NEWS AND OPINION:
A garbage truck with a most interesting history will roll down the streets of the nation’s capital during President Donald J. Trump’s inaugural parade. So says Kyle Olson, founder of The Midwesterner, a Michigan-based investigative news site.
“A source with the inaugural committee tells The Midwesterner a truck from Loadmaster, a firm based in Dickinson County, population 25,937, will be one of 39 entries in the parade that runs down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House,” Mr. Olsen said in a report shared with the Beltway.
This truck has some history, by the way.
“The company provided the truck that sparked one of the most viral moments during the 2024 campaign: when a safety vest-wearing Trump climbed into the cabin for a spin around Green Bay, Wisconsin, airport tarmac,” his report said.
So naturally, Mr. Trump took a ride in the truck — which is painted red, white and blue, of course.
“How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden,” Mr. Trump told reporters from the passenger seat at the time.
There’s some history too. He was inspired to ride in the truck after President Biden referred to Trump supporters as “garbage” during a press conference on Oct. 30.
The truck will no doubt be one of the automotive stars of the upcoming parade.
One good guest
Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform at Mr. Trump‘s second inauguration on Jan. 20 — set to sing “America the Beautiful” during the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. So say a multitude of news organizations — among them Fox News, Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter and Axios.
And of course there are headlines of note: “Carrie Underwood comes out as MAGA with Trump inaugural gig” (The Daily Beast); “Carrie Underwood will perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration after keeping her political views private for years” (People.com); “Carrie Underwood to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration, surprising some fans” (The Hollywood Reporter), “Carrie Underwood officially comes out as MAGA” (Jezebel.com); “Carrie Underwood divides fans as she’s set to perform America the Beautiful at Trump inauguration” (Daily Mail).
An eye on sports
Here’s another gathering of note: House Speaker Mike Johnson will host a press conference in a congressional event room at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. The conference will focus on the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.”
Also on hand for the event: Republican Reps. Lisa McClain and Tim Walberg, both of Michigan; Reps. Greg Steube of Florida and Mary Miller of Illinois and Riley Gaines — author, former competitive swimmer and current activist seeking to preserve women’s rights in the sports world.
A grassroots army
Americans for Prosperity launched a $20 million nationwide campaign on Monday, calling on Congress to protect prosperity and renew Mr. Trump’s highly successful Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) — a cornerstone of AFP and the Trump administration’s shared legislative agenda this year.
“The campaign, the largest effort by a conservative organization to support President Trump’s second-term legislative agenda, launches this week with an ad blitz across all 50 states urging Americans to unite in telling Washington that now is not the time for higher taxes,” the organization said in a statement.
“In 2023 and 2024, AFP and AFP Action reached out to a record of nearly 30 million voters. This year, AFP will again activate its grassroots army of millions to ensure pro-growth tax reform is Congress’ top priority — with calls to lawmakers, community phone banks, and 20,000 contacts at constituent doors planned in February alone,” the statement advised.
“The campaign will feature a robust 50-state media engagement strategy and lobbying effort. AFP will conduct over 1,000 meetings with Congressional offices on Capitol Hill and elevate Members’ voices with in-district events with our activists, roundtables with job creators, and shared testimonials from real American families and businesses who would suffer if Congress fails to renew the Trump tax cuts,” the statement continued.
Through numerous national and state-level op-eds, TV and radio interviews, mail campaigns, and AFP’s American Potential podcast which has millions of views and downloads, AFP will help all Americans understand what is at stake for their tax bill and family budget.
Codified
Fox News Media has revealed some programming changes on both FOX News Channel and FOX Business Network. Here’s the schedule: On January 21, FOX & Friends Weekend co-host Will Cain takes over the 4 p.m. ET weekday time slot with The Will Cain Show. The Fox Report and The Big Weekend Show, meanwhile, will both expand to two hours on Saturdays and Sundays on Jan. 18.
On the business side of programming, Fox Business Network co-host and commentator Dagen McDowell will join The Big Money Show which expands from 12-2 p.m. ET on weekdays beginning January 27 while she continues to co-host The Bottom Line, which airs from 6-7 p.m. ET.
“As the media landscape continues to evolve, we are always looking to innovate our programming lineup to meet the needs of our viewers, and we are confident the new lineup will best position FoxNews Media for the future,” said Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott in a written statement shared with the Beltway.
Poll du jour
79% of U.S. adults currently seeking a new job prefer a full-time position.
61% are “optimistic” they will find a new job within six months.
49% anticipate difficulties about their prospects for a new job.
40% are looking for “better compensation.”
38% are looking for “growth opportunity” in a new job.
38% say the number of opportunities remains the same.
33% say there are fewer job opportunities in their desired job field.
29% say there has been an increase in job opportunities.
Source: An Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey of 1,039 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 21-Dec. 10, 2024 and released Jan. 8.
Thank you for reading Inside the Beltway.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.