The Trump administration is facing scrutiny and pushback from online conspiracy theorists regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, particularly surrounding the existence of an “Epstein Client List.” A White House spokeswoman sparred with the media over the matter, denying the existence of such a list despite previous speculation and demands from some within the administration. Figures like Elon Musk and J.D. Vance previously fueled speculation but now find themselves in the uncomfortable position of defending Trump against these very claims, which have gained traction among right-wing circles. The administration’s current denial is seen as a loss in the narrative battle, revealing a failure to control a conspiracy once embraced.
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The Trump administration now claims the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador was an isolated administrative error, contradicting previous statements. This assertion comes in the ongoing legal battle where Abrego Garcia is suing over his wrongful deportation, while the government has filed human smuggling charges against him. Abrego Garcia endured harsh conditions during his detention at the CECOT prison, including severe physical and psychological abuse. Despite the initial failure to comply with a court order, he was eventually returned to the U.S., charged with human smuggling, and now faces the potential of being deported again.
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Fox News challenged the Department of Justice’s statement that Jeffrey Epstein did not possess a client list, referencing a past comment from former Attorney General Pam Bondi who stated she had the list on her desk. During a press briefing, Fox News’s Peter Doocy questioned the current press secretary about the discrepancy, prompting a response emphasizing the administration’s exhaustive investigation. The exchange highlights tensions within the MAGA world, with some figures, like Laura Loomer, calling for accountability, while others, including the press secretary, defend the administration’s actions.
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President Trump reignited trade war concerns by threatening Japan and South Korea with 25% duties and additional tariffs on goods from Laos, Myanmar, South Africa, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. These actions, threatened under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, came alongside the extension of a key negotiating deadline to August 1st. The move caused market volatility, reminiscent of earlier disruptions in trade policy. Despite the uncertainty, analysts suggest the impact on stocks may be limited this time, while acknowledging potential setbacks for the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates, given the inflationary concerns from tariffs.
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According to new court filings, the Salvadoran government informed United Nations investigators that the Trump administration retains control over a group of Venezuelan men deported from the U.S. to a controversial prison, directly contradicting prior public statements. Salvadoran authorities stated that the U.S. maintains “jurisdiction and legal responsibility” for the detainees, despite the deportations occurring after a judge’s order to halt the flights. Lawyers for the deportees are using this information to argue against the administration’s claim that they are no longer responsible for the men. The U.S. had previously paid El Salvador to detain the migrants under a controversial agreement, further complicating the legal battles surrounding the deportations.
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A civil grand jury report examining Riverside County’s Registrar of Voters revealed a “serious security breach” during the 2024 election due to bomb threats. While the report found no fraud or malfeasance, it highlighted inadequate emergency procedures for temporary workers during evacuations, noting a lack of evacuation records and missing emergency supplies. The jury recommended improvements in the ballot chain of custody system, suggesting a move to an automated system to enhance security and efficiency, and recommended automation in the signature verification process to streamline vote counting. Despite efforts to improve election security and transparency, the report also pointed out areas for improvement in training and procedure.
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During a press conference, President Trump appeared unaware that the deadline for tariff negotiations had been extended to August, stumbling when asked about the original July 9th deadline. While fielding questions, Trump stated that “tariffs are going to be the tariffs,” but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick corrected him, clarifying that tariffs would go into effect on August 1st. This extension comes despite the White House’s initial promise of completing “90 deals in 90 days” by the July deadline. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank would likely have lowered interest rates if Trump had not announced his tariff plan.
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In a recent press conference, President Trump’s response to a question regarding the timeframe detainees would stay at a new detention center sparked concern due to its apparent disconnect from the question. This incident, along with a series of previous stumbles and gaffes, has ignited renewed discussions about the president’s cognitive abilities. Critics, including psychologists and family members, have voiced concerns, with some suggesting the possibility of cognitive decline and raising questions about his fitness for office. These observations follow Trump’s own past criticisms of former President Biden’s cognitive state.
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President Trump’s executive order on elections faces court challenges, but parts concerning voting system guidelines are proceeding, impacting state and local election officials. The order directs the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to address concerns about machine-readable codes on ballots, potentially requiring revisions to certification standards. This move has prompted concerns from officials like Ohio’s Jeff Rezabek, who faces costly equipment replacement and public doubt about voting integrity. Some counties are already replacing equipment, and the process is expected to be lengthy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Fumbles Simple Tariff Question, Shows Lack of Understanding
During a press conference, President Trump appeared unaware that the deadline for tariff negotiations had been extended to August, stumbling when asked about the original July 9th deadline. While fielding questions, Trump stated that “tariffs are going to be the tariffs,” but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick corrected him, clarifying that tariffs would go into effect on August 1st. This extension comes despite the White House’s initial promise of completing “90 deals in 90 days” by the July deadline. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank would likely have lowered interest rates if Trump had not announced his tariff plan.
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