Twitter Files Reveal CIA's Involvement in Content Moderation and Censorship Efforts
A new Twitter Files investigation has revealed that former and current Intelligence Community (IC) employees and contractors, including those with ties to the CIA, were involved in an effort to control Twitter's content management system in 2021-2022.
The individuals involved in this effort included a member of the Board of Trustees of the CIA's venture capital firm, ostensibly "former" IC and CIA analysts, a long-time IC contractor and senior Department of Defense R&D official, the proposed head of the DHS' Disinformation Governance Board, and Twitter's former Deputy General Counsel.
These individuals aimed to use not only Twitter but also PayPal, Amazon Web Services, and GoDaddy to de-platform, de-monetize, and remove from the internet those deemed a threat by the IC.
The investigation found evidence of an organized operation by existing or former IC employees and contractors, using well-established IC tradecraft, to take control of Twitter's content moderation.
The investigation's authors, Shellenberger MTaibbi and GalexyBrane, have not confirmed if officials within the CIA or any other IC organization directly ran the operation, and most individuals involved did not respond to requests for information.
The revelation comes at a time when governments and intelligence agencies worldwide are increasing efforts to monitor and censor citizens, raising concerns about free speech and citizen control of the military in Western nations.
A groundbreaking Twitter Files investigation has exposed the involvement of current and former U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) members, including those with CIA connections, in a concerted effort to influence Twitter's content moderation practices during 2021-2022. The investigation, led by Shellenberger MTaibbi and GalexyBrane, uncovered evidence suggesting an organized operation employing established IC methods to gain control over the platform's content management. Key figures implicated in the effort include a CIA venture capital firm board member, "ex"-IC and CIA analysts, a long-time IC contractor and senior Defense Department official, the intended head of the DHS' Disinformation Governance Board, and Twitter's former Deputy General Counsel. Their aim extended beyond Twitter, seeking to leverage PayPal, Amazon Web Services, and GoDaddy to silence and erase individuals deemed threatening by the IC. While the investigation did not definitively link the operation to specific CIA or IC officials, the findings raise alarming questions about free speech and civilian oversight of intelligence agencies in Western democracies, as governments worldwide intensify efforts to surveil and censor citizens. The revelations underscore the need for increased transparency and accountability in the face of growing collaboration between tech giants and the intelligence community.
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California's Car Speed Limiter Bill Could Impact the Entire U.S. Auto Market
The California Senate passed SB 961 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, a bill that would mandate all new cars sold or manufactured in the state to be equipped with "passive speed limiters" by 2032. The bill, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), aims to reduce traffic fatalities and improve road safety.
Passive speed limiters, also known as intelligent speed assistance or passive speed governors, use GPS technology to compare a vehicle's speed with a database of posted speed limits. When the driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 10 mph (16 kph), the system emits visual and audible alerts to warn the driver.
If SB 961 becomes law, California would be the first state in the U.S. to implement such a requirement, following in the footsteps of the European Union, which is set to mandate similar technology in all new cars starting in July 2024.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety's 2023 Traffic Safety Report, fatal crashes involving alcohol and drug-impaired driving, motorcyclist fatalities, and teenage driver fatalities all increased from 2020 to 2021. Senator Wiener stated that these deaths are preventable and are occurring due to policy choices that tolerate dangerous roads.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 10% of all car crashes reported to police in 2021 were speeding-related, with California having the second-highest percentage (35%) of speeding-related traffic fatalities in the country.
While proponents of the bill argue that the technology has the potential to reduce speeding and save lives, opponents, such as Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle, contend that the measure creates a "nanny state" and may hinder emergency response times when exceeding the speed limit is necessary.
The bill's speed governor requirement does not apply to emergency vehicles.
Due to California's significant influence on the U.S. auto market, the passage of SB 961 could have far-reaching implications for car manufacturing nationwide, as automakers would likely comply with the state's law for all vehicles to streamline production and avoid creating separate models for different markets.
SB 961 passed the California Senate by a vote of 22-13 and now moves to the State Assembly, where it must pass by Aug. 31, 2024, to become law.
Some critics argue that the bill is a step towards a future where tools become masters, as the technology would constantly monitor and potentially reprimand drivers for their behavior on the road. They worry that this could lead to a loss of freedom and independence behind the wheel.
Supporters of the bill, however, maintain that the passive speed limiters are intended to serve as a safety reminder and that drivers would still have control over their vehicles, with the ability to override the system if necessary.
The National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) has urged 17 automakers to install intelligent speed assistance technology in all new vehicles, which would, at a minimum, warn drivers when they are speeding. The NTSB believes that this technology, along with countermeasures such as interlock programs for repeat speeding offenders, is necessary to address the issue of speeding-related accidents.
In January 2022, the NTSB recommended that federal regulators require all new cars to alert drivers when speeding, following a crash involving a man with a history of speeding violations who was traveling more than 100 miles per hour when he ran a red light and collided with a minivan, killing himself and eight other people.
The bill package also includes provisions for side underride guards on trucks to reduce the risk of cars and bikes being pulled underneath during a crash, as well as physical improvements like new crosswalks and curb extensions on state-owned surface streets to better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, people with disabilities, and transit users.
While some people have expressed concerns about the potential for the technology to be used for monitoring driving habits and taxing motorists based on miles driven and time on the road, supporters argue that the primary focus should be on improving road safety and reducing preventable deaths.
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Did President Biden's DOJ Authorize to KILL Trump During Mar-a-Lago Raid?!
Court documents unsealed on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, revealed that the FBI was authorized to use deadly force during the August 2022 raid on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
The FBI stated that the authorization of deadly force was standard protocol for all search warrants, and no additional steps were ordered or taken in this specific case. The agency followed standard procedures, which include a policy statement limiting the use of deadly force.
Trump and some of his allies, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), claimed that the deadly force authorization amounted to an assassination attempt by the Biden administration. Greene alleged that the "Biden DOJ and FBI were planning to assassinate Pres Trump and gave the green light."
The Trump campaign sent a fundraising email claiming that "BIDEN'S DOJ WAS AUTHORIZED TO SHOOT ME!" and that the administration was "ready to take me out & put my family in danger." Trump also criticized the FBI's actions on Truth Social.
Former FBI officials and legal experts have noted that the deadly force authorization is standard language in DOJ policy and not specific to the Mar-a-Lago raid. They emphasized that deadly force is always authorized if the required threat presents itself, and the language in the warrant is nothing out of the ordinary.
The raid was conducted while Trump was not at the Mar-a-Lago estate, and the FBI coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service in advance to minimize potential confrontations. Agents were instructed to wear unmarked clothing and keep law enforcement equipment concealed.
Some Republicans, such as Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-MO), have criticized the FBI's handling of the Mar-a-Lago raid compared to the discovery of classified documents in President Biden's garage, claiming a "two tiers of justice" system. Schmidt stated that the FBI treated these cases very differently.
Former FBI Director James Comey warned of "serious" repercussions for the FBI and DOJ if Trump becomes president again, claiming that Trump is "coming for them" and would select people to serve roles who would only be interested in fulfilling his will. Comey urged people to vote for Biden in the upcoming election, stating that the consequences of a Trump presidency are "too severe."
Missouri state Rep. and Congressional candidate Justin Hicks called the FBI's authorization of deadly force "ridiculous" and "unheard of," considering the suspect is a former U.S. president. He accused the Biden administration of operating like a "banana republic" and engaging in a "witch hunt" against Trump.
The court filing outlined the FBI's objective for the Mar-a-Lago raid, which was to seize "classified information, NDI, and US Government records" as described in the search warrant. Agents planned to bring weapons, ammunition, handcuffs, and bolt cutters.
Trump's legal team argued in the filing that the raid was unconstitutional and that the deadly force authorization was part of an "Operations Order" produced in discovery.
The FBI has been criticized by some for the Mar-a-Lago raid, with former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino questioning the necessity of the deadly force authorization and suggesting that it was not standard operating procedure.
Rep. Greene, in a series of tweets, claimed that the deadly force authorization was grounds for impeachment of FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland. She also questioned whether deadly force was authorized against Biden for his handling of classified documents.
Trump and his allies have accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the justice system against him, with the former president claiming that the Mar-a-Lago raid was part of a "witch hunt" designed to thwart his re-election chances.
The FBI has maintained that it followed standard procedures during the raid and that no additional steps were ordered or taken in this specific case. The agency has also faced criticism from some Democrats and legal experts who argue that it has not been aggressive enough in investigating Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents.
The revelation of the deadly force authorization has fueled conspiracy theories among some of Trump's supporters, who believe that the Biden administration is willing to use violence to prevent Trump from returning to power.
Trump has used the Mar-a-Lago raid and the subsequent investigations into his handling of classified documents to portray himself as a victim of political persecution and to rally his base ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The court filings and public statements surrounding the Mar-a-Lago raid have highlighted the deep political divisions in the United States and the challenges facing law enforcement agencies as they navigate high-profile investigations involving current and former politicians.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Mar-a-Lago raid and the broader investigations into Trump's conduct are likely to remain a major point of contention between Democrats and Republicans, with both sides accusing the other of politicizing the justice system for partisan gain.
The long-term implications of the Mar-a-Lago raid and the deadly force authorization on public trust in the FBI and other law enforcement agencies remain to be seen, but the controversy has already added to the growing polarization and mistrust in American politics and institutions.
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ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli prime minister Netanyahu and Hamas Leaders Amid Controversy
On May 20, 2024, International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, alleging they have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
The charges against Israeli leaders include starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, murder, persecution, and extermination, while Hamas leaders face charges of hostage-taking, torture, and murder.
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, wife of actor George Clooney, was part of a panel of experts who advised Khan and unanimously agreed there were grounds to believe both sides had committed war crimes.
The U.S. and Israel have strongly condemned the ICC's move, with President Biden calling it "outrageous" and suggesting it falsely equates Israel with Hamas. Netanyahu accused Khan of trying to "demonize Israel" and engaging in "antisemitism."
Some U.S. allies, including France and Belgium, have defended the ICC's independence and the need for accountability for crimes committed in the conflict. They released statements supporting the ICC's request for arrest warrants.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders broke with the Biden administration, expressing support for the ICC's actions and the need to uphold international law.
The ICC's jurisdiction over the situation is disputed, as Israel and the U.S. do not recognize the court's authority. The court accepted "The State of Palestine" as a member in 2015.
The United Nations reported that its distribution center and the World Food Program's warehouses in Rafah, Gaza, are now inaccessible due to ongoing military operations, with around 82,000 metric tons of supplies stranded on the Egypt side of the crossing.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, one of the main hospitals in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, was evacuated after coming under fire from Israeli forces, while another, Awda, has been surrounded by troops for three days.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces raided a militant stronghold in the West Bank city of Jenin, killing at least seven people and wounding several others, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the ICC's move, arguing there is no "moral equivalence" between Israel and Hamas and that the court's decision would make "absolutely no difference" to wider peace in the Middle East.
The ICC's announcement has deepened Israel's isolation over the war in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 others.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, and around 80% of the population of 2.3 million has been displaced within the territory, often multiple times.
The war has devastated Gaza's health sector, with around two-thirds of the original 36 hospitals forced to shut down and the rest only partially functioning.
Israeli officials seized camera and broadcasting equipment belonging to The Associated Press in southern Israel, accusing the news organization of violating the country's new ban on Al Jazeera. The AP denounced the move, and the Israeli communications minister later ordered the return of the equipment after facing pressure from the U.S. administration, journalism organizations, and an Israeli opposition leader.
The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has led to condolences from various countries, including Germany and Sri Lanka, which declared a national day of mourning.
Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, criticized the ICC prosecutor's request for arrest warrants, calling the parallel drawn between Israel and Hamas "despicable and disgusting." He emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and that the attempt to deny this right "must be rejected explicitly."
Human rights advocates have criticized Biden's response to the ICC's move, accusing the U.S. of double standards given its support for the court's decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
The Kremlin weighed in on the situation, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling the U.S. attitude and readiness to use sanctions against the ICC "more than curious."
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan visited the region in December and saw firsthand the devastating impact of the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, who gunned down scores of revelers at a dance party and killed entire families in their homes.
The accusations against Israeli leaders have been criticized by some as failing to recognize the context of Israel's actions, which are aimed at neutralizing the persistent and violent threat posed by Hamas.
Experts have noted that Israel has made significant efforts to minimize civilian casualties, resulting in a lower civilian-to-combatant death ratio compared to other modern conflicts.
The ICC's move has raised concerns about exacerbating antisemitism, emboldening Hamas, prolonging the conflict, and resulting in more unnecessary deaths.
Some argue that the ICC has demonstrated a troubling bias and overreach in targeting Israeli leaders, setting a dangerous precedent that could one day be used against American leaders, given that neither the U.S. nor Israel recognizes the court's jurisdiction.
The ongoing conflict and the ICC's decision have further strained relations between Israel and the international community, with the country seeking to rally support from its allies to counter the court's actions and maintain its ability to defend itself against Hamas.
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's Helicopter Crashes Near Azerbaijan Border
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in a mountainous region near the Azerbaijan border on Sunday, May 19, 2024. The incident occurred after Raisi attended the inauguration of a joint dam project with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Also on board were Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Ayatollah Al Hashem, Imam of Tabriz, Malik Rahmati, Governor of East Azerbaijan, and other officials and bodyguards.
Iranian state media initially reported a "hard landing" near the city of Jolfa, later specifying the location as the village of Uzi. The cause of the crash remains undisclosed, and officials have given conflicting statements, with some referring to a "crash" and others to a "hard landing" or "incident." Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the helicopter was forced to make a hard landing due to bad weather and fog.
Search and rescue teams, including the Iranian Red Crescent Society, are facing difficulties locating the helicopter due to heavy fog, rain, cold weather, and mountainous terrain. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reported detecting signals from the mobile phone of a member of the flight crew. Some of the president's companions on the helicopter were reportedly able to communicate with the Central Headquarters, raising hopes that the incident could have ended without casualties.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged the public to pray for the safety of Raisi and his delegation, stating that there will be no disruption to the country's security or governance. The government canceled a planned cabinet meeting and convened an emergency meeting with the country's crisis management committee.
Countries and organizations in the region and beyond have expressed concern and offered assistance in the search and rescue efforts. Turkey, Iraq, Russia, the European Union, and others have dispatched resources or activated satellite mapping services to aid in the search. The United States is closely following the situation, with President Joe Biden being briefed on the crash.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for Iran, as the country faces domestic unrest, economic challenges, and heightened tensions with Israel and the United States. Raisi, a hardline cleric and ally of Khamenei, became president in June 2021 and has overseen a strategy to expand Iran's regional influence, expedite its nuclear program, and confront Israel.
Under Iran's constitution, if the president dies, the first vice president, currently Mohammad Mokhber, would assume the role with the approval of the supreme leader. An election would then be called within 50 days. Raisi has been seen as a potential successor to Khamenei, and his possible loss could have significant implications for Iran's political future.
As the search for the crashed helicopter continues, the international community awaits further information on the fate of President Raisi and the other officials on board. The incident has drawn global attention and raised concerns about the potential impact on Iran's stability and its relations with other nations in the region.
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Boeing Whistleblowers Found Dead Amid Safety Investigations
John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager who worked on the 787 Dreamliner, was found dead in his truck on March 9, 2024, days after testifying in a lawsuit against the company. Barnett had raised concerns about Boeing's production standards and safety issues, particularly with the oxygen systems on the plane. The Charleston County coroner's autopsy report determined the cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, with the manner of death deemed "suicide."
Police investigators found Barnett alone and locked inside his vehicle with the key fob in his pocket, no signs of forced entry or a struggle, and no suspicious activity on his phone or hotel key card. Security footage showed Barnett leaving the hotel unaccompanied and returning to park his truck, which remained undisturbed until his body was discovered the following morning. The gun found in Barnett's hand was registered under his name and legally purchased in 2000. A notebook containing Barnett's fingerprints, found on the passenger seat, included a suicide note with profane messages directed at Boeing.
The note read, "I CAN'T DO THIS ANY LONGER!!! ENOUGH!! F*** BOEING!!!" and "Bury me face down so Boeing and their lying-a*** leaders can kiss my a**." Barnett also addressed his loved ones, writing, "TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I FOUND MY PURPOSE! I'M AT PEACE! I LOVE YOU MORE." Medical records and interviews with family revealed Barnett had a history of mental health issues that worsened during his legal battles with Boeing.
However, Barnett's family and attorneys have raised doubts about the suicide ruling. A family friend, Jennifer, claimed that Barnett had predicted his death would not be a suicide if anything happened to him. Barnett's lawyer, Brian Knowles, called for a full investigation into his death.
Just weeks after Barnett's death, another Boeing whistleblower, Joshua Dean, died in early May 2024 following a brief illness. Dean, a former quality auditor at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, had accused the company of ignoring manufacturing defects in Boeing's 737 Max and was involved in a shareholders lawsuit against Spirit. Dean's sister, Taylor Rae Roberts, announced his passing on Facebook, stating, "My handsome brother Joshua passed away this morning and is with our baby brother. I don't know how much more my family can take."
Attorney Brian Knowles, who represented both Barnett and Dean, emphasized the importance of whistleblowers in exposing wrongdoing and corruption in the industry. The deaths of these two whistleblowers have raised concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft and the treatment of those who speak out against the company.
Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased whistleblowers. Boeing stated, "We are saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends," while Spirit spokesperson Joe Buccino said, "Our thoughts are with Josh Dean's family. This sudden loss is stunning news here and for his loved ones."
The police investigation into Barnett's death is ongoing, with Sergeant Anthony Gibson of the Charleston Police Department stating, "We understand the global attention this case has garnered, and it is our priority to ensure that the investigation is not influenced by speculation but is led by facts and evidence."
As the aviation industry grapples with these tragic losses, questions remain about the safety of Boeing's planes and the company's treatment of whistleblowers who raise concerns about production standards and potential defects. The deaths of John Barnett and Joshua Dean have brought renewed attention to the importance of transparency, accountability, and the protection of those who speak out against wrongdoing in the pursuit of public safety.
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DOJ Admits Altering Mar-a-Lago Evidence, Leads to Trump's Trial Postponed Indefinitely
In a new court filing, Special Counsel Jack Smith's team admitted that the FBI altered or manipulated the order of documents seized from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence during the August 2022 raid.
The admission reveals that FBI agents used classified cover sheets as placeholders and props, paperclipping them to documents and staging a photograph that was later released to the public.
The FBI's actions raise questions about whether the agents had the proper security clearance, expertise, and authority to determine the classification levels of the documents on-site during the raid.
Additionally, the location of at least one cover sheet in the physical box did not match the FBI's accounting, calling into question whether the contents of the boxes remain the same as when they were seized
This admission contradicts previous statements made by Smith's team, who claimed the evidence was in its original condition.
Defense attorneys claim that some placeholders do not match the relevant documents
House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan is investigating the alleged tampering, which he believes amounts to "witness tampering" and reflects "serious ethical lapses" in Smith's prosecution.
U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon has indefinitely postponed Trump's classified documents trial due to unresolved legal issues and deadlines involving the use of classified evidence.
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House Republicans are investigating the possibility of evidence tampering in the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump, following admissions by Special Counsel Jack Smith's team that the order of files recovered from Mar-a-Lago was altered or manipulated after the FBI's August 2022 raid.
Previously, Smith's team had claimed that the evidence was in its original condition when seized.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan expressed "grave concerns" about the DOJ's "commitment to impartial judgment" in a letter calling the manipulation of the boxes "witness tampering."
The alleged tampering was discovered by the legal team of Trump aide Walt Nauta, who is accused of conspiring with Trump to thwart the investigation and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Jordan's letter also reveals that Jay Bratt, a senior member of Smith's prosecution team, allegedly suggested that Nauta's lawyers could receive favorable consideration for future judicial roles if they cooperated with federal officials.
Jordan is demanding that the DOJ turn over documents and communications related to potential ethics investigations into Smith and information on why the boxes of documents were manipulated, setting a May 20 deadline for compliance.
Trump has been indicted on 40 felony charges, including 32 under the Espionage Act and eight related to lying to prosecutors and obstructing justice, stemming from the 33 boxes of documents seized during the FBI raid.
In a recent court filing, Special Counsel Jack Smith's team admitted that the FBI used classified cover sheets as props and placeholders when photographing documents seized from former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence during the August 2022 raid.
The admission reveals that FBI agents paperclipped cover sheets to files, laid them on the floor, and staged a photograph that was later released to the public, contradicting earlier statements that the evidence was in its original condition.
The FBI's actions raise questions about whether the agents had the proper security clearance, expertise, and authority to determine the classification levels of the documents on-site during the raid.
Defense attorneys claim, and the special counsel concedes, that some placeholders do not match the relevant documents, a potentially case-blowing mistake.
Additionally, the location of at least one cover sheet in the physical box did not match the FBI's accounting, calling into question whether the contents of the boxes remain the same as when they were seized.
Jay Bratt, a lead prosecutor on the case, initially told Judge Aileen Cannon that the boxes were in their original condition, with the exception of classified documents being removed and replaced with placeholders. However, Bratt later admitted that this statement was not entirely accurate.
The revelations about the FBI's handling of evidence in the case have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation and prosecution of former President Trump.
U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon has indefinitely postponed former President Donald Trump's classified documents trial, which was originally scheduled to begin on May 20.
Cannon, a Trump appointee from 2020, cited unresolved legal issues and deadlines involving the use of classified evidence at trial as the reason for the postponement.
In her order, Cannon stated that setting a trial date at this point would be "imprudent and inconsistent with the Court's duty to fully and fairly consider the various pending pre-trial motions before the Court, critical CIPA
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IRS Set to Boost Audit Rates for High-Income Earners and Large Corporations
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced plans on Thursday to significantly increase audit rates for wealthy taxpayers and large corporations, using funds provided by the Democrat-backed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
The audit rate for taxpayers earning more than $10 million is expected to rise by 50%, from 11% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2026.
The IRS also plans to triple the audit rates of large corporations with assets over $250 million and increase the audit rates of business partnerships with assets over $10 million by tenfold over the seven-year period.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has repeatedly reassured that audit rates for American households earning less than $400,000 a year will not exceed 2018 levels, a record-low year.
To ramp up audits, the IRS is hiring accountants, engineers, economists, data scientists, attorneys, and tax experts, and has added about 11,000 full-time positions since 2022.
The agency is also investing in improving its technology, using artificial intelligence to help select businesses to audit, and has recovered $520 million from millionaires who have either not filed their taxes or failed to pay their tax debt.
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Evidence Altered in Trump Docs Case while Whistleblower's Biden-Ukraine Links Exposed
Special Counsel Jack Smith's team acknowledged key evidence in Trump's classified documents case was altered or manipulated since FBI seizure
Legal analysts argue this discrepancy with previous court statements is a serious issue that could undermine the prosecution
Trump impeachment whistleblower Eric Ciaramella had close ties to Biden's Ukraine policy as a White House adviser
Emails show Ciaramella's involvement in Biden's push to oust Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who was investigating Burisma Holdings while it paid Hunter Biden
Ciaramella met with Ukrainian prosecutors, gave readouts to superiors who pushed for Shokin's firing
He corresponded with Biden officials on media responses regarding Hunter's Burisma job
Ciaramella's role advising Biden on Ukraine policy intersects with current Biden impeachment inquiry in several areas
Despite witnessing questionable Biden activities firsthand, Ciaramella apparently didn't raise alarms like he later did about Trump
House Republicans argue Ciaramella would be a valuable witness in the Biden impeachment probe
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Special Counsel Jack Smith's legal team has conceded that crucial evidence in former President Donald Trump's classified documents case was accessed and rearranged after being seized by the FBI.
This admission contradicts previous statements made to the court, which legal experts argue could seriously undermine the credibility of the prosecution.
The order of documents in some boxes taken from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate differs between the physical copies and digital scans.
Prosecutors attribute the inconsistencies to various reasons, including court-ordered access, investigative purposes, and the physical properties of the items in the boxes.
However, they acknowledge this contradicts what they had previously understood and represented to the court.
Former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy contends that this revelation amounts to evidence tampering and could be highly problematic for the prosecution.
The organization of the documents is expected to be a key aspect of Trump's defense, as his team will likely argue that the materials were packed by staff without his knowledge of any classified content.
Eric Ciaramella, the whistleblower who triggered President Donald Trump's first impeachment, had significant involvement in the political maneuverings surrounding the Biden family's business dealings in Ukraine, according to recently obtained emails from Joe Biden's vice presidential office.
As a national security analyst assigned to Biden's office in 2015, Ciaramella closely advised the vice president when he threatened to withhold U.S. aid from Ukraine unless its top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, was fired. Shokin was investigating Burisma Holdings, a company that employed Biden's son Hunter.
Emails show Ciaramella hosted and met with senior Ukrainian prosecutors at the White House, provided readouts to superiors who pushed for Shokin's dismissal, and traveled with Biden to Kyiv during the trip when Biden demanded Shokin's ouster.
Ciaramella also drafted media talking points for Ukrainian officials and corresponded with Biden aides coordinating responses to negative press about Hunter's Burisma job.
Despite witnessing these events firsthand, there is no evidence Ciaramella raised concerns about the Bidens' activities as he later did regarding Trump.
Some former congressional investigators argue that Ciaramella effectively helped conceal a scandal worse than what Trump was impeached over and failed to disclose his own potential conflict of interest.
The ongoing trial of former President Donald Trump in New York is shrouded in ambiguity, as the specific crime he is accused of committing remains unclear.
Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 and 2017. However, falsifying business records is a misdemeanor with a two-year statute of limitations, which would have expired in 2019.
Under New York law, falsifying business records can be elevated to a felony if done with intent to commit or conceal another crime. The statute of limitations for this felony charge is five years, but prosecutors missed this deadline as well.
The indictment was made possible by a COVID-19-related extension of the statute of limitations, allowing prosecutors to bring charges just before the new six-year deadline.
Prosecutors have not specified the underlying crime that would justify the felony charges, and this lack of clarity persists even as the trial is underway.
Legal experts argue that this violates the Fifth Amendment, which requires felony charges to be clearly stated in an indictment.
If convicted on all 34 felony counts, Trump could face a maximum sentence of 136 years in prison, despite the fundamental questions surrounding the charges against him.
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Trump Trial Witnesses Undermine Prosecution; Ex-Biden DOJ Official's DNC Ties Exposed
Recent testimony from witnesses in the Trump "hush money" trial appears to contradict Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's central claims
Hope Hicks, former Trump communications aide, suggested Trump's primary motivation was to spare his wife embarrassment, not influence the 2016 election
David Pecker, National Enquirer CEO, acknowledged providing similar "catch and kill" services for other public figures, not just Trump
Keith Davidson, former lawyer to Stormy Daniels, stated the payments were part of a civil settlement agreement, not "hush money" or a "payoff"
Jeffrey McConney, former Trump Organization controller, testified that Trump did not personally direct him to make the alleged payments
Matthew Colangelo, a top prosecutor in the case, received $12,000 from the DNC for "political consulting" in 2018, according to FEC records
Colangelo previously worked in the Obama and Biden administrations and was involved in Trump-related lawsuits and investigations while in the New York Attorney General's office
House Republicans are investigating Colangelo's past work as he prosecutes Trump
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Several high-profile witnesses called by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in the "hush money" trial against former President Donald Trump have provided testimony that appears to contradict Bragg's primary allegations.
Hope Hicks, a former Trump communications aide, testified that Trump's main concern was protecting his wife, Melania Trump, from public embarrassment caused by affair accusations, rather than influencing the 2016 election outcome.
Hicks also questioned the role of Michael Cohen, Bragg's key witness and former Trump attorney, stating that Cohen "went rogue at times" and was not closely involved in the day-to-day operations of the presidential campaign.
David Pecker, CEO of the National Enquirer, testified that his relationship with Trump predated the 2016 election and the allegations made by Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Pecker also acknowledged providing similar "catch and kill" services for other public figures, not just Trump.
Keith Davidson, former lawyer to Stormy Daniels, described the payments as "consideration in a civil settlement agreement" rather than "hush money" or a "payoff," challenging Bragg's claim that the payments were falsely recorded as legal expenses.
Jeffrey McConney, former Trump Organization controller, testified that Trump did not personally instruct him to make any of the alleged hush money payments, which is central to Bragg's case.
Cohen, who is set to testify against Trump, faces credibility issues. He previously told his former lawyer that he had no incriminating evidence against Trump related to the hush money payments and was sentenced to three years in prison for various crimes stemming from the scheme and for lying to Congress.
Legal experts and attorneys have questioned Bragg's decision to call certain witnesses, such as McConney, who failed to establish a clear link between the alleged crime and Trump's knowledge or involvement.
Upcoming witnesses may include Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal, Robert Costello (Cohen's former lawyer), and various Trump White House secretaries or campaign officials.
a top prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's office currently working on the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, received $12,000 from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2018 for "political consulting."
Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show that on January 31, 2018, the DNC Services Corp/Democratic National Committee made two payments of $6,000 each to Colangelo.
At the time of the payments, Colangelo was serving as deputy attorney general for social justice under then-New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a role he took over from current Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.
In December 2022, Colangelo left a senior position at the Biden Justice Department to join Bragg's office, following the resignations of prosecutors Mark Pomerantz and Carey Dunne, who were investigating Trump and stepped down due to Bragg's initial reluctance to indict the former president.
Shortly after Colangelo received the DNC payments, in June 2018, Acting New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood, with Colangelo as executive deputy attorney general, sued the Trump Foundation, alleging that Trump used the foundation's charitable assets to settle legal obligations. The foundation agreed to dissolve in December 2018.
On January 20, 2021, Colangelo began serving as acting associate attorney general in the Biden Justice Department and later became the principal deputy associate attorney general, overseeing several divisions.
Prior to his work in New York and the Biden administration, Colangelo held various roles in the Obama administration, including positions in the DOJ's civil rights division and as chief of staff to then-Labor Secretary Tom Perez, who later served as DNC chair when Colangelo received the payments for political consulting.
Rep. Jim Jor
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Governors Oppose Biden's National Guard Proposal: States Unite to "Preserve Authority"
The Biden administration has proposed a plan that would grant the Secretary of the Air Force sole authority to transfer Air National Guardsmen from any state to Space Force units without requiring governors' approval.
The proposal, known as Legislative Proposal 480, affects approximately 1,000 Air National Guardsmen across 14 space units.
Governors from all 50 states, territories, and commonwealths have signed letters opposing the proposal, arguing it would undermine their authority and the National Guard's readiness and deployability.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the proposal an "intolerable threat" and a "power grab," while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said it would "flout more than a century of precedent."
A White House official stated that the Biden administration stands by the proposal for a one-time transfer of Air Guardsmen to the Space Force to help expand that division and space security.
The proposal is currently under review by the Senate Armed Services Committee, with no further reports on the committee's planned actions.
A bipartisan group of 56 House members and 29 senators have urged the Armed Services committees to reject the proposal, calling it "deeply flawed" and a threat to the National Guard system.
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Republican Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida have joined 48 other state governors and five U.S. territory leaders in condemning a proposal that would allow the Democratic administration to take control of National Guard units away from governors nationwide.
The proposal, known as U.S. Air Force's Legislative Proposal 480 (LP480), would enable the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer space functions currently performed by the Air National Guard to the U.S. Space Force without first obtaining gubernatorial consent.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall suggested that LP480 would not set a precedent for other services to take control of National Guard elements without governors' approval, calling it a unique situation due to the creation of the Space Force.
Retired Major General Francis M. McGinn, head of the National Guard Association of the United States, warned that the proposal constitutes an existential threat to the National Guard and a significant federal overreach that bypasses longstanding gubernatorial authority.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the National Governors Association emphasized the importance of retaining the authority laid out in U.S.C. Title 32, Section 104, and noted that LP480 conflicts with existing laws requiring gubernatorial consultation and approval for changes to National Guard units.
Abbott and DeSantis penned separate letters on Friday, with Abbott calling LP480 an "intolerable threat" to the Texas National Guard and a dangerous precedent, while DeSantis argued that the proposal weakens Florida's ability to address domestic emergencies, especially during hurricane season.
A bipartisan group of senators and representatives has urged the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services committees to keep LP480 out of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, calling it "deeply flawed" and a threat to over 120 years of precedent.
A White House official indicated that the Biden administration supports LP480, which is consistent with the structure authorized by Congress for the U.S. Space Force in the fiscal 2024 defense policy bill.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, consisting of 56 House members and 29 senators, is urging the congressional Armed Services committees to reject the Biden administration's proposal to incorporate Air National Guard service members into the Space Force without gubernatorial consent.
In a letter dated May 6, the lawmakers argued that the proposal is "deeply flawed" and would "undermine" the nation's National Guard system, which is based on the principle of serving both the country and the community.
The lawmakers emphasized that the original intent of the National Guard was to have a force ready to respond to the needs of their state and country, with authority placed in the hands of each state's governor.
They further argued that governors bear the responsibility to protect the safety of their citizens by maintaining the readiness and deployability of their National Guard units.
The letter was led by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), the founding co-chair of the Space Force Caucus, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).
The move, proposed to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2025, would affect about 14 space units, equal to approximately 1,000 Air National Guardsmen.
A White House official stated that the Biden administration supports the Defense Department's suggestion for a one-time transfer of National Guard missions into the Space Force, consistent with the structure approved by Congress in the 2024 defense policy bill
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Arrests, Makeshift Weapons, and Free Tuition Offer from Iran: Anti-Israel Protests Update
According to New York University (NYU), more than half of the protesters arrested were outside agitators. The NYPD arrested 133 individuals at NYU, with only 65 being current students, faculty, or staff. This revelation follows the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams claiming that a significant number of the 283 protesters arrested at Columbia University and CUNY were also external actors.
In a surprising move, Shiraz University in Iran announced a scholarship program offering free tuition to American students expelled due to their pro-Palestinian protests. Meanwhile, the student editors of the Columbia Law Review demanded the cancellation of exams, citing trauma caused by the police presence during the clearing of the unauthorized encampment.
At Portland State University (PSU), anti-Israel protesters charged at police with makeshift shields made from trash bins but were quickly thwarted. UCLA saw at least 132 demonstrators arrested during a raid on a barricaded encampment.
In contrast, Brown University demonstrators and administrators reached an agreement to disband the camp in exchange for a meeting to discuss divestment demands.
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Over half of the protesters arrested at New York University (NYU) were outside agitators, according to the university.
The NYPD arrested 133 individuals at NYU, with only 65 being current students, faculty, or staff.
This revelation comes a day after the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams claimed a significant number of the 283 protesters arrested at Columbia University and City College of New York (CUNY) were also external actors.
Shiraz University in Iran has announced a scholarship program offering free tuition to American students expelled due to their pro-Palestinian protests.
The student editors of the Columbia Law Review demanded the cancellation of exams, citing trauma caused by the police presence on campus during the clearing of the unauthorized encampment.
Anti-Israel protesters at Portland State University (PSU) charged at police with makeshift shields made from trash bins but were quickly thwarted.
At UCLA, at least 132 demonstrators were arrested during a raid on a barricaded encampment.
Brown University demonstrators and administrators reached an agreement to disband the camp in exchange for a meeting to discuss divestment demands.
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EcoHealth Alliance President Grilled by Congress Over Wuhan Lab Funding and Alleged Misconduct
A congressional hearing on Wednesday exposed glaring inconsistencies between a GOP report and statements made by EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak concerning his organization's involvement in funding controversial research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) before the global health crisis. Daszak denied knowledge of any connection between the WIV and China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), despite a declassified DNI report documenting such links. EcoHealth Alliance also faced scrutiny for failing to submit a crucial year five progress report to the NIH by the September 30, 2019 deadline. Daszak claimed they were "locked out" of the NIH system, but an NIH forensic audit could not verify this claim. Significant discrepancies were found between the initial draft and the final version of the report, which was submitted nearly two years late in August 2021. Furthermore, Daszak vehemently denied accusations of EcoHealth Alliance engaging in gain-of-function research, challenging the subcommittee members' definitions while claiming he lacked a personal definition.
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The GOP report alleged wrongdoing by EcoHealth Alliance throughout its coronavirus research, with several details conflicting with Daszak's statements from a closed-door interview with House members in November.
Daszak claimed he was unaware of any affiliation between the WIV and China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), stating, "I've never seen any. I've never seen any reliable reporting of any." However, the DNI, whom Daszak admitted to being interviewed by, thoroughly documented the connections between WIV and PLA in a declassified report.
EcoHealth Alliance's failure to submit a required year five progress report to the NIH by the September 30, 2019 deadline. Daszak claimed EcoHealth attempted to submit the report but was "locked out" of the NIH system. However, an NIH forensic audit "could not verify the claim."
Discrepancies between the initial draft of the year five progress report and the version ultimately submitted to NIH in August 2021, nearly two years after the original deadline.
Daszak emphatically denied accusations that EcoHealth Alliance engaged in gain-of-function research, claiming, "EcoHealth Alliance never has, and did not do gain of function research, by definition." However, he challenged multiple subcommittee members' definitions of gain-of-function research and claimed he didn't have a personal definition.
The hearing also touched upon the issue of Big Tech censorship of factual information related to the pandemic. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, referenced the federal government's efforts to pressure social media companies to censor posts containing accurate information. When asked whether he thought the government's collusion with Big Tech to "ban" certain scientific analyses "benefited science," Daszak refused to provide a straightforward answer, instead stating, "I think there's been a lot of misinformation, there still is, on social media. I think it's good that social media companies are going to scientists to get information about whether the data they're putting out is true or false."
The hearing also delved into the issue of potential coercion by the Biden White House to suppress information related to the lab-leak theory. Emails released as part of an 800-page report from the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government revealed Facebook officials expressing frustration with the pressure they felt from the Biden administration. In one email dated July 2021, Facebook's President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, described the White House as "highly cynical and dishonest."
The emails showed that Facebook had censored reports suggesting the virus was "man-made" from February through May 2021, before transitioning to demoting such reports instead. When questioned about why the company removed these reports, a Facebook team member admitted, "Because we were under pressure from the administration and others to do more and it was part of the 'more' package. We shouldn't have done it."
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NYPD Arrests Over 280 in 'Massive' Operation to Clear 'Pro-Terror' Protests at NYC Campuses
More than 280 anti-Israel demonstrators were arrested at Columbia University and City College of New York overnight in a "massive" NYPD operation.
109 people were arrested at Columbia after the university requested police help to remove a destructive mob that had illegally taken over Hamilton Hall late Tuesday.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams blamed the on-campus chaos on insurgents with a "history of escalating situations and trying to create chaos" rather than peaceful protest.
Columbia president Minouche Shafik, facing calls to resign for not cracking down sooner, said the violence had "pushed the university to the brink."
Shafik recently testified before Congress and refused to say if the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is antisemitic.
Over 100 Columbia professors signed a letter defending students who support Hamas' "military action."
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In a massive overnight operation, the NYPD arrested more than 280 anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University and City College of New York. According to police and Mayor Eric Adams, 109 individuals were detained at Columbia after the university requested assistance in removing a destructive mob that had illegally occupied Hamilton Hall late Tuesday.
Adams attributed the on-campus unrest to insurgents known for escalating situations and creating chaos rather than engaging in peaceful protest.
Columbia president Minouche Shafik, who faces mounting pressure to resign for her delayed response, stated that the violence had pushed the university to its limits. Shafik recently testified before Congress, where she declined to characterize the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" as antisemitic.
Meanwhile, over 100 Columbia professors signed a letter supporting students who back Hamas' military actions.
Anti-Israel demonstrations have swept across college campuses nationwide over the past two weeks, with protesters often calling for schools to divest from investments supporting Israel.
At GWU, protesters are also demanding the school lift a suspension against a pro-Palestinian student group.
Dozens of protesters have been arrested at various universities, including Northeastern University, Emerson College, Emory University, Virginia Tech University, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Mary Washington.
The situation has been particularly tense at Columbia University in New York City, where protesters took over a building on Tuesday morning, prompting administrators to threaten expulsion.
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Antisemitism Bill Passes House Amid Nationwide Anti-Israel College Protests
The House of Representatives passed a major antisemitism bill on Wednesday, which would crack down on antisemitism on college campuses amid ongoing nationwide protests.
The bill, introduced by New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, passed in a bipartisan 320-91 vote and will now go to the Senate. 21 Republicans and 70 Democrats opposed the legislation.
The legislation seeks to make the Department of Education adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism when enforcing the 1964 Civil Rights Act on college campuses.
The alliance defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" and includes "[r]hetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."
Examples of antisemitism include calling for the harming of Jewish people in the name of a radical or extremist view of religion and accusing Jewish people of inventing and/or exaggerating the Holocaust.
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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) praised the House's passage of the bill as a "momentous achievement" but emphasized that further efforts are needed to secure its approval in the Senate and its delivery to President Joe Biden for signing.
CAM urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prioritize the Antisemitism Awareness Act's passage in the Senate. The bill has faced criticism from some members of both parties who argue that it could restrict free speech.
Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who opposed the bill, referred to it as a "hate speech bill" in a social media post. Gaetz stated, "Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words."
Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have also called for the passage of a related bill titled "Countering Antisemitism Act." This bill would combat antisemitism through the appointment of a new presidential advisor responsible for implementing the White House's coordinated strategy in dealing with antisemitism.
The House's approval of the antisemitism bill was hailed as a significant milestone by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), which simultaneously stressed the necessity for continued efforts to ensure its passage in the Senate and its presentation to President Joe Biden for his signature.
CAM called upon Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to make the Antisemitism Awareness Act's passage a top priority in the Senate. The bill has encountered opposition from certain members of both parties who contend that it might infringe upon freedom of speech. In a social media post, Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who voted against the bill, characterized it as a "hate speech bill." Gaetz remarked, "Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words."
Democratic legislators, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have also advocated for the adoption of a companion bill named the "Countering Antisemitism Act." This legislation seeks to address antisemitism by appointing a new presidential advisor tasked with executing the White House's coordinated approach to confronting antisemitism.
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Billions in Taxpayer Funds Support Colleges Amid Anti-Israel Protests, Sparking Calls for Defunding
According to a review of financial records, More than $5 billion in taxpayer dollars were given to Ivy League schools through sponsorship, grants, and contracts in fiscal year 2023, while another $2.1 billion went to other prominent schools that have recently had anti-Israel rallies.
Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Dartmouth, and Cornell, have been the scenes of some of the most high-profile anti-Israel unrest.
Republican lawmakers in the Senate and House are calling for the removal of federal funding for schools that refuse to meaningfully address the situations on their campuses.
In fiscal year 2023, Harvard received $676.1 million, Princeton $403 million, Yale $776.8 million, Columbia $1.2 billion, Penn $955.6 million, Brown $173.7 million, Dartmouth $133 million, and Cornell $736.3 million in federal funding.
An Open the Books study revealed that the eight Ivy League schools, along with Northwestern and Stanford, received "$33 billion [worth] of federal contracts and grants" since 2018, averaging $6.6 billion annually, and an additional $12 billion in special tax treatment benefits on the growth of their endowment gains.
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The unrest on college campuses began after Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. Students at various schools have set up encampments, calling for divestment from Israel and other demands. Some protesters have engaged in anti-Israel and antisemitic chants, and a few have even clashed with police, leading to arrests.
Legal experts argue that the students participating in these protests are violating each school's code of conduct. At Princeton, dozens of demonstrators attempted to erect a tent encampment, resulting in two arrests by university police.
The group Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest referred to the police as "pigs" on social media. UT Austin placed an anti-Israel group on interim suspension following the arrest of several students last week.
According to a review of financial records, several colleges and universities that have witnessed anti-Israel protests in recent weeks received substantial federal funding in fiscal year 2023. UC Berkeley received over $451.4 million, New York University (NYU) $805.5 million, University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) roughly $645.6 million, and George Washington University (GWU) more than $200 million.
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Biden Labels US Ally Japan 'Xenophobic' Alongside Russia, China, and India
President Joe Biden referred to close US ally Japan as "xenophobic" during a Washington, D.C. fundraiser on Wednesday, just weeks after praising the US-Japan alliance at a state dinner.
According to an official White House transcript released Thursday, Biden argued that Japan, along with India, Russia, and China, would perform better economically if they embraced immigration more.
"Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they're xenophobic. They don't want immigrants," Biden said.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified on Thursday that Biden was attempting to make a larger point about the US being a nation of immigrants and that he was making a "broad comment" about Japan and India.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he wasn't aware of any communications between the White House and the governments of Japan or India regarding Biden's remarks.
The president's comments come less than a month after he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit, during which he said Japan and the US share "the same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom to dignity."
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At a Washington, D.C. fundraiser on Wednesday, President Joe Biden referred to close US ally Japan as "xenophobic," alongside India, Russia, and China.
According to an official White House transcript released Thursday, Biden argued that these countries would perform better economically if they embraced immigration more.
The president said, "Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they're xenophobic. They don't want immigrants."
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified on Thursday that Biden was attempting to make a larger point about the US being a nation of immigrants and that he was making a "broad comment" about Japan and India.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he wasn't aware of any communications between the White House and the governments of Japan or India regarding Biden's remarks.
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