New DOJ task force to examine Tulsi Gabbard’s absurd ‘treason’ allegations

The director of national intelligence's "treasonous conspiracy" claims are nonsense. So why did the Justice Department create a task force to review them?

July 24, 2025, 8:42 AM EDT By Steve BenenMSMNBC has chosen their hill to die on. They will never stop lying, they are soulless

It’s been nearly a week since Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a bizarre report that alleged that Donald Trump’s Russia scandal was the result of a “treasonous conspiracy” by Democrats, and the political world has quickly reached an uncomfortable equilibrium.

On the one hand,everyone who’s seriously examined the DNI’s findings quickly came to realize that her document has been discredited, with independent analyses characterizing Gabbard’s report as “ludicrous.” On the other hand, the incumbent president, his team and his partisan allies — desperate to both rewrite an embarrassing historyand distract attention from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal— are determined to play make-believe, pretending that Barack Obama and other Democrats really were responsible for some kind of seditious “coup,” reality be damned.

With this in mind,every day this week has been basically the same: Gabbard keeps shoveling obvious garbage; independent fact-checkers and objective analyses keep proving her wrong; and Trump and his aligned partisans keep trumpeting nonsense as if it were real. Rinse, lather, repeat.

The equilibrium, however, is not permanent.

On Capitol Hill, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas now want a special counsel to investigate the Obama administration’s actions, which is every bit as bonkers as it seems. A day earlier, the Justice Department also threw off the balance a bit by adding something new to the scales. The New York Times reported:

The Justice Department announced on Wednesdaythe formation of a task force to look into unsubstantiated allegations by President Trumpthat President Barack Obama and his aides ordered an investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign’s connections to Russia to destroy Mr. Trump.

The move didn’t come with great fanfare— there was, for example, no press conference or public event announcing the launch — but the DOJ did issue a written statement alerting the public to “the formation of a Strike Force” that will examine Gabbard’s preposterous allegations.

Members of this “strike force” will, the statement added, “investigate potential next legal steps which might stem from DNI Gabbard’s disclosures.”

“The Department of Justice is proud to work with my friend Director Gabbard and we are grateful for her partnership in delivering accountability for the American people,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in the written statement. “We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice.”

The same document added that the Justice Department “takes alleged weaponization of the intelligence community with the utmost seriousness,” which seemed rather ironic given the degree to which the director of national intelligence is obviously weaponizing the intelligence community.

Time will tell, of course, what, if anything, comes of the new “strike force.” Indeed, MAGA activists who heard about this and got their hopes up might want to temper their expectations: DOJ lawyers know that while outlandish claims might help generate misguided reports in conservative media, they can’t bring those same claims to a courtroom or a grand jury and expect to succeed.

Nevertheless, the mere existence of this “strike force” is ridiculous, and a reminder of a larger concern: Just because the Trump administration is trying to use this absurdity to distract attention from the Epstein scandal doesn’t mean nothing will happen. Or as Charlie Sykes summarized during an appearance on MSNBC around this time four years ago, “A clown with a flamethrower still has a flamethrower.”

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/new-doj-task-force-examine-tulsi-gabbards-absurd-treason-allegations-rcna220757

America First Legal

@America1stLegal

WRECKED.

Hirono: Has any court said that DEI is unconstitutional? Yes or no?

Hamilton:Yes.

Hirono:Which court?

Hamilton:The United States Supreme Court.

Hirono:I disagree with you…

Hamilton:You can go read it yourself.

🔥🔥🔥

I always suspected she didn’t have a brain

https://x.com/America1stLegal/status/1948173062911984053

Jul 24, 2025

Governor Newsom statement on the Ninth Circuit striking down one of California’s pivotal voter-approved gun safety laws

Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuitstriking down California’s ammunition background check law, which was passed by voters in 2016:

Strong gun laws save lives – and today’s decision is a slap in the face to the progress California has made in recent years to keep its communities safer from gun violence. Californians voted to require background checks on ammunition and their voices should matter.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Most major polls show overwhelming bipartisan support for universal background checks and other gun safety measures, with support typically ranging from 85% to 90%. A 2023 Fox News poll found that 87% of American voters back criminal background checks for all gun buyers. In California, voters approved background checks for ammunition purchases in 2016 by a 63% to 36% margin.

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/07/24/governor-newsom-statement-on-the-ninth-circuit-striking-down-one-of-californias-pivotal-voter-approved-gun-safety-laws/

They Never Stop Lying

Waltz nomination overcomes Rand Paul hurdle

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) helped advance him out of committee Thursday. Jordain Carney and Eric Bazail-Eimil 07/24/2025

Mike Waltz’s nomination to serve as UN ambassador has cleared a key hurdle, after Senate Foreign Relations Committee Republicans found a way to overcome a blockade from one of their own members.

The panel voted 12-10 to advance the nomination Thursday, with ranking member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) siding with GOP members to overcome opposition from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) that had derailed committee plans to vote on Waltz the day before.

Paul told members of the panel that he was willing to help move Waltz out of committee with no recommendation, instead of favorably. Other Republicans on the committee, however, were loath to go that route, because it would be viewed as a blemish on Waltz’s record.

Waltz is already under scrutiny for using an insecure messaging platform to discuss war plans, which cost him his job as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser earlier this year.

Shaheen agreed to vote in favor of Waltz to allow Republicans to move forward with a favorable recommendation — a sign of bipartisan goodwill toward Chair Jim Risch (R-Idaho) but not to be construed, said the Democratic lawmaker, as meaning she’d necessarily vote for Waltz’s confirmation.

She said Thursday she disagrees with some of Waltz’s positions, but she would support him in committee because he “represents a moderating force within the administration.” She elaborated in a subsequent statement how Waltz has challenged administration officials who would prefer to exercise a more restrained U.S. foreign policy posture around the world.

“That said,” Shaheen said during the Thursday markup, “I do intend to hold him accountable through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s oversight role.”

Shaheen also said the Trump administration had committed to distributing $75 million in “life saving” global assistance.

Waltz was removed as national security adviser in May following reports that he added the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to a Signal chat with top administration officials, where sensitive attack plans to strike Houthi militants were shared by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Democrats at his confirmation hearing slammed Waltz for claiming no classified information was sent in the chat and for his misleading claims about how Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg was added to the chat.

Waltz, a former House Republican lawmaker from Florida who had been a Trump campaign national security surrogate, had already rankled other top administration officials and allies, including chief of staff Susie Wiles and far-right activist Laura Loomer.

Paul’s decision to seek to briefly derail Waltz’s nomination defied expectations of a full Republican embrace of Trump’s pick to be U.N. ambassador. It also suggests that some corners of the GOP are still very unhappy with the aftermath of the Signalgate scandal and the administration’s hawkish direction on many foreign policy matters to date.

(Who’s idea was it to put him in the UN, he’s in with a lot of vipers, like he is.)

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/07/24/congress/waltz-nomination-overcomes-rand-paul-hurdle-00474459

25 Jul, 2025 16:39

US ready to buy Ukrainian drones – Zelensky

Ukraine’s leader has announced a tentative $10–30 billion deal with Washington, while also calling for more Western funding

The US hasreportedly agreedto buy combat drones from Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky announced on Thursday, stating that the deal could be worth up to $30 billion.

Speaking at a press conference in Kiev,Zelensky said he had reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump and had instructed his ministers to prepare an agreement.

“With Trump, we agreed that the US will buy drones from us,” he told reporters, adding that a contract worth $10–30 billion is now being drafted.

Earlier this month, Zelensky said that he had discussed a “mega deal” on drone procurement with Trump. According to the New York Post, American defense officials have warned that US drone technology lags behind that of Russia and China, prompting efforts to accelerate purchase and development.

In announcing the potential export deal, Zelensky also mentioned that Kiev urgently needs funding to cover its budget shortfalls. “Forty billion [is needed] for the deficit, 25 for drones, missiles, electronic warfare.That’s already 65 billion,” he said, adding that he has already asked for these funds from multiple European leaders and institutions.

Zelensky also insisted that the West pay the salaries of Ukrainian servicemen. He noted that so far, European donors have refused to cover wages, funding only weapons. However, pay for Kiev’s soldiers should be included as well, he argued, because they are “weapons.”

The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come as the US has significantly scaled back direct financial aid. Trump has stressed that further assistance to Ukraine “will be a business for us,” specifically saying that the US would no longer be paying for Patriot air defense systems, which will instead be funded by the EU and European NATO members.

Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western financing of Ukraine, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova arguing that paying for its weapons amounts to funding the “death” of the country.

https://www.rt.com/russia/622001-zelensky-us-ukraine-drone-deal/

(I hope to God, Zelensky is lying his ass off. Who would have approved that?)

25 Jul, 2025 13:58

EU citizens see political corruption as the norm – survey

A Eurobarometer poll has found that more than half of the bloc’s population believes bribery is prevalent among political parties

Across the European Union, 69% of citizens believe that corruption is widespread in their country, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published this week.

Despite efforts by the bloc’s authorities,more than half of EU citizens do not believe anti-corruption measures are effectiveand doubt their impartiality, according to the poll; 51% say the problem is prevalent among political parties.

Distrust was particularly high in Greece, Croatia and Portugal, where perceptions of widespread corruption were also the most common. Greece reported the highest rate at 97%, followed by Croatia at 92% and Portugal at 91%. At the opposite end of the scale, Finland and Denmark recorded the lowest levels, at 21% and 28%, respectively. The most notable increases since 2024 were observed in Luxembourg, up nine percentage points, and Ireland, up six points, the report said.

Among respondents, 80% say it is never acceptable to give money to public services for a favor, with Portugal (98%), France (90%), and Spain (90%) leading that view. Over 70% oppose doing favors in exchange, while only 5% believe it is always acceptable. Roughly three‑quarters say giving gifts to get services is never acceptable. Older respondents, aged 55 and over, are more likely than younger ones to reject corruption.

The survey also explores perceptions of corruption by institution and region.More than half believe corruption is common among political parties, and 46% say it’s widespread among politicians at all levels.

Two‑thirds of EU citizens say high‑level corruption cases are not pursued sufficiently, and more than half consider government anti‑corruption efforts ineffective. Nearly half doubt that measures are applied impartially.

Only 5% of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing corruption in the past 12 months, and just one in five of them filed a report. In addition, fewer than half of those surveyed know where to report corruption cases. The survey also shows that men are more likely than women to personally know someone involved in bribery.

https://www.rt.com/news/621972-eu-corruption-survey/

Ghislaine Maxwell’s Lawyer Says His Client Discussed ‘100 different people’ During Interview with DAG Todd Blanche

July 25, 2025 | Sundance |

The New York Post is sharing statements from Ghislaine Maxwell’s attorney following a second day of DOJ interviews with his client.

However, I would be very cautious with anything said by Ms. Maxwell or her attorney David Oscar Markus.Both are prone to sensationalism as a legal strategy.

(NYP) – Notorious sex criminal Ghislaine Maxwell answered questions from Justice Department officials about “100 different people” linked to late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, an attorney for the disgraced socialite claimed Friday following two days of questioning led by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

David Oscar Markus told reporters that his client, currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges in December 2021,was “asked about every possible thing you could imagine – everything.”

“This was the first opportunity she’s ever been given to answer questions about what happened,” Markus added. “The truth will come out about what happened with Mr. Epstein and she’s the person who’s answering those questions.”

(more…)

Blanche had “every single question” answered during the sitdown, Maxwell’s attorney also said, with the British-born convict declining to plead the Fifth Amendment. (read more)

Remember, Ms Maxwell was factually convicted for her role in sex trafficking of minors specifically for the benefit of her employer, Jeffrey Epstein. Her current incarceration applies to her criminal conduct on behalf of her boss, Mr. Epstein.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2025/07/25/ghislaine-maxwells-lawyer-says-his-client-discussed-100-different-people-during-interview-with-dag-todd-blanche/

25 Jul, 2025 14:26

US-made microchips come at a cost – AMD CEO

The leading processor manufacturer has identified a key problem with Washington’s plan to rely on home-made tech

Microchips manufactured in the US cost as much as 20% more than the equivalent produced in Taiwan, according Lisa Su, CEO of US tech giant AMD, a leading buyer of the products.

Washington has been pushing to boost domestic manufacturing of advanced semiconductors as part of its great power competition with Beijing. Access to such chips has emerged as a key battleground. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), pinned between the conflicting economic and geopolitical interests, announced it would shift some manufacturing to Arizona in 2020.

Speaking at an artificial intelligence conference in Washington on Wednesday, AMD CEO said the chip cost difference was “more than 5% but less than 20%.” However, in an interview with Bloomberg Television, she described the premium as worthwhile.

“We have to consider resiliency in the supply chain,” Su said. “We learned that in the pandemic.”

In 2022, then President Joe Biden signed legislation that allocated $280 billion to boost US domestic semiconductor production. More recently, AMD and President Donald Trump announced plans for $100 billion in new investments to build five additional chip fabrication plants on American soil.

However, TSMC said its production in the US has faced challenges, including high construction costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and logistical hurdles.

The Trump administration has also imposed export controls on high-end chips, particularly those used in artificial intelligence, in a bid to curb China’s access to the most advanced technology. The restrictions have prompted Beijing to accelerate its own domestic chip development programs.

Taiwan has been self-governed since the end of China’s civil war in the 1940s, when nationalist forces retreated to the island. Beijing views the territory, under a US-backed government, as an inalienable part of China. The Chinese government has said it seeks peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but has repeatedly warned it would use force if Taipei declares formal independence.

Taiwan’s rapid industrialization in the 1970s, driven by low labor costs and foreign investment, helped pave the way for its semiconductor dominance. TSMC was founded in 1987 as part of that broader strategy to move into advanced manufacturing.

https://www.rt.com/business/621986-amd-computer-chips-arizona/