Simon Lester
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simonlester.com
Simon Lester
@simonlester.com
7.8K followers 800 following 9.1K posts

Founded WorldTradeLaw.net & ChinaTradeMonitor.com Non-Resident Fellow @bakerinstitute.bsky.social

Trade Policy feed: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:xqzu2eazvxb5fohoc4nap33y/feed/aaab5ctu4u4fc

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Economics 28%
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simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · Apr 3
I see lots of new followers popping up today. I assume you are here for the trade policy, in which case you might like my custom trade policy feed: bsky.app/profile/did:...

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 4h
I've seen it on ESPN, and yeah, I got bored too.

But the apple and banana songs would be great for kids!

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 5h
If Apple TV doesn't already have a contract to show Banana Ball, some people have missed the boat on a very good marketing campaign.

Reposted by Steve Peers, Simon Lester

yasharali.bsky.social
Yashar Ali 🐘 @yasharali.bsky.social · 7h
1. BREAKING

The government of Greenland and the Danish Prime Minister’s office have released a joint statement on an agreement with the United States.

Unsurprisingly, the statement does not match the sweeping nature of Trump’s post on Truth Social.

Reposted by Steve Peers, Henry Jones, Simon Lester

meidastouch.com
MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 7h
Trump posts about a “new” deal with Greenland and Denmark which appears to be just about exactly the same as our current deal with them, but nobody tell him that.
Trump post: BREAKING NEWS: I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns. There will be NO COST to the United States! At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America. Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval. For over 100 years, Presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it. I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation. This is an “Infinite Life” Agreement, there is no end! We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People. We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction. This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it! This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Reposted by Simon Lester

maks23.bsky.social
MAKS 26 👀🇺🇦 @maks23.bsky.social · 7h
🇺🇸😳🇩🇰🇬🇱

Reposted by Marc Lynch, Eric Goldman, Daniel W. Drezner , and 8 more

jasonleopold.bsky.social
Jason Leopold @jasonleopold.bsky.social · 7h
HUGE EXCLUSIVE from @bloomberg.com
Inside the US ‘Kill Chain’ That Destroyed an Iranian School

Pentagon investigators discovered that flawed intel, outdated imagery & overreliance on AI contributed to a missile strike that killed 123 children in Minab
🎁 www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
Inside the US ‘Kill Chain’ That Destroyed an Iranian School
Pentagon investigators have discovered that flawed intelligence, outdated imagery and an overreliance on AI contributed to a missile strike that killed 123 children in Minab.
www.bloomberg.com

Reposted by Ben H. Ansell, Steve Peers, David R. Miller , and 5 more

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 7h
Trump: "We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many"
BREAKING NEWS: I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns. There will be NO COST to the United States! At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America. Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval. For over 100 years, Presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it. I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation. This is an “Infinite Life” Agreement, there is no end! We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People. We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction. This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it! This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Reposted by Simon Lester

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 8h
Trump claimed he's "banning the free press" & added "we're repressive also" when asked about China's lack of press freedoms during bonkers event where he struggled to stay awake, demanded kids get 5 vaccine shots instead of 1, and rambled incoherently in response to basic Qs

Here's a supercut:

Reposted by Michael D. McDonald, Simon Lester, Gerry Hassan

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 8h
Trump says he's "banning the free press"

Reposted by Nandita Sharma, Robert Black, Simon Lester

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 8h
Q: On the ban, what does that mean in practice? Are you taking away their badges?

TRUMP: When you say 'the ban,' which ban? Do you know how many bans I'm involved in? I've got more bans going than anyone!

Q: But what does it mean?

T: I still don't know -- oh, the ban on the free press, right?

Reposted by Lisa W. Fazio, Scott L. Greer, Eric Goldman , and 7 more

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 8h
Q: China is one of the most repressive countries for journalists in the world--

TRUMP: Well, I don't know about that. I think we're repressive also

Reposted by Steve Peers, Steven S. Smith, David R. Miller , and 4 more

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 10h
Trump: "I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW, and Politico ... from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!"
I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them “alive.” Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Reposted by Simon Lester, David Darmofal

crampell.bsky.social
Catherine Rampell @crampell.bsky.social · 11h
The FBI halted cooperation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police over a public broadcast news org's style guide entry about 9/11? What?
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/u...
F.B.I. Temporarily Halted Cooperation With Canada Over References to 9/11
The abrupt move by Kash Patel, the bureau’s director, came as President Trump was ramping up his attacks on the country.
www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Simon Lester

washingtonsun.bsky.social
The Washington Sun @washingtonsun.bsky.social · 11h
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to accelerate state oversight of AI.
https://www.washingtonsun.com/technology/newsom-orders-california-to-accelerate-ai-oversight-standards
Newsom Orders California to Accelerate AI Oversight Standards
The state will explore a slate of possible AI developer regulations, including a potential “kill switch” to shut down rogue models.
www.washingtonsun.com

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 13h
"Proposals under consideration include requiring independent third parties to write safety plans for frontier AI companies, as well as requiring companies to develop an emergency shutoff, or 'kill switch,' for frontier models."

Reposted by David H. Kaye, Simon Lester

marietjeschaake.bsky.social
Marietje Schaake @marietjeschaake.bsky.social · 13h
Governor Newsom signs an executive order on AI safety ↘️ www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/18/g...
Governor Newsom issues executive order to accelerate independent oversight and advance the creation of an AI kill switch | Governor of California
www.gov.ca.gov

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 14h
But what if the thing driving up gas prices is also undermining national security?
headquartersnews.bsky.social Headquarters @headquartersnews.bsky.social · 14h
Roger Marshall: I'm sorry gas prices are going up but your national security is more important than your pocketbook

Reposted by Simon Lester

taniel.bsky.social
Taniel @taniel.bsky.social · 14h
I haven't seen a polling sequence like this in a while.

Today, polls have: Pappas leading Sununu by 8 in NH, & Hamilton leading Marshall by 2 in KS.

Yesterday brought Peltola up 6, Brown up 4, Cooper up 15 (and Earls up 15), Talarico up 1 and up 6, El Sayed up 2 and 3.

Reposted by Gerald Friedman, James Goodwin, Simon Lester , and 1 more

headquartersnews.bsky.social
Headquarters @headquartersnews.bsky.social · 14h
Roger Marshall: I'm sorry gas prices are going up but your national security is more important than your pocketbook

Reposted by Simon Lester

brettehouse.bsky.social
Brett House @brettehouse.bsky.social · 16h
Pres. Trump's proposed election dividend cheques would push up the deficit, push up inflation, push up interest rates, and make the US economy weaker. @jessicadickler.bsky.social at @cnbc.com summed up views from Brian Bethune, @byheatherlong.bsky.social, and myself. www.cnbc.com/2026/09/10/t...
Trump’s proposed $5,000 election dividend checks could fuel inflation, economists say
Economists say President Donald Trump’s promise of a $5,000 "dividend" check could stoke inflation, further straining household finances in the long run.
www.cnbc.com

Reposted by Simon Lester

thestar.com
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 16h
Mark Carney wants the U.K. and Germany to join Canada’s new defence bank, says lead negotiator https://mrf.lu/2hRRl

Reposted by Steve Peers, Simon Lester, David Darmofal

polltracker.bsky.social
Poll Tracker 📊 @polltracker.bsky.social · 16h
Kansas Senate (Emerson)

🔵Adam Hamilton: 45%
🔴Roger Marshall: 43%
🟡David Graham: 4%

9/15-16

Link: emersoncollegepolling.com/kansas-2026/

Reposted by Daniel W. Drezner

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 17h
"More than 60 percent of likely voters in Michigan ... oppose President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on Canadian products, according to a new poll by The Washington Post and Schar School."
Most Michigan voters disapprove of Trump’s tariffs on Canada, poll shows
Among the state’s independents, who could determine the outcome of several key midterm races, 68 percent disapprove of Trump's levies on Canadian products.
wapo.st

Reposted by Simon Lester

katelynburns.com
Katelyn Burns @katelynburns.com · 17h
👀 emersoncollegepolling.com/kansas-2026/
A graphic showing Democrat Adam Hamilton leading the Kansas Senate race, 45-43% with Indy David Graham at 4% and Undecided at 8%. This was a poll of Kansas Like Voters run Sept 15-16.

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 17h
"Trump, Sheinbaum talk as US, Mexico close in on a trade agreement"

"The person familiar with the call, granted anonymity to discuss it, described the conversation as 'so-so' and said that it 'created a bit of noise' as 'new topics' were introduced into the leaders’ discussion."
Trump, Sheinbaum talk as US, Mexico close in on a trade agreement
A person familiar with the call described the conversation as “so-so” and said that it “created a bit of noise.”
www.politico.com

Reposted by Robert Wolfe, Simon Lester

stevenchase.bsky.social
Steven Chase @stevenchase.bsky.social · 1d
Carney’s pivot to Europe takes him to French islands off Newfoundland

www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney’s pivot to Europe takes him to a French island off Newfoundland
Élysée Palace said the Prime Minister’s meeting with Macron at Saint-Pierre and Miquelon will reaffirm the ‘sovereignty of nations’
www.theglobeandmail.com

Reposted by Simon Lester

bloomberg.com
Bloomberg News @bloomberg.com · 1d
The US is expected to delay the announcement of new tariffs over allegations of trading partners’ excess manufacturing capacity at least until after next week’s planned summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.
US Said to Delay Excess Capacity Tariffs Until After Xi Summit
The US is expected to delay the announcement of new tariffs over allegations of trading partners’ excess manufacturing capacity at least until after next week’s planned summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.
bloom.bg

Reposted by Simon Lester

pollcast.net
Pollcast - Poll Tracker @pollcast.net · 1d
New Ohio Senate poll:

Trafalgar Group (Sep 16 - 1,085 LV)
🔵 Brown 45.4 (D+3.9)
🔴 Husted 41.5

View the average ->

Reposted by Simon Lester

washingtonsun.bsky.social
The Washington Sun @washingtonsun.bsky.social · 1d
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called on the federal government to place “strict guardrails” on AI.
https://www.washingtonsun.com/2028-election/josh-shapiro-federal-government-strict-guardrails-ai
Josh Shapiro Calls for Federal Government to Place ‘Strict Guardrails’ on AI
The governor and potential 2028 Democratic candidate sought a middle ground between being hands-off and seeking a moratorium on AI development.
www.washingtonsun.com

simonlester.com
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 1d
Let's all commit to voting for smarter people.
atrupar.com Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 1d
Rick Scott: "With regard to destroying mankind, these companies need to do the right thing on their own. We're not going to get smart enough to regulate them. We're not going to get something done up here."