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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Jeffrey Epstein Video Release: What Footage Shows of His Death
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on Fox News Wednesday that a video shows that Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide while in federal custody in New York City. Newsweek has contacted the FBI for comment by email. Why It Matters Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges. While officials in the first Trump administration ruled that his death was a suicide, conspiracy theories that he was murdered in custody to protect high-profile individuals, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and Britain's Prince Andrew, who were part of his social circle, have persisted. Jeffrey Epstein is pictured in 2019. Jeffrey Epstein is pictured in 2019. Kypros/Getty Images What To Know Bongino, who previously promoted conspiracies that Epstein may have been killed, sat down with Fox News host Sean Hannity to discuss video footage of Epstein's cell area in the period leading up to his death on August 10, 2019. "The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide. We do have video. It's not the greatest video in the world. I don't want to set expectations on fire," the bureau's deputy director said. Bongino said the footage, which is roughly 12 hours long, shows Epstein making a phone call and being checked on by guards at regular intervals. "However, the video does show in that specific block, that he goes in, made a phone call; you'll see 12 hours of guards going in basically check on him, come back. You'll see nobody really comes out of that bay in that area than him. There's no one in there," he told Hannity. The former pro-Trump podcaster said that the video, when combined with other evidence that will be released by the FBI in the coming weeks, makes things "pretty clear." "However, as I've clearly indicated in some of my tweets on my official account, listen, if new information surfaces in the future on any of these cases we're always open," Bongino said. "I'm just telling you there's nothing there in the file at all that indicates anything other than in fact a suicide," he added. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino teases the soon-to-be released Epstein video, Says it confirms that he killed himself. He also announces more new information will be coming in the next few weeks: 'The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was in fact a… — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 5, 2025 Bongino has previously questioned official reports on Epstein's death. "Listen, that Jeffrey Epstein story is a big deal, please do not let that story go. Keep your eye on this," he told his audience of millions in 2023. And in a podcast episode aired on January 4, 2024, Bongino played an excerpt of a journalist saying she was "100 percent" convinced that the disgraced financier was killed in his jail cell "because he made his whole living blackmailing people." At a later point in the episode, Bongino said: "This is where I get really upset at the media." He said reporters had "done almost like no—maybe because I was an investigator before, it's like, I'm amazed at how few people are putting two and two together." On February 10, days into his tenure as FBI deputy director, Bongino said: "I'm not ever gonna let this story go. I'm not letting it go ever." Epstein's brother, Mark Epstein, said in 2024 he doesn't believe the late financier died by suicide, and called for a new investigation into his death. He speculated that another prisoner could have gained access to his brother's cell and killed him, and claimed he was told not all cell doors were locked on the night of his death. "I would like a full investigation of his death. If you look at all the evidence, including the autopsy, the photographs of his body, the bulls*** DOJ report that is filled with inaccuracies, you would never come up with the conclusion that this was a suicide—but based on what?" he told The Guardian in January 2024. The Trump administration in February declassified and publicly released additional files related to Epstein, but the documents did not offer major revelations. FBI Director Kash Patel said last week the federal government is in no "rush" to release more information about the disgraced financier. What People Are Saying FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox News' Fox & Friends last week: "There is nothing in the file at this point on the Epstein case—and there is going to be a disclosure on this coming shortly…there is video. That is something the public does not know. There's no one there but him." Bongino said in a May 10 post on X: "We are working with the DOJ on the Epstein case and, as the AG stated, there are voluminous amounts of downloaded child sexual abuse material that we are dealing with. There are also victim's statements that are entitled to specific protections. We need to do this correctly, but I do understand the public's desire to get the information out there." Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement on February 27: "This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump's commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein's extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability." What Happens Next The FBI hasn't provided a timeline for the release of the video. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ex-Trump Lawyer Pauses BarkBox Over Pride Theme
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jenna Ellis, who once served as a lawyer for President Donald Trump, said she paused her BarkBox subscription over its Pride Month collection, highlighting the ongoing debate about how businesses should approach consumers' diverging views on LGBTQ+ Pride. Newsweek reached out to BarkBox for comment via email. Why It Matters Pride Month kicks off June 1 as the LGBTQ+ community commemorates the decades-long battle for rights, including same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination policies. It coincides with the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots in New York City, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. GLAAD, a LGBTQ+ media advocacy group, reported there were 2.5 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents each day in 2024, noting the rise in incidents follows new efforts to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country. Proponents of Pride Month point to this data as to why it is important to celebrate the community Companies that celebrate Pride Month have faced backlash from some conservatives who believe the month is not necessary and that businesses should remain neutral on political and culture war issues. There have been large protests against companies that have participated in celebrations in recent years, such as Bud Light and Target. BarkBox is a monthly subscription service that provides dog products and services to pet owners. What To Know Ellis, who now works as a senior policy adviser for the American Family Association, shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that she opted to put her BarkBox subscription on pause in June due to the company's Pride collection. She shared a screenshot of a customer service chat in which she asked not to receive the box for June. She wrote that she does not want Pride merchandise in her BarkBox because it "goes against my religious beliefs." "I understand and respect your beliefs," the customer service representative wrote in response. "I will skip both boxes for June and resume in July." A dog wears a rainbow bandana at Pride Fest in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 27, 2023. A dog wears a rainbow bandana at Pride Fest in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 27, X user wrote that when they inquired about the Pride collection, a customer service representative informed them that the Pride theme would only be available as an additional add-on and would not be sent to consumers automatically. Instead, customers would get a "Backyard BBQ" theme. Ellis told Newsweek that she was not informed of a BBQ theme for June. BarkBox posted on X on May 27: "Rest assured, we don't include certain themes, such as the Pride theme, in our regular subscription boxes, as we know they may not be suitable for everyone. Instead, we've made them available as an optional Add to Box item for subscribers who choose to receive them." The company unveiled its Pride collection earlier in May. It includes dog toy products like "Slay the Dragon Queen," "Pride March of the Penguins," and "Golden Squirrels," an apparent reference to The Golden Girls. Recent years have seen shifts in sentiment regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Gallup found in May 2024 that 64 percent of Americans believe it is "morally acceptable" to have "gay or lesbian relations, down from 71 percent in 2022. What People Are Saying Jenna Ellis told Newsweek in a statement: "Customers shouldn't have to choose between their conscience and a box of dog toys. When companies push a political or ideological message, they risk losing customers who simply want the product, not to advance an agenda. Opting out is about conviction. For many faith communities, Pride Month pushes an agenda that demands affirmation and engagement at the expense of our beliefs and traditional moral values. Companies that choose to promote Pride Month are no longer just selling products—they're promoting worldviews. "And if 'inclusion' is the goal, why is it only extended to the LGBTQ community? Why not celebrate the Christian faith, military families, adoption, or traditional values—groups that make up a larger percentage of their consumer base? This is not really about inclusion—it's forcing selective virtue-signaling. Also, let's be honest—dogs don't need toys like a 'loud and proud cloud.' They just want to play fetch. Keep the agenda out of my doggo's toy box." GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, in a statement last week: "Support for LGBTQ people and employees remains a business imperative that bonds companies to consumers and unites our country. Companies and leaders must listen to consumers who are demanding that brands prioritize values of freedom, inclusion and growth over rank politics. With LGBTQ, Black, and Hispanic consumers growing exponentially, companies that bow to opponents of inclusion will miss out on key growth segments." What Happens Next Pride Month will begin over the weekend, and many other businesses have already rolled out their own Pride collections. The debate over LGBTQ+ Pride Month will likely continue over the coming weeks.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Makes Biden Jibe During Arlington Memorial Day Address
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. President Donald Trump marked his first Memorial Day as commander-in-chief in his second term Monday with ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, delivering remarks that included pointed criticism of the previous administration after earlier sharing a Truth Social post calling former President Joe Biden a "decrepit corpse." Newsweek reached out to the White House and Biden's office, via his presidential library, for comment on Monday. Why It Matters Trump's Memorial Day address signals an intensification of his attacks on the Biden administration, particularly regarding immigration policy and questions about Biden's fitness for office during his presidency. The timing of these remarks—just days after Biden's cancer diagnosis and amid reports showing deportations below 2024 levels—demonstrates Trump's strategy of using Biden's health revelations to validate claims about the previous administration's governance. The escalating rhetoric, including accusations of treason against Biden's aides, suggests Trump plans to make the previous administration's handling of immigration and Biden's cognitive capacity central themes of his second term, even during traditionally apolitical ceremonial events honoring fallen service members. President Donald Trump gestures and Vice President JD Vance looks on in the amphitheater at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. President Donald Trump gestures and Vice President JD Vance looks on in the amphitheater at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images What To Know During the ceremony on Monday, Trump participated in the traditional wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and addressed attendees at Memorial Amphitheater at about noon ET. The ceremony followed long-standing Memorial Day traditions, with Trump accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commanding General of U.S. Military District of Washington Major General Trevor Bredenkamp. "Those young men could never have known what their sacrifice would mean to us, but we certainly know what we owe to them," Trump said in his speech. "That valor gave us the freest, greatest and most noble Republic ever to exist on the face of the Earth. A republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years. "Who would let that happen? People pouring through our borders unchecked. People doing things that are indescribable and not for today to discuss. We will do better than we've ever done as a nation, better than ever before. I promise you that." In his earlier Truth Social posts, Trump said Biden "was not for Open criminals of all kinds, shapes, and sizes, can flow into our Country at will," instead blaming policies on "the people that knew he was cognitively impaired, and that took over the Autopen." An autopen is a mechanical device that replicates signatures, which Trump has previously used to challenge the validity of presidential pardons issued by Biden. Between January 2021 and January 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded 7.2 million encounters with suspected illegal immigrants, up from 2.4 million during Trump's first term. However, despite Trump's campaign promises of mass deportations, Mexican officials report that 32,537 Mexican nationals were returned during the first three months of 2025, compared to 47,659 during the same period in 2024. A senior DHS official told Newsweek that 142,000 deportations since January 20 were "just the beginning." From left: President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, commanding general of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Military District of Washington, look... From left: President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, commanding general of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Military District of Washington, look on after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. More SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images What People Are Saying President Donald Trump, on Truth Social last week: "Joe Biden was not for Open Borders, he never talked about Open Borders, where criminals of all kinds, shapes, and sizes, can flow into our Country at will. It wasn't his idea to Open the Border, and almost destroy our Country, and cost us Hundreds of Billions of Dollars to get criminals out of our Country, and go through the process we are going through now. It was the people that knew he was cognitively impaired, and that took over the Autopen. "They stole the Presidency of the United States, and put us in Great Danger. This is TREASON at the Highest Level! They did it to destroy our Country. The Joe Biden that everybody knew would never allow drug dealers, gang members, and the mentally insane to come into our Country totally unchecked and unvetted. All anyone has to do is look up his record. Something very severe should happen to these Treasonous Thugs that wanted to destroy our Country, but couldn't, because I came along. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" The Migration Policy Institute this month, in a brief on the U.S.-Mexico relationship: "No country is more critical for U.S. migration management than Mexico. The former administrations of U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador worked together toward a system in which migrants who reach their countries' shared border would do so through lawful means." Mark Shanahan, an American politics expert who teaches at the University of Surrey in the U.K., previously told Newsweek: "Donald Trump's 'open borders' comment switching the blame from Joe Biden to his team is fascinating. It's not in his character to be sympathetic to his political enemies, but perhaps he sees Biden, out of office and weakened by cancer, as no longer a threat?" "But maybe there's something a little more insidious at play. Trump will leave office, by January 2029 at the latest, through age, ill health or possibly on the back of a Republican defeat. He will be accountable for his actions but is likely to lay the blame on everyone else. Perhaps he's setting the scene now? For Trump, the president can never do anything wrong, but when they do, it's because of the failings of someone else." Adriana Minerva Espinoza Nolazco, Baja California's Migrant Affairs Office director: "The numbers predicted by President Donald Trump are well below what we are seeing in terms of deportations." What Happens Next Trump's budget currently in Congress is designed to empower U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to increase removals, as his administration faces ongoing challenges in meeting mass deportation goals.
Newsweek
25-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Mike Johnson Not Knowing 'Anything' About Trump Crypto Dinner Sparks Fury
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, sparked backlash on social media on Sunday after he said during a Sunday morning TV interview that he didn't know "anything" about a crypto dinner hosted by President Donald Trump last week. Newsweek has reached out Johnson's office for further comment on Sunday. Why It Matters Trump hosted more than 200 top investors in his personal $TRUMP meme coin on Thursday night at an exclusive, high-profile dinner at his private golf club in Sterling, Virginia. Some analysts say Trump's ownership of this coin creates a potential conflict of interest amid his support of the cryptocurrency industry at large. The coin, which launched in January 2025, currently has a market cap of about $2.5 billion. The event rewarded the largest investors in his cryptocurrency venture, something that even some ardent "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) allies have raised concerns over. What To Know Johnson, a Trump ally, was asked about the recent crypto dinner during a Sunday interview with CNN's Jake Tapper on State of the Union. The House speaker largely dodged the question, saying he didn't know "anything" about the event. "I really have a difficult time imagining that if this was a Democratic president doing the exact same thing, you wouldn't be outraged," Tapper told the GOP leader. "Look, I don't know anything about the dinner. I was a little busy this past I'm not going to comment on something I haven't even heard about," Johnson responded. "I'm not sure who was there or what the purpose was." In a follow up, Tapper pressed him on how he previously raised significant concerns about Hunter Biden's alleged business ties to his father, former President Joe Biden, even launching an investigation. "You seemed to think it was your responsibility to look into this sort of thing then," the CNN host said. "Important distinction," Johnson replied. "The Biden crime family, as they were named, earned that title. Why? Because they used shell companies, fake LLCs, in what appeared to be money laundering Trump does everything out in the open." Hunter Biden was investigated extensively for shady business ties and has been widely accused of attempting to sell access to his father during his time as vice president. He was convicted of a crime and his uncle James Biden, the former president's brother, was investigated by Republicans who urged the Justice Department to launch a probe. President Biden pardoned them both, along with other family members, before leaving office. Joe Biden has consistently denied any wrongdoing or involvement with his family members criminal activity. Despite investigations by Republicans, the former president's direct involvement in their various business schemes was not established. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, accompanied by President Donald Trump, speaks to members of the media as they depart from the U.S. Capitol on May 20 in Washington, D.C. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, accompanied by President Donald Trump, speaks to members of the media as they depart from the U.S. Capitol on May 20 in Washington, People Are Saying About Johnson Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, sharing a clip of Johnson's interview: "When faced with obvious and blatant corruption, the leaders of the Republican Party in Congress simply choose to look the other way and ignore it. The only way to end this and restore some oversight is to vote out House Republicans." Journalist Mehdi Hasan, formerly an MSNBC host, wrote on X: "Ah top congressional Republicans are back to 'I am pretending not to know about this huge Trump scandal that everyone is talking about so I don't have to comment on it' deflection strategy that they deployed in the first Trump term and I guess our media will let them use it again." Journalist James Surowiecki wrote on X: "Mike Johnson continues to insist that Trump's corruption is fine because he's openly corrupt." Neera Tanden, a former Biden administration official, wrote on X: "If I tweeted about this, maybe Mike Johnson would see it." The X account "Republicans against Trump," which has over 900,000 followers on the social media platform, shared a clip and simply wrote: "Shameless." What People Are Saying About the Crypto Dinner White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to reporters last week: "All of the president's assets are in a blind trust, which is managed by his children. And I would argue that one of the many reasons that the American people reelected this president back to this office is because he was a very successful businessman before giving it up to publicly serve as our president." She added: "The president is abiding by all conflict-of-interest laws that are applicable to the president... The American public believe it's absurd for anyone to insinuate that this president is profiting off of the presidency." Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, to CNN last week: "Forty percent of Trump's entire net worth today is due to these two crypto coins that he just launched months of this money is going straight into his pocket. He is trading U.S. policy to get paid." Nicholas Pinto, a crypto investor who attended the dinner, to CNBC last week: "The food sucked. Wasn't given any drinks other than water or Trump's wine. I don't drink, so I had water. My glass was only filled once." Pinto added: "He [Trump] didn't talk to any of the 220 guests—maybe the top 25." What Happens Next? Democrats and critics of the Trump administration will continue to raise concerns about his personal crypto ventures as well as his other business deals. Republican leaders will likely continue to face questions about these concerns.
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'Rust' Armorer Banned From Speaking to Victim's Family After Parole
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the Rust armorer convicted in the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by actor Alec Baldwin, was released on parole Friday under conditions that bar her from contacting Hutchins' family, according to documents reviewed by Newsweek. Why It Matters Gutierrez-Reed was the weapons supervisor on the set of the Western film Rust where Hutchins was fatally shot in October 2021. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for Rust, was pointing a gun at the cinematographer during a film rehearsal when the gun was discharged, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza. Gutierrez-Reed, who was convicted in March 2024, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. She was released on parole on Friday, Brittany Roembach, the public information officer (PIO) at the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD), told Newsweek. Conditions of parole can vary for each person and offense. What To Know Gutierrez-Reed's parole, which started on May 23, will expire in a year, on May 23, 2026, unless otherwise extended. In addition to the standard parole conditions, which include reporting to parole officers and maintaining "acceptable behavior," among others, she also has special conditions. One of the conditions bars Gutierrez-Reed from contacting the victim's family, directly or indirectly, according to the parole document reviewed by Newsweek. She is also required to undergo a mental health assessment and follow any recommended treatment. Her parole, approved by New Mexico's Adult Parole Board, required her to report to an officer in Bullhead City, Arizona. Roembach told Newsweek that Gutierrez-Reed "is on dual supervision: Parole for one year and probation for 18 months for a separate charge of unlawful carrying of a firearm." Evidence in the case showed that a few weeks before Rust began filming, Gutierrez-Reed carried a gun into a downtown bar in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where firearms are prohibited. She was indicted by a grand jury in 2023 on a felony charge over the matter, resulting in 18 months of probation. Filming resumed on the western in 2023, after Hutchins' family reached an agreement with Baldwin and producers. As part of the agreement, her husband, Matthew Hutchins, became the film's executive producer. Hannah Gutierrez Reed with her attorney Jason Bowles and paralegal Carmella Sisneros during her sentencing hearing in First District Court, on April 15, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hannah Gutierrez Reed with her attorney Jason Bowles and paralegal Carmella Sisneros during her sentencing hearing in First District Court, on April 15, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Eddie Moore-Pool/Getty Images What People Are Saying Olga Solovey, Hutchins' mother, told PEOPLE in May: "I watched my daughter's stunning film twice. I was so happy for the success of my daughter because it was filmed so beautifully. I would want everybody to watch it because it was the dream of my daughter and she would want people to see it." Gutierrez-Reed said during her trial: "Your honor, when I took on Rust, I was young and naive. But I took my job as seriously as I knew how to. I beg you, please, don't give me more time. The jury has found me in part at fault for this horrible tragedy, but that doesn't make me a monster. That makes me human." Gutierrez-Reed's defense attorneys Jason Bowles and Todd J. Bullion said in a January 2023 statement: "Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter." What Happens Next Gutierrez-Reed has not publicly commented on her release. Rust was released on May 2 nearly four years after the fatal shooting. The involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dismissed with prejudice last year.
