logo
Pam Bondi to be thrown under the bus in Epstein cover-up, DC source alleges

Pam Bondi to be thrown under the bus in Epstein cover-up, DC source alleges

Time of India6 days ago
Trump fans blame others for Epstein mess
Live Events
Tulsi Gabbard and Bondi may face the axe
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Pam Bondi is in serious trouble, according to political insiders in Washington D.C., as she may be blamed for the backlash over the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Since becoming Trump's Attorney General, Bondi has been at the center of controversy, especially after the White House promised to release Epstein-related documents but then said there was nothing new to share, as per The Daily Beast report.Bondi was the one who announced that no more prosecutions would happen and that the 'client list' didn't exist—despite earlier claims it was on her desk. The release of an unsigned FBI memo, just before a holiday weekend, confirmed there would be no new revelations—angering many Trump supporters, as stated in the report by Independent.Conspiracy theories exploded, especially in pro-Trump circles, about Epstein's death and his client list, which many believe includes powerful names. These theories were pushed by people in the current administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Dan Bongino, and Trump himself—who had a long friendship with Epstein.Many Trump fans don't want to blame him directly, so firing someone like Bondi could be his way to avoid taking responsibility. Michael Sozan, a governance expert from the Center for American Progress, said Trump treats the White House like a reality show where people get fired to save him, according to the report by Independent.Sozan also said that Bondi was the one who brought in conspiracy-pushers like Patel and Bongino to lead the FBI. Even if Trump pressured Bondi to hire them, she still holds the top decision-making role and likely can't escape blame. As of now, Bondi still has Trump's support, but that could change fast if things keep going badly.Another top official, Tulsi Gabbard, who is now the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), is also seen as vulnerable. Gabbard fell out of Trump's favor for making comments on Iran that went against his stance. She is now trying to win back support by pushing a 'phony treason case' against Obama and his team.The sudden release of the Obama 'treason' story surprised Bondi but made Trump happy, even though it didn't stop the outrage over the Epstein files. Bill Galston from the Brookings Institution said Trump is glad to see Bondi and Gabbard struggle because it makes them work harder to stay in his good graces, as stated by Independent report.If Bondi can't build a strong case against Obama, she may look weak, while Gabbard could appear as the one who delivered results—possibly saving her position. Any Obama-related investigation is likely to be long and pointless if it just rehashes past claims with no new proof. Bondi and Gabbard are in a tougher spot than Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has messed up multiple times but isn't directly tied to Trump's troubles.Hegseth is reportedly planning to run for Tennessee governor, using it as a way out of the mess, which Clift calls 'failing upwards.' But Bondi and Gabbard may not get a soft landing, especially if they don't succeed in pulling Trump out of the Epstein mess, as per the report by Independent.Pam Bondi is being blamed because she led the DOJ when Trump's team said the Epstein case was closed and no new client list would be released.Tulsi Gabbard pushed a case against Obama to distract from the Epstein backlash and get back in Trump's good books.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China's new AI threat: Companies collecting data for influence campaign from Hong Kong to US
China's new AI threat: Companies collecting data for influence campaign from Hong Kong to US

First Post

time3 minutes ago

  • First Post

China's new AI threat: Companies collecting data for influence campaign from Hong Kong to US

China is increasingly using artificial intelligence to shape public opinion and expand its global influence, according to a new report based on insights from current and former US officials. A state-linked company, GoLaxy, has been at the center of these efforts. read more China's new AI threat: Companies collecting data for influence campaign from Hong Kong to US. Reuters China is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to amplify its propaganda and influence campaigns, according to a new report drawing on insights from current and former US officials. One Chinese company, GoLaxy, reportedly linked to the state, has been tracking individuals and analyzing public sentiment. Internal documents reveal that the firm has carried out influence operations in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and has collected data on US lawmakers and other high-profile Americans. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While no direct campaigns have yet been observed inside the US, American intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the company's activities, concerned that its tools could eventually be used to sway political debates or interfere in future elections. Experts warn that AI has become a powerful instrument in modern influence operations, allowing state-backed actors to conduct propaganda efforts with greater speed, efficiency, and reach than ever before. Historically, China has struggled to match the aggressiveness and effectiveness of Russian disinformation efforts. However, officials believe that AI may now help Beijing overcome that gap. At the same time, the US may be more exposed than before. Critical government teams that once alerted the public to foreign influence campaigns were dismantled during the Trump administration, weakening the country's ability to respond. The internal documents from GoLaxy underscore its role in overseas operations and its interest in influential figures within the US. Though it hasn't yet launched any active campaigns on American soil, officials remain vigilant. Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming the new frontline in global information warfare. Analysts say its growing capabilities are transforming how influence campaigns are designed and deployed–reshaping the very nature of modern espionage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

As Trump unleashes tariff tirade on India over Russian oil, who gains at New Delhi's expense?
As Trump unleashes tariff tirade on India over Russian oil, who gains at New Delhi's expense?

First Post

time3 minutes ago

  • First Post

As Trump unleashes tariff tirade on India over Russian oil, who gains at New Delhi's expense?

With 50% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, analysts predict that Indian exports could shrink by up to 45%, representing an annual loss of around $35-45 billion. Here is the breakdown of which countries will gain at India's expense. read more US President Donald Trump meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington, DC, US, February 13, 2025. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has imposed punitive tariffs of 50 per cent on Indian imports — doubling the rate from the earlier 25 per cent. The executive order, signed in early August 2025, directly targets India's continued purchase — and re-export — of Russian crude oil, which Washington claims is indirectly funding Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine. This decision marks a significant moment in global economics and diplomacy, entangling energy geopolitics with trade warfare. The implications will be long-lasting — not just for Indian exporters, but also for competitor nations poised to benefit from India's sudden loss of competitiveness in the US market. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What prompted the tariff hike? According to the order, the Trump administration considers India's prolonged Russian oil imports a 'threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States'. Despite pressure from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, India has held firm, arguing that affordable energy is a non-negotiable priority for a developing economy. The tariffs are being presented as a tool to deter Indian firms —particularly refiners and intermediaries— from continued energy ties with Russia. New Delhi, in turn, has labelled the move an 'unfair and unprovoked economic penalty', signalling possible retaliatory action under World Trade Organization mechanisms. Major Indian sectors affected by Trump's tariffs The broad-based 50 per cent tariffs affect a wide range of Indian exports, with consequences expected across: Textiles and garments Gems and jewellery Automotive components and vehicles Leather goods Machinery and engineering products Marine and seafood products Steel and aluminium Chemicals and agrochemicals Selective pharmaceutical and processed goods Exporters in these sectors now find themselves priced out of the American market, losing a competitive edge to rivals that face significantly lower import duties. Some analysts predict that Indian exports in the affected industries could shrink by up to 45 per cent, representing an annual loss of between $35 billion and $45 billion. Who benefits at India's expense? As India falls behind due to steep tariffs, multiple countries stand ready to fill the vacuum. The following nations are poised to gain the most, sector by sector: 1. Textiles and apparel Winners: Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mexico, Pakistan, Turkey Why: Countries like Vietnam face US tariffs of just 12–20 per cent, compared to India's 50 per cent. They are likely to capture substantial market share, particularly in cheap cotton-based garments and synthetic fibres. 2. Gems and jewellery Winners: Belgium, Israel, UAE, Thailand, China Why: Indian diamonds often dominated the US import pipeline. These competitors, many of whom face tariffs of under 10 per cent, will likely absorb up to $2–3 billion of lost Indian jewellery trade. 3. Automobiles and components Winners: Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Thailand Why: Free trade agreements offer favourable terms for Mexico and Canada. With India's costs doubled, these markets look increasingly attractive to US manufacturers. Winners: Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, Italy Why: India's exporters face tariffs of 50 per cent, while rivals continue to pay less than 15 per cent. US buyers are expected to pivot accordingly. 5. Engineering goods and machinery Winners: Germany, South Korea, China, Japan Why: As Indian machinery losses mount, countries with established industrial supply chains will step into the breach. 6. Chemicals and agrochemicals Winners: EU nations, China, Brazil Why: Disruptions in chemical exports from India create openings for existing suppliers familiar to US agricultural sectors. 7. Marine products Winners: Vietnam, Indonesia, Ecuador Why: India is the second-largest shrimp exporter to the US; its loss is Vietnam and Ecuador's gain. Quantifying the trade shifts Sector Expected loss to India Projected gains to rivals Textiles & apparel $10–12 billion Vietnam, Bangladesh, Mexico (~$8–9 billion) Jewellery & gems $2–3 billion Israel, UAE, Thailand (up to $2 billion) Auto & components $1.5–2 billion Mexico, South Korea (~$1.7 billion) Leather & footwear $1 billion+ Vietnam, Bangladesh (~$750 million) Marine products $1.2–1.5 billion Vietnam, Ecuador (~$1 billion) Engineering goods $2.5 billion+ Germany, Japan (~$2 billion) There may be strategic and political fallout Trump's tariffs threaten to unwind portions of the US–India strategic partnership — a relationship cultivated over two decades across defence, technology, and energy sectors. While India's independent energy policy remains domestically popular, prolonged economic pressure may ultimately push it to rethink its sourcing strategy or seek new trade alignments. From Washington's viewpoint, the move reflects President Trump's return to leveraging economic instruments as geopolitical tools, echoing his administration's first-term tactics against China, the EU, and other trade partners. A global economic tipping point Trump's tariff offensive has jolted global markets. At 50 per cent, it is one of the highest ever imposed by the US on a major trading partner. As Indian exporters scramble, countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and Germany are gearing up to absorb lost volumes. In today's fragmented economy, tariffs are no longer just taxes — they are weapons. And right now, India is caught in the crosshairs.

Zelensky calls for Putin meeting to end war
Zelensky calls for Putin meeting to end war

New Indian Express

time3 minutes ago

  • New Indian Express

Zelensky calls for Putin meeting to end war

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin to end war, after Donald Trump's special envoy held talks with the Russian leader in Moscow. Trump one day earlier hailed talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin as "highly productive" but US officials still vowed to impose sanctions on Moscow's trading partners. Zelensky said later that he had spoken by phone with Trump, who said he could meet with Putin "very soon," and that European leaders had been on the call. "We in Ukraine have repeatedly said that finding real solutions can be truly effective at the level of leaders," Zelensky wrote on social media. "It is necessary to determine the timing for such a format and the range of issues to be addressed," he added. The Ukrainian leader said Thursday morning that he had planned to hold "several" conversations throughout the course of the day including with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as French and Italian officials. "There will also be communication at the level of national security advisors," Zelensky added. "The main thing is for Russia, which started this war, to take real steps to end its aggression," Zelensky added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store