Ron Filipkowski on Today's Uncovered Ron Filipkowski May 28 On today’s show, we led off talking about Trump’s reprehensible pardons this week of reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, Sheriff Scott Jenkins, and Paul Walczak - and what each of them did to get the pardons. We also went over Trump’s statements and social media posts over the past few days where he said the quiet part out loud on Vladimir Putin. I talked about Trump and Stephen Miller’s war on higher education, and how Harvard has become the front in that battle. We also talked about Jake Tapper’s book tour, his apology to Lara Trump, and how Jim Jordan is about to weaponize it with hearings where Biden staffers have been subpoenaed. Of course, we had to talk about ex-swimmer/current culture warrior Riley Gaines and her gripe on Fox about Kermit the Frog giving the commencement speech at Maryland. And contrasted that with the “trophy wife” comments Trump made at West Point. I also talked about how Trump and Pete Hegseth’s bumbling incompetence has given Canada tremendous negotiating leverage on tariffs. Lots of other stuff but those we the bigger topics. Link to the show is here. If you missed yesterday’s Today in Politics Bulletin you can find it here. Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Today in Politics, Bulletin 140. 5/27/25

Ron Filipkowski May 27 ∙

… Trump said the quiet part out loud and admitted today that he has been doing everything he can to help Vladimir Putin. He posted this on Truth Social: “What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!”

… Russia state media’s social media account RT immediately mocked Trump for his post: “President Trump warns Moscow, claiming Russia avoided ‘REALLY BAD’ consequences only thanks to him ‘Putin doesn’t realize… he’s playing with fire!’ — Trump’s message leaves little room for misinterpretation. Until he posts the opposite tomorrow morning.”

… Independent journalist Jay in Kyiv: “As Russian missile barrages again pour onto Ukraine at this hour, it's now only a question as to what Putin enjoys more - massacring the civilian population of Ukraine or humiliating Trump.”

… This was my response on social media.

… Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) then posted this on X: “I believe president trump was sincere when he thought his friendship w Putin wld end the war. Now that being the case ITS TIME FOR SANCTIONS STRONG ENUF SO PUTIN KNOWS ‘game over’.” (I used to covert these into proper grammar, now I just leave them as is).

… Financial Times: “The US opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports during last week's meeting of finance ministers. The price cap, introduced by the G7 and EU in December 2022, bans Western companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel. The mechanism was designed to limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war against Ukraine. The move received backing from the EU and G7 members France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. However, the proposal was dropped after US Treasury Sec Scott Bessent declined to support it.”

… Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announced today on Fox that he is leaving the Senate to be the next Governor of AL: “It’s home. Today, I announce that I will be the future Governor of the great state of Alabama.”

… Tuberville lives in Florida. He now has to move to Alabama to run. Or at least pretend to move there.

… HHS Secretary RFK Jr. spent the last several days in Argentina, where he celebrated that country’s withdrawal from World Health Org with their right-wing president Javier Milei:

[SECRETARY BRAIN WORM!]

… Politico: “The Trump admin is weighing requiring all foreign students applying to study in the US to undergo social media vetting. The admin is ordering US embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new interviews for such student visa applicants. If the admin carries out the plan, it could severely slow down student visa processing. It also could hurt many universities who rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers.” 

… The Trump admin ordered all federal agencies today to cut ties with Harvard and revoke all existing contracts and grants with the university. There are about 30 govt contracts with Harvard totally around $100 million.

… Veterans activist Fred Wellman on Harvard grants getting pulled: “This is going to horrifically impact thousands of veterans who are part of studies and clinical trials for healthcare issues ranging from cancer to nutrition to mental health. Just one study alone was to help doctors determine the risk of suicide among ER patients. This petty Trump fight will once again screw over our veteran community. He doesn’t care.”

… Sen. Chuck Grassley: “Alan Dershowitz says he is ‘persona non grata’ at Harvard. His response should not be to accept it BUT TO REGULARLY WALK THE HALLS AND CAMPUS TO REMIND THOSE FOOLISH PPL THAT ITS STAFF OF ALAN’S CALIBER THAT HAS made Harvard’s reputation.”

… Dersh has been banned from the Martha’s Vineyard book fair for years. No way he shows his face around Harvard.

ALAN DERSHOWITZ defended JEFFREY EPSTEIN 

Alan Dershowitz says ‘a lot of people hung out with Epstein,’ claims document dump will exonerate him

By 

Snejana Farberov

Published Jan. 3, 2022 

MURDOCH TABLOID NY POST

TRAGIC END: 

Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser, dies

BBC

… NPR filed a lawsuit this morning in fed court against the Trump admin over his executive order barring the use of congressionally appropriated funds for NPR and PBS. From the lawsuit: "It is not always obvious when the govt has acted with a retaliatory purpose in violation of the First Amendment. 'But this wolf comes as a wolf. The Order targets NPR and PBS expressly because, in the President's view, their news and other content is not 'fair, accurate, or unbiased.'"

… The lawsuit alleges that Trump’s action violates the Constitution since Congress appropriated the money, which is in their sole authority - not the president’s.

… A new poll from Impact Research has MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s job approval rating soaring to 63% in a swing state won by Trump in 2024. Fellow presidential contender KY Gov. Andy Beshear has similar approval ratings in a state Trump won big three times. Politicians on the national stage tend to get most of the attention, but Democratic governors who can win big in swing states and red states get my attention.

… WaPo: “Credit scores are plunging for millions now that the Trump admin has resumed collection on defaulted student-loan payments. Countless borrowers are suddenly being rejected for car and housing loans.

… NYT on the credit scores: "This is the start of something big and we need to be paying attention."

… Trump economic advisor Kevin Hassett to CNBC on Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones unless they are made in the US: “Everybody is trying to make it seem like it’s a catastrophe if there’s a tiny little tariff on them right now, to try to negotiate down the tariffs. In the end, we’ll see what happens, we’ll see what the update is, but we don’t want to harm Apple.”

… CNBC: What is Tim Cook supposed to do? HASSETT: “They need to move their stuff onshore as much as possible to make it so that the US economy is secure and not prone to Chinese extortion.”

… James Surowiecki, former Financial Editor for the New Yorker: “Trump threatened Apple with a company-specific tariff because it's going to make iPhones in India, not China. Are we supposed to be worried about Indian ‘extortion’ too?”

… Reuters reports that despite overall EV sales up 27.8% in Europe in April, Tesla sales fell an astonishing 49%. It was the 4th straight month that Tesla sales have fallen in Europe. Tesla's European market share is now down to 0.7%.

… Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has been getting abused on social media by Trump supporters after he took his strong stand against the budget bill. He responded to his MAGA trolls with this post today: “If we’re going to have campaign disclosure laws at all, the paid grifters on X and other platforms should be required to disclose who’s paying them to influence elections.”

… Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello responded to the Trump v. Springsteen feud: “Trump is just mad at him because Bruce draws a bigger audience.”

… As more details emerge on Trump’s pardon late yesterday of VA Sheriff Scott Jenkins, it just keeps getting more disgusting. BBC: “Jenkins was found guilty of 1 count of conspiracy, 4 counts of honest services fraud and 7 counts of bribery concerning programs receiving fed funds. Prosecutors said he accepted bribes from 8 people, including 2 undercover FBI agents. The men who bribed Jenkins paid for auxiliary deputy sheriff positions so they could avoid traffic tickets and carry concealed firearms without a permit.”

… Former US Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer to CBS: "The typical way of approaching a grant of clemency would be to look for somebody who has accepted responsibility for the crime they were convicted of, and who has demonstrated growth and rehabilitation after serving some or all of the sentence that was imposed. It's not the type of case that in normal times would receive any consideration for a pardon because the sheriff has not served any of his sentence."

… Ed Martin, who is now serving as the US Pardon Attorney after his nomination for DC US Attorney was rejected by the Senate, posted this comment about his decision to recommend a pardon for Sheriff Jenkins: “No MAGA left behind.”

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

… NYT on another pardon: “Weeks before Trump pardoned Paul Walczak, his mother, Elizabeth Fago, attended a $1M/head ‘candlelight dinner’ with Trump for MAGA Inc. Walczak's pardon application emphasized Fago's financial support for Trump and her connection to a plot to publicize Ashley Biden's diary. A judge sentenced Paul Walczak to 18 months in prison and $4.4M in restitution, declaring there “is not a get-out-of-jail-free card” for the rich. Trump's pardon indicated otherwise, sparing Walczak from serving even 1 day in prison or paying any of the $4.4M.”

… Former Rep. Tom Malinowski: “Guy steals his workers' Social Security contributions to buy himself a yacht. His mom donates $1 million to Trump for a pardon. The pardon not only gets him out of jail - it saves him $4 million in restitution payments. Pretty good return for bribing the president.”

… Politico reports that House Democrats have set June 24 as the date of their election for the crucial ranking member of the Oversight Committee to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly who just died. The candidates will be Reps. Jasmine Crockett (TX), Stephen Lynch (MA), Kweisi Mfume (MD) and Robert Garcia (CA).

… Politico: “Trump Media, whose controlling shareholder is Trump - has entered into deals with about 50 large investors that will raise $2.5 billion for the company through both stock and debt. The company plans to use the funds to create a ‘bitcoin Treasury,’ a move that further deepens the footprint of the president’s business empire in the $3.5 trillion cryptocurrency market.”

… Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes: “We view Bitcoin as an apex instrument of financial freedom, and now Trump Media will hold cryptocurrency as a crucial part of our assets. Our first acquisition of a crown jewel asset, this investment will help defend our company against harassment and discrimination by financial institutions, which plague many Americans and US firms.”

LOL! DEVIN NUNES SUED EVERYONE & LOST, INCLUDING A COW! LOOK IT UP! LIED ABOUT 'FAMILY FARM' THAT WAS NOT IN CALIFORNIA, BUT IN IOWA, HIRING UNDOCUMENT IMMIGRANTS....

Devin Nunes’s Family Farm Is Hiding a Politically Explosive Secret

Rep. Devin Nunes is head of the House Intelligence Committee and one of President Trump’s biggest defenders. For years, he’s spun himself as a straight talker whose no-BS values are rooted in his family’s California dairy farm. So why did his parents and brother cover their tracks after quietly moving the farm to Iowa? Are they hiding something politically explosive? On the ground in Iowa, Esquire searched for the truth—and discovered a lot of paranoia and hypocrisy.

ESQUIRE

… NY Post: “Mayor Eric Adams is expected to head to Las Vegas for a massive bitcoin summit, where President Trump is slated to speak. Also expected to attend: VP JD Vance, Trump's sons, fed crypto czar David Sacks.”

… Trump reminded people that he is only able to engage in his tariff mania because Republicans in congress voted to give him the authority: “I was extremely satisfied with the 50% Tariff allotment on the EU, especially since they were ‘slow walking’ (to put it mildly!), our negotiations with them. Remember, I am empowered to ‘SET A DEAL” for Trade into the US if we are unable to make a deal, or are treated unfairly.”

… He also posted this about Canada: “I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”

… Since I speak fluent Trump, let me explain this. Trump announced his Golden Dome thing without checking with Canada. He can’t do it without Canada’s cooperation. Now Canada is using it as leverage in trade negotiations. So dumbass Trump is clowning to find a way to make it work because Canada now has him by his tiny balls.

… Knowing how much Trump loves the British royal family and King Charles, Canada invited him to open that country’s parliament. Today he became the first British monarch to do that since 1977. Although Charles did not mention Trump by name, his speech was clearly directed at him: "Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear and ones which the govt is determined to protect. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing."

… Charles: “Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. The govt will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad.”

… Trump continues to attack Democrats on an issue that consistently polls 80-20% against them: “CA, under the leadership of Radical Left Democrat Gavin Newscum, continues to ILLEGALLY allow “MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.” This week a transitioned Male athlete, at a major event, won “everything,” and is now qualified to compete in the “State Finals” next weekend. As a Male, he was a less than average competitor. As a Female, this transitioned person is practically unbeatable. THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS. Please be hereby advised that large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to. The Governor, himself, said it is “UNFAIR.” I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”

PILL PUSHER RONNY JACKSON, NO LONGER A LICENSED PHYSICIAN, QUIETLY DEMOTED BY THE NAVY FOR HIS CONDUCT INCLUDING DRINKING ON THE JOB & INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT...

… Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX): If the Democrats had a single brain cell, they would have learned in November that the AMERICAN PEOPLE have REJECTED their sick TRANS AGENDA! Parents across this nation are DONE with the RADICAL left’s attempts to indoctrinate and confuse our children.”

… The Trump campaign spent the most money in 2024 on ads about migrant crime. They spent the 2nd most money on ads about trans athletes in women’s sports. They did that because the polls were overwhelmingly good for them on both issues. He basically ran on those two issues in the swing states, blanketing them with ads on both. Obviously, they are going to keep doing it as long as they have the issue.

… Democrat and 9-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova, commenting on that and an article about women’s rights organizations recently coming out against trans athletes in women’s sports: “When will the Democrats wake up from this regressive policy???”

… CBS reported that the Trump admin is moving 500 border agents to the interior of the country to help ICE round up migrants for deportation: “CBP teams would also include members of the agency's Office of Field Operations, which oversees legal entry points into the US, and Air and Marine Operations, a specialized law enforcement unit with maritime and aerial assets. CBP agents and officers assigned to the effort are expected to assist their counterparts in ICE's 25 field offices.”

… Immigration expert Aaron Reichlin-Melnick: “After spending YEARS attacking Biden for diverting federal border agents away from their normal duties to do other things, the Trump admin is about to divert federal border agents away from their normal duties to do other things.”

… DHS Sec DOG KILLER Kristi Noem spent the last several days in the Middle East having a good time again at taxpayer expense.

Today in Politics, Bulletin 139. 5/26/25 Ron Filipkowski May 26 ∙ … Trump posted a Memorial Day message with this moving tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate price serving their country in the military: "HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL, INCLUDING THE SCUM THAT SPENT THE LAST FOUR YEARS TRYING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY THROUGH WARPED RADICAL LEFT MINDS, WHO ALLOWED 21,000,000 MILLION PEOPLE TO ILLEGALLY ENTER OUR COUNTRY, MANY OF THEM BEING CRIMINALS AND THE MENTALLY INSANE, THROUGH AN OPEN BORDER THAT ONLY AN INCOMPETENT PRESIDENT WOULD APPROVE, AND THROUGH JUDGES WHO ARE ON A MISSION TO KEEP MURDERERS, DRUG DEALERS, RAPISTS, GANG MEMBERS, AND RELEASED PRISONERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, IN OUR COUNTRY SO THEY CAN ROB, MURDER, AND RAPE AGAIN — ALL PROTECTED BY THESE USA HATING JUDGES WHO SUFFER FROM AN IDEOLOGY THAT IS SICK, AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR OUR COUNTRY." … He then made a post telling people to “ENJOY!!!” his speech at Arlington National Cemetery: “I will be making a Memorial Day Speech at Arlington at 11:00 AM. ENJOY!!!” … Trump voter and former talk show host John Cardillo: “Sorry, but this is grossly inappropriate. There is nothing happy about Memorial Day. And the rest of it on this day is just unbecoming for a Commander-in-Chief. Sad part is pretty much everyone feels the same, but too many are terrified to speak up.” … In his speech at Arlington before Trump, SecDef Pete Hegseth, who repeatedly expressed hostility in the past to women serving, refused to acknowledge them: “The American soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. We honor his sacrifice, his courage, his duty, and his love. The young men with hopes and dreams and loves is called by his country, leaves behind his hometown, his parents, his siblings, his sweetheart, all that he knows to go fight a war that he may or may not understand.” … Trump went about as far as he has ever gone towards criticizing Putin a little bit when he was asked about recent bombings after Ukraine signed the cease fire agreement: "I'm not happy with what Putin is doing. He's killing a lot of people and I don't know what the hell happened to Putin. I've known him a long time. We're in the middle of talking and he's shooting rockets into Kyiv and other cities. I don't like it at all. I'm surprised." … If he really is surprised, he’s the only one who is surprised. … Fox Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume: “Glad to hear President Trump say this, but Putin hasn’t changed. He’s always been a brutal tyrant.” … About an hour later, Trump posted this: “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” … But that was not the end of his post, because he also felt compelled to blame the victim again: “Likewise, Zelensky is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop. This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelensky’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s,’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.” … Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) to Fox: “The first half of this message is perfect, the rest is dumb. Trump is attacking President Zelensky while Putin bombs Ukrainian cities and it is misguided. Moral ambiguity while one nation invades another is hurting Trump’s credibility. Putin is making a mockery of Trump, and Trump keeps attacking Zelensky.” … In other words, Trump promised repeatedly during the campaign that he had a secret plan to end the war in 24 hours and he was just bullshitting everyone because he doesn’t have the first clue what to do, he gave away all negotiating leverage months ago when he agree up front to most of what Russia was asking for before negotiations even began, and his special envoy Steve Witkoff is a dope. … Witkoff, the man Trump entrusted to negotiate an end to the war, has never been a diplomat, never served in the military, never worked in govt at any capacity, and is not a historian or expert on affairs in the region. He got the job because he is a wealthy real estate investor pal of Trump’s from NYC and Witkoff’s son is a major player in the crypto industry, which is now Trump’s largest source of revenue. … Witkoff has also not taken a single person from the State Dept with him during any of his 4 meetings with Putin and even used a Kremlin translator because he didn’t bring his own. Why has this been a disaster? Because Trump and Witkoff are incompetent clowns. … Former GOP Speaker Newt Gingrich: “Putin will not be convinced by talk. He will have to be coerced by economically and militarily eliminating his ability to wage war. As long as he can wage war he will. This is his legacy and he recently pointed out Russia fought Sweden for 21 years. He wants to conquer all of Ukraine and then push forward (Estonia, Latvia,Lithuania, Moldova and Finland next on list). The time to stop him is now and the place is Ukraine.” … Rep. Don Bacon post on X: “It is a time for honesty. Peace talks are having zero effect on Putin. His goal is to dominate Ukraine and he won’t stop until he realizes he cannot win. The US and Allies must arm Ukraine to the teeth, sanction Russia to the max, and confiscate the $300B in overseas Russian assets.” … Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA): “I’ve had enough of Putin killing innocent people. President Trump - take action. AT LEAST SANCTIONS.” … Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Trump was just being too emotional: “We are taking the decisions that are necessary to ensure the security of our country. We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process. Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.” … French President Macron: “President Trump now realizes that when Putin said on the phone he was ready for peace, or told his envoys he was ready for peace, he lied. We have seen once again in recent hours Trump express his anger. A form of impatience. I simply hope now that this translates into action.” … I wouldn’t count on it. … German Chancellor Merz announced that a major restriction on Ukraine is finally being lifted: "There are no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, not from the British, not from the French, not from us, not from the Americans either. This means that Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia. It couldn't do that until some time ago, and with very few exceptions, it didn't do that until some time ago. Now it can.” … Merz: “Equipping Ukraine with weapons that attack military targets in the rear - that is the decisive qualitative difference in Ukraine's warfare. Russia attacks civilian targets absolutely ruthlessly, bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals, and old people's homes. Ukraine does not do that. And we attach great importance to keeping it that way. But, a country that can only defend itself against an attacker on its own territory is not defending itself adequately. And this defense of Ukraine is now also taking place against military infrastructure on Russian territory." … Michael Weiss, Editor of The Insider: “Interesting on two levels. This suggests the US is consenting to unrestricted deep strikes with American weapons (let’s see if this admin’s confirms that). Also strongly hints that Germany will send Taurus cruise missiles.” … Putin’s spokesman Peskov responded to the range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine being lifted: “This contradicts Moscow’s aspirations for a political settlement.” This was the first slow-ish news day in quite a while - likely because of the holiday. I will take it. That likely means that all hell is about to break loose tomorrow of course. If you missed yesterday’s Bulletin, you can find it here. Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. … Trump also announced he was surrendering on EU tariffs again while declaring victory: “I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the EU. I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly.” … Trump reduced the tariffs on China in exchange for nothing. He paused the tariffs on Canada and Mexico in exchange for nothing. He postponed tariffs on EU in exchange for nothing. He threatened Russia with sanctions multiple times if they didn’t sign ceasefire and did nothing. Art of the Deal. … Mens fashion journalist Derek Guy: “Just spoke to the head of a large menswear brand this morning. He said he likes the chaotic jumps between tariffs hikes and pauses. The old system certainty was making business predictable and thus boring. He also likes doing cocaine.” … Economist Justin Wolfers: “He’s like a toddler with a TV remote control. My young Matilda, she used to pick up the TV remote and she’d start to push buttons and something would attract her attention for a couple minutes, then she’d push a few more. Trump raised the tariffs, then he paused that raise, then he paused that pause. Then he paused that pause at the pause.” … Trump said the quiet part out loud on Harvard - that the goal is to expel foreign students so more Americans can get in: "Part of the problem with Harvard is that there are about 31% of foreigners coming to Harvard. But they refuse to tell us who the people are. It shouldn't be 31%. It's too much. Because we have Americans who want to go there. We want a list of those foreign students.” … Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ): “He already has this info. When you apply for a student visa you have to tell the State Department where you are attending school.” … Trump later posted this on Truth Social: “I am considering taking 3 billion dollars of grant money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA, so badly needed!!!” … Financial Times: “Trump Media & Technology Group aims to raise $2 billion in fresh equity and another $1 billion via a convertible bond to invest in the crypto market. TMTG’s capital raising could be announced ahead of a big meeting of crypto investors and advocates in Las Vegas this week, where JD Vance, Trump’s sons Donald Jr and Eric, and Trump’s crypto tsar David Sacks are expected to speak.” … Trump Media responded to the story about how they are raising $3B from unknown investors for crypto with a statement: “Apparently the Financial Times has dumb writers listening to even dumber sources.” That was it. … The White House and Don Jr. declined to comment on the story. … Trump announced he is approving the purchase of US Steel by the Japanese giant Nippon Steel, but called it ‘Nissan’ Steel: “They're going to invest billions of dollars in steel. And it's a good company. Nissan is a very good company.” … Trump announced a new pardon for a Sheriff who was convicted of taking bribes to sell law enforcement badges to people who used them to drive in emergency lanes, bypass TSA lines, and other abuses. He posted this: “Sheriff Scott Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ. He is a wonderful person, who was persecuted by the Radical Left ‘monsters,’ and ‘left for dead.’ This is why I, as President of the US, see fit to end his unfair sentence, and grant Sheriff Jenkins a FULL and Unconditional Pardon. He will NOT be going to jail tomorrow, but instead will have a wonderful and productive life.” … ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic wasn’t happy about being passed over again: “Everyone is like, Joe, he just has a lot on his plate. Bullshit, he hands pardons out like it's Easter candy. But never does he pay attention that the government witnesses in my case have admitted to perjury on world television. But yet he leaves me here. Why? Go to Ed Martin’s post and put: ‘Free Joe Exotic’. … Sen. Ron Johnson said on CNN that there are enough Republican votes against the House budget plan to block the current version of the bill in the Senate: "I think we have enough to stop the process until the president gets serious about spending reduction and reducing the deficit. The big, beautiful bill - I think that's the Titanic." … Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) responded to right-wingers calling for Congress to do DOGE cuts with legislation so they can’t be blocked by the courts. He said the issue is Trump: “Congress can’t cut spending through DOGE without the President sending a formal ‘rescission’ bill. That’s the law. It only takes a simple majority to pass—but so far, no bill has been sent. In this case, Congress is waiting on the White House.” … Dep. FBI Director Dan Bongino continues to try and calm down right-wingers demanding arrests. He posted this: “Shortly after swearing in, the Director and I evaluated a number of cases of potential public corruption that, understandably, have garnered public interest. We made the decision to either re-open, or push additional resources and investigative attention, to these cases. These cases are the DC pipe bombing investigation, the cocaine discovery at the prior admin’s WH, and the leak of the Supreme Court Dobbs brief. I receive requested briefings on these cases weekly and we are making progress. If you have any investigative tips on these matters that may assist us then please contact the FBI. … Republicans are getting nervous that Trump and Witkoff are about to make a really bad deal with Iran. Fox host Mark Levin: “ANY U.S.-IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE ARTICLE II, SEC. 2, CL. 5 is referred to as the Treaty Clause of the Constitution. It states, in relevant part: ‘The President ... shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur ...’ … Levin: “It should not matter who the president is as we are talking about the application of the Constitution not who sits in the Oval Office. The shared power compelled by the Constitution should not be feared or avoided. Moreover, I believe the Constitution demands it. Nobody better understands this than our current Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who prudently insisted on this and more as a senator in 2015.” … Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): “Treaties must be ratified by the Senate, including any Iran nuclear deal. Mark Levin is right.” … Jake Tapper’s apology book tour continued, this time on Piers Morgan’s podcast: “I wish I had covered this story better. Lara Trump was right and I was wrong. I feel tremendous humility. I will try to do better.” … X user Candidly Tiff: “When it boils down to it, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson accumulated a bunch of gossip and hearsay, wrote it all up in TMZ-style salacious book, went on an F Biden tour, claimed it was a ‘cover-up’, and now they are ones who look petty, vengeful and like gossip-queens. All for the grift.”