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Hans, Are We The Baddies?
April 12, 2026
Digby's Hullabaloo
If you have to ask. Talking Points Memo reports on a souvenir awarded to Minneapolis veterans of operation “Metro Surge.” It’s a challenge coin featuring “portraits of President Donald Trump and a person who appears to be White House Border Czar Tom Homan glaring out from under a skull” with glowing eyes. A federal employee who wishes to remain anonymous sent the images to TPM: The White House referred questions about the Metro Surge challenge coin to DHS, which oversees ICE and many of the other key agencies involved in immigration enforcement.
A DHS spokesperson provided a statement stressing that Customs and Border Protection has a process for reviewing and approving “branded merchandise,” including challenge coins. “All external publications, videos, and branded merchandise, including coins and patches, must be reviewed and approved by the CBP Publication and Branding Review Board prior to printing, purchasing, or listing for sale,” the spokesperson said, adding, “This process ensures compliance with DHS branding guidelines and CBP policy. When CBP becomes aware of coins or patches that may not have been properly approved, we look into the matter and take appropriate action.” The spokesperson did not immediately respond to follow up questions asking if the coin was external material, if it had been approved, or whether they would be reviewing the matter. But, of course, they didn’t. The challenge coin distributed at the Whipple Building seemingly revels in the violence that occurred in conjunction with Operation Metro Surge. On the flip side, the token showcases
Digby's Hullabaloo
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