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Romania's constitutional court on Friday cancelled the country's presidential election following allegations of Russian interference in favour of the far-right frontrunner, just two days ahead of the run-off. Romania's pro-EU President Klaus Iohannis said he would stay in his post until a new government that emerges from legislative elections last weekend can be formed to set a new presidential election date. Romanian authorities had objected after far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped the first round of the election on November 24, a shock result in the EU and NATO member bordering Ukraine. On Wednesday, the presidency declassified documents detailing allegations against Georgescu and Russia, including "massive" social media promotion and cyberattacks. Based on this, said the court, it had unanimously decided to annul the entire electoral process to ensure its "correctness and legality". The process "was marred throughout its entire duration and at all stages by multiple irregularities and violations of electoral legislation that distorted the free and correct nature of the vote cast by citizens", it said in its ruling. "All these aspects had the converging effect of disregarding the essential principles of democratic elections," it added. Georgescu, a former senior civil servant, had been due to face centrist mayor Elena Lasconi in Sunday's runoff. "It is basically a formalised coup d'etat... Our democracy is under attack," Georgescu, 62, said in a video message, calling on Romanians to "remain faithful to our common ideal. "They will not be able to stop me. And they cannot stop the Romanian people from what they want to change," he told local media. Lasconi, a former journalist, 52, also called the court's decision "illegal, immoral... crushing the very essence of democracy". Fears had been raised that if Georgescu won, the country -- whose strategic importance has increased since Moscow invaded Ukraine -- would join the EU's far-right bloc and undermine European unity against Russia. While Bucharest streets were largely empty late Friday, without any protests taking place as far as AFP journalists could see, several people condemned the court's decision. "We are upset because this is a political game" to allow the losers to "get back in the game", said Marius Neagu, a 48-year-old salesman. Miruna Mihai, 25, said the decision "is a slap in the face of everyone who voted in this election" and risked "radicalising" Georgescu's supporters. IT worker Madalina Stroe, 34, welcomed it however, saying she didn't want Romania "to go back in time to Communism in case Georgescu was elected. I don't want us to lose our freedom". Outgoing Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu -- who lost in the first round of presidential elections -- hailed the decision as "the only correct solution". Anti-corruption prosecutors said Friday they had opened an investigation into "illegal operations with computer devices or software". Prosecutors are already probing "possible violations of electoral legislation" and "money laundering offenses". In documents drawn up for a security council meeting and published Wednesday, the authorities said data had "revealed an aggressive promotional campaign, in violation of electoral legislation". Last week, authorities condemned "preferential treatment" of Georgescu by TikTok, something the social media platform has denied. The European Commission announced on Thursday that it had stepped up monitoring of TikTok. A separate intelligence services document stated that Romania was a "target for aggressive Russian hybrid actions", including cyberattacks. On Monday, before the documents were released, Romania's constitutional court validated the first-round presidential results. Friday's decision to cancel the elections is "an unprecedented and historic decision", political analyst Costin Ciobanu told AFP. It "deepens uncertainty and polarization within Romanian society, raising serious concerns about the strength of Romania's institutions and democracy", he added. Georgescu shot into the limelight with his performance in the first round of voting. Having praised Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past, he has more recently avoided answering questions about him being pro-Russian. While the president's post is largely ceremonial, the head-of-state has moral authority and influence on Romania's foreign policy. The president also designates the prime minister -- a key role especially since legislative elections last weekend returned a fragmented parliament. The governing pro-European Social Democrats won the vote, but far-right parties made strong gains, together securing a third of the ballots. Since the fall of Communism in 1989, Romania has not seen such a breakthrough by the far right, fueled by mounting anger over soaring inflation and fears over Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine.
Hyderabad: The glamorous lives of celebrities often look perfect from the outside, but relationships can be challenging even for them. In 2024, several high-profile couples ended their marriages, showing that everyone faces ups and downs in their personal lives. These celebrity divorces became major news, with fans curious about the reasons behind them. This year saw several shocking celebrity divorces, proving that even famous couples have their struggles. 1. AR Rahman and Saira Banu “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for... Music legend AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu ended their 29-year marriage, surprising fans worldwide. They have three children and asked for privacy as they navigate this tough time. 2. Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/hAPu2aPp4n After 20 years together, actor Dhanush and Aishwarya Rajinikanth officially ended their marriage. They have two sons, Yatra and Linga, and chose to part ways with mutual respect. 3. Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93) Cricketer Hardik Pandya and actress Natasa Stankovic announced their separation but promised to co-parent their son, Agastya. Their statement showed love and understanding despite the split. 4. Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani Actress Esha Deol and her husband Bharat Takhtani separated after 12 years of marriage. They share two daughters and remain committed to raising them together. 5. Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik Tennis star Sania Mirza and cricketer Shoaib Malik ended their 14-year marriage, citing growing apart due to career differences. Sania retained custody of their son, Izaan. 6. Urmila Matondkar and Mohsin Akhtar Mir Actress Urmila Matondkar filed for divorce from her husband Mohsin Akhtar Mir after eight years of marriage. The couple’s split was reportedly amicable. 7. GV Prakash Kumar and Saindhavi pic.twitter.com/73IbnNZfEf Popular Tamil music composer GV Prakash Kumar and his wife Saindhavi ended their 11-year marriage. They requested privacy and focused on co-parenting their daughter. 8. Jayam Ravi and Aarti Ravi Grateful for your love and understanding. Jayam Ravi pic.twitter.com/FNRGf6OOo8 Tamil star Jayam Ravi announced his split from wife Aarti Ravi after years of speculation. Aarti later revealed the decision wasn’t mutual, sparking widespread discussions online. 9. Dalljiet Kaur and Nikhil Patel Television actress Dalljiet Kaur filed for divorce from her husband, Nikhil Patel, just 10 months after marriage. The actress accused her husband of infidelity. 10. Isha Koppikar and Timmy Narang Actress Isha Koppikar separated from her husband Timmy Narang after more than a decade of marriage. They remain committed to co-parenting their daughter Rianna.
Khanchit Khirisutchalual Freshworks ( NASDAQ: FRSH ) has been punished significantly by the market in 2024, but may be poised for a 2025 rebound. Software stocks have been a stock pickers sector this year, but interest rate cuts will provide the space a boost going forward. FRSH is Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in FRSH over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.As the year draws to a close this holiday season and blessed Christmas time, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the immense contributions of those who work tirelessly to feed, clothe, and sustain us. As a farm journalist, I’m blessed to witness individuals’ dedication, resilience, and innovation across the agricultural industry. Each of you — farmers, suppliers, processors, government workers, and consumers — play a vital role in shaping our food systems and communities. For this, I am deeply thankful. To the farmers: Your commitment to the land and livestock is genuinely inspiring. Whether you’re tending crops or caring for animals, your work embodies the heart and soul of agriculture. Through early mornings, long days, and unpredictable weather, you persevere. Your resilience ensures that there is produce to stock the shelves, tables are full, and communities thrive. As journalism is for me, agriculture is not just a profession — it’s a calling. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. You face challenges head-on, whether it’s market fluctuations, environmental pressures, or labour shortages. Yet, you continue to adapt, innovate, and find solutions. From precision farming techniques to regenerative practices, your efforts pave the way for a more sustainable future. To the suppliers: You keep the wheels of agriculture turning. From seed and equipment providers to technology innovators, your work ensures farmers have the tools they need to succeed. In a world where efficiency and sustainability are paramount, your contributions enable farmers to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. You are partners in every sense, supporting the backbone of agriculture. Your innovation drives progress, whether it’s developing climate-resistant seeds, advancing precision agriculture technologies, or ensuring the availability of critical inputs during challenging times. Your work supports farmers and empowers them to achieve greater success. To the processors: You transform raw products into the goods that nourish us all. Your precision, creativity, and commitment to quality add value to everything agriculture produces. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about creating experiences, sustaining traditions, and supporting health and wellness. You bridge the gap between the farm and the table, and your work is a testament to the importance of every link in the supply chain. Amid supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer demands, you adapt to ensure high-quality products reach markets near and far. Your efforts drive economic growth and unite communities around shared meals and traditions. To the government workers: Behind the scenes, you support the policies and programs that make agriculture viable. Your efforts shape the agricultural sector’s framework from research and development to trade negotiations and food safety regulations. Your dedication ensures Canadian agriculture remains competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing global market. Whether addressing climate challenges, supporting rural development, or fostering international trade, your work lays the groundwork for a thriving agricultural ecosystem. Your commitment to collaboration with industry stakeholders strengthens the foundation of our food systems. To the consumers: You are the reason agriculture exists. Your choices shape the direction of the industry, and your support fuels its growth. Whether buying locally sourced produce, supporting sustainable practices, or simply sharing appreciation for the farmers and workers who make it all possible, you play an essential role in this intricate system. Your connection to the food you consume strengthens the bond between farm and fork. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and sustainability, your voices guide the industry toward practices that align with these values. By choosing to support local farmers, organic options, or fair trade products, you make a tangible impact. As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year, take notice of the spirit of gratitude and community that binds us all. Agriculture is a collective effort, and each role is essential. In this season of giving, may we extend our appreciation to those who work tirelessly to ensure that we have enough — not just at the holidays but throughout the year. Let us also recognize the sacrifices made by those in agriculture who often work through the holidays to care for livestock, monitor crops, and ensure the continuity of our food supply. Looking ahead to 2025, let’s remain hopeful and committed to fostering a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive agricultural industry. May we support one another, embrace challenges with courage, and celebrate the big and small victories that make this journey worthwhile. Let us acknowledge the power of community and collaboration as we face future uncertainties. By working together, we can build an agricultural system that not only meets the needs of today but also secures a prosperous future for generations to come. I leave you with this thought from Galatians 6:9: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.” This verse reminds us that perseverance and faith yield rewards, even when the road ahead seems challenging. May this verse encourage us to keep progressing with faith, hope, and perseverance. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to each of you. May your hearts be full, your tables abundant, and your year ahead filled with blessings. Thank you for all you do to make agriculture the vital, vibrant industry it is today. — Harry Siemens is a farm journalist, podcaster, speaker, writer and communicator Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Taylor Swift is facing the first real test of her relationship with Travis Kelce as her Eras tour comes to an end, here's what it isPittsburgh Steelers predicted to lose $13 million star to Raiders | Sporting News
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Business News | Indians Now Daring to Create Multinational Companies, Says Hardeep Singh PuriRed Rock Indian Band members receiving land claim fundsSustainability has become a central concern for businesses and industries worldwide in today’s globalized economy. As part of the broader transportation and logistics industry, ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade, promoting economic development, and managing the global flow of goods. However, with growing concerns over climate change, social equity, and the need for transparent governance, port operations have increasingly been pressured to adopt Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. ESG refers to three factors that guide an organization’s strategy and operations to minimize environmental impacts, promote social responsibility and ensure strong governance. The environmental aspect focuses on reducing environmental footprints, the social component emphasizes community engagement and workforce well-being, and governance relates to ethical leadership and transparency. For ports, integrating ESG principles is essential. Ports handle vast volumes of goods, consume significant energy, and impact local communities and ecosystems. Without a systematic approach to sustainability, ports risk reputational damage, failure to meet international standards, and loss of investor confidence. One compelling reason for Sabah Ports to adopt ESG is its potential to attract investment. Investors increasingly prioritize organizations with strong ESG performance. Beyond financial returns, they seek companies to address environmental risks, foster community relations, and ensure robust governance practices. A solid ESG framework can enhance Sabah Ports’ ability to secure funding for expansions or upgrades. Many institutional investors now require companies to meet ESG standards before providing financial support. Aligning with international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), or the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Global capital markets favor green bonds and sustainable investment funds that support environmentally and socially beneficial projects. By adopting ESG-related KPIs such as reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and managing waste, Sabah Ports can position itself as an attractive destination for sustainable investment. This, in turn, provides capital for infrastructure and technological advancements essential for growth and modernization. Beyond funding, ESG principles drive operational benefits and cost savings, enhancing competitiveness in the global market. The environmental aspect encourages reduced resource consumption, energy efficiency, and waste management, leading to cost reductions. Social factors, such as investing in workforce development and community relations, foster productivity and satisfaction. Strong governance practices focused on transparency and ethical decision-making mitigate operational risks and ensure regulatory compliance. For instance, investing in energy-efficient technologies like electric cranes, automated systems, or renewable energy sources can lower operational costs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Waste reduction and recycling programs minimize landfill use, lowering disposal costs and contributing to environmental sustainability. Singapore and Japan forge green and digital shipping corridor for maritime decarbonisation. Adopting ESG also futureproofs operations. As the world embraces sustainable practices, ports must anticipate global trends to ensure resilience. This involves investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood defenses, and preparing for future environmental challenges. By integrating ESG principles now, Sabah Ports can build an infrastructure capable of withstanding future shocks and remain competitive. Several global ports exemplify the benefits of ESG adoption. The Port of Rotterdam leads in green technologies, including shore power for vessels, carbon capture projects, and renewable energy initiatives. These efforts reduce emissions and attract substantial investment from stakeholders supporting green initiatives. Similarly, Singapore’s port excels in digitization and green shipping practices, utilizing automated cargo systems, electric cranes, and green corridors for low-carbon vessels. These innovations enhance efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint, strengthening its global competitiveness. The Port of Los Angeles has improved air quality through zero-emissions technology and green infrastructure projects, yielding cleaner air and better outcomes for its community. For Sabah Ports to measure ESG progress, it must establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with global standards and local realities. Relevant KPIs include: Carbon Emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3): Assess direct, indirect, and supply chain emissions, prioritizing energy efficiency and renewable energy. (Detailed explanations of Scope 1, 2, and 3 will follow in my next article.) Energy Efficiency: Monitor energy consumption per ton of cargo handled and implement energy-saving measures. Shore Power Utilization: Track the percentage of ships using shore power while docked to reduce emissions. Waste Recycling Rate: Measure the percentage of waste recycled or repurposed to minimize environmental impact. Employee Safety and Satisfaction: Evaluate workplace safety incidents, training hours, and employee satisfaction. Community Investment: Allocate revenues to local projects, environmental education, and infrastructure development. As global trade continues to expand and environmental and social concerns grow, the importance of ESG in port operations cannot be overstated. For Sabah Ports, embracing ESG principles offers significant benefits that improved operational efficiency, the ability to attract sustainable investment, enhanced reputation, and long-term resilience against environmental and social risks. Sabah Ports has a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable port operations. By setting clear ESG goals, tracking progress with key performance indicators (KPIs), and learning from global best practices, the port can become a model for sustainable development. This commitment to sustainability will not only boost Sabah’s economy but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, promote social fairness, and uphold ethical standards in logistics. As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainability, Sabah Ports is well-positioned to align with global ESG trends, meet the evolving expectations of investors and stakeholders, and secure its future in a sustainable world. The Malaysian government has demonstrated strong support for ESG adoption, recognizing its importance for both businesses and the economy. Efforts are underway to create a favorable environment for ESG integration. However, challenges remain, including raising awareness and building capacity among SMEs, and developing a comprehensive ESG reporting framework to ensure transparency and accountability.
AR Rahman to Sania Mirza: Celebs who got divorced in 2024Russ Vought, the hard-driving budget director from President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration, will be nominated for a second stint in the job. An unapologetic fiscal and social conservative, Vought is an aggressive advocate of cutting nondefense spending — but not what he calls the earned entitlements, Social Security and Medicare — and using presidential powers to shape government spending during Trump’s first term. Vought is “an aggressive cost cutter and deregulator who will help us implement our America First Agenda across all Agencies,” Trump posted Friday on Truth Social, his social media platform. “Russ knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State and end Weaponized Government, and he will help us return Self Governance to the People.” Vought has stressed the need for a president to exert control over the bureaucracies in agencies and departments, which he said have gotten used to pursuing their own agendas. In a chapter he contributed to “Project 2025,” a Heritage Foundation-sponsored report to help the next president to “deconstruct the administrative state,” Vought wrote that the “great challenge confronting a conservative president is the existential need for aggressive use of the vast powers of the executive branch to return power — including power currently held by the executive branch — to the American people.” He said success in doing this requires “boldness to bend or break the bureaucracy to the presidential will and self-denial to use the bureaucratic machine to send power away from Washington and back to America’s families, faith communities, local governments, and states.” And during a recent interview with Tucker Carlson posted on X, he said the Office of Management and Budget has a central role to play in this effort. OMB is “the president’s most important tool to dealing with the bureaucracy, administrative state,” he said. “And the nice thing about President Trump is he knows that and he knows how to use it effectively.” Among the ways to achieve this, Vought said, are to make clear that federal agencies are accountable to the president and not “independent,” and to restore “impoundment” authority , allowing the president to spend less than appropriated by Congress. Laying the groundwork Since Trump lost his reelection bid in 2020, Vought has been laying the groundwork for a second Trump term. He founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank populated by former administration officials. And he served as policy director of the committee that wrote the 2024 GOP convention platform. In a fiscal 2023 budget blueprint put out by the center and dubbed “A Commitment to End Woke and Weaponized Government,” Vought challenged the view that the projected exhaustion of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds is the most serious fiscal priority. His plan has no cuts for Social Security or to Medicare beneficiaries. Instead, Vought proposed cutting nondefense discretionary programs by $3.5 trillion over a decade, trimming Medicaid by more than $2 trillion and repealing the 2010 health care law’s insurance subsidies, among other reductions. He argued that Americans “are simply not going to buy the notion that their earned entitlements must be tweaked while the federal government is funding Bob Dylan statues in Mozambique or gay pride parades in Prague.” Partisan past Vought joined OMB early in the Trump administration, rising to deputy director and then acting director before he was confirmed as director in a party-line 51-45 Senate vote in July 2020. No Senate Democrat voted to confirm him for either post. Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., charged during a Budget Committee confirmation hearing in 2020 that he was “unfit and unqualified to lead” OMB “or any office.” She cited Vought’s role in temporarily withholding $400 million in aid to Ukraine, an action that led to Trump’s impeachment by the House and later acquittal in the Senate. In a 2017 confirmation hearing for deputy director, Democrats questioned whether he would comply with oversight requests from minority Democrats on committees. And they faulted him for writing in a conservative blog in 2016 that Islam was a “deficient theology.” Democrats cut him off before he could answer their questions about his religious views. Then-Colorado GOP Sen. Cory Gardner warned Democrats not to question Vought’s faith. He has been under a microscope lately, with news organizations releasing video of speeches and conversations in which he said, among other things, that he wants to put bureaucrats “in trauma.” “We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA can’t do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so,” he said in speech obtained by ProPublica. “We want to put them in trauma.” In the Carlson interview, Vought acknowledged the “trauma” comments. But he added that “there’s a lot of people there who have come to serve and do great public service” in the agencies, “and we want to affirm that.” ‘Shadow offices’ In speeches and conversations, Vought said his think tank has been drafting potential executive actions and building “shadow offices” of OMB, the Office of Legal Counsel and National Security Council. “We’re trying to build a shadow Office of Legal Counsel so that when a future president says, ‘What legal authorities do I need to shut down the riots?,’ we want to be able to shut down the riots and not have the legal community or the defense community come in and say that’s an inappropriate use of what you’re trying to do,” he said in a speech obtained by ProPublica. Before going to work for OMB, Vought was a vice president at Heritage Action. Earlier, he had served as policy director for the House Republican Conference under then Indiana Rep. and later Trump Vice President Mike Pence. Vought also worked as executive director of the conservative Republican Study Committee and as an aide to former Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas.None