A TALE OF TWO KINGS: GEORGE III VS. KING TRUMP A COMPARISON OF ROYAL DELUSIONS

 

A TALE OF TWO KINGS: GEORGE III VS. KING TRUMP

A  COMPARISON OF ROYAL DELUSIONS

Disclaimer: This is satire. Both kings would probably hate it. One because he couldn't read it through his madness, the other because it doesn't mention his electoral college victory enough times. For an actual story about Mad King Trump see the article by Paul Krugman on Substack (link below)

The Divine Right to Rule

King George III: Believed he ruled by divine right, appointed by God to govern the colonies whether they liked it or not.

King Trump: Believes he won by divine right, appointed by ratings to govern America whether the votes liked it or not. "Nobody has a better relationship with God than me, believe me."

Relationship with Reality

King George III: Suffered from episodes of madness, possibly due to porphyria. Talked to trees, thought he was married to Lady Pembroke.

King Trump: Suffers from episodes of "alternative facts." Talks to Fox News, thinks he's married to the Constitution (it's complicated).

Taxation Troubles

King George III: "No taxation without representation!" cried the colonists. George: "How about taxation WITH representation? No? Fine, have some tea."

King Trump: "No taxation for corporations!" cried the billionaires. Trump: "Done. Also, here's a tax cut. You're welcome. The middle class? They love paying taxes, tremendous people."

Revolutionary Opposition

King George III: Faced George Washington leading a ragtag revolutionary army.

King Trump: Faces George Soros leading a ragtag revolutionary... wait, no, that's just a conspiracy theory. Faces actual journalists asking actual questions.

The Stamp Act vs. The Tweet Act

King George III: Imposed the Stamp Act—every document must bear the royal stamp!

King Trump: Imposed the Tweet Act—every thought must bear the royal typo! "Covfefe" is the new "taxation without representation."

Colonial Grievances

King George III: Dissolved representative houses repeatedly. Obstructed the administration of justice. Kept standing armies without consent.

King Trump: Dissolved representative norms repeatedly. Obstructed the administration of... well, his own administration. Kept standing ovations without earning them.

Foreign Alliances

King George III: Hired Hessian mercenaries to fight Americans. Everyone thought this was a betrayal.

King Trump: Hired the best people (1st term, who later wrote tell-all books). Everyone thought this was a Tuesday.

The Press

King George III: Controlled information through royal proclamations and limited press freedom.

King Trump: Controls information through Truth Social after getting kicked off Twitter. "I AM the press freedom!"

Loss of Territory

King George III: Lost the American colonies. Embarrassing, but at least he kept Canada.

King Trump: Lost the popular vote. Twice. Embarrassing, but at least he kept Mar-a-Lago.

Monuments and Legacy

King George III: Has statues that were torn down by angry colonists and melted into bullets.

King Trump: Has statues of himself he commissioned. Angry colonists... I mean, citizens... are still deciding what to do with them.

The Mad King's Court

King George III: Surrounded by yes-men and aristocrats who feared contradicting him.

King Trump: Surrounded by yes-men and aristocrats who feared being tweeted about. "You're fired!" is the new "Off with their heads!"

Famous Quotes

King George III: "Once vigorous measures appear to be the only means left of bringing the Americans to a due submission to the mother country."

King Trump: "I alone can fix it. Also, it was perfect. The most perfect. People are saying it's the most perfect thing they've ever seen."

The Boston Tea Party vs. The January 6th Soirée

King George III: Colonists threw tea into Boston Harbor in protest.

King Trump: Supporters threw... well, let's just say the Capitol needed a deep clean afterward.

Madness or Method?

King George III: Historians debate whether his madness was medical or political.

King Trump: Historians debate whether his method is madness or just really good reality TV.

The Final Verdict

King George III: Eventually went completely mad, was removed from power, and became a cautionary tale about monarchical overreach.

King Trump: Eventually went to... actually, this story is still being written. Check back in 2026 And 2028. And possibly 2032 if the Constitution becomes more of a suggestion.

Historical Footnote

The main difference? King George III had the excuse of actual mental illness and the 18th century's complete lack of understanding about democracy.

King Trump has Google.

The Mad King’s Madness Deepens Trump wants war, war and more war – even against Americans PAUL KRUGMAN https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/the-mad-kings-madness-deepens

Donald Trump’s political situation is deteriorating, with low poll numbers and controversial actions aimed at bolstering his ego. The article critiques Trump's use of military and ICE force for personal validation, highlighting incidents like the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. These actions, combined with his push for increased military spending, are portrayed as efforts to distract from political failures and manipulate public sentiment. The author warns Republicans, enablers, and those carrying out Trump’s directives of potential consequences and calls for accountability.

MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 15, 2026

 

MORNING NEWS UPDATE: JANUARY 15, 2026

U.S. News

1. Iran crisis developments: President Trump stated that killings of protesters in Iran have stopped and executions have been called off, based on sources, though he continues to monitor and weigh options. The U.S. is returning troops to a Qatar air base amid mixed signals from Tehran.
2. Visa processing suspension: The State Department is suspending immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries deemed likely to require public assistance, part of broader immigration restrictions.
3. Minnesota SNAP program dispute: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA cuts to Minnesota's SNAP administration funds during a fraud review of ~100,000 households.
4. Immigration enforcement clashes: Protests and incidents involving ICE/Border Patrol in Minneapolis, including a fatal shooting, highlight rising tensions over enforcement.
5. FBI search of Washington Post reporter's home: As part of a leak investigation, amid broader administration actions on media and public health funding.

6. War Powers Defeat: Vice President JD Vance cast a historic tie-breaking vote to defeat a Senate resolution that would have forced President Trump to seek Congressional approval before further military action in Venezuela. This follows a recent U.S. operation that resulted in the abduction of Nicolás Maduro.

7. Voter Data Controversy: The Department of Justice is suing 23 states after they refused to turn over sensitive voter information (including the last four digits of SSNs). State officials from both parties have cited privacy laws, while the DOJ argues the data is necessary for election integrity.

8. SCOTUS State Secrets: The Supreme Court is once again reviewing the "state-secrets privilege" after the Solicitor General argued that a lower court ruling in FBI v. Fazaga jeopardizes national security by forcing judges to review classified surveillance data.

Politics

1. Trump on Iran: The President claims "the killing has stopped" in Iran's crackdown but hasn't ruled out military action; Gulf states reportedly urged restraint.
2. Venezuela war powers: Senate Republicans blocked a resolution limiting Trump's military options in Venezuela, with VP Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
3. Greenland tensions: "Fundamental disagreement" persists between the Trump administration and Denmark/Greenland over the territory's future, with European reconnaissance missions planned.
4. Visa restrictions expansion: Suspension of immigrant visas from 75 countries, tied to public charge risks and prior proclamations.
5. Iran-related diplomacy: Trump informed Iran he has no immediate plans for strikes, per reports, amid ongoing protests and threats.

World Affairs

1. Iran protests crackdown: Conflicting reports on violence; Trump claims killings/executions halted, but blackout persists and thousands reportedly killed. Tehran denies some claims and postponed one execution.
2. U.S. military posture: Troops returning to Qatar base; Trump reassures no immediate attack on Iran, but tensions high.
3. Gaza ceasefire phase 2: U.S. officials say the brokered ceasefire is advancing to its next phase.
4. Uganda elections concerns: UN warns of repression and shrinking civic space ahead of polls.
5. Maharashtra civic elections: Over 3.48 crore voters in India participate in polls for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai.

6. Iran Unrest: An "eerie quiet" has settled over Tehran following a massive internet shutdown and a heavy military crackdown on protests. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain at a multi-year high.

7. Greenland Stalemate: Negotiations between the U.S. and Denmark over the future of military bases in Greenland have reportedly "hit a wall," as European troops began arriving on the island to assert local sovereignty.

8. U.S. International Exit: Following the January 8th announcement, the U.S. has officially begun the process of withdrawing from several international organizations related to climate change and global peace.

Education

1. Higher education accountability framework: U.S. Department of Education reaches consensus on new rules for institutions, focusing on earnings tests and workforce Pell.
2. California classroom changes: New laws introduce cellphone limits, gender-neutral bathrooms, healthier meals, and immigrant family protections.
3. Enrollment trends: Fall 2025 saw slight increases, mostly at community colleges; concerns over international student pipelines due to visa restrictions.
4. AI and edtech predictions: 2026 trends include AI tutoring, personalized learning, and addressing teacher workload.
5. K-12 policy shifts: Emphasis on reducing distractions, cell phone restrictions, and integrating future-ready tools.

Economy

1. Oil prices drop: Brent crude falls after Trump signals easing Iran tensions, reducing supply disruption fears.
2. TSMC record profit: Taiwan Semiconductor reports huge Q4 gains from AI demand, plans more U.S. factories.
3. U.S. growth outlook: Projections at 2.0% for 2026, supported by easing but with labor market softening.
4. Global slowdown: UN forecasts 2.7% growth in 2026, down slightly, with regional variations (e.g., China at 4.6%).
5. Stock market reactions: Tech gains from AI optimism; broader indices mixed amid Iran news.

6. The "Trade Patchwork": The World Economic Forum released a major report today on the transition to a "patchwork" trade model. The U.S. is shifting toward "America First" industrial interventions, while China deepens ties with the Global South.

7. Tariff Volatility: New trade rules implemented at the start of the year have caused a 25% tariff on specific imports (like furniture) to remain, while duties on other goods, like Italian pasta, were unexpectedly lowered today to avoid a supply chain shock.

8. Labor Resilience: U.S. unemployment claims ticked lower this morning, signaling that the labor market remains steady despite a general cooling in corporate hiring.

Technology

1. TSMC earnings surge: Record profits and capex plans fuel AI/semiconductor rally.
2. AI infrastructure push: Microsoft launches "Community-First AI Infrastructure" for responsible datacenter builds.
3. CES 2026 highlights: Innovations in AI wearables, accessible tech, and gadgets (e.g., self-driving glasses for visually impaired).
4. Nvidia and AI trends: Continued focus on AI models cracking complex problems; tech stocks volatile.
5. Wearable AI integration: Rising use for health/diet tracking, a top trend for 2026.

6. America250 & Blockchain: The national organization planning the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) announced a partnership with Hedera to use distributed ledger technology for secure, verifiable "digital interactions" during the 2026 celebrations.

7. State-Level Cyber Defense: Texas has officially launched the "Texas Cyber Command" (TXCC), the most ambitious state-based cybersecurity agency in the U.S., headquartered at UT San Antonio.

8. AI Enterprise Shift: A new industry report shows that over 40% of higher education institutions have now moved from "testing" AI to managing it as a core enterprise asset, integrating it into everything from admissions to alumni relations.

Health

1. GLP-1 medications expansion: Top trend for 2026; increasing use beyond obesity/diabetes for heart, kidney, and other conditions.
2. Food as medicine: Growing emphasis on whole foods/nutrition plans for chronic disease management.
3. Wearable AI for health: Integration with devices for real-time metabolic/diet feedback.
4. ACA subsidy expiration: Millions face higher premiums in 2026 as enhanced tax credits end.
5. CKM syndrome awareness: Many U.S. adults at risk from linked heart/kidney/diabetes/obesity issues.

6. Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough: Northwestern Medicine researchers announced a new antibody that "unmasks" pancreatic cancer cells, which typically use a sugar-coated disguise to hide from the immune system.

7. Obesity Health Equity: The American Heart Association published a major scientific statement today highlighting that lower-income communities face systemic "stigma and financial constraints" that make obesity treatment significantly harder to access.

8. Rare Diabetes Discovery: Scientists have identified a new type of "neonatal diabetes" caused by a single gene mutation, allowing for more targeted insulin treatments for infants.

Sports

1. NBA action: Toronto Raptors defeat Indiana Pacers 115-101.
2. High school/local games: Various results, e.g., Centerville over East Central (boys basketball).
3. Soccer/Copa del Rey: FC Barcelona faces Racing Santander in knockout.
4. College basketball: Nebraska's strong start; Michigan State blowout.
5. NFL/Playoffs: Ongoing divisional round preparations.

6. U.S. Soccer x Nike: U.S. Soccer and Nike announced a massive expansion of their partnership. Nike will be a founding partner of the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center near Atlanta, focusing on "athlete performance innovation."

7. College Football Retention: In a major boost for the Oregon Ducks, star quarterback Dante Moore announced on ESPN that he will return for the 2026 season rather than entering the NFL Draft.

8. MLS Transfers: Charlotte FC made waves this morning by acquiring Austrian left-back David Schnegg via waivers, strengthening their defense for the upcoming season.

These reflect the most prominent stories circulating today, with heavy emphasis on geopolitical risks around Iran influencing markets and policy. Stay safe and informed!