Gabbard sets up DOGE-style team to weed out ‘weaponization' in national intelligence
Gabbard's Director's Initiatives Group was established in adherence to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to "bring about transparency and accountability" in the U.S.'s intelligence agencies, according to a press release from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which was released on Tuesday.
'We are already identifying wasteful spending in real time, streamlining outdated processes, reviewing documents for declassification, and leading ongoing efforts to root out abuses of power and politicization,' the release said.
An official familiar with the situation told the Washington Post that the group was made up of 10 people from outside of the intelligence agencies who has been vetted by the White House.
The move comes two weeks after Gabbard told Congress that Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency had not pursued layoffs or program cuts in the ODNI. Gabbard's new group appears to be tasked, in part, with carrying out similar cost-cutting actions within the intelligence community.
Members of Gabbard's group have apparently been working at the ODNI's headquarters in McLean, Virginia, since February, according to the sources who spoke to the Post.
Gabbard and Senator Tom Cotton — who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee — both said they want to slash costs at the ODNI, which employs approximately 2,000 people.
Though cuts may save some money, a significant portion of the $106bn allocated to U.S. spy agencies pay for resources like satellites and other high-end technology, in addition to difficult to cut staff like CIA case officers and analysts.
Members of the DIG have reportedly been tasked with also reviewing documents for possible declassification, including information related to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. investigations into Russia's attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election, and Havana Syndrome, according to the ODNI.
At least 100 ODNI workers have opted to take an early resignation deal ahead of the DIG's actions.
According to the sources who spoke to the Post, at least 45 intelligence workers have resigned specifically because they fear they won't be able to do their jobs effectively under Gabbard and Trump's leadership.
'They don't believe they can continue to carry out the core mission of keeping the nation safe, under these circumstances,' the source reportedly said.
Gabbard has long been a critic of U.S. intelligence agencies, often implying that they were politicized. Her prior comments have reportedly contributed to the exodus of intelligence workers.
'People aren't skeptical of her because she's calling for more efficiency in the structure,' a former official told the Post. 'They're skeptical of her over what positions she has taken over many years now.'
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The Hill
11 minutes ago
- The Hill
Iran's nuclear phoenix is rising
Like a mythical Phoenix rising from its own ashes, a very real and deadly nuclear weapons program is in danger of resurrecting itself in Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his hardliners remain undeterred after Israel and the U.S. targeted key nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz in June. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, admitted this when he told Bret Baier on Fox News that Tehran 'cannot give up our enrichment.' Araghchi also admitted that Iran's facilities 'have been damaged, seriously damaged, the extent of which is now under evaluation.' President Trump seized on Araghchi's talking point. He quickly fired off a Truth Social post declaring, 'Fake News CNN should immediately fire their phony 'reporter' and apologize to me and the great pilots who 'OBLITERATED' Iran's nuclear sites.' 'Obliterated' is a strong word, especially since Iran's nuclear weapons program is significantly larger than just three enrichment sites — and Trump's own intelligence community professes uncertainty about how much of Iran's program remains. Likewise, any admission from Araghchi should be treated with skepticism. Although it could be truthful, it also could be intentional deception. After all, Araghchi is the man who repeatedly claimed that Iran's nuclear program was peaceful. Earlier in May, while speaking in Qatar, Araghchi claimed that Tehran was not seeking nukes or other weapons of mass destruction. That briefs well, until you consider that at a maximum, no more than 5 percent highly enriched uranium is needed for nuclear fuel power rods, hospital experiments and radiation equipment. Prior to the Israeli and U.S. strikes, Iran had enriched at least 880 pounds of highly enriched uranium to 60 percent according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Relatively speaking, even if it would take some time for Iran to enrich that stockpile to weapons-grade highly enriched uranium (90 percent ) — the amount needed for a modern nuclear missile strike — it could use the 60 percent stockpile it already has to construct Hiroshima-like nuclear bombs. Iran Watch estimates that Khamenei has enough to build 'one or more' of the gun-type bomb known as 'Little Boy,' the type of used in Hiroshima. It would only take 132 pounds of uranium enriched to 80 percent. Simply put, Iran likely still has several nuclear options. It is just a question of which route Khamenei opts to take first — the Little Boy route, or the more complex implosion route that would require enriching uranium to 90 percent? Or is it enough for Iran simply to declare itself a nuclear power? The answer likely comes down to two key areas. How much fissile material does Iran still have after the airstrikes, and what is Tehran's remaining centrifuge capacity to continue enriching uranium? Notably, while much of the media's attention has been on Khamenei's stores of 60 percent highly enriched uranium, we cannot overlook Iran's 20 percent and 5 percent stockpiles. Prior to the June strikes, Tehran had 606 pounds of the former and 12,150 pounds of the latter. Iran Watch ominously warns that '20 percent enriched uranium is approximately 90% of the way to weapon-grade and Iran's stockpile would be sufficient to fuel at least two implosion weapons.' Plus, if further enriched, eventually Khamenei's 5% stockpile could be used to 'fuel at least 10 implosion weapons.' Determining exactly where these stockpiles are located in Iran is job one for U.S. and Israeli intelligence. Are they buried deep inside the rubble of Isfahan, Fordo and Natanz? Or were they moved prior to the strikes? Vice President JD Vance argued in late June that their location is a moot point —that the only question is whether 'Iran enriched the uranium to weapons-grade level, and can they convert that fuel into a nuclear weapon?' But this is not the case. Yes, Iran's remaining centrifuge capacity is also key, but so too is understanding how much fissile material remains and how long it will take Teheran to retrieve it and begin enriching anew. Uranium highly enriched to 60 percent is in a gaseous state and can be stored in cylinders approximately the same size of a scuba tank. Moving or hiding some of them could have been as easy as putting them in the back of a small car or SUV. Iran is not going to give up its nuclear weapons program. Ever since the strikes, it has remained defiant toward Washington. Therefore, the Trump administration must, at a minimum, assume some or all of Iran's enriched stockpiles are either retrievable from the rubble or accessible in an unknown location. Prior to the strikes, Iran Watch reported that Fordow mountain fortress had 2,700 operating gas centrifuges used to enrich uranium. Natanz had 17,000 deep underground and an above-ground facility containing 1,700 gas centrifuges. The latter above ground facility at Natanz, according to International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, was destroyed by Israel on June 13. The jury is still out, however, as to how many of Iran's underground gas centrifuges remain. Much of Iran's nuclear weapons program was built covertly. It is highly likely that Iran has multiple undeclared centrifuge sites. If so, Iran producing one or two Little Boy-type nukes could be achieved at a minimum — and if needed, Tehran certainly has the technological know-how to build new centrifuges. The nuclear ashes of this phoenix are very real. Mythology is not required in order for Iran to resurrect its nuclear weapons program. Russian nuclear scientists pulled from the facilities prior to the airstrikes will likely return to enable Iran. Other aspects of Iran's nuclear program were targeted as well by Israel. Certainly, Tehran's nuclear ambitions have been set back. For instance, at Isfahan, Iran's facility that converts enriched uranium gas — a key weaponization component — to metal was partially destroyed by Israel. Nonetheless, it can be easily rebuilt. As Iran Watch notes, 'only dual-use industrial equipment' is needed to rebuild this part of Iran's nuclear phoenix. Other aspects of Iran's nuclear program were targeted as well by Israel. Israel eliminated at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists. Additional Israeli strikes hit the Kermanshah ballistic missile facility, the Khondab nuclear reactor (which could be used to produce plutonium), and critical supporting military bases and research facilities all over Iran. Yet the head of this Phoenix remains Khamenei. Absent regime change, the Islamic Republic of Iran will aggressively continue to pursue nuclear weapons. Trump did the right thing in striking Iran. Now he must help Israel finish the job and put an end to the Khamenei regime. As we argued previously, Washington cannot negotiate with evil. It must be defeated.
Politico
33 minutes ago
- Politico
Mamdani looks to the mainstream
Presented by Resorts World New York City With help from Amira McKee Zohran Mamdani is staffing up his communications team for the general election, and is pulling from folks with decidedly mainstream Democratic pedigrees — alums of Hakeem Jeffries' super PAC, Kamala 2024, the DNC and Hillary 2016. It's a notable choice as the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City tries to stay on the right path from the People's Republic of Astoria to Gracie Mansion. And tries to win over fellow Democrats like Jeffries, who's still withholding an endorsement while denying reports that he's worried Mamdani's win will keep Democrats from taking back the House. First in Playbook: Former Brad Lander campaign comms director Dora Pekec has joined Mamdani's campaign as press secretary. Before Lander, she was spokesperson for House Majority PAC, House Democrats' campaign arm, which is closely aligned with Jeffries. Zara Rahim is staying on as Mamdani's senior advisor for communications. She's worked in corporate comms for Uber, Nike and other clients, and was on Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign and also served in the White House. The right wing Washington Free Beacon spotlighted Rahim this month for tweeting that she hoped Donald Trump would die, after his 2020 COVID diagnosis. Jeffrey Lerner joined the campaign earlier this month as communications director, The New York Times first reported. He's also an Obama White House veteran, and joined the Democratic National Committee for his reelection. And Penelope Birnbaum, who was a press assistant on Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, is joining Mamdani as a press and digital assistant. The newer hires show a shift from Mamdani's previous team. Comms director Andrew Epstein had been chief of staff to fellow democratic socialist Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and his deputy Lekha Sunder came from New Deal Strategies, a left-leaning firm with clients like the Working Families Party. Sunder's staying in her campaign role, while Epstein is now creative director, managing Mamdani's lauded video team. More staffing changes are coming too, including a new campaign manager. POLITICO reported earlier this month that his CM in the primary, Elle Bisgaard-Church, is taking a new role more focused on the transition to governing. Mamdani has shown a real desire to win over his skeptics who have power, talking with big business leaders and breaking bread with Jeffries, rather than boxing them out. His staunchest DSA allies — many of whom would prefer to give Jeffries the middle finger, Christopher Columbus style — are having to deal with it, The New York Times reported. But the criticism (at least publicly) has been muted, with lefties willing to cede a little power in Mamdani's campaign for the goal of having real 'co-governance' in City Hall, City & State reported. A few new staffers won't be enough to stop mainstream Democrats from teeing off daily on Mamdani — the latest being Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro telling Jewish Insider that Mamdani failed to condemn antisemitism. But Mamdani's brand is strong enough that London Mayor Sadiq Khan's camp is bragging to The Times that they've exchanged texts across the Atlantic. Khan reportedly advised his fellow Muslim leader 'to move to the centre.' — Jeff Coltin HAPPY THURSDAY: Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. MORNING MONEY: CAPITAL RISK — POLITICO's flagship financial newsletter has a new Friday edition built for the economic era we're living in: one shaped by political volatility, disruption and a wave of policy decisions with sector-wide consequences. Each week, Morning Money: Capital Risk brings sharp reporting and analysis on how political risk is moving markets and how investors are adapting. Want to know how health care regulation, tariffs, or court rulings could ripple through the economy? Start here. WHERE'S KATHY? Joining 97 Rock's 'The Shredd & Ragan Show' at 8 a.m. Attending Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University in Rochester. WHERE'S ERIC? Schedule not available as of 10 p.m. Wednesday. QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'Did you ever see that show 'The Good Place?' This reminds me of something that the demon tried to torture people with. Give them something terrible, let them figure it out, and then change it.' — An anonymous ICE agent in Manhattan talking about new federal directives, via Hell Gate's report on the banality of arresting immigrants outside court rooms. ABOVE THE FOLD MAGA-FICATION: New York Republicans are poised to nominate a MAGA-aligned candidate for governor next year — a dynamic that underscores President Donald Trump's dominance over the GOP even in a deep blue state, POLITICO reports. Moderate Rep. Mike Lawler's decision to forgo a gubernatorial campaign opens the door wide for either Rep. Elise Stefanik or Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — two Trump allies — to seek the GOP nomination. It's a turnaround from 2018, when Republican nominee Marc Molinaro — who is now a Trump administration official — told reporters he wrote in former Rep. Chris Gibson in the 2016 presidential race. Democrats are eager for the chance to once again leverage Trump as a foil in his native state, which he has lost three times. Republicans, though, believe the circumstances stand to be different next year in New York, where Democrats have dominated elections for a generation. They point to Hochul's middling poll numbers, persistent voter concerns over crime and affordability, and the prospect of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani leading New York City as reasons for optimism. In short: Trump's seal of approval next year may not be a kiss of death. 'I don't see a situation where he's driving the same kind of turnout in previous gubernatorial elections because of his popularity with independents,' said Republican strategist Dave Catalfamo. 'The media will focus on the fact that Elise is aligned with the president, but the voters are more aligned with the president than ever.' Defeating Hochul is still considered an uphill climb in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-to-1. Hochul reported more than $17 million cash on hand this month for her reelection bid. Next year stands to be a referendum on the White House and the Republican-led Congress. Nevertheless, Trump has shaped the race for governor. The president endorsed Lawler's reelection bid to his swing Hudson Valley House seat — a nod that boosted Republicans' chances of avoiding a potentially costly primary. — Nick Reisman CITY HALL: THE LATEST NATIONAL ATTENTION: A Florida-based Trump super fan filed a new federal super PAC Tuesday named Emergency Committee To Save NYC. Palm Beach polo player Robert Scott Kiger formed another super PAC in 2015 to boost Trump's first campaign, and earned some headlines for his criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement. It's not clear what Kiger plans to do with the new PAC, although presumably he's not a big Mamdani fan, and he didn't respond to a request for comment. At least six other independent expenditure committees have been created at the state level to focus on the general election. That includes Defend NYC, formed by Trump campaign adviser Jason Meister. He told Playbook his will be 'a razor-sharp digital war room' which 'will expose Mamdani's dangerous stances' through 'an unrelenting onslaught of viral videos, precision-targeted digital ads, and influencer-driven attacks will dominate the electorate.' — Jeff Coltin UNBERET-ABLE: GOP mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa is testing out a more business-like look, donning a suit and tie without his signature red beret at a meeting with Steamfitters Local 638 Thursday, per a photo posted on X. 'Polling well. Feeling well,' Sliwa campaign spokesperson Daniel Kurzyna said about the change in style. Sliwa sat in third place behind Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo in a July Slingshot Poll. — Jeff Coltin HOUSING FACT CHECK: No, Adams did not 'build more housing' than his predecessors Bill de Blasio and Mike Bloomberg combined, like he claimed on a recent podcast. But his rezonings are expected to create more units than both of theirs. (Real Deal) More from the city: — Adams urged the Trump administration to inspect conditions at 26 Federal Plaza after complaints of 'inhumane treatment' at the ICE facility. (New York Post) — Instacart is threatening to sue if Adams doesn't veto the bill expanding the city's minimum-pay rule to grocery delivery workers. (Crain's New York) — Criminal summons to cyclists increased 10-fold following an NYPD crackdown (Gothamist) PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING: State lawmakers want to shore up funding for Planned Parenthood in New York after federal funding cuts were approved this month. The federal tax-and-spend measure signed by Trump will negatively impact Planned Parenthood networks, including five in New York, lawmakers wrote in a letter Thursday to Hochul. They want the state to help make up the cuts. 'Together we have diligently sought to protect and expand access to reproductive health care – especially in the wake of the overturn of Roe v. Wade,' the lawmakers, who comprise a caucus of pro-abortion rights elected officials, wrote in the letter. 'We cannot allow federal anti-abortion lawmakers to force us backwards, when we have worked so hard to be a beacon of hope – an access state for all.' The concern is the latest to arise from the federal spending package that state officials must grapple with in the coming weeks. POLITICO Pro previously reported New York's abortion access fund is struggling to keep up with demand as more people from outside of the state seek financial assistance and the procedure's cost increases. — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — Hochul is being urged to support more funding for child care vouchers. (Spectrum News) — Regulators are cracking down on a troubled solar energy company. (NYS Focus) — Striking corrections officers held in contempt are now facing state fines. (Spectrum News) KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION 'IT'S ALL CONNECTED': It feels like Democrats in Washington have been all about Jeffrey Epstein all the time, running circles around Republicans, as POLITICO reported, by sticking their fingers in the wound of the MAGA conspiracy theory. But what about Democratic leaders' pledge to keep the pressure on Republicans over GOP cuts to Medicaid and food assistance as the midterms near? And their resolve to refocus on economic issues that they believe cost them a chance to win back control of the House in 2024? It's one and the same, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Wednesday. 'The reality is that it's all connected,' the Brooklyn Democrat said. 'From the standpoint of Donald Trump, his administration and House Republicans have delivered nothing more than a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires. … Why haven't Republicans released the Epstein files to the American people? It's reasonable to conclude that Republicans are continuing to protect the lifestyles of the rich and shameless — even if that includes pedophiles.' House Democrats were gleefully preparing to force more Epstein-related votes, as the Republicans controlling the chamber ready for an August recess and break from tackling Trump's ties to the disgraced financier and sex offender. Trump has been 'furious' over the attention on the Epstein saga, POLITICO reported. — Emily Ngo BACK THE TAX: Health care lobbyists want Republican members of Congress to help them advocate for a grace period for a lucrative new state tax, which was rendered unlawful by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, POLITICO Pro reports today. If Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signs off, New York could get up to three years to phase out the tax, which could net health care institutions a total of $3.7 billion in Medicaid funding. Rep. Mike Lawler already made the case in a letter to Kennedy and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz. 'Providing the full transition period as allowed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would represent a fair and practical approach, giving states, hospitals, and nursing homes the necessary time to adapt without compromising the long-term intent of the policy,' Lawler wrote in the July 10 letter. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon declined to comment on Kennedy's stance. — Maya Kaufman More from Congress: — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer doesn't want to become his party's bogeyman again as Democrats take on Trump with a fall funding deadline looming. (CNN) — The foot-dragging by congressional Dems hesitant to endorse Mamdani could alienate the young voters the party will need to take back Congress and the White House. (NY1) — A memo finds state Democrats are urging the party to flip state legislatures — or pay the price in 2030 redistricting. (POLITICO) NEW YORK STATE OF MIND — Columbia University says it has reached a settlement with the Trump administration to end federal investigations into civil rights violations stemming from divisive protests. (POLITICO) — Canadian border crossings are down drastically compared to 2024. (Spectrum News) — Equinor booked a nearly $1 billion writedown on its U.S. offshore wind portfolio after the Trump administration halted construction of its offshore wind project off New York. (POLITICO Pro) SOCIAL DATA MAKING MOVES: Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Danielle Sassoon has joined the Manhattan Institute as a senior fellow. (City & State) HAPPY BIRTHDAY: NYC Council Members Tiffany Cabán and Rita Joseph … Cuomo campaign spox Jason Elan … Apex's Barbara Morgan … Threshold Group's Andy McIndoo … NYT's Zolan Kanno-Youngs … WSJ's Kim Strassel … Erica Pelletreau … CNBC's Eamon Javers … The Sentry's Greg Hittelman … Matt Joseloff … Sarah Citrenbaum ... Magee Quick McBride … (WAS WEDNESDAY): Mariane Pearl Missed Wednesday's New York Playbook PM? We forgive you. Read it here.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Number of Home Sales Falling Through Hits Record Level
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The number of pending home sales that fell through hit record-levels for the month of June in 2025, as surging inventory and economic uncertainty continues to plague sellers. According to analysis by real estate firm and brokerage Redfin, over 57,000 home-sale agreements across the U.S. were cancelled in June, equating to around 15 percent of houses that were under contract in the month. This is up from 14 percent a year ago, and marks the highest cancellation rate for any June on record. Why It Matters Redfin said in its analysis that record levels of home sales falling through serves as a reflection of persistent economic unease among buyers, as well as the issues of affordability, inflation and high mortgage rates that may be weighing on their minds. The increased fiscal risks associated with homeownership have also contributed to rising levels of inventory, reducing sellers' leverage and putting power over the housing market more firmly in the hands of prospective buyers. What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future. Others noted that surging levels of inventory have put power in the hands of buyers, leading many to cancel deals when another home within their price range is listed. According to June Housing Market Trends Report, the number of homes for sale in the U.S. rose nearly 30 percent year-over-year, marking the 20th consecutive month of increases. The latest market report from Zillow, and recent data from the St. Louis Fed, similarly showed that housing inventory has risen to post-Covid highs. Analysis from Redfin in May said that high levels of inventory, coupled with subdued demand, had led to a buyer surplus of nearly 500,000. It said that this marks the largest gap between buyers and sellers since 2013. A for sale sign is displayed outside of a home for sale on August 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. A for sale sign is displayed outside of a home for sale on August 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images Despite buyers having greater choice, high prices, mortgage rates, and economic uncertainties have continued to sideline buyers and weigh on home sales in 2025. According to data released Wednesday by the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales fell by 2.7 percent in June to a nine-month low of 3.9 million. Median home prices also rose to $435,300, marking a record high for June and the 24th consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Prior to the release, President Trump on Tuesday blamed persistently weak home sales on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and the central bank's reluctance to lower interest rates, which would likely contribute to mortgage rates declining. "People aren't able to buy a house because this guy is a numbskull," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "He keeps the rates too high." What People Are Saying Crystal Zschirnt, a Redfin Premier agent in Dallas, said: "Buyers have leverage. Some buyers are canceling deals because another home pops up in the same price range that they like better, or because they discover a flaw and get nervous it'll cost too much to fix. I've also heard of some buyers backing out because they're hoping home prices or mortgage rates are going to plummet soon, even though that's unlikely." Nancy Vanden Houten, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics, in comments shared with Newsweek on June's home sales data: "Existing home sales were weaker than expected in June, but we don't think the decline marks the start of a sustained downturn in sales. We look for sales to move sideways over the balance of 2025, before recovering in 2026 as rate cuts by the Federal Reserve get underway in earnest." "Increases in supply should temper home price growth and support sales. Median home prices rose to a record high in June, but the increase was at least partly due to seasonal quirks and we think price growth will trend lower in the second half of this year," she added. What Happens Next? According to Redfin's forecasts, home prices are expected to decline one percent by the end of the year compared to 2024. Despite hopes of mortgage rates soon dropping to six percent, which analysts believe could inject much-needed momentum into U.S. home sales, it anticipates these remaining effectively unchanged at around 6.8 percent.
