Category: Unethical

Tulsi Gabbard, her guru and the mysterious messages that helped shape her political career – The Washington Post

Tulsi Gabbard’s political trajectory has been shaped significantly by her association with Chris Butler, the leader of a Hawaii-based spiritual organization. According to reporting by The Washington Post, Gabbard maintained close ties to Butler and his group throughout her congressional career and into her role as Director of National Intelligence under Trump, raising questions about external influence on her decision-making in sensitive national security positions.

Butler’s organization, which operates with characteristics similar to a cult, exerts considerable control over members’ lives and finances. Gabbard’s deep involvement with the group and Butler’s teachings informed major policy positions she advocated for in Congress, including her foreign policy stances and opposition to military interventions. Former associates and observers have documented how Butler’s ideological framework aligned closely with positions Gabbard publicly promoted, suggesting her independent political identity may have been substantially intertwined with the organization’s philosophy.

During her tenure as Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard’s handling of sensitive intelligence raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and allegiance to Trump over institutional independence. Reports indicated she intervened in standard intelligence protocols in ways that benefited Trump personally, departing from the nonpartisan norms expected of intelligence officials. Her willingness to prioritize Trump’s interests over established intelligence community procedures demonstrated the kind of loyalty expected from those in his inner circle, paralleling the deference she showed to Butler within the spiritual organization.

Gabbard resigned from her position as Director of National Intelligence in June 2026, citing family health reasons. Her departure followed a pattern of concerns about her judgment and independence in the role, with critics and intelligence professionals questioning whether her background and affiliations made her suitable for overseeing the nation’s intelligence agencies. The brevity of her tenure underscored the broader questions about whether individuals with strong ties to charismatic leaders can operate with the independence required in positions of national security responsibility.

The Washington Post’s investigation documents how Gabbard’s relationship with Butler and his organization persisted as a defining influence on her political career, from her congressional service through her appointment to Trump’s administration. The reporting suggests that understanding Gabbard’s actions and positions requires recognizing the role played by external figures and organizations in shaping her worldview and decision-making, casting doubt on claims of complete political autonomy made by her supporters.



(Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/06/21/tulsi-gabbard-her-guru-mysterious-messages-that-helped-shape-her-political-career/) by her supporters.

DOJ Defies Judge’s Oath Demand on Trump Weaponization Fund

The Justice Department defied a federal judge’s order on Friday by refusing to swear under oath that Trump’s nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” is dead. Judge Leonie Brinkema had given the administration a seven-day deadline to declare, under penalty of perjury, that the fund would not proceed. Instead, DOJ attorneys claimed the oath requirement violated “separation of powers,” rejecting the judge’s explicit demand.

The fund, announced in May by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche following a Trump-IRS settlement, was designed to compensate individuals claiming “weaponization and lawfare” by the federal government. Lawmakers and watchdogs immediately flagged that the $1.776 billion would likely flow to Trump’s political allies and supporters, with no genuine safeguards against partisan abuse. After public backlash, Blanche told House lawmakers in June the fund was “not moving forward, ever,” yet the administration has continued to dodge court accountability through written oath.

Democracy Forward, representing plaintiffs challenging the fund, characterized the DOJ’s filing as proof of evasion. “It is telling that even after the federal court gave them a week, the Acting Attorney General and other senior administration officials continue to refuse to say under oath that the Slush Fund is dead,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of the organization. The DOJ’s refusal to commit in writing contradicts its public assurances and signals the fund’s legal status remains unresolved despite official denials.

DOJ counsel Andrew Block argued that prior statements by administration officials, made “against the backdrop of serious penalties for falsity,” should satisfy the court without formal sworn declarations. However, his assertion that penalties alone substitute for testimony under oath undercuts the judicial authority to enforce compliance and verify executive accountability. Trump previously attacked media coverage of his abandoned anti-weaponization fund during an Oval Office press session, indicating the administration’s sensitivity to scrutiny of the scheme.

Federal courts were closed Friday for Juneteenth, with Judge Brinkema unlikely to respond before Monday. The administration’s defiance of the judge’s direct order exemplifies Trump’s broader pattern of disregarding judicial oversight and refusing transparent accountability for executive action, particularly regarding funds that would have redistributed billions toward his political base.



(Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/5932296-doj-snubs-judge-weaponization-fund/?fbclid=IwdGRleASjHeNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe0RHlZAtCTd-K1VzzDlsNgkPiPV2ofZ6eegFe9bcVc_HCWwpiOljhMudJL5w_aem_qnM_3Nm8oGzpkfnt_vuGDw)

Trump’s Plan to Meet With AI Companies Was News to AI Companies – NOTUS — News of the United States

President Donald Trump announced Friday he had scheduled a meeting with major artificial intelligence companies to discuss the government acquiring equity stakes in their firms. The announcement blindsided the companies themselves, who learned of the purported meeting only through Trump’s comments to reporters on Air Force One, according to three sources familiar with private deliberations. As of Monday afternoon, the White House had provided no details about timing or location for the supposed meeting.

Trump stated he would meet with “all of the companies” to discuss how “the American people can benefit from the success of AI” through government ownership of “pieces” of their businesses. However, leading AI firms including OpenAI, Anthropic, SpaceX, and Google declined to confirm any scheduled meeting or prior coordination with the administration. The companies’ surprise at Trump’s public announcement underscores his pattern of using press statements to announce policy positions without advance notification to affected parties.

The proposal to nationalize equity in major AI companies would constitute one of the most consequential federal interventions in the private sector in modern history, forcing firms to forfeit billions in company value and creating novel legal and regulatory complications. Trump has already moved to claim equity stakes across American corporations, including a 10% share of Intel, and has signaled intent to execute similar deals. The AI companies face pressure to comply, as they depend on federal government support for logistics and regulatory matters, making direct confrontation with Trump administratively costly.

Internal disagreement exists within the tech industry about the nationalization proposal. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pitched the idea to Trump in early 2025 and discussed it again with senior officials recently. However, Anthropic, now valued at $900 billion as the world’s most valuable AI company, had not yet engaged in such discussions as of last week. David Sacks, Trump’s former AI czar, publicly opposed the plan, warning that government ownership would accelerate “corporate-government fusion” and risk establishing “a CCP-style social credit system in the U.S.”

Trump’s unannounced equity nationalization scheme demonstrates his authoritarian approach to governing, using public pressure and coercive threats rather than legitimate negotiation. By announcing policy to the press before consulting affected companies, Trump forced firms into a position where resistance becomes publicly visible and administratively risky. The schem(Source: https://www.notus.org/technology/trump-blindsided-ai-companies-equity-meeting-plan)e consolidates Trump’s control over critical technology sectors essential to national defense and economic competition, embodying his drive toward state control of private enterprise.

‘Some homework to do’: Trump appointees vote to address gaps in arch plan in heated meeting – ABC News

Trump’s National Capital Planning Commission, stacked with his appointees, voted Thursday to conditionally advance a 250-foot “triumphal arch” project near Arlington National Cemetery, but only after staff identified significant gaps requiring the administration to provide additional details before final approval. Commission Chair Will Scharf, Trump’s White House staff secretary, acknowledged the project team has “homework to do,” requesting more renderings and technical information on lighting, stormwater management, materials, and height justification under the Height of Buildings Act. Despite Trump immediately claiming approval on social media, Scharf clarified the vote was not final and will return for further review.

The commission received 1,696 public comments before the hearing, nearly all opposing the project as a vanity structure inconsistent with American values. Veterans including Gary Langston and Marine Jimi Shaughnessy testified that the arch would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery and cast literal and figurative shadows over sacred ground where their families rest. Langston warned the design contains “elements that I fear won’t stand the test of time,” while Shaughnessy called the 250-foot structure “a profound disruption and insult at the entrance to sacred ground” and “a momentous symbol of selfishness.”

Commission staff, though outnumbered by Trump loyalists, raised critical unresolved issues including pedestrian safety, potential interference with Reagan National Airport flight paths, and obstruction of cemetery views. Jamie Herr, the commission’s urban planner, stated the submission lacks essential information and noted the administration must provide “necessary elements for the commission to review as the design advances.” Jessica Bowron, representing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, supported the staff recommendations and pledged to provide the requested additional information.

The vote to accept staff concerns passed 9-1, with only Evan Cash, representing D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, voting no on grounds that the administration cannot answer the “fundamental question about why this project belongs in this place.” Cash’s dissent highlighted the threshold issue: whether Trump’s triumphal arch near Arlington serves any purpose beyond personal aggrandizement, part of a broader pattern of Trump spending millions to gild and renovate Washington monuments while bypassing normal oversight processes.(Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/homework-trump-appointees-vote-address-gaps-arch-plan/story?id=133600719)

HHS Employees Now Being Measured By Loyalty To Trump’s Policies | HuffPost Latest News

The Trump administration has implemented a new performance metric at the Department of Health and Human Services requiring tens of thousands of employees to demonstrate they "clearly and demonstrably support implementation" of Trump's policy agenda as a "critical element" of their annual reviews. The requirement, titled "Faithful Support of Administration of the Law and the President's Policies," mandates that Senior Professionals prove loyalty to Trump's specific policy priorities through measurable results aligned with his agenda, fundamentally inverting the merit-based civil service system designed to serve the public rather than any individual.

Federal employees are statutorily required to serve the government and public interest, not pledge allegiance to any president's policies. HHS workers report the requirement creates fear and coercion, with one employee stating employees must "go along to get along" or face termination, effectively forcing compliance under threat of job loss. The Office of Personnel Management directed all federal agencies to adopt similar language following Trump's January executive order "Restoring Accountability for Career Senior Executives," making this loyalty assessment government-wide policy.

The mandate threatens the independence of HHS's Office of the Inspector General, which operates independently to identify waste, fraud, and abuse across the department. Employees in this office now face a direct conflict between the loyalty requirement and their legal mandate to expose wrongdoing, regardless of whether it implicates Trump administration policies. Trump terminated all 18 inspectors general across federal agencies within weeks of taking office, and this new performance standard consolidates his control by subordinating their investigative function to political loyalty.

Stanford presidential scholar Terry Moe identified the requirement as part of Trump's systematic assault on the administrative state, stating the administration aims to replace merit-based civil servants with loyalists throughout the executive branch. Moe emphasized this policy "flies in the face of the entire foundation of civil service, which is merit." The requirement transforms federal workers into political operatives bound to advance Trump's agenda rather than neutral administrators applying law and expertise to serve citizens.

HHS employees remain under additional pressure from ongoing government shutdown furloughs and widespread job uncertainty as Trump carries out sweeping workforce cuts. One employee expressed the cascading effect: the loyalty requirement compounds existing morale collapse, with staff unable to predict or prepare for daily directives while fearing retaliation for dissent. The policy structurally eliminates the ability of federal workers to voice concerns or apply professional judgment independent of Trump's political priorities.

(Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hhs-employees-trump-loyalty-performance-reviews_n_68ffa3b7e4b0ebfddfbaf88c)

Trump promotes $55 America’s 250th birthday hats during Cabinet meeting | The Independent

During a Cabinet meeting Wednesday, Trump distributed $55 hats celebrating America's 250th anniversary to officials seated at the table, each accompanied by a presidential challenge coin that Trump signed. The hats, sold through the Trump Store, feature Mount Rushmore, a bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, and the Liberty Bell, and represent the latest instance of Trump converting his office into a direct profit engine for his family business.

Since taking office, the Trump Store has launched over 600 products, generating unprecedented revenue streams for the president. According to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, this level of monetization of the presidency exceeds even Trump's first term. Forbes reports Trump has accumulated at least $1.4 billion since taking office, with his net worth reaching approximately $6.5 billion as of March 2026, nearly triple his 2024 valuation, largely driven by his family's World Liberty Financial crypto venture.

At the same meeting, Trump dismissed concerns about the unpopularity of his Iran war affecting midterm elections, stating "I don't care about the midterms" while asserting the military action was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin characterized a protest and hunger strike at an ICE detention facility, where Democratic Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed Monday, as evidence of "radical left Democrats' priorities," claiming detainees were demanding "ethnic right food" rather than addressing substantive conditions.

The Cabinet meeting merchandise display exemplifies Trump's systematic conversion of government functions into commercial opportunities. Each official received items directly from Trump's profit-generating enterprises, blurring the constitutional separation between executive duties and personal business interests in a manner that normalizes using official government events for private commercial gain.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-america-250-birthday-hats-cabinet-b2985330.html?fbclid=IwVERFWASGeLdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeHxeBE3qOEc8SgB1D0fRIsOq7l6JAyqWgPxJLrL7tSHS9JFVfAxuukdABwQc_aem_nPU8D61r8JwIu17qXpj_3w)

Trump Tells Security Not to Harm Rally Protestor For “Legal” Reasons

President Donald Trump held a rally in Rockland County, New York, on Friday for Rep. Mike Lawler, where security removed two hecklers from the crowd. Trump characterized the interruptions as rare, stating it was "the first time it's happened in a long time," and claimed that protesters at his rallies had learned such disruptions were "dangerous" and stopped occurring after his initial months in office.

When security rapidly removed the second protester, Trump publicly instructed his security detail not to harm the individual, stating "Don't hurt him! Don't hurt him! Don't hurt him — I do that for legal reasons!" He then claimed this instruction allowed him to say "I'm innocent," framing his vocal concern for a protester's safety as legal protection for himself rather than genuine concern for the person's welfare.

Trump's explicit invocation of "legal reasons" for publicly demanding restraint reveals the transactional nature of his statements. His framing transforms a basic instruction against assault into a self-protective legal maneuver, suggesting that public declarations of non-violence serve his legal defense rather than reflecting actual values or policy.

This moment contrasts sharply with Trump's 2016 rhetoric at another rally, when he stated about a protester: "The guards are being very gentle with him. I'd like to punch him in the face, I'll tell you that." The shift from openly expressing violent desires to publicly demanding restraint for legal cover illustrates how Trump deploys rhetoric strategically to manage legal exposure while maintaining his aggressive stance toward opponents and critics.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/dont-hurt-him-trump-quips-he-tells-security-not-to-harm-rally-protestors-for-legal-reasons/)

Trump Posts Memes Attacking Obama as ‘Traitor,’ Powell Dumped

President Donald Trump posted memes on Truth Social attacking former President Barack Obama and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Monday afternoon. The first meme displayed Trump with a raised fist alongside images of former President Joe Biden kneeling in a mask and Obama bowing, captioned "LEADERS LEAD," "COWARDS KNEEL," and "TRAITORS BOW" respectively. Trump's attack on Obama referenced his longstanding criticism of the Iran nuclear deal, which Trump terminated, and falsely claimed that without its termination "you would have had a nuclear holocaust."

Trump's second post featured an artificially generated image of Powell being dropped into a dumpster, captioned "'Too Late' is a DISASTER for America! Interest Rates too high!" Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell for not lowering interest rates according to Trump's demands and for spending over $4 billion on Federal Reserve building renovations, approximately $1.5 billion above the projected cost. Trump announced last year his intention to sue Powell over the renovation expenses.

The Justice Department launched a criminal investigation into Powell weeks after Trump's lawsuit threat, which Powell characterized as retaliation for refusing to comply with Trump's pressure to lower rates. The DOJ dropped the investigation last week, yet U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated on Sunday that she has not fully closed the matter and may pursue further investigation into Powell. This pattern reflects Trump's systematic weaponization of federal law enforcement against political adversaries who resist his directives, as documented in prior reporting on Pirro's investigation into Powell.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-posts-bonkers-memes-slamming-political-foes-from-traitor-obama-to-powell-in-a-dumpster/)

Trump shares another bizarre AI image with Cabinet members in bathing suits | The Independent

Trump posted AI-generated images on Truth Social Friday depicting himself, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum shirtless in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The images circulated as the pool undergoes a $1.5 million renovation ordered by Trump and overseen by Burgum, aimed at repairing leaks and applying a new “American flag blue” coating before the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4.

Trump has weaponized criticism of the landmark’s previous condition to justify the renovation, falsely attributing maintenance failures to the previous administration. The project represents Trump’s pattern of using federal resources and monuments to advance his personal political brand and self-aggrandizement.

On the same day Trump posted the AI images, the Reflecting Pool renovation site was vandalized with “86 47” spray-painted graffiti under investigation by U.S. Park Police. Republicans have interpreted the number “86” as a coded threat against Trump, comparing it to the recent indictment of James Comey for a social media post containing “8647,” demonstrating how Trump supporters conflate unrelated incidents to amplify victimhood narratives.

Trump’s distribution of fabricated images depicting government officials in demeaning scenarios violates norms of presidential conduct and demonstrates his abuse of Truth Social to disseminate disinformation for ent(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-ai-photo-jd-vance-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-b2969540.html)ertainment and self-promotion. The bizarre nature of the content underscores Trump’s contempt for the dignity of office and serious governance.

Ellison Hosts Trump Dinner as Paramount Seeks Merger Approval

David Ellison, billionaire head of Paramount, hosted a private dinner at the U.S. Institute of Peace on Thursday to honor President Trump and senior administration officials, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who oversees the Justice Department’s antitrust review of Paramount’s pending $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The event featured CBS News executives and journalists, including Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, who sat at Trump’s table alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller, and the First Lady.

The dinner created immediate conflict within CBS’s newsroom. Multiple journalists expressed concern that Paramount was hosting an event designed to honor politicians whom CBS News is tasked with covering objectively, particularly while the company awaits federal regulatory approval for its massive media merger. CBS staff said the event risked creating a perception of inappropriate closeness between the news division and the Trump administration at a critical moment for the deal’s fate.

Bari Weiss, the network’s editor-in-chief, has drawn criticism for potentially shifting CBS News coverage toward Trump-friendly editorial directions. Trump has given mixed reviews of CBS under Ellison’s ownership, praising some moves while harshly attacking “60 Minutes” reports he deemed unfair. Meanwhile, Trump has publicly demanded CNN be sold as part of discussions about the Warner Bros. merger, effectively endorsing Ellison’s acquisition strategy.

Paramount’s chief legal officer, Makan Delrahim, also attended and sat with Trump, positioning the company’s leadership directly before the president who benefits from regulatory approval. Paramount beat Netflix in February to secure the Warner Bros. deal, which would place CNN and HBO under Ellison’s control, fundamentally reshaping the American media landscape. Shareholders approved the sale this week, but the Justice Department must still authorize the transaction.

Several dozen protesters gathered outside the Institute of Peace on Thursday opposing the merger. CBS News declined to comment on the event, the White House did not respond to requests for comment, and Paramount also refused to address the controversy. Trump is scheduled to speak at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, where CBS News will host administration officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/24/business/media/david-ellison-trump-cbs-news.html)

1 2 3 … 12