1. VANCE SHIFTS VIEWS

Vice President JD Vance has taken on a high-profile role in the Trump administration, traveling to other countries, defending U.S. actions, and aggressively supporting the president on social media. Many supporters see him as a future leader of the Republican Party. However, Vance has been criticized for changing his political views on major issues—like foreign conflicts, free speech, and the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents—to align more closely with President Trump. During the 2024 campaign, he spoke against long military missions overseas, but he later defended strikes in Venezuela and Iran. He once argued strongly for protecting speech, but after activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, he supported a crackdown on left-leaning groups, going beyond concerns about violence. These contradictions have led some people to question whether Vance’s political beliefs are genuine or simply convenient. Others say he is doing what vice presidents must: support the president and appeal to the party’s base. So far, Vance remains popular with Republicans and is viewed by many as the likely future leader of the MAGA movement. Write a paragraph about whether you think it is acceptable for a political leader to change their views once they are in office. First, explain one example from the article where JD Vance changed his position. Then describe why some people might see that as a positive move and why others might see it as dishonest. Finally, take a stance: Do you think changing opinions shows growth, or does it show a lack of honesty? Support your answer with at least two reasons.

2. TRUMP TALKS A THIRD TERM

Stephen Bannon, a close ally of President Trump and a well-known far-right political figure, recently claimed that there is “a plan” for Trump to run for a third term as president—even though the U.S. Constitution clearly limits presidents to two elected terms. The 22nd Amendment was passed after Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms, and it says no one can be elected president more than twice. Bannon suggested that he and others are working on a way around that rule but did not explain how. Meanwhile, President Trump has repeatedly hinted—sometimes joking, sometimes seriously—that he might seek a third term in 2028. Some Republicans dismiss the idea as political theater meant to show strength and avoid being viewed as a lame duck. Critics worry that pushing past constitutional limits could threaten democratic norms. For now, experts note that changing presidential term limits would require major legal action—something that has not happened before. Write 8–10 sentences explaining whether you think the U.S. should keep the two-term limit for presidents or allow exceptions. First, summarize what the 22nd Amendment says. Then discuss one possible reason someone might want to change the rule, and one reason someone might want to keep it the same. Finally, state your own opinion and support it with at least two strong arguments related to fairness, democracy, or stability in government.

3. THE SWIFT EFFECT

Taylor Swift’s global fan base has once again shown how powerful pop culture can be. After Swift released a music video inspired by the painting Ophelia by Friedrich Wilhelm Theodor Heyser, crowds of young fans began visiting the Museum Wiesbaden in Germany just to see it in person. Many of these fans might never have gone to the museum otherwise. Something similar happened in California when Swift wore a vintage Monterey Bay Aquarium shirt featuring a sea otter. Fans demanded it so eagerly that the aquarium re-created the shirt for a fundraiser and raised more than $2 million to help protect sea otters. This shows how Swift’s influence reaches far beyond music—she can boost tourism, spark interest in art, and even help wildlife conservation efforts. Experts say her fans want to feel connected to her life, so they go to the same places and buy the same things she does. For museums and organizations, even a brief mention from Swift can bring huge attention and support. Write one to two paragraphs explaining how famous people, movies, music, or social media trends can influence what we like and what we do. Describe at least one example of a time when you or people you know wanted to visit a place, wear a certain item, or support a cause because a public figure or trend made it popular. Explain why people might feel more excited about something when they see a celebrity connected to it. Then give your opinion on whether this type of influence is mostly positive, mostly negative, or a mix of both. Support your answer with at least two clear reasons.

4. BILLIONAIRE DONATES FOR TROOPS DURING SHUTDOWN

Timothy Mellon, a billionaire heir to the famous Mellon family fortune, has been revealed as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to help pay U.S. troops during the government shutdown. President Trump had praised the donation but kept the donor’s identity secret, calling him a “patriot.” Even though the gift helped military members who were working without pay, it is unclear how much it actually covers—experts say it equals only about $100 per service member, far less than their normal salaries. Mellon is known for donating very large amounts of money to political groups supporting Trump and the Republican Party. He has also supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and organizations connected to him. Some experts warn that private money helping pay government workers could violate federal laws, since only Congress is supposed to approve government spending. Mellon keeps a low profile, and his past writings have included controversial views, especially about race and government programs. His donation has raised big questions about the influence wealthy donors can have on government decisions—especially during a crisis. Write an opinion article about whether wealthy private donors should be allowed to help pay government workers when Congress cannot agree on a budget. Begin by describing the situation using at least one fact from the article. Clearly state whether you think this kind of private funding is a good idea or a bad idea. Give at least two reasons that support your opinion. Include at least one reason while people might disagree with your opinion and how you would address their point of view.

5. AD FIGHT WITH CANADA ESCALATES

President Trump announced he will add a 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods after a TV ad in Ontario used edited audio from a 1987 Ronald Reagan speech criticizing tariffs. Trump argued the ad was misleading and called it a “fraud,” even though Reagan’s original message still opposed tariffs. This decision comes during already tense trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. Canada relies heavily on trade with the United States, and past tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, and auto parts have already hurt its economy. Critics argue that increasing tariffs over a commercial seems like an extreme response and could end up costing U.S. consumers more money. Canadian officials have tried to stay calm and say they are ready to continue talks when the U.S. is willing. The situation shows how even a political advertisement can impact international relationships and business. If you aren’t familiar with tariffs, use the internet, your newspaper, or resources in your classroom to look up what they are and how they work. Then, write at least one paragraph explaining how tariffs can affect both countries involved in a trade dispute. Begin by describing the new tariff that President Trump put on Canada, then explain how the ongoing tariffs and disagreements between the two countries could affect both Americans and Canadians, either positively or negatively.