling those doubts,” Macron said. (more)

May 8 2025

President Trump Signs Proclamation Designating May 8th as “Victory Day” to Commemorate Victory in World War II


Posted originally on CTH on May 7, 2025 | Sundance

In the U.K and throughout Europe May 8th is known as “VE Day” designating Victory of Europe Day, commemorating May 8, 1945, marking the Allies’ acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender.

In Russia May 8th is known as “Victory Day” celebrating the defeat of the Nazi regime and honoring the 27 million Russians killed in World War II. By several magnitude Russia suffered the most casualties in the war, losing approximately 9 million military and 18 million civilians.

Today, President Trump signed a proclamation designating May 8th also as “Victory Day” [SEE HERE], recognizing that without the United States entering the war, the German Nazi regime would not have been defeated.

Russia and the USA using “Victory Day,” while Europe uses “VE Day.” Huh, maybe a message in there somewhere.

The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony for David Perdue as U.S. Ambassador to China.  The media questions begin at 9:11 of the video below.  WATCH: 

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WHITE HOUSE – Today, our Nation proudly commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied Powers’ triumph over national socialism and fascism, and the end of World War II in Europe — one of the most epic victories for forces of freedom in the history of the world. On this Victory Day for World War II, we celebrate the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces, and we commit to protecting our sacred birthright of liberty against all threats, foreign and domestic.

In the wake of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States righteously entered the fray of what would become the apex of the eternal battle between good and evil. After nearly 4 years of the darkest and bloodiest chapters ever recorded in human history, more than 250,000 Americans lost their lives in the fight against the Nazi regime. Today and every day, we pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation, their liberty, and the survival of Western civilization. Without the sacrifice of our American soldiers, this war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different.

May 8, 1945 marks the Allies’ acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender — the beginning of the end of years of long, gruesome, and brutal warfare. The millions of souls senselessly lost serve as a reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength. I remain steadfastly devoted to stopping the years of endless foreign wars and preventing the further loss of lives. As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we end — and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker.

As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation who left behind his home and family to fight for our freedom in distant lands. We honor the memories of all those who perished. Above all, we renew our commitment to keeping America and the entire world safe, secure, prosperous, and free.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2025, as a day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty‑five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth. (read more)

May 7, 2025 | Sundance 

May 7 2025

Treasury Secretary Bessent and USTR Jamieson Greer Will Meet Chinese Trade Counterparts in Switzerland


Posted originally on CTH on May 6, 2025 | Sundance

The media have been going bananas wondering when President Trump will begin negotiations with China.  President Trump has been very clear that there is no need to open negotiations with China, but all discussions are welcome.

Essentially the point is that tariffs will remain in place until Beijing gets to a point where they acquiesce to the reality of President Trump’s terms for reciprocal trade.  The goal is to bring manufacturing back to the USA, not generate terms where manufacturing remains in China.

The Chinese trade delegation is scheduled to be in Switzerland at the same time as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are scheduled to be there.  Both Bessent and Greer announced today they will meet with their Chinese counterparts on the sidelines of their travel to Switzerland.

USTR Press Release – […] “At President Trump’s direction, I am negotiating with countries to rebalance our trade relations to achieve reciprocity, open new markets, and protect America’s economic and national security,” said Ambassador Greer. “I look forward to having productive meetings with some of my counterparts as well as visiting with my team in Geneva who all work diligently to advance U.S. interests on a range of multilateral issues.”

While in Switzerland, Ambassador Greer will also meet with his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China to discuss trade matters.” (link)

Treasury Secretary Press Release – “During Secretary Bessent’s visit to Switzerland, he will meet with President Karin Keller-Sutter of Switzerland, during which the Secretary will follow up on their recent meeting on the sidelines of the recent World Bank Group (WBG) – International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings. 

While in Switzerland, Secretary Bessent will also meet with the lead representative on economic matters from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). (link)

As we previously noted, the Swiss are very interested in resolving their trade status quickly.

The Swiss Franc is now at the highest point against the U.S dollar in decades. One franc is worth 1.21 dollars.  This makes their exports cost even more.  The Swiss government desperately needs to lower the value of their currency.  The Swiss central bank has already dropped interest rates to 0.25% and is now contemplating negative interest rates as a result.

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May 7 2025

Supreme Court Affirms President Trump Can Block Mentally Unstable People from the Military


Posted originally on CTH on May 6, 2025 | Sundance 

The Supreme Court lifted a lower-court judge’s ruling that paused the administration’s ban on mentally unstable people who were uncertain of their gender.  The DEI judges (Latino, Lesbian and Black) dissented.

Previously, President Trump stopped allowing transvestites to participate in military service for obvious ‘mission critical’ reasons.  A lower court said that was unconstitutional and blocked the ban.  The Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that stopping psychologically unstable trans-identifying people, was within the scope of authority of the commander in chief.

WASHINGTON – […] The brief one-page order — delivered over the dissent of the three liberal justices — lifted a lower-court judge’s ruling that had paused the administration’s ban, concluding it was likely unconstitutional and based on distortions of limited research on the subject. The Trump administration had argued that the courts are required to nearly always defer to the military’s determinations about readiness, lethality and unit cohesion.

Neither the majority nor the dissenters provided any reasoning for their positions.

The order, which followed an emergency appeal from the Trump administration, is not a final ruling on the issue, but will remain in place as litigation proceeds.

Two federal district judges had previously blocked the administration’s ban, finding the move was so unsupported that it could not be sustained even when showing great deference to military leaders. The judges also ruled that the military had to resume medical care for transgender service members. (read more)

May 6, 2025 | Sundance 

May 7 2025

The Best Press Availability Ever Held in the Oval Office


Posted originally on CTH on May 6, 2025 | Sundance 

I have watched it so many times and each time I have to pause it to stop laughing.  When you consider everything in the lead up to this event, this really is the best press availability ever.

At 29:37 of the video below, President Trump is asked:

MEDIA: “Is there anything the Prime Minister can say to you today to change your mind on tariffing Canada?” … “Is there anything he can say to you, in the course of your meeting today, that could get you to lift tariffs on Canada?”

TRUMP: “No.”

MEDIA: “Why not?”

TRUMP: “Just the way it is.”

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The last five minutes are so funny, so brutally honest, so genuinely instructive of the baseline from which all of the future trade aspects will take place, that it just makes you laugh at the simplicity of the problem that Canada faces. “We don’t really want cars from Canada,” in reality we don’t want anything from Canada…  lolol.

“Look, this is all friendly.” Carney is just sitting there, like a doofus.

Best President Ever!

May 7 2025

Hilarious – President Trump Welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney to White House


Posted originally on CTH on May 6, 2025 | Sundance

I don’t want to say ‘I toldya so’, but….  Listen carefully to the answer to the first question at (05:00 minute mark) as President Trump responds to the question about the USMCA with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney next to him.  The USMCA is “effective, and it’s still effective, but people have to follow it,” inferring the issues of Canada as a tool to avoid China tariffs, President Trump said.

Then comes the part everyone will overlook as President Trump notes, “as you know it terminates fairly shortly. It gets renegotiated fairly shortly.” Then comes the biggest statement, “this was a transitional deal, and we’ll see what happens, we’re going to start renegotiating that”… “I don’t know if it serves a purpose anymore.”  …. “And the biggest purpose it served was, we got rid of NAFTA.”  This presents the future of the USMCA and specifically the U.S-Canada aspect to the trade deal exactly as we anticipated.

President Trump is going to exit the trilateral USMCA in favor of two distinctly different bilateral trade agreements between the U.S and Mexico; and the U.S and Canada.  The only consideration now is the timing.  President Trump is 100% focused on the BIG ECONOMIC PICTURE; it’s not about the politics, it’s all about the economics. [Also pay attention to USTR Jamieson Greer]  WATCH:

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Prime Minister Mark Carney knows what is coming. His response about stepping up their military spending to meet NATO obligations is part of that dynamic.

The 51st state remarks were all about getting Canada into a position where Trump is about to open up two distinctly different bilateral trade agreements.  The relationship that Canada has with China is a major risk to Carney’s position.  Canada doesn’t stand a chance.  In essence, at the end of this journey of economics North American trade is going to be entirely different.