A leading US government agency tasked with tracking foreign disinformation has ceased operations. The State Department announced the closure on Tuesday, attributing the agency’s demise to Congress’s failure to renew its funding. This decision follows years of sustained Republican criticism of the agency’s work and effectiveness.
The termination of this crucial agency raises significant concerns about the nation’s ability to counter foreign interference in domestic affairs. The lack of continued funding signals a troubling shift in priorities, particularly given the ongoing prevalence of disinformation campaigns originating from hostile foreign actors. This gap leaves a critical vulnerability in national security, allowing sophisticated disinformation efforts to continue relatively unchecked.… Continue reading
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s handling of a large, controversial government funding bill has jeopardized his chances of reelection. Three anonymous House Republicans expressed their loss of confidence, citing the bill’s unwieldy size and inclusion of unnecessary provisions. His future hinges on the support of President-elect Trump, whose endorsement is considered crucial but uncertain. Even with Trump’s backing, regaining the trust of his colleagues before the January Speaker’s election is deemed highly improbable, with at least one Republican already publicly declaring their opposition.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson’s position is threatened by Republican dissent over his handling of recent government funding legislation. Concerns exist that a protracted speaker election battle could delay the January 6th certification of President-elect Trump’s victory. Johnson’s allies are urging Trump to publicly reaffirm his support to prevent this scenario. While Trump has expressed confidence in Johnson’s ability to remain speaker, his lack of explicit public support fuels uncertainty. The outcome of the January 3rd speaker vote remains crucial for the timely transition of power.
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A House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated House rules and state laws, including those related to sexual misconduct and drug use. The report details allegations of payments to numerous women for sex, including a minor, and extensive illicit drug use, citing witness testimony, text messages, and financial records. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress before the report’s release, denies the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated. The report also alleges Gaetz accepted impermissible gifts and obstructed the investigation, though the Department of Justice previously declined to file federal charges.
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The House Ethics Committee’s report details substantial evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated House rules and state laws, including potentially statutory rape, through payments to women for sex and drug use on at least 20 occasions. The investigation, which included examining financial transactions and witness testimonies, focused on Gaetz’s interactions with multiple women, including a 17-year-old, and a Bahamas trip where he engaged in sexual activity and drug use. Despite Gaetz’s denial of wrongdoing and unsuccessful legal challenge to block the report’s release, the committee concluded he violated House rules and Florida state law. While the Department of Justice did not file federal charges, the report’s release has significant political implications.
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In short, Elon Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s AfD party, a far-right ethnonationalist group with neo-Nazi ties, has sparked significant controversy. The AfD promotes a vision of Germany that is exclusionary towards immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, and its rise in popularity is fueling concerns about the country’s political future. Criticism of Musk’s action has been widespread, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighting the right to free speech while also condemning the endorsement’s harmful implications. Both U.S. conservatives and liberals have voiced strong opposition, citing the party’s dangerous ideology and historical connections.
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A House Ethics Committee report details accusations that Representative Matt Gaetz, while in office, engaged in illicit sexual activity, including paying for sex with a minor, and used illicit drugs. The bipartisan investigation, spanning nearly five years, uncovered substantial evidence supporting these claims, along with violations of House rules regarding gifts and obstruction of Congress. Gaetz denies all allegations and filed a lawsuit to block the report’s release, arguing it contains defamatory information and exceeds the committee’s jurisdiction. The report’s release is unusual, given Gaetz’s resignation, but follows a narrow vote allowing its publication despite significant Republican opposition.
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A House Ethics Committee draft report reveals substantial evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated House rules and standards of conduct. The report alleges Gaetz paid for sex with multiple women, including a 17-year-old, used illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy, and misused his office to procure marijuana. These actions, spanning from 2017 to 2020, involved tens of thousands of dollars in payments and included alleged drug-fueled parties, one of which involved sexual acts with a minor in the presence of others. Despite Gaetz’s denials and a lawsuit to block the report’s release, the committee found sufficient evidence to support its findings.
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At a recent rally, Donald Trump reiterated his controversial “Hannibal Lecter” immigration analogy, claiming it secured votes. He also vowed to investigate the purported rise in autism diagnoses, echoing debunked claims linking vaccines to the condition, alongside his nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Furthermore, Trump pledged to end policies supporting transgender rights, including banning transgender individuals from the military and schools. Finally, he dismissed concerns about Elon Musk’s influence, citing Musk’s ineligibility to run for president due to his birthplace.
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The House Ethics Committee will release its report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz on Monday, following a bipartisan vote. The report investigates numerous allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, drug use, and campaign finance violations. Gaetz denies wrongdoing, but the report’s findings could significantly impact his political future and public perception, especially given his planned media career and potential future roles in a Trump administration. The report’s release comes after a previous DOJ investigation concluded without charges and despite prior Republican efforts to block its public disclosure.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker