Thann Bennett 3/31/25 Thann Bennett 3/31/25

Dueling Budgets

There may be a GOP trifecta in Washington, DC, but that hasn’t prevented the U.S. Senate and U.S. House from producing dueling budgets. Last week, the U.S. Senate passed its budget resolution by a vote of 52-48, and the U.S. House passed its version on Tuesday by a vote of 217-215.

Thann Bennett 3/27/25 Thann Bennett 3/27/25

German Elections

Germany has a new presumptive Chancellor and the prospect of a new coalition government after German voters went to the polls and awarded the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party more than 28% of the seats in parliament.

Thann Bennett 3/25/25 Thann Bennett 3/25/25

Ukraine Aid Paused

The United States has paused military aid to Ukraine in an effort to speed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The move comes days after a tense Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Thann Bennett 3/21/25 Thann Bennett 3/21/25

Tariffs Take Effect

U.S. tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico are now in effect, and the previous U.S. tariffs on China have been doubled. Canada and China responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, and Mexico announced it will do the same this weekend.

Thann Bennett 3/19/25 Thann Bennett 3/19/25

To Respond or Not to Respond

Federal employees are in a bit of a bind as a result of mixed messages from their chain of command. Over the weekend, employees of agencies across the federal government were instructed by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to report by email what they had accomplished last week, or else be terminated.

Thann Bennett 3/17/25 Thann Bennett 3/17/25

Mayor Under Fire

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under fire but may soon be exonerated from federal prosecution. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has asked for the corruption charges pending against him to be dropped.

Thann Bennett 3/14/25 Thann Bennett 3/14/25

A Penny Saved

You might want to hold on to that jar of pennies on your shelf, because they may soon be a relic of the past, as U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to halt production of new pennies.

Thann Bennett 3/11/25 Thann Bennett 3/11/25

Tariffs

It was a wild news week on the tariffs front. First, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on goods imported from China, Canada, and Mexico. Goods from Mexico were to be subject to a 25% tariff when entering the U.S., while goods from China were to be subject to a 10% rate, and goods from Canada were to face either a 10% (energy goods) or 25% markup (non-energy goods).

Thann Bennett 2/26/25 Thann Bennett 2/26/25

Confirmed

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new cabinet is rapidly being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Those who have already been confirmed include:

Thann Bennett 2/17/25 Thann Bennett 2/17/25

A Full Workweek

As has become customary in American governance, it was a very full first week for the new Trump administration. The number and scope of executive orders and actions was likely even higher and broader than normal due to the fact that Republicans are also in control of both chambers of Congress.

Thann Bennett 2/12/25 Thann Bennett 2/12/25

12:01 p.m.

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to office and the beginning of a wave of executive orders. As political power shifts, believers are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and true freedom is found in Christ (Gal. 5:1).

Thann Bennett 2/11/25 Thann Bennett 2/11/25

Pardons, Pardons, and More Pardons

In a historic use of presidential pardon power, outgoing President Biden issued pardons for political and personal allies, while incoming President Trump granted sweeping clemency to January 6 defendants. As believers, we are reminded that while human leaders act with personal and political bias, God alone grants true justice and mercy (Psalm 103:6-8).

Thann Bennett 1/24/25 Thann Bennett 1/24/25

A Legacy of Humanity

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 (making him the longest living president in U.S. history). Carter served as the Governor of Georgia on his way to winning the White House in 1976.

Thann Bennett 1/21/25 Thann Bennett 1/21/25

Impeached and Suspended

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached following a controversial invocation of martial law, shifting power to the Prime Minister while the Constitutional Court deliberates his fate. This turbulent moment serves as a reminder that earthly governments are temporary, but God’s eternal Kingdom endures forever (Ps. 9:7).

Thann Bennett 1/20/25 Thann Bennett 1/20/25

Conviction, Discharge, Resignation, and Inauguration: Donald Trump's Path Forward

A flurry of legal developments, including the discharge of President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction and the resignation of Special Counsel Jack Smith, sets the stage for Trump’s second inauguration. This moment invites believers to approach world events with discernment, humility, and a commitment to fostering healing and truth in a divided world.

Thann Bennett 1/1/25 Thann Bennett 1/1/25

A Single Vote

With a razor-thin GOP majority in the U.S. House, expect significant political drama and challenges in passing legislation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to navigate this divisive climate with wisdom and grace, remaining focused on what is true and eternal (Matt. 10:16).

Thann Bennett 12/18/24 Thann Bennett 12/18/24

A Son's Pardon

The full pardon of Hunter Biden by President Joe Biden has sparked heated debate, reflecting broader tensions over the use of presidential pardon power in modern politics. While this act raises questions about justice and accountability, it also reminds us as believers of a far greater pardon—our redemption through Christ. As Colossians 1:13-14 declares, we’ve been rescued and forgiven, not by human power, but through God’s overwhelming grace.

Thann Bennett 12/16/24 Thann Bennett 12/16/24

Tariffs and Minerals

The economic tensions between the United States and China are escalating, with both nations taking bold steps that intertwine trade, security, and global influence. While these developments may provoke concern, Jesus reminds us to remain steadfast amidst "wars and rumors of wars" (Matt. 24:6), trusting in the ultimate redemption promised to His followers. This blog offers a deeper look into the geopolitical landscape and a powerful encouragement to fix our eyes on the eternal story already written.

Thann Bennett 12/10/24 Thann Bennett 12/10/24

Undemocratic

Forty-five activists in Hong Kong, including former legislators, were sentenced to prison for participating in a 2020 unofficial primary election, sparking international criticism and calls for their release. This case highlights the stark contrast between political freedoms in the U.S. and the realities faced by many around the world—a reminder to use our freedom to advocate for those deprived of theirs.

Thann Bennett 12/6/24 Thann Bennett 12/6/24

Election Impact

Post-election news has brought significant developments, from cabinet nominations to dismissed criminal cases against the President-elect. As followers of Christ, we are called to focus on eternal truths, steward our resources generously, and assess leaders by the fruits of their character (Matt. 7:15-20).