TruthArchive.ai - Tweets Saved By @simonateba
reSee.it AI Summary
I was taken aback to hear Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, reveal on MSNBC that Trump officials shared detailed military operation plans in a Signal chat. He described reading a real-time account that included targets, timings, and even weather forecasts, just hours before U.S. strikes in Yemen. Goldberg questioned the nature of sharing such sensitive information through a commercial app, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - SHOCKING: The Atlantic Editor Says Trump Officials Shared “Minute-by-Minute War Plans” in Signal Chat Before Yemen Strikes Jeffrey Goldberg (@JeffreyGoldberg), Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) that he was stunned to find himself reading “minute-by-minute accounting” of a U.S. military operation — complete with targets, timing, weapons systems, and even weather forecasts — in a Signal chat with Trump’s national security team. Goldberg says the highly classified CENTCOM plan was shared in real time with civilian leaders via a commercial app, just hours before American strikes hit Yemen. “It wasn’t a war plan?” he asked rhetorically.
Video Transcript AI Summary
The speaker claims to have read detailed plans of an upcoming military operation organized by CENTCOM, including the timing of the attack, specific targets (including human targets), weapons systems, and weather reports. This information was allegedly shared on an unclassified commercial messaging app with civilian leaders, including the Secretary of the Treasury. The speaker questions why such individuals would need to know the precise attack sequence. The speaker expresses concern about the unserious nature of sharing such sensitive information in this manner and suggests the Secretary of Defense is deflecting from their participation in the conversation. The speaker notes that the Houthis were not yet aware of the plan when the speaker read it.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Talking about a deceitful and highly discredited so called journalist who's made a profession of peddling hoaxes time and time again. Nobody was texting war plans, and that's all I have to say about that.
Speaker 1: I I don't expect you're gonna respond to every aspect of that, but nobody was texting war plans. I again, you have extensive reporting. Anybody can read it. What is your reaction to that?
Speaker 2: Look. I'm gonna be responsible here and not disclose the things that I read and saw. I will describe them to you. The specific time of a future attack, specific targets, human targets, meant to be killed in that attack, weapons systems, even even weather reports or, you know, that the government is is I don't know why Hexap was sharing it with everybody. I mean, the the precise detail of and then and then a long section on sequencing, this is gonna happen, then that is gonna happen.
After that happens, this happens, then that happens. And then we go and find out if it worked. I mean, you know, he he can say that it wasn't a war plan, but it was a it was a minute by minute accounting of what was about to happen organized by CENTCOM, central command, which is the the the the military oversight group of The Middle East, the broader Middle East. This is their plan. And he was taking their plan and sharing it with a bunch of civilian leaders.
It's interesting because as I'm reading it at 11:44AM on Saturday morning, the fifteenth
Speaker 1: Mhmm.
Speaker 2: Seeing that the the Houthis are not gonna know about this for another couple hours.
Speaker 1: And you know about
Speaker 2: it. Well, what I know about it and I'm thinking myself I mean, honestly, I'm thinking to myself, well, I'm glad that Mike Waltz didn't invite a Houthi into the group or a or a Russian spy or a or an adversary of The United States. But put that put that aside. I'm reading this and I'm wondering, not only why am I reading this, but why would the secretary of the treasury need to know the precise attack sequence of this upcoming operation. Again, I don't want to talk about weapons systems, packages, targets in any specificity because I just I'm trying to be I want to be a responsible person, and I'm more interested in the decision making anyway than I am in the actual technical details of it.
But the whole thing is just very flummoxing to me because I haven't seen this kind of unserious behavior before. And the Secretary of Defense, all due respect, in that presentation seems like a person who's unserious and is trying to deflect from the fact that he participated in conversation on an unclassified commercial messaging app that he probably shouldn't have participated in.
Speaker 1: And, are receipts for it, which is always a danger of that. Jeffrey Goldberg, reporting. You never know what you're gonna wake up to in this this day and age. We woke up to this today. Thank you so much for taking the time.
Anybody can read this piece online on the Atlantic site. Thank you so much for joining me.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Tara Reade, Biden Sexual Assault Accuser, Demands Retraction from Pulitzer-Winning MeToo Reporter Ronan Farrow — Calls Audible Smear a ‘Drive-By Shooting’ of Her Credibility https://t.co/FnXpNRhR0g
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: Tara Reade (@ReadeAlexandra), Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) Sexual Assault Accuser, Demands Retraction from Pulitzer-Winning MeToo Reporter Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) — Calls Audible Smear a ‘Drive-By Shooting’ of Her Credibility https://t.co/fjWdrmI45H
Video Transcript AI Summary
In 2019, the speaker came forward about Joe Biden's sexual harassment, later revealing the full extent of the sexual assault in 2020. She claims her report to the US Senate was sealed or destroyed. She criticizes Ronan Farrow, calling him the "Me Too reporter," for allegedly discrediting her and another woman, CeCe Doan, in his podcast. She says Farrow interviewed her in 2020 but never wrote the story, claiming he said there was "no there there."
She accuses Biden of weaponizing the DOJ and FBI against her for speaking out. She also says Times Up was unhelpful, as Anita Dunn was already on Biden's payroll. The speaker questions whether Farrow is a political operative posing as a reporter, noting his history with Hillary Clinton. She says Farrow's podcast shapes political opinion by discrediting Trump supporters. Her lawyer has issued a demand letter to remove comments about her from Farrow's podcast. Living in political asylum and working for RT, she advises survivors of abuse by powerful figures to remain silent, stating there is no justice and that coming forward isn't worth it.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: So recently, I posted on social media I would be discussing power, media, and something that happened. So here we go. As you know, in 2019, I came forward about what Joe Biden did to me. I came forward slowly. In 2019, a local reporter had gotten ahold of me, and it was a male.
It was on the phone. It was not in person. And he asked me some very kind of jarring questions, and I got really kind of nervous and scared and told about the sexual harassment but stopped short of the sexual assault I experienced. Finally, in 2020, I came forward with the entirety of what I experienced in Joe Biden, working for Joe Biden in his office because it was over a series of months, and then it culminated with the sexual assault. And after that, when I tried to report to the US Senate, that filing has been somehow sealed in Joe Biden's records or destroyed.
I don't know. Since then, I did try to report it to the US Senate. As I said, you know, that I I don't know what happened to that. That's been the subject of question, so to speak, regarding Joe Biden. My mother also called Larry King's show.
She had wanted me at the time to go to the police. But let's safe to say that for decades, pretty much the only people I told were friends and family, close friends or family. A couple of acquaintances in the right kind of circumstance when it came up, I discussed the sexual assault. People have come to me and remembered, of course, they were close to me. I have my cooperating witnesses.
I have all of that. I was going to testify. As I said, I was prepared for any kind of investigation and really wanted to move forward with that. I ended up doing a interview in-depth with Katie Halper, Megan Kelly, Tucker Carlson that goes into details, if you want to look those up, about the sexual assault. I don't want to talk about that here.
What I want to talk about is the way I was treated by the media, particularly Ronan Farrow and who's supposed to be the Me Too reporter. And that's the subject today. Ronan Farrow is the Me Too reporter called that because he wrote a book called Catch and Kill, which is a journalistic term. That means catching a story and then killing it. Pithy title.
He recently did a podcast called Not a Very Good Murderer. Interestingly enough, this woman, Cece Doan, a former Miss Arizona and a Trump supporter, had come forward about her sexual assault, I guess, in earlier. I don't know exactly when, but she contacted me. I did not engage with her but rather passed it on to Ronan Farrow. That's where he got the information and, via email.
He has dedicated this whole podcast to basically discrediting her, talking about her rather colorful life and different things that happened to her, as well as touching on what her allegations were against Biden. In episode four right at the beginning, he talks about that, and he also mentions me, and he dismisses me as if and to listen to it, you would think that he didn't really have much contact with me, but he did. Actually, he talked to me in May of twenty twenty. We never did FaceTime. We never met in person.
He only talked to me on the phone, but I developed trust for him. So did some of my family members and my daughter. He was going to write an article supposedly for The New Yorker and said there wasn't at the end of it. And I cried when he told me that he wasn't gonna have it. Of course, he wasn't gonna have it in the New Yorker.
I mean, now that I understand the New Yorker and David Resnick, of course, that was never gonna be in the New Yorker. David Resnick has never written anything critical of Biden and would certainly not write such an explosive piece that would compromise him in any way. So I was silly to think that truth would prevail. Right? But I did.
I was naive, and I believed Ronan. And Ronan used a term. He said, well, there just wasn't a there there. And he wanted, like, multiple people coming forward like they did with Weinstein. Well, Weinstein was hated by a lot of people.
Joe Biden is a different story. He's a politician, president of The United States, but at this time, he was a presidential candidate. He had access to a lot of money, a lot of power, and a lot of people that had an agenda that wanted to see him succeed. I naively thought truth would prevail, and I was wrong. Very, very wrong.
I was almost bullied to death to try to be kept silent. Right? I had social media coming after me. I had, you know, democratic operatives coming after me. And then once Biden got into power, he weaponized the DOJ and FBI and threatened to have me imprisoned.
There's even still a sealed case in Northern California. I was all of my social media was analyzed, all of my communications taken in by the FBI and DOJ because I was considered a political opponent at that point because I was speaking out against Biden. This is really a dangerous thing for survivors, but there certainly was never a safe platform for me to come forward. I came forward to Times Up at first before I went public. Anita Dunn was the founder of that.
Well, Anita Dunn was already on Biden's payroll, and I didn't know it. Her PR firm was already getting paid, and then she went on to be the White House special adviser. And law and crime did a great job of exposing this about how much money it would through the FEC that Biden received while I was coming forward about my story. So this leads me to the question about Ronan Farrow. Ronan Farrow has a previous history of working for Hillary Clinton at the State Department.
He's pretty protective of Democrats. He did one a one off article on Cuomo, but basically, we even went after the survivor in that, kind of making it seem like she was difficult to work with and took his shots there. He's basically, what makes me wonder and other people wonder, is he a political operative posing as a reporter or is he actually just an investigative reporter? That's not really clear. I don't know the answer to that question.
Maybe he's a hybrid of both. But I do know that the reporting by Michael Schellenberger and Matt Taibi have revealed how much intelligence has infiltrated media to try to shape public opinion. And Ronan Farrow definitely attempts to shape public opinion with his reporting. Case in point, his recent podcast, Not a Very Good Murderer, while he's discrediting CeCe Doan throughout the whole thing, of, you know, basically putting down the fact that she's a Trump supporter referring to them as political extremists, saying that they listen to disinformation, those kinds of things. He's using it to basically shape, again, political opinion, saying that crime in America is being weaponized, like that information is disinformation, to paraphrase.
Okay. Listen to the podcast for yourself. But basically, what I got out of that is, again, trying to shape that narrative that whatever the Trump supporters are telling you isn't true, Republicans are not right, Democrats are good, Joe Biden's good, listen to me. I'm Ronan Farrow. I'm the Me Too reporter.
At the beginning of episode four, he also trashes me, and, you know, you would think he never even knew me. It was very painful to hear because, you know, my daughter trusted him. And at the time when she was going through a hard time, he even spoke with her about what it's like to be a child in public scrutiny. He's the child of Woody Allen and, Mia Farrow, so he knows what that's like. And, you know, she really benefited from her interactions with him at that time.
And so this was really painful, really painful for her and for me and devastating that he chose to use his platform to take a shot at me rather than fairly cover what happened to me. It lacked, you know, emotional intelligence. And saying to a survivor of sexual assault is really triggering saying something like, There's no there there. And I know other sexual assault survivors that are listening are cringing because it lacks such emotional intelligence. First of all, our experiences shouldn't be condensed down to whether people believe us or not.
It's taken me a long time to try to heal from the fact that people won't believe me because it challenges their political beliefs. They simply will or even if they do believe me, they don't care. It's so painful on so many different levels what Ronan Farrow said. It's hard for me to talk about logically, but I'm trying to just lay this out logically and and in a way that's that's that you can comprehend without getting, you know me crying on a video is not gonna help you. But me laying out the political facts and the actual facts and the political realities of trying to shape a narrative, I think, is more to everyone's experience.
Right? You know, so here we are. My lawyer has issued a demand letter that he remove the comments about me from episode four. There is an HBO documentary coming out. I hope I'm not mentioned in it.
I was told and warned by several reporters, and I don't mean one or two, but I mean four or five, that I would be his equalizer piece. Like, watch out for Ronan Farrow. You're gonna be his equalizer piece. I didn't really understand what that meant, and now I understand it means, basically, he'd gone after all these men. Now he had to go after women.
Now why he would choose at this point in his career five years later and Biden's no longer in power to take a shot at me and try to discredit me as well as this woman, CeCe Doane, you know, who is an older woman. She's like 73. I'm older. Like, why go after older women that have no way to fight back or really tell their truth? It's really kind of sad, isn't it?
But maybe that's where he is in his career. I don't know. But I can say this. I'm gonna say something that's kind of controversial, and that is to I'm addressing to the survivors that follow me. If you are watching what I've gone through, then you know the totality.
I'm living in another country under political asylum. I've lost everything. I don't even own a car anymore. I'm away from my family, my pets, the people that I love. It's very, very difficult.
Russia's been very good to me. RT has been very good to me. I work for RT now as a geopolitical analyst. I'm very grateful for that work. But I should be able to live and work in my own country, and I can't because I came out against a powerful person.
There was no safe platform for me. So the controversial part of what I'm going to say is this. If you had an experience like mine with a powerful person, don't share it. What I've learned about this is there is no justice, there is no fairness. Our society does not have the emotional intelligence to deal with this subject matter very well.
You will have your life torn to pieces like I did, and it's not worth it. And even if you're someone who wants to be in the public light, you don't want to be in the public light in this way. There's a difference between being famous and notorious. No one wants to be notorious. No one wants to be like Anna Kronin now.
Right? You don't want to be seen in this light and be used as a political football, which is exactly how my story is used. That's what I wanted to say. Protect yourself. Protect your family.
If I had to go back, I would have remained silent. And that's what I know now because coming forward wasn't worth it. I know in the past I've said, oh, yes. It's worth it. You know, you you fight.
You fight for I've never had any justice. I never will. I thought under this new administration, maybe they would look at the DOJ and FBI weaponization. Maybe. I don't know.
Maybe they still will. Hopefully. But as far as investigating Biden, no one's going to do that. No one. He got away with it.
He sexually assaulted me, covered it up, and then tried to destroy me to the point of almost killing me. That's no joke. I literally almost died. So heed my words. It's not worth it.
There's no one that's going to help you, and the people that are supposed to help you will harm you if you are threatening their political world. That's all I wanted to say. As far as Ronan Farrow goes, I've learned a lesson, you know, again, to not trust those who appear that you can trust them. Time's Up taught me the same thing. You know, they weren't what they were seemed to be.
They were wolf in sheep's clothing, and there's a lot of wolves out there. So be careful. Protect your family. Protect yourself. Protect your heart.
Focus on healing. That's what I'm doing. I'm really looking in gratitude at what I do have, which is right now I have safety. I have comfort. I have a job.
I have people around me here in Russia that care for me. And my family is safe. So I'm thankful for all of that. Anyway, that's all I have to say on this matter. Take care.
Don't let political operatives shape your narratives. Think critically. Look carefully. Follow the money. Take care.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Tara Reade, Biden Sexual Assault Accuser, Demands Retraction from Pulitzer-Winning MeToo Reporter Ronan Farrow — Calls Audible Smear a ‘Drive-By Shooting’ of Her Credibility https://t.co/xTHMfzwUsF
reSee.it AI Summary
A user asked others if they still support President Trump after he imposed tariffs on all imports, seeking honest opinions. In response, another user expressed that America's financial resources are dwindling and criticized Trump's actions as detrimental to globalization. They argued that until countries like China and India achieve net-zero emissions, support for globalization should be reconsidered.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Be brutally honest: Do you still stand with President @realDonaldTrump after he imposed tariffs on all imports? Yes or No — and why? https://t.co/Bdb2sylvbW
@CernaDusha - Bruno
@simonateba @realDonaldTrump It seems the piggy bank of America is closed and Trump put a stick in the spokes of globalization & the free ride is over.. When is China & India going to be net zero?? until that happens no one should be on the globalization band wagon, in my opinion..
reSee.it AI Summary
A user asked if supporters still back President Trump after he imposed tariffs on all imports. Another user responded, justifying the tariffs by stating that the EU has imposed tariffs on U.S. goods for years, suggesting that retaliation is fair.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Be brutally honest: Do you still stand with President @realDonaldTrump after he imposed tariffs on all imports? Yes or No — and why? https://t.co/Bdb2sylvbW
@DennisWMAGAchef - Dennis Wagner
@simonateba @realDonaldTrump This is why…the eu has thrown tariffs on US goods for years, turn about is fair play. https://t.co/vj1qmxiN6G
reSee.it AI Summary
The conversation begins with a question about support for President Trump following his imposition of tariffs on all imports. A participant asks for honest opinions on whether they still stand by him and why. In response, another participant expresses a lack of sympathy for Wall Street, arguing that corporate elites have caused job losses by outsourcing. They emphasize that those affected should accept the consequences of these actions rather than lamenting the situation.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Be brutally honest: Do you still stand with President @realDonaldTrump after he imposed tariffs on all imports? Yes or No — and why? https://t.co/Bdb2sylvbW
@Rightwingmadman - Rightwingmadman
@simonateba @realDonaldTrump Oh, am I supposed to weep for Wall Street now? After our fellow Americans were fired en masse by these corporate elite fat cats, who shipped our jobs overseas while our wonderful “trading partners” got rich off the misery they caused? My message to them: suck it up, buttercup.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Be brutally honest: Do you still stand with President @realDonaldTrump after he imposed tariffs on all imports? Yes or No — and why? https://t.co/Bdb2sylvbW
reSee.it AI Summary
I had a heated exchange with CBS’s Margaret Brennan, defending President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. I argued that the U.S. is at war with Venezuela through proxy gangs, and the law is applicable since the Maduro regime is using criminal networks to target Americans.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz CLASHES with CBS’s Margaret Brennan, defending President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act—arguing the U.S. is effectively at war with Venezuela through proxy gangs. Waltz insisted the law applies because the Maduro regime is using criminal networks to target Americans.
Video Transcript AI Summary
The Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua (TDA) as a terrorist organization. 238 Venezuelan men were handed over to El Salvador, and 37 were deported using the Alien Enemies Act of 1789, which allows detention and deportation without a court hearing if individuals come from countries at war with the U.S. El Salvador rejected two individuals, one due to gender and the other not being Venezuelan.
The administration claims TDA is a proxy of the Maduro regime, thus the Alien and Sedition Act applies. They assert the commander in chief has the authority to act against this terrorist organization without judicial interference. The U.S. claims Maduro deliberately emptied Venezuelan prisons to send gang members to the U.S.
The administration compares this to Iran's IRGC using Mexican cartels to attack U.S. facilities. They state the American people are tired of being terrorized by gangs and that every individual deported was here illegally.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: I wanna ask you closer to home what has been happening here with Treadn de Aragua, TDA, we're gonna call them, which have been designated, by the Trump administration as terrorists. Last Saturday, 238 Venezuelan men were handed over to the government of El Salvador. A 37 of them were deported using this rarely used seventeen eighty nine Alien Enemies Act. This is important because it gives the power to detain and deport without a court hearing first, If they come from countries at war with The US. In the hearing on Friday, it was revealed that El Salvador, where they're being held Mhmm.
Rejected two of the people. One, on the basis of gender because it was a woman and they can't be held at a maximum security prison. The other, because the person wasn't even Venezuelan at all. How does that kind of high consequence mistake happen?
Speaker 1: Well, these kind of one offs will deal with on an individual basis. But Margaret, the underlying issue here
Speaker 0: So there wasn't a mistake that you
Speaker 1: I I can't speak to those individual cases and and the details of the individual cases. But what I can speak to is president Trump has determined that this this group is acting as a terrorist organization. It is terrorizing our communities Mhmm. Through attacks, torture, rape, and and the most awful of situations for those communities, number one. And number two, the Alien and Sedition Act fully applies, because we have also determined that this group is acting as a proxy of the Maduro regime.
Speaker 0: So I'm sorry. Just to clarify on that. This is supposed to apply if The US is at war with a country. You are saying you have evidence
Speaker 1: We are saying
Speaker 0: that the government of Venezuela is directing these
Speaker 1: that TDA is acting as a proxy of the Maduro regime. This is how the Alien and Sedition Act, applies.
Speaker 0: Mhmm.
Speaker 1: And we cannot have district judges, interfering with the commander in chief's actions to take care of in the way he deems necessary a terrorist organization.
Speaker 0: So The US is not
Speaker 1: gonna let know. We can we can debate on article two, article three. That's a fair debate. However, in this case, the commander in chief, president Trump, is taking decisive action to rid our communities of these gangs that are operating in a paramilitary fact fashion, and that we know, Maduro was deliberately emptying his prisons
Speaker 0: Right.
Speaker 1: In a proxy manner to, to influence and attack
Speaker 0: The United States. That's so different. How The The US is not at war with the country of Venezuela. I know the attorney general said Look. This is not She thinks this is gonna go to the supreme court.
Speaker 1: Sure. That's fine.
Speaker 0: But have this
Speaker 1: Margaret, we have instances where the IRGC from Iran have operated to buy within through Mexican cartels to then bomb facilities here in The United States. We've taken decisive action in that regard. We're going to take decisive action in this regard, and we're making a Washington DC distinction Yeah. American people are tired of being terrorized by these gangs.
Speaker 0: No one is defending gangs, but the Well, but it sounds like it.
Speaker 1: It certainly sounds like it from the Democrats on the other side. It sounds like in the case of this judge that
Speaker 0: wanted to a turn
Speaker 1: a flight around full of gang members that had intelligence packets
Speaker 0: There was a
Speaker 1: had determined what they're
Speaker 0: a men's man's prison, and El Salvador said no.
Speaker 1: I mean
Speaker 0: So it's a question of if you were spend individual details if you
Speaker 1: want to.
Speaker 0: That you get the list right. But Right. You can verify that these people are gang members.
Speaker 1: Look. Every one of them were here illegally. So first of all, we had every right and every and should deport every one of these individuals. If you wanna make a special case for one, that's fine. But underlying that underlying that is the alien act that has determined that commander in chief has the absolute authority to do this.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: Washington, D.C. protesters call for the 'eviction of DOGE, Elon Musk and his teenagers out of the Office of Personnel Management,' declares DOGE as illegal. https://t.co/N39eFgI4J5
Video Transcript AI Summary
Good afternoon. We're here today to evict Doge and Elon Musk from the Office of Personnel Management and declare that Doge is done. We're fighting to protect the merit-based civil service and the rights, resources, and protections it provides. DEI, or diversity, equity, and inclusion, is under attack, but it truly stands for civil rights.
This is an illegal operation, dismantling services important to every American family. Elon Musk spent millions to elect Donald Trump, and now Trump is giving Musk control of federal agencies. We need to expose this corrupt bargain and fight back against this betrayal.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Testing.
Speaker 1: Who are we? Who are we? Who are we? Are we?
Speaker 0: Sisters and brothers, good morning. Good afternoon, rather. It's 12:00. It's it's a lovely day out here. No excuse not to be outside to march, to rally for our rights.
We've come here today. We've gathered here today to evict Doge
Speaker 2: That's right. Yeah.
Speaker 1: Elon Musk
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 0: And his teenagers out of the office of personnel management.
Speaker 4: Yeah.
Speaker 0: We've come to declare Doge is done.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Doge is done.
Speaker 0: And we're not leaving. We're not ending this fight until they're completely done.
Speaker 3: Yeah. This
Speaker 0: is where the rights, the resources, and the protections of the merit based civil service take place.
Speaker 2: Right. Right.
Speaker 0: It says that on the books. Yeah. It says merit based.
Speaker 2: Yeah. So
Speaker 0: there's this myth coming from 1600 that there's somehow some discrimination because of so called DEI.
Speaker 3: Yeah. But
Speaker 0: the government and these employees and these jobs are merit based.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: They're not based on race.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 0: If anything Yeah. For decades, there has been discrimination the other way around.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Ensuring or not ensuring that people of color and women and veterans and the disabled had a fair shot at one of these good merit based jobs.
Speaker 5: Yes. That's right.
Speaker 1: And this
Speaker 0: is the importance of labor. This is the marriage between labor and civil rights because when we organize, we win. Yeah. When we marry labor and civil rights, we can stand up for all those who have been historically discriminated against in this government.
Speaker 6: Yeah. That's right. That's right.
Speaker 0: DEI is the new term. Yeah. But DEI really is an acronym that says civil rights. So if you attack DEI, you're attacking civil rights and breaking the law
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: The Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 0: So that is why we are here, the American Federation of Government Employees. Who are
Speaker 1: we? ALGE. Who are we?
Speaker 0: We're gonna begin our program. We have some very distinguished speakers here today, including elected officials. I'm glad they're here because they understand the importance of this. These ain't cabinet positions. These ain't folks that shuffle every four years.
Speaker 3: That's
Speaker 0: right. These are regular folk who work every day whose retirements are threatened Yes. By Musk and Doge. Yeah. This ain't x.
This ain't Tesla. This ain't SpaceX. This ain't none of his companies.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 0: This belongs to the people Yeah. And our taxpayer dollars. Yeah. Right. So we are here to protect them.
Let's hear first and foremost from the national vice president district fourteen, Otis Johnson.
Speaker 2: Alright. Alright. Good
Speaker 5: afternoon, brothers and sisters and junior family. We are here today because we refuse to stand by while the heart of our federal workforce, OPM, is under attack.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 5: The plan to dismantle dismantle OPM isn't just reckless. It's an all out assault on the merit based civil service and attempt to strip away protections that ensure fairness, diversity, and integrity in federal hiring. Yeah. Let's be clear. This isn't about efficiency.
No. This is about control. Yeah. Doge and the forces behind this takeover want to politicize the very agency that protects federal workers. Yeah.
Speaker 6: That's right.
Speaker 5: They want hiring based on favoritism, not fairness. They want to erase policies that ensure diversity and inclusion, and they want to weaken the very system that makes our government work for the American people every day.
Speaker 3: Yeah. But let me
Speaker 5: tell you something. AFG isn't going anywhere. No.
Speaker 3: Let me
Speaker 5: try that again. AFGE isn't going anywhere. Yeah. We fought too hard for far too long to let this stand. We are here.
We are strong, and we are ready for this fight. Yeah. The battle has just begun, and we are confident that we will prevail.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Because
Speaker 5: when working people stand together, we will when we raise our voices as one, we win.
Speaker 2: Yeah. We
Speaker 5: are fighting not just for today, but for the future of our of every federal worker and every American who depends on a government that works for them. Yeah. So stay strong.
Speaker 3: Stand strong.
Speaker 5: Stay united.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 5: And let them hear us loud and clear. Yeah. We will not let OPM fall.
Speaker 3: No. We
Speaker 5: will not be silenced.
Speaker 3: No. And
Speaker 5: we will win this
Speaker 0: here now representing the great state of Maryland, which I'm certain many of the folk who work in this building and perhaps some of you live in the DMV. Don't you?
Speaker 1: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Please welcome senator Chris Van Hollen, if you're
Speaker 3: Good to see you. Alright. Appreciate you, sir.
Speaker 7: Are we gonna stop the war on America's workforce?
Speaker 4: Yeah.
Speaker 7: You bet we are, and I wanna thank AFGE for being here and being the voices for so many federal employees.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 7: We're here today to stand with the patriotic federal employees here at OPM and other places around the government. And we're also here to say we will not stand for Elon Musk's illegal operation. Are we gonna stand for that? Hell no. No.
We have to shut down this illegal operation. Yes. And they decided to make OPM their sort of headquarters for this illegal operation. Are we gonna evict Elon Musk and Doge from OPM? Yeah.
You bet we are. Yeah. We're gonna do it in the courts, and I wanna thank a AFG and all the others who are bringing those cases. We're working with them. Yep.
We're gonna do it in congress through every means we have, and I wanna thank the Maryland congressional delegation here. They've been the tip of the spear. You're gonna hear from them.
Speaker 2: Yeah. And
Speaker 7: we're gonna do this in communities all over the country.
Speaker 2: Yes, sir.
Speaker 7: Because the word is getting out.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 2: Yes.
Speaker 7: And that's what we're all about here is to make sure people know the truth about what's happening. You've probably seen some of these town halls
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 7: Right? In other states and congressional districts where you've got a lot of folks, the members of congress, in this case, Republicans, they can't stand the heat. They can't tell the truth, and they can't answer the questions. Yeah. So they're running away.
Yeah. But they're running away from their constituents.
Speaker 3: Yes,
Speaker 7: sir. Because while we have a lot of great federal employees in this region, 80% of federal employees work outside
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 7: Of this area. Right.
Speaker 2: Right.
Speaker 7: And what they're doing is hurting the services the critical services those employees provide to every American. Isn't that what they're doing?
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 7: So here's what we have to do to blow the whistle. You all know this, but we need to get the word out.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 7: This is the most corrupt bargain in American history.
Speaker 3: Yes. It is.
Speaker 7: So Elon Musk spent $280,000,000 to elect Donald Trump.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 7: And Donald Trump has given Elon Musk the keys to federal agencies.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 7: And they are dismantling services that are important to every American family.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 7: Are we gonna let that happen? No. Hell no.
Speaker 2: Hell no. God.
Speaker 7: And as Otis said, this has nothing to do.
Speaker 3: That's
Speaker 7: right. Nothing to do with efficiency.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 7: Right? You all know this.
Speaker 8: That's
Speaker 7: right. If you cared about efficiency, you wouldn't start by firing the inspector generals.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 7: Right? These are the independent watchdogs who look out for waste, fraud, and abuse. Yeah. In fact, that's what you would do if you were going to open the door to more waste, fraud, and abuse. Right?
Yeah. I you know, we all know that Elon Musk just got another billion billion dollar contract Yeah. Within the next couple weeks. The other reason we know this has nothing to do with government efficiency is they're talking about step two, replacing merit based federal employees with political hacks. That's not about efficiency.
That's about political cronyism. Are we gonna let that happen? Hell no. No. So let me just end with this because the word is getting out that what we are witnessing is the great betrayal.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 7: Yeah. The great betrayal because what Donald Trump promised on day one
Speaker 9: Yeah.
Speaker 7: He was gonna reduce prices for groceries, for rent, for housing. That's what he said he'd do on day one, cut prices. What's he doing instead? He's bringing Elon Musk in to do the dirty work, to rig the federal government so it works for people like Elon Musk Yeah. And not everyday Americans.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 7: And in the process, they're trying to make room for tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk at the expense of everybody else.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 7: And so we need to make clear to the American people what's happening here. Are we gonna do that or will we make sure our voices are heard? Yeah. We are. And are we gonna shut down this operation and bet Elon Musk?
Yeah. We are. Thank you all very much for what you do.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir.
Speaker 0: Let's hear it for senator Chris Van Hollen. Alright. We're gonna hear from some other members of congress. Are y'all are y'all gonna go or you gonna skip this thing tonight? If you decide I'm a put you on the spot.
I'm not I'm going. You're not going you're going?
Speaker 2: I'm going.
Speaker 0: Alright. In the meantime, we're we're we're here
Speaker 1: to evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon.
Alright.
Speaker 3: We're gonna
Speaker 0: stay in Maryland representing, Baltimore County, Congressman Johnny Oseski.
Speaker 2: Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright.
Speaker 10: What's up, AFG?
Speaker 2: Hello. Alright.
Speaker 10: When we fight. We win. When we fight. We win. When we fight.
We win. Because we all deserve better. Yeah. Right. Because we all deserve better.
Speaker 4: Yeah.
Speaker 10: Our employees deserve better.
Speaker 5: Yes.
Speaker 10: Americans deserve better.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 10: Yeah. And I'm going tonight because I'm helping to tell the story of one of your own.
Speaker 3: That's right. Alright. Okay.
Speaker 10: I've got a woman named Katie who's joining me tonight. She was hired under the first Trump administration. She was
Speaker 11: hired she was hired
Speaker 10: at US Fish and Wildlife to help Maryland farmers. She did such an exceptional job that she was promoted. And so when Elon Musk and Doge, under president Trump's directive, took up residence here at OPM, they said, well, you're probationary. Time for you to go. She did nothing wrong.
In fact, she did everything right.
Speaker 3: Yep.
Speaker 10: Everything right.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 10: And now who's penalized? Someone who's given her life in service to this country, to Maryland farmers, to Americans, someone who thought that if she did everything right that this country would take care of her. Alright. And instead, we're turning our backs on her. Yes.
So I'm standing with Katie tonight just like I'm standing with our workers today. We're here at Ground 0. This is where Elon set up shop.
Speaker 4: That's right.
Speaker 10: And I say I say it's time we send Doge and Elon Musk packing.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 10: Yeah. Because when we fight We will. When we fight We will. When we fight We will. Because we all deserve better.
God bless.
Speaker 2: Thank you. God bless you. Yeah. You, sir. Alright.
Speaker 0: Congressman John Yoshesi, give him another round of applause if you would.
Speaker 1: Evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon. Evict illegal Elon.
Speaker 0: Our jobs are on the line. The morale of our workers are on the line, and these are workers and families again, many of whom live in this area. We wanna hear from someone else who represents the DMV in Prince George's County, Congressman Glenn Ivey. Right. Alright.
Speaker 6: When we fight We win. When we fight We win. When we fight We win.
Speaker 12: And we're winning. We are winning. The tide's turning. Hey. You just heard a few minutes ago.
They're afraid to do town hall meetings now. Yeah. Yeah. They're afraid. Now we just did one in Prince George's County on Saturday.
AFG was in the house. Right? Right. Y'all showed up, showed out. We had, like, almost a thousand people came out.
Almost a thousand people came out, and we're gonna keep going to the people because we know the people are coming with us. Right? Yeah. And we're winning in the courts too. Right?
Yeah. Yeah. Because your lawyers are doing a fantastic job. Yeah. Matter of fact, we just got a court opinion against these guys on Friday that put an injunction in place.
Right? Yeah. Yeah. Because what they're doing is illegal and unlawful. Right?
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 12: Alright. So the movement continues. We've gotta keep fighting. As you heard a few minutes ago, labor, civil rights, we've done this before. Yeah.
We know how to do this. Right? Yeah. We've done it without the White House before. Right?
Yeah.
Speaker 4: We've done it without
Speaker 12: the senate before. Right? Yeah. We've done it without the house before. Right?
Yeah. And we took them all back, didn't we? That's right. And that's when Barack Obama got elected. Right?
Yeah. Yeah. We can do it again. And it starts tonight. There are gonna be a lot of lies from the White House tonight.
Yeah. A lot of lies down from the podium tonight. Yeah. But we know the truth. Right?
Yeah. That's right. We know that what they're doing is illegal. Right? Yeah.
We know that what they're doing is wrong.
Speaker 2: Right.
Speaker 12: And we know that we're gonna turn it around and win. Right? Yeah. Because when we fight
Speaker 6: We win. When we fight We win. We fight We We win.
Speaker 12: Today, we start winning.
Speaker 4: Have a
Speaker 6: great one.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah. Alright. Alright. Thank you, sir.
Always.
Speaker 1: Who are we?
Speaker 13: Who are we?
Speaker 0: American Federation of Government Employees, we have descended here upon the office of personnel management to evict Elon Musk. We're gonna bring another veteran of the civil rights movement with us, former president of NAACP, raised in Baltimore, mentored by the hundredth senator Clarence Mitchell junior. Please welcome now congressman who said he ain't going That's right. To hear the the state of fascism speech tonight. It's not no state of the union.
It's a state of fascism.
Speaker 3: Hell, yeah.
Speaker 0: Please welcome congressman Kwaizi Mfume.
Speaker 3: You. Yes, sir. Thank you, Thank you, Mark.
Speaker 13: Yeah. Let's do one thing if we don't do anything else. Remind America that federal employees are the heart blood of this nation.
Speaker 4: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 13: They are men and women all over the country in every state of the union Yeah. Who work hard, who play by the rules, who love their country, who cherish their faith, and who do a nonpartisan job day in and day out to make this country work.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 13: Let's never let people forget that. No. And never let people forget the union that represents them. Yeah. AFGE.
Yeah. AFGE. AFGE. I wanna thank you president f Kelly for joining me just a few days ago for a tele town hall where we had just under 10,000 people participate. People are upset because they recognize this is an illegal action.
And so you've heard, yes, it will be a legal fight. Yes. Yes. It will be a constitutional fight. Yes.
It will be a fight for the heart, the minds, and the souls of men and women across this country
Speaker 11: Yes.
Speaker 13: Who today are trying to figure out how do I pay the mortgage, how do I buy food, how do I go forward without a job. This notion of getting rid of people without due process is about as anti American as you can ever get.
Speaker 3: That's right. You if
Speaker 13: even if you work for a snake, a snake would tell you, we're getting ready to take your job. Yeah. We want you to start getting ready to move out. Yeah. We're gonna give you three weeks, four weeks, five weeks, whatever.
Yeah. But now, Elon Musk, who really let me just calm myself. I don't wanna say that. Go ahead, sir. So, no, I will not be there tonight.
That's right. Elon Musk and Donald Trump are destroying the state of the union.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 13: I don't know why I should be there to sit and listen to him, try to convince me of otherwise. The people in this building and in federal buildings all across this country, they need support. They need help.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 13: And we can't let them down. No. I know the odds look like they're overwhelming, but that's how most fights look. Yeah. We will win this.
We will resist this, and we will find a way to unify all over this country no matter what state you're in, no matter what department in. When we fight, we win. Alright.
Speaker 0: Okay, ma'am. Against
Speaker 3: you, sir.
Speaker 2: Yes, I'm
Speaker 3: gonna talk to you today. Thank you, ma'am.
Speaker 0: Kwaizi Mfume, congressman Kwaizi Mfume, give him another round of applause. Still in the fight, And now, the man of the hour who is our leader. Who are
Speaker 1: we? AFTG. Who are we?
Speaker 0: AFTG. As we come here today to protect our federal employees who are besieged by Doge and Elon Musk and his teenagers taking over the office of personnel management. And ain't that an insult to 18 year olds just coming. Don't even know just y'all just numbers. Yeah.
Not people. Yeah. Not human beings. Just some numbers on a piece of paper. Yeah.
That they can try to do something. That that's not that's just not right. Well, these are families. They are faces.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Human beings, families, children.
Speaker 3: Yeah. That's right.
Speaker 0: Some of us are taking care of our parents.
Speaker 1: Yeah. Right.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 0: Amen? Amen. And then what are we supposed to do when we can't get our retirement? That's just gonna be forfeiting the thin air so we can go up and out of space somewhere. Yeah.
Please welcome. We're hear from Claude Cummings in a minute. Claude gave me a CWA jacket. I don't
Speaker 6: You look good. I
Speaker 0: don't know. I I'm at the AFGE event. I don't have no AFGE. I don't know.
Speaker 3: It's on the way.
Speaker 0: It's okay. Because I'm just wondering. Claude had to give me a CWA jacket because I don't have no AFGE jacket. Ladies and gentlemen, our brother, he's gonna be joining me and Claude in Selma. This this is the sixtieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
There was no democracy in America before 1965 because most of us couldn't vote, including women.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: There were no protections for the disabled to get into the voting booth. Yeah. They didn't have rap shit. And now this person comes along and wants to take it all away. So it's important not only for doctor Kelly to be here, but to join us in Selma so we can reclaim our democracy from this fascism.
Please welcome the reverend doctor Everett Kelly, AFGE national president. The I think it went out. Check the mic. It just went out. Mic
Speaker 3: check. Can we
Speaker 14: Fix the sound.
Speaker 11: We're getting it. Sound.
Speaker 3: Say something.
Speaker 0: See if
Speaker 3: it came back. Check
Speaker 2: one two.
Speaker 3: Check one not bad. Mic check? Okay. It's better. There we go.
Well, first of all, I'd like to say thank you to national vice president Otis Johnson and to all the elected officials for being here, the labor leaders. And I want you all to just pause parenthetically and give a round of applause for the workers at OPM. Yeah. It's great to be here with all of you today. My name is Eric Kelly.
I am the proud president of the American Federation of Government Employees representing over 800,000 federal and DC government workers. Right. Now I just left a press conference this morning where the MERIT Act was introduced by representative, TLIB and, Mac McClivre. Now it's designed to reinstate every wrongfully fired federal employee, and LGE will stand behind this bill. That's right.
Now we're here today because there is a job to do, and that job is send Elon Musk and Doge packet. Now, Elon and company like to say that Doge stand for Department of Government Efficiency, but we know that could be further from the truth. Now, truth be told, I don't think Elon Musk and Doge have done one single efficient thing since Trump has been in control of this White House. Or should I say since Elon has been in control of the White House? Because we all know that Elon sits in the big chair.
Uh-oh. And Trump sits in the little chair.
Speaker 2: Come on.
Speaker 6: Come on.
Speaker 3: Now, those may stand for many things, but efficiency, it does not. And for these reason, he and his fanboys have got to go.
Speaker 5: That's right.
Speaker 3: What do you say about that?
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 3: Now, those those stand for disrespect our government employees. Right. Now in my forty four years with AMGE, I have never seen the blatant, disdain, and disrespect for federal employee that we're seeing here today. Now we used to we used to hearing this type of rhetoric from anti worker members of congress and Donald Trump, but mister Twitter finger Uh-huh. Has truly taken things to the next level.
Now one would think that the head of efficiency department would spend some time well more efficiently. Right? Yeah. Nevertheless, he sit behind his phone all day spewing hate, lies, making demands on federal employees, hiding behind OPM's email to taunt and traumatize the members. Now is that efficient?
No. That's not efficient. He spent his time making insulting means and demeaning and discredit the work that all of you do on behalf of the American people. Having followers to troll and antagonize hardworking employees who simply want to do their job.
Speaker 0: Right. Right.
Speaker 3: Do we call that efficient? No. No. FGE, no. It is not efficient.
If one of you spent your time doing what mister Musk does, you would be disciplined. Right?
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 3: Now, you you were you if you were going to probationary employee, you would probably be terminated.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 3: And that's exactly what we're here to do, to evict and fire probationary employee, Elon Musk Yeah. And his Twitter followers. Yeah. They need to get out of OPM and out of our government. Yeah.
Yeah. DOGE stand for disrupt over government e fish effectiveness. Yeah. Mister Musk came into the picture to destroy, divide, and disrupt our government, to dismantle the service. You all performed for the American people, and for that I am proud.
He is a puppet master. Come on. And let me tell y'all one thing. God says Come on. I need a prophet that will speak truth to power, not a puppet on a string.
Uh-oh. We came here today to speak truth to power. Now, now, now, my memory jogged me correct. Did we elect Elon Musk? No.
No. Are we gonna keep playing the twisted little game that he's playing? No. No. Now, I've stated several times.
If you wanna find a way to do a job more efficiently, then talk to the people that's doing it.
Speaker 11: That's
Speaker 3: right. Right? But what I've realized, AFGE, is that Elon doesn't care about efficiency. No. He doesn't care about federal workers, and he doesn't care about the American people.
Now before we evict evict mister Musk and Doge from 1PM, our entire government, let me give you approximately five bullet points of how LGE and federal workers are gonna win this war.
Speaker 0: Come on now.
Speaker 3: Number one. Uh-huh. We're gonna fight back. That's right. Let me hear you say it.
We're gonna fight back. We're gonna fight back. We're gonna fight against all of these attacks on our jobs, our dignity, and our unions. That's right. Number two.
We're gonna protest. Protest. We're gonna rally. Rally. And we're speak truth to power.
Yeah. Against the vision and disruption. That's right. We're gonna, number three, call on congress. Alright.
Tell them to do their blame job. Uh-oh. Yes. Uh-oh. Did y'all hear what I said?
Yeah. I'm a country boy and I like to say it like it is, blame job. Okay. They need to do their job. Elon Musk don't give a care about no one in this country.
Number four, we want them to do their job. Are y'all with me? Yeah. Say do your job. Do your job.
Now, number five, we're gonna stand united and we're gonna stand together as one federal government, as one union. We're gonna stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow civil servant because when you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.
Speaker 0: That's right. That's right.
Speaker 3: We're not gonna allow them to divide us. No. Never. We will never be defeated. Now we're gonna let this big and a bully and his followers disrespect and demean us.
No. Are we gonna stand together? Are we gonna stay in this fight? Yes. Now it's gonna be tough.
But one thing I know, weeping may endure for the night. Uh-huh. For joy. Uh-huh. Joy come in the morning.
Come on. Yes. The morning is gonna come. Let me tell you one thing else as I close. Uh-huh.
There is an old scripture Uh-huh. That said when the enemy comes in as a flood Uh-huh. I have raised up a standard against it. That standard is a reminder that God had done it before and he will do it again. Will he do it again?
Yes. Will we do it? Yes. We will do it. Stand strong.
Last two words.
Speaker 6: And
Speaker 3: I need you all to do it. Take your time. Last two words. Evict. Elon.
Elon. Elon. Evict. Elon. Elon.
Evict. Elon. Elon. And his puppet masters.
Speaker 1: Evict. Elon. Elon. Evict. Elon.
Elon. Elon. Evict. Elon. Elon.
Speaker 0: Alright. Let's hear it for the national president. Alright. Yeah. Doctor Edward Kelly.
We will hear now from the Metro Metropolitan DC AFL CIO President Samuel Epps, my brother. Yeah.
Speaker 15: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Afternoon. Good afternoon.
Speaker 3: That's what
Speaker 15: we need. One day longer, one day stronger. Right?
Speaker 2: Yes, sir.
Speaker 15: So we're gonna be a lot stronger than they are, and we're do it one day longer. I'm just here on behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL CIO, Sam Epps, representing a 50 affiliate unions across DC, Prince George's County, Maryland, Montgomery, and Southern Maryland, where where many of you here at AFGE live, work, and have church and worship there. And what we're saying at the Metro Council, we stand in solidarity with you. We will fight across all of our affiliates from teachers to housekeepers to electricians, we are here with you now because we know what it is doing to to you. You're directly impacted, but it impacts all of our communities here.
DC just released revenue estimates that they will have to cut $1,000,000,000 by 2028 because of federal workers that are not here working and doing their jobs here in DC. Yeah. Right? And so what we know that is, that'll be Head Start. That'll be teachers pay.
Speaker 11: Yeah.
Speaker 15: That'll be first responders pay. Right? Hotel workers won't have people staying in the hotels because they come visit you all to get things done with federal government here. Yeah. And so we are standing with you.
And our community service agency, the Metropolitan Washington Council has stood up a solidarity fund for impacted Thank you. Impacted federal workers.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 15: And you can go to our website at dclabor.org, and you can access that. We have some criteria, but we are trying to be helpful there with everyone who's impacted by this this this craziness. And what we're gonna do is we're going to evict Elon. Evict Elon. Evict Elon.
Thank you. We're in solid air. Samuel
Speaker 0: Epps, Mitch Paul and Washington, AFL CIO. Yeah. He he's talking about home rule and statehood. Right. Amen?
And what did Trump say? He wants to do away with home rule altogether.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: So that affects us all too, doesn't it?
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: He's right. We lose
Speaker 2: more
Speaker 0: per capita
Speaker 11: Yeah. Yep.
Speaker 0: Because of folk who aren't here.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Yeah. But yet we serve and benefit them.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: You know, this is historic.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: When doctor Kelly speaks, brother F speaks, and some of the other speakers. Our grandparents, some of them migrated from the South
Speaker 2: Yeah. To
Speaker 0: go get jobs in Detroit, in Chicago, in Milwaukee, in industry. Yeah. But then some of them came here
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: To be civil servants and serve that that way.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: And work their way up through the ranks Yes. So that we could finally have in some of these unions, some of these labor unions
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: People who represent our great grandparents.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: We've never had so many women and people of color Yeah. In these positions.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 0: Like in Everett Kelly
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: And like our brother here, this was a big fight, a long fight, we're glad he's here.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: This means a lot.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: To have the president of the Communications Workers of America. It means a lot. Yeah. To be Claude Cummings, to have him in that position. Give him a round of applause.
Yeah. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. We fight. Win.
When we fight We win. When we fight We win. And we're gonna win. Let's give president Kelly a round of applause for his leadership. Yeah.
And certainly, Mark, we appreciate you. Yeah. So I am here today to let you know the CWA members and retirees have your back.
Speaker 2: Alright. Simple as that.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 4: We depend on experienced, qualified fellow workers every single day.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 4: We need an independent OPM to make sure that our fellow workforce remains merit based. Yeah. Donald Trump and JD Vance want to look at voting records instead of resumes
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 4: To decide who is qualified to make sure our water is safe to drink. Yeah.
Speaker 3: Right.
Speaker 4: To see that our parents' social security gets deposited on time Yeah. To provide our veterans with health care they need Yes. Does that make sense at all? No. Hell no.
It does not make any sense. We cannot allow this administration to hand control of our civil service system over to the political appointees at the White House. Yeah. Simple as that. The chaos and confusion that Donald Trump thrives on doesn't help working people one damn bit.
That's Not one bit. Yeah. Throwing qualified public servants to the curb doesn't do anything to lower prices or create good jobs or help our kids get a good education. Yeah.
Speaker 11: Right.
Speaker 4: Do you know who it does help? It helps the people who want to turn every part of our lives into an opportunity for private gain. Yeah. That's what it help. It helps the people who want to rip us off Yeah.
And put our taxes in their own pockets. Yeah. It helps the people who who are billionaires, who run huge corporations and look at public services as a money making opportunity. Donald Trump and the billionaires who put him in office think they have answers to no one but themselves. Yeah.
But that's not true.
Speaker 2: That's
Speaker 4: right. Our country belongs to the people who go to work every day Yeah. And who take pride in their jobs. Yeah. It belongs to the people Yeah.
Who want the freedom to be themselves Yeah. Who want hope for a brighter future for themselves Yeah. And their families. Yeah. Our country belongs to us.
Say that. Our country belongs to us.
Speaker 3: Our country belongs to us.
Speaker 4: And we're gonna use every tool we have to prevent the billionaires and the bullets from taking control. So I got some questions for you.
Speaker 3: I'm going
Speaker 2: to answer them.
Speaker 3: Are we
Speaker 4: going to let them destroy the civil service?
Speaker 3: No. Are we
Speaker 4: going to let them divide us? No. Are we going to fight? Yes. And we're gonna win because when we fight We win.
When we fight We win. When we fight We win. Let's win. Thank you. Bless you, brother.
Speaker 0: Claude Claude Cummings, CWA president, now president Cummings and president Kelly. Can I can I announce the surprise? Yeah. So President Kelly and President Cummings told me that every member of Congress that does not go to speech tonight, they're gonna take him out to dinner. So so so so so you got you got a dinner date tonight because he congressman Byer told me he ain't going, so he's gonna be here you go.
Here's where he wants somebody going dinner. Congressman Don Byer from Virginia, give him a round of applause.
Speaker 11: Here, I thought I was eating at McDonald's tonight. I am not going to the speech tonight
Speaker 13: Alright. Yeah.
Speaker 11: Because, you know, I do respect the tradition of the State of the Union address. It's a good time to come together. But this president has shown nothing but contempt for the US congress, nothing but contempt for The US people. Yeah. You wanna know what makes America great?
It's that building right behind us, the people that work here. Yeah. When you think about the governments around the world that don't work, you think the countries that don't work, it's because their governments don't work.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 11: And, you know, I I can't compete with these guys. They're they're they're so wonderful. Time. I can always speak from my heart. Yeah.
My grandparents came here to work for the federal government.
Speaker 0: Yes, sir.
Speaker 11: My grandmother with the Department of Labor for fifty years. My grandfather, Department of War. Other grandfather, Department of Interior. Wow. My dad was career army.
My wife worked for State Department. Just lost her job. Wow. And we we understand that it is the quality of our federal workforce that makes our country strong in
Speaker 2: every Yes, sir.
Speaker 11: And instead, what we have is Elon who got us exactly backwards. And somehow, they think that by just firing people, by taking over OPM's job.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 11: And just throwing everybody out. Yeah. They've missed it. It's the ready fire aim. I mean, it always makes sense to waste, fraud, and abuse.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 11: But the people who know about the waste, fraud, and abuse are the people right here.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 11: People that do the job day in and day Yeah. And we're fighting as hard as we know how on Capitol Hill. We have more than a hundred lawsuits. We've won about 25 of them already.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 11: We have to hope they hold with the Supreme Court. Yeah. We are gonna do everything we possibly can to lift you up. It's the whole notion of the people that are most valuable are the people that have given up their careers, given their their lives. Almost every one of you can make more money selling cars.
I promise you that. We're we're working on it. But instead, you're taking a lower pay in order to serve the American people.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 11: And and we are deeply, deeply grateful. Yeah. And please be hopeful. We are not gonna lose this.
Speaker 3: We're not. We're not. We're not.
Speaker 11: We're here today, but this is a marathon.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 11: You know, we're we're making progress each and every day.
Speaker 0: That's right.
Speaker 11: What we can't do is be so afraid, so depressed, so so lost because we have to be hopeful, we have to be courageous, we have to fight back in every way that we do. Yep. And when we do that, we're gonna send Elon back to South Africa, which he came from illegally, by the way.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Uh-huh. Uh-huh.
Speaker 11: And we're gonna make sure that we have the federal government workforce that really makes America ever stronger, ever stronger.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 11: And, and by the way, when we take back the house, we're gonna pass the PRO Act.
Speaker 2: Yes, sir. Alright. And we're gonna
Speaker 11: put this in law so that we respect our workers, all
Speaker 14: of our
Speaker 11: workers, especially our federal workers
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 11: To make sure that we come together.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 11: By the way, I I've been a businessman for a long time. A long time ago, I figured out the only thing I have to sell is the work that the people I work with do. Yeah. That if if I have people who are motivated and well treated and well respected Yes. Like each other, feel like like they are lifted up, they do a really good job.
Speaker 16: Yes,
Speaker 11: sir. And when you tell them that they're dirt, that they're not important, that they, then they don't do such a good job.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 11: That's right. I just wanna say that if I were Elon Musk, and thank goodness I'm not, I would do it the exact opposite way. I'd be coming to Everett
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 11: And others and say, how do we make this workforce happy, productive, respected, well paid, and lifting up every service that we provide to the American people? You are the the people who serve America. You are America. Yeah. And I'm so grateful to be a small part of this.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Congressman Don Byer, who's not going to the state of fascism address tonight, and and I'm glad he brought up South Africa. They wanna relitigate apartheid.
Speaker 2: Right. Yeah.
Speaker 0: Elon Musk is representing a government in a country that's long gone apartheid South Africa. Yeah. Donald Trump is representing another country, not this one that still exists.
Speaker 3: Right. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: I I'm saying that. That's that's not I put that on him. You blame me for saying that.
Speaker 2: That's That's alright. It's okay.
Speaker 0: If y'all get a minute, watch the mini not the it's the television series out a few years ago Yeah. Called The Americans.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: Y'all know what I'm talking about?
Speaker 3: Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2: Oh, yeah.
Speaker 0: Y'all need to watch that.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Because because you government can't function if you fire everybody.
Speaker 4: Yeah.
Speaker 0: So why would you not want it to function?
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 0: Yeah. You wanted to bring it down.
Speaker 3: That's it.
Speaker 11: That's
Speaker 0: right. For the benefit of someone else. Amen?
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: So we gotta be we gotta be very, clear about that in in in what we're looking at. And just one other thing since he brought it up. He's reminiscing about apartheid South South Africa while he decimates Africa today. Yeah. These electronic devices that we use run on batteries.
His car is Tesla.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Laptops run on batteries made from minerals in The Congo.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Right.
Speaker 0: Yeah. Mined by slave labor and child labor.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Yeah. So we gotta keep that in mind too. Now wait a minute now. Wait a minute. Know your history.
Labor.
Speaker 3: Yes, sir.
Speaker 0: Made the difference in ending apartheid. Yeah. His old country.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Labor got Nelson Mandela out of prison.
Speaker 4: Yeah. That's right.
Speaker 0: So we might need labor again to save the Congo.
Speaker 1: Yeah.
Speaker 0: And get Elon Musk out of here. Amen?
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: Randy Irwin of the National Federation is with us. Give him a round of applause.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Thank you. Randy. Alright. Thank you.
You. You. Brother. Alright.
Speaker 8: Thank you
Speaker 2: for having me. Yeah.
Speaker 8: Proud to stand here with AMG District fourteen. Appreciate you. I'm Randy Irwin, national president and nephew. Represent a 10,000 federal workers nationwide. First, I wanna thank all the federal employees for the incredible work that you do for this country every day.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Alright. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 8: People forget the important work.
Speaker 0: Yeah.
Speaker 8: Keeping our military ready. Yeah. Caring for our veterans. Yeah. Caring for our national parks
Speaker 2: and
Speaker 8: forests and public lands. Yeah. Main maintaining our homeland security Yeah. Clean air, clean water Yeah. Safe food, safe air travel Yeah.
Secure borders
Speaker 11: Yeah.
Speaker 8: Secure passports
Speaker 3: Yeah, sir.
Speaker 8: And so much more.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Affordable housing.
Speaker 8: Affordable housing. Yeah. But federal employees Yeah. Your work is what makes America great. Yeah.
You are the backbone of this country. Yeah. And so many, this administration and then and fools in congress have forgotten that. Yeah. So NEFFE is proud to stand with AMG today and tell Elon Musk and his Doge cronies, you should not be at OPM.
Get out of here. Yeah. Pack your crap and get out
Speaker 3: of here.
Speaker 8: You don't know what you're doing. Yeah. Go ahead, man. They don't know what they're doing. They're breaking the law, and they're undermining every federal agency out there that is doing critical, often life saving work for the American people.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 8: We've seen them file fire wildland firefighters.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 3: Are
Speaker 8: you kidding me? Air traffic controllers and other FAA folks keeping our air traffic safe. Are you kidding me? Yeah. VA suicide hotline workers.
Yes. How can you do this? How how are you kidding me? Nuclear regulators. The list goes on and on.
Yeah. So they sent a fork in the road to to that fork in the road email to 90% of federal workers out there.
Speaker 11: Do
Speaker 8: you know how irresponsible irresponsible that is? Yeah. Come on. Yeah. We're tired of it.
Speaker 3: Tired of it.
Speaker 8: We're tired of Elon Musk and his cronies weaponizing OPM for a doge agenda. Yeah. We're tired of Elon Musk and his cronies forcing a usually meticulously law abiding agency like OPM to do things that are illegal. Yeah. We're tired of OPM of Elon Musk and his cronies accessing highly sensitive personal information of our members and not caring for that information.
You're right. We're tired of Elon Musk and his cronies sidelining the dedicated civil servants that work in this building. Yeah. I've been working for with them for twenty four years. They do great work.
Yeah. And they're sidelining them to break the law. Yeah. The work being done by the federal government is serious work. Yeah.
DOGE doesn't take what is done seriously. Yeah. So they can't be here at OPM putting the sticks in the spokes of our government.
Speaker 3: That's right, sir.
Speaker 8: Every day that Elon Musk and his cronies are here, they are doing irreparable harm
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 8: To the federal government.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 8: And by the way, Trump and Doge, to do these things, he is violating the law. He is violating his the president, by allowing Doge to do this, is violating his oath of office. Yeah. Under section two Yeah. Article three of the constitution Yes, sir.
Constitution Yes, sir. The president has to faithfully execute the laws of this country.
Speaker 4: Yeah.
Speaker 8: And he is not doing that. No. The American people should be pissed about this. I don't care who you voted for.
Speaker 3: Yeah. That's right. That's right.
Speaker 8: So now we have new number, new number. A 75,000 federal workers have now either been laid off or forced into a, you know, a deferred resignation.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 8: Okay? That's that's terrible.
Speaker 3: That's
Speaker 8: true. Among them, we've got over 50,000 veterans
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 8: That are now jobless
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 8: Because of these jerks. Yeah. Okay? That's unacceptable. 50,000 jobless veterans.
I can't believe that. And their aim no. They they have not taken their foot off the gas. They wanna lay off 75% of the federal workforce. Yeah.
If they're successful, that'll be half a million middle class veterans jobless because of these heartless sons of guns over here.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Come Come on.
Speaker 8: And I just wanna touch on the hypocrisy of Elon Musk. Yeah. This guy put out a tweet a couple weeks ago calling people on federal programs and federal workers part of the parasite class. Yeah. Did you see this?
Yeah. Okay. There's not a person in this country who has benefited more from federal programs than Elon Musk. Yeah.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 8: Okay? Right. Yet he's gonna call 9,100,000 veterans on veterans programs parasites.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 8: They're not parasites. They're heroes.
Speaker 4: Yeah.
Speaker 8: Yeah. He's gonna call 77% of people on Social Security are seniors that rely Social Security to be kept out of poverty. He's gonna call them parasites? Hell no.
Speaker 3: No. No. And
Speaker 8: at this point, we know that this doge effort has absolutely nothing to do with efficiency. No. He has been running out off the best and brightest in government. A lot of these folks that were probationary workers were only probationary workers because they got promoted into into new positions.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 8: Some of them have been with the federal government for decades. They're the best and brightest. The list goes on. Worse maybe worst of all, he is creating a toxic work environment in the federal government. Folks, this is not a recipe for efficiency.
This is a recipe for disaster. Yeah.
Speaker 2: Yes, sir.
Speaker 8: So, you know, after nine eleven, the terrorist attack, we said never forget. And right now, we are telling the dedicated workers that keep our country safe. We've we've told them to scram, and and we are we are forgetting the hard lessons learned from nine and 09:11.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 8: It should not take another terrorist attack for for this country to wake up and say this garbage has to stop.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 8: And and the worst part of it all is that these cuts don't really have to happen. Elon Musk was in the in in the, Oval Office the other day, with a cabinet saying, oh, well, if we don't have all these cuts, well, we're gonna we're gonna go bankrupt. That's not true. They're pushing through a 4,500,000,000,000 tax cut for the only the only the wealthiest in Americans will benefit from that, and they're doing that concurrently. We're not we're not going broke if they're trying to push through the biggest tax cut in history.
Get lost with that crap.
Speaker 3: That's right. That's right.
Speaker 8: Alright. So so, Doge, pack your crap and get out.
Speaker 2: Alright.
Speaker 8: You don't know what you're doing. Yeah. You're putting people in danger. Yeah. The dough's gotta go from OPM.
Yeah. Alright.
Speaker 2: Alright. Alright. Appreciate you.
Speaker 0: Appreciate you. Appreciate you.
Speaker 8: You for your Thank time.
Speaker 0: Amen. Let's hear it again for Randy Irwin. Give him another round of applause. Alright. All of us here in solidarity together.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Let's hear now from Brittany Anderson of Pride at Work. Alright. Where's
Speaker 2: Brittany? Alright, Brittany.
Speaker 0: There you
Speaker 4: are. Hi.
Speaker 0: Thank brother. Okay. Come on now. Alright.
Speaker 17: Good afternoon, siblings.
Speaker 3: Good afternoon. My
Speaker 17: name is Brittany Anderson, and I'm a proud union queer.
Speaker 2: Alright.
Speaker 17: Yeah. Yeah. I serve as the interim executive director of Pride at Work, which is the labor movement's organizing hub for LGBTQIA plus workers and union members, including many members of AFGE and other federal workers. I wanna thank president Kelly and all of you, the membership of AFGE for your leadership
Speaker 11: Thank you.
Speaker 17: In this cross roads in our American history and for the work that you do every single day to make our country, our economy, and our communities function. My mother is a federal worker in rural Missouri. So it makes me particularly angry to see billionaires who only got where they are because their daddies were rich claiming to know anything about real work or who is qualified to do it.
Speaker 3: Oh, boy.
Speaker 17: Let's be clear about the lies Trump and Elon tell about the office of personnel management. OPM protects merit based jobs.
Speaker 2: Yes. That's right.
Speaker 17: So and let's also talk about why Trump and Musk and MAGA Republicans tell these lies. The attacks on federal workers, on transgender kids and adults, on immigrants, on black Americans are an intentional strategy
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 17: Right. To divide the working class.
Speaker 2: Yes. Yes. Yep.
Speaker 17: The ultra wealthy and the politicians they buy want to distract us from their real agenda
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 17: Which is to lower wages.
Speaker 11: Yep.
Speaker 17: Bust unions.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 17: And make our health care more expensive. Yeah. So they can keep lining our their pockets with the profits.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Right. Yeah.
Speaker 17: But we aren't falling for it. No. No. No. When we see these tactics for what they are, we can join together across our differences to build a properly funded government
Speaker 11: Yeah.
Speaker 17: And an economy that works for all of us, whether we are black or brown, Asian, white or Latino, native or newcomer, trans or cis, straight or queer, a person of faith or not. And to build that better future, we need to protect and invest in our federal workforce, not dismantle it. From the Pullman sleeping cars to Selma to Stonewall Yeah. We will build a government, country, and economy where all of us can thrive, no exceptions. Yes.
Speaker 9: Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Let's hear it. Let's hear it for Britney again.
Speaker 3: Alright. Alright. This
Speaker 0: this obsession the White House has with our LGBTQIA community. Britney is here. We are here Yeah. Because labor is here. Yeah.
And a lot of what Britney is saying that we need to keep building, we've already built. That's what they wanna take away.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: We've come too far Yeah. To to turn back now. Amen? Right. Thank you, Brenda.
Give her another round of applause.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Alright.
Speaker 0: Now we wanna hear representing black voters. Where's Danielle? Black voters matter. Danielle Brown. Come on, Danielle.
Speaker 2: Danielle. Danielle. Alright. Alright.
Speaker 14: Good afternoon, everyone. Good afternoon. My name is Danielle Brown. I'm the national co field director for black voters matter. But more importantly, I'm an AFGE girl.
Speaker 3: Come on. Alright. Alright. By
Speaker 14: way of local seventeen thirty eight out of Salisbury, North Carolina where I got my organizing skills Yeah. And my labor skills.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Right.
Speaker 14: So you learn from the best. Yeah. Today, I wanna focus on two words. One is civil, the other is service. Wow.
Because there's been nothing civil about firing government workers who have done nothing but serve this country.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: There has been nothing civil about gutting benefits that leave children starving and illiterate.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: There's been nothing civil about making veterans who have served this country wait for treatment because there's no one to service their needs.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 14: There's been nothing civil about dismantling the postal service and crippling our mail system.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 14: There's been nothing civil about DEI being used as a resource to define hatred, racism, and bigotry.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Alright.
Speaker 14: There has been nothing civil that has come out of this federal government since January.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 14: So today, we focus on what is civil. What is civil is continuing to fight for voting rights.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: What is civil is continuing to fight for organizing rights.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 14: What is civil is continuing to fight for our rights
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: As government employees
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: Here in this community.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 14: As we continue to fight and as we say in black lord black voters matter, we fight back.
Speaker 3: Yeah. See? Come on. How?
Speaker 14: Black voters matter not only stands with our union siblings, but we are in the fight with you in the communities across 30 cut across 30 different states
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: Here in this country.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 14: We are not about to stand for someone that will that continues to abuse the power through blatant racism, fascism that seeks to devour our democracy. Yeah. Democracy. Yeah. This has been an embarrassment
Speaker 11: Yeah.
Speaker 14: To the voting rights and to the work that each one of us have put in in 2024 when we knocked on doors, when we made phone calls, and when we said go to the polls. Yeah. This has been an embarrassment to our country
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 14: As a whole. Yeah. So we stand today here with here with all of our gov our government employees
Speaker 0: Yeah.
Speaker 14: And our siblings to say that we will continue to fight back.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Let's see it for Danielle Brown once again. Black voters matter. Yeah. Well, okay. You know, I don't have no black voters matter jacket either.
Y'all see them nasty jacket today? Yeah. We got to have a jacket meeting. I just I'd be remiss. I should have said it when Kwaizi was here, but looking at Claude and others who are members of the of the NAACP family, we wanna just lift up the name of mama Hazel Dukes Yeah.
Yeah. Who was a stalwart
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: And and helped to consummate the marriage between civil rights and labor. Amen? Yeah. So we lift her up for her ninety years of over ninety years of service
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: To our people. Amen?
Speaker 3: Yeah. Amen.
Speaker 0: We got some retirees here.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: We got a few retirees? Yeah. Look, folks, retired still out here, but you never retired from the struggle, do you?
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 0: Reggie Booth. Come on, brother. Brother well, give Reggie brother Reggie a round of applause. Alright. Alright.
Speaker 16: Alright, Reggie. Afternoon, everybody. I appreciate you all coming out here, and I'm really low low shook up right now. I re recently retired, you know, from the government. I did six years in the in the air force.
Was part of it. Tell me back up. Come on. Okay. Can y'all hear me now?
Yeah. Okay. Like I said, dealing with with some frustrates, especially when I heard him mention the the 50,000 veterans that that have lost their their their their jobs Mhmm. Since all of this this is going on. You know, we every everybody should be upset about that.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 16: You know, just like even when he mentioned, lest we never forget, you know, nine eleven. When nine eleven happened, I was, working at the Pentagon. And I was a a maintenance person. And for, you know, everybody else you know, a lot of folk were able to go home, but those of us on the maintenance side had to had to stay there and go inside of that that that blast zone to make sure that we secure water valves for the air conditioning heating and for the fire department, you know, to put out the fire so that the building could continue to remain open as the generals and everybody flew in order to be able to prepare for us to go over overseas and kick ass of those who had just attacked us. So so to hear that, you know, it's very frustrating because a lot of people were lined up, you know, after that to go over and fight for their their their country.
And and a lot a lot of them didn't come back. Yeah. But that's that's something they they wanted to do, and a lot of them did come back. And a lot of those, they they they come came back. You know, they deal with the the mental and the physical scars that they bought back.
Also, you know, there are those of us here that deal with whether mental or or or physical scars, you know, that began, you know, while we were in the military and continued on a lot of time. You know, we you kinda keep those things, you know, to ourself. I retired January eleventh of this year. I'm relying on this building right here to remain open. Yeah.
You know, when I when I have to go and and log on every day and wait and see the disc come or wait and see the dot come or you you you look and you know you you they said your pay gonna be there, but your pay isn't there. But but you also, you know, get numbers to call, but no no one answers because of the fact that everything is, you know, is is downsizing so quickly. I I I I feel sorry for everybody who works here right now, not knowing from day to day, whether when they come here, whether they they they'll the the fake handshakes that they're being greeted with Yeah. To try to make it look like want want you all to think that everything is fine up in here, you know, when it when it's really not. It's a lot of frustration.
It's a lot of a lot of fear. You got childcare, whatever you wanna say, being, you know, ran up in here right now, young people basically trying to put down those who've been working here all of these years and make it seem like somebody 18, 19 years old could come in here and have the the the the experience that that that you have, and and and that's just not, you know, that's that's that's not so. Right. You know, I wrote some things down. Like I said, I'm fraud so so frustrated, but I'm just trying to make sure, you know, that that, that keep everything, in here.
Op you know, what I said, OPM, just like other agencies that are an attacker, need to keep employees safe and ensure there are adequate policies that don't fluctuate based on who's in the in the in the White House. Regardless of who the president is right now, Musk, Trump, whatever. We all know, you know, what's going on.
Speaker 11: Mhmm.
Speaker 16: The mass firing, the risks that are taking place are going to place past and present government employees in harm's way. We need the services provided by OPM to remain fully operational as a government.
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 13: Let me
Speaker 16: say that again. We need the services provided by OPM to remain fully operational as a government. Yeah. I've spoke I spoke with veterans and non veterans alike at OPM, and they are worried, not just about themselves, but about the harms Americans will face now and in the future.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 16: It's gonna get much worse for employees as OPM continues to be ground zero, and they are ground zero.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 16: OPM is ground zero
Speaker 3: That's right.
Speaker 16: For the onslaught of attacks on hardworking government employees Yeah. And other federal federal agencies. Many who have served their country are now being spat upon and forced out of the doors as buildings are being taken over. Support OPM. Yeah.
Yeah. OPM. Yeah. Support OPM.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 16: We need them to remain independent from the White House and Doge. Evict Doge. Get the fork out of OPM. Okay.
Speaker 0: Support OPM. Support OPM. Support OPM. Support OPM. OPM.
Speaker 2: Support OPM.
Speaker 0: Now wait a minute. Did Reggie say that they run their daycare? Did you say that? That might be the line of the day.
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: Guess give Reggie another round of applause.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 0: And lastly, one of the individuals affected, you can't help but know. It's we're like one at the most, two people removed from someone who's affected by we all know somebody Yeah.
Speaker 8: Who's
Speaker 0: been affected by this. And here to close us out, our dear sister, who is just one such person
Speaker 3: Alright.
Speaker 0: Who was in that category of probationary employee. Yes. Why don't you come and tell us? Shanice Mundell is gonna tell her story. Come on, Alright,
Speaker 2: sis. Sorry. Hello,
Speaker 17: everybody. Hello.
Speaker 9: Name is Shanice Mundell. I live in Maryland. I was an employee of OPM. I'm I'm a union member, chapter thirty two.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 9: Yeah. I'm also a veteran.
Speaker 2: Oh, thank you.
Speaker 9: And Yeah. A mom I'm I'm a mom of three kids. My youngest one is 17. I as of, you know, February 13, I was employed OPM member. I protected the postal workers that deliver your mail every day.
Yes. During rain, sleet, snow, sunshine, I was one of the employees that made sure they were protected to get the mail to you. Thank you. Thank you. Right now, I just wanna bring awareness to everyone out here of what's going on.
I was fired thirty minutes before the end of my day
Speaker 3: Wow.
Speaker 9: Through a video email. Wow. It was a prerecorded email telling me in thirty minutes, I I 03:00, I would have to I would be terminated. I had to gather up my things. I would receive a follow-up email regarding my termination.
So now I'm unemployed. I don't know what kind of efficiency, Elon Musk thinks he's doing, taking people from their jobs, putting them on unemployment No. Making them have to apply for SNAP benefits.
Speaker 1: Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 9: You know, we we're we just wanted to go to work every day and do our jobs. Yeah. You know, I I don't I don't know what's going on. We're living in an upside downtown right now.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 9: But I I do know this is not going to defeat me.
Speaker 3: That's right. Right.
Speaker 9: I'm not gonna let it stop me. I'm actually thinking about running for something.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Come on. So Yeah. Yeah. So
Speaker 9: now they have a problem on their hands because I'm gonna keep amplifying my voice.
Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah. Thank you.
Speaker 9: So, you know, just keep us in your prayers. And as the smart, beautiful Kamala Harris said, we will not go back.
Speaker 2: Alright. We are not going back. We're
Speaker 3: not going back.
Speaker 8: Not at all.
Speaker 3: We ain't going back. Bless you. Yeah.
Speaker 0: Let's hear it for Shanice Mandel, who we're proud had the courage out here to come out today and announce her candidacy for president of The United States in 2020. Let's give her another round of applause. Amen. See what y'all did? She was just trying too.
See what y'all did? She was just trying to come work at OPM every day, and y'all done radicalized her to run for president. You're gonna regret that. You're regret it.
Speaker 9: Yeah.
Speaker 0: We want everyone to encourage their members
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Of congress, their elected officials to support h r four nine two, the save the civil service act.
Speaker 3: Yeah.
Speaker 0: Is that right?
Speaker 2: That's what
Speaker 3: it's called? Yeah.
Speaker 0: Alright. We wanna thank everybody for being here. This won't be the last time.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 0: We're keep our heads up. When we fight, we win.
Speaker 1: Yeah. Evict Elon. Evict Elon. Evict Elon. Evict Elon.
Evict Elon. Evict Elon. Who are we? AFGD. Who are we?
AFGD. Who are we?
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
JUST IN: Michigan Senator-Elect Elissa Slotkin (@ElissaSlotkin) Tells Jen Psaki to Her Face: ‘Many People Aren’t Getting Their Information Through Traditional Media,’ Questions Tulsi Gabbard’s Loyalty but Vows to Give Her a Fair Shot https://t.co/aB4FOcyLju
Video Transcript AI Summary
I understand the concerns about potential national security nominees. When considering nominees for roles like Secretary of Defense or DNI, I will prioritize their character and willingness to speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable. I will approach each nominee with an open mind, conduct thorough background checks, and assess their understanding of the enormous responsibility the role requires.
I'm concerned that some potential nominees may value foreign leadership over American leadership. The US should maintain its leadership role in the world. Finally, to win elections we need to focus on pocketbook issues and kitchen table economics rather than obsessing over identity politics.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Before getting to congress, she served three tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst. She's also held key roles in the state department and the department of defense. It's great to see you. Congratulations on your election just a few weeks ago. You have such an extensive national security background.
I just wanted to start there. And I just outlined some of the national security officials, what they're responsible for. And I wanted to start with the Department of Defense. Pete Hegseth is a veteran. That's to be honored.
He's good on television, also a good thing for cabinet members. But you've actually worked there. What what does a department defense department under Pete Hegseth look like?
Speaker 1: Well, I don't think anyone knows that for sure, but I think, you know, the only way we know what someone might do in the future is looking at their past statements. And I think you know, I happen to be over at the Pentagon on Thursday, and I there is just a lot of stress in the system, particularly from women officers, from women who are just now entering the military, young folks that we've sent to West Point, to the Naval Academy about what they will and will not be allowed to do, whether they will be in line for promotions or not.
Speaker 0: Or serve in combat roles.
Speaker 1: Or serve certainly serve in combat roles. I mean, that's the most clear place where he's put down a marker. So what does that mean for the women who have been breaking ceilings and going into those roles, fighting to be in those roles, recruited sometimes to be in those roles?
Speaker 0: Mhmm.
Speaker 1: And then now what's the what's the plan? So we don't know. I think we have a long road until we get there, and I think it's important, that people understand it's not just about the parlor game of who's gonna get what job. Mhmm. Right?
The secretary of defense, the DNI, the director of the CIA, these people literally keep us safe. Mhmm. Right? They are in charge of making sure we are not attacked again. Well, we are not attacked here or abroad.
We can live our lives and argue these things here because we are kept safe. And I I think the the concern is, are the folks who have been nominated the right people to literally keep us safe? And that's the open question.
Speaker 0: Well, do you think Pete Hegseth is the right person to keep us safe?
Speaker 1: I mean, look. I'm a very new senate elect. In the constitution, the senate provides advice and consent. We oversee nominations when they come to the senate. So I'm gonna take my time and and treat it the way I would wanna be treated, which is have people come in, talk to them, make sure they go through a thorough background check, understand what's in their background before I make any decisions.
But I I think, as someone who served in these places, I've seen up close and personal how critical it is to have people of character, who have people who are willing to speak truth to power even when the commander in chief doesn't wanna hear it. Mhmm. That's so important for these roles because security issues aren't just political issues. You know, the enemy gets a vote. Things happen abroad you can't control.
So, to me, I wanna hear that we have someone who's, a, willing to to maybe be more open minded than their previous statements, and b, understands the huge enormous responsibility and the character that's required to lead with purpose. Let me ask you about Tulsi Gabbard,
Speaker 0: because it sounds like you're taking an open approach to Pete Heck. Seth, you'll hear from him. We we do know more about her statements. The Russian television, which is a propaganda machine, has joked that she's a Russian asset. I I don't know that for a fact, but that is something they have talked about.
She has made sympathetic comments about Bashar al Assad. She's made supportive comments of Russia in their invasion of Ukraine. Is that a nomination you're open to considering?
Speaker 1: Right now, I'm I'm gonna be open on everything because this is I'm just starting out this process, and I think we we don't go anywhere by just saying, well, you know, I don't like, you know, the president's nomination. So without even considering it, I'm gonna throw them out. I'm not gonna do that. I will say that we're gonna have to have this conversation inside the the house here, inside The United States about what role we wanna have in the world. Mhmm.
Are we okay ceding our leadership to people like Putin or Xi Jinping, or do we still believe, despite our differences, that there should be an American leadership role in the world? That's fundamentally the question. And and I from her statements, it is concerning to me that she seems to give more value in some cases to foreign leadership than to American leadership. We ain't perfect. We're we're not perfect, but I would choose us any day of the week over Russian leadership in the world or Chinese leadership in the world.
So that's what concerns me about her statements. And, again, about speaking truth to power, if Putin is doing something really egregious, and you have to come and tell, you know, president Trump that that's going on and that it's really important that we move and we counteract Are you gonna be willing to do that, or are you just looking to to sort of support whatever the president's view is of the world? You can't do that in the intelligence community. It's literally keeps us unsafe by doing that.
Speaker 0: The other piece which you've experienced and you've had a role in is that we have intelligence sharing with other countries, including the Five Eyes partners. Do you have concerns about how they might look at someone like Tulsi Gabbard given her statements and her affection for adversaries in some ways.
Speaker 1: Yeah. I mean, let's be honest. If you're in a foreign country right now, and in Michigan, we border Canada. Right? So we have a ton of dual citizens, and you're looking at The United States and saying, okay.
I'm trying to figure this place out. The place that I understood to be this consistent leader, particularly on international affairs since World War two, I mean, the pendulum swing from Obama to Trump to Biden to Trump, you are just hanging on for dear life. Right? So I don't think it's any one nomination. I think that we're clearly going through a moment of political turmoil in The United States.
Other countries are going through it too, but I can only speak for this place. And I don't think we'll always be here. But I think if you're a foreign country, you're just trying to not get motion sickness, trying to understand how you engage The United States Of America where we had sixty plus years of stability. We just don't have that in international affairs right now. And I think that ultimately makes us weaker.
That's the problem. It makes us weaker. People perceive us as not a good friend. People perceive us as an easily pushable adversary, and that ain't good.
Speaker 0: Let me ask you about Matt Gaetz because you've served with him. There are a number of the republican member of of the republican house who have expressed concerns about his character. Is that a nomination? You don't know what committees you're gonna be on, but is that a nomination you're also keeping an open mind about?
Speaker 1: I'm keeping an open mind, but, I think like all of these, we need background checks. Like, you you need to tell us you know, if you've got we've had people who have been disqualified because they had in a nanny that they didn't report properly, you know, on a tax form. So if you're gonna lead, you know, the the most important federal law enforcement agency, we should have an open transparent process for what you the investigations that have just gone on in the house and anywhere else that he's been involved in the justice system that he is hoping to lead.
Speaker 0: Including the release of the report, I assume. Yes. Support. Yes. Yes.
There's so much I wanna ask you about, but very quickly before I let you go, in terms of people's analysis of Michigan, you won in Michigan. Congratulations again. Thank you. Vice president Harris did not win. What do you wish people would look at there, and what are people getting wrong in their analysis?
I mean, look. Again, you'll
Speaker 1: have lots of people debating, but I can just say very, very clearly, any party, and I can only represent the Democratic Party, needs to focus on the things that keep people up at night. That's their pocketbooks and their kids. The economic situation, inflation, of course, but even beyond inflation. It has just become harder to get in and to stay into the middle class. And if we do not address that as a very complicated democracy experiment in democracy, we got a problem.
And if we are not understanding that that's where the American people want us to be focusing, there are a lot of issues out there, but you gotta start with what keeps people awake, and that is kitchen table issues, economics. We gotta stay we we want equality for all people, but we don't need to obsess about identity politics. And by the way, this last election demonstrated very clearly that they don't stand up. You can't just put a label on a certain community and say, well, they're Latinos, so they're gonna be with us on this issue. That doesn't work anymore.
And then if I can be frank, we gotta be honest that the traditional ways of communicating through the media, you know, including this, are just not the way that many, many people are getting their information. And if you stay in your little foxhole and only talk to your friends, you shouldn't be surprised on election. I love frankness.
Speaker 0: I agree with you too as much as we're sitting here.
reSee.it AI Summary
I expressed strong concerns about Trump, stating that his actions could have led to a loss in the Cold War. I accused him of favoring dictators and undermining the economy with plans that benefit billionaires at the expense of everyday people. Prices for groceries and homes are rising, and he lacks a solid strategy to address these issues. His tariffs on allies like Canada threaten to escalate trade wars, negatively impacting manufacturing and agriculture. If he continues down this path, we risk entering a recession.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: "Trump Would Have Lost Us the Cold War!" – Sen. Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) Unloads on Trump in Fiery Rebuttal, Accuses Him of Cozying Up to Dictators and Wrecking the Economy, Adds, "President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends. He’s on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America. And to do that, he’s going to make YOU pay—in every part of your life." "Grocery and home prices are going up, not down, and he hasn’t laid out a credible plan to deal with either of those." "His tariffs on allies like Canada will raise prices on energy, lumber, and cars and start a trade war that will hurt manufacturing and farmers." "If he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession."
Video Transcript AI Summary
I'm Melissa Slotkin, the new senator from Michigan. I've dedicated my life to public service since 9/11, working at the CIA and the White House under Presidents Bush and Obama.
Like many of you, I believe in the American dream: work hard, play by the rules, and your kids should do better. We need to protect the middle class by lowering costs on groceries, housing, and healthcare, making more products in America with union jobs, securing our supply chains, and creating a fair tax system.
President Trump's economic plans favor billionaires, raising costs for everyday Americans and increasing the national debt. His foreign policy cozies up to dictators while alienating our allies.
We must also secure our borders while fixing our broken immigration system.
Our democracy is at risk when leaders disregard rules and pit Americans against each other. Stay engaged, hold leaders accountable, and organize to protect our values.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Hi, everyone. I'm Melissa Slotkin. I'm honored to have the opportunity to speak tonight. It's late, so I promise to be a lot shorter than what you just watched. I won't take it personally if you've never heard of me.
I'm the new senator from the great state of Michigan where I grew up. I've been in public service my entire life because I happened to be in New York City on 09:11 when the Twin Towers came down. Before the smoke cleared, I knew I wanted to make a life in national security. I was recruited by the CIA and did three tours in Iraq alongside the military. In between, I worked at the White House under president Bush and president Obama, two very different leaders who both believed that America is exceptional.
You can find that same sense of patriotism here in Wyandotte, Michigan, where I'm speaking from tonight. It's a working class town just south of Detroit. President Trump and I both won here in November. It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across The United States, places where people believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should do well and your kids should do better. It reminds me of how I grew up.
My dad was a lifelong Republican, my mom a lifelong Democrat, but it was never a big deal because we had shared values that were bigger than any one party. We just went through another fraught election season. Americans made it clear that prices are too high and that the government needs to be more responsive to their needs. America wants change, but there's a responsible way to make change and a reckless way, And we can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country and as a democracy. So that's what I'm gonna lay out tonight.
Because whether you're from Wyandotte or Wichita, most Americans share three core beliefs, that the middle class is the engine of our country, that strong national security protects us from harm, and that our democracy, no matter how messy, is unparalleled and worth fighting for. Let's start with the economy. Michigan literally invented the middle class, the revolutionary idea that you could work at an auto plant and afford the car you were building. That's the American dream. And in order to expand and protect the middle class, we have to do a few basic things.
We need to bring down the price of things we spend the most money on, groceries, housing, health care. We need to make more things in America with good paying union jobs and bring our supply chains back home from places like China. We need to give American businesses the certainty they need to invest and create the jobs of the future. And we need a tax system that's fair for people who don't happen to make a billion dollars. Look.
The president talked a big game on the economy, but it's always important to read the fine print. So do his plans actually help Americans get ahead? Not even close. President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends. He's on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America.
And to do that, he's going to make you pay in every part of your life. Grocery and home prices are going up, not down, and he hasn't laid out a credible plan to deal with either of those. His tariffs on allies like Canada will raise prices on energy, lumber, and cars and start a trade war that will hurt manufacturing and farmers. Your premiums and prescriptions will cost more because the math on his proposals doesn't work without going after your health care. Meanwhile, for those keeping score, the national debt is going up, not down.
And if he's not careful, he could walk us right into a recession. And one more thing. In order to pay for his plan, he could very well come after your retirement. The Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits you worked your whole life to earn. The president claims he won't, but Elon Musk just called Social Security the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.
While we're on the subject of Elon Musk, is there anyone in America who is comfortable with him and his gang of 20 year olds using their own computer servers to poke through your tax returns, your health information, and your bank accounts? No oversight. No protections against cyber attack. No guardrails on what they do with your private data. We need a more efficient government.
You wanna cut waste? I'll help you do it. But change doesn't need to be chaotic or make us less safe. The mindless firing of people who work to protect our nuclear weapons, keep our planes from crashing, and conduct the research that finds the cure for cancer only to rehire them two days later, no CEO in America could do that without being summarily fired. Okay.
So we've talked about economic security. How about national security? Let's start with the border. As someone who spent my whole career protecting our homeland, every country deserves to know who and what is coming across its border, period. Democrats and Republicans should all be for that.
But securing the border without actually fixing our broken immigration system is dealing with the symptom and not the disease. America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system keyed to the needs of our economy that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the president's plan on that. Because here's the thing, today's world is deeply interconnected.
Migration, cyber threats, AI, environmental destruction, terrorism. One nation cannot face these issues alone. We need friends in all corners, and our safety depends on it. President Trump loves to say peace through strength. That's actually a line he stole from Ronald Reagan.
But let me tell you, after the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling in his grave. We all want an end to the war in Ukraine, but Reagan understood that true strength required America to combine our military and economic might with moral clarity. And that scene in the Oval Office wasn't just a bad episode of reality TV. It summed up Trump's whole approach to the world. He believes in cozying up to dictators like Vladimir Putin and kicking our friends like the Canadians in the teeth.
He sees American leadership as merely a series of real estate transactions. As a Cold War kid, I'm thankful it was Reagan and not Trump in office in the nineteen eighties. Trump would have lost us to Cold War. Donald Trump's actions suggest that in his heart, he doesn't believe we're an exceptional nation. He clearly doesn't think we should lead the world.
Look. America is not perfect, but I stand with the majority of Americans who believe we are still exceptional, unparalleled. And I would rather have American leadership over Chinese or Russian leadership any day of the week. Because for generations, America has offered something better, Our security and our prosperity, yes, but our democracy, our very system of government has been the aspiration of the world. And right now, it's at risk.
It's at risk when the president decides you can pick and choose what rules you wanna follow, when he ignores court orders and the constitution itself, or when elected leaders stand by and just let it happen. But it's also at risk when the president pits Americans against each other, when he demonizes those who are different and tells certain people they shouldn't be included. Because America is not just a patch of land between two oceans. We are more than that. Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us.
Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are. We're a nation of strivers, risk takers, innovators, and we are never satisfied. That is America's superpower. And look, I've lived and worked in many countries. I've seen democracies flicker out.
I've seen what life is like when a government is rigged. You can't open a business without paying off a corrupt official. You can't criticize the guys in charge without getting a knock at the door in the middle of the night. So as much as we need to make our government more responsive to our lives today, don't for one moment fool yourself that democracy isn't precious and worth saving. But how do we actually do that?
I know a lot of you have been asking that question. First, don't tune out. It's easy to be exhausted, but America needs you now more than ever. If previous generations had not fought for this democracy, where would we be today? Second, hold your elected officials, including me, accountable.
Watch how they're voting. Go to town halls and demand they take action. That's as American as apple pie. Third, organize. Pick just one issue you're passionate about and engage, and doomscrolling doesn't count.
Join a group that cares about your issue and act. And if you can't find one, start one. Some of the most important movements in our history have come from the bottle up. In closing, we all know that our country is going through something right now. We're not sure what the next day is going to hold, let alone the next decade.
But this isn't the first time we've experienced significant and tumultuous change as a country. I'm a student of history, and we've gone through periods of political instability before. And ultimately, we've chosen to keep changing this country for the better. But every single time, we've only gotten through those moments because of two things, engaged citizens and principled leaders. Engaged citizens who do a little bit more than they're used to doing to fight for the things that they care about and principled leaders who are ready to receive the ball and do something about it.
So thank you tonight for caring about your country. Just by watching, you qualify as engaged citizens. And I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principal leaders that you deserve. Good night, everyone.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: MSNBC factchecks President Trump following address to Congress. WATCH https://t.co/XhN7XXb1Xm
Video Transcript AI Summary
So, I went off-script a bit tonight, and some folks walked out, but let me set the record straight on a few things. The economy I inherited wasn't a disaster, despite what some might say. Social Security isn't paying out to centuries-old people, and CEOs aren't thrilled about my tariffs. Ford's CEO thinks they'll devastate the auto industry.
We've committed less to Ukraine's defense than Europe has, and Biden didn't close a bunch of power plants. Oil and gas production actually hit records under him. Even Doge hasn't claimed the huge savings some attribute to them, and cutting pediatric cancer research, then praising a young cancer survivor? That's just wrong. Oh, and I admitted Elon Musk heads Doge, which might cause some legal issues down the road.
Also, about those tariffs, despite my efforts, everyone knows that the costs fall on the consumers.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Democrats left during the remarks. The president, in his what we believe was ad libbing. We did not have prepared remarks from the president, which is unusual. White House is usually distribute prepared remarks, so we don't know what was digression from those remarks and what was outlived. But the president did repeatedly seem to be outliving when he was remarking on the expected impact of the economic decisions he's already made six weeks in, saying that the American people would have to bear with him, that there would be a little disturbance, that there would be an adjustment period.
And, again, he said a little disturbance, essentially suggesting that the roiling that we saw in the markets is something that he knows he caused, but he hopes people will not mind. For the record, the worst inflation in this country was in 1980. For the record, the economy that he was left by president Biden was not a catastrophe. It was literally the best economy in the world that was described by the economist magazine as the envy of the world. That was the economy that was left to Donald Trump by Joe Biden.
For the record, Social Security is not paying benefits in large numbers to 300 year old people or 250 year old people or 200 year old people or 50 year old people. In fact, the idea of Social Security as a bastion of massive fraud and overpayment is completely false. For the record, US audio company CEOs are not psyched and delighted and so excited about president Trump's economic policies, including his tariffs. Take, for example, the CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, who said that Trump's tariff policies would, quote, blow a hole in The US auto industry that, quote, we've never seen. The president flat out lied about US versus European spending to support what used to be our allies in Ukraine.
US has committed about a hundred and $25,000,000,000 to Ukraine's defense. Europe has committed about $259,000,000,000. The president radically, radically misstating the character and quantity of our relative support for what used to be our ally now appears to be only Europe's ally and no longer ours. For the record, Joe Biden did not close over a hundred power plants. There were more utility sized power plants up and running in The United States when Joe Biden left office than when he achieved office.
For the record, there is no EV mandate. For the record, oil and gas production in The United States hit all time records under president Joe Biden. For the record, even Doge has never claimed that they have saved hundreds of billions of dollars in savings. The largest items they have claimed to achieve as savings in The US budget have been debunked and they've been taken down, but even they don't falsely claim hundreds of billions of dollars worth of savings. For the record, and this is disgusting, the president made a spectacle out of praising a young man who's served thus far survived pediatric cancer as if the president had something to do with that.
This was in the midst of him praising Doge. Doge cuts among other things have cut off funding for ongoing research into pediatric cancer. For the record, I will note that Donald Trump did admit in his remarks today explicitly that Elon Musk is the head of Doge. And while that comes as no surprise to anybody who's been following the facts of this matter, that will end up in court because that is directly contrary to what the administration has overtly sworn to a federal judge about the leadership of Doge. I should also note, and this doesn't have to be for the record, I'll just note it for our own experience tonight that at that point in the speech when the president talked about how we will no longer be ruled by unelected bureaucrats, democrats in the chamber pointed and laughed at Elon Musk.
An elected bureaucrat. Nicole Wallace, I'm sorry to dump a lot of fact checks there, and I that's not even scratching the surface Yeah. The things that need to be Yeah. Fact checked there. That's literally what was off the top of my head.
Yeah. So there's more to say along those should know that.
Speaker 1: I mean, this was not not a, you know, 7,000 people doing this. This is what you sort of caught from your own reporting in the Trump administration. I mean, the the the the the facts are probably few and far between, but I think that that's the point. Right? Like, those of us covering this, we come on the air to do our shows, and the point is there's so much.
So let's just stick with DJ. I mean, I think that if there was a moment where your whole body could relax and you could celebrate someone, it was the 13 year old cancer survivor who would like to be a police officer. It was a genuinely beautiful moment in the in the moment that probably was most familiar to the state of union addresses we're both a part of. Problem is in the beauty of that child is the tragedy of the Trump presidency because he's we don't know how he survived pediatric cancer, but it's likely he benefited from some sort of cancer research. And it is a fact that Trump has slashed cancer research.
It's a fact. By eliminating NIH and by all the cuts, pediatric cancer trials are halted and God willing, he won't need any more treatment. But if he does, I hope that NIH wasn't responsible for anything that let him live this long. He also talked about wanting anyone who murdered a cop to receive the death penalty. But Donald Trump's first action was to pardon all the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted and violently beat cops.
Who were convicted of it? Correct. So I think there is a shallowness and I think that that I mean, I know you and I know you probably could have gone on for another thirty minutes with the fact check and it's vital and we have to do it. But I think this was a lesson in finding one thing that that you let yourself feel, and I let myself feel joy about DJ, and I hope he's alive for another, you know, ninety five years. Right?
And I hope he lives and the life he wants to live. He wants to be a cop. He knows what he wants to do, and maybe when you have childhood cancer that crystallizes for you. And I hope he has a long life as as a law enforcement officer. But I hope he never has to defend The United States Capital against Donald Trump supporters.
And if he does, I hope he isn't one of the six who loses his life to suicide. And I hope he isn't one who has to testify against the people who carried out acts of seditious conspiracy and then live to see Donald Trump pardon those people.
Speaker 0: Lawrence, we're about three minutes out from what we're expecting to be the democratic response from senator Alyssa Slotkin. Let me get your initial response to what you just heard.
Speaker 2: Well, let's remember, it's hard to do this in the Trump era, that if any previous president had stood up there and said, we need Greenland, the two people behind him, the vice president and the speaker would have quickly conferred and rushed that president to the hospital, ended the speech right there right there with with an overt burst of madness by the president at the microphone. It would have to be an intervention, but not now. What's interesting about the lies tonight is one of his favorites wasn't there, and that is after really intense forty eight hours of coverage of tariffs. He did not tell the American people the lie tonight that foreign countries pay the tariffs. CNBC and other outlets have been really educating the voters intensely, you know, over the last couple of days about who pays the tariffs.
We had, prime minister Trudeau say to the American people today, your government chose to do this to you. And so the the mystery or the question of who pays the tariff is over. And people people now know it. He didn't try to get away with that one. And the tariffs was the shortest section of the speech.
Mhmm. It is the news of the day and the world, and Donald Trump was afraid to talk about his He
Speaker 3: did tell a lie about it. Can I can can you indulge me on
Speaker 0: this one? You got one minute and ten seconds before
Speaker 3: she starts This has to do with Doge. Doge's report card, Elon Musk would say, is treasury rates going down. And and Donald Trump tonight said rates went down today. They didn't go down because Doge is reducing the deficit. Rates went down today because of tariffs.
Right. Because the stock market tanked.
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Speaker 3: Right? You know what people do? They rush to buy treasuries.
Speaker 1: That's it.
Speaker 3: And when you buy treasuries, the price goes up and the yield goes down. So, yes, Doge got their wish. The Doge report card when when tenured treasury yields go down, we're winning. Uh-uh. Doge didn't reduce the deficit and the stock market lost.
Fact check.
reSee.it AI Summary
I expressed my outrage over Elon Musk appointing young tech individuals to federal agencies, some with troubling backgrounds, including a 19-year-old fired for leaking secrets and a Treasury staffer with racist posts. It's alarming that they now have access to sensitive U.S. government data.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
JUST IN: Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) ERUPTS: Elon Musk is stacking federal agencies with tech bros barely out of their teens, some with racist pasts, leaked secrets, and extremist ties, laments that a 19-year-old fired for leaking company secrets, a Treasury staffer with vile racist posts, and a Musk loyalist linked to white supremacists now have access to sensitive U.S. government data—and Musk wants them back, even after scandals.
Video Transcript AI Summary
This week, Elon Musk continued his takeover of the federal government, granting access to sensitive information to a team of young tech bros, many with alarming backgrounds.
Edward Corustine, age 19, was previously fired for leaking company secrets. Gavin Kliger reposted white supremacist content. Marco Iles, 25, had access to Treasury Department systems and made racist posts, including advocating for "eugenic immigration policy." Though Iles resigned, Musk wants to rehire him, with JD Vance supporting this.
These individuals aren't just campaign staffers. They have access to sensitive government data, making them prime targets for foreign adversaries. This is a serious issue that needs attention.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Been talking about throughout the show. This week, unelected billionaire Elon Musk and his doze posse continued their hostile takeover of the federal government. Of course, it's all become increasingly clear that Musk is hijacking entire departments and agencies and access to information as he wages an unprecedented and likely illegal assault on the millions of public servants who make up the civil service. The new reporting this week has also given us a clearer picture of the band of young tech bros who make up Musk's team. Many of whom are barely out of their teens, so let me start there.
And I have to say, given the things they've said, and I'm gonna tell you what they've said and done, it is quite a group. Take Edward Corustine, a 19 year old member of Doge entrusted with sensitive information. Bloomberg reports that before he was in the job he's in now where he has access to sensitive information, he was fired from an internship in 2022 for, wait for it, leaking company secrets to competitors. So, yeah. I mean, exactly the kind of guy you wanted to have access to sensitive government information.
Then there is Gavin Kliger. According to Reuters, he was reposting content from white supremacist Nick Fuentes as recently as October. And then there's 25 year old Marco Iles, who according to Wired, had access to the code controlling the Treasury Department's trillions in federal spending. Now, if that wasn't alarming enough, and it is alarming, The Wall Street Journal uncovered multiple racist posts from a since deleted account that had belonged to him. So here's a post from that account in July, which says, quote, just for the record, I was racist before it was cool.
Lots to unpack there, which I'm not gonna do. This is one from September, quote, you could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity. And here's another one from that month, quote, normalized Indian hate. And according to NPR, another post from December advocated for a, quote, eugenic immigration policy. These are things he's posting online on his own account just a couple months ago.
So it's kind of obvious why Ilez resigned in disgrace on Thursday. Right? And yet, within hours of his announced departure, Elon Musk began advocating for him to be re retired, to which the vice president of The United States, JD Vance, responded with this. I obviously disagree with some of Alez's posts, but I don't think stupid social media activity should ruin a kid's life. We shouldn't reward journalists who try to destroy people ever.
So I say, bring him back. If he's a bad dude or a terrible member of the team, fire him for that. Gotta wonder there what Vance's criteria for bad dude actually is. I mean, again, those posts of his were written as recently as December. And a month later, had access to critical treasury department systems that control trillions of dollars.
And now, Elon Musk has made clear he is going to bring this guy back. Look, these young tech bros I just described, they're not campaign staffers responsible for getting Elon Musk snacks on the campaign trail. That would be bad. But these are people who have been empowered with the access to sensitive government payment data and personnel information about millions of government employees. And they are prime targets for foreign adversaries.
So as you are making your voice heard out there and whatever format that takes, this should definitely be on your list.
reSee.it AI Summary
In an interview with Jen Psaki, I expressed my concerns about Elon Musk's approach to restructuring federal agencies, comparing it to his chaotic takeover of Twitter. I described his tactics as employing "shock and awe," loyalty tests, and mass layoffs, which I believe create a significant privacy and cybersecurity risk. I highlighted the alarming possibility that Musk's team might be using sensitive federal data in AI systems for budget cuts. I urged federal employees to take precautions, drawing parallels to the turmoil experienced at Twitter in 2022.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
JUST IN: Musk’s Federal Takeover Is a ‘Privacy Nightmare’—Ex-Twitter Exec Dr. Rumman Chowdhury Tells Jen Psaki During an interview on Inside with Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) on MSNBC, former Twitter executive Dr. Rumman Chowdhury (@ruchowdh) warned that Elon Musk’s restructuring of federal agencies mirrors his chaotic Twitter takeover—employing “shock and awe” tactics, loyalty tests, and mass layoffs. Chowdhury described the strategy as a privacy and cybersecurity nightmare, raising concerns about Musk’s team allegedly feeding sensitive federal data into AI systems to identify spending cuts. She urged federal employees to take precautions, likening the current environment to the upheaval at Twitter in 2022.
Video Transcript AI Summary
There's a shock and awe playbook being used that keeps people scared and uninformed through constant change and impossible demands, which creates a toxic and unproductive work environment. For federal workers navigating this, avoid workplace conversations, use encrypted networks, and be cautious about what you share online. Articles with advice on how to prevent doxxing and surveillance will be published soon.
The inexperience of people being brought in is not surprising. It is demoralizing to see long-term federal employees having to justify their work to inexperienced people. Feeding sensitive federal data into AI systems without proper vetting poses major privacy and cybersecurity risks, ignoring established laws that are in place to protect data.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Intelligence. Thank you so much for joining me. I think you have been doing a tremendous public service to people. So thank you for that too. Let me let me just start by asking you.
I mean, Twitter is obviously a private company, and now we're talking about the federal government. But Musk's strategy seems to follow a familiar pattern, as I just outlined a couple of examples. But what else stands out to you about what we're seeing from Elon Musk right now?
Speaker 1: That's right. There seems to be this playbook that happens, and it's, you know, in short, it's shock and awe. It's constantly keep people scared, uninformed, keep changing things up on them, make demands that are impossible, make new hoops to jump through. To be honest, I think there are some people for whom this kind of environment is just simply not healthy. It's unhealthy for really any employees.
Also, it sows discord. The one thing I'll say, and it's probably the same thing that happened for us at Twitter, no work happens during this. For all of the moving in beds and the dramatics, and truly the theater, the theatrics of saying there's 120 work weeks, one has to ask how much work is actually getting done if nobody knows what's going on.
Speaker 0: That's such a good point. There's a lot of theatrics here. I mean, I mentioned some of the pieces of advice you've been putting out there on Blue Sky and other places, but one piece of what are the other actions for worker for federal workers who are watching right now? They're trying to survive a must takeover. Maybe they haven't tuned in yet to all of your amazing advice.
What should they be doing to survive or make this less painful?
Speaker 1: That's a great question. So following up on the Blue Sky Post, I'm actually working with some former and current federal employees, all of them unfortunately need to remain anonymous, to work on a series of articles on what people should be doing. And some of these articles are also written by critical tech thinkers, organizations like Stop Spying, and they're specifically on what to do if you get doxxed, how to prevent workplace surveillance, how to prevent device surveillance. And in short, it's things like don't have conversations in the workplace, don't have conversations on your work devices, try to log into encrypted end to end networks, just remove yourself from any place or situation in which you can be surveilled. Also, be careful what you say, no matter what platform you're on.
And the unfortunate truth is there are a lot of federal employees sharing documents, working together, but we do have to be careful when we're working with each other to push back. And is there anywhere we can expect to see this?
Speaker 0: We'll see it in the coming days or weeks? Or how should people look out for it?
Speaker 1: Yes. Some of them will be published on just security. And again, those are the ones particularly targeted towards device security and workplace surveillance. Good. That's very helpful information.
I just talked through some of the
Speaker 0: very young, in some cases very problematic, given their posts people that Musk is surrounding himself with to help carry out his plans. And does any of that surprise you about what we've learned about these people? And what else should federal employees know about the kind of people he seems to surround himself with?
Speaker 1: I mean, sadly, no. I wish it were surprising, but again, it's sort of a very tired and old and boring playbook. Right? Anybody with any sort of experience is not attracted to the kind of confusing and toxic work environment. I think it's very appealing to a certain kind of person.
We saw it at Twitter as well. They were inexperienced engineers from his other companies, who even knows what the legality of that is, coming in and evaluating, you know, my team's code, other people's code. You know, we were we had to do performances of loyalty of literally printing out code, physically standing in line like we were about to be scolded by a teacher and sitting there having to justify our teams. And I'm hearing parallel stories, frankly, of, you know, multi decade federal employees having to sit in front of a child and explain to a child why they shouldn't be fired. Not only is that demoralizing, it's insulting.
It's actually insulting to the legions of federal employees who do hard work every day.
Speaker 0: No no question about it. I wanted to ask you because you have so much expertise. I mean, there are reports that Elon Musk's doge crew is now feeding sensitive federal data into AI systems to help target spending cuts. I mean, as an expert on on AI, what kinds of and and most people don't under entirely understand what it does yet. What kinds of risks does that pose in your view for government operations and for data security?
Speaker 1: Well, there's an extensive vendor vetting process for any organization to work with the federal government. I should know, because my organization has worked with a wide range of agencies. Just to download a software overnight and dump data in it is a privacy nightmare, it is a cyber security nightmare, and you know that bad actors around the world are just waiting for this data to be insecure and for the laws to not be followed. These laws exist for a reason. They exist to protect your information, protect your data, and frankly protect the government from getting hacked.
And they seem to be throwing that all to the wind, and they just believe the rules don't apply to them, but the rules are there for a reason. Doctor.
Speaker 0: Chaudhary, thank you so much, and I hope you'll come back and talk with us. And when these articles are out as well, we'll help we'll help post them out there for as well. Thank you so much for joining us today. Coming up, we'll go inside the court battle over a list of FBI agents who worked on January 6 cases. And round one, just one to the good guys.
That's good news. Chris Matti represents those FBI agents suing the justice department to keep those names private, and he joins me next.
Speaker 2: Prilosec knows. For a fire, one fire extinguisher beats 10 buckets of water. And for zero heartburn, one Prilosec a day beats taking up to 10 antacids a day. It's that simple. For twenty four hour heartburn relief, one beats 10.
Prilosec OTC.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
"Why is it that the majority of people who run Fortune 500 companies are white men? Why do we only have two black women running these companies? You can't tell me black and brown people aren't working hard enough," CNN panel erupts over DEI and claims white people work harder https://t.co/n6a2c5TIUN
Video Transcript AI Summary
President Trump emphasizes merit in hiring, stating that hard work and dedication should determine job opportunities, regardless of background. As a Hispanic individual who became California's lieutenant governor, I believe success comes from effort and discipline. However, the conversation reveals concerns about the perception that merit and minority status are mutually exclusive. The underrepresentation of minorities in leadership roles raises questions about systemic barriers rather than individual qualifications. DEI initiatives aim to address these disparities, ensuring equal opportunities. Historical injustices have limited access to education and economic mobility for marginalized groups, contributing to wealth gaps that persist today. The focus should be on removing barriers rather than attributing lack of representation to a lack of merit or effort.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: I think president Trump is has actually stated. He's focused and and drilled in in the merit. It's all about merit. He's made it very clear. If you work hard, and you're gonna do a great job, I'm not gonna look at the color of your scanner.
You're gonna get the job. And it's like he I mean, I watched him. I watched him talk, and I've watched him in the campaign talk about how he feels that it's we're gonna hire the best of the best, and it's gonna be driven by merit and merit only. I I happen to be Hispanic, and I became the lieutenant governor of California. And I wanna believe that that happened because of my hard work, my dedication, being disciplined, and sharing with looks.
Speaker 1: I don't
Speaker 0: know about the good looks, but I can tell you this. It, it's it's how I feel. So I think the opportunities for everybody now when Alfonso talks about some people are gonna get hurt, I don't see it that way. I just respectfully disagree with you. I think that if they are hard workers, and they're disciplined, and they're very, very brilliantly smart, they're gonna get the job, they're gonna stay in that job.
Speaker 2: Conversation actually highlights what I think is so dangerous. Right? What you're suggesting is that merit and minority applicants are mutually exclusive. That's what you're suggesting. You're saying that if I'm a minority candidate, that means I am actually unqualified.
Right?
Speaker 3: No, I don't think he is unqualified. I don't
Speaker 4: think he is unqualified.
Speaker 1: I'm not gonna say unqualified. I'm not gonna say unqualified. I know him. Let's look at the facts. Let's look at the facts.
Speaker 0: Why is it that the majority of the
Speaker 2: Why is it the majority of people who run Fortune 500 companies are white men?
Speaker 0: There you go. I mean, it just Why
Speaker 4: is it? Why are they
Speaker 2: why do we only have 2 black women that are running Fortune 500 companies? Are you telling me We
Speaker 0: gotta work harder.
Speaker 1: No. No. No. No. No.
No.
Speaker 4: No. No. No. No.
Speaker 1: No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No. No.
No.
Speaker 4: No. No. No. No. No.
No
Speaker 5: black, brown people, women are not working hard enough, and that's why they're not in
Speaker 0: Absolutely not. I'm saying that You
Speaker 2: just said, is that the guy over?
Speaker 0: I'm an American citizen.
Speaker 1: I'm proud
Speaker 2: of my heritage. 2 black women that are running Fortune 500 companies. Answer that question for me.
Speaker 0: Well, I mean, I don't know how the process the hiring process within that company. I can tell you that, but all I'm telling you is that Every there's a lot of black women who serve in the legislature. I mean, we had a black woman vice president. I mean, she earned it. She worked hard.
Speaker 4: I mean did.
Speaker 2: So it's And now you sat at
Speaker 5: this table many times when, basically, the your the Republican Party, Donald Trump, his vice president, called her a DEI hire, said that she was
Speaker 1: not call
Speaker 0: her a DEI hire.
Speaker 5: I'm not talking about you. I said the people running for office against her called her a DEI hire. To your point, everything is being blamed on DEI. California fires, DEI. Trump's shooting the rally at the Trump shooting, DEI, even though the head of his detail is a white man.
Right wing commentators, talking about about plane safety, saying planes are gonna crash because of
Speaker 3: But but but to that point, you had a video of a firefighter in Los Angeles, right, talking about the diversity in recruitment and saying that a person who gets themselves trapped in a fire is their own fault.
Speaker 2: We have to see how the police department can public do that.
Speaker 5: That okay. That happened. But, but, Joe, did they cause the white wildfire?
Speaker 2: Did they cause the wildfire?
Speaker 5: Did that question that individual is confident to lead the war? Or even that ideal ideology prevent the Los Angeles Fire fire department from putting out a wildfire, 5 wildfires.
Speaker 3: But it's saying that particular firefighter is saying that she I don't wanna misgender her and get more trouble. Saying. But she is unable to lift someone out of a fire, and it's a person's fault.
Speaker 5: Anything to do with the wild fires and the ability to
Speaker 3: stop them. Ability to carry someone out of a fire is a pretty Okay.
Speaker 2: I'm talking about the wildfires
Speaker 1: that are
Speaker 5: and the ability to
Speaker 4: stop them. Them.
Speaker 3: What do you mean by that?
Speaker 1: I don't think I
Speaker 3: don't think DEI was responsible for setting a fire. That's not what they were saying.
Speaker 5: Clearly was not.
Speaker 4: But that clearly was not.
Speaker 5: Responsible for Who was the president of the
Speaker 4: president of the president of the president? Also, I I hear you, and I'm glad you don't think discrimination could should happen, but our sitting president actually does because he discriminated against black people. He did not want them to be able to rent from him, and he is yet to repent for it and say it is wrong. It is something that is woven into our country, and I understand that folks feel like DEI has gone too far, but disparities exist for a reason, and DEI was a tactic to ensure that people had equal opportunity. Now I I think the numbers will speak for themselves, I think.
And I also again, this goes back to the immigration thing. This whole, like, snitch on people that Donald Trump they better be careful because Donald Trump sits next to people that might get snitched on themselves.
Speaker 3: We better
Speaker 1: be snitches.
Speaker 0: Be careful.
Speaker 4: I didn't wanna say it. I was waiting for you. You're from New York.
Speaker 2: Let's let's talk about equal opportunity. Right? Because this is what this is all about. It's about opening up the doors and removing the barriers that have existed for decades. Right?
There is a reason why black people in this country only have 15% of the wealth as white people. So what are you telling us? Are you telling us that we are unqualified, unsmart, that we're not actually operating based on merit? Why is it that we have a clear view?
Speaker 5: I think there was affirmative action for white mass
Speaker 1: Americans literally 100 of years in this country.
Speaker 3: For 100 of
Speaker 5: years, there was the president. In this country. For 100 of years, there was affirmative action for white men. And to answer your question, because, my friend Abel would not, it is not because they're not working hard enough. It's because for centuries, they were locked out of education.
For centuries, they were locked out of of economic mobility. They couldn't even build wealth. They were they were set free in this country after being enslaved for 100 of years with nothing.
reSee.it AI Summary
I'm outraged that Trump revoked my security clearance; it was essential for government benefits. I never claimed Hunter Biden's laptop was Russian disinformation. My letter only stated it had the hallmarks of such disinformation.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Former CIA Director John Brennan is outraged Trump has revoked his security clearance, calls it a mistake since he had it for the government benefits, denies saying Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation, and clarifies the letter he signed said it had the hallmarks of Russian disinformation.
Video Transcript AI Summary
I maintained my security clearance after leaving government service to assist the government if they needed to discuss classified matters. This clearance facilitated discussions with former intelligence officials. The recent executive order was strange and misrepresented facts, claiming we suggested the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation. In reality, we indicated it had characteristics of Russian information operations, including the release of accurate information. This seems to be an attempt to retaliate against those who have criticized him publicly.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: The only reason why I still had a security clearance as I have for the past number of years since I left government service was for the benefit of the government. So that if the CIA or another government agency wanted to call me in to discuss a classified matter, they could do that. And so it was really for the government's benefit. It was facilitate those classified discussions with myself as well as with former directors as well as other former members of the intelligence community that had those clearances. So again, yesterday's EO was bizarre, among many bizarre executive orders that he had signed out.
And as you point out, he misrepresented the facts in that executive order because it said that we had suggested that the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation. No, we said it was all the hallmarks of Russian information operations, including the dumping of accurate information, which is what we said in that letter. So again, this was just his effort to try to get back at those individuals who have criticized him openly and publicly in the past and I think very legitimate.
reSee.it AI Summary
I just signed several significant executive orders, including the declassification of files related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Dr. King. I also established a commission on science and technology, recognized the Lumbee Tribe, and pardoned pro-life protesters. Regarding Saudi investments, I expect at least $600 billion, aiming for $1 trillion. I'm taking action to address the border situation and plan to expedite approvals for energy projects to support our AI ambitions. Elon Musk's team is expected to fund their initiatives independently.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: President Trump has just signed an executive order to declassify files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Additional orders include pardoning pro-life protesters prosecuted by the previous administration, establishing America as a leader in artificial intelligence, forming a commission on science and technology, and recognizing the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The executive orders signed today are: 1- Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence: Establishes the administration's policy to make America the world leader in artificial intelligence, aiming to dominate and lead globally in AI development. 2- Executive Order on Cryptocurrency: Forms an internal working group to position America as the global capital in cryptocurrency under Trump's leadership. 3- Executive Order Establishing a Presidential Commission on Science and Technology: Creates a commission to bring together top figures from government, the private sector, and educational institutions to ensure America maintains its leadership in science and technology. 4- Presidential Memorandum on Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe: Promotes federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, marking a significant step for the tribe. 5- Set of Pardons for Pro-Life Protesters: Issues pardons to 23 pro-life protesters who were prosecuted by the Biden administration, highlighting their First Amendment rights. 6- Executive Order on Declassifying Files: Orders the declassification of files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which is expected to reveal long-withheld information.
Video Transcript AI Summary
Executive orders were signed to establish the U.S. as a leader in AI and crypto, forming internal working groups for both sectors. A presidential commission on science and technology was also created to maintain U.S. leadership in these fields. Additionally, a memorandum promotes federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe. Pardons were issued for 23 peaceful pro-life protesters wrongfully prosecuted. An executive order was signed for the declassification of files related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr. Discussions included the need for interest rates to decrease and the importance of addressing border security. The president expressed a willingness to negotiate with Russia regarding Ukraine and emphasized the need for China to stop sending harmful substances like fentanyl into the U.S.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Okay. Very good. We've signed some executive orders. They were, very important in just about every case, and it will go through the first one, please.
Speaker 1: Do you wanna Yeah. Mister president, this is an executive order on crypto. We're going to be I'm sorry, we're doing that. I'm sorry, this is an executive order on AI. We're forming we're basically announcing the administration's policy to make America the world capital in artificial intelligence and to dominate and to lead the world in AI.
Speaker 0: Do you want to say your name, your full name, sir? David is one of the greatest in the world at AI, most respected probably there is. So that should take us to the forefront. Right?
Speaker 1: Absolutely. We got them on.
Speaker 0: Okay. Thank you. And this David is?
Speaker 1: Crypto. Yeah. This is the Crypto EO. We're going to be forming a internal working group to make, crypto to make America the world capital in crypto under your leadership.
Speaker 0: Which is really going up. Right?
Speaker 1: Absolutely.
Speaker 0: David, that's for you. Thanks, sir. You find them exciting? They might not be excited, but we're gonna make a lot of money for the country.
Speaker 1: Okay, sir.
Speaker 0: And so is David. You have to check him out. There's nobody like this guy. He said, how did you get David Sacks? How did you do that?
And he's, he's doing it for the country more than anything else. So we appreciate it, David. Thank you very much.
Speaker 2: This is an ex executive order establishing a presidential commission, an advisory commission on science and technology. Basic ideas to get together top people from government to private sector, technology industry, as well as educational institutions, to make sure that America maintains its leadership position respect to science and technology development in the years ahead.
Speaker 3: Good. That's great.
Speaker 2: Next, sir, we have a presidential memorandum encouraging departments and agencies in your government, including the Department of the Interior, to promote federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
Speaker 0: I love the Lumbee Tribe. So this is their first big step. Right?
Speaker 2: This would be a huge step for them. Yeah.
Speaker 0: They were with me all the way. They were great. North Carolina, Lumbee tribe. K. We'll send you'll send them a copy of that?
Yes, sir. That would be great. K.
Speaker 2: And if you'd like, I could get them that pen, sir, as well.
Speaker 0: Yeah. Let's do
Speaker 3: that.
Speaker 2: Next, we have, a set of pardons for peaceful pro life protesters who were prosecuted by the Biden administration for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Speaker 0: Do you know how many?
Speaker 2: I believe it's 23, sir.
Speaker 0: 23 people, were prosecuted. They should not have been prosecuted. Many of many of them are elderly people. They should not have been prosecuted. This is a great honor to sign this.
They'll be very happy. So they're all in prison now?
Speaker 2: Some are. Some are are out of custody. Ridiculous.
Speaker 0: K?
Speaker 2: Lastly, sir, we have an executive order ordering the declassification of files relating to the assassinations of president John f Kennedy, senator Robert f Kennedy, and, the reverend doctor Martin Luther King Junior.
Speaker 0: That's a big one. A lot of people are waiting for this for a long for years, for decades. And everything will be revealed. Okay? Give that to RFK Jr.
Okay, sir. Okay. Okay. Thank you very much.
Speaker 4: Mister president, the US judge temporarily blocks, the birthright citizenship order.
Speaker 5: Do you
Speaker 4: have any reaction?
Speaker 0: No. Obviously, we'll appeal it. They put it before a certain judge in Seattle, I guess. Right? And, there's no surprises with that judge.
Speaker 5: Mister president, senators Collins and Murkowski have now said they will vote against Pete Hegseth. Are you worried about his confirmation and your reaction?
Speaker 0: And no surprises there. Too bad. You know, it's just the way the way it is. Too bad.
Speaker 5: And when would you adjourn congress to make recess appointments, mister president?
Speaker 0: Well, I take a look at that. I've listened to John Thune. He's doing a fantastic job. We're moving along. The democrats are trying to delay government as they always do.
They can't help themselves. Even John Ratcliffe, who's very, very strong, very popular and, liked by the Democrats. I guess he gets a lot of Democrat votes. That's taking a long time and it shouldn't be taking a long time. They're they're maxing everything out so they can delay everything as much as possible.
Speaker 5: Do Senator Thune support an effort to use recess appointments if you choose to do that?
Speaker 0: I'd be willing to use recess appointments. It's up to John. We'll see. John Thune is a great guy, great senator, knows his stuff inside out and backwards, but I would use recess appointments if he wants to do that. Absolutely.
Mister president, the Democrats are just delaying. They always delay.
Speaker 3: Mister president, you spoke with the Saudi foreign friends yesterday. Who? The Saudi foreign friends. How was the, the call? Right.
At least with $600,000,000,000 $1,000,000,000 you can invest?
Speaker 0: 600. I'll ask them for a 1,000,000,000,000.
Speaker 3: You said you can ask them for a 1,000,000,000,000. We'll tell you already of foreign country you will visit since they invest in that much?
Speaker 0: Why don't they do that? I would. Yeah. I would be glad to do that. I did it.
As you know, 4 years ago, we did $450,000,000,000 Meaning, the money all goes to American companies and they purchase jets and they purchase computers and everything else. And we did 450,000,000,000 and I guess we're at 60, 650.
Speaker 3: So if you want And I'll
Speaker 0: see if I can talk him
Speaker 3: into it. Again, You showed great confidence in Steve Whitehall. Why you said that you doubt that the ceasefire in Gaza will will hold since you appraised his
Speaker 0: No. No. I think he's great. But it's a very tricky place. It's very tricky.
I will say, and if it if something does happen, they will not be happy.
Speaker 2: Sir, on the part of
Speaker 3: that one, in terms of Steve Witkopf, are you going to put him in charge of Iran strategy? And do you want him talking directly with the Iran?
Speaker 0: No. But he's certainly somebody I would use. He's done a fantastic job. He's a great negotiator. He's a very good person, great a very popular person.
Gets along with people. I have great negotiators. They they have no personality whatsoever. And then I have some that Steve has a wonderful way about him and people like him. And even in this case, both sides like him.
And he was able to make a deal. That deal would have never been made with that, Steve. The Biden people couldn't make the deal. They were working on it for a year and a half. They couldn't make a deal.
We got it done prior to the inauguration. We said it has to be before the inauguration. I mean, the deal should hold, but if it doesn't hold, there'll be a lot
Speaker 3: of problems.
Speaker 5: Just hours after you made that big stargate announcement, Elon Musk tweeted that they don't actually have the money. Is that true?
Speaker 0: I don't know if they do, but they're putting up the money. The government's not putting up anything. They're putting up money. They're very rich people, so I hope they do. And, I mean, Elon doesn't like one of those people.
So
Speaker 3: Does it allow
Speaker 5: you to find that AI is gonna replace many American jobs?
Speaker 3: No. How
Speaker 0: are you? No. No. It's gonna create tremendous numbers of jobs. It's gonna also, create a lot of benefits medically for cancer research and other things.
It's gonna have a huge positive impact. And, you know, we wanna be ahead of China. We're right now way ahead of China. David Sachs is one of the all time experts. You know, people are amazed that he you just met him.
I don't know if he's still here. There he is. But, but one of the most respected people in that world to world. That's a whole different world. And we're ahead of China now because of what I'm doing.
And I think it's gonna be very successful.
Speaker 5: Mister Alexander, please, you
Speaker 3: just asked the Davos form a game that's made to accomplish with spend 5% of GDP on defense. Yeah. The United States don't spend 5%. Well, I don't know. To apply to the United States.
We're States don't spend 5%. Well, I don't know. To apply to the United States.
Speaker 0: We're protecting them. They're not protecting us. We're protecting them. So I don't think we should be spending. I'm not sure we should be spending anything, but we should certainly be helping them.
But they should they should up their 2% to 5%. Yeah.
Speaker 5: Mister president,
Speaker 4: you said earlier during your speech at Davos that you would like to see interest rates come down. How much would you like to see them come down?
Speaker 3: I'd like
Speaker 0: to see them come down a lot and oil prices will come down. And when oil prices come down, everything's gonna be cheaper for the American people and actually for the world, but for the American people. So I'd like to see oil prices come down. And when the energy comes down, that's gonna knock out a lot of the inflation that's going to automatically bring the interest rates down.
Speaker 4: I'm worried that there's too much going on at once if you're trying to bring interest rates down. No.
Speaker 0: It just works that way. I mean, it's just economically works that way. When the oil comes down, it'll bring down prices, then you won't have inflation. And then, the interest rates will come down.
Speaker 4: Do you
Speaker 5: need that they
Speaker 4: have a demand that the interest rates come down?
Speaker 0: Well, I would
Speaker 5: Do you expect I
Speaker 0: would put in a strong statement.
Speaker 5: Do you expect the Fed to listen to you?
Speaker 0: Yeah.
Speaker 4: Are you gonna talk to Powell about this and bring the rates down?
Speaker 0: At at the right time, I would.
Speaker 3: Sir, do
Speaker 4: you have any people you pardoned that that were participating in the January 6, 2021, Kentucky plan to meet with any of them or meet with them at the White House?
Speaker 0: I don't know. I'm sure that they probably would like to. I did I did them something important, but what they did is they were protesting a crooked election. I mean, people understand that also. And they were treated very badly.
Nobody's been treated like that. So I'd be open to it certainly. I don't know of anything like that, but I think they're gonna meet in some of the congresspeople, congressmen, women, want to, wanna meet. But, I'd certainly be open to
Speaker 3: Have you spoken to that situation department?
Speaker 0: I haven't spoken to any of them yet, but I know they're very happy.
Speaker 5: Mister president, president?
Speaker 0: I gave them their life back. Their life was taken away from them unnecessarily and unfairly. I gave them their life back. So I can imagine they probably would like to.
Speaker 3: Mister president, when you said that, Biden took bad advice and not pardoning himself yesterday.
Speaker 0: Well, he did. I think he did because he he pardoned all these people that are crooked as hell. Look, the congressman, they're crooked. What they did is they destroyed evidence. When you destroy evidence, especially criminally like that, they did it criminally.
And the reason they destroyed the evidence is because it proved that I was right. They didn't destroy evidence for no reason. They destroyed it because they found many documents saying that I offered 10,000 soldiers. If they had 500 soldiers or National Guard, there would have been no problem. If they had 200, that would have been I offered 10,000 if they needed them.
There would have been no problem. That's been now totally disproven. And it's also been disproven by Nancy Pelosi's daughter who has her on tape saying it was her fault that she has full responsibility for this. But and they have all this stuff. They destroyed everything.
And they go through a year and a half, 2 years of nonsense. They come up with tremendous evidence, and they destroyed evidence. And Schiff knew about it. That's why he's on there. He knew all about the destruction of evidence.
A lot of people said he's the one that got him to do it, And he's a crooked guy, a totally crooked politician. And so he's pardoned and some other people are pardoned. And these are crooked politicians, every one of them. Benny Johnson, what he did is incredible. I mean, he was the leader of the committee and he did it.
Cheney, crying Adam Kinzinger, all of them. They destroyed evidence and deleted everything. There's nothing. There's no evidence now. They're crooked politicians and they should be punished.
You know, that's even in a civil trial, you go to jail for a thing like that. They destroyed every document from what I understand, every document because it proved that I was totally innocent.
Speaker 3: Was it just
Speaker 5: a plan to send up a 10,000 troops to the southern border?
Speaker 0: Yeah. Southern border? Yes. Southern border. When I say 10,000 troops, I was referring to the capital.
Speaker 5: Oh, I see. And when do you plan when
Speaker 0: do you plan to do that? I offered 10,000 troops to the capital before January 6th.
Speaker 5: And as for the 1500 at the southern border, sorry to clarify, what exactly do you want them to be doing right now?
Speaker 0: Making sure that the border is safe and secure and that criminals don't come into our country.
Speaker 3: Mister president, do you think that sanctions on Russia will force President Putin to negotiate?
Speaker 0: I don't know, but I think you should make a deal.
Speaker 4: Mister president, does it bother you that Elon Musk criticized a deal that you made publicly that he said that he tweeted that? No.
Speaker 0: It doesn't. He hates one of the people in the deal.
Speaker 4: Have you spoken to him since then?
Speaker 0: No. No. I've spoken to Elon.
Speaker 5: But I've spoken
Speaker 0: to all of them actually. The people in the deal are very, very smart people. But Elon, one of the people he happens to hate, but I have certain hatreds of people too.
Speaker 3: Sir, on China, what do you think Xi Jinping can do on the Ukraine
Speaker 0: Russian war? Which one?
Speaker 3: Ukraine Russian war, what can Xi Jinping do about
Speaker 0: that? China? Yes. They have a lot of power over Russia. They supply energy to Russia and Russia supplies energy to them.
They supply other things to, it's it's really a very big trade. It's a very big trading partner, but Russia supplies a lot of energy to China. China pays them a lot of money for that. And, I think we have a lot of power over Russia. So I think Russia should wanna make a deal.
Maybe they wanna make a deal. I think from what I hear, Putin would like to see me and we'll meet as soon as we can. I'd I'd meet immediately. Every day we don't meet, soldiers are being killed in a battlefield. And that battle battlefield is like no battlefield since World War 2.
Speaker 3: You said
Speaker 5: that Ukraine
Speaker 0: was And I have I have pictures that you don't wanna see. Soldiers are being killed on a daily basis at numbers that we haven't seen in decades. It'll be nice to end that war. It's a ridiculous war.
Speaker 5: You said that Ukraine's ready to make a deal. Did president Zelensky tell you that? No.
Speaker 0: He's ready to negotiate a deal. He'd like to stop. He's he's somebody that lost a lot of soldiers and so did Russia lost a lot. Russia lost more soldiers. They lost 800,000
Speaker 4: a contradiction
Speaker 3: of his dream and could further drive racial Well,
Speaker 5: I haven't
Speaker 3: heard that. Mister president, you put the Houthis back on the terror list. How do you see the war in Yemen and
Speaker 0: Well, we'll see what happens, but they can't shoot down our ships, the Houthis?
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 0: And that you can't shoot down our ships or any ships, and that's what they've been doing. So they're under terror list. That's not good for them.
Speaker 4: So how do you regulate all security protections for former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and and Brian Hook?
Speaker 0: Well, the same reason that when you, you know, have protection, you can't have it for the rest of your life. Do you wanna have a large detail of people guarding people for the rest of their lives? I mean, there's risks to everything.
Speaker 4: Sir, would you support
Speaker 3: us striking Iran's nuclear facilities?
Speaker 0: Say it.
Speaker 3: Would you support Israel, for example, striking Iran's nuclear facilities?
Speaker 0: Well, I'm not gonna obviously, I'm not gonna answer that question. We'll have to see how I'm gonna be meeting with various people over the next couple of days. We'll see. But hopefully, that can be worked out without having to worry about it. It would be nice it would really be nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step.
Speaker 3: And who are you gonna meet with as I'm here?
Speaker 0: Well, I'd rather not say that, but very high level people. But hopefully that could be worked out. Look, Iran, hopefully we'll make a deal. And if they don't make a deal, I guess that's okay too.
Speaker 5: And Mr. President, just to follow-up, you said you think the Fed should listen to you. Can you elaborate on why you think it should?
Speaker 0: With regard to interest
Speaker 5: rate? Correct. Yes.
Speaker 0: Because I think I know interest rates much better than they do. And I think I know it's even much better than the one who's primarily in charge of making that decision. But, no. I'm guided by them very much. But if I disagree, I will let it be known.
Speaker 4: So your various plans for China and Mexico are much tougher. The ones for Canada and Mexico are much tougher than the one for China. Why is it softer for China?
Speaker 0: Well, China is already paying a lot of tariffs because of me. And when you add them up, I would say, you know, they're paying a lot. They paid 100 of 1,000,000,000 of dollars. They never paid 10¢ until I came along. When I came along, they pay 100 of they've paid 100 of 1,000,000,000 of dollars.
Never paid anything. And, so they've already started at a higher base.
Speaker 5: Is February 1 the date for Chinese tariffs as well, sir? February 1 or was that just Mexico and Canada?
Speaker 0: It's Mexico and Canada, but we're we're talking about China too. China is sending us tremendous amounts of bad drugs, fentanyl, really bad stuff. Most of it comes through Mexico. And we're losing, I think, 300,000 lives a year because of that. People say 150, 100, 120, I think 300,000 lives a year.
Those are old numbers. The other the lower numbers are low number and we can't have that. They've got to stop sending it. I had a deal with President Xi, but it was a deal that wasn't followed up by Biden, of course, where they were going to issue the death penalty to people that make fentanyl and that would have stopped it. But we'll have to stop it with tariffs.
Thank you very much, everybody.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Apart from signing several key executive orders, President Trump also took several questions from reporters on several issues, including Saudi Economic Investments in the U.S. "Saudi Arabia will be investing at least $600 billion in America. But I'll be asking the crown prince, who's a fantastic guy, to round it out to around 1 trillion. I think they'll do that because we've been very good to them." " America is back and open for business. This week I'm also taking swift action to stop the invasion at our southern border. They allowed people to come in at levels that nobody's ever seen before. It was ridiculous. I declared a national emergency on our border." On Artificial Intelligence (AI): "We're going to build electric generating facilities. I'm going to get them the approval under emergency declaration. I can get the approvals done myself without having to go through years of waiting. And the big problem is we need double the energy we currently have in the United States. Can you imagine for AI to really be as big as we want to have it?" On Musk's comments and Technological Investments: Reporter: "Just hours after you made that big Stargate announcement, Elon Musk tweeted that they don't actually have the money. Is that true? Trump: "I don't know if they do, but you know, they're putting up the money. The government's not putting up anything. They're putting up money. They're very rich people, so I hope they do."
reSee.it AI Summary
I spoke at the House Committee Hearing on the Press Act, emphasizing the critical importance of press freedom. Despite facing an $800 daily fine for protecting my confidential sources, I remain committed to the principles of journalism and accountability.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: Fired and silenced former @CBS correspondent Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge), who is known for her Hunter Biden laptop reporting before she was sacrificed, gives an opening statement to the House Committee Hearing on the Press Act, noting the importance of Press Freedom as she faces a daily $800 fine for not revealing her confidential sources. WATCH
Video Transcript AI Summary
I'm grateful for the opportunity to discuss the importance of protecting reporter sources through the Press Act. My recent experience of being held in contempt of court for refusing to disclose confidential sources highlights the urgent need for this legislation. The Press Act would shield journalists from legal jeopardy, allowing them to maintain confidentiality except in cases of imminent violence or defamation. This protection is crucial for investigative journalism, as it fosters trust between reporters and their sources. My own situation, including the seizure of my reporting files, underscores the risks faced by journalists. I appreciate the support from fellow journalists and organizations advocating for press freedom. The Press Act is timely, especially as independent journalism grows, and I hope it will soon be passed by the Senate and signed into law. Thank you for your commitment to this vital issue.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: I'm here today with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. I appreciate the subcommittee taking the time to focus again on the importance of protecting reporter sources and the vital safeguards provided by the Press Act. As you know, in February, I was held in contempt of court for refusing to dispose my confidential sources on a national security story. I think my current situation can help put the importance of the Press Act into context. One of our children recently asked me if I would go to jail if we would lose our house and if we would lose our family savings to protect my reporting sources.
I wanted to answer that in this United States, where we say we value democracy and the role of a vibrant and free press, that it was impossible, but I could not offer that assurance. The bipartisan press act, which came out of this house committee, will put an end to the sort of legal jeopardy that I have experienced firsthand in the federal courts. And without the legislation, more journalists will run at the uncertainty of the contempt gauntlet in the future. This legislation will provide protections for every working journalist in the United States now and for the next generation. The legislation provides strong protections at the federal level for reporters and their sources.
It would block litigants and federal governments from prying into a reporter's files except when there's an imminent threat of violence, including terrorism and in defamation cases. At the state level, similar rules are already in place to protect press freedom. It is my sincere hope that the passage of the PRESS Act will provide similar protections at the federal level. I hope that I am the last journalist who has to spend 2 years in the federal courts fighting to protect my confidential sources. My current situation arises from a Privacy Act lawsuit.
I am only a witness in the case. It is not common for these cases to reach the stage of holding a reporter in contempt. But when such cases happen, they have profound consequences impacting every journalist in the United States. Forcing a reporter to disclose confidential sources would have a crippling effect on investigative journalism because without reliable assurances of confidentiality, sources will not come forward. The First Amendment provides protections for the press because an informed electorate is at the foundation of our democracy.
If content forces are not protected, I fear investigative journalism is dead. Each day, I feel the weight of that responsibility. As you know, I was held in contempt of court for upholding the basic journalistic principle of maintaining the pledge of confidentiality to my sources. I have complete respect for the federal court and the judicial process, and I'm not here lit to litigate the case. It will play out before the appellate court in Washington DC.
But the fact that I have been fighting in the courts for 2 years and that I am now facing potentially crippling fines of $800 a day to protect my reporting sources underscores the vital importance of the press act. When you go through major life events as I have in recent weeks, losing your job, losing your company health insurance, having your reporting files seized by your former employer and being held in contempt of court gives you clarity. The First Amendment, the protection of confidential sources, and of free press are my guiding principles. They are my North Star. When I was laid off in February, an incident reinforced in my mind the importance of protecting confidential sources.
CBS News locked me out of the building and seized hundreds of pages of my reporting files, including confidential source information. Multiple sources said they were concerned that by working with me to expose government corruption and misconduct, they would be identified and exposed. I pushed back. And with the public support of my union, SAG AFTRA, the records were returned. CBS's news's decision to re seize my reporting records crossed a red line that I believe should never be crossed again by any media organization in the future.
The litigation and being held in contempt have taken a toll on me and my career. This is not a battle you can fight alone. I am grateful for the support of fellow journalists and multiple First Amendment organizations, including the Reporters Committee for Press Freedom, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, the Coalition For Women in Journalism, the Knight First Amendment Institute, the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as the Columbia Journalism School, of which I am a graduate. I have also been fortunate to have the support from my former employer as I continue to fight this case. Not many journalists could count on a former employer, in this case, Fox News, to support a costly and vigorous defense of the First Amendment.
That is why the Press Act comes at the right time when independent journalism and news platforms are expanding opportunities for reporting diverse voices that strengthen our democracy. I know I joined many journalists who are encouraged by the recent comments of the senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who said he hopes to have the legislation through the senate and on the president's desk this year. I deeply appreciate the Committee's commitment to this legislation and holding this public hearing. Thank you.
reSee.it AI Summary
I declare the fall of the Assad regime a fundamental act of justice, marking a historic opportunity for the Syrian people to build a better future. The United States will collaborate with partners in Syria to help seize this moment while managing risks. For the first time, neither Russia, Iran, nor Hezbollah can defend this regime. Our strategy has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East through sanctions and diplomacy. We will support a UN-led transition to an independent Syria and provide humanitarian relief to restore the country after years of conflict.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: The fall of the Assad regime is "a fundamental act of justice," President Biden declares, says, "At long last, the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians." Says, "This is a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country." "The United States will work with our partners and stakeholders in Syria to help them seize the opportunity and manage the risks." "For the first time ever, neither Russia, nor Iran, nor Hezbollah could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria." "Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East through sanctions, diplomacy, and targeted military force." "We will engage with all Syrian groups in a process led by the United Nations to establish a transition toward an independent, sovereign Syria." "The United States will do whatever we can to support Syrians, including humanitarian relief to help restore Syria after more than a decade of war." "We remain committed to returning Austin Tice to his family." "This is the best opportunity in generations for Syrians to forge their own future free of oppression."
Video Transcript AI Summary
The Assad regime in Syria has fallen after 13 years of civil war, marking a historic opportunity for the Syrian people to build a better future. The United States will work with regional partners to manage the transition and ensure stability. Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, previously Assad's main supporters, have weakened significantly due to recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and attacks on Israel. The U.S. will maintain its military presence to counter ISIS and support a political transition towards a sovereign Syria with a new government. Vigilance is necessary as some rebel groups have troubling histories. The U.S. remains committed to humanitarian relief and the safe return of American citizens, including Austin Tice. This moment presents both risks and opportunities for a more secure Middle East.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Good afternoon. What happened in the Middle East? After 13 years of civil war in Syria, more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office and flee the country. We're not sure where he is, but there's worthy in Moscow. At long last, the Assad regime has fallen.
This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country. It's also a moment of risk and uncertainty. As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risks.
You know, for years, the main backers of Assad have been Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. But over the last week, their support collapsed, all 3 of them, because all 3 of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office, and let's remember why. After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, when much of the world responded with horror, Iran and its proxies chose to launch a multi front war against Israel. That was a historic mistake on Iran's part. Today, Iran's main territorial proxy, Hezbollah, is also on its back.
Only 12 days ago, I spoke from the Rose Garden about the ceasefire deal in Lebanon, a deal that was only possible because Hezbollah has been badly degraded. Meanwhile, Hamas has been badly degraded as well. Iran's own military capabilities have been weakened. Iran tried 2 times to attack Israel and the United States and built a coalition of countries to directly defend Israel and help defeat those attacks. All this made possible for Iran and Hezbollah to continue to prop up as impossible, I should say, for them to prop up the Assad regime.
Additionally, Russia's support for Assad also failed, and that's because Ukraine, backed by our American allies, has put up a wall resist against the invading Russian forces, inflicting massive damage on the Russian forces and that has left Russia unable to protect its main ally in the Middle East. Excuse my cold. The upshot for all this is for the first time ever, either Russia nor Iran nor Hezbollah could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria. This is a direct result of the blows that Ukraine, Israel have delivered upon their own self defense with unflagging support of the United States. And over the past 4 years, my administration pursued a clear principal policy towards Syria.
1st, we made clear from the start, sanction on on Assad would remain in place unless he engaged seriously in a political process to end the civil war as outlined by the UN Security Council Resolution Tax of 2015, but Assad refused, so we carried out a comprehensive sanction program against him and all those responsible for atrocities against the Syrian people. 2nd, we maintained our military presence in Syria. Our counter ISIS, to counter the support of local partners as well on the ground, their partners, never ceding an inch of territory, taking out leaders of ISIS, ensuring that ISIS can never establish a safe haven there again. 3rd, we've supported Israel's freedom of action against Iranian networks in Syria and against actors aligned with Iran who transported lethal aid to Lebanon, and when necessary, order the use of military force against Iranian networks to protect US forces. Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East.
Through this combination of support for our partners, sanctions, diplomacy, and targeted military force when necessary, We now see new opportunities open up for the people of Syria and for the entire region. Looking ahead, the United States will do the following. 1st, we'll support Syria's neighbors, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition. I will speak with leaders of the region in the coming days. I had a long discussion with all of our people earlier this morning, and I'll send senior officials from my administration to the region as well.
2nd, we will help stability ensure stability in Eastern Styria, protecting any personnel our personnel against any threats, and we remain our mission against ISIS will be maintained, including security of detention facilities where ISIS fighters are being held as prisoners. We're clear eyed about the fact that ISIS will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its capabilities and to create a safe haven. We will not let that happen. In fact, just today, US forces conducted a dozen of precision strikes air strikes within Syria, targeting ISIS camps and ISIS operatives. 3rd, we will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent sovereign an independent independent, I might say it again, sovereign Syria with a new constitution, new government that serves all Syrians.
This process will be determined by the Syrian people themselves. The United States will do whatever we can to support them, including through humanitarian relief, to help restore Syria after more than a decade of war, and generation of brutality by the Assad family. And finally, we will remain vigilant. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses. We've taken note of statements by the leaders of these rebel groups in recent days, and we're they're saying the right things now.
But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words but their actions. And we are mindful we are mindful that there are Americans in Syria, including those who reside there, as well as Austin Theiss, who was taken captive more than 12 years ago. We remain committed to returning him to his family. As I've said, this is a moment of considerable risk and uncertainty, but I also believe this is the best opportunity in generations for Syrians to forge their own future, free of opposition. It's also an opportunity through far from certain those far from certain for a more secure and prosperous Middle East where our friends are safe, where enemies are contained, and it would be a waste of this historic opportunity if one tyrant were toppled and only only to see a new one rise up in this place.
So it's now incumbent upon all the opposition groups to seek a role in governing Syria, to demonstrate their commitment for the rights of all Syrians, the rule of law, and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities. These past few days have been historic. And, you know, it's in the days ahead that will determine the future of this country. We intend to approach them with strength, wisdom, and resolve. Thank you very much.
God bless America, and god protect our troops. Thank you. What what should happen to Assad now, mister president? Mister president, what does the US know about where Austin Heights might be and if he's safe? We believe he's alive.
We think we can get him back, but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And the spot should be held accountable. Have you directed the operation to go get him, mister Tice? Is this after most of it? Get who?
Boston Tice. We have to we won't wanna get him out. Yes, sir. We have to identify where he is. Thank you.
Thanks, sir.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Who did this? People can be very wicked! Not nice! https://t.co/2ANP81JNVl
Video Transcript AI Summary
Donald Trump has been projected to become the 47th president of the United States.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Decision desk can now officially project that Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States.
reSee.it AI Summary
I shared that MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell claimed Elon Musk experienced a "humiliating demotion" today, as Donald Trump appointed him and Vivek Ramaswamy to a fictional office that doesn’t exist. O'Donnell suggested Trump effectively "fired" them by limiting their roles to 18 months and predicted Musk would struggle in this role, facing a tough Senate confirmation and scrutiny over his defense contracts. He warned that Musk might exploit the position to channel more funds into his existing defense deals without addressing any operational waste.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: MSNBC's @Lawrence O'Donnell claims @elonmusk suffered a "humiliating demotion" today at the hands of @realDonaldTrump, who appointed him and @VivekGRamaswamy to a fictional office—one that doesn’t even exist and would require an act of Congress and a budget to create. O'Donnell alleges that Trump essentially "fired" them in the same press release by limiting their roles to a maximum of 18 months. He predicts Musk would fail spectacularly as head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and points out that, if Musk were to actually lead a department, he’d face a grueling Senate confirmation process and intense conflict-of-interest scrutiny due to his massive defense contracts. O'Donnell warns that Musk might use the role to funnel billions more into his existing $50 billion in defense deals, all while failing to cut any waste from his own operations.
Video Transcript AI Summary
Elon Musk faced a setback when Donald Trump announced a non-existent position for him, sharing the press release with Vivek Ramaswami. Musk and Ramaswami are set to lead the fictional Department of Government Efficiency, which lacks any formal structure or funding. This role, intended to drive government reform, is unlikely to grant Musk significant power or an office in the West Wing. The announcement suggests they will conclude their work by July 4, 2026, with skepticism about their ability to eliminate government waste, a challenge Trump himself couldn't tackle during his presidency. Given Trump's history of high turnover in his administration, the prospects for Musk and Ramaswami's collaboration appear grim, with Ramaswami likely hoping for Musk to leave so he can take the lead in this imaginary department.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Well, Elon Musk suffered a humiliating demotion tonight by Donald Trump. The theory that Elon Musk might become in effect a co president or the real president while Donald Trump in effect retires to a life of golfing, suffered a significant setback tonight when Donald Trump announced that he would give Elon Musk a job that does not exist and will last at most 18 months. And worst of all, Elon Musk, the richest person in the world was assigned a working partner who like Musk has also never worked in government before. Vivek Ramaswami, who's not even a billionaire. Elon Musk didn't even get his own press release from Donald Trump.
He had to share it with Vivek Ramaswami. Elon Musk got the 1st shared press release of any of Donald Trump's appointment announcements. Even the Fox host who isn't even the richest person at Fox, got his own press release from Donald Trump when Donald Trump announced that he would nominate Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. That's right, a Fox weekend morning host. If all goes well for the personnel in the Trump administration, unlike the last Trump administration.
If all goes well, Elon Musk will be the first one kicked out. Because Donald Trump already kicked him out in the press release announcing his appointment to do a non existent job. Donald Trump announced quote, Elon Musk working in conjunction with Vivek Ramaswami will lead the department of government efficiency. If you lead a department in the American government, you are a cabinet secretary. The department of defense is led by the secretary of defense.
The department of the treasury is led by the secretary of the treasury and so on. There is no such thing as the department of government efficiency. Creating such a thing would require an act of congress and a budget for such a department. The press release reveals that the Department of Government Efficiency, which does not have an office or a desk or an office chair anywhere in the government, will probably be housed in the executive office building beside the White House because the Trump press release says that the Department of Government Efficiency, quote, will partner with the White House and office of management and budget to drive large scale structural reform. So that sounds like Elon Musk will be allowed to send his budget ideas to the yet unnamed director of the office of management and budget, which actually is a real job in the White House.
Maybe Elon Musk will get an office at OMB. Or maybe he'll want one of those very big offices that are available in the executive office building beside the White House, he could get one of those. But it seems very unlikely he will get an office in the West Wing of the White House where the action really is, and be able to just walk down the hall to see the President whenever he wants to. The big offices in the West Wing of the White House go to the White House Chief of Staff and the Vice President. White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, will no doubt use much of her bureaucratic infighting skill to keep Elon Musk as far away from real power as possible.
If Elon Musk were actually going to be the head of a department, a cabinet secretary, he would have to go through confirmation hearings, which would be a televised festival of conflict of interest for a major defense contractor, Elon Musk, taking a position inside the government that would allow him to push for more money for his government contracts and prevent anyone from ever examining any waste that might exist in Elon Musk's more than $15,000,000,000 in government contract. The funniest part of the Trump press release announcing Elon Musk's appointment to a position that does not exist in which he is being forced by Donald Trump to work with someone else who knows nothing about the subject that he's been assigned, Vivek Ramaswami, is that. They are both going to be the first people kicked out of the Trump government. The Trump press release says their work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026. Every Republican president has campaigned on the promise that they will eliminate waste and fraud in government, including Donald Trump.
How could there be any waste in government after Donald Trump's 4 years in the presidency which were supposed to eliminate waste? How could there be any waste in government after republican hero Ronald Reagan was supposed to spend 8 years getting rid of all the waste. I'm talking about reducing waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Yeah. He talked about it.
Ronald Reagan had 8 years to get rid of the waste in government. The budget of the United States went up every single year of the Reagan presidency. The budget of the United States of America has gone up every year of every Republican presidency since Ronald Reagan. The budget of the United States went up dramatically every year of the Trump presidency. Every year.
Waste money. Fraud and abuse all over the place. Waste, fraud, and abuse. So Donald Trump failed to get rid of the waste in 4 years as president with all that power. And now Donald Trump is gonna give Elon Musk 18 months to just recommend how to get rid of all the waste in government.
Something Donald Trump discovered he could not do in 4 years. Donald Trump now just might know enough about government to know how humiliating this is going to be for Elon Musk. Elon Musk is going to fail miserably at the homework assignment Donald Trump has given him, an assignment that Donald Trump doesn't believe Elon Musk can do without the help of Vivek Ramaswami. Why did Donald Trump insult Elon Musk by assigning him a helper? Something Donald Trump hasn't done for anyone else he has announced for positions in the Trump administration.
I said, if everything goes well in the Trump administration, Elon Musk and his assigned sidekick will be the first ones out the door. But we have every right to expect that it is impossible at a personnel level, at least in the Trump administration, for everything to go well. Donald Trump's first White House chief of staff was fired after 6 months. Donald Trump then went through 3 more of them. Donald Trump fired his 1st secretary of state after a year.
That secretary of state had called Donald Trump an effing moron. So the chances of egomaniac Elon Musk surviving 18 months in any kind of fake working relationship with egomaniac Donald Trump are not good. Vivek Ramaswami will no doubt be hoping for Elon Musk to quit so that he can move up to the top job in the department that does not exist.
reSee.it AI Summary
I was shocked to hear that Jake Sullivan, President Biden's National Security Advisor, stated it's not in the American people's interest to require a warrant for surveillance. He dismissed a FISA amendment that would mandate warrants for spying on Americans, claiming it's not in our interest.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
SHOCKING - OUTRAGEOUS: In case you missed this today, President Biden's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, argued that it's not in the American people's national security interest to require a warrant for surveillance. He's rejecting a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) amendment that mandates a warrant for spying on Americans. He said it is not in the interest of the American people not to be spied on without a court warrant. WATCH
Video Transcript AI Summary
There are amendments being considered for the Pfizer bill, including one that would require a warrant for every query of lawfully selected data. While I cannot predict the president's decision on a potential veto, we believe that this warrant requirement does not align with U.S. national security interests. I will be discussing this with several members today, emphasizing that the proposed warrant requirement could compromise the protection of Americans' personal privacy. We support other elements of the bill aimed at reforming Pfizer to safeguard civil liberties, but we feel that imposing a warrant requirement would undermine the bill's purpose and potentially endanger victims.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: On Pfizer, there are a couple of amendments that are being considered. One of them would require a warrant for every query of lawfully selected data. If that were to pass and get into the bill, would the president veto that bill?
Speaker 1: So I'm not in a position to stand here today and make veto threats on behalf of the president. Those are are, you know, decisions for him to make. What I will tell you is that we do not believe that that serves the national security interest of the United States. And in fact, today, I will be making that case to a number of members, that the warrant requirement as conceived is not the best way, actually, to ensure the protection of the personal privacy of Americans. There are a number of other elements of the bill that we have supported that would reform and update Pfizer to protect the civil liberties of Americans, but a warrant requirement from our perspective would go too far in undermining the very purpose of Pfizer, and frankly, it would put victims at risk.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
IN FULL: "I won’t let you down," Trump promises in his acceptance speech. https://t.co/7d1CmuT5yP
Video Transcript AI Summary
我们在这里讨论的是人与人之间的关系。每个人都是独特的个体，我们的经历和情感连接着我们。尽管我们可能有不同的观点和背景，但我们都在同一个世界中生活。重要的是要认识到，人与人之间的互动是我们生活的重要组成部分。我们需要理解彼此，尊重彼此的差异。每个人的故事和经历都值得被倾听和理解。通过这种方式，我们可以建立更深的联系，促进更和谐的社会。
We are discussing the relationships between individuals. Each person is unique, and our experiences and emotions connect us. Despite differing views and backgrounds, we all live in the same world. It’s important to recognize that interactions between people are a vital part of life. We need to understand and respect each other's differences. Every person's story and experience deserve to be heard and understood. In this way, we can build deeper connections and foster a more harmonious society.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: 的 情 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 在 这 个 人 的 事 情 是 我 们 的 人 的 事 情 是 我 们 的 事 情 是 我 们 的 事 情 是 我 们 的 事 的 事
Speaker 1: 我 们 的 一 个 人 都 是 在 这 里 的 时 候 我 们 的 时 候 我 们 的 时 候 我 们 的 时 候 我 们 的 时 候 我 们 的 时 候 我 们 就 是 一 个 人 的 时 候 我 们 的
Speaker 0: 时 候 我 们 的 时 候
Speaker 1: 我 们 就 是 一 个 人 的 时
Speaker 0: 跟 J0LIVE
Speaker 1: 的 SANDAVANATERJACKS0NATERJACKS0NATHACE 我 们 的 人
Speaker 0: 都 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 我 们
Speaker 1: 的 人 都 是
Speaker 0: 在 这 里 的 人 的 时 候 吗 的 的 的 国 的 人 民 主 要 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 不 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 不 是 我 们 的 人 都 不 是 我 们 的 人 都 不 知 道 我 们 的 人 都 是 不 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 不 是 我 们 的 人 的 人 都 是 不 是 我 们 的 人 都 是 不 是 我 们 的
Speaker 1: 人 的 没 事 情 的
Speaker 0: 人 都 是 我 们 的 人
Speaker 1: 都 是 不 是 一 个 人 的 人 的 人 都 是 一 个 人 的 人 都 还 不 够 贪 巴 比
Speaker 0: 的 事
Speaker 1: 情 是 不 是 一 个 人 的 事 情 是 不 是 一 个 人 的 事 情 是 不 是
Speaker 0: 一 个 人 的
Speaker 1: 事 情 是 不 是 一 个 人 的 事 情 是 不 是 一 个 人 的 事 情
reSee.it AI Summary
At the Trump rally in Madison Square Garden, prominent speakers urged attendees to vote for Trump and reject Harris. Notable figures included Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Hulk Hogan, Dr. Phil, J.D. Vance, Eric Trump, Lara Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Dana White, Howard Lutnick, Elon Musk, and Melania Trump. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as these influential voices rallied support for Trump's campaign.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Vote for Trump, reject Harris, said well-known speakers who took the stage at Sunday’s Trump rally in Madison Square Garden, including Tucker Carlson - @TuckerCarlson Vivek Ramaswamy - @VivekGRamaswamy Tulsi Gabbard - @TulsiGabbard Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - @RobertKennedyJr Hulk Hogan @HulkHogan Dr. Phil McGraw - @DrPhil J.D. Vance - @JDVance1 Eric Trump - @EricTrump Lara Trump - @LaraLeaTrump Donald Trump Jr. - @DonaldJTrumpJr Dana White - @danawhite Howard Lutnick - @howardlutnick Elon Musk - @elonmusk Melania Trump - @MELANIATRUMP
Video Transcript AI Summary
I don't follow polls, but I feel the energy here in New York City tonight. This is a celebration of what it means to be American in 2024—believing in merit, the rule of law, and self-governance. We need to restore trust in our elections and stand against identity politics. A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for secure borders, economic growth, and national pride. We want a country where everyone is judged by their character, not their race or beliefs. Together, we can revive the American dream. Let's unite and make America great again. Thank you, New York!
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: I'll tell you something. I don't follow the polls. I don't follow the pundits, but I follow the energy. And this does not feel like 2nd place energy in here tonight.
Speaker 1: I had
Speaker 0: a friend of mine, smart guy, he's a billionaire, texted me this morning, and he said, why the hell are you guys wasting your time in New York City instead of going to a swing state? You wanna know what I told him? I said, welcome to 2024. New York is a swing state. I got a message for Kamala Harris tonight.
We're feeling the joy in New York City tonight, aren't we? And the only celebration bigger than this one right now is gonna be on the evening of November 5th when we send Donald j Trump back to the White House as your 47th president and commander in chief. And I'm looking around here. There's only one man who is gonna be more happy than everybody else in this room when that happens, and that is going to be a man by the name of Joe Biden, actually. He is so pissed off about what they did then.
And, you know, he's thinking it, but I'm gonna say it. Identity politics never works in America. When you select somebody on the basis of their race and their gender, it always ends up being a disaster. And I'm actually talking about Tim Walz this time, by the way. It goes both ways.
Listen up, guys. Last year, I became the youngest person ever to run for US president as a Republican. And thank you. I appreciate that. And I'll tell you something about my generation.
We are lost. We are hungry to be part of something bigger than ourselves, yet we can't even answer what it means to be an American today. We're in the middle of a national identity crisis. Faith in God, patriotism, hard work, family. These things have disappeared only be replaced by wokeism and transgenderism, climatism, covidism, depression, anxiety, fentanyl, suicide.
These are symptoms of a deeper void of purpose and meaning in our country. And right now, we need to step up and fill that void with our own vision. Answer, what does it mean to be an American in the year 2024? It means we believe in the ideals of 1776. It means we believe in merit, that the best person gets the job regardless of their skin color, that you get ahead in this country not on the color of your skin, but on the content of your character and your contributions.
That's why we're done with the woke DEI agenda, bringing in meritocracy to America. It means we believe in the rule of law, and I say this as the kid of legal immigrants to this country. That means your first act of entering this country cannot break the law, and that is why if we've had the largest influx of illegals into this country in American history, we will have the largest mass deportation in American history. That is not racist or xenophobic. That is what it means to stand for the rule of law in the United States of America.
It means we believe in self governance, that the people we elect to run the government, for god's sake, ought to be the ones who actually run the government, not unelected bureaucrats in the deep state that are running the show today. So you want another mass deportation? Let's get 3,000,000 federal bureaucrats out of the DC bureaucracy. That's the mass deportation that saves the country. What does it mean to be American?
It means we have elections we can trust and believe in, and that means single day voting on election day as a national holiday with paper ballots and government issued ID to match the voter file. That's how we save the country after we win at this time, by voting early. These are not black ideas or white ideas. They are American ideals that set this country into motion. We're in a war to revive them.
And right now, we need the commander in chief who will lead us to victory. That is your next president, Donald j Trump. If you wanna seal the border, vote Trump. If you wanna restore law and order in this country, vote Trump. If you wanna grow the economy in this country, vote Trump.
If you wanna revive national pride in this country, vote Trump. If you wanna stay out of World War 3 in this country, vote Trump. If you wanna make America great again, vote Trump. I'm gonna give you one more reason to vote Trump, and it's this. It's the one the media in the back.
They won't talk about this. But they know it to be true. Donald Trump is actually the president who will unite this country, actually, and we don't talk about that enough. America first includes all Americans regardless of their race, their gender, or their sexual orientation. Our message to black Americans tonight is this.
We want you what we want for every American. Safe neighborhoods, good jobs, clean streets. A country where you are judged based on the content of your character, not the color of your skin or your political beliefs. That's the America we know. Our message to gay Americans tonight is this.
You're free to marry who you want, if you want, without the government standing in your way. But that doesn't mean that boys get to compete with girls and girls sports, or you do genital mutilation and chemical castration on our children. Our message to every legal immigrant in this country is this, you're like my parents. But our message to every illegal immigrant if you came legally, you get the same American dream that everybody else does. Work hard, get ahead, make contributions to this country, love the nation, and that's our message to legal immigrants.
But our message to every illegal immigrant is also this. We will return you to your country of origin, not because you're all bad people, but because you broke the law. And the United States of America is founded on the rule of law. Our message to my generation, the millennials, is this. You were sold a false bill of goods.
You were told you'd become a gender studies major in California. Somehow that gets you a head start on the American dream when it hasn't worked out that way. Dead on your shoulders. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Yes.
It's true you were lied to. But we can't just be cynical about our country because this is still the last best hope that we have in the free world. And our message to Gen z is this. You're gonna be the generation that saves the country. You wanna be a rebel?
18 years old. Stand up on your college campus and call yourself a conservative. Be proud of it. Say you wanna get married, have kids, raise a family, and have a good job. That's how we win in America.
We don't have to be this nation in decline. We are still on our way up. We're still that country where we will look our children in the eye and mean it when we tell them, you get ahead in the United States with your own hard work, your own commitment, your own dedication, and that you know what? You are free to speak your mind at every step of the way. That is the American dream.
That is what we are running to, and that is what we get when we send Donald Trump back to the White House this November. Thank you. God bless you and the great state in New York, and may God bless our United States of America. Thank you. God bless.
Thank you, guys.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage former congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard.
Speaker 3: Hello, New York.
Speaker 4: Join me as I say these words. We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and that we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As we gather here today on this historic occasion, we stand together as proud Americans in understanding that these very rights are under attack. So we face this historic crossroads where our freedom and our future is in our hands. There's never been a more clear choice in any election in my life, and our ability to live in a truly peaceful and free and prosperous country is on the line.
I love you too. And it is that love, that love that brings us together here today, that love for freedom, that love for our country and love for each other as fellow Americans, as children of God, that compels us to take action to save our country and defend our freedom. Now this choice that we have before us is very personal to me. I'm a lieutenant colonel in the army reserve. I've served now for over 21 years.
I've deployed to different war zones 3 times over that period, and I've seen the cost of war. For my brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price, I carry their memories and their sacrifice in my heart every day. So this choice that we have before us as Americans is critical. It's important to us. It's important to those of us who serve, who have volunteered to put our lives on the line for the safety, security, and freedom of our country and our people, and it's critical to all of us.
Here is the choice that we have. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for Dick Cheney, and it's a vote for war, more war, likely World War 3 and nuclear war. A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for a man who wants to end wars, not start them, and who has demonstrated already that he has the courage and strength to stand up and fight for peace. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for open borders, where known violent criminals and Islamist terrorists are streaming across our borders, placing us at risk. A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for secure borders and safe communities and a confidence that he will seek out those who seek to do us harm and get them out.
A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for economic hardship, high cost of living, poverty, and homelessness, and a vote for Donald Trump is a vote for economic prosperity and opportunity for every single one of us as Americans. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for censorship and a complete erosion of our fundamental and constitutional rights and freedoms. A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for someone who will defend freedom and every one of our god given rights that are enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. So the choice is ours. History will look back on us at this moment for the choice that we make.
Did we choose war or peace? Did we choose poverty or prosperity? Did we choose censorship or freedom? Our freedom and our future is in our hands. We have just a few days left to complete this no fail mission that we have before us to save our country.
Nothing short of our future is on the line. So now just as we've gathered here today in this historic place and this historic time, we will gather together all across this country, people of every race, ethnicity, religion, and creed to stand together and defend our freedom and ensure our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Ensure our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Now is the time for us to send Donald Trump back to the White House to be the 47th president of the United States where we can stand together and make America great again. Thank you so much.
Let's get it done. Aloha.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage former presidential candidate, Robert F Kennedy Junior.
Speaker 5: Yeah. Then I set up and put out this stage to my own shoe cam.
Speaker 1: We trapped this land back, right, and minivan. Then all this
Speaker 5: for the fans, girls,
Speaker 1: Thank you, New York. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. A lot of people ask me why I left the Democratic party.
And I say, I don't believe the Democratic party. The Democratic party left me. This is not the party anymore of Martin Luther King, of Robert Kennedy, of John Kennedy. That was the party of peace. It was the party at of constitutional rights, of civil rights, of freedom of speech.
It was the party that wanted to protect and nurture the middle class. It was the party that stood up to censorship, to surveillance, that stood up to the CIA, the military complex military industrial complex. And it was the party that wanted to protect public health and and women's sports. My uncle Ted Kennedy wrote title 9, which protected women's sports in college. It was the party that believed in voting rights and fought for the right of every American to vote for the person of their choice.
Today's democratic party is the party of war. It's the party of the CIA. You had Kamala Harris giving a speech at the democratic convention that was written by neocons. That was belligerent, ignatious, that talked about the domination of the world by the United States through our weapons of war. It's the party today that wants to divide Americans.
It's the party that is dismantling women's sports by letting men play women's sports. It's the party of Wall Street. It's the party of Bill Gates who just gave $50,000,000 to Kamala Harris. It's the party and the the Harris campaign is very proud that it received the endorsement of 50 former CIA agents and officers. And of John Bolton.
And of Dick Cheney. These are the people that gave us a war in Iraq. The worst foreign foreign policy catastrophe that's ever happened to this country. These are the people that gave us the Patriot Act that launched the surveillance state. These are the people that are trying to undermine voting rights in this country by weaponizing the federal agencies against political candidates, including me and Donald Trump and all other political candidates that can't win an election.
And instead of bringing in a candidate who wins the primaries, abolish the primaries, and then pick 2 candidates, anoint them without receiving votes. We don't even know how Kamala Harris received the nomination. And this is the party of Wall Street, of big banks, of big data, of big tech, of the military contractors, and the parties of big pharma, big ag, big food, and big chemicals is the party that's given us the sickest children in the history of the world. When my uncle was president, 6% of Americans had chronic disease, and we spent 0 on chronic disease in this country. Today, 60% of Americans have chronic disease.
This is existential for our country. We're spending $4,300,000,000,000 a year, 5 times our military budget. 77% of American boys cannot qualify for military service because of chronic disease diagnosis. This is existential for our country. President Trump called me after 3 hours after a shooting, and he said, would I come and sit down with him?
And he said to me during that meeting, he said there are some things that we can agree on and some we disagree on, but the landscapes on which we agree are so much larger. He said I wanna end the wars. I wanna end the surveillance and censorship. I wanna protect the constitution. I wanna protect freedom of speech.
I wanna end the surveillance. I wanna end the weaponization of government against American politicians, and I wanna end the chronic disease epidemic. Now don't you think that we deserve a president in this country who's gonna restore the moral authority of the United States of America? Yeah. Oh, you think that we deserve a president who's gonna end the warfare state and rebuild the middle class?
Oh, you want a president who's gonna put America first, and don't you want a president who's gonna protect our children and who's gonna protect women's sports and who's gonna stop dividing this country along long racial lines? And don't you want a president who's gonna end the corruption at the federal agencies, at FDA, at NIH, at CDC, and at the CIA. And don't you want a president who's gonna make America healthy again? And don't you want a president who's gonna make America great again? And we need to go to the polls on November 5th and vote for Donald Trump.
God bless you, and God bless America.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Tucker Carlson.
Speaker 6: Thank you.
Speaker 1: I've
Speaker 6: I saw the Grateful Dead in this arena in 1987. I was seated right there. How weird. It's it's so it's such an honor to be here, and it's wild. Just another day following Bobby Kennedy junior at a Donald Trump rally in Madison Square Garden.
That's totally normal. Liz Cheney's out there with Kamala Harris, and there's Bobby Kennedy calling to protect women's sports at a Trump rally. It's a realignment. It's unbelievable, and it the fact that it's here is even sweeter. Imagine if you're and just pause for one moment.
Imagine you're Donald Trump. You're from New York City. You become famous in New York City. You make your fortune in New York City, and all of a sudden, the leadership of New York City decides they're gonna destroy you because they don't like your politics. And so they yeah, boo.
Imagine if that were you, though. And they try and take everything that you have. They try and put you in prison. They try and put your children in prison. If that happened to you, how often do you think you'd be going back to New York City?
How about never? And yet he's here. It's like getting thrown out of a bar. And you think to yourself, well, you know, all my friends are in the bar. And you approach the door, and there's the bouncer, like, you're not allowed in here.
But from behind the bouncer, you hear the cheers of your friend, come on in, and the bouncer hangs his head in shame. He's embarrassed that he's working for the man trying to keep the most popular person out of the bar, and that's Donald Trump back in the city that produced him with no embarrassment at all in a roomful of his friends. The stones that takes, the bravery that takes is incredible. Donald Trump's gonna win. He's gonna win.
I know that that's true. Why is Donald Trump gonna win? The people he's about to defeat have no idea, And they're panicked. They have no idea why people like Donald Trump. And their first theory was, well, Donald Trump is evil, so half the country's evil also.
And that's one of the reasons they spent the last 4 years trying to destroy the country because they're mad at its voters for liking Donald Trump. How much easier would it have been just to pause for 20 minutes and ask yourself honestly in some silent place, why do people like Donald Trump? And if they had been honest enough to ask themselves that question, they would have come up with the 2 main reasons, and here what they here's what they are. The first reason that people like Donald Trump is because he likes them. That's why.
And it's real. Affection is something you can't fake. I don't care how many times Kamala Harris would tell me she loves me. I don't believe her. I saw her kiss her husband with a mask on, a mask on.
That's her version of love. It's fake. It's not real. They spent 10 years telling you Trump is a hater. Do you feel that on him?
No. You don't. Because it's not there. I've spent a lot of time with Trump, and there's not one moment I've ever been with him off camera where he's spending his time grousing about people he hates, ever. He's talking about the people and the country he loves in his private time.
Trust me. And people know in a country that has been taken over by a leadership class that actually despises them and their values and their history and their culture and their customs really hates them to the point that it's trying to replace them. They know someone who actually has affection for them, and that's Donald Trump. And it's requited. It's requited.
They know. When he goes to McDonald's and serves fries, like, he's not baking that at all. That's why that worked. Democratic media consultants are like, how how is that working? Because it's real.
That's why. And the second reason that people love Trump, and I put myself in this category, it's why I'm here today, is because he's liberated us in the deepest and truest sense, and the liberation he has brought to us is the liberation from the obligation to tell lies. Donald Trump has made it possible for the rest of us to tell the truth about the world around us, And that's the single most liberating thing you can do for people. If you want to enslave people, if you want to degrade them, force them to tell lies, and they have. They forced us to lie about everything at gunpoint effectively.
They put people in prison for refusing to lie. And not just the obvious lies that men can become women or Vladimir Putin blew up the Nord Stream pipeline. No. Honestly, he did. January 6th was an insurrection.
They were unarmed, but it was very insurrection y. Not even the obvious ones, but the big lie. You know what the big lie is? The big lie is that they're impressive. That's what the big lie is.
That the people in charge have somehow earned the right to rule over you, and they haven't, and you know that. These are the single most useless people in the United States. They have no skills whatsoever. They've got 3 quarters of the money, and they didn't earn it. They set up a system precisely for the purpose of awarding themselves wealth and power when it's undeserved.
You look at Liz Cheney and you ask yourself honestly, what skill could she possibly have that allowed her to send 100 of thousands of people to their deaths? Did she earn that? I don't think she did. No fair system would make Liz Cheney powerful. No fair system would make Larry Fink rich.
No fair system would elevate someone like Kamala Harris to a presidential nomination. She's never been accused of doing anything useful. She has precisely no achievements. She's a nominee without getting a single vote. She is a metaphor for the system they created to make themselves rich and powerful, and then they have the gall to lecture you, the people who can actually change a flat tire and repair a power grid, who have useful jobs, who pay your taxes and work 40 hours a week, lecture you that you are somehow immoral.
And Donald Trump has empowered the rest of us through mostly just sticking around in the face of their hate and abuse and persecution. He has given the rest of us the right to call BS on the charade. No. You are not better than us. No.
You are not smarter than us. No. You do not deserve what you have. You probably stole it. No.
You're not gonna bully me into silence anymore. And I can promise you at this point, 9 days out when Robert f Kennedy junior and Elon Musk and Tulsi Gabbard and pretty much every high school senior and college shorty girl in the country has come out finally saying, yeah. I am for Donald Trump, actually. When the entire country has realized there is nothing embarrassing about this, what's embarrassing is to take a perfectly great country and destroy it as they have. I'm not ashamed you should be.
At that moment, it's gonna be pretty tough for them. 10 days from now to look in the eye to America with a straight face, it's gonna be pretty hard to look at us and say, you know what? Kamala Harris, she's just she got 85,000,000 votes because she's just so impressive. As the first Samoan Malaysian low IQ former California prosecutor ever to be elected president, it was just a groundswell of popular support. And anyone who thinks otherwise is just a freak or a criminal.
At this stage of the game, after 9 years of listening to their lies and finding every single one of them totally false, no, it's not safe and effective, and no, she's not impressive. It's very hard for me to believe the rest of us are gonna say, you know what, Joe Scarborough? You're right. You're right. She won fair and square because she's just so impressive.
I don't think so. And to me, that is liberation. It's the freedom to say what's obviously true as a free man and not a slave. And I just wanna say thank you, Donald Trump, for that.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage professional wrestler, Hawk Hogan.
Speaker 7: Well, let me tell you something, Trumpomaniacs. Welcome to the house that Hulkamania built. You know something? Usually, when I'm in Madison Square Garden, I'm body slamming giants. I'm winning world heavyweight titles, and I'm cracking people over the heads with steel chairs.
And the energy in Madison Square Garden is off the Richter scale. But today, Trumpomaniacs, the energy in here is something like I've never felt. The energy of all these Trumpomaniacs is the most powerful force in the universe. And today, this is Donald Trump's house, brother. You know something, Trump maniacs?
I don't see no stinking Nazis in here. I don't see no stinking domestic terrorist in here. The only thing I see in here are a bunch of hardworking men and women that are real Americans, brother. You know when I hear my president and our president Donald Trump speak, he sounds for real brother. He sounds like he has a heart of gold that's all for the USA.
But when I hear Kamala speak it sounds Yeah. It sounds like a script from Hollywood with a really, really bad actress. You know, Kamala is responsible for the border crisis, and Kamala is also responsible for inflation. And then you know something? She acts like she's the victim.
And then all of a sudden, she flips, she flops, she spins and turns it around and acts like she's gonna be the damn hero. But we all know Trump is the only man that can fix this country today. And with Trump as our commander in chief, peace through strength will fix all the problems in the Middle East. You know, I've been coming to this building month after month after month, and I've seen sold out crowds over and over again for over 40 years. And for 40 years, I've always asked the question, what you're gonna do?
Over and over and over again, what you're gonna do? Well, today, after feeling the energy in this building, I finally got the answer. And the answer is vote for Trump. So now, I got a couple questions for you. What you gonna do about the border invasion?
What you gonna do about inflation? What you gonna do about keeping America safe, brother? And what you gonna do, put by putting God in our homes, in our country, and our schools? So I guess we're all on the same page. So I got one final question for you.
What you're gonna do and who's gonna make America great again? God bless Donald Trump. He's our next president.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage founder of Merit Street Media, doctor Phil McGraw.
Speaker 8: Well, you guys look just like you do when I'm on TV. Except for you, you look a little different. Listen, I love you guys for caring enough about the United States of America to come out here tonight. Thank you so much for caring enough to come out here tonight. I have to tell you, I love this country.
I do. I love this country. I I I stand up when our flag goes by. I put my hand over my heart when they play our national anthem, and I I'm so proud to see so many people take time out of their day to come out here and stand up for this country. And strangely enough, I'm not here just to stand up for Donald J.
Trump. Lord knows he doesn't need me to stand up for him. He's tough as an old army boot. He's got lots of enemies, different groups that are scared, and between them, they have impeached him, indicted him, raided him, railroaded him, shot him, and sued him. And where is he?
He is still standing. He just keeps on coming because he loves this country too. I can be honest and say, I I can be honest because we have free speech in America. I can be honest and say I don't like or agree everything that Donald j Trump does or says. I mean, come on.
Nobody agrees with everything or likes everything somebody else says or does. Right? No human is perfect. We don't strive for perfection. We strive for excellence.
But you don't have to love everything about someone in order to love them. And the last thing he needs is some celebrity endorsement. What the hell do I know? I know I'm no celebrity to begin with. And celebrities don't know anything about policies or politics.
So Only difference between me and them is I'm willing to admit it. So why am I here? Well, I'll tell you why I'm here. I'm here to talk to and stand up for the people who have declared their support for Donald j Trump, or they got found out, or they want to do it, but they're too intimidated. Because you know what happens when somebody in this country says, hey, I'm gonna vote Republican.
I'm gonna vote Donald J. Trump. They get canceled, intimidated, marginalized, excluded, or even fired or boycotted. And you know what that means? In short, that adds up to being bullied.
And now we're talking about something I know a hell of a lot about. Now you're in my wheelhouse, buddy. I may not be an expert in politics but I am an expert about bullying. And bullying is when you seek to harm somebody, you seek to intimidate, coerce, cause distress, fear, risk to their well-being, and it can be physical, verbal, relational, or cyberbullying. And it's always wrong.
You said it, my friend. It is always wrong when you bully somebody. And that's what's going on. Now, let me tell you what the critics are going to say when they hear me talking about this. They're going to say, well, now wait a minute.
Come on. Isn't Trump a bully? And let me tell you why the answer to that question is no. Because to be a bully, there has to be an imbalance of power. And when there's not, it's just called a debate.
And he's just better at it than anybody else. It's called debating. It's called arguing. It's just even name calling, but it's not bullying unless there's an imbalance of power. And whoever he talks to, they've got a microphone.
They got on their big boy pants. They got a stage. They got everything else. He's just better at it. And the same thing is true.
When the Democrats or Harris call him fascist, Hitler, racist, misogynist, or crook, is that bully? Well, not really. It's ugly. But with the first amendment, which we all wanna keep, there's no imbalance of power, so it's not bullying. It's just like what he does.
It may not be the best use of energy. But when you attack civilians, when you attack a citizen and you use the power of the Internet to use mob mentality, you incite people to gang up and cause boycotts, then it's beyond ugly. And that's what's happening in this country right now and that's not okay. There is an imbalance of power there and it's time that every one of us close ranks. We have to stop this now.
It's time that we push back against cancel culture. It's time that we push back against intimidation tactics. And that is exactly the reason that I launched Merit Street Media, which by the way, we didn't choose the name for that by random. Merit Street Media. This country was built on hard work, added value, and talent, not on equal outcome.
Not on DEI. This country was built on hard work, and it needs to continue to be built on hard work. And the legacy media has sold out. The legacy media has sold out. And I'll tell you, one night, I was sitting at at dinner with my wife, Robin, and I was complaining as we were flipping around and listening to the spin spin spin on what supposedly news.
And I said, damn, I'm tired of listening to all this media spin and everything. And without even looking up, she said, well, you are the media. Why don't you do something about it? She said, you got bigger ratings than the 4 of them combined. Why don't you do something about it?
Well, as usual, she was right. And that's why I launched the new network because we want people to think for themselves. You guys aren't dumb. You don't need to be told what to think. You just need the facts.
And you're here because you have the facts. Right? You're here because you recognize when legacy media edits answers and gives you what they want you to hear instead of the truth. And when they start editing their candidate's answers, they've lost their moral compass. They've lost their way.
And I would love to say it's equal on both sides, but I'll guarantee you, when Beyonce, George Clooney, De Niro, and Lizzo come out and say, They're for Kamala Harris. When they all come out and say they're for Kamala Harris, did you read anything or hear anything in the media criticizing it? No. But you watch what happens tomorrow morning when people find out I came here to talk to you. You say this in Hollywood and all of a sudden you ain't got a job.
The problem is, I don't need one. I don't need a job because I got you. And I've got a question for all of us. Have we lost our minds? We have the first amendment in America where our government has said, we will pass no laws to infringe on our freedoms for religion and speech.
So that's the law, but we're muzzling each other. What the what is going on? We have a law that protects free speech, so we start taking it away from each other? Are you kidding me? We can't allow that to happen.
We cannot encourage it. And let me tell you something about bullying. Bullies are bad. Right? Let me tell you what else is bad.
Bystanders. If you are a bystander, if you are watching somebody get picked on, if you're watching somebody get bullied, and you don't do anything about it, you're just as guilty as the bully that's doing the bully you. Am I right? I have talked to so many children in schools that tell me the worst feeling they've ever had is being bullied and feeling alone and abandoned when they are picked on and intimidated. When they wish even one person, either one even one other kid would step up and say, hey, come sit with me at lunch.
Don't sit in a stall in the bathroom and cry your way through lunch and eat alone. We're not going to let you be alone. And it's the same thing with adults. Adults don't wanna be cut out of the herd and feel like they're alone. The number one need in all people is acceptance.
The number one fear is rejections and bullies. They prey on that. We must claim the right to our point of view. We must be critical thinkers. And when you see somebody being picked on, then you've gotta be willing to step up and say, hey, I'm with you.
Don't let that happen. And you've got to know why you're strong on the issues you're strong on. You've got to know why you're strong on affordability and safety and security and the border and family care for men and women and law and order and your core values for your children's education in our military. Know why you're where you are. And when you come to your friends and coworkers being bullied, don't be a bystander.
Don't be a bystander. You can't let it happen. When you say you love America, that's a verb. That also means you love Americans. You've got to push back and call out the bullies.
You've got to stand with those that have targets in their lives. Targets if they're picking on them by calling their jobs to get them fired. Boycotts or kicking them out of their at their jobs at church or their groups at church. I've spent 45 years listening to people. And I was just in North Carolina, and after the after the hurricane hit down there.
And you know what? I saw neighbors helping neighbors and not one of them asked, are you a democrat or a republican? I saw neighbors happen, neighbors. And we need to unify this country. You have the right to vote for who you want to vote for for president, and we need to step up and claim it, and we need to stand with each other.
There are so many who want to, but they're bullied so they're afraid to. Let me tell you something. One of the most important days in American history was 9,122,001. Not 9 11. We all know what happened on 9 11.
One of the most important days was 9 12 because on 9/12, we all woke up and we were all Americans on 9/12. If you were an American on 912, stand up right now. If you were an American on 912, stand up right now. That's who we were. That's who we are.
And the difference between winners and losers is winners do things losers don't wanna do. And we have to stand proud to help our neighbors who want to vote their conscience and not be afraid. No one should be alone. No one should feel abandoned. No one should have their business boycotted.
If you hear somebody's getting their business boycotted, you should get your friends and make sure their business gets doubled. If somebody pulls their advertising from your friend's business, you should let those advertisers know you're gonna spend the rest of your life making sure that advertiser is boycotted until they do the right thing. You need to let people know this is over in America. We're going to unify this country. We're gonna listen and not be intimidated.
We're gonna go out and lead by example. Let's quit complaining about what is and start doing something about it. If your neighbor wants to vote the other way, say fine. Go vote the other way. I'll love you anyway.
Let's lead by example. If they wanna do it, let them do it. Love them anyway. But as for you, the collective you, I don't want you to just listen and say nice talk, doctor Phil. I want you to march in your life.
I want you to march with your beliefs. I want you to not be intimidated. Don't be stopped and don't just vote. Take 5 people with you. Like I said, the difference between winners and losers is winners do things losers don't wanna do.
And what they do is they take actions toward known outcomes. They deal with the truth. They set goals and they go after them with passion. And it's time for us to bring it home. It's time for us to bring it home.
It's time for us to be winners, winners, winners, winners. I started by telling you I love this country. I'll finish by telling you I love this country, and I love you for loving this country. God bless you and God bless the United States of America. And before I leave, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the next vice president of the United States, Senator J.
D. Vance.
Speaker 1: Why
Speaker 9: It it is an honor to be here with all of you at Madison Square Garden. Now think about this. For more than a century, America's most celebrated heroes and legends have made history inside this iconic arena. This where we stand is where the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, faced Joe Frazier in the fight of the century. It's where the king, Elvis Presley, played for 80,000 screaming fans.
It's where the immortal, Hulk Hogan, pinned the iron shake and let Hulkamania run wild. And now on the eve of the most important election in our history, the greatest champion of them all, Donald J. Trump, has come to Madison Square Garden. And I believe in just 8 short days, we're gonna turn the United States of America red and make Donald j Trump the president of the United States. Now, my friends, I've got the easiest job in American politics.
Think about this. All I've gotta do is remind people what life was like when Donald J. Trump was president of the United States. We had peace. We had prosperity.
Take home pay was rising the fastest that it had in 40 years. Inflation was at 1.5%, the lowest that it had been in a generation. Gas and groceries were affordable. And when Donald Trump was president, we had the most secure border in the history of this country. That's the Donald Trump record, and that's a record that's gonna win in just 9 short days.
Now I'm gonna maybe surprise a little bit of the folks in this arena because I'm gonna be a little bipartisan here. I'm gonna talk about governor Tim Walz, and I gotta be honest with you. I feel bad for him. No. No.
No. We ought we ought to spare a prayer for governor Tim Walz because he's got the hardest job in American politics. He's gotta convince the What's up, man? You you you all can say that. I probably shouldn't say that.
But think about our our friend our friend Tim Walz has gotta convince the American people that Kamala Harris is gonna somehow fix the very problem she's been creating over the last three and a half years. He's gotta pretend that Kamala Harris didn't open up the southern border and let millions of illegal aliens in even though we know she did. He's gotta pretend that Kamala Harris didn't cast the deciding vote on 1,000,000,000,000 of dollars of new spending, which created the worst affordability crisis in 40 years in this country. And he's gotta pretend that Kamala Harris actually has ideas in her head for how to govern the United States of America. Now if you are the praying type, and I imagine a lot of us are, please say a prayer for Tim Walz because they're asking him to do the impossible.
Kamala Harris acts like she's the candidate of change when she's been in office for 4 years. She says she can fix everything, but Kamala, day 1 was 1400 days ago. What the hell have you been doing that whole time? Now my my favorite my favorite Kamala Harris moment is that when somebody asks her for specifics on how she'll make life more affordable or groceries cheaper, she'll say, well, I grew up in a middle class family. You say, Kamala Harris, how are you gonna close down the southern border because for 4 years, you've left it wide open?
And she'll say, well, I made the hash browns when I worked at McDonald's, and I was pretty good at it. And anybody with a lick of common sense is saying Kamala Harris. You didn't answer the question. You didn't actually tell the American people how you're gonna fix what you broke. And I gotta be honest with you.
Even on that McDonald's answer, I'm not sure that she ever worked at McDonald's. In fact, I think our president, Donald J. Trump, has probably worked at McDonald's for longer than Kamala Harris has. Now, I will say I'm going to say one thing in Kamala Harris's defense. She does one thing very well.
Look at this. You guys, you weren't ex you weren't expecting me to be so bipartisan, but I will say this for Kamala, that every time she does an interview, I think Donald Trump picks up about a 100,000 votes. Now we're, of course, in one of the proud baseball cities in the United States of America. So you know the problem with a softball interview is that you've gotta be able to hit a softball still. And that's that's the problem with Kamala Harris is I don't think that she could hit a tee ball based on what we've seen over the last couple of weeks.
When she was asked what she would do differently compared to Joe Biden, she said nothing comes to mind. She's running she's running on how she's gonna be different, but she couldn't name a single thing that she would do differently than Joe Biden. Now I will say that could be the Kamala Harris official campaign slogan. Kamala Harris, nothing comes to mind. Now, the other day, CNN asked if she had made any mistakes as vice president.
Now, here's what she actually said, and I am quoting word for word. She said, in my role as vice president, I mean, I've probably worked very hard at making sure that, I am well versed on issues. And, I think that is very important. It's a mistake not to be well versed on an issue and feel compelled to answer a question. Now I have no idea what any of that means, and frankly, neither do any of you.
None of us know what the hell she says. Now she may not be able to make she may not be able to name any of her mistakes, but the American people sure can. And 9 days from now, we're gonna tell Kamala Harris, you're fired. Go back to San Francisco where you belong. Get the hell out of the White House.
Now together together, Donald J. Trump and all of us as part of this movement are going to unleash a golden age of American prosperity. We're gonna make life affordable again in the United States of America. We're gonna put the American dream of homeownership within reach for millions of American young people. We're gonna secure our border, and we're gonna keep our families safe.
We're gonna protect your right to free speech and religious liberty, and we're gonna do it all thanks to the leadership of 1 man. Now we have to remember, that one man, Donald j Trump, 8 years ago, go back 8 years, he had everything. He had fame. He had fortune. He had family.
He had friends. But he gave up the easy life to save the United States of America. When they couldn't beat him, they tried to bankrupt him. When that didn't work, they tried to impeach him. When that didn't work, they tried to put him in federal prison.
And when that didn't work, they even tried to kill him. But as sure as the American flag still waves, Donald Trump still stands ready to fight, ready to win, and ready to make America great again. God bless you all. Thank you so much. Let's do it.
Speaker 10: Please welcome executive vice president of the Trump Organization, Eric Trump, and cochair of the Republican National Committee, Laura Trump.
Speaker 11: New York City. The greatest president we have ever had is right behind us. Let's make some noise for him. Guys, this isn't politics. This isn't politics.
This is a family. It's hard.
Speaker 10: We love you too. We love you too.
Speaker 11: This is so much more than a political movement. This is the greatest family in the world. We are fighting for a country we love. We are fighting for the American flag. We are fighting for the constitution.
We are fighting for our liberty. And as a family, we've been out there every single day over the last 10 years. They've tried everything they could to destroy my father, to destroy us. Dirty dossiers, Russian hoaxes. They tried to impeach him twice.
They went after his supreme court nominees. They threw him off of Facebook. They threw him off of Twitter. They threw him off of Instagram. They tried to take away his first amendment right.
Guys, they tried absolutely everything. They weaponized every DA and every AG in this country to try and take down my father. Here in New York, they did exactly that. Alvin Bradley, Tisha James. They tried to destroy his life.
They tried to take him off the ballot in Colorado. They tried to take him off the ballot in Maine. They tried to subdue the vote of literally 100 of millions of Americans who absolutely adore the guy. Guys, it's been political law fair every single day. And then somebody tried to kill him.
And despite that, every single time he stands up and he says, fight, fight, fight. And how do you think it feels for them as we're back in Madison Square Garden, the greatest arena anywhere in the world? Guys, I saw the Rangers play here and win the cup in 94. Every Knicks game, every concert, the greatest arena anywhere in the world, and And you better believe the entire party who has failed at taking down Donald Trump, an entire party who has failed at taking down his family, they're sitting there on those cameras right now watching all of us, watching all of you. Almost 200,000 people tried to get into this event tonight.
The streets, 5th Avenue all the way from Trump Tower all the way down to Madison Square Garden, 10 people deep. That's how much their love there is in the greatest city anywhere in the world. Guys, in 9 days, we're gonna win. We're gonna win. And not only is he going to make America great again, he's gonna make New York City great again.
So on behalf of our entire family, thank you. Thank you for being on the greatest ride I could have ever possibly been a part of. Thank you for 10 incredible years. I want you to know, and I speak on behalf of my entire family, I want you to know that we will never stop fighting. My father will never stop fighting.
Laura will never stop fighting. I'll never stop fighting. We live in the greatest country in the world. We are not gonna allow that to slip away. And I promise you guys the best days of this nation are ahead of us.
I love you very much. New York, it's an honor to be here.
Speaker 3: Alright. Y'all aren't done with us just yet. I'll say a few things if that's okay with everybody here. Can I just say how honored I am to be the cochair of the Republican National Committee for you guys? I'll tell you something.
We're making sure that we have free, fair, and transparent elections, and nobody's cheating in 2024. Guys, we are 9 days away from making sure we send a loud and clear message to the mainstream media, to the establishment, to the Democrats, to Hollywood that it is not them. It is We, The People, who choose our president, and we're choosing Donald J. Trump. And I gotta tell you, it is incredible to be here in Madison Square Garden in New York City, the greatest city on earth, in the greatest country on earth, the United States of America.
Because if you think about it, New York City made Donald Trump. Right? But Donald Trump also made New York City.
Speaker 5: Yeah.
Speaker 3: He changed the skyline of this city, rebuilt it. Remember whenever they couldn't get an ice skating rink? Wollman rink in Central Park? Donald Trump rebuilt the ice skating rink for New York City. By the way, under budget and ahead of schedule, if I'm not mistaken.
Because that's how we like to do things in the Trump family. And when nobody else was doing it, Donald Trump put his heart and soul right here in New York City. It's true. And this is the city that made him a household name. This is the city that put Donald Trump in so many rap songs, by the way.
Right? And truly made him the American dream. But I'll tell you something. Being a New Yorker teaches you something else, doesn't it? It teaches you how to be tough.
It teaches you that it doesn't matter how hard you get hit. You get back up and you keep fighting. When they impeach you, you keep fighting. When they indict you, you keep fighting. When they take a mugshot of you, the greatest mugshot in the history of the world, you keep fighting.
And when an assassin's bullet strikes you, you don't lay down. You get up, you stand strong, and you keep fighting. Right? Now in case you guys don't know, Donald Trump likes to go places nobody expects him. Anybody hear about a little rally up the street in the Bronx?
Yeah. Yeah. Does anybody know the last time a Republican president campaign in the Bronx? It was Ronald Reagan, and ladies and gentlemen, he turned New York red. I'm just saying.
It is the honor of my life to be part of this movement, and Eric is right. This is not just about politics. We are all a big family, and we're a family who loves this country. And I can tell you something, 9 days from now, it is going to be the sweetest comeback because we know the art of the deal. We also know the art of the comeback from Donald Trump that this country has ever seen.
Everybody, get out. Vote early. Take a friend to vote. Let's make America great again. We love you, New York.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Donald Trump Junior.
Speaker 1: Wow.
Speaker 5: Hello, Madison Square Garden. Wow. Hello, Madison Square Garden. Are you guys ready to take your country back? Are you sick of the insanity?
Guys, this is not my first rodeo. It's the 3rd go around, but you think this could have ever happened 4 or 8 years ago in the heart of New York City? The king of New York is back to reclaim the city that he built. My father changed the skyline of this city. He fixed the things that incompetent bureaucrats couldn't handle.
He did that against all odds. He did it for our country too, and now everyone recognizes it. What's unique about this election, folks, you've had 4 years under both leaders. The media would like to pretend that Kamala Harris started her political career about a month ago in a coup. The most democratic process to ever not have a single vote.
She's gonna be a moderate, folks. She's gonna be a moderate. A radical San Francisco liberal, the daughter of a Marxist professor is now magically gonna be a moderate. No one's buying it anymore. You know why?
Because they've been lying to you for the last 9 years, and you're not buying their crap anymore. You've had enough. The fact that I could drive here today with my father for, like, 25 blocks and watch the streets of New York lined up with red MAGA hats tells us everything you need to know. You had 4 years under Donald Trump. And despite the most vicious opposition from the media, from big tech, from the Democrats, and even from the weakling Republicans, you got results.
We got peace deals done. Our enemies weren't invading their neighbors. The economy grew. Inflation was next to nothing. And then Kamala Harris and Joe Biden took over, and everything went to hell like that.
I keep watching it in the news. It's amazing. Kamala Harris is gonna fix all these things. I say, you know what? Why hasn't she started fixing them?
You know, you've had 4 years. Why didn't you maybe get going? You're gonna wait till January 20th? Americans are suffering. People can't make rent.
Businesses are going under. Grocery prices are too expensive. I tell a story. Last summer, Last summer, I was coming back from a fishing trip with 2 of my boys, and we went to McDonald's. And it was $48 for a 10 year old, a 14 year old, and me.
And, guys, let me tell you. If Donald Trump Junior has sticker shot at McDonald's, we have a serious problem. It does not have to be this way, guys. We can change it, but it's gonna take all of you. You know, these days, you know, everyone's a tough guy.
Everyone's a tough guy on the keyboard, on the Internet. You know, everyone's a badass. But when you get shot in the face and you come back defiant, ready to fight, that's a badass. That's the guy. That's the guy that can fix the problems that we have.
That's the guy that's gonna keep our enemies in check. That's a guy that's gonna fight for each and every one of you. He's done it once. Let's send him back to Washington DC with an overwhelming mandate to fix the nonsense once and for all. Guys, look at the people who've spoken here tonight and look at some of the people who are still coming.
When did you think you'd be able to get RFK Junior, Chelsea Gabbard, Elon Musk? People from all different walks of life, incredible skill sets, whether it be health, whether it be technology, everything. You have them on one unified ticket. Think about that. Compare that to Kamala Harris and tampons him.
It ain't the same folks. Timmy ain't fixing anything and neither is Kamala. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change to change Washington, to put in common sense practices, to put Americans first because they're not first right now. The Democrat party has forgotten about Americans rather than cater to Americans. They decided, you know what?
It would just be easier to replace them with people who'll be reliable voters. The insanity has to stop. And the fact that we can pack Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York City shows me that the spirit of the American people is there. That same spirit my father showed on July 13th, that's the spirit of America. That's the spirit we need going into election day.
So for the next 9 days, each and every one of you, you line up like you're the 3rd monkey on line for the ark and it's starting to rain. You vote you vote early, and then you bring your friends so that we can take back our country once and for all. And when we do that, guys, we're not just gonna make America great again. We're gonna make the world great. We're gonna make the world safe.
We're gonna fix it all. Get out there, guys. And just like you're gonna fight, get out there and vote. Vote. Vote.
Thank you, New York City. Love you guys.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage CEO of the UFC, Dana White.
Speaker 12: Ladies and gentlemen, we are 9 days away from the most important election of my lifetime. Stakes have never been higher, and the choice has never been clearer. President Trump and I have been friends for 25 years. I've said this before, and I'm gonna say it again. He is the most resilient, hardest working human being that I've ever met in my life.
I know he's a great leader. This is not my opinion, not my hope. He's proven he can build the strongest economy in American history. He's proven he can secure our borders and keep our nation safe. He's proven to be the strong leader allies and adversaries alike must respect.
He's proven he loves this country so much, he's literally put his life on the line for it. What has the other candidate proven? She can get your party's nomination without even facing voters. What else? What else can she offer the American people other than vague promises and no plan?
She talks a lot about the need for change and her hope for the future. Hope and change. Does that sound familiar? She can use the old Obama playbook, but she's not Obama, and she is no agent of change. She is the sitting vice president of the United States right now.
What she hopes is voters will focus on the future because she doesn't want us looking at the last 4 years to see what we really need to change. We need change from sky high inflation. According to Yahoo Finance, the cost of groceries is up over 25% during the Biden Harris administration. Food is unaffordable for most Americans. That has to change.
We need change from wide open borders. BBC News reports illegal immigration reached record levels since they took office with an estimated 10,000,000 border crossings. That's a 300% increase compared to the Trump administration, and that's not including the unknown millions who cross undetected. That is the record of the other candidate, the borders are of the Biden administration. We need change from weak foreign policy.
According to the Institute For Economics and Peace, a nonpartisan think tank, there are think about this. There are more active armed conflicts now than any time since World War 2. Weakness from the Biden Harris administration has invited aggression and conflicts around the globe. When president Trump was our commander in chief, the world was a much more peaceful place. JD Vance touched on this, but I wanna hit it again.
Vice president Harris was asked recently by the objective journalist of the view. If there's anything she would have done differently than Biden over the past 4 years. And again, her answer was there is not a thing that comes to mind. So don't take my word for it. Take hers.
She will not change a thing. Hope is nice, but hope is not a plan. Change is needed, but change won't come from the status quo. And she is the status quo. If you want real change, you'll vote for proven leadership.
If you wanna return to economic prosperity, border security, and global stability, you'll vote for the one candidate who's proven he can deliver all of that. My fellow Americans, if you want what's best for your family and this country, you're gonna vote Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States. Thank you, New York. Have a good night.
Speaker 2: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick.
Speaker 13: Hello, New York. I mean, it was not on my bucket list. Okay? People like me do not get to play Madison Square Garden. This place rocks.
Alright. Most of you in New York, maybe you know my story. My company is called Cantor Fitzgerald. And we were located we were located on the 101st to the 105th floors of the World Trade Center. I get to be here today because I was taking my son Kyle to his first day of kindergarten that morning, 23 years ago.
I lost 658 of my friends and colleagues. I had 960 who worked in New York that day, and we lost 658 people. And we rebuilt that company to take care of the families of those that I lost. So we took care of those families. Each of my employees, they took 25% of their salaries, and they gave it to the families of the people we lost because
Speaker 8: that's what New Yorkers do, and we
Speaker 13: gave those families a $180,000,000.
Speaker 1: So
Speaker 13: the first thing, we must elect Donald j Trump president because we must crush Jihad. I love this city. I love this city. And Donald Trump loves this city. No matter how crappy they treat him, he is back because he loves you, and he loves this city.
We all say make America great again, but let's just go over for a minute what that means because we all say it as a slogan. When was America great? At the turn of the century, our economy was rocking. This is 199 or 125 years ago. We had no income tax.
And all we had was tariffs. All we had was tariffs. And we had so much money that we had the greatest businessmen of America get together to try to figure out how to spend it. That's who we were then. But then we had World War 1, and we had World War 2.
And we felt we had a duty to rebuild the rest of the world. So here's what we did. We took down our protection. We took down our tariffs, and we turned instead and we taxed Americans so that we could export the power of our economy and save the rest of the world, which we did. Now let me now let me ask you a question.
What decade should that have ended? Should it have ended in the eighties, the nineties, 2,000? What in the world are we doing? We're letting the rest of the world eat our lunch, and it is time to make America great again. Alright.
What is America first mean? We all say America first. What is America first mean? American citizens employed first. NAFTA.
NAFTA, Bill Clinton's favorite I hate Michigan move. Open the border, take all car manufacturing and move it to Mexico, and screw over everyone in America who works in the auto industry. We don't make cars here. I mean, they make our cars in China and ship them here. It's got to end.
So when he says, America first, let's be crystal clear. He is saying, employ American citizens
Speaker 8: first.
Speaker 13: Okay. The Harris Biden administration has set us up with a $6,500,000,000,000 spending budget on our taxes of $4,500,000,000,000 as they screw our children's future to the wall. We lose $2,000,000,000,000 this year. 2,000,000,000,000, and Donald Trump is going to build the greatest team to ever walk into government, and we are going to balance our budget. And when we balance our budget, the world is gonna feel what it feels like to unleash the full power of the United States economy and its amazing workforce.
K. So ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to introduce the cofounder with me of the Department of Government Efficiency,
Speaker 1: Doge,
Speaker 13: Madison Square Garden, ladies and gentlemen,
Speaker 1: give
Speaker 13: it up for the greatest capitalist in the history of the United States of America, Elon Musk.
Speaker 1: Alright.
Speaker 10: As you can see, I'm not just MAGA. I'm dark, gothic MAGA. Well, it's the energy in this room is incredible. What a what a what a great group of people. It's Alright.
I've
Speaker 12: only got one question for you
Speaker 1: and then
Speaker 13: I'm getting out of
Speaker 12: here because
Speaker 13: this is your stage. But we set up Doge.
Speaker 10: Yes.
Speaker 13: How much do you think we can rip out of this wasted $6,500,000,000,000 Harris Biden budget?
Speaker 10: Well, I I think we can we can do at least 2,000,000,000,000.
Speaker 13: Yeah. Yes. 2,000,000,000,000.
Speaker 10: I mean, at the end of the day, you're being taxed. You're being taxed. All government spending is taxation. So whether it's it's direct taxation or all government spending, it's either it becomes inflation or it's it's direct taxation. Your money is being wasted, and the Department of Government Efficiency is gonna fix that.
We're gonna get the government off your back and out of your pocketbook. And America is just not not just gonna be great. America is gonna reach heights that it has never seen before. The future is gonna be amazing.
Speaker 1: Now
Speaker 10: You guys are awesome. Honestly, this is like yeah. I mean, this is this is, like, this is the kind of positive energy that America is all about.
Speaker 0: Yeah.
Speaker 10: USA. USA.
Speaker 11: USA. USA. USA.
Speaker 10: Yes. Now I I have, I have something I wanna ask you to do though because, obviously, we're we're somewhat preaching to the converted in this, stadium, but there's a lot of people out there who who who need to vote for for president Trump. Okay? So the like, this is a real battle. This is a real election battle.
So you need to get friends and family to to vote, make sure they vote. Vote early. This is important. We're we're gonna be putting up a scorecard, okay? An early vote scorecard, state by state, county by county.
What is the scorecard? Vote early. Vote now. Yeah. Make the margin of victory so big that you know what can't happen.
Massive, overwhelming sweep of every swing state, and even some of the states that aren't people don't think are swing states. Massive crushing victory. Get everyone, friends, family, people on the street, put the signs up, put the hat on. Let's go. And with that, it is my honor to introduce the first lady, Melania Trump.
Speaker 14: Good evening, New York City. Hello, Madison Square Garden, our hometown, where architectural symbols of strength, courage, and unity create a canvas for the world's undisputed capital of industry. Where titans of finance, fashion, and entertainment convene among an iconic range of superior design, structures, and artistic accomplishments.
Speaker 1: And
Speaker 14: American ingenuity blossoms among the determined citizens who race across city streets and between offices, striving for success. It is you who are the heartbeat of this great metropolis.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Trump: They forced Biden out. It was like a coup. They got him out and put this one in. I think Biden hates her as much or more than he hates me. He can't stand her. https://t.co/rGhgP6XNJa
Video Transcript AI Summary
The speaker watched a debate with Biden and thought he did not do well, claiming most of the world would agree. The speaker believes Biden was forced out in a coup and replaced with someone who was ranked number 13 online after failing to get the nomination.
The speaker spent $150,000,000 to beat Biden and was leading when Biden was replaced. The speaker believes this has never happened before. The speaker thinks Biden hates the new person as much or more than he hates the speaker, which is hard to believe.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Did you watch a debate with Biden? We did. Yeah. Did you think he did well? No.
I would I would say the most in the world would agree he did not do well. Yeah. So anyway, so he they forced him out. It was like a coup. Mhmm.
And then this is like Dana would have a fighter, and the fighter's getting, you know, doing badly. And they say, let's take him out and put a new one in. This never happened before. So they got him out, and they put this one in. And she was number 13 online because she failed already.
She she had, you know, she tried to get the nomination, and she failed. There were 22 people, and she came and left. She never made it to Iowa. And now all of a sudden, this can only happen to me, fellas. I have won.
I spent a $150,000,000 to beat him, and I was leading by a lot. And then they take him out, and they give me another one. That's never happened before. It was like a palace coup. And he doesn't like her.
He hates her. I think he hates her as much as he hates yeah. I think Biden hates me. Say, he hates me a lot, but I think he hates her maybe as much or more than he hates me. Is that possible?
I don't know. Hard to believe. Right? He can't stand
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: Ugandan students from at least 13 universities take to the streets, protest against @JoeBiden in front of their parliament, and sing, "We don't want your pro-gay money. We want and love our country more than money." WATCH https://t.co/MaQumahWA0
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: DC Appeals Court hearing @simonateba versus @WhiteHouse @PressSec Karine Jean-Pierre (@K_JeanPierre). Tuesday, October 15, 2024. https://t.co/2wnFmY05Y3
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - YOUR REACTION: Speaking at the @ChathamHouse in London, @SpeakerPelosi says America must have a strong Republican Party, adding, "Right now it's a cult." https://t.co/jBcyDFUvh8
Video Transcript AI Summary
The speaker believes the country must have a strong Republican party, mentioning past leaders like the Bushes, McCain, and Dole. The speaker says that some Republicans have told her that they cannot beat certain candidates in the primary, but they must beat them in the general election to return to debates about the role of government.
The speaker mentions nonpartisan redistricting and gerrymandered districts, expressing hope for more bipartisanship. The speaker believes there is more common ground globally than domestically, citing Republican support for Ukraine.
The speaker claims the Republican party has turned into a cult because of anti-diversity attitudes and big money interests, but legitimate differences of opinion about the role of government have always existed. The speaker thinks there is more basis for global cooperation.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: And they have to have
Speaker 1: The question is about the Republican Party. Many people in the United Kingdom and so many people across Europe and across the world want Kamala Harris to win because they care about America's global engagement and consistency. But we do, also need in the United States a functioning democracy, and that requires more than one normal political party. So I'm wondering what your perspective is, if Kamala Harris becomes the next US president, what is the prospect that in time, the Republican Party would become normalized and engage in a foreign policy that at some level tracks back, maybe not to what the US position was previously, but to some sort of power and foreign policy that the rest of the world can engage with in a consistent fashion?
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you so much for your question. I've always said, and I say this all the time, and some of my San Francisco constituents are not jumping with joy. The country really must have a strong Republican party. There's just no question about that.
We've had great leaders. I named some of them earlier to Bushes, McCain, Bob Dole, my dear personal friend. I loved him so much. I still love his wife so much. I with dear friends, Mitt Romney and the rest.
These are great leaders in our have been great leaders in our country, and they have to have a strong Republican party. Now I'm the last person to ask how that happens, but I will say what they've told me, not the ones I just named, but some others. We cannot beat these people in the primary. You have to beat them in the general, and then we can get back to our fight about the role of government because that's the difference between our two parties on the spectrum of what is the role of federal government, role of local government and the rest, and budget priorities and the rest, which is the legitimate debate in a democracy. But with the redistricting that is there, and we have called for a nonpartisan redistricting in our legislation, which if we win, when we win, but if we can win in the in our legislation, which if we win when we win, but if we can win in the senate in a stronger way, that we could that we could pass that legislation.
But anyway, getting back to this in these highly gerrymandered districts, the other side is saying we can't beat them in those districts. But as as as we open that up, hopefully, then we can because I've served there a long time. It was never this way. It was always bipartisanship. It was a great, kaleidoscope, and I talk about this in my book.
Say one time, it'll be all the democrats versus all the republicans, and then another time will be half the democrats and half the republicans, the back of the room versus the front of the room. So you're always a strength to each other, so you don't want to diminish the strength of a possible resource to your cause. And I think, to your question, there's probably more common ground globally than domestically globally than domestically because, as I said, the Republicans, not not a majority in the house, but overwhelmingly have been supportive of, say, Ukraine and the rest. But the, but there has to something different has to happen. Right now, it's a cult.
The Republican party has turned into a cult. Why? Because of anti diversity attitudes and big money not wanting to pay taxes and don't want any regulated clean air, clean water, forget about it. That's not what they're there for. So, but that will always be the case.
But in terms of people having legitimate differences of opinion of the role of government, which existed since the beginning of our country. That's but but on the global scene, I think there's more basis for cooperation.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
In London, Nancy Pelosi says right now the Republican Party is a cult https://t.co/NRJlgG9hO8
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Janet Jackson apologizes for saying Harris was 'not Black,' blames 'misinformation' https://t.co/nG2WFrv36G
reSee.it AI Summary
I spoke to the Daily Mail about my father, Ryan Wesley Routh, who is accused of an assassination attempt near Trump’s golf club. I was shocked to hear the news and asked if my dad was hurt. While I admitted we both dislike Trump, I firmly believe my father is not violent and has never owned a gun. It’s hard to reconcile the accusations with the person I know.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: Son of alleged assassin tells Daily Mail his dad hates Trump like ‘any reasonable person’ but insists he’s never owned a gun or done anything “bats*** crazy. NOTE: Oran Routh, the son of Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in an alleged assassination attempt near Donald Trump’s Florida golf club, expressed disbelief over the accusations. NOTE: He told http://DailyMail.com, “This was the first I heard about it,” and was surprised by the news, asking, “Was my father shot or injured?” NOTE: Although Oran admitted that both he and his father “hate Trump,” he insisted his dad is “not a violent person” and doubted his father would ever target the former president, noting he didn’t believe his father even owned a gun.
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@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Kamala Harris: "So, North Carolina, two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our debate. You watched it? Did you watch it? I believe we owe it to have another debate. We owe to the voters." https://t.co/rGXcNtPnna
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Must-Watch: Key Moments from the Harris-Trump Debate – Relive the Showdown! https://t.co/wO5NnWVN1K
reSee.it AI Summary
I discussed Vice President Harris's visibility and her efforts to define Trump in light of a poll indicating many voters still need to learn about her. Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the stark contrast between this administration and the previous one, highlighting achievements in economic recovery and significant policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. When asked if Biden defines Harris as a progressive, she noted that while he supports her leadership and agenda, he avoids labeling her, focusing instead on their shared goals of strengthening the middle class and lowering costs.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - Biden agrees with Harris 'bold economic agenda, White House says: Reporter @JacquiHeinrich to Karine Jean-Pierre: "31% of registered voters (the actual number is 28 percent of registered voters) said in a New York Times Siena poll that they still need to learn more about Vice President Harris. So why is she spending so much time trying to define Trump and link him to Project 2025 rather than define herself?" Karine Jean-Pierre: Those are campaign questions you'd have to ask the campaign. But I can tell you, the contrast between this administration and the previous one couldn't be clearer. Four years ago, America was struggling with a pandemic, international isolation, rising crime, and an insurrection. Today, we're leading the world in economic recovery. We've achieved what people said we couldn't. The Biden-Harris administration has turned the economy around, restored America's leadership, and implemented policies like beating Big Pharma through the Inflation Reduction Act. Project 2025, which Republicans are pushing, proposes radical ideas like abortion bans, law enforcement cuts, and repealing the Affordable Care Act. Trump has distanced himself from it, but it reflects the extreme direction of today's Republican Party. Jacqui: Does President Biden define Vice President Harris as a progressive Democrat? Jean-Pierre: The vice president has been a critical partner to President Biden, particularly on key policies that have shaped the administration. President Biden supports her leadership and her bold policy agenda. While Senator Bernie Sanders may define her as a progressive, President Biden doesn’t label her. He believes in her leadership and her alignment with his agenda to strengthen the middle class, lower costs for Americans, and fight corporate price gouging. The administration remains focused on these goals rather than labels.
reSee.it AI Summary
The White House has responded to a Republican report criticizing Biden for the chaos surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal, placing blame on Trump for his deal that released 5,000 Taliban fighters and mandated a rushed exit by Christmas 2020. John Kirby emphasized that this flawed agreement left Biden with limited options and pointed out that the report overlooks the reality of the Afghan military's collapse and the inadequacy of Bagram Air Base as a solution.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: White House hits back, blames Trump for Afghanistan withdrawal chaos after Republicans release damning report targeting Biden. The administration says Trump struck a deal that released 5,000 Taliban fighters and "ordered a rushed exit by Christmas 2020, leaving Biden with a flawed deal that could only end America’s longest war." John Kirdby says, “The Trump administration’s deal released 5,000 Taliban fighters—5,000 fighters—and now Republicans want to rewrite history?” John Kirby says, “Partisan rancor is clouding the facts: Trump ordered a rushed exit by Christmas 2020, leaving Biden with a flawed deal that could only end America’s longest war.” John Kirby says, “Republicans’ report ignores the brutal reality: The Afghan military collapsed, and Bagram Air Base wasn’t the magic solution they pretend it was.”
Video Transcript AI Summary
The speaker addressed the House Republicans' report on the Afghanistan withdrawal, calling it a partisan report that says little new. According to the speaker, the Trump administration's Doha Agreement mandated a complete U.S. withdrawal, including from Bagram Air Base, and released 5,000 Taliban fighters. This agreement demoralized the Afghan government and military. President Trump ordered a rushed exit by Christmas 2020. President Biden chose to abide by the agreement to end the war.
The speaker refuted several claims in the report, stating that the Department of Defense prepositioned military units, the rapid collapse of Afghan forces was unanticipated, securing Bagram Air Base was impractical, U.S. equipment was not handed over to the Taliban but left behind by Afghan forces, and there was no deception from the current administration. The speaker stated that ending wars is difficult, but the withdrawal was conducted professionally. The speaker acknowledged the tragic loss of life, especially at Abbey Gate, and honored those who served in Afghanistan. The speaker concluded that with the war over, the nation can focus on other security interests.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Everybody. As you saw today, House Republicans released their investigation report into Afghanistan withdrawal. This comes, of course, 2 years after their first report. And this one says little or nothing new. We've already issued comment about the one-sided partisan nature of this report, so I'm not gonna belabor that right now.
But I do think a brief rundown of actual facts is important. 1st, on the very day this administration took office, the Taliban was in the strongest position it had been in years, and the Afghan government, the weakest. The Trump administration cut a deal called the Doha Agreement that mandated a complete U. S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan and yes, that included Bagram Air Base by the end of May 2021.
That deal also released 5,000 Taliban fighters from prison. 5,000 fighters. In return, the Taliban agreed not to attack US troops, is a good thing because the former president reduced our presence in Afghanistan from about 14,000 down to 2,500. As General Frank McKenzie, former commander of U. S.
Central Command said himself in testimony, the Doha deal had a really pernicious effect on the Afghan government and military. As we saw, it demoralized them and it disenfranchised them. They knew right then and there that America was on its way out. Indeed, in October of 2020, then President Trump ordered his military to rush the exit from Afghanistan and have everybody leave by Christmas of that year. President Biden, for his part, faced a stark choice when he came to office, Abide by the flawed agreement and end America's longest war or blow up the deal, extend the war, and see a much smaller contingent of American troops back in combat with the Taliban.
He chose the former, And he was able to buy additional time to prepare for that withdrawal all the way into the summer. And we as a nation are safer for it. Any and every discussion about what happened in Afghanistan has to start right there. Sadly, the report does not dwell on it. Now there's some other falsehoods, too many to mention, but a few do stand out, and I'd like to tick them off if you don't mind.
1, there was, in fact, planning the Department of Defense prepositioned military units in the region so that once a decision had been reached to evacuate, they would be poised to respond in a timely fashion. 2, there was no fine tune assessment of how fast things would unfold in August of 2021. It all moved a lot faster than anyone anticipated. As the Taliban moved in, Afghan forces stopped fighting and the Ghani government fled. As then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said, quote, nothing that I saw indicated a collapse of this army and this government in 11 days, end quote.
2 I'm sorry. 3, there was no point in securing Bagram Air Base for use during the evacuation. Doing so would not only have required thousands of additional US troops, but also would have required a dangerous trek by evacuees over Taliban controlled territory, making the evacuation even more difficult to execute than it already was. 4, there was no handover of US equipment to the Taliban. That equipment had been provided to Afghan security forces appropriately and with congressional approval over the course of 2 decades of war.
That equipment was left by those Afghan forces when they surrendered or stopped fighting. And 5, there was no deception, lying, or lack of transparency by this administration, either during or after the withdrawal. Cooperated extensively, in this investigation and to and we continue to work, with the War Commission. Ending wars is more difficult than starting them. President Biden knew that.
He acknowledged that. But it doesn't mean that the decision to end this one was wrong or that the withdrawal wasn't conducted as professionally and as bravely as was humanly possible given the circumstances. It doesn't mean we don't grieve and mourn with the families of those whose lives were tragically taken during the withdrawal, especially at Abbey Gate on 26th August of that year. And it doesn't mean that we don't still look with awe and admiration at the many thousands of men and women who waged this war over the course of 20 years. Troops, diplomats, intelligence experts, contractors, and civilian employees from this and dozens of other nations.
They accomplished the mission for which they were sent to Afghanistan. They helped make us a safer nation. Sadly, 2,461 of them did not make it home. And many of those who did still struggle with the wounds of war, seen and unseen. As the president has said, we owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.
But now that the war is over, our nation can better focus on other pressing national security interests around the world. We would do well in all this partisan rancor over the withdrawal to remember that.
reSee.it AI Summary
I sounded the alarm about Donald Trump's upcoming debate performance, warning that he will likely resort to lies and low tactics. His approach is predictable, and he has no qualms about distorting the truth. As I travel the country, it's clear that he prioritizes his interests over those of the American people. I anticipate that his usual playbook, which includes attacking figures like President Obama and Hillary Clinton, will resurface. We need to be prepared for this during the debate.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) Sounds Alarm, Says Americans Should Know Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) Will Lie in Tomorrow’s Debate: “No Floor for How Low He’ll Go” "He plays from this really old and tired playbook, where there’s no floor for him in terms of how low he will go. And we should be prepared for that. We should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth, and we should be prepared for the fact that he is probably going to speak a lot of untruth. Ultimately, you know, what I intend to point out is what so many people know, certainly as I’m traveling the country in this campaign — he tends to fight for himself, not for the American people. And I think that’s going to come out during the debate. But, you know, I expect that he’s going to lie, and he has a playbook that he has used in the past, whether it be his attacks on President Obama or Hillary Clinton. So we should expect that some of that might come out," she said during an interview with The Rickey Smiley Show.
Video Transcript AI Summary
He uses an old playbook and has no floor for how low he will go. He is not burdened by telling the truth and will probably speak a lot of untruth. He tends to fight for himself, not for the American people, and this will come out during the debate. He's going to lie and use a playbook he has used in the past, like his attacks on President Obama or Hillary Clinton. We should expect that some of that might come out.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: He plays for this really old and tired playbook, right, where he there's no floor for him in terms of how low he will go. And, and we should be prepared for that. We should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth, and we should be prepared for the fact that he is probably gonna speak a lot of untruth. And, ultimately, you know, what I intend to point out is what we so many people know, and and certainly as I'm traveling the country in this campaign, he he tends to fight for himself, not for the American people. And I think that's gonna come out during the course of the debate.
But I, you know, I expect that he's gonna he's gonna you know, I think he's gonna lie. And, you know, he has a playbook that he has used in the past, be it, you know, his attacks on president Obama or Hillary Clinton. So we should expect that some of that might come out. Before you
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: President Biden blasts Trump, calls him "a loser, a sucker, a failing president, a failing man," says his son died because of one year in Iraq. WATCH https://t.co/tayjsEK8hu
Video Transcript AI Summary
In 2020, the speaker ran for president to rebuild the middle class, and claims to have done just that. They believe America is experiencing a great comeback, contrasting this with their predecessor's view that America is a failing nation. The speaker calls their predecessor a failing president and a failing man, asserting that America is winning and remains the indispensable nation. They allege that their predecessor refused to visit an American Cemetery in France, with his chief of staff reporting that he called the servicemen buried there "suckers and losers." Referencing their own son's death in Iraq, the speaker expresses gratitude for not being present at the cemetery, suggesting they would have reacted strongly, and labels their predecessor a "sucker" and a "loser."
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Let me close to this. In 2020, I said one of the reasons I was running was to rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class. Nearly 4 years later, we've done just that. In thousands of cities and towns across the country, we're seeing the great American comeback story. My predecessor believes America is a failing nation.
He's a failing president and a failing man. He's wrong. America's failing. We're winning. Yeah.
We're the we are the indispensable nation in the world. We're the nation of dreamers and doers who led to the greatest advantage in human history over the last 200 years. That's who we are. But my president doesn't get it. He refused to visit American Cemetery in France that I was just near because according to his own chief of staff, a 4 star marine general, Trump said those servicemen buried there are suckers and losers.
My son died because of a year in Iraq. I'm just happy, and I mean this in front of my heart. I'm glad I wasn't there. I think I would've done something. No.
I think you would've too. They're heroes. He's a sucker. He's a loser way back.
reSee.it AI Summary
The U.S. Justice Department has announced that Russia is actively interfering in the 2024 Presidential Election between Harris and Trump. They claim that Russia's RT network has created a $10 million operation to influence voters through disinformation. This includes fake news websites masquerading as U.S. media, along with the use of AI and social media influencers. Additionally, there are ongoing prosecutions of Americans threatening election officials, and citizens are urged to critically evaluate online information.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING: U.S. Justice Department Claims Russia is actively meddling in the 2024 Presidential Election between Harris and Trump. Russia's propaganda network RT reportedly built a $10 million machine to influence U.S. elections under the Kremlin's watch. Russian disinformation is targeting American voters to sway the 2024 outcome. Fake news websites, disguised as U.S. media, are allegedly flooded with Kremlin-backed propaganda. Russia’s tactics include using AI, social media influencers, and fake personas to spread chaos. Meanwhile, Americans threatening election officials are being prosecuted. Unsealed documents urge citizens to critically assess everything they read online. WATCH
Video Transcript AI Summary
The Justice Department launched an election threats task force to combat threats against election workers. The FBI and ATF are investigating a school shooting in Winder, Georgia.
Two Russian employees of RT are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act by failing to disclose RT's ties to social media influencers who amplified US divisions to weaken opposition to Russian interests in Ukraine. The Justice Department is seizing 32 internet domains used by Russian actors to spread disinformation and state-sponsored narratives to influence the 2024 US presidential election, aiming for Russia's preferred outcome.
Iran is also increasing efforts to influence elections, including attempts to compromise former President Trump's campaign. The Justice Department has taken enforcement actions against individuals threatening election workers in multiple states, including prison sentences for bomb threats and death threats. The Election Threats Task Force is partnering with state and local officials and the FBI will host federal partners at its headquarters command center to address election-related issues.
Russia's interference involves increased sophistication, AI, and cyber techniques. The goal is to undermine confidence in democratic institutions and values. The Special Counsel is following Justice Department policies, including election sensitivities.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Good afternoon, everyone. We launched election threats task force to respond to a dangerous duty. And we did so because threats to election workers constitute threats to our democracy itself. In just a few minutes, the task force here will meet to discuss its continuing work in advance of the upcoming election. But before we begin, I want to address the tragic shooting that occurred this morning at a high school in Winder, Georgia.
We are still gathering information, but the FBI and ATF are on the scene working with state, local, and federal partners. I'm devastated for the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. The justice department stands ready to provide any resources or support that the indoor community needs in the days ahead. Before I get to the work of the task force, I also want to announce 2 major law enforcement actions that the justice department is taking that are separate from the important work of this task force, but are part of our broader effort to protect our elections from unlawful interference of any kind. First, this morning, we unsealed an indictment in the Southern District of New York of Constantine Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasieva, 2 Russian based employees of RG, a Russian state controlled media outlet.
They are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering and to violate the foreign agents registration act. That law, enacted nearly a century ago, was enacted to ensure that the American people were informed when a foreign power engages in political activities or seeks to influence public discourse. The American people are entitled to know when a foreign power is attempting to exploit our country's free exchange of ideas in order to send around its own propaganda. The company never disclosed to the I'm sorry. And that is what we alleged happened in this case.
In the wake of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, RT, which was then known as Russia today, was dropped by its American distributors. The company ceased its formal operations in the United States and the European Union, the UK, and Canada banned RT's broadcasting. But as RT itself has boasted, the government of Russia continue to use RT to direct disinformation and propaganda. In the wake of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, RT's editor in chief said the company had built, quote, an entire empire of covert projects designed to shape public opinion in western audiences. We alleged that as part of that effort, RT and its employees, including defendants directed the company to contract with implement this scheme, the defendants directed the company to contract with US based social media influencers to share this content on their platforms.
The subject matter and content of many of the videos published by the company were often consistent with Russia's interest in amplifying US domestic divisions in order to weaken US opposition to core Russian interests, particularly its ongoing war in Ukraine. The company never disclosed to the influencers or to their millions of followers its ties to RT and the Russian government. Instead, the defendants in the company claimed that the company was sponsored by a private investor, but that private investor was a fictitious persona. The charges unsealed this morning do not represent the end of the investigation. It remains active and ongoing.
In a separate enforcement action, the justice department is seizing 32 Internet domains that the Russian government and the Russian sponsored actors have used to engage in a covert Kyrennikov, directed Kyrennikov, directed Russian public relations companies to promote disinformation and state sponsored narratives as part of a program to influence the 2024 US presidential election. An internal planning document created by the Kremlin states that as a goal of the of the campaign is securing Russia's preferred outcome in the election. The online infrastructure used by the Russian public relations company known as the Social Design Agency or SDA and related actors included what are sometimes referred to as cyber squatted domains. These websites were designed to appear to American readers as if they were major US news sites like the Russian Post or Fox News. But in fact, they were fake sites.
They were filled with Russian government propaganda that had been created by the Kremlin to reduce international support for Ukraine, bolster pro Russian policies and interests, and influence voters in the United States and in other countries. Internal documents of the Kremlin described the content as, quote, bogus stories disguised as newsworthy events, close quote. This malign influence campaign has been referred to as doppelganger. The Russian public relations company drove viewers to these websites by deploying influencers and paid social media advertisements. They also created fake social media profiles posing as US citizens, post comments on social media platforms with links to the sites.
According to SDA's records, it actively sought to, quote, eliminate the possibility of detection of the Russian footprint. Both of the schemes I just discussed make clear the ends to which the Russian government, including at its highest levels, is willing to go to undermine our democratic process. But the enforcement actions I've discussed also make clear that the justice department will aggressively counter such efforts, and the same is true of the entire United States government. Today, our colleagues at the state and treasury departments are announcing parallel actions in both of these matters. Unfortunately, we know that Russia is not the only foreign power seeking to interfere in our elections.
As the US intelligence community noted 2 weeks ago, we have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle. That includes recently reported activities by Iran to compromise former president Trump's campaign and to avoid an election outcome that it regards as against its interests. Those recently reported Iranian activities also include efforts to obtain access to individuals who themselves have access to the presidential campaigns of both political parties. The justice department's message is clear. We have no tolerance for attempts by authoritarian regimes to exploit our demograph our democratic system of government.
We will be relentlessly aggressive encountering and disrupting attempts by Russia and Iran as well as China or any other foreign malign actor to interfere in our elections and undermine our democracy. Now I will turn back to the topic of today's meeting. Just as we are dedicated to combating foreign threats to our elections, we are equally dedicated to confront domestic threats against the public servants who administer our elections. Since the 2020 election, we have seen an unprecedented spike in threats against the public servants who do administer our elections. Election officials, workers, and volunteers, and communities across the country have been targeted with heinous acts and threats of violence.
The following are a few examples of successful enforcement actions that the justice department has taken over the past year. In New Mexico, county commissioners and other elected officials were targeted with a series of shootings that the department has alleged in court papers were organized by an unsuccessful candidate for the state legislature who claimed that the election had been rigged against him. At least 3 of the shootings occurred while the intended victims or their children or their family members were at home. In February, 2 shooters who we alleged were recruited by the candidate pled guilty to carrying out the attacks. In March, the candidate himself was charged in the 13 count superseding indictment.
In Arizona, a man sent a state election official a bomb threat warning that if she did not resign within 2 days, quote, explosive device impacted in her personal space would be detonated. In March, the man was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for making that threat. In Maricopa County, Arizona, an elections official, a county attorney, and their families were threatened by a defendant who called for, quote, a mass shooting of poll workers and election officials. And precincts he believed had, quote, suspect results. His revolting comments included, quote, dead children burn into the memories of people.
The county attorney who had been targeted later reported that he, his wife, and 4 children had been assigned round the clock protection and issued body armor in response to the threat. And the elections official who was targeted said in a victim impact statement that, quote, while I am the person directly threatened by this case, the impact of such threats is felt by a much larger community. The thousands of committed election workers who operate our democratic processes. When threats are made against any election worker, the impact reverberates throughout the entire community. That defendant was sentenced to three and a half years of prison.
In recent months, our enforcement actions have continued. In July, we secured the guilty plea of an Alabama man who repeatedly threatened to kill America Maricopa County election workers and officials. In one particularly chilling message, he said quote, you better not come in my church, my business, or send your kids to my school. You are stupid if you think you are safe. His sentencing is scheduled for next month.
Also in July, the justice department secured a 14 month sentence for a man who sent a death threat to a Michigan election worker. In a voice mail, he said, quote, 10,000,000 plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it, and he added, we'll kill you. Last less than 2 weeks ago, we charged and arrested a Colorado man for allegedly threatening the lives of election officials, judges, and law enforcement officials in both Colorado and Arizona. As I have said before, and I will reiterate again today, these cases are a warning. If you threaten to harm or kill an election worker official or volunteer, the justice department will find you and we will hold you accountable.
In a democracy, people vote, argue, and debate often loudly in order to achieve the policy outcomes they decide. And the justice department will continue to relentlessly protect the rights of all Americans to peacefully express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas. But the promise of our democracy is that people will not employ violence to achieve their preferred outcomes. The public servants who administer our elections must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives. That is why this task force has been marshaling the full resources of the justice department to aggressively investigate and prosecute threats targeting election workers, officials, and volunteers.
And we will continue to do so in the months ahead when the task force will build on the partnerships with state and local election officials and law enforcement officials tasked with protecting them. Since March, the task force has participated in more than 25 convenings, engagements, engagements, trainings, tabletop exercises, including both with our law enforcement partners
Speaker 1: and
Speaker 0: with our partners in the election community nationwide. Over the next several weeks, task force representatives will be on the ground meeting with election workers. And in early November, both in advance of and after election day, the FBI will be hosting federal partners at its headquarters command center to address events, issues, and potential crimes related to the elections in real time. Election officials and administrators do not need to navigate this threat environment alone. We are here to support them and to make sure they can safely carry out their critical work.
Protecting our democracy and protecting our elections was a founding purpose when the justice department was established in 18 70. The department answered that charge then, and we will answer that charge today as we confront those who would use violence or threats of violence to attack those who administer our elections.
Speaker 2: And I'd like to
Speaker 0: ask the deputy attorney general to make some remarks.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much, mister attorney general. And good afternoon, everyone. I also wanna start by expressing my sympathies to the families who have been impacted by yet another horrific act of gun violence, this time in Winter, Georgia. I also want to extend the department's support for and solidarity with the members of law enforcement and community members, who are responding to this tragedy. Now we are fewer than 65 days out from the election, and this convening reflects the diverse and aggressive threat landscape that we face and the breadth of the department's work that we are doing to combat those threats.
In our increasingly polarized environment, we're seeing continued threats toward election workers, those who ensure that we all can exercise our most fundamental of rights, the right to vote. And we are identifying dangerous foreign actors working to spawn division, discord, and disinformation, particularly across social media. Threats of violence to public officials, including election workers, represent a clear and present danger to our democratic process. That's why we established the election threats Task Force to investigate and prosecute the growing number of threats directed at the public servants who make our elections possible. Dedicated career prosecutors and FBI agents carry out this work across the country every single day, working hand in glove with state and local law enforcement.
In recent months, as was just detailed, the task force has continued to prosecute threats toward public servants, and we will And is at bottom a threat to our democracy. The election threats task force convened today fits into a larger effort by the department to safeguard our elections. A critical element of that work includes combating foreign malign influence activity as illustrated by the actions we've announced today. Our foreign adversaries primary goal is to undermine confidence in our democratic institutions and values, including working to influence and manipulate our elections. Today's actions as laid out by the attorney general reaffirm that Russia remains a predominant foreign threat to our elections.
And as the intelligence community has publicly reported and as I have previously warned, Iran also is accelerating its efforts to influence our elections including the presidential election. Today's actions reaffirm the department's ongoing commitment to detect, investigate, expose, and hold accountable all those who perpetrate foreign malign influence schemes. And our work combating and exposing actors affiliated with Russia, Iran, or any foreign actor seeking to influence our election will continue day in and day out without fear or favor. I'm grateful to the members of law enforcement, the prosecutors, and all the public officials working around the clock to protect our election process and to bring to justice those who seek to undermine our democracy. With that, I'll pass it to director White.
Speaker 2: Thank you, to the attorney general and the deputy attorney general for bringing the task force together again for this meeting. Before I dive into things, as you heard, FBI agents are on scene in Winder coordinating with and supporting local law enforcement. Our hearts go out to the victims, and community and all those affected by this awful, awful act. Here with the task force, I know this group is busy year round working with our partners, especially our brothers and sisters in local and state law enforcement who are often the first line of defense in protecting election workers from violence and threats of violence. And as we get closer and closer to election day, we're gonna continue to step up our collective efforts to protect those charged with ensuring our elections run smoothly.
As I've said before, election workers, many of whom are volunteers and all of whom are public servants, are the lifeblood of our elections, and we're committed to ensuring that threats directed at election workers receive the swift and thorough response they deserve. Deserved. Of course, our commitment to protecting elections and Americans' right to vote extends to an even broader array of threats. Threats to the FBI as both the law enforcement and intelligence agency will continue to work 247 to disrupt. That means aggressively combating attempts by foreign adversaries to undermine confidence in US elections, so discord and damage our democratic institutions.
The actions announced today focus on Russia, but Russia is by no means the only adversary we've seen try to meddle in our society and democratic processes. Just last month, for instance, the FBI working with the broader intelligence community and CISA called out Iran for targeting and attempting to compromise former president Trump's campaign. And we continue to keep a close eye on China's efforts to denigrate down ballot candidates it sees as a threat and on their broader efforts to sow discord. Whether it's China, Iran, Russia, or any other country, attempts to meddle in our elections or destabilize our free and open society represent attacks on our democracy. And as long as foreign adversaries keep engaging in these hostile influence campaigns, they're gonna keep running into the FBI.
Today, we're exposing 2 illegal Russian covert influence operations targeting the American public. The first was run by RT, formerly known as Russia Today. Now for years, the Russian government has used RT to seed and amplify their propaganda narratives around the world. And while RT America suspended its official operations in the US back in early 2022, our investigation revealed that since at least last year, RT has used people living and working inside the US to facilitate contracts with American media figures to create and disseminate Russian propaganda here. The content was pitched as legitimate independent news when in fact, much of it was created in Russia by RT employees who worked for the Russian government.
The second operation reveals even more malign activities by companies working under the direction and control of the Russian government. Companies that created media websites to trick Americans into unwittingly consuming Russian propaganda. Today's announcement exposes those companies and their
Speaker 0: influence operations.
Speaker 2: Operations that relied on AI I mentioned, elections and influence our society. Society. As a lead agency for investigating threats to US elections, the FBI is focused on ensuring that our laws are respected and enforced. And when we learn that adversaries overseas are trying to hide who they are and where their propaganda is coming from as part of campaigns to deliberately sow discord, we're gonna continue to do everything we can to expose their hidden hand and disrupt their efforts. I'll close by saying thank you again to everyone on the task force for the support you're providing us and for everything you're doing to instill confidence in our elections and ensure they're conducted in a way that is safe and fair and legitimate for the American people.
Thank you.
Speaker 0: That gives sorry.
Speaker 1: It's okay. Thank you. Thank you, attorney general Garland, deputy attorney general Monaco, and FBI Director Wray for your commitment to safeguarding our elections. With your leadership and your support, the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section continues to spearhead the Election Threats Task Force. There is no mission more critical to the Criminal Division than deterring, defendants in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, and Michigan, and opened new investigations across the country.
The task force is also preparing for election day. Attorneys are meeting with election officials around the country and recently hosted a training for FBI and DOJ personnel nationwide to address threats of violence to the election community and other criminal threats to our elections. And we are continuing to surge additional resources to these efforts. The public integrity section has added 5 attorneys to support its election crimes branch, so that we can rapidly respond to reports of election crimes. As we approach election day, we will ensure that the team has all the resources it needs to perform its essential work.
I could not be prouder of the election threats task force. As we move forward, I am confident that their dedicated efforts will continue to put us in the best position possible to support and protect the election community. With that, I will turn it over to assistant attorney general Matt Olsen for the National Security Division.
Speaker 4: Thanks, Nicole. Thank you, Mr. Attorney General. As you know, one of the foremost missions of the National Security Division is to protect our elections and our democratic processes from foreign interference. As the American people decide how to exercise their fundamental right to vote in free and fair elections, our laws demand that citizens have transparency regarding the origin of messages from foreign sources.
That transparency empowers individuals to evaluate information and to make informed decisions for themselves. We will defend the integrity of our public discourse against any who would seek to break the law and to exert covert influence, regardless of viewpoint or whether that actor is Russia, Iran or any other nation. Today's charges serve as a reminder that the Justice Department remains steadfast in safeguarding our democracy from foreign interference and protecting the constitutional
Speaker 5: question for attorney general Garland and director Ray. Attorney general Garland, Russia today sent a statement to Fox News and some other outlets here, mocking the situation. They had 5 bullet points or 6 bullet points. The first said, 2016 wants its cliches back. In all seriousness, there is a subsection of the country that when they hear Russian in interference, they may believe that it's not true.
It's not a real thing. How do you assure people this is a real situation?
Speaker 0: I'm sure that was much funnier than the original Russian, but for us, it's not funny. This is deadly serious, and we are gonna treat it accordingly.
Speaker 5: Director Ray, if I can ask you, you've been talking about China for years now and the threat of China. Also Iran, you both brief briefly mentioned Iran and and potential influence there. What is your message directly to the leaders of China and Iran who are watching through that camera lens right now? What do you wanna say to them over the next few months and beyond?
Speaker 2: Knock it off. As long as adversaries keep trying to influence and interfere in our society and our democratic processes, they're gonna keep running into the FBI. We're gonna keep calling it out. And I think nations around the world have started to, also see the same activity. It's not the kind of activity we would expect from the nations that wanna play in the 1st world space.
Speaker 1: Next question, Alana. Thank you, mayor of general Carlin. I'm wondering you can talk about what, how the Russian effort to influence the election has changed from prior election cycles. What new strategies are you seeing the Russians deploy this year?
Speaker 0: Well, I talk I talk generally about it and I'll turn it over to the FBI director and and national security director, if they wanna chime in. Look, it's it's an acceleration of, and it's an increased sophistication of, and it's, know, use of AI, and cyber techniques that were not available in earlier elections. So, we're just seeing more and more. It's coming faster and faster. It's now AI fueled.
They're now using bot farms in a way that was not possible before. And therefore, it's a bigger threat than it ever was before.
Speaker 2: I would just say that the reality is that Russia has meddled in our society and tried to sow discord for decades. Really, what we're seeing is just more tools in the toolbox, with the advent of technology. 1st, it was social media, which provided a bullhorn. And now as you've heard, AI is its own amplifier. And so whether it's shell companies, fake personas, secret distribution networks, the point is not the message itself.
The point is the hidden hand of the Russian government, which deceives Americans into thinking that they're getting information from American sources when in fact it's coming from the Russian
Speaker 1: government. Carrie? Mister attorney general,
Speaker 6: tomorrow is the first hearing, in the January 6th case against the former president, since the superseding indictment against him. He's called, these new charges election interference and a violation of the Justice Department policy against doing something too close to the election. How do you respond to that, and how confident are you that your team has followed instructions from the Supreme Court following that decision?
Speaker 0: I stand by the actions of the special counsel. The superseding indictment is an effort to respond to the direct instructions of the Supreme Court as to how to effectuate a new indictment in an ongoing case. The special counsel is required by the regulations to follow the policies of the justice department, including the election sensitivities policies, and I'm quite confident that he did so.
Speaker 1: Last question here.
Speaker 7: In terms of the Russian interference, can you be more specific in terms of is it beyond sowing divide of a pushing a particular candidate this election cycle? What can you give us a sense about the ultimate goal of these actions?
Speaker 0: As I said, the effort in this case is to affect the preferred outcome in the presidential election. The documents that we are unsealing today, including the internal Kremlin documents, I point you to those to see exactly what's involved. More generally, the, director of national intelligence test has testified that Russia's, preferences have not changed from the preceding election.
Speaker 1: Thank you, everyone.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Trump in Montana: If Comrade Walz and Comrade Harris win this November, the people cheering will be the pink-haired Marxists, the looters, perverts, flag-burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun-grabbers, and human traffickers. https://t.co/LMRjDPzBIs
Video Transcript AI Summary
If Waltz and Harris win, supporters will be pink-haired Marxists, looters, perverts, flag burners, Hamas backers, drug dealers, gun control advocates, and traffickers. A Trump victory will be celebrated by police, firefighters, border patrol, steelworkers, small business owners, parents, and hardworking citizens of all backgrounds.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: If comrade Waltz and comrade Harris win this November, the people cheering will be the pink haired Marxists, the looters, the perverts, the flag burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun grabbers, and human traffickers. But with a Trump fans victory, the cheers will come from the police officers, the firefighters, the border patrol agents, the steel workers, small business owners, parents, and hardworking citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - YOUR REACTION: Kamala Harris has officially become the Democratic candidate after securing the majority of delegates' votes in a virtual roll call. https://t.co/sfOm1oxIts
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
SEE IT - Can Harris beat this? MASSIVE crowd at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. WATCH https://t.co/BwKnSBryTw
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
Shocking proof that the entire Democrat-Media Complex blindly parrots DNC talking points. Watch them all repeat the same scripted lines! This is really weird!!! WATCH https://t.co/Q5wjpS5V6d
Video Transcript AI Summary
Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, are repeatedly described as weird by the speakers. Vance's behavior, policies, and comments are all labeled as weird and cultish. The speakers question Vance's ability to connect with the public due to his strange demeanor and sarcastic remarks. Overall, the video emphasizes the perception of Trump and Vance as weird individuals in the eyes of the public.
Translation: The speakers in the video repeatedly call Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, weird. They criticize Vance's behavior, policies, and comments as strange and cult-like. The speakers doubt Vance's ability to connect with the public because of his odd demeanor and sarcastic remarks. The video highlights the public's perception of Trump and Vance as strange individuals.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Some of what he and his running mate are saying, well, it's just plain weird.
Speaker 1: These guys are just weird. That's where they are. Not as weird and creepy, as JD Vance. Super weird idea from JD Vance.
Speaker 0: Yeah. It's not. I mean, it's quite weird. Just plain weird. Just plain weird.
Just plain weird.
Speaker 1: That stuff is weird. They come across weird, and then they start being weird. Yeah. They're weird.
Speaker 0: Being a really weird
Speaker 1: He's such a weirdo.
Speaker 0: Trump and his weirdo running mate are weird, deeply and profoundly weird. They are
Speaker 1: weird. These Republicans just being weird? It's just weird. It's really weird.
Speaker 0: Republican weirdness goes even deeper. He said a lot of things
Speaker 1: that are weird, a weird style that
Speaker 0: he brings, weird policies. Let's start with with the weird thing because it is a thing. Just plain weird. What was weird was
Speaker 1: just talking about diet Mountain Dew. Who who drinks diet Mountain Dew? Whoever seen the guy laugh, that seems very weird to me that, that an adult can go through 6 and a half years of being in the public eye. If he has laughed, it's at someone, not with someone. That that is weird behavior.
Speaker 0: Weird and cultish.
Speaker 1: These are weird people on the other side.
Speaker 0: He kinda doubled down on his weird ideas. I think weird is probably generous. Simply weird. These guys are just plain weird. Dance as weird?
You know, as the campaign said, weird? It really is just plain weird. JD Vance, plain weird. I mean, how the hell is he gonna read it? Weird.
It is kinda weird.
Speaker 1: We're not afraid of weird people.
Speaker 0: The
Speaker 1: other side, they're just weird. Why are you being so weird? Vance has done something more extreme, more weird.
Speaker 0: No matter what kind of weird stuff they keep saying. Trump and Vance are just weird. In addition, it should've been dangerous to the box. That's the weird part that's the most engaging.
Speaker 1: Whom he addressed as my beautiful Christians, which was super weird.
Speaker 0: Weird tech bro, JD Vance. He's a weird guy. JD Vance, uneasy and sort of weird. Frankly, for lack of a better word, that he's weird. Sarcastic remarks that aren't even funny, and he kinda shows that he can't really deliver, one liner.
So, Sam, weird is the word here, in terms of initial impressions from Vance, to the American public.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
SHOCKING: Kamala Harris the 'soul-destroying bully': Former staff expose shock details of degrading tirades, decades-long 'toxic' behavior that left people in TEARS - and saw them quit at unprecedented levels https://trib.al/6xcqSm2
SocialFlow
trib.al
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - SHOCKING - YOUR REACTION: DHS received intelligence on an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump. WATCH https://t.co/ufAInrMUBN
Video Transcript AI Summary
There was a credible threat to former President Trump from Iran, leading to increased Secret Service presence. Despite this, security lapses allowed an attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania. The connection between the threat and the incident remains unclear. The lack of security measures in place is concerning given the known threat.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Alright. A Fox News alert now. Some breaking news coming out. We've discovered something that makes the lack of security and the security lapses at the Donald Trump event in Butler, Pennsylvania all the more glaring and and literally impossible to understand. David Spud, our justice department correspondent, has got the latest information.
David?
Speaker 1: Well, John, it's incredibly puzzling. We are learning right now through 2 federal law enforcement sources that in recent weeks, there was a credible threat to former president Donald Trump from the Iranian regime. Now I wanna be clear that this is unrelated at this point to the alleged shooter Thomas Crooks, the 20 year old in Pennsylvania, who attempted to assassinate the former president on Saturday night. But we are told via two sources that DHS and Secret Service, and others in the law enforcement and intelligence community recently, through a human source, through one very good human source, got some intel on an attempted plot to assassinate former president Trump, increased his secret service, presence. That's why you say it's all the more glaring, all the more puzzling in recent weeks.
And, John, we also know that DHS has been concerned and has expressed that concern to former president Trump's team about holding outdoor rallies. He likes to hold outdoor rallies, events, sometimes, pop up events. He'll meet with people. He's out and about very frequently, and that's been something. And when I say DHS, I say DHS because DHS oversees the United States Secret Service.
We know that, you know, when he was president that he received a lot of threats from Iran because of the assassination of the general Qasem Soleimani in January of 2020, and that's really continued since he's left office. But this is a particular credible threat according to 2 sources we spoke to today, within the last 45 minutes or so that say something made them want to increase the Secret Service president presence rather to the former president because of this threat. And again, John, and it seems like, yes, it's all coming together at one time, but at this point, it does not seem to be related at all to Thomas Crooks. But it does pose the question if security was increased to former president Trump because of this alleged plot out of Iran, How did this happen on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, John?
Speaker 0: Yeah. Even though as you point out, there's there's no connection established to, the crooks at this point. Why would you leave the roof uncovered if you knew that you had concerns for the president's security? It's just it's mind boggling, the lapse in security here and the failure.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
YOUR REACTION - GOOD OR BAD DECISION? "Didn't Want to Talk to Him": Firefighter Corey Comperatore’s Widow Refuses Biden's Call After Trump Rally Shooting https://t.co/dAHJmjPhK5
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
“This is your fault," an angry Trump supporter tells media at the rally following assassination attempt on Trump. WATCH https://t.co/QnFvWSig3e
reSee.it AI Summary
In a chaotic press briefing, @PressSec Karine Jean-Pierre addresses questions about President Biden's condition. She clarifies that he has seen a neurologist three times, but does not have Parkinson's or take any medication. Jean-Pierre mentions a verbal check-in with his doctor after the debate, but not a medical exam. The reason for a Parkinson's doctor visiting the White House multiple times in the past eight months remains undisclosed.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - COMPLETE MELTDOWN AT THE WHITE HOUSE - Chaos erupts in the press briefing- @PressSec Karine Jean-Pierre asks reporters to accord her some respect as they press her on President Biden's condition, one tells her she can't answer basic, direct questions; Jean-Pierre says the president has seen a neurologist three times, does not have Parkinson, is not taking any medication, says Biden had a verbal check-in with his doctor, Kevin O'Connor, after the debate, but not a medical exam, does not say why a Parkinson doctor came to the White House 8 times in 8 months. WATCH
Video Transcript AI Summary
The speaker confirms that the President has seen a neurologist three times during his presidency as part of his annual physical exams. They emphasize that they cannot disclose the names of specialists for security and privacy reasons. The speaker clarifies that the President had verbal check-ins with his doctor, not full medical exams, and reiterates that no neurological disorders were found during examinations. They also mention the routine medical care provided by the White House Medical Unit.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Very basic direct question. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.
Hold on. Hold on. Wait. Wait. Wait.
Wait a second. 8 times or at least once in regards to the president specifically. Hold on a second. What you should be able to answer by this point. Wait.
No. No. No. No. No.
No. No. No. No.
Speaker 1: No. No. No. No. Wait a minute.
Come Ed, please. A little respect here. Please. So every year around the the president's physical examination he sees a neurologist. That's 3 times.
Right? So I am telling you that he has seen a neurologist 3 times while he has been in this presidency.
Speaker 0: That's what
Speaker 1: I'm saying. I am telling you that he has seen them 3 times. That is what I'm sharing with you. Right? So every time he has a physical he has had to see a neurologist.
So that is answering that question.
Speaker 2: No.
Speaker 1: It's not. No, it is. It is. You're asking I just I also said to you, Ed, I also said to you, for security reasons, we cannot share names. We cannot share names.
Speaker 0: You cannot share names. We have to we have to others he would have met with. We cannot share names in regards to if someone came here in regards to No.
Speaker 1: We cannot share we cannot share names of specialists broadly. It from a dermatologist to a neurologist. We cannot share names. There are security reasons. We have to we have to protect That's I understand that.
Speaker 0: I came out. I hear you. I for anyone to see. Ed, I hear you.
Speaker 1: I cannot from here confirm any of that because we have to keep their privacy. I think they would appreciate that too. We have to give them the question of the doctor. We have to keep their privacy. III
Speaker 0: hear you. I I guys. Guys. Guys. Unless the White House Guys.
Ask you to Hold
Speaker 1: on a second. There's no reason to get back and go back forth and be
Speaker 0: in this aggressive way. Missed around here about how information has been shared with the press corps about him. What do you missed about? Oh. What do you missed about?
Everything he just asked about. What do you and then
Speaker 1: every time I come back and I answer the question that you guys asked.
Speaker 0: Incorrectly, they have to come back and clean up
Speaker 1: the I never answered the question incorrectly. That is not true. I was asked about a medical exam. I was asked about a physical. That was in the line of question that I answered.
And I said, no. He did not have a medical exam. And I still stand by that. Matter of fact, the president still stands by that. He had a verbal check-in.
That is something that the president has a couple times a week. A couple times a week. Now
Speaker 0: in regards to doctor Kevin Kinnart.
Speaker 1: Ed, I am telling you right now that I am not sharing confirming names from here. It is the security reasons. I am not going to do that, Ed. It doesn't matter how hard you push me. It doesn't matter how angry you get with me.
I'm not going to confirm a name. It doesn't matter if it's even in the log. I am not going to do that from here. That is not something I am going to do. What I can share with you is that the president has seen a neurologist for his physical 3 times.
3 times. And it is in the reporting that we share a comprehensive reporting. But a matter of fact, it's more than what the last guy shared, and it is in line with what George George W Bush did. It's in line with what Obama did. And so it is comprehensive.
It is out there. I just read a quote from it but I am not I am not going to devolve somebody's name and or confirm someone. I'm not going to do that. That is as is privacy for that person. I'm not going to do that.
It doesn't matter how hard you push me. It doesn't matter how angry you get with me from here. I'm just not going to do that. It is inappropriate and it's not acceptable.
Speaker 0: So I'm not going to do it.
Speaker 2: I know about the name.
Speaker 0: You've got a great feedback. No. You cannot confirm the name. Can you confirm whether or not the president has seen
Speaker 1: I also said there are thousands of military personnel that come to the White House, and they are under the care of the medical unit. They are.
Speaker 0: Can you confirm that the part time visits specialist visits were for the president or not? What I can tell
Speaker 1: you is that the president has seen a neurologist 3 times, and I read to you what the neurologist has said. And I read to you the last the last line. I could say it again. No findings which would be consistent with any cerebellar or other central neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's or ascending lateral sclerosis. That is from February.
That is coming from February. That is what the medical unit
Speaker 2: Admitted the president had a short check-in with the medical team thereafter. I mean, those are 2 very different
Speaker 0: No. No. No. Actually actually,
Speaker 1: if you if you were to listen to the I think I did a 30 minute gabble on Friday. 30 minutes with I think it was with, with the pool. And, and I said he did not have a med I I cleared it up. You're right. You're correct.
I said he didn't I still stand, but he didn't have a medical exam. I said that in the gaggle and you're right.
Speaker 0: I said that
Speaker 1: in the briefing. He had a check-in, with, and he had he said this on Friday. He had a check-in with his, with his, medical doctor, which is something that he does a couple times a week, as you know, and I I say I stated this as well. He has for for those who don't know, obviously outside of the briefing room, outside of the White House, many Americans don't actually understand this. Let's take a step back.
They they deal with their medical issues or physicals very, very differently. They are very, you know, they are lucky if they get to see their doctor once or twice a year, Right? They have to get in a car. They have to either, take public transportation in order to make that happen. The president's medical unit is literally down on the other side of the colonnade.
It's just down the steps from the residence. And so a couple times a week, he does a check-in, a verbal check-in with his doctor while he's exercising. That is something that happens often. Matter of fact, he did a check-in today, because I know folks were going to ask about if he was tested for COVID. He was not, we are following CDC guidance.
He was not tested for COVID, just to let you guys know about that 1. And if he has any symptoms, obviously we would test him. Is that
Speaker 2: in context of the second gentleman's diagnosis?
Speaker 1: Yes. Which is why. No, no, no. It's in context of the second gentleman. But to answer
Speaker 0: your point, he did not have
Speaker 1: a medical exam. He did not have a physical. He did do, like, a verbal check-in with his doctor a couple days after the debate. And it was very quick. It was a couple of words that were spoken to each other.
And that's how we were able to to we're able to give you that answer. But he did not have a medical exam. He did not have physical. What did
Speaker 2: you know though last Tuesday? Yeah. Did you know about that verbal check-in or did we just not ask him to contact you?
Speaker 0: No. So so
Speaker 1: the line of questions that I was getting, that day was in the way that I was hearing the question was about the medical exam. I answered MJ's question when she asked me medical exam. And I answered and say, said no physical. And then somebody else asked me, was there a check-in? I did not mean to steer anybody wrong.
I was still thinking about the medical exam. I was still thinking about the physical. That's how I answered the question. And then when it became, when the President actually spoke to it, we actually I went back, asked the asked the, asked the the medical doctor, and he said they had a verbal check-in. That's what he said.
But in answering the question, I was talking about the medical exam.
Speaker 0: I was talking about the physical. And then just
Speaker 2: a quick 1. There's a lot of reporting in the last 20 2 hours about a Parkinson's expert who's come to visit the White House almost a dozen times over the last year or so, including at least 1 meeting with the President's position. Could you state very clearly yes or no? Was that expert here to participate in anything surrounding the care of the president of the United States?
Speaker 0: So let me just say
Speaker 1: a couple of things. We have had a comprehensive, and I just want to take another step back, comprehensive physical examination. The president has had that. We've given a comprehensive report. We share that the past 3 years.
Every year that he has, every year that he has had this exam, he sees a neurologist. And just to give you a quote from that from the report most recently in February, an extremely detailed neurological exam was again reassuring in that there were no findings which would be consistent with any, cerebellar, a cerebellar or other central neurological disorders such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's or ascending lateral sclerosis. So that came directly from in February, in that comprehensive report that was provided by the President's doctor, to me that I share with all of you. So anyone who is watching can certainly go to our website.
Speaker 2: Question which is this was this expert's visits or is multiple visits to White House and Progenia at all in the present market?
Speaker 1: Well, here's the thing. I have said he has had 3. He has had 3, 3 physicals. In those 3 physicals, that's when he has seen a specialist,
Speaker 0: a neurological specialist. I have
Speaker 1: to be super mindful here. And this is why, and I'll explain this to you in a second. There are thousands of military personnel who come onto this White House. Many of them get the care from the White House Medical Unit. And so need to be super careful.
There are, you know, the medical unit, hosts a wide range of specialists from dermatologists to neurologists. And so I cannot speak to every person because there are actually, there's actually a security reasons to protect their privacy. We respect and protecting, people's privacy. So do not want to share. I'm not gonna share people's names from here.
But the president, I can tell you, has seen a neurologist 3 times as it's connected to the, to a physical that he gets every year that we provide to
reSee.it AI Summary
Spokesman John Kirby defends President Biden's cognitive abilities, stating that he has not seen any reason to doubt his lucidity, grasp of context, probing nature, and command of facts and figures.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
JUST IN: Spokesman John Kirby again sensationally claims, "In my experience in the last two and a half years, I have not seen any reason whatsoever to question or doubt (President Biden) lucidity, his grasp of context, his probing nature, and the degree to which he is completely in charge of facts and figures." WATCH
Video Transcript AI Summary
The speaker, as a spokesperson, feels uncomfortable answering questions about the president's mental state. However, in their experience over the past 2.5 years, they have not seen any signs of concern regarding the president's lucidity, understanding of context, or command of facts and figures. They mentioned a recent incident where the president asked for information they didn't have, showing that when he lacks information, he expects to be provided with it.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Broadly that the president, in your view, is not represented by what was on the debate stage. Then you gave us an anecdote about a meeting today where he was engaged and so forth. Are you saying you have never encountered a situation where you thought that he was displaying any of those symptoms or affectations or, you know, something that would give pause, or are you just declining to answer 1 way or another?
Speaker 1: Well, I'm a little uncomfortable answering these kinds of questions because as a spokesman, my job is to be an advisor and counselor. And I don't think it's appropriate for a spokesman to yeah. I did because I wanted to make it clear. So for yes, I'm uncomfortable with these kinds of questions. But to answer your to answer your specific question, in my experience the last 2 and a half years, I have not seen any reason whatsoever, to question or doubt, his lucidity, his grasp of context, his probing nature, and the degree to which he is completely, in in charge of facts and figures.
And if he isn't, what I've seen is, because it happened to me this morning, when when he isn't and when I can't be in command of those facts and figures, III have to fess up and go get the information that he's asking for. And he asked me some questions this morning. I didn't have answers.
reSee.it AI Summary
President Biden passionately criticizes former President Trump, labeling him a liar, threat to democracy, and aspiring dictator. He vows to prevent Trump from undermining democracy in the upcoming 2024 election, urging the crowd to join him in the fight.
@simonateba - Simon Ateba
BREAKING - Over my dead body: President Biden spits fire, calls Trump a liar, a threat to democracy, and wanna-be dictator, adds, "And I'll be damned if in the year 2024, just two years before our 250th anniversary, I'll let Donald Trump take this away," asks the crowd if they are ready to fight. WATCH
Video Transcript AI Summary
The American presidency is about character, honesty, decency, and upholding the constitution. Trump has failed these tests, and the Supreme Court ruling gives the president unlimited power. This threatens democracy, as Trump could become a dictator. We must fight for our freedom and democracy by standing together in the upcoming election to prevent Trump from returning to power. America's future is bright if we unite and remember our values as a nation. Let's come together and defeat Trump politically.
Translation: The American presidency is about honesty, decency, and upholding the constitution. Trump failed these tests, and the Supreme Court ruling gives the president unlimited power. This threatens democracy, as Trump could become a dictator. We must fight for our freedom and democracy by standing together in the upcoming election to prevent Trump from returning to power. America's future is bright if we unite and remember our values as a nation. Let's come together and defeat Trump politically.
Full Transcript
Speaker 0: Ultimately, ultimately, the American presidency is about character. Right. The character of the president who holds the job. Yes. Because with the immunities he's talking the supreme court just talked about, it gets down to that.
It gets down to that. It's about honesty. That's right. It's about the president's decency, integrity. Do they respect people, or do they incite violence and hate?
Can they honor the oath to the constitution and uphold their oath of office? Well, I don't think it's an exaggeration. Yes. Trump has failed on every 1 of these character tests, everyone. And what's worse, the supreme court has just ruled that there are virtually no limits on the power of the presidency.
And what's worse is the supreme court has just ruled that there are virtually no limits on the power of the presidency. I know it sounds bizarre, but that's what they rule. A frightening decision. According to the extreme majority of the supreme court, the president is now above the law. We just celebrated the 4th July, saying we will not be ruled by a king.
And this supreme court he appointed proved this new law. Expense the court. It's in a dangerous press, and especially if Donald Trump has returned to the president. Just think about it. The second term, this next term, whoever is the president is gonna appoint at least 2 new appointees.
The second Trump term where there are no limits. Supreme court justice Sotomayor warned us about that in her descent in that case. This is it. She noted that based on the majority decision, Trump can take out his opponents, I mean, physically take them out, take bribes, lead a coup, and be immune to ever being held accountable for it if he did it while he was president according to the supreme court? I mean, where the hell are we?
So he really could become a dictator that he promised to be on day 1. For over 2 centuries, America's been a free democratic nation. And I'll be damned of the year 2024 just 2 years before our 250th anniversary of his as a nation. I'll let Donald Trump take this away. Well, this is not hyperbole.
This race is about our freedom. It's about our democracy. Yes. It's about the very soul of America. Yeah.
Are you prepared to fight for that? Yeah. I know I am and I will. Folks, I have never been more optimistic about America's future because the American people are decent, good, honorable. You just remember who in god's name we are.
We're the United States of America. I mean, think about it. Think about it in a little turn, and there's nothing nothing beyond our capacity when we stand together. So let's stand together with this election and exile Donald Trump politically.