Despite U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s assertion of “limited interactions” with Jeffrey Epstein, newly released documents reveal a business partnership as recent as 2014. Signatures from both men appear on a 2012 contract to acquire stakes in the advertising technology company Adfin, with Lutnick signing for CVAFH I and Epstein for Southern Trust Company, Inc. While Lutnick had previously stated he cut ties with Epstein in 2005, emails show continued contact and shared plans for drinks and a visit to Epstein’s island in 2011 and 2012, respectively, just before their Adfin deal was finalized. Correspondence regarding Adfin continued until at least 2014, involving Cantor Ventures, a subsidiary of Lutnick’s former firm Cantor Fitzgerald.
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A video posted by former President Trump depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes drew widespread condemnation, including from Republican Senator Tim Scott, who called it “the most racist thing” he had seen from the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to dismiss the video as an “internet meme” from a “King of the Jungle” depiction. However, the video’s content was demonstrably not an excerpt from Disney’s *The Lion King*, which features only one primate, Rafiki the mandrill. The imagery was widely considered racist, sparking bipartisan outrage.
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The recent release of documents pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation has revealed the pervasive influence and interconnectedness of the wealthy elite, exposing their shared tolerance for his depravity despite differing political affiliations. This coterie of plutocrats, including figures like Bill Gates, Peter Thiel, and Elon Musk, now engage in a public blame game as their association with Epstein comes under scrutiny, highlighting a disturbing pattern of wealth and power shielding individuals from accountability. Epstein’s own correspondence suggests a cynical worldview, thriving on global upheaval and societal instability for personal profit, a mindset echoed by the article’s assertion that the ruling class is inherently “rotten to the core” and poses a threat to democracy. This situation prompts a debate, exemplified by Senator Bernie Sanders’ critique of an elite class above the law versus pundits like Matt Yglesias who advocate for “billionaire positivity,” arguing that their contributions to business and philanthropy outweigh their perceived moral failings.
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The president, speaking on Air Force One, indicated that a large volume of material is reviewed. He further stated that upon observing only a portion of a particular video, responsibility for its comprehensive examination was delegated to the relevant staff members. This practice allows for thorough scrutiny of all pertinent information.
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A now-deleted post on President Donald Trump’s Truth Social account, which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, has caused internal White House frustration and rare condemnation from Republican figures. Sources indicate the video was posted without President Trump’s prior knowledge and that aides are displeased with the error and the individual responsible for the post. While the identity of the poster remains unclear, individuals with access to the account, including Dan Scavino and Natalie Harp, have been considered. The White House press secretary initially dismissed outrage over the post as “fake outrage,” but the depiction still drew significant criticism from prominent Republicans.
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A watchdog group, the Democracy Defenders Fund, has accused the Department of Justice of “impermissibly” narrowing the scope of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The group alleges that despite millions of documents being released, none include communications from top Trump administration officials such as Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, or FBI Director Kash Patel. The Democracy Defenders Fund contends these officials have been central to the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files and their communications should be included, suggesting these documents may have been withheld or redacted. The DOJ, however, has dismissed these complaints as a “tired narrative,” stating they have complied with the law by releasing millions of pages and disclosing un-responsive items.
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During the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, US Vice President JD Vance was met with boos and jeers from the crowd, a reaction not broadcast by NBC. This incident follows a pattern of efforts to shield American viewers from dissent, as seen at the US Open where broadcasters were asked not to show negative reactions to Donald Trump. The protests in Milan also extended to the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Games, with one US athlete expressing mixed emotions about representing the country amid current political events.
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President Donald Trump stated he “didn’t make a mistake” after sharing a video on Truth Social depicting the Obamas as apes, claiming he only saw the beginning of the video and not the offensive portion. Despite condemnation from Republican lawmakers and calls for an apology, Trump maintained his innocence, attributing the slip to staff error. The video, reportedly AI-generated, was removed from his account after approximately 12 hours. Trump also asserted his record as the “least racist president” in response to criticism.
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U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose has suspended official contact with Polish Parliament Speaker Wlodzimierz Czarzasty due to “outrageous and unprovoked insults” aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump. This diplomatic rupture was triggered by Czarzasty’s rejection of a Nobel Peace Prize bid for Trump and his criticism of U.S. actions in Afghanistan, which the ambassador deemed disrespectful. The situation further intensified after Ambassador Rose appeared to question the necessity of the U.S. military presence in Poland, drawing criticism from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who emphasized mutual respect between allies.
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During the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Team USA athletes received a warm reception as they entered the stadium. However, the mood shifted when Vice President JD Vance and his wife appeared on the Jumbotron, drawing boos from the crowd. This reception for Vance occurred amidst ongoing protests against U.S. immigration policies and while the country’s political situation under the Trump administration garnered global attention. The Israeli delegation also faced boos, in contrast to the applause given to Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Doubled Down on Racist Obama Ape Depiction
President Donald Trump stated he “didn’t make a mistake” after sharing a video on Truth Social depicting the Obamas as apes, claiming he only saw the beginning of the video and not the offensive portion. Despite condemnation from Republican lawmakers and calls for an apology, Trump maintained his innocence, attributing the slip to staff error. The video, reportedly AI-generated, was removed from his account after approximately 12 hours. Trump also asserted his record as the “least racist president” in response to criticism.
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