International Security

Trump Trial Fallout: US Risks Losing Crucial Foreign Intelligence

Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade warns that if Donald Trump’s classified documents case is dropped and he returns to the presidency, key American allies may cease sharing sensitive intelligence. This stems from concerns that Trump’s past handling of classified information, much of it originating from foreign governments, demonstrates a lack of trustworthiness. The potential loss of this crucial intelligence sharing would severely compromise national security. Co-hosts of the #SistersInLaw podcast concur, emphasizing the international ramifications of a potential Trump second term and the impact on foreign intelligence cooperation.

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Senators Demand Musk Russia Probe

Senators Reed and Shaheen expressed serious concerns about Elon Musk’s security clearance and reliability as a government contractor, citing his undisclosed communications with foreign officials, including alleged contacts with a Kremlin official involved in spreading propaganda. Musk’s involvement in Trump’s presidential campaign and diplomatic efforts, alongside his SpaceX’s deep integration into US defense and intelligence, further fueled these concerns. The senators highlighted the potential national security risks posed by these actions, particularly given Russia’s ambitions in space. The letter to the Attorney General and Defense Department Inspector General requests an investigation into these matters.

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Senators Demand Federal Probe into Musk’s Alleged Putin Contacts

Following reports of Elon Musk’s extensive communications with Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, Senators Jack Reed and Jeanne Shaheen have demanded a federal investigation. Their letter to the Attorney General and Defense Department Inspector General raises concerns about Musk’s reliability as a government contractor and security clearance holder, citing potential conflicts of interest and national security risks. The senators highlight Musk’s failure to report these contacts, contrasting his behavior with standard protocols for those with high-level security clearances. This call for investigation follows reports of Russian counter-space weapon development and alleged Kremlin propaganda efforts on Musk’s X platform.

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Democratic Senators Demand Probe into Musk’s Russia Ties

Democratic senators are pushing for a thorough investigation into Elon Musk’s reported communications with Russian officials, citing serious national security concerns. The calls, allegedly involving President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking figures, raise troubling questions about potential compromises in U.S. interests.

This isn’t just about idle speculation; the senators’ concerns are deeply rooted in Musk’s significant involvement with the U.S. government. His companies, particularly SpaceX, hold billions of dollars in government contracts, making his relationships with adversarial nations a matter of extreme gravity. The potential for conflicts of interest is undeniable and requires urgent scrutiny.

The senators’ call for a probe isn’t a mere symbolic gesture; it’s a formal request directed at key agencies including the Pentagon’s inspector general and the U.S.… Continue reading

Democrat Accuses Tulsi Gabbard of Being Russian Asset

Representative Wasserman Schultz vehemently denounced Donald Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, asserting that Gabbard is likely a Russian asset. This assessment stems from Gabbard’s past actions, including clandestine meetings with Syrian President Assad and the propagation of Kremlin-backed disinformation regarding U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine. Wasserman Schultz highlighted Gabbard’s history of meeting with war criminals and violating State Department guidelines as further evidence of her questionable loyalty. The congresswoman expressed grave concern over the potential security risks posed by Gabbard’s access to classified information in such a sensitive role.

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Trump’s Cabinet Picks: Unwavering Loyalty, or Something Worse?

President-elect Trump’s initial Cabinet picks prioritize unwavering loyalty over competence, nominating individuals like Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, despite their glaring lack of relevant experience. John Ratcliffe’s nomination for CIA Director, while less shocking, still raises concerns about politicization of intelligence. These choices, including Kristi Noem and Elise Stefanik, reflect a pattern of rewarding staunch Trump supporters, even at the expense of national security. The Senate’s confirmation votes will be crucial in determining whether these appointments proceed and, if so, how long they remain in power.

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Texas Man Charged with Supporting ISIS: Concerns Raised About Double Standards and Extremism

Anas Said, a 28-year-old Houston resident, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and planning attacks in his city. Federal prosecutors allege that Said offered his home as a safe haven for ISIS members, expressed a desire to replicate the 9/11 attacks, and researched methods for creating explosives and using cellphones as detonators. While Said pleaded not guilty, the government claims he produced videos promoting ISIS and its violence, demonstrating a strong commitment to aiding the organization. If convicted, Said could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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Trump Team Skips FBI Background Checks for Cabinet Picks, Raising Concerns

President-elect Trump’s transition team plans to deviate from the standard FBI background checks for some of his Cabinet picks, opting for private companies instead. This decision stems from a belief that the FBI process is slow and prone to political manipulation. While the president ultimately decides who receives intelligence access, circumventing traditional background checks is a departure from Washington norms. The move reflects Trump’s distrust of the national security establishment and raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding controversial nominees like Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard, who have faced prior investigations and criticism for their stances on foreign policy.

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Trump Refuses to Sign Ethics Agreement for Presidential Transition

President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has yet to sign the necessary agreements with the Biden administration, delaying access to critical information and briefings ahead of his inauguration. This delay is partly due to concerns over a mandatory ethics pledge, required by law, which vows to avoid conflicts of interest upon taking office. The Trump team argues that their priority lies in selecting and vetting candidates for top Cabinet roles. However, experts warn that the failure to engage in the transition process could have severe consequences for national security, as the new administration will not be adequately prepared to govern on Day 1.

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Trump’s Intel Pick Accused of Parroting Russian Propaganda

President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Director of National Intelligence, former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, has been criticized for her past statements and actions. Gabbard, a former Army National Guard soldier with no prior intelligence experience, has been accused of amplifying Russian propaganda and contradicting US intelligence assessments. Her tenure would likely be marked by clashes with government analysts who see Russia as a primary source of disinformation. While Gabbard has defended her positions, her critics cite her previous statements supporting Russia and criticizing US foreign policy as evidence of her lack of qualifications for the role. Her appointment has drawn concern from both Democrats and Republicans, highlighting a potential for controversy and conflict within the intelligence community.

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