The death of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, is causing controversy within the MAGA community. This stems from the Justice Department and FBI’s recent memo confirming Epstein’s suicide and denying the existence of a client list, contradicting previous statements and expectations set by Trump administration officials. Key figures like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who previously promoted Epstein conspiracy theories, now oversee the review of files but have not addressed the lack of released information, fueling calls for transparency. Public statements made by Trump and his attorney general, Pam Bondi, about releasing information have further contributed to the backlash, leaving many in the MAGA base feeling betrayed.
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The Democratic Party is conducting an “after-action review” following their 2024 election loss, but it will surprisingly bypass an examination of their presidential campaign strategy. The review, led by strategist Paul Rivera, will not analyze key campaign decisions such as whether President Biden should have sought re-election, or messaging choices made by the Harris campaign. Instead, the report is expected to concentrate on outside spending from supporting organizations and super PACs. Party officials have stated that the review intends to focus on voter behavior and how to improve the party’s future, specifically by shifting away from traditional advertising and towards organizing.
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Stacey Williams, a former Sports Illustrated model and ex-girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, has stated that Donald Trump and Epstein were very close, calling them “best friends” and suggesting they were “up to no good.” Williams’ claims further fuel the controversy surrounding the Epstein files, as well as the prior scrutiny faced by Trump and his administration regarding their handling of Epstein’s sex abuse case. Williams also revisited a previous accusation that Trump groped her in 1993, an encounter facilitated by Epstein. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed Williams’ claims as false.
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President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House after signing the “Genius Act,” addressed the ongoing calls for the release of grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump stated that no matter what information is released, it would not satisfy his critics. This statement was made in response to the Department of Justice’s request, following Trump’s own, to unseal the grand jury testimonies. The president’s comments suggest he is unlikely to take further action to address the pressure surrounding the issue.
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In a rapidly changing world, The Independent is committed to delivering on-the-ground reporting on crucial issues. The publication investigates key topics, such as reproductive rights and the influence of powerful figures, while also producing impactful documentaries. To maintain this vital work, which is accessible to all, The Independent relies on reader donations, emphasizing the importance of factual, unbiased journalism in the US.
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Trump’s attempts to dismiss the Jeffrey Epstein case as a hoax orchestrated by political rivals have backfired, failing to satisfy his base who demand transparency. Despite initial noncommittal stances, the administration’s actions, including the appointment of conspiracists and the release of already public documents, fueled suspicion and outrage. These actions led to a backlash, including accusations of gaslighting and attempts to protect himself. This has resulted in many high-profile figures voicing their disappointment in Trump’s handling of the situation.
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The survey aimed to gauge user experiences with video advertisements. Participants were asked to report on various issues encountered while watching video ads. Common problems included slow loading times, ads freezing or failing to complete, and content not starting after the ad. Additionally, respondents cited excessively loud ad audio and other technical difficulties. The results provide insights into the common frustrations users face with video advertising.
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Senator Dick Durbin sent letters to Justice Department leadership, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, regarding the handling of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The letters questioned Bondi about inconsistencies in her public statements and Patel about reports of pressure to allocate resources to review Epstein-related records. Durbin also inquired about reported disputes among Trump officials concerning the handling of the case and the reported instruction to “flag” any records mentioning President Trump. Furthermore, Durbin asked about a reported letter from Trump to Epstein included in a birthday album, aiming to clarify the nature of the investigation’s review.
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The recent GOP-led budget cuts, backed by Donald Trump, threaten to significantly reduce funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, jeopardizing educational programming on PBS. This move opens the door for right-wing organizations like PragerU to fill the void, which openly aims to indoctrinate children with conservative ideologies. PragerU is already gaining traction by partnering with states to produce educational materials and is even being promoted by the White House, suggesting a shift in support away from PBS and towards conservative-leaning content. This raises concerns about the future of children’s educational content and the potential for increased political influence in the classroom.
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The author reflects on the recent cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a show that he followed after being a long-time fan of Johnny Carson and David Letterman. While CBS cited financial reasons for the decision, the author, with experience in corporate America, believes something more significant is at play. He speculates that the move was a strategic decision to appease Donald Trump, whom Colbert frequently criticized, especially in light of a recent lawsuit settlement and a pending merger requiring governmental approval. The author suggests that the true motivation was not financial, but rather the suppression of dissent and the prioritization of corporate interests over free speech.
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John Q. Hosedrinker