Short Take Politics:

Records at DOJ expose President

When a 13-year-old bit him while being forced to perform a sex act, he punched her in the head. Nothing to see here. It’s only a big deal in Europe or Canada, not here. https://sollenbergerrc.substack.com/p/doj-removed-record-of-multiple-fbi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=38w4v&triedRedirect=true

Third World nations kiss the ring

The United States Institute of Peace, which President Trump hopes will replace the United Nations, met in Washington. No one has kicked in the $1 billion entry fee. Middle Eastern oil countries and third world bit players attended. World powers did not. If we are the company we keep, we have become third world or an oligarchy. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-mixes-diplomacy-flattery-peace-board-meeting-2026-02-19/

Tourism is slumping

It’s not just Niagara Falls. The United States, no longer perceived as great on the international stage and tourists are voting with their feet and dollars. Social media vetting and a $250 “visa integrity fee” have a way of making people think they should visit somewhere else. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/20/travel/us-tourism-declines-eu-canada…