Vlogging Pod

The Executive Order Surge: Reshaping Democracy or Quiet Coup?

In this episode of The Vlogging Pod, we dive deep into the flood of executive orders issued by the current administration, analyzing their impact on our democracy. Are we witnessing mere politics, or a quiet bureaucratic coup? With over 80 executive orders in the first month alone, the discussion centers on how these decisions are reshaping the government's framework and the potential long-term implications of Project 2025.

We explore the strategic placing of loyalists within the government and the structural changes that accompany these orders. From alterations in law enforcement to threats against civil service protections, these interconnected issues reveal a broader agenda that could change the face of government. We urge listeners to reflect on whether these shifts signify a political maneuver or a dismantling of democratic foundations.

Echoes of Silence: Unveiling Senate Hearing Omissions

Welcome to the Vlogging Pod, where we dive into the intricacies of recent Senate hearings that have left many questions unanswered. While advisors proposed strategies for economic growth, they conspicuously avoided discussing tariffs, a significant policy affecting the U.S economy. These tariffs have shrunk GDP by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, yet remain unaddressed by those in power.

Moreover, media aligned with political narratives have downplayed the harsh realities of these economic decisions, ignoring the struggles of small businesses. The close Senate vote against lifting global tariffs illustrates a reluctance to challenge detrimental policies.

This episode underscores the urgency for citizens to demand transparency and critically assess policies for their real-world repercussions. Tune in as we explore the essential role of informed discourse in navigating economic complexities.

"May Day: A Legacy of Labor Movement and Social Justice"

Join us on the Vlogging Pod as we delve into the history and significance of May Day, also known as International Workers' Day. Originating in the late 19th century, May Day has become a powerful symbol of the global labor movement, marking the struggle for fair labor practices and social justice.

In this episode, we revisit the pivotal events of May 1, 1886, when over 300,000 workers in the United States demanded an eight-hour workday. We explore the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, a turning point that strengthened the labor movement and established May Day as a day of remembrance and activism.

Fast forward to the present, we shine a light on the ongoing advocacy for workers' rights, fair wages, and comprehensive immigration reform in cities across the United States. Discover how May Day continues to connect past struggles with present-day issues, inspiring individuals and communities to strive for a more equitable society.

Reflecting on the First 100 Days: A Journey of Positive Change VS Now

In this episode of the Vlogging Pod, we delve into the first hundred days of an administration and what they signify in comparison to the previous administration. We explore the changes in tone, policy direction, and leadership style as Biden had navigated a nation in crisis, emphasizing unity and proactive measures like the American Rescue Plan to where we are now under our current administration.

Join us as we analyze these contrasting early days, challenging the notion of moral equivalency and emphasizing the importance of integrity and empathy in government.

Tariffs and Their Complex Impact on Everyday Americans

In this episode of the Vlogging Pod, we delve into the multifaceted impacts of the recent tariffs imposed by the current administration. While intended to support domestic industries, these tariffs have resulted in increased costs and economic strain for the average American, particularly in the housing market, where construction expenses have soared.

Furthermore, we explore how certain insiders within the administration and tech sector have significantly benefited, gaining lucrative government contracts and expanded service scopes. This episode also highlights international repercussions, including strained trade relationships and economic pushbacks.

Tune in to understand the broader implications of these tariffs, who they truly benefit, and the growing disparity they are creating. Join us to scrutinize these policies and discuss the paths toward a more equitable economic future.

Jack Smith Hague Reference: International Justice and the Venezuela Investigation

In times of political uncertainty, it's natural for hopeful rumors to emerge, suggesting that international justice mechanisms are stepping in to address perceived domestic injustices. One such rumor gaining traction is that Jack Smith, the former U.S. Special Counsel, is now involved in the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into alleged crimes in Venezuela. Although there are some truths to the rumors the dates for Jacks attendance of working with the ICC and Venezuela’s filling don’t match up in my research.

 

Let's clarify the facts, I have found.

 

Jack Smith, known for his role in investigating then former President Donald Trump, resigned from the U.S. Department of Justice in January of 2025 after submitting his final reports. While it's true that Smith has a background in international law, having served as an investigation coordinator in the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor from 2008 to 2010, there is no evidence to suggest that he is currently involved with the ICC or its investigations.

 

The ICC's investigation into Venezuela is indeed a significant development in international justice. The investigation focuses on alleged crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial un-a-livings.

 

This investigation is being led by Karim A.A. Khan KC, the current Prosecutor of the ICC. Khan, a British lawyer with extensive experience in international criminal law, was elected as the ICC Prosecutor in February of 2021 and took office in June of 2021 . Prior to this role, he served as the United Nations Special Adviser and Head of the Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed in Iraq.

 

Karim Khan has been proactive in his role as ICC Prosecutor. He has made multiple visits to Venezuela, engaging with government officials and civil society organizations. In June of 2023, Khan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Venezuelan government to establish an ICC office, aiming to facilitate cooperation and support the ongoing investigation. Again this investigation with Venezuela started in 2023.

 

Khan's approach emphasizes collaboration with national jurisdictions while maintaining the ICC's independence and impartiality. His efforts in Venezuela reflect a commitment to addressing serious human rights violations through international legal mechanisms.

 

While it's understandable that people look for signs of accountability and justice, especially in challenging times, it's essential to base our understanding on verified information. Jack Smith is not involved in the ICC's investigation into Venezuela. That responsibility lies with Karim Khan and his team at the ICC, who continue to pursue justice for victims of alleged crimes in Venezuela.

The Tech Tangle: Zuckerberg, Trump, and the FTC

Today we're diving into a story that sits at the crossroads of Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.

In December 2024, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, made headlines by donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund. This move came just weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Notably, Meta had not contributed to Trump's 2017 or President Biden's 2021 inaugural funds. ​

The donation raised eyebrows. Was it a gesture of goodwill, a strategic move to mend fences, or something more? While there's no concrete evidence to suggest it was a payoff, the timing certainly sparked speculation.​

Adding to the intrigue, Zuckerberg reportedly gifted Trump a pair of Meta's smart glasses alongside the donation. Some viewed this as a savvy PR move, others as an attempt to curry favor. ​

Despite these overtures, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has continued its antitrust case against Meta. The FTC alleges that Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp were strategic moves to eliminate competition, seeking remedies that could include a breakup of the company. ​

Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom testified that Zuckerberg deliberately withheld resources to curb Instagram's growth post-acquisition, supporting the FTC's claims. ​

This situation underscores a critical point: political donations and personal connections may open doors, but they don't guarantee immunity from regulatory scrutiny. Even with a $1 million donation and a pair of smart glasses, Meta couldn't sidestep the FTC's investigation.

Deported Without a Voice: The Story of V.M.L, two-year-old daughter born in New Orleans in 2023, making her a U.S. citizen.

Today, we explore the troubling case of a two-year-old U.S. citizen, identified as V.M.L., who was deported to Honduras without due process. This incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of U.S. citizens in immigration enforcement.

 

It all began during a routine check-in at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in New Orleans. Jenny Carolina Lopez Villela, a Honduran national, arrived with her two daughters: an 11-year-old and V.M.L., her two-year-old daughter born in New Orleans in 2023, making her a U.S. citizen. What was supposed to be a standard procedure turned into a life-altering event when ICE detained Jenny and her children .

 

Back in the U.S., V.M.L.'s father, a U.S. citizen, was blindsided by the sudden detention. He was granted only a brief one-minute phone call with Jenny while she was in ICE custody, severely limiting their ability to make decisions regarding their daughter's welfare. Desperate to keep his daughter in the country, he filed an emergency petition seeking custody. However, before the court could intervene, ICE had already deported Jenny and both daughters to Honduras .

 

ICE presented a handwritten letter in Spanish, allegedly from Jenny, stating her desire for V.M.L. to accompany her to Honduras. However, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty questioned the validity of this consent, especially given the limited communication between the parents and the lack of proper verification. The judge expressed deep concern over the government's handling of the case, emphasizing the need to clarify whether a U.S. citizen was unlawfully removed from the country .

 

The deportation of V.M.L. without due process has sparked outrage among legal experts and civil rights organizations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned the act as a significant abuse of power, noting it violated ICE's own guidelines regarding the care of minor U.S. citizens during deportations. This incident highlights systemic issues in the administration’s deportation practices, raising questions about the protection of U.S. citizens' rights in immigration enforcement .

 

A hearing is scheduled for May 16 to investigate the matter further. Judge Doughty, appointed by former President Trump, has expressed strong concerns over possible violations of the due process rights of a U.S. citizen. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for immigration enforcement policies and the protection of U.S. citizens' rights.

When Power Is Above the Law

You ever get that feeling where something just doesn’t sit right anymore? Like the country you were raised to believe in, the one where law matters, where checks and balances are supposed to mean something, is being played like a rigged game?

Let’s talk about the president. Not the name. Just the title. Because the title carries weight. And right now, the person holding it is pushing the limits of that power, sometimes crossing lines that, if we’re being honest, look a lot like legal and moral violations.

We’ve seen it: the defiance of court orders. Direct orders from judges ignored. Deportations of vulnerable people, including asylum seekers sent into countries they fled from in the first place. One country, already under political strain, has taken the bold step of filing a complaint with the International Criminal Court. The charge? That deportations carried out under this administration may qualify as crimes against humanity.

Now, that might sound dramatic, but international law is clear. If a leader knowingly sends civilians into danger, that can be prosecuted under global justice frameworks. And while this country doesn’t formally recognize the ICC, that doesn’t mean the rest of the world ignores what’s happening.

But let’s bring it back home.

In this country, removal from office isn’t easy. Impeachment is the only constitutional path when a president abuses their power. And it’s not just about committing a crime, it's about betrayal of public trust. It’s about using the power of the office in ways that endanger lives, twist laws, or break the foundation of our system.

So why hasn’t it happened?

Because political survival has taken precedence over moral accountability. Because too many people in power are more loyal to a person than to the Constitution. And because the same title that should be held accountable is protected by the very structure it oversees.

But this isn’t hopeless. Not yet.

Public pressure still matters. Investigative journalism, whistleblowers, civic action, they’ve toppled powerful people before. And while the courts can be slow, the truth moves. It spreads. It educates.

What we’re seeing isn’t just an overreach, it’s a test. A test of whether the system works. Whether we as a people still believe in law. In justice. In decency.

So no, this isn’t just politics. This is humanity. This is the kind of moment history remembers. And what we do or don’t do will echo for decades.

Crossroads Rhonda Parker Taylor

Rhonda Parker Taylor is an American writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher. As an author of the bestselling novel Crossroads, endorsed by Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway, I bring a unique perspective on personal growth, emotional resilience, and leadership.

https://rhondaparkertaylor.com/