Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Good morning, and welcome to RedState's "Morning Minute" — a brief glimpse at which stories are trending at the moment and a look ahead at what the day may bring. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to kickstart your day.
TOP O' THE MORNIN'
Red-Hot at RedState
The Dragon’s Latest Temper Tantrum: Thoughts on the Tokyo-Beijing Row
It’s equally fundamental that we, Japan, and our other allies strengthen our collective capabilities to counter China’s gray-zone tactics that seek to sow chaos, compromise defenses, and weaken alliances. Unrestricted warfare is central to China’s military strategy.
White House Shuts Down ‘Fake News’ Report About Patel With One Simple Photo
"I read the headline to the President, and he laughed. He said: 'What? That's totally false. Come on, Kash, let's take a picture to show them you're doing a great job!" she added. "Do not believe the Fake News!"
Bad News for Those Six Democrats Who Made 'Illegal Orders' Video
The Democrats have taken their Trump Derangement Syndrome to new heights, and now it's backfiring on them.
Trending Across Townhall Media
Man Convicted in Case Where ATF Found More Than They Bargained For
If the ATF stuck to cases like this, I think a lot of us would have less of an issue with them. We might not agree with the constitutionality of some of these laws, but at least they're going after bad people instead of regular gun owners and licensed dealers for a change.
Hey, Just a Thought on Deportations...
Rather than spewing out irrelevant sob stories, open borders advocates should cut to the chase: admit that you are for open borders, or admit that illegal immigrants should leave because they violated our immigration laws.
What a Flaming $100 Deathtrap Taught Me About Courage
I didn’t become a confident driver because someone held my hand. I became a confident driver because no one did. Because the only vehicle I could afford was an orc with wheels. Because failure wasn’t theoretical. No, it was barreling toward me at fifty miles an hour with a hood that might fly up and blind me.
CNN's Scott Jennings Shut Down CNN Over Their Spin on the Dems' Latest Anti-Trump Attack
If you want to duel with Jennings, come ready to play. Be prepared to go into overtime. Have the stamina to last 25 rounds. It’s just not happening if you’re a liberal.
The silly nonsense that these six Democrats were just issuing a friendly reminder was obvious bunk from the start. Soldiers know their oath and don’t need their memories jogged.
WHAT'S ON TAP?
Today on Capitol Hill...
The critters, of course, are off for the Thanksgiving holiday, but that hasn't stopped some of them from continuing to step in it.
READ MORE: Tell Me More: Gallego Reveals Eye-Opening Info About That 'Illegal Orders' Video
Eric Swalwell Claims Military Members Are Privately Telling Him They Will Keep Trump in ‘Check’
White House What's Up
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania departed the White House late Tuesday afternoon to spend the Thanksgiving weekend at Mar-a-Lago.
.@POTUS and @FLOTUS depart for Palm Beach, where they’ll celebrate Thanksgiving 🦃 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5nxuCfMrcm
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 25, 2025
Vice President JD Vance will visit Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on Wednesday, where he will celebrate Thanksgiving with servicemembers and deliver remarks.
Keeping Up With the Cabinet
Sec. Health & Human Services - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — Kennedy continues to emphasize how critical it is that we address chronic disease.
The chronic disease epidemic poses the greatest threat to our nation’s future. To Make America Healthy Again, we must attack its root causes and rebuild a health care system that restores strength, vitality, and longevity for every American. pic.twitter.com/OwtQEmyDqm
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) November 26, 2025
Full Court Press...
The courts didn't really churn out many rulings of note on Tuesday. There was this one:
- ❌ Open Technology Fund v. Lake (reduction of federal bureaucracy) — Judge Royce Lamberth (D.C.) GRANTS plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
The House Committee on Homeland Security will hold a hearing on Wednesday, December 3, "to examine the alarming rise in anti-law enforcement sentiment sweeping across the nation and its direct correlation to a surge in threatening behavior and violent attacks against law enforcement officers and personnel."
The Supreme Court will hear a new round of oral arguments beginning on Monday.
MORNING MUSING
It being Thanksgiving Eve, we see lots of references to "talking turkey" — it's only fitting, after all. Being a foodie, I'm more than happy to talk turkey and side dishes and pie. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it all.
But, speaking of thinking, it got me wondering about the actual meaning and origin of the phrase (when it's not being thrown out as a humorous nod to the bird/delicious food item). I've always taken it to mean straight-talk, no...uh...baloney. But where did it come from? Well, some accounts trace it back to colonial times:
The origin of “talk turkey” seems to come from colonial times. Historical accounts suggest the phrase came about from the day-to-day bartering between colonists and Indians over wild turkeys.
I don't doubt that as the origin story, but if you think about it, the bartering process is usually the opposite of straight talk/getting to the point. 🤔
I'm probably overthinking it. Either way, however you plan to celebrate, with whomever, if you talk turkey, my hope is that you do so with good humor and a spirit of gratitude.
LIGHTER FARE
We all need somebody to lean on...
Best friends.. 😊 pic.twitter.com/78ZsSsO4Aw
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) November 25, 2025
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