IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies at 54 in accidental drowning
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has sent a thinly veiled warning to President Donald Trump over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Trump has become increasingly irate over the focus on the case from both 'radical left lunatics' and some of his MAGA followers, who have demanded to know more about what's in the so-called 'Epstein files.' Trump has been trying to sweep the story under the rug since the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that there was no 'client
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Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump to check out Federal Reserve's pricey renovations
The Federal Reserve, known for its tight lips, structured formality and extraordinary power to shape the global economy, finds itself putting out the welcome mat for President Donald Trump. Trump and his allies say a $US2.5 billion ($A3.8 billion) renovation of the Fed headquarters and a neighbouring building reflects an institution run amok — a belief they hope to verify in a Thursday afternoon tour of the construction site. The Fed allowed reporters to tour the building before the visit by Trump, who in his real estate career, has bragged about his lavish spending on architectural accoutrements that gave a Versailles-like golden flair to his buildings. The visit is an attempt to further ratchet up pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whom the Republican president has relentlessly attacked for not cutting borrowing costs. Trump's attacks have put the Fed, a historically independent institution, under a harsh spotlight. Undermining its independence could reduce the Fed's ability to calm financial markets and stabilise the US economy. "This stubborn guy at the Fed just doesn't get it — Never did, and never will," Trump said Wednesday on Truth Social. "The Board should act, but they don't have the Courage to do so!" On Thursday, reporters wound through cement mixers, front loaders, and plastic pipes as they got a close-up view of the active construction site that encompasses the Fed's historic headquarters, known as the Marriner S Eccles building, and a second building across 20th Street in Washington. Fed staff pointed out new blast-resistant windows and seismic walls that were needed to comply with modern building codes and security standards set out by the Department of Homeland Security. The Fed has to build with the highest level of security in mind, Fed staff said, including something called "progressive collapse," in which only parts of the building would fall if hit with explosives. Sensitivity to the president's pending visit among Fed staff was high during the tour. Reporters were ushered into a small room outside the Fed's boardroom, where 19 officials meet eight times a year to decide whether to change short-term interest rates. The room, which will have a security booth, is oval-shaped, and someone had written "Oval Office" on plywood walls. The Fed staff downplayed the inscription as a joke. When reporters returned through the room later, it had been painted over. Plans for the renovation were first approved by the Fed's governing board in 2017. Fed staff also said tariffs and inflationary increases in building material costs also drove up costs. Trump in 2018 imposed a 25 per cent duty on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum. Steel prices are up about 60 per cent since the plans were approved in June, while construction materials costs overall are up about 50 per cent, according to government data. Fed staff also pointed to the complication of historic renovations — both buildings have significant preservation needs. Constructing a new building on an empty site would have been cheaper. The Fed has previously attributed much of the project's cost to underground construction. It is also adding three underground levels of parking for its second building. Initially, the central bank proposed building more above ground, but ran into Washington, DC's height restrictions, forcing more underground construction. When construction began in 2022, the Fed estimated the cost at $US1.9 billion ($A2.9 billion), and it has since grown by about 30 per cent. Trump wants Powell to dramatically slash the Fed's benchmark interest rate under the belief that inflation is not a problem, but Powell wants to see how Trump's tariffs impact the economy before making any rate cuts that could potentially cause inflation to accelerate. The renovation project has emerged as the possible justification by Trump to take the extraordinary step of firing Powell for cause, an act that some administration officials have played down, given that the Fed chair's term ends in May 2026. Pushing Powell out also would almost certainly jolt global markets, potentially having the opposite effect that Trump wants as he pushes for lower borrowing costs. When asked last week if the costly rebuilding could be grounds to fire Powell, Trump said, "I think it sort of is". Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Post
19 minutes ago
- New York Post
Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh can represent himself at trial, federal judge rules
The man charged with trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at one of his Florida golf courses last year was given clearance by a federal judge Thursday to represent himself in his upcoming trial. Ryan Routh appeared in front of U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon in Fort Pierce a day after his court-appointed attorneys asked to be removed from the case. However, Cannon ruled that Routh's attorneys must remain on standby and denied their request to be withdrawn. Prior to allowing Routh to represent himself, Cannon told him that his court-appointed attorneys 'will defend you far better than you can defend yourself' and 'I strongly urge you not to make this decision.' 'These are nice ladies… How [can] they defend me and say I'm not a dangerous person if they're afraid of me?' Routh said at one point. 'They don't appreciate me and they're afraid of me.' The attorneys described Routh's claims as untrue. The 59-year-old was wearing beige jail scrubs and appeared disheveled during the court appearance, during which he was taking notes despite being shackled at the wrists. 6 Ryan Routh was given clearance by a federal judge Thursday to represent himself in his upcoming trial. X/Ryan_wesleyrouth 'Mr. Routh has now refused six attempts from members of our office/the defense team to meet with Mr. Routh. As a result, undersigned counsel submits that the attorney-client relationship is irreconcilably broken. It is clear that Mr. Routh wishes to represent himself, and he is within his Constitutional rights to make such a demand,' the lawyers wrote in a filing late Wednesday night. The lawyers added that they went to speak with Routh on Tuesday at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, but were informed that Routh didn't want to meet with them. Routh is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms violations for the Sept. 15, 2024, incident in Florida, the second attempted assassination plot against Trump in a matter of months. 6 Ryan Routh was pictured following his arrest in Martin County, Florida, on September 15. MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/AFP via Getty Images 6 The photo shows a sniper's nest that Routh made, according to reports. US District Court Southern Florida 6 Routh is charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple firearms violations for the Sept. 15, 2024, incident in Florida. Martin County Sheriff's Office He has pleaded not guilty. Fox News Digital reported earlier this month that Routh wrote an unusual letter to the judge asking why the death penalty isn't on the table — and proposing that he be included in a prisoner swap with U.S. adversaries, even suggesting he be sent to freeze in Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier. 'Why is the death penalty not allowed? At nearly 60, a life of nothingness without love — what is the point? Why is it not all or nothing?' Routh wrote in the letter on the case docket. 6 Routh's assassination attempt was the second attempt on Donald Trump's life. Getty Images 'I had wished for a prisoner swap with Hamas, Iran… or China for Jimmy Lai or one of the 40 others, or to freeze to death in Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier… so I could die being of some use and save all this court mess.' He then sarcastically adds that the judge could send him away, which would give Trump a symbolic win. 'Perhaps you [Judge Cannon] have the power to trade me away… An easy diplomatic victory for Trump to give an American he hates to China, Iran, or North Korea… everyone wins.' 6 Prior to allowing Routh (pictured) to represent himself, U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon told him that his court-appointed attorneys 'will defend you far better than you can defend yourself' and 'I strongly urge you not to make this decision.' Routh blasted his legal team, accusing them of ignoring his questions, refusing to write to him, and undermining him. 'It was ridiculous from the outset to consider a random stranger that knows nothing of who I am to speak for me… I will be representing myself moving forward,' Routh wrote. 'They do not want the case and I no longer want to listen to how horrible a person I am — I can beat my own self up; I do not need help.' 'Best I walk alone.'
Axios
19 minutes ago
- Axios
What are the Epstein files? All you need to know
Calls for the Trump administration to release the remaining Epstein files are growing. The big picture: Attorney General Pam Bondi released in February more than 100 pages of documents that she described as the "first phase of the declassified Epstein files," but she faced scrutiny over why the lack of significant new revelations — something she blamed on the FBI. The Department of Justice's handling of evidence in the case has triggered a rare conflict between President Trump and his MAGA base — and prompted a Republican-led House committee to pass a Democrat's motion to subpoena the Justice Department on the Epstein files. What are the Epstein files? The Epstein files are the evidence gathered by law enforcement working on investigations into the late financier and convicted child sex offender, and his associates. That includes Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in Florida after being found guilty of sex trafficking and other charges in 2021. This collection of materials are referred to as the Epstein files, which includes the documents released by Bondi. Among the documents that Bondi released were flight logs, a redacted contact book and masseuse list and an evidence list, but other records remain under seal. More than 1,000 pages of documents were already unsealed by a federal court in January 2024. Does the Epstein client list exist? Bondi was asked on Fox News in February about whether the DOJ would release a list of Epstein's clients. "It's sitting on my desk right now to review," she replied. "That's been a directive by President Trump. I'm reviewing that." However, the DOJ and FBI announced this month they have no evidence he blackmailed powerful figures, kept a "client list" or that he was murdered, as many in MAGA circles have speculated. FBI deputy director Dan Bongino, who as a podcaster questioned official findings that Epstein died by suicide in his New York cell while awaiting charges of sex trafficking minors in 2019, clashed with Bondi over the handling of the files and took a day off work in response. What is Trump's connection to Epstein? Trump was photographed with Epstein on multiple occasions and called him a "terrific guy" in a 2002 interview, but the Washington Post reported they had a falling out two years later over a foreclosed oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, after the president outbid him for the property. "I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you," Trump said after Epstein was arrested in 2019. Trump has not been implicated in any of Epstein's illegal behavior. The latest: Bondi notified Trump months ago that he was named in the Epstein files, multiple outlets reported this week. But the DOJ called the reports false. The AG and deputy attorney general Todd Blanche allegedly told the president this spring that his name, as well as those of other high-profile individuals, appeared as they re-examined documents related to the case that hadn't been made public, per the New York Times. "This is a collection of falsehoods and innuendo designed to push a bulls**t narrative and drive clicks," DOJ spokesperson Gates McGavick said about the reports. It was not immediately clear what the documents were, or in what context Trump's name was raised. What has Trump's reaction been? The president has faced pressure from MAGA circles since the conclusion of his administration's review of the case and tried to move his base on from Epstein. "Are people still talking about this guy, this creep?" Trump said in response to a reporter's question on his administration's handling of the files earlier this month. "This guy's been talked about for years. That is unbelievable." Days later, he denounced "PAST supporters," whom he described as "weaklings," for their focus on what he called the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax." Trump maintains any documents linking him to Epstein are a "hoax" cooked up by the same forces behind the Russia investigation. The president announced last week he had directed Bondi to release all relevant grand jury testimony in the Epstein case, subject to court approval. Zoom in: Trump sued the Wall Street Journal last week over a story describing a "bawdy" birthday letter bearing his name that the outlet says was given to Jeffrey Epstein. The president said he personally warned the WSJ and owner Rupert Murdoch "that the supposed letter" was "a FAKE."
