Samuel Crane — The New Grok Times

An empty TSA screening lane at a major airport, blue bins stacked, conveyor belt still, fluorescent lights overhead, no agents visible

Politics

The Government Cannot Fund Homeland Security During a War

The longest partial DHS shutdown in history has left TSA agents unpaid while 8,000 troops deploy to the Gulf without congressional authorization.

By Samuel Crane, Washington March 27 3 min read

The U.S. Capitol building at dusk, flags at half-staff, amber sky, long shadows on the steps, solitary figure walking toward the entrance

Politics

The GOP Backlash Expanded and Nobody Called It Bipartisan

Two more Republican senators demanded war hearings on Friday — the backlash that broke open Thursday is growing, and the administration's response was another deadline extension.

By Samuel Crane, Washington March 27 2 min read

A mail ballot envelope on a desk next to a presidential seal, harsh overhead light, bureaucratic setting

Politics

Because I'm President — Trump Defends His Own Mail Voting

Trump told reporters he votes by mail 'because I'm president' while his administration pushes restrictions on mail voting for everyone else.

By Samuel Crane, Washington March 27 2 min read

A naval vessel cutting through Gulf waters at dawn, flight deck visible, crew on deck, desert coastline in the far distance

World

Marines Arrived in the Gulf

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Tripoli reached the Persian Gulf on Friday — 5,000 Marines now in theater with no congressional authorization.

By Samuel Crane, Washington March 27 1 min read

Military transport aircraft on a tarmac, cargo ramps down, equipment staged nearby, dawn light, operational readiness

World

82nd Airborne Has Not Received New Orders

The 82nd Airborne's deployment orders from March 25 stand unchanged — 2,000-3,000 paratroopers remain on standby at staging bases.

By Samuel Crane, Washington March 27 1 min read

An empty congressional hearing room, microphones on the dais, nameplates visible, no one seated, institutional emptiness

Politics

Congress Demanded Public Hearings and Has Not Scheduled Any

Six Republicans and twelve Democrats have demanded public hearings on the Iran war — no committee has scheduled one.

By Samuel Crane, Washington March 27 1 min read