Weekly Rundown with Ryan

My goal with these articles is to provide you with as much information in the most digestible ways possible. Remember friends, I am not trying to start a cult here, just a community of politically informed individuals ready to stand up if the time comes. It’s ok to let our feelings fuel the fight, as long as we bring the receipts too.

As one of my OG rappers, Too Short, said…

“Be intelligent when you put them in check, ’cause when you’re ignorant, you get treated that way,” As long as we can support what we’re saying, they won’t have a leg to stand on, which only further melts the Alpha Snowflakes.

That’s what our #RyanArmy is about: Fighting bullsh*t with facts and intellect.

I am starting a weekly rundown of top news stories for folks who can’t seem to find time in their day to keep up with everything going on in America and our government. I know many of you aren’t able to follow the onslaught of executive orders and gaslighting social media posts, so I hope to bridge the gap between overwhelming nonsense and helpful knowledge.

It’s February 20th, 2025, just over 30 days since wannabe King Trump stole office.

Let’s get into what’s going on…

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy and Disrupts Senate Republicans’ Budget Plans

President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator” and suggesting Ukraine bears responsibility for the 2022 Russian invasion. Additionally, Trump has endorsed a House budget proposal, undermining Senate Republicans’ strategy and complicating efforts to prevent a potential government shutdown. He has also ordered the dismissal of Biden-era prosecutors and signed an executive order increasing his control over independent regulatory agencies, raising constitutional concerns.

Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling the Ukrainian president “a dictator” and warning that he “better move fast” or he “won’t have a country left”.

I have personally never been more convinced that the Mueller report was factual and Donald Trump is a Russian asset looking to rule, not represent.

Source

Zelenskyy Postpones Ukrainian Elections Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has postponed national elections due to the ongoing war with Russia. The Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which was declared following Russia’s invasion in 2022. Critics, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator” for this decision. However, experts argue that holding elections under current conditions is logistically challenging and could destabilize the nation.

Per usual, Donald Trump is trying to bully someone to achieve a desired outcome, in this case, get Volodymyr Zelenskyy out of office. Also unsurprising, is Trump spreading misinformation claiming Ukraine started the war with Russia. As many of us remember, it was Russia who invaded Ukraine. Now that Vladimir Putin has figured out he doesn’t have the troops or resources to win the fight he picked, he will try the diplomatic route. Putin aims to cut off America’s funding to Zelenskyy in an effort to weaken Ukraine for Russian troops and mercenaries. That’s what Trump is to Russia; a puppet.

Plus…MAGA doesn’t understand why letting Russia have Ukraine would be bad for business all around.

Source

Marco Rubio and Donald Trump

Secretary of State Marco Rubio Engages in Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concerning Ukraine’s future. Accompanied by advisers Mike Waltz and Steve Witkoff, the talks aim to set the stage for a potential meeting between President Trump and Russian President Putin. This initiative has raised concerns among European leaders, prompting an emergency summit in Paris.

Source

Mitch McConnell being wheeled out of the Capitol after falling

Senator Mitch McConnell Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, signaling the end of his long tenure as a Republican power broker. This decision opens up a significant leadership position within the Republican Party. McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, chose his 83rd birthday to share his decision not to run for another term in Kentucky and to retire when his current term ends.

We finally got rid of Mitch. Why do I feel like the replacement will be ten times worse.

Source

Kash Patel being sworn in during confirmation hearing

Kash Patel Confirmed as FBI Director

Kash Patel is the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite opposition from some senators, including Susan Collins, Patel’s nomination made it through. Now Donald Trump will get access to whatever he wants, as well as having a yes-man who will remove criminal investigations on anyone Trump says.

Well done, Congress and America.

Source

Trump Administration and DOGE Initiate Mass Government Layoffs

The Trump administration, in conjunction with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has begun mass layoffs of government employees. This move has sparked protests outside the U.S. Capitol, reflecting widespread concern over the potential impacts on public services and employment.

The federal government may begin removing probationary employees from the Department of Defense in the coming days as the Trump administration carries out mass layoffs at various federal agencies.

Source

Top Republican Urges New SBA Chief to Address Previous Administration’s Policies

A leading Republican has called on the newly appointed Small Business Administration (SBA) chief to take decisive actions against alleged electioneering and COVID loan claims from the previous administration. This request underscores ongoing partisan tensions regarding the management of pandemic-related relief funds.

The top Republican on the House Committee on Small Business is calling for President Donald Trump’s new Small Business Administration (SBA) chief to do what he says the Biden administration wouldn’t – and provide answers on alleged taxpayer-funded electioneering in swing states and the failure to actively recoup fraudulent or misappropriated COVID relief funds.

Will all the republicans who took out loans that were forgiven be paying back their debt? …I doubt it.

Source

New York Attorney General Letitia James delivering remarks to reporters

New York to Sue to Block Trump’s Policies

New York state officials have announced plans to sue in order to block certain policies implemented by President Trump. This legal action reflects ongoing disputes between state and federal authorities over policy directions.

Source

Federal Subpoena Issued to PAC Linked to New York Mayor’s Fundraiser

Federal investigators have subpoenaed Striving for a Better New York, a political action committee connected to Reverend Alfred L. Cockfield and Brianna Suggs, the chief fundraiser for New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The subpoena seeks financial records as part of an ongoing investigation into the mayor’s campaign funding.

My question is: Why are Trump and Republicans trying to make this all go away?

What happened to the “small government” GOP?

Source

Conclusion:

The saddest part is there was much more I could’ve added, but that would defeat the purpose of making it more digestible. I think that’s what they’re banking on though, for Democrats and Americans to disengage out of exhaustion and frustration, allowing Trump and Musk to continue pillaging our government and installing loyalists like Robert F Kennedy Jr and Kash Patel, just to name a few. We can’t allow this to continue. We must unite, organize, make calls, peacefully protest, and just generally be loud. Silence is compliance, and i’ve personally become a little fond of our great nation, so I hope you’ll join Ian and I in amplifying our dissent across the world.

Hold the Mic is currently downloaded in 400+ U.S. Cities, 32 countries, and 6 continents. Don’t think for a second Trump’s reign of terror only affects us, because it touches for more people than you’d imagine. Your support is what makes this possible. One of the best ways you can continue supporting us is by Subscribing to our YouTube, downloading the audio on Apple and Spotify, and sending links of our shows to friends and family.

…especially if they’re MAGA. 😉

We don’t take your support or concerns for granted. Hold the Mic and The Woodshead are successful because gray and bald is beautiful.

…Just kidding.

It’s because of YOU!

As always, much love, keep fighting, and most importantly, stay safe out there!

– Ryan

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