A Summary of the First Eleven Months of Trump 2nd Presidency

Here’s a clear, concise summary of the first 11 months of Donald Trump’s presidency (his second term, Jan 2025–Nov 2025) alongside context for the recent low approval rating (≈37%) as of this writing date.  

Latest on Trump’s Approval & Political Climate (Dec 2025)

Axios

Trump's approval rating on the economy hits record low 31%

Today

The Guardian

House Republicans release last-minute healthcare plan; TSA defends sharing traveler names with ICE - as it happened

Today

The Washington Post

Trump leans into isolation as challenges mount at home

Today

AP News

Trump's handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling

2 days ago

📉 Approval Rating Context (2025)

• Recent polls show President Trump’s overall approval around 36 %–37 %, one of the lowest points of his second term, with particularly weak marks on the economy and immigration. Disapproval is over 60 %. Axios+1

• Ratings on economic handling recently hit a record low (~31 %), reflecting public frustration with affordability and inflation. Axios

• Some polls show slight short-term upticks tied to GOP messaging on cost-of-living, but approval remains well below majorities. Reuters

 Key Themes & Events in the First 11 Months of Trump’s Second Term

1) Second Inauguration & Early Executive Actions (Jan 2025)

• Trump was inaugurated on Jan 20, 2025, emphasizing border security, economic revival, and rolling back many Biden administration policies. New York Post

• On Day 1 and in the first two weeks, he issued a flurry of executive orders reversing Biden-era initiatives on climate, DEI programs, and gender identity policies, and pardoned many January 6 rioters. Vox+1

• He also fired several inspectors general and senior officials, signaling a broader reshaping of the federal bureaucracy early in his term. Wikipedia

2) Immigration & Border Enforcement

• Central to Trump’s agenda has been aggressive immigration enforcement: expanding travel bans, halting immigration from multiple countries, and pushing deportations. The Washington Post

• Legal challenges and public backlash accompanied many immigration moves, contributing to contentious political battles throughout the year.

3) Trade, Tariffs, and Protectionism

• Trump expanded tariffs on imports from countries such as Canada and Brazil as part of his “economic nationalism” and anti-drug/industrial strategy. Holland & Knight

• Some exemptions and modifications to these tariffs were later enacted, showing ongoing adjustments to the trade agenda. NCSL

4) Civil Rights & Domestic Policy Rollbacks

• The Department of Justice rescinded decades-old disparate impact anti-discrimination rules, narrowing civil rights enforcement. Politico

• Federal protections for monarch butterflies were delayed, part of broader environmental deregulatory moves. AP News

5) AI & Regulatory Policy

• Trump signed an executive order aiming to preempt state-level AI regulations, signaling a federal effort to centralize tech oversight. The Guardian

6) Foreign Affairs

• On the world stage, Trump brokered or announced a renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia—a notable diplomatic milestone. AP News

• Relations with traditional allies showed strain in some areas amid protectionist and isolationist rhetoric. The Washington Post

• U.S. sanctions policy also shifted, with sanctions on a Brazilian judge being lifted to ease diplomatic tensions. Reuters

7) Large-Scale Protests & Public Response

• Mass protests like the June and October “No Kings” demonstrations mobilized millions across the U.S. against perceived authoritarianism and centralization of power. Wikipedia+1

• Earlier “Hands Off” protests added to a year marked by broad civic opposition from multiple demographic groups. Wikipedia

8) Political Fallout & GOP Dynamics

• Internal GOP and MAGA movement divisions grew over strategy and policy priorities, weakening pushback coordination. Axios

• Republican control of Congress faced tensions over expenditures, healthcare, and spending bills as the 2026 midterm cycle nears.

Why Approval Ratings Are Down

The decline in Trump’s approval rating reflects a combination of factors:

Policy Backlash

• Voters disapprove of economic conditions and cost-of-living concerns. Axios

• Immigration enforcement policies are unpopular with many independents and minority voters. The Washington Post

• Civil rights and environmental rollbacks sparked broad criticism.

Polarized Public Opinion

• While Republicans and loyalists remain supportive, independents and minority supporters who backed Trump in 2024 have shifted away. The Washington Post

Protests & Civic Mobilization

• Nationwide protests signify sustained public resistance to Trump’s agenda and governing style. Wikipedia

Governance Challenges

• Disputes over budget, tariffs, executive authority, and lawsuits have fueled perceptions of instability in governance.

📌 In Summary

Across his first 11 months (Jan–Nov 2025), President Trump’s second term has been defined by:

• Rapid executive action on immigration, deregulation, trade, and civil rights.

• Controversial domestic and economic policies unpopular with broad segments of the public.

• Strong GOP base support, but weakening approval among independents and minority voters.

• Large grassroots opposition and protests reflecting polarization.

• Low approval ratings (around 36–37%) that mirror public frustration with the economy and divisive policies. Axios

Meanwhile, 

I received the following posting from a Fellow THD Resident today:

 Hello All -I had hoped to send you a copy of Heather Cox Richardson's summary of this from :

<heathercoxrichardson@subtrack.com>, but being a sloppy researcher,  I found the document first - 33 pages long.  You can find the document on Google - maybe HCR summary too - or where "subtracts" are found!  Take your pick -- I'll try to digest the entire document

Just when you thought things couldn't get worse.  This actually makes me sick, and we must get rid of Trump and his crew asap.  Realizing the damage he has done to us in 1 year pales when reading what they plan to do now.  Trump is a maniac, along with too many equally deranged people actually running the show.

It seems as things stand now that the worst is yet to come.

Happy Holidays!!!  Phyllis Morical

What to Expect From the Epstein Files Release

What To Expect From the Epstein Files Release: Hype, Hope, and the Hard Truth

As the nation counts down to December 19, 2025, all eyes turn toward one of the most anticipated document releases in recent memory, the long-awaited Epstein Files. For years, these files have lived in the shadows of rumor, politics, speculation, and internet sensationalism. Now, thanks to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice has been ordered to release all unclassified records connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigations.

That means: flight logs, emails, internal memos, travel records, property data, and thousands of pages of investigative material that have never seen the light of day. But what exactly should the public expect?

After reviewing what has already been released and what the law actually requires, here’s a realistic picture of what is likely ahead.

 What We Will Almost Certainly See

More Complete Flight Logs and Travel Records

If you’re looking for the least controversial but most revealing documents, this is it. We already know portions of these logs, but the full set should give us a wider view of who traveled with Epstein over the years: business leaders, academics, socialites, political figures, friends, and casual acquaintances. As always, names do not equal guilt, but they will draw attention.

Internal Communications From DOJ and FBI

Expect emails and memos showing how the 2019 investigation unfolded:

• Why certain evidence was held back

• How internal disagreements were handled

• What investigators thought about the camera gaps, the guards, and the broken procedures around Epstein’s final hours

These documents won’t answer every question, but they may shed light on the messy reality inside federal agencies.

More Emails and Papers From Epstein’s Estate

In recent months, Congress has already released more than 20,000 emails. The next wave may show more of Epstein’s social world invitations, favors, requests, odd communications, and connections with powerful people. Most of this will be embarrassing rather than incriminating.

More Pages From Epstein’s “Birthday Book”

This multi-volume guestbook, full of signatures and notes, has already stirred interest. We may see more of it new names, handwritten comments, old photos. Again, context matters. A signature is not a crime.

What We Might See — But Not Guaranteed

Additional Surveillance Footage or Still Images

Some footage from the jail cell corridor may appear, but privacy laws and national security restrictions will limit what can be shown. Portions may be blurred, redacted, or withheld entirely.

Mentions of Politically Exposed Persons

Under the new law, DOJ must tell Congress every time a public figure is mentioned in the files. What the public sees may be:

• Redacted names

• Initials

• Heavily edited context

It will create headlines, but not necessarily provide answers.

Evidence of Investigative Mistakes

Very likely we will see documentation of missteps, confusion, and internal criticism. This isn’t conspiracy, it’s bureaucracy, and it tends to show up in big investigations. It will reflect poorly on institutions, but not necessarily reveal wrongdoing by the powerful.

What We Should Not Expect

A “Client List”

Despite years of speculation, investigators have repeatedly said there is no single client list. The files may contain scattered names from logs or emails but not a master document.

Unredacted Victim Identities

These will remain protected. As they should.

A Complete, Unedited Video of Epstein’s Final Hours

Some surveillance exists, but:

• Cameras had blind spots

• Some footage was corrupted or missing

• Classified segments will remain sealed

Don’t expect a moment-by-moment answer to what happened.

Blackmail Videos or Explicit Material

There is no credible evidence such files exist. And if they did, they would be sealed forever.

Direct Criminal Evidence Against World Leaders

Mentions? Possibly.  Embarrassing associations? Likely.  Indictable evidence? Highly unlikely.

The Bottom Line

The Epstein Files will bring the largest release of information to date, tens of thousands of pages, all searchable and downloadable. Some of it will raise eyebrows. Some will disappoint conspiracy theorists. Some may provide long-overdue clarity. But a “smoking gun,” a dramatic unmasking of the powerful, or the kind of explosive revelations promised by sensational thumbnails online?

That is not what this release is built to deliver.

What we will get is a clearer, but still incomplete, picture of a decades-long story.
And like so many chapters of American life, it will raise as many questions as it answers.

Friday, December 12, Here are three photos of Trump and Epstein (redacted) released today:

So, Donald, if you and Jeff Epstein were not close, then why was he selling Donald Trump branded condoms with your face on the wrapper?

Finally, 

Countries with the MOST CHRISTIANS vs MOST MUSLIMS

A comparison of the world's largest Christian and Muslim populations reveals not just religious demographics, but also the global distribution of culture, migration, and historical influence. Christianity remains the world's largest faith by total numbers, with countries like the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines hosting massive Christian populations shaped by colonial legacies, missionary movements, and modern diasporas. Islam, meanwhile, is the fastest-growing major religion, with Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh forming the core of its demographic strength. Contrary to popular assumptions, the Middle East is not the region with the most Muslims, South and Southeast Asia are.

The comparison shows an intriguing overlap: Nigeria, and several other African nations rank among the largest populations of both Christians and Muslims, reflecting their multi-religious, rapidly growing societies. These demographic giants illustrate how religions evolve, mix, and coexist in the 21st century, often within the same borders.

Playing a Musical Instrument is Good For Your Brain

his morning I posted on the power of vocal music. This afternoon's blog #2 of the day is about the power of playing a musical instrument to the neural growth in your brain.

Playing a musical instrument is not just a creative hobby, it’s one of the most powerful full-brain workouts known to science. Research shows that musicians engage more areas of the brain simultaneously than almost any other activity. When you play, multiple brain regions involved in hearing, movement, coordination, memory, emotion, and pattern recognition are activated and forced to communicate rapidly.

This intense neural activation leads to the creation of stronger and denser connections across both the left (logical) and right (creative) hemispheres of the brain. Over time, this enhances cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, emotional regulation, focus, and long-term memory. Studies have even found that consistent instrument practice increases the size of the corpus callosum, the bridge that connects the two brain hemispheres, improving communication speed across the brain.

Moreover, learning and performing music strengthens neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, making it easier to learn new skills even outside of music. This is why musicians often excel in language learning, pattern identification, and multitasking.

Playing an instrument can also protect the brain from age-related decline, improve mental health by reducing stress, and boost dopamine levels, which enhance motivation and joy.

In simple terms, making music doesn’t just sound good, it builds a smarter, stronger, and more resilient brain.

Meanwhile, 

Your Thoughts Are Rewiring Your Brain Right Now

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that self-talk, the way we speak to ourselves, can physically change the structure of the brain, for better or worse. This discovery proves that our inner dialogue isn’t just mental noise; it’s a powerful force shaping how we think, feel, and even heal.

Scientists found that positive self-talk can strengthen neural connections linked to confidence, focus, and emotional stability. When you encourage yourself, your brain responds by releasing chemicals that enhance learning, memory, and motivation. Over time, these repeated thoughts literally rewire your neural pathways, reinforcing optimism and resilience.

But there’s a darker side too. Negative self-talk, filled with criticism or fear, can activate stress circuits in the brain, increasing levels of cortisol and shrinking areas linked to emotional control. In other words, how you speak to yourself can either build your mind, or slowly break it down.

This research highlights a powerful truth: the brain listens. Every word you think or say becomes a signal your brain takes seriously, shaping your reality at the cellular level. It’s like sculpting your own mind with the chisel of thought.

The implications are profound. With mindful awareness and intentional positivity, we can literally train our brains to become calmer, stronger, and more compassionate. It’s not magic, it’s neuroscience.

So the next time you talk to yourself, remember: your brain is listening. Choose words that heal, not harm. Because the story you tell yourself today becomes the person you live as tomorrow.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/856713667341799

Meanwhile, Put this in Your Calendar:

The Three are My Favorite Music Performers of All Time...

Domingo, HAUSER & Dimash – World Premiere in Budapest, 18 April 2026 _ TICKET SALES FROM 10AM (CET), SATURDAY, 13 DECEMBER! https://broadway.hu/.../domingo-hauser-dimash-koncert.../

On 18 April 2026, Budapest will host an extraordinary musical event as Placido Domingo, HAUSER, and Dimash Qudaibergen share the stage for the first time. This one-night-only world premiere brings together three exceptional artists whose combined artistry represents a rare moment in contemporary music.

The evening will present exclusive new arrangements and special joint performances created specifically for this project. An international creative team is preparing a production built on innovative visual design and state-of-the-art acoustic technology to deliver an immersive concert experience.

We proudly present Eugene Kohn as a guest conductor for this event. With over 50 years of experience as a correpetitor and conductor, he has worked with legends such as Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, and Andrea Bocelli.

Musical direction is led by Péter Pejtsik, Liszt Award–winning composer and conductor, known for his work across classical, crossover, and symphonic rock. A full symphonic orchestra, supported by a rhythm section, will provide a rich foundation for the three artists’ unique musical identities.

Domingo brings unmatched operatic legacy, HAUSER his signature crossover style and electrifying presence, and Dimash Qudaibergen his extraordinary vocal range and global following. Their collaboration marks a meeting of distinctive artistic worlds, creating a performance of exceptional significance.

MVM Dome Budapest – 18 April 2026

A concert that will become part of musical history.

My Food For Thought For Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/892659356622287

The Healing Power of Song and Music

The Healing Power of Song: How Singing Has Enriched My Life from College to THD

There is something magical about singing, something deeper than melody, harmony, or pitch. Long before I ever read studies about antibodies, immune boosts, or stress reduction, I felt what singing could do. And looking back now, singing has been a quiet but constant thread woven through every stage of my life.

College Years: My First Stage

My love affair with singing truly began in my college years, when I joined the choir. I was young, eager, curious, and full of energy. Singing with a group felt electrifying, there is nothing like the vibration of dozens of voices coming together with one purpose. The camaraderie, the discipline of rehearsals, and the joy of performing opened a part of my heart I didn’t know existed.

Married Life: Harmony in Faith and Love

Years later, singing took on a new meaning. During my married life, I sang in our church choir alongside Macrine (RIP), my late spouse for over 63 years. Our Sundays were sacred. It wasn’t just music.  it was worship, community, and partnership.

Standing next to her, lifting our voices in the same hymns, remains one of my most treasured memories. Choir practice became our mid-week bonding, a reminder that even amidst work, parenting, and responsibilities, we still had a shared song to carry us through.

Learning the Craft: Six Months of Voice Lessons

Top Photo: Macrine and My Voice Recital :  Bottom Photo: Sunset and the Landscaping of our House Backyard with the Pinole Hills at the background

At one point, I even took six months of formal voice lessons. As a beginner, I learned breathing techniques, vocal placement, posture, and confidence. And yes, the nerves and excitement of singing at my teacher’s recital! I wasn’t aiming to become a professional; I simply wanted to grow. Those lessons gave me courage, structure, and appreciation for the vocal instrument we all carry. In this recital, I was first to sing because I was the most inexperience student. I asked my vocal teacher, why I was first in the program.  She told me because, I was the best. The statement immediate erased my stage bright, and I sang my two songs with Gusto and Bravado.  I will never forget the memories of my first public singing experience.    

Today at THD: Karaoke, Community, and Pure Joy

Now here in THD, singing continues to be one of my greatest joys. Whether it’s a karaoke night, a sing-along gathering, or simply humming a familiar tune in my room, music keeps me energized and connected.

There’s something beautiful about a group of seniors grabbing a microphone and belting out old favorites. We may laugh at missed notes or forgotten lyrics, but the joy is real and shared.

The Science Is Catching Up to What We Already Know

Interestingly, modern research shows what many lifelong singers feel intuitively: music is medicine.

Studies suggest that singing can:

• Boost immune function, including increasing levels of certain protective antibodies like SIgA

• Reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone

• Improve lung function and breath control

• Strengthen memory and mental sharpness

• Enhance social connection, combating loneliness and isolation

• Lift mood through endorphins and dopamine release

In other words, singing doesn’t just feel good, it is good for you and your immune system.

Why Singing Matters at Every Age

Singing is a gift you can enjoy whether you’re 9 or 91. You don’t need perfect pitch or formal training. You don’t even need a microphone, just the willingness to let your voice rise.

For me, singing has been:

• A source of friendships

• A form of worship

• A stress reliever

• A memory-keeper

• A way to stay connected to Macrine

• A joyful part of my daily life here at THD

Every time I sing a song from my past, I am transported, to college halls, to church pews, to a recital stage, to evenings at home.

A Life Lived in Song

As I reflect on my musical journey, I am grateful. Singing has carried me through decades. It has comforted me in loss, uplifted me in celebration, and kept my spirit young.

So if you ever wonder whether singing is worth doing, whether you're in a choir, a church, or a karaoke room, my answer is simple:

Yes. Sing. Sing loudly. Sing often. Let your heart lead the melody.

Because singing doesn’t just fill the room, it fills the soul and the heart.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on Singing: 

Music heals by positively impacting the brain and body through neurological and biochemical processes, affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive health. It can lower stress by reducing cortisol and releasing dopamine, improve pain perception, and stimulate memory and motor skills. Music therapy is used in clinical settings to address conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, and anxiety by harnessing these effects. 

Emotional and cognitive healing

• Reduces stress and anxiety: 

  Upbeat music can release dopamine, while relaxing music lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure. 
• Processes emotions: 

  Music provides an outlet for expression and can help individuals process difficult emotions, with even sad music having a cathartic effect. 
• Boosts memory and cognitive function: 

  Songs connected to memories can activate the brain's pleasure center, and learning to play music can enhance cognitive skills, learning, and motor control. 
• Improves mood: 

  Music can increase dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical, and is used to improve mood and provide a sense of empowerment. 

Physical healing

• Aids pain relief: 

  Music therapy can decrease pain perception, reduce the need for pain medication, and improve quality of life for those with chronic or acute pain. 
• Supports recovery: 

  It can aid in post-stroke recovery, help with symptoms in neurological disorders like Parkinson's, and has been shown to reduce seizures in some children with epilepsy. 
• Calms the body: 

  Music can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. 
• Reduces side effects of medical treatment: 

  Listening to music can reduce anxiety and nausea associated with treatments like chemotherapy. 

How music therapy works

• Receptive therapy: Listening to carefully selected music to guide mood or promote relaxation. 
• Active therapy: Creating music through singing, drumming, or playing instruments to engage with and heal the brain. 
• Neurologic music therapy: Specialized techniques used in hospitals and rehabilitation centers to help patients recover from brain injuries and neurological disorders by building new neural pathways

Lastly, I enjoyed very much the concert presented by our local singing group

"Stay at Tone Moms", Thursday Afternoon at 2:30PM

Their Silent Night Sing-Along Repertoire was the hit of the Afternoon Performance. They were here last year, but their repertoire this year was more beautiful and unforgettable.   Kudos to Vanessa, Our New Activity Manager. Photos of the group after their performance taken by Vanessa will be posted as soon as I receive it .