Trump Signs Executive Order to Ease Marijuana Regulation from ‘Schedule I’ to ‘Schedule III’
Ahead of U.S.-Ukraine Meeting over Weekend, “Ukraine Must Make Quick Decisions Before Russia Changes Its Mind”
“Obamacare Was Flawed from the Start… Insurance Premiums are Bound to Skyrocket”
“Ground Operation in Venezuela Doesn’t Necessarily Require Congressional Approval”
◆…U.S. President Donald Trump, on the 18th (local time), signed an executive order in the Oval Office directing the reclassification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) from ‘Schedule I’ to ‘Schedule III’, then holds it up for display. 2025.12.18. <Reuters Photo>,
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, ‘U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 18th (local time) that he will announce the nominee for the next chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed) in the coming weeks.’,
, ‘At the executive order signing ceremony at the White House, when asked if the Fed Chair nomination could happen before the end of the year, Trump stated, “I’m not sure if it will be before the end of the year, but it will be decided pretty soon.”‘,
, ‘When asked how many candidates are being considered for the final round of interviews and his thoughts on current Fed Board member Christopher Waller, he said, “I think he’s excellent.” Trump added, “He’s held the Fed Chair for a long time, and I’ve been heavily involved in his career throughout. He’s a really outstanding person and I met him again yesterday.”‘,
, ‘When questioned about how many candidates are under consideration for the Chair position, he replied, “I’m talking with 3 to 4 people and think they are all great candidates. I will make a decision soon.” Asked if Michelle Bowman, a current board member, is on the candidate list, he simply replied, “Excellent.”‘,
, ‘Previously, top candidates for the next Fed Chair included Kevin Hassett, the White House National Economic Council Director, and Kevin Warsh, a former Fed Governor, so with the two mentioned today, the total number of candidates is four.’,
, ‘Regarding the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire matter, when asked by the press about expectations from the U.S.-Ukraine meeting scheduled in Florida this weekend, Trump said, “It seems like they’re getting close to something. But I hope Ukraine moves quickly.”‘,
, ‘He added, “Since Russia will be there (in Florida) over the weekend, Ukraine needs to move quickly. If Ukraine takes a too hardline stance, it might lead Russia to change its mind.”‘,
, ‘In response to a question about the expiration of subsidies for Obamacare (ACA) in a few days and the ensuing insurance premium spikes for over 20 million Americans, Trump responded, “The ACA was never a good system from the start, and insurance premiums will skyrocket.”‘,
, ‘He explained, “I want to redirect the hundreds of billions of dollars in insurance company subsidies directly to individuals so that they can enroll in healthcare themselves. Doing so will provide far better healthcare services than the current unsustainable system.”‘,
, ‘When asked if Democrats want to extend the ACA subsidies, he replied, “If only the Democrats cooperated, it could be quickly resolved. I don’t know why it needs to be extended.”‘,
, ‘Trump emphasized, “The issue is that insurance companies have a hold over the Democrats. They have a strong grip. They’re pouring vast sums of political money into the Democrats. I want that money to go back to the people.”‘,
, ‘When asked whether Congress needs to approve a ground attack on Venezuelan drug cartels, he said, “I don’t mind informing Congress, but it’s not a big enough issue that it must be informed.” He added, “I just hope information doesn’t leak out. Politicians are like sieves with information.”‘,
, “Meanwhile, President Trump signed an executive order directing the reclassification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) from ‘Schedule I’ to ‘Schedule III’.”,
, ‘Trump stated, “I’m happy to sign this executive order. Many people, especially those suffering from severe pain, have been eagerly waiting for this measure. I’ve received many more supportive calls for this action than opposing ones.”‘,
, “According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs are defined as ‘substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse’, which include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy among the most strictly classified.”,
, “The DEA categorizes Schedule III drugs as those with ‘a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence,’ which include combinations like Tylenol with codeine, testosterone, anabolic steroids, and ketamine.”,
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