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Trump Talks About Anything but Epstein on His Social Media Account

Trump Talks About Anything but Epstein on His Social Media Account

New York Times3 days ago
Dogged for weeks over his administration's refusal to release the Epstein files, President Trump spent the weekend posting on social media about, well, anything else.
On Sunday, the president railed against Senator Adam Schiff, Democrat of California, long a prime target. He attacked Samantha Power, the former administrator of U.S.A.I.D. He posted a fake video of former President Barack Obama being arrested and a fake photo of Mr. Obama and members of his administration in prison garb. He threatened to derail a deal for a new football stadium for the Washington Commanders if the team did not take back its old name, the Redskins.
Mr. Trump even at one point posted a video compilation of 25 wacky and incredible stunts, such as a fake video of a woman catching a cobra midstrike with her bare hand.
'One year ago our Country was DEAD, with almost no hope of revival,' he wrote on his Truth Social site on Sunday, the six month anniversary of his second term. 'Today the USA is the 'hottest' and most respected Country anywhere in the World. Happy Anniversary!!!'
If the scattered posts, which continued into Monday, were an attempt to distract from the outcry over his administration's handling of the files, it did not appear to be working. Lawmakers continued to clamor for the release of more information.
'79% of Americans support releasing the Epstein files, but only 16 members of Congress have sponsored the legislation to do so,' Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, wrote Sunday on X. 'After 7 legislative days, I'll be able to collect signatures to force a vote on my bill to release all the files.'
Mr. Trump was friendly for at least 15 years with Jeffrey Epstein, the multimillionaire financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Their relationship is now under scrutiny after the Trump administration reversed its promise to release files tied to the sex trafficking investigation into Mr. Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. Ms. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of conspiring with Mr. Epstein to sexually exploit and abuse underage girls.
Mr. Epstein had many connections to rich and powerful people that both the right and the left suspect of being involved in the financier's criminality. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi released some materials, including flight logs from Mr. Epstein's private jets, but she held back others, including what officials described as child sexual abuse material.
On Friday, facing increased political pressure, the Justice Department followed a directive from Mr. Trump, asking a federal judge in Manhattan to unseal grand jury testimony from the prosecution of Mr. Epstein.
But judges rarely agree to make such materials public, and the unsealing effort could take months. Even if the testimony becomes public, the materials being sought are most likely only a small part of the evidence collected in the investigation and may not satisfy his critics.
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84 Lumber Sponsors 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
84 Lumber Sponsors 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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84 Lumber Sponsors 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

"Christmas in July" event celebrates historic first for Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest LAS VEGAS, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in history, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, affectionately known as "The People's Tree," will come from the state of Nevada. In celebration of this milestone, 84 Lumber, the presenting sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree since 2022, unveiled its $100,000 sponsorship at a public celebration in Las Vegas, drawing state and national leaders, community members, and key partners from across the forestry and conservation sectors. Since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with the Architect of the Capitol, selects a tree to adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from one of the 154 national forests it manages. This year, it will be harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. "84 Lumber is proud to help bring 'The People's Tree' to Washington, D.C.," said Amy Smiley, vice president of marketing at 84 Lumber. "This time-honored tradition celebrates the beauty of our nation's forests and the communities they represent. As a privately held company with deep local roots, including our dedicated team and store serving the Las Vegas community, we're proud to support something that unites people across the country in celebration and stewardship." "The Governor would like to extend his deep appreciation to the USDA Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters who will be joining us throughout this journey to share the significance of this time-honored tradition," said Sonny Vinuya, Southern NV Outreach Director, Office of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. "We also recognize that this extraordinary effort would not be possible without a strong public-private partnership—and that's why 84 Lumber's leadership as the presenting sponsor is so meaningful," he said. "Their support is a shining example of what happens when the private sector steps forward to embrace civic pride and national unity." A Milestone for Nevada This marks the first time Nevada has been selected to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and the choice of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the largest national forest in the lower 48 states, highlights the state's diverse landscapes, forest heritage, and deep public land legacy. The honor places Nevada on a national stage and offers residents across the state the chance to engage with the project as the tree makes its journey to the U.S. Capitol. The tree's multi-stop national tour will serve as an opportunity to showcase Nevada's identity and foster civic pride during events in Nevada and 13 other states throughout the country, while allowing people in local communities to join in the holiday spirit. Society of American Foresters: Sponsorship Is Vital The Society of American Foresters (SAF), the non-profit partner of the USDA Forest Service, called attention to the importance of corporate and community sponsorships in making this massive nationwide effort possible. "We are deeply grateful to sponsors like 84 Lumber for helping bring The People's Tree to the nation's capital," said SAF CEO Terry Baker. "These sponsorships are an investment in conservation, community, and national goodwill. Together, we can ensure this tradition continues to thrive." As the nation's oldest organization representing forestry professionals, SAF is dedicated to sustainable forest management, environmental responsibility, and connecting Americans to their public lands. SAF's partnership in the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative reinforces the importance of our nation's forests and the people and partners who care for them. "With Nevada in the national spotlight, the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree offers unique opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals across the state—especially in Las Vegas—to contribute to a historic community-driven celebration," said Baker. "The private sector can play a meaningful role in preserving and promoting America's natural heritage." Tree Selection and Journey to the U.S. Capitol Each July, the Architect of the Capitol works with the USDA Forest Service in selecting a tree according to a rigorous set of criteria: Height: Between 65 and 85 feet Shape: A perfect conical form that looks symmetrical from every angle Characteristics: Straight stem, dense branching, uniform color, and species-typical features Following its harvest later this year, the tree will be transported on a custom-designed 104-foot tractor trailer. The tour will include numerous public stops, culminating in its arrival in Washington, D.C., where it will be adorned with thousands of handmade ornaments created by Nevadans and lit during a national ceremony. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in early December. Tour dates and locations are subject to change. For more information on the stop tour events, starting at the end of October, visit: Website: Facebook: Instagram: 84 Lumber is the leading supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates more than 320 facilities in 34 states and is continuing to grow. For more information about 84 Lumber, visit or follow 84 Lumber on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. ABOUT 84 LUMBERFounded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities, which include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall. 84 Lumber, a certified women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, has earned widespread recognition for its industry leadership and commitment to excellence. Named one of Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America for both 2024 and 2025, 84 Lumber was also honored as one of USA Today's Top Retailers in 2024. For three consecutive years, 84 Lumber has been honored as one of America's Best Large and Mid-Size Employers by Forbes and has also earned a spot on the list of America's Top Private Companies from 2019 to 2024. In 2023, the company was also honored with a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies. For more information, visit or join us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. ABOUT THE U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREEThe U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of the nation's 155 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2024 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, visit and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE 84 Lumber Sign in to access your portfolio

Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe
Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe

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Elbows up talk 'nothing more than a slogan' says Sask. Premier Scott Moe

Premier Scott Moe says as trade talks between Canada and America hurtle towards an Aug. 1 deadline, taking an 'elbows up' approach is 'nothing more than a slogan.' The Saskatchewan premier made the comment on Wednesday at the conclusion of the Council of the Federation (COF) meeting, adding that the prospect of completely separating Canada from the economy of the United States is an 'unreasonable dream.' 'When someone says we need to move away from dealing with the United States, that can be true in part, but it certainly can't be true in all. They are our largest trading partner,' said Moe. But the premier also acknowledged the relationship between Canada and the U.S. will be changed, 'if not forever … for a long period of time' given combative rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration. Trump kicked off a trade war on March 4 when he announced 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and a 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy. Over time, those tariffs have changed to now only apply to select goods that are non-Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant. Trump has indicated new tariffs are coming for Canada if a trade deal is not struck by Aug. 1. 'Our objective is not to reach a deal whatever it costs … We are pursuing a deal that will be in the best interest of Canadians.' said Prime Minister Mark Carney during the COF meeting. Moe said he's holding out hope that there will be zero tariffs come the start of next month, but noted efforts made by his government and others have already resulted in exemptions and lowered tariffs on certain goods, like oil and potash. Still, about five per cent of trade to the U.S. is subject to tariffs, Moe said, adding that CUSMA 'is working for Saskatchewan.' And while the tariffs are impacting Saskatchewan, the premier said 'it's maybe to a lesser degree' than elsewhere in Canada. That doesn't discount the larger impact of the tariffs, stressed Moe, saying the rhetoric and actions from the U.S. make this 'very much a time of uncertainty' as trade relationships are tarnished or reset. Moe noted that the 100 per cent import tariff imposed by China on canola in March is a direct result of Canada standing in lockstep with the U.S.'s own policy, which placed 25 per cent tariffs on aluminum and steel and 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. 'The federal government continues to engage with China and we're supporting them every step of the way,' said the premier. A 'change in tone' As conversations continue between Ottawa and Saskatchewan to push forward energy and other projects, and as the feds continue to negotiate with Saskatchewan's two largest trade partners (China and the U.S.), Moe maintained that he was 'cautiously optimistic' about the Carney government. Moe acknowledged that this was a 'change in tone' from himself and spoke favourably of Bill C-5, which received royal assent on June 26 and was passed into law. It gives the federal government new powers to fast-track approvals for what it calls 'nation-building projects.' The bill has been opposed by Indigenous leaders and groups who have voiced concerns it might override their fundamental rights. The government amended the bill on June 18 so that it cannot override the Indian Act. Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation of Canada as the 51st state have spurred things like Bill C-5 as the Canadian government shifts priorities to large-scale domestic projects. The bill aims to 'strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security,' according to a government website. At the same time, provincial and federal leaders have also been spurred to improve interprovincial trade in the face of tariffs. Though Moe started the COF inviting all provinces and territories to join the binding and interprovincial New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA), it seems to be that the fellow premiers have landed on expanding the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) instead. 'We'll continue to push all of the other provinces to expand the CFTA, to make it as close to a mirror image as we can to the New West Partnership,' he said. Having signed five memorandums of understanding since June 2 related to energy corridors, interprovincial trade and breaking down economic barriers, Moe said the renewed focus on improving trade between provinces and territories might be the only good to come out of Trump's threats. 'What you're seeing now is actual action in this space and I'd say it's high time.' — with files from The Canadian Press Related Saskatchewan's Scott Moe invites all Canadian premiers to join western trade agreement Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signs two more MOUs to open up interprovincial trade routes alsalloum@ The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Jerome Powell hit with a criminal referral over Fed's $2.5B renovation project — what it might mean for your nest egg
Jerome Powell hit with a criminal referral over Fed's $2.5B renovation project — what it might mean for your nest egg

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Jerome Powell hit with a criminal referral over Fed's $2.5B renovation project — what it might mean for your nest egg

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces a criminal referral from Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna — the latest escalation in GOP scrutiny of the central bank's spending and leadership. On July 19, Luna sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Department of Justice to investigate Powell for potential perjury and making false statements to federal officials. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how The referral centers on Powell's June 25 statements under oath before the Senate Committee on Banking, where he addressed the $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed's historic Eccles Building. In a news release, Luna claims he 'knowingly misled' officials about the nature of the project during testimony, in which he 'denied the inclusion of luxury features.' '[Powell] stated: 'There's no VIP dining room, there's no new marble … there are no special elevators, just old elevators that have been there; there are no new water features, there's no beehives and there's no roof terrace gardens,'' she wrote in the letter. But according to Luna, his statement doesn't match up with filed documents. Citing the Federal Reserve's final submission to the National Capital Planning Commission, she said nearly all of Powell's denials — aside from the beehives — are contradicted by actual renovation plans. She also pointed in the letter to Powell's statement that the building 'never had' a serious renovation, despite a previous project from 1999 to 2003. If Powell knowingly misrepresented the facts, Luna argues, his actions may constitute perjury or materially false statements under federal law. According to Fox News, trade outlet Mortgage Professional reported that Powell has denied all allegations of perjury and has called for a formal watchdog investigation into the Eccles Building's renovation costs. Trump, Powell and the fate of your heard-earned dollar There's been growing tension between President Donald Trump and Powell based on a fundamental disagreement over interest rates. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell — calling him names like 'numbskull,' 'Mr. Too Late' and a 'major loser' — for the Fed's decision to keep its benchmark rate in the 4.25% to 4.50% range throughout the year. Trump insists rates should be as much as three percentage points lower to help the economy Trump has said he isn't planning on firing Powell, but also hasn't ruled out the possibility. Powell's term as Fed chair runs through May 2026, and he has said he does not intend to leave early. While uncertainty lingers around Powell's future, it's worth remembering the core purpose of the Fed. As the nation's central bank, it operates under a dual mandate: to pursue maximum employment and maintain price stability. In a statement released June 18, the Federal Open Market Committee noted that unemployment remains low and labor market conditions are solid — but inflation 'remains somewhat elevated.' That may explain why the Fed isn't cutting rates. While lower interest rates — the kind Trump has called for — could boost economic activity, they also risk reigniting inflation. And the 40-year high inflation rate Americans endured in 2022 is still fresh in the rearview mirror. The good news? Savvy investors have long relied on certain assets to shield their wealth from inflation's bite — no matter who's running the Fed. A safe haven shines again Gold has helped people preserve their wealth for thousands of years. Today, its appeal is simple: unlike fiat currencies, the yellow metal can't be printed at will by central banks. It's also widely regarded as the ultimate safe haven. Gold is not tied to any one country, currency or economy, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors often flock to it — driving prices higher. Over the past 12 months, the price of the precious metal has surged about 40%. Ray Dalio, founder of the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, has repeatedly emphasized gold's importance in a resilient portfolio. 'People don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,' he told CNBC earlier this year. 'When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.' One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to help shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties. When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $10,000 in precious metals for free. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — A time-tested income play Gold isn't the only asset investors rely on to preserve their purchasing power. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that can adjust for inflation. Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has jumped by more than 50%, reflecting strong demand and a limited housing supply. Of course, high home prices can make buying a home more challenging, especially as mortgage rates remain elevated. And being a landlord isn't exactly hands-off work — managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly eat into your time (and returns). The good news? You don't need to buy a property outright — or deal with leaky faucets — to invest in real estate today. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class. Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants. The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you'd like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment. Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord. With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns. Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties. What to read next How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement 5 simple ways to grow rich with US real estate — without the headaches of being a landlord. Start now with as little as $10 This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Car insurance in America now costs a stunning $2,329/year on average — but here's how 2 minutes can save you more than $600 in 2025 Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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