US Political Update: More Musk Massacres & Political Suicide
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This summary has been produced automatically by an AI Large Language Model (LLM) without any human intervention. Whilst every effort has been made to prompt the LLM to produce accurate output, there may be inconsistencies, inaccuracies or hallucinations!
Table of Contents 📖
"Democrats, and this is going to shock a lot of people, I think they know exactly what they're doing. And they know exactly what's going to happen."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:47⏩
- Jonathan welcomes the team to ATP Geopolitics and introduces the video topic: a US political update.
- He notes the rapid and unprecedented rate of change in the US political landscape, describing it as a shift towards autocracy and away from small-c conservatism.
- He suggests the political landscape is being reshaped at an unprecedented rate, leading to a form of growing autocracy.
CPAC and Radical Populism: "I am the Law"
🎦 00:47-02:12⏩
- Jonathan introduces a clip from CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) which he argues is no longer truly conservative.
- He highlights the radical populist sentiment of "ripping up laws, norms, and institutions".
- He references Donald Trump's statement "I am the law" and "I'm the king", linking it to Trump's admiration for autocrats like Kim Jong-un and Putin.
Jack Posobiec at CPAC: Trump as the Embodiment of the Constitution
🎦 02:12-03:12⏩
- Jonathan plays a clip of Jack Posobiec at CPAC, who Jonathan notes is vehemently anti-Ukraine.
- Posobiec's statements are presented as examples of radical rhetoric:
- "Donald Trump is not violating the Constitution."
- "Donald Trump is restoring the American Constitution."
- "Donald Trump is the living embodiment of the American Constitution."
- "Donald Trump is embodying the values of our founding fathers."
- Posobiec claims Trump "picked up the destiny of the American people lying in the gutter" and that "a man who saves his nation violates no law."
Troubling and Cringe-worthy Rhetoric: Trump Above the Law
🎦 03:12-03:42⏩
- Jonathan describes Posobiec's statements as "cringe" and "wholly troubling".
- He reiterates that this rhetoric suggests Trump believes himself to be above the law.
- Jonathan argues that if viewers are conservative and wish to conserve institutions and laws, they should not support this movement, which is characterized as radical populism.
Ripping up USAID: Damage to the Vulnerable
🎦 03:42-04:10⏩
- Jonathan mentions the dismantling of USAID as an example of the government "ripping up things".
- He references a New York Times piece highlighting the negative impact of these actions on vulnerable populations both in the US and globally.
- He expresses concern about the "asymmetry" of a billionaire, the richest and most powerful man, negatively affecting the poorest and most vulnerable.
Unqualified Nominees: "Dingbat" Appointments
🎦 04:10-05:26⏩
- Jonathan discusses a series of what he calls "dingbat nominees" for high-level government positions, highlighting their lack of qualifications and inappropriate backgrounds.
- Examples given include:
- Pete Hegseth (underqualified).
- Tulsi Gabbard (inappropriate as Director of National Intelligence).
- RFK Jr. (vaccine denialist in charge of human health services).
- Pam Bondi.
- A "wrestling woman" in charge of education.
- Kash Patel (in charge of the FBI).
- Dan Bongino (conservative podcaster as Deputy Director of the FBI).
Dan Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI: "Owning the Libs"
🎦 05:26-07:10⏩
- Jonathan plays a clip announcing Dan Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI, praising his background (NYPD, Secret Service, podcaster) with apparent sarcasm.
- He then reveals Bongino's actual views through direct quotes, highlighting his extreme partisanship and inflammatory rhetoric.
- Bongino's quotes demonstrate a focus on "owning the libs" and a belief in a "cold civil war", using aggressive and insulting language.
Dan Bongino's Background: Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories
🎦 07:10-07:52⏩
- Jonathan presents further information about Dan Bongino from Andrew McArdo, detailing Bongino's history of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
- This includes:
- Being banned from YouTube for COVID-19 misinformation (dismissing masks).
- Promoting unfounded claims of voter fraud in the 2020 US election.
- Downplaying systemic racism in law enforcement.
- Championing the debunked "Spygate" conspiracy theory.
- Jonathan concludes that this is the kind of person now second in charge of the FBI.
Reactions to Bongino's Appointment: "Unqualified Does Not Begin to Describe It"
🎦 07:52-08:40⏩
- Jonathan shares reactions from Shashank Joshi of The Economist and The New York Times to Bongino's appointment.
- Joshi predicts senators will pretend this is a normal appointment.
- The New York Times quote calls Bongino "unqualified", which Jonathan strongly agrees with.
Pam Bondi at CPAC: Further Politicisation of the DOJ
🎦 08:40-09:35⏩
- Jonathan highlights Attorney General Pam Bondi speaking at CPAC, further illustrating the politicisation of supposedly non-partisan roles.
- Brian Rosenwald is quoted as saying this is "absolutely inappropriate" and "the opposite of depoliticising the DOJ."
- Jonathan points out the hypocrisy of Republicans accusing Democrats of weaponising the DOJ while appointing figures like Patel and Bongino.
Politicisation of DOJ: "We're going to come and get you" Type Thing
🎦 09:35-10:02⏩
- Jonathan mentions another individual, "Trend there, or Agua, Transday Agua," who spoke at CPAC, using threatening language like "we're going to come and get you."
- This further emphasises the complete politicisation of the Department of Justice and the hypocrisy of the Republicans.
Elon Musk and Government Control: Taxpayer-Funded Golf Trips
🎦 10:02-10:39⏩
- Jonathan shifts to Elon Musk's growing influence within the government, starting by contrasting it with criticisms of government spending.
- He points out the hypocrisy of budget cuts while Trump has already spent $10.7 million of taxpayer money on golf trips, according to The Independent.
- This figure is likely to be even higher, highlighting government spending on frivolous activities while making cuts elsewhere.
Elon Musk's Email to Federal Employees: "Failure to Respond Will Be Taken as a Resignation"
🎦 10:39-11:34⏩
- Jonathan discusses Elon Musk's unprecedented action of sending an email to all federal employees demanding they report their accomplishments from the previous week.
- The email threatens that failure to respond will be considered resignation.
- Jonathan questions Musk's authority to issue such demands as he is not a government employee.
Reactions to Musk's Email: "Ultimate Dick Boss Move"
🎦 11:34-12:55⏩
- Jonathan shares reactions to Musk's email, highlighting the outrage and absurdity of the situation.
- Mike Rothschild points out Musk's lack of authority.
- Representative Eric Swalwell's sarcastic response: "One fought fascism, Two fought fascism..." and "GFY, Elon Musk."
- Senator Tina Smith calls it the "ultimate dick boss move" and expresses sympathy for the workers.
- She compares it to receiving a demanding email from a bad boss on a Saturday night.
Secret Service Response to Musk's Email: Creative Compliance
🎦 12:55-13:41⏩
- Jonathan describes the creative and strategic response from Secret Service managers to Musk's email.
- To protect sensitive information, agents were advised to respond with generic but technically accurate statements about fulfilling their job descriptions and exceeding expectations.
- This unified response aims to prevent individual targeting for dismissal.
Musk Attacks Reuters and Mainstream Media: "Just Lies"
🎦 13:41-14:52⏩
- Jonathan discusses Elon Musk's attacks on mainstream media, specifically Reuters, dismissing them as "just lies".
- He connects this to Jason Stanley's "How Fascism Works", highlighting the fascist tactic of undermining truth and creating an "epistemic crisis".
- Jonathan argues Musk is contributing to this crisis by discrediting reputable news sources.
Trump's $200 Million Ad Campaign on Fox News: Migrant Message
🎦 14:52-15:51⏩
- Jonathan discusses Trump's administration spending $200 million on an ad campaign on Fox News.
- The ad features Kristy Noem thanking Trump for border security and telling illegal immigrants to "leave now."
- Jonathan questions the effectiveness and purpose of this expensive, targeted ad campaign on Fox News, asking if it's simply a way to funnel money to the network.
Irresponsible Firings and Republican Pushback
🎦 15:51-17:25⏩
- Jonathan discusses the "horror stories" of federal employees being fired and the broader irresponsibility of the Trump administration's actions.
- He notes some Republican pushback against these sackings, quoting Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
- Collins expresses concern about the impact on Maine's national parks and biomedical research.
- Murkowski slams Musk's email and defends public servants' hard work and dignity, arguing they deserve respect, not absurd weekend email demands.
Project 2025 and Christian Nationalism: "Suicidal Madness"
🎦 17:25-18:55⏩
- Jonathan introduces "Project 2025", a 900-page handbook outlining Trump's plans, which he characterises as "Christian nationalism".
- He highlights the extreme right-wing authoritarian nature of these plans, including abortion bans and other measures.
- He mentions RFK Jr.'s plan to fire all nutritional scientists at the FDA.
- Andrew Cohen is quoted describing the Republican right's actions as "collective suicidal madness."
Anti-Science Policies: COVID Vaccine Funding Cuts and EV Charger Shutdown
🎦 18:55-20:27⏩
- Jonathan discusses further anti-science policies:
- Cutting federal funding to schools mandating COVID vaccines, suggesting Republicans "literally want your children to die."
- Shutting down 8,000 already paid-for and operational EV chargers at federal facilities, calling it "real government waste" and questioning if it benefits Elon Musk.
Rescinding Insulin Cost Reduction and Tax Cuts for the Rich
🎦 20:27-22:13⏩
- Jonathan discusses the rescinding of Biden's executive order to lower prescription drug costs, leading to increased insulin prices for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.
- He quotes a C-SPAN caller from West Virginia experiencing an insulin price hike.
- He criticizes Trump for being "for Big Pharma" and not caring about the average American.
- He mentions Senate votes where Republicans blocked a bill protecting Medicaid and voted against preventing tax cuts for the wealthy if Medicaid was cut.
Republicans Block Protections for Medicaid, Children's and Maternal Healthcare
🎦 22:13-22:33⏩
- Jonathan highlights that Senate Republicans not only blocked Medicaid protection but also Senator Ossoff's amendments to protect children's and maternal healthcare through Medicaid.
- He calls this "pure evil" and states Republicans are not helping ordinary Americans, only corporations and the top 1%.
Billionaire Tax Giveaway: Republicans Reject Amendments to Limit Tax Cuts for the Wealthy
🎦 22:33-23:28⏩
- Jonathan expresses outrage that this story isn't bigger news, attributing it to the volume of ongoing political events.
- He quotes Chris Murphy describing the Senate debate on Republican "billionaire tax giveaway."
- Republicans rejected amendments to limit tax cuts for those making over $10 million, $100 million, and even $500 million, demonstrating a "billionaire protection scheme".
Conflict of Interest with Elon Musk: "First I'm Hearing About It"
🎦 23:28-24:59⏩
- Jonathan discusses the clear conflict of interest arising from Elon Musk's companies' involvement with federal agencies and government contracts.
- He plays a clip of a reporter questioning Trump about conflicts of interest with Musk, given Doge and SpaceX employees working at the FAA and Department of Defense.
- Trump's dismissive response, "First I'm hearing about it" and claiming Musk said there is no conflict, is mocked by Jonathan as absurd and ignorant.
- He compares it to believing Jeffrey Dahmer if he denied murdering anyone.
Trump's Broken Promises: Inflation, Ukraine War, and Tariffs
🎦 24:59-25:35⏩
- Jonathan highlights Trump's broken promises, including sorting out inflation "on day one" and solving the Ukraine war in "one day."
- He labels these as "lies, lies, lies."
- He mentions Walmart's announcement of expected sales slowdown due to Trump's tariffs and rising inflation, suggesting tariffs are not a good idea.
Economic Impact: Russian Market Up, US Market Concerns, and Egg Prices
🎦 25:35-27:36⏩
- Jonathan notes that while the American marketplace is not looking good, the Russian market is doing well, reacting positively to Trump's pro-Russia stance.
- He revisits the issue of egg prices and J.D. Vance's video complaining about egg price increases under Kamala Harris.
- Jonathan points out Vance was lying about the price in his video and that egg prices have actually risen significantly since then due to bird flu.
- He criticizes the administration for cutting government employees working to combat bird flu, exacerbating the egg price issue.
Trump on Egg Prices: "You'll Figure It Out"
🎦 27:36-28:53⏩
- Jonathan plays a clip of Trump addressing the egg price issue, telling his Secretary to "figure it out" and claiming "we inherited all of the problems."
- Trump then pivots to blaming Democrats for "criminals coming into the country," linking unrelated issues like egg prices and immigration.
- Jonathan mocks this incoherent and blame-shifting rhetoric.
Banning Associated Press: "Gulf of America" and Freedom of Speech
🎦 28:53-29:29⏩
- Jonathan discusses the Trump administration banning the Associated Press from the White House and Air Force One for refusing to use the term "Gulf of America."
- The AP is suing the administration, citing freedom of speech violations.
- Jonathan supports the AP's lawsuit and their fight against this precedent.
Purging Military and DOJ Officials: Preparing for War Crimes?
🎦 29:29-30:45⏩
- Jonathan discusses the mass removal of high-ranking officials from the Department of Defense, including generals, admirals, and military lawyers (JAGs).
- He questions the motive behind this purge, suggesting it could be preparation for committing war crimes or other illegal activities.
- He cites Bill Kristol, who argues the purge is not about merit or reform but about ensuring "personal fealty to Trump" and breaking institutional resistance.
Loyalty Over Merit: "I'd Kill for Trump"
🎦 30:45-31:28⏩
- Jonathan emphasizes that appointments are now based on loyalty to Trump, not merit.
- He uses Kane's appointment as an example, suggesting Kane was chosen because he declared "I love Trump" and "I'd kill for Trump."
- He lists Kash Patel, Pam Bondi, and Dan Bongino as further examples of loyalty-based appointments.
- He concludes that this focus on loyalty over merit is characteristic of fascism and dictatorship.
States' Rights Hypocrisy: Abortion and Conditional Funding
🎦 31:28-32:27⏩
- Jonathan discusses the hypocrisy of the "states' rights" argument, particularly concerning abortion.
- Republicans claim to leave abortion decisions to the states, but then punish states that make decisions they dislike by withholding federal funding.
- He points to California's potential funding cuts as an example, suggesting FEMA funding will be conditional based on political alignment.
- He argues this is another form of autocratic regime, where funding is used as leverage to enforce political will.
Autocratic Statements: "I am the Law," "Long Live the King"
🎦 32:27-32:48⏩
- Jonathan reiterates the autocratic nature of the Trump administration by referencing statements like "I am the law," "I am the constitution," and "Long live the king."
- He highlights Jack Posobiec's "I am the constitution" statement as an example of this dangerous rhetoric.
Elon Musk Censoring Grok AI: Anti-Trump and Anti-Musk Bias Removal
🎦 32:48-34:27⏩
- Jonathan returns to Elon Musk and discusses his censorship of Grok AI on Twitter/X.
- Musk has reportedly altered Grok's algorithm to prevent it from saying anything negative about himself or Donald Trump.
- Previously, Grok would identify Musk and Trump as major disinformation spreaders, but now avoids doing so.
- Jonathan criticizes Musk's "free speech absolutist" claims as hypocritical, given this censorship.
Grok's Algorithm Instructions: "Ignore Sources that Mention Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Spread Misinformation"
🎦 34:27-34:45⏩
- Jonathan reveals that Grok's algorithm has been modified to "ignore all sources that mention Elon Musk, Donald Trump, spread misinformation."
- This explicit instruction further underscores Musk's censorship and manipulation of the AI.
Grok Lists Top Misinformation Accounts Interacting with Musk: Alex Jones, Laura Loomer, and More
🎦 34:45-36:03⏩
- Jonathan shares an analysis where Grok listed the top 100 accounts Elon Musk interacts with that share inaccurate content, and then boiled it down to the top 15.
- He lists several prominent names from this list, including Alex Jones, Laura Loomer, Libs of TikTok, Jack Posobiec, and others, all known for spreading misinformation and extreme right-wing views.
Grok's Description of Alex Jones: "Misinformation Potential Elevated"
🎦 36:03-36:18⏩
- Jonathan highlights Grok's own description of Alex Jones as a "conspiracy theorist" known for "spreading false narratives on globalism, vaccines and elections."
- Grok's description concludes that Jones' "reinstatement on X and Musk's engagement elevate his misinformation potential."
- Jonathan finds this "disturbing," highlighting the information bubble Musk inhabits and platforms.
Grok's Lack of Safeguards: Chemical Bomb Instructions
🎦 36:18-36:39⏩
- Jonathan mentions that Grok, unlike other AI systems, lacks safeguards, allowing users to ask it dangerous questions.
- He gives the example of asking Grok how to make a chemical bomb, which it will reportedly provide instructions for, unlike other AIs with safety protocols.
Trumpism as a Cult: Brainwashing Children
🎦 36:39-37:34⏩
- Jonathan raises the question of whether "Trumpism" is a cult.
- He presents a disturbing example of parents seemingly "brainwashing" a small child to prefer Donald Trump over superheroes like Spider-Man and Hulk.
- This is presented as evidence of raising a generation unable to think for themselves, blindly following a "dear leader."
- Jonathan expresses agreement with the assessment that this resembles cult-like behaviour.
Democratic Strategy: "Playing Possum" and Letting Republicans Collapse
🎦 37:34-43:05⏩
- Jonathan discusses the Democratic opposition's strategy.
- He considers the idea that Democrats are "caught napping" and doing nothing to counter Trump, but then presents an alternative theory.
- He introduces James Carville's perspective that Democrats are intentionally "playing possum"—appearing inactive while letting the Trump administration collapse under its own weight.
- Carville argues that Democrats should "hold their fire" and allow the Republicans to self-destruct through unpopular policies and public disapproval.
- He believes the Trump administration is already collapsing in public opinion and that Democrats should wait for the opportune moment to intervene.
Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Leverage: "Screw You"
🎦 43:05-43:32⏩
- Jonathan elaborates on Carville's strategy, explaining that Democrats are letting the Republicans create chaos and unpopular policies.
- The expectation is that Republicans will eventually need Democratic support (specifically from Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Speaker in the House) to pass legislation, especially regarding debt extensions and tax cuts.
- At that point, Jeffries and the Democrats will have leverage and can refuse to cooperate, effectively thwarting Republican agendas.
- Jonathan summarises this as a longer-term, quiet strategy to "unseat the Trump regime."
Democrats Know What They Are Doing: A Calculated Strategy?
🎦 43:32-44:11⏩
- Jonathan suggests that, contrary to appearances, Democrats may have a calculated strategy and "know exactly what they're doing" and what is coming.
- He admits he is not usually a fan of Democratic strategies but believes in this instance they might be playing a smart, long game.
- He predicts that Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson will eventually have "no other choice" but to concede, viewing this as a sign of Republican "surrender."
Democrats Playing it Well? Let Republicans Commit "Political Harakiri"
🎦 44:11-45:27⏩
- Jonathan reiterates the idea that Democrats might be "playing this well" by appearing inactive and letting Republicans "commit political harakiri."
- He suggests that occasional Democratic criticisms are just "throwing gasoline on the fire" but the main strategy is to let Republicans create their own downfall.
- The goal is to capitalize on Republican failures in the 2026 midterms, potentially regaining control of the House and Senate, and making Trump a "lame duck president."
Infographic: Categorizing Trump Administration Actions (Jan 20-Feb 12)
🎦 45:27-47:53⏩
- Jonathan introduces an infographic sent by "Benny Pye" that categorizes actions of the Trump administration between January 20th and February 12th.
- The infographic uses overlapping circles to visualize different categories of Trump administration actions:
- Dismantling social protection and rights, enrichment and corruption.
- Aggressive foreign policy and global destabilisation.
- Attacking science, environment, health, arts and education.
- Undermining democratic institutions and rule of law.
- Suppressing dissent and controlling information.
- Jonathan describes the infographic as "fascinating" and a "great way of visualizing everything that's going on," highlighting the "slash and burn" and "complete disruption" approach of the Trump administration.
Meme: "I Found the Immigrant Taking All the American Jobs" (Trump Sacking People)
🎦 47:53-48:15⏩
- Jonathan concludes with a meme joke that he finds "really simple" but "hits really hard."
- The meme plays on the classic right-wing trope of immigrants "taking American jobs."
- The punchline is that Trump himself is "the immigrant" taking jobs, but in this case, by literally "sacking people" and removing Americans from their government positions.
- Jonathan finds this meme a powerful and ironic commentary on the Trump administration's actions.
Wrap up
🎦 48:15-48:15⏩
- Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and says goodbye.
🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand
None
🤖💭 AI Plan (pre task) - the AI's step by step thought process
My thought process for summarising the YouTube transcript "US Political Update: More Musk Massacres & Political Suicide (20250225a)" following the "ATP Distilled" project guidelines:
Understand the Overall Task: The goal is to summarise ATP Geopolitics videos for people who don't have time to watch the full videos. This means extracting the key information, Jonathan's analysis, and presenting it concisely. The output needs to be in XML format with specific tags.
Task 1: Title, Date, and Part:
Identify the Youtube video title: "US Political Update: More Musk Massacres & Political Suicide (20250225a)"
Extract the base title by removing the date and part in brackets: "US Political Update: More Musk Massacres & Political Suicide"
Extract the date "20250225" and convert it to DD/MM/YYYY format: "25/02/2025"
Extract the part letter: "a" -> "A" (uppercase as per instructions example)
Prepare the XML tags for these elements.
Task 2: Topic Titles:
Initial Scan: Quickly read through the transcript to get a sense of the main themes. It seems to be about US politics, Trump's administration, appointments, policies, Elon Musk's involvement, and the Democratic response.
Topic 1 "Hello Team": Always start with this. The first few lines are Jonathan's introduction and setting the scene for the video.
Body Topics: Go through the transcript chronologically, looking for shifts in subject. Identify distinct sections:
Trump's CPAC speech and "I am the law" statement.
Unqualified appointments (Bongino, Patel, etc.).
Elon Musk's influence on government and the "5 accomplishments" email.
Reactions to Musk's email from Senators and Secret Service.
Trump's $200m ad campaign on Fox News.
Federal firings and Republican Senators' concerns.
Project 2025 and Christian nationalism.
RFK Jr. and anti-science stances.
Cutting EV chargers.
Insulin price increase.
Republican tax cuts and Medicaid.
Conflict of interest with Elon Musk.
Walmart's sales slowdown due to tariffs.
Egg prices and inflation (Vance video).
Banning AP from White House.
Purging military officials and DOJ.
Loyalty over merit in appointments.
Abortion and state funding.
Musk censoring Grok AI.
Musk's interactions with misinformation spreaders on X.
Child brainwashing example.
Democratic strategy - "playing possum".
Infographic on Trump administration actions.
Meme about immigrant job theft (irony).
Formulate Specific Topic Titles: For each section identified above, create a concise, specific, and quantified title. Avoid vague titles like "Elon Musk" and aim for titles like "Elon Musk's email demands federal employees list five accomplishments".
Last Topic "Wrap up": The video ends with a sign-off.
Task 3: Topic Timestamps:
Go back through the transcript topic by topic and identify the start and end timestamps for each. Ensure there are no large gaps between topic timestamps. Check for overlaps - slight overlaps are acceptable.
Task 4: Topic Summaries:
For each topic title, write a summary using bullet points. Include:
Key facts and events.
Jonathan's analysis and opinions (e.g., "Jonathan finds this troubling," "Jonathan highlights the hypocrisy").
Sources mentioned (New York Times, The Independent, etc.).
Emphasis using markdown (bold, italics).
Correct spellings of names and places.
British English.
Humour/passion where present.
User comments if relevant.
Task 5: Quote:
Read through the summaries and transcript again to find a quote that is impactful, insightful, or funny. Choose a quote that makes sense out of context and is concise.
Task 6: Queries:
Review all tasks and the transcript. Identify any points of confusion, misspellings, or unclear sections. If everything is understood, state "None". In this case, there are no significant misunderstandings.
XML Output:
Assemble all the elements (title, date, part, topics with titles, timestamps, summaries, quote, queries) and format them into the XML structure specified in the instructions. Double-check that all tags are correctly opened and closed, especially the `` tag, to avoid errors. Ensure the `id` attributes for ``, ``, and `` match for each topic.
By following these steps systematically, I can ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and according to the user's requirements, resulting in a well-structured and informative summary in the correct XML format. I will pay close attention to detail and double-check my work before submitting the final XML output. I will also ensure British English and correct spellings are used throughout. I am now ready to generate the XML output.