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Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press The big moment. Former congressman Matt Gaetz’s time as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general has come to an end. It wound up lasting less than a Scaramucci. Gaetz, R-Florida, announced suddenly Thursday that he’s withdrawing from consideration, amid continued revelations about sexual misconduct claims against him, questions about a looming House Ethics Committee report and resistance from his fellow Republicans. Both Gaetz and Trump in social media posts claimed that Gaetz was doing well but had become a “distraction” – a PR word that often gets bandied about in untenable circumstances. But Gaetz’s downfall was about more than a momentary distraction. It was a sizable early setback for Trump, just more than two weeks after his triumphant 2024 election win. It’s also a sign that institutions – or at least a few members of them – can still stand up to Trump, and a remarkably swift conclusion to what could be a series of tussles between Trump and his own party. Let’s dive into those dynamics and other takeaways. IT’S A MAJOR SETBACK FOR TRUMP Gaetz was always going to be a tough sell, even for his fellow Republicans. Just four Republican senators would have been enough to kill his nomination if they voted with all Democrats. And plenty expressed reservations. There is not much love for Gaetz in congressional Republican circles, dating back to his successful effort to oust then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, last year. His baggage was also the most problematic among Trump’s controversial nominees, given that it involved allegations of sex with a 17-year-old – and particularly given the prospect of the ethics report coming out. On Tuesday, I wrote about how Gaetz’s nomination was in the most trouble, full stop. That wasn’t exactly a hot take. But just because this was predictable doesn’t mean it’s not bad for Trump. Trump chose to spend some of his earliest post-election political capital on this fight, daring Republican senators to defy him just a week after his election. He chose someone for a prestigious Cabinet department who had major baggage that was obvious to anyone with access to Google. And that gamble quickly fell apart. The whole thing suggests a very fast-and-loose Trump operation – no surprise if you were paying attention from 2017 through early 2021 – that is going to keep creating problems for the man in charge and his party. That there was apparently nobody around Trump willing or able to caution him against Gaetz doesn’t augur well for what lies ahead. Trump undoubtedly cares less about the idea that his political capital is damaged than your average politician. He’ll just move on to the next thing. But it can’t help but look like weakness – including to the Republicans he could clash with within the months and years to come. IT SHOWS THAT INSTITUTIONS CAN STILL STAND UP TO TRUMP Trump has claimed that the 2024 election gave him a huge mandate – despite him failing to win a majority of the popular vote and Republicans gaining relatively little ground. And Republicans have largely echoed that line. Some have gone as far as to suggest it’s time to just give Trump pretty much whatever he wants, including his Cabinet picks. We don’t yet know all the details of why Gaetz withdrew and how much the GOP resistance played a role (vs., say, Gaetz worrying about his own personal dirty laundry being aired). But regardless, this is an early signal that institutions – whether Republican senators, the legal and ethics systems, and/or the media – can still provide a significant check on Trump, if they are so inclined. We shouldn’t oversell that. As noted, Gaetz was always likely to be a bridge too far. And seeing Republican senators give lukewarm quotes about him and choose to fight against him more privately doesn’t exactly suggest they feel empowered to publicly stand up to Trump. A handful of senators with reservations about Gaetz is far from the entire Senate, even as the opposition was apparently enough to make him and Trump think twice about moving forward. Still, Gaetz’s failure was an early test of the system. The system didn’t work in Trump’s favor. And Trump’s critics right now probably undersell how assertive the GOP-controlled Senate, in particular, could be. This is a chamber that features plenty of institutionalists who don’t love the idea of being rolled by the president and forced to do things they don’t like (tariffs, abandoning Ukraine, etc.). Trump has also signaled he’ll push his political and policy norm-breaking quite a bit further than in his first term. It only takes four Republicans to stand in his way, and there are a fair number of moderates, Trump critics and retiring senators who could do so. WHAT IT MEANS FOR TRUMP’S OTHER PICKS When Trump picked Gaetz last week, theories abounded about how maybe this wasn’t all that it seemed – that it wasn’t truly about getting Gaetz installed as attorney general. A prominent theory was that perhaps Gaetz was a stalking horse. It held that he was a completely unacceptable pick put forward to be rejected and make Trump’s other picks, including his next pick for attorney general, look more acceptable by comparison. Whether or not that was the intent, the question now becomes whether Gaetz withdrawing will indeed make it easier for Trump’s other picks, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (health and human services secretary), Tulsi Gabbard (director of national intelligence) and Pete Hegseth (defense secretary). Will Republicans view themselves as having beaten back the worst of Trump’s picks and relent on other nominees? Maybe. But I think the lack of a true, extended fight over Gaetz makes that less plausible. It would be one thing if Republicans fought over Gaetz for months, and Trump supporters were able to send a strong signal that opposing Trump would come with a cost (including public attacks and primaries). Some murmurs of retribution began this week, but the revenge campaign never really took hold. Now Gaetz will be a distant memory by the time those other nominations get considered, and nobody had to vote against him. You could also make a strong argument that critics of Trump’s picks will be emboldened by beating this one back so quickly. WHAT’S NEXT FOR GAETZ Another big question after Gaetz’s withdrawal is what happens to his political career. He resigned from the current, 118th Congress last week, after all. But the Florida congressman was reelected this month to the 119th Congress and could take his seat come Jan. 3. Republicans will have a narrow majority in which every seat could matter. Georgetown University’s Matt Glassman has a good look at the legal ins and outs. Basically, it would probably be up to the Republican-controlled House, which can interpret its own rules. But also, coming back to Congress would almost undoubtedly lead to the release of that ethics report, at which point Gaetz and his fellow Republicans would have to relive all of this drama. And it could involve Republicans voting to reseat a guy they clearly have little regard for and view as a problem for their party. Gaetz has also been rumored as a potential candidate for Florida governor in 2026. As for whether he could win his party’s nomination and that office? It probably can’t be completely ruled out in a red state. A MOMENTOUS POLL NUMBER 51-36 That’s the margin by which voters in a new Economist/YouGov poll say they approve of Trump’s handling of his presidential transition. It’s one of the first polls of how people view Trump post-election. That suggests he’s gotten something of a honeymoon, at least as of Tuesday (when the poll concluded). It also suggests that the major controversies surrounding his Cabinet picks haven’t turned Americans against him. Or perhaps it’s that people really haven’t tuned in to nomination battles that won’t take place until early 2025. For instance, the same poll asked whether people approved of Gaetz’s selection, and voters were about evenly split – 37% favorable to 39% unfavorable. Maybe it’s just early and people have political fatigue. Former congressman Matt Gaetz withdraws as Trump’s pick for attorney general House panel was told Gaetz paid 2 women $10,000, in part for sex We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous

When Katja Vogt considers a Jaguar, she pictures a British-made car purring confidently along the Italian coastline — a vision of familiarity that conveys "that dreaming, longing feeling we all love." She's not sure what to think about Jaguar now after the 89-year-old company announced a radical rebranding that featured loud colors and androgynous people — but no cars. Jaguar, the company says, will now be JaGUar. It will produce only electric vehicles beginning in 2026. Bad attention is good attention, Jaguar execs would appear to believe. The car brand has prompted mockery online for posting a glitzy ad without a single car in it. Say goodbye to British racing green, Cotswold Blue and black. Its colors are henceforth electric pink, red and yellow, according to a video that sparked backlash online. Its mission statement: "Create exuberance. Live vivid. Delete ordinary. Break moulds." "Intrigued?" @Jaguar posted on social media. "Weird and unsettled" is more like it, Vogt wrote on Instagram. "Especially now, with the world feeling so dystopian," the Cyprus-based brand designer wrote, "a heritage brand like Jaguar should be conveying feelings of safety, stability, and maybe a hint of rebellion — the kind that shakes things up in a good way, not in a way that unsettles." Our brands, ourselves Jaguar was one of several iconic companies that announced significant rebrandings in recent weeks, upending a series of commercial — and cultural — landmarks by which many modern human beings sort one another, carve out identities and recognize the world around them. Campbell's, the 155-year-old American icon that artist Andy Warhol immortalized in pop culture decades ago, is ready for a new, soupless name. Comcast's corporate reorganization means there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News, a U.S. legacy news outlet. CNBC One could even argue the United States itself is rebranding with the election of former President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate. Unlike Trump's first election in 2016, he won the popular vote in what many called a national referendum on American identity. Are we, then, the sum total of our consumer decisions — what we buy, where we travel and whom we elect? Certainly, it's a question for those privileged enough to be able to afford such choices. Volumes of research in the art and science of branding — from "brandr," an old Norse word for burning symbols into the hides of livestock — say those factors do contribute to the modern sense of identity. So rebranding, especially of heritage names, can be a deeply felt affront to consumers. "It can feel like the brand is turning its back on everything that it stood for — and therefore it feels like it's turning its back on us, the people who subscribe to that idea or ideology," said Ali Marmaduke, strategy director with the Amsterdam-based Brand Potential. He said cultural tension — polarization — is surging over politics, wars in Russia and the Mideast, the environment, public health and more, creating what Marmaduke said is known as a "polycrisis": the idea that there are several massive crises converging that feel scary and complex. Campbell's soups "People are understandably freaked out by that," he said. "So we are looking for something that will help us navigate this changing, threatening world that we face." Trump's "Make America Great Again" qualifies. So did President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" slogan. Campbell's soup itself — "Mmm Mmm Good" — isn't going anywhere, CEO Mark Clouse said. The company's new name, Campbell's Co., will reflect "the full breadth of our portfolio," which includes brands like Prego pasta sauce and Goldfish crackers. What is Jaguar? None of the recent activity around heritage brands sparked a backlash as ferocious as Jaguar's. The company stood as a pillar of tradition-loving British identity since World War II. The famous "leaper" cat Jaguar logo is pictured in 2019 at the Auto show in Paris, France. Jaguar said its approach to the rebrand was rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, to "copy nothing." What it's calling "the new Jaguar" will overhaul everything from the font of its name to the positioning of it's famous "leaper" cat. "Exuberant modernism" will "define all aspects of the new Jaguar world," according to the news release. The approach is thought to be aimed at selling fewer cars at a six-figure price point to a more diverse customer base. The reaction ranged from bewilderment to hostility. Memes sprouted up likening the video to the Teletubbies, a Benetton ad and — perhaps predictably — a bow to "woke" culture as the blowback intersected with politics. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

‘Relentlessly lying’: Elon slams SMH after scathing op-ed

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday refused to budge from its planned protest on November 24 as its Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that a “final call” meant a final call with the authorities implemented extensive security and transportation restrictions across major cities, turning the twin cities virtually into security fortresses. Earlier in related development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar only to inform him that the government will not grant permission for any sit-in or rally in Islamabad due to security concerns during an official visit from a high-ranking Belarusian delegation. Naqvi’s call to Barrister Gohar comes as Pakistan prepares for an 80-member Belarusian delegation, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, to arrive in Islamabad from November 24 to 27. The interior minister noted that the government is bound by Islamabad High Court guidelines, which restrict public gatherings that could pose risks during international visits. Naqvi provided Gohar with a detailed schedule of the Belarusian delegation’s visit, explaining that, in light of the security measures, no rallies or gatherings would be authorised. Gohar responded by saying he would consult with party leaders before finalising a response. ‘Final call means final call, only Khan can review it’ Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared that a “final call” meant a final call and only Imran could review the decision. “Khan sahib is Khan sahib. He is the boss. He doesn’t recommend. He orders, we follow,” he asserted while talking to a private TV channel. He said Imran had given the call for the protest, he had given the instructions and thus it was his decision to review it. Gohar said the PTI’s political committee discussed everything as per Imran’s instructions and it was not its option to review something that the PTI founder ordered and give a contrary direction. Regarding his earlier talks with Naqvi and media coverage of the development, Gohar said they only made contact once and no commitment was made of when the PTI chairman would inform the interior minister about his final response. Regarding possible consequences of contravention of the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Thursday order, which had ruled the planned protest as unlawful, Gohar said the PTI was not heard in the case and said it was not the court’s final order but still a pending matter. He said earlier today that “party consultation” would decide whether the PTI would go ahead with its planned protest tomorrow after Naqvi contacted him over the matter. Earlier in the day, PTI Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram said that the party will “break through any barriers to reach their destination at D-Chowk, and that they will not return without achieving their objective.” Akram stated, “The Constitution gives us the right to peaceful protest, and we will not surrender under any circumstances. On November 24, the entire nation will be on the streets,” Express News reported. Meanwhile, the leadership of PTI has reiterated its stance of marching towards Islamabad tomorrow, with plans for a sit-in at D-Chowk, Islamabad, regardless of any obstacles. In a meeting chaired by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, senior PTI leaders including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former President Arif Alvi, Shibli Faraz, Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, and others, decided to proceed with the protest. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finalised its plan for the November 24 protest, which includes the booking of heavy machinery. According to PTI Peshawar region president, Arbab Asim, there is no shortage of heavy machinery this time. “We will use private machinery to remove obstacles, and the responsibility for security will rest with the Youth Wing.” Security measures enforced in the capital city Islamabad, all major entry and exit points sealed On the other hand, security measures were enforced in the capital city Islamabad, with all major entry and exit points of the city sealed while all roads leading into the capital city were shut off, particularly those from the neighboring cities of Rawalpindi and other surrounding regions. Container blockades have been set up along key thoroughfares like Iran Avenue and Margalla Road to prevent access to crucial parts of the city, including the Parliament House and the central business districts. The Expressway, a major route connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi, and Zero Point were also closed as authorities braced for the PTI protests. In a move to prevent any public transport from becoming part of the demonstration, the local administration ordered a complete suspension of the metro bus service for the day. The Metro Bus service, which typically operates between various points in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including routes from the Secretariat to IJP Road, will remain completely closed. Additionally, bus terminals within Islamabad have been shut down, and all intercity transport operations, including services to Rawalpindi, were suspended. This has severely impacted those relying on public transport to travel to and from the capital city. In Lahore, similar security measures have been implemented with the local administration has shut down key motorways leading out of the city, including those connecting Lahore to Islamabad and other cities. Specifically, the motorway routes from Lahore to Islamabad and from Lahore to Multan have been blocked. This includes sections of the M-3 and M-4 motorways, along with the M-11, which links Lahore to Sialkot. One of the major choke points, the Babu Sabu Interchange, was also sealed off using containers and barriers, and a heavy police force was stationed at the location to maintain control. This step was taken to prevent any large gatherings or attempts to march into the city as part of the planned protest. Additionally, all bus terminals located along the blocked roads were also shut down, further complicating travel within the city and to other destinations. The Lahore Ring Road, another key route connecting various parts of the city, was closed for traffic, intensifying the congestion in the city center. Commuters and businesses were left struggling as roads remained gridlocked for hours, with authorities urging people to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. 30,000 police personnel including FC deployed in Islamabad In response to the potential scale of the PTI protests, the government has mobilised significant security forces and a total of 30,000 additional police officers have been dispatched from various provinces, including 19,000 from Punjab, 5,000 from Sindh, and 1,000 from Azad Kashmir. These reinforcements have been deployed to assist the local police in controlling crowds and ensuring law and order. In addition to the police force, approximately 5,000 personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers have also been deployed to Islamabad. These paramilitary forces are expected to play a crucial role in managing any violent outbreaks or public disorder. The federal government has granted these forces powers under the Anti-Terrorism Act, allowing them to take direct action if necessary to ensure peace and stability in the capital. Given the rising tensions, the federal government has issued a notification regarding the deployment of Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in the capital. These forces will assist the local police in maintaining control and preventing any potential violence. The decision was made after the Islamabad Commissioner sent a formal request to the Ministry of Interior, outlining the need for additional security measures. The presence of the Rangers and FC was a clear signal that the government is taking no chances regarding the PTI’s protest, especially after previous demonstrations that escalated into violent confrontations. The use of paramilitary forces is expected to help prevent any breakdown in law and order, ensuring the safety of both protesters and ordinary citizens. The extensive security measures have led to considerable inconvenience for the general public. Commuters who rely on public transportation, including buses and the metro service, are particularly affected by the shutdowns. The blockade of key roads in Lahore and Islamabad has also severely hindered business activities, with many shops and businesses either closing early or remaining closed for the entire day. Travelers from other cities, including Rawalpindi and Multan, have reported being stranded due to the closure of major motorways. This has led to a significant buildup of traffic on the remaining open roads, further exacerbating the already challenging situation. PTI protest and sit-in will continue till release of Imran Khan: Gandapur Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that PTI has made all out preparations for protest and sit-in in Islamabad’s D Chowk. Spokesperson to KP CM Faraz Mughal said that PTI convoys the across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will reach D Chowk on Sunday. Gandapur said that there will be no fix time for sit-in and protest and PTI workers will continue their protest till the release of Imran Khan. The spokesperson of the Chief Minister said, “whatever obstacles the federal government put up, public will cross at all cost and reach Islamabad”. He said, “this time, heavy machinery is being taken with each rally to remove the obstructions”. “We will not use government missionaries, more than 50 private excavators and heavy missionaries are being taken along”, CM spokesman clarified. KP Chief Minister also claimed that modern machinery had been procured to counter police shelling. He said arrangements have been made to divert air during tear gas shelling. CM spokesman said along with the caravans, ambulance services have been obtained. Gandapur said PTI protest is peaceful and will remain peaceful. He said like previous protest, this time federal government was making plan to open straight fire on PTI workers from the front. KP Chief Minister said PTI workers are committed and they have vowed to take a bullet in the chest but will not back down. Interior Minister, PTI Chairman discuss current situation Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan in light of Islamabad High Court’s order. They held a detailed discussion about the current situation. Mohsin Naqvi informed Barrister Gohar about the post-Islamabad High Court order situation. He said we are bound by the high court’s order and cannot permit any procession, sit-in or rally. The Interior Minister also briefed Barrister Gohar about the engagements of the eighty member high-level delegation led by the President of Belarus from 24th to 27th November. He said Belarusian President will arrive in Pakistan on Monday and the delegation will remain in Islamabad until Wednesday. Barrister Gohar said he will inform the Interior Minister about the final response after party consultation. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is set to visit Pakistan on November 25 to strengthen bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in diverse fields between both countries. During the visit Pakistan-Belarus Trade Roadmap will be signed, source said. During stay in Pakistan, President Lukashenko is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military leadership. Expanding collaboration in modern farming techniques and equipment, enhancing trade ties and boosting bilateral commerce, security and defence relationship will also come under discussion between both sides. Pakistan has expressed keen interest in cooperation in the tractor manufacturing sector, highlighting Belarus’s expertise in agricultural machinery. Several agreements are expected to be signed between the two countries, fostering collaboration across multiple sectors and paving the way for stronger economic and strategic ties, the source said. Closure of mobile, internet services A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry said on Saturday the government will consider suspending mobile and internet services only in areas where security threats are imminent. The spokesperson said that mobile and internet service in rest of the country will remain unaffected. A report suggested earlier that the federal government has decided to shut down the mobile and internet services in the country as jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is all set to march on Islamabad on November 24. The report quoted sources as saying that a decision has been made to shut down the mobile and internet services at midnight on Saturday. The Interior Ministry will issue orders to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTI) soon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Services board starts budget talks, pitches 9.82% increase