Top Trump adviser Ric Grenell allegedly outlined a stunning pay-for-influence offer to a Turkish billionaire last year: access to "POTUS," "VIP events" and administration officials, according to a text message, reviewed by Axios, that the White House counsel is investigating. "Once the money comes to the company here, I will arrange the donation to Kennedy Centre [sic], and you'll be joining the VIP events and get close with the administration, even with POTUS," the May 3, 2025, text says. Grenell has called the accusations "lies" and denied sending the text message. read more
US President Donald Trump has excoriated Ukraine's leader after the country launched one of its biggest drone attacks on Russia this year, hitting a key oil terminal in defiance of his demand it stop hitting Russian energy infrastructure. There have been growing tensions between Ukraine and the US in recent days, prompting fears in Kyiv it could lose essential support as it approaches another winter under relentless Russian attack. Trump on Friday invoked a waiver exempting Russia from sweeping economic penalties mandated by the US Congress. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later told NBC News' "Meet the Press" the US siding with Russia would be a "historic mistake."
Shawn Oliver, the running mate of Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, suspended his campaign Sunday after he was arrested following a car crash. He is now facing one count of operating under the influence (OUI), among other charges. "After careful reflection, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Lieutenant Governor," Oliver said in a statement posted to social media Sunday. "This election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and ask that my family's privacy be respected during this difficult time." New Bedford police told The Boston Globe that Oliver flipped his car after he struck five parked vehicles " two of which sustained "extensive damage" " late Saturday night.
Extremism reporter Will Sommer of The Bulwark believes Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's efforts to build a luxury resort in Albania are likely dead. Albanians haven't stopped protesting the plan since the announcement, and over the weekend protesters burned their Supreme Court building to the ground. Meanwhile, the parliament and the education department have been vandalized, and the prime minister is in hiding. The plan was for Trump and Kushner to spend $1.4 billion to $4 billion to build a luxury resort on Sazan Island and parts of the nearby Zvrnec peninsula along Albania's southern coast.
"The message delivered by a president during a high-stakes midterm campaign can be critical," the New York Times reports. read more
It's time for Vlad to give his demented butt ---- another performance review.