Latest news with #PragerU
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Propaganda platform PragerU is primed to capitalize on Trump's PBS cuts
Donald Trump and the GOP's move to slash more than $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's budget is putting children's educational programming offered through the Public Broadcasting Service at risk. And right-wing indoctrination platforms — in particular, PragerU — are in position to capitalize. This week, Republican lawmakers inflicted serious damage in their yearslong war on Big Bird, with passage of their Trump-backed rescissions package. In response, The Washington Post raised the legitimate question of whether American children will now be turning to vacuous and absurd web content to occupy their time, such as the popular 'Skibidi Toilet' series. It's not a far-fetched possibility. But also not the scariest. Because if conservatives have their way, more children will be educated with explicitly right-wing propaganda — like that provided by PragerU, the online content mill whose namesake, Dennis Prager, has admitted his goal is to 'indoctrinate' children with a right-wing ideology. The organization, which has faced backlash for downplaying racist atrocities like chattel slavery and the slaughter of Indigenous people, hasn't hidden its desire to overtake PBS as a provider of children's content. 'Arming parents and educators with the pro-America content they are craving — we are going toe-to-toe with massive youth media companies like PBS Kids and Disney,' PragerU said in its 2022 annual report. PragerU has already entered partnerships with states to produce educational materials. Oklahoma's far-right school superintendent, Ryan Walters, even announced this month that his state will use a new ideology test from PragerU for certification of teachers who come from states with what he called 'progressive education policies,' something he said is necessary to protect students from 'radical leftist ideology.' That gives you a sense of how well-positioned PragerU is in the conservative movement's propaganda and indoctrination plans. And the White House has done its part to promote PragerU as it has waged war on PBS, as well. The Trump administration has partnered with the platform on a 'Founders Museum' exhibit for White House visitors. As tech outlet 404 Media explained, the attraction comes complete with digital assets like this 'AI-slopified' version of John Adams, who was made to regurgitate a saying popularized by right-wing influencer — and PragerU contributor — Ben Shapiro. As 404 Media noted, the White House videos conclude with a disclaimer that says: 'This partnership does not constitute or imply U.S. Government or U.S. Department of Education endorsement of PragerU.' But that's laughable. As Trump and his allies gut PBS programming and promote this right-wing alternative, the message seems clear: 'Move over PBS, and make way for PragerU.' This article was originally published on
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Walters still considering run for governor, said there's no true MAGA representative running
In an interview with the News Press Wednesday, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters said he's still considering a possible run for governor of Oklahoma. Walters said the question about his possible candidacy comes up a lot when he's visiting with Oklahomans. 'We haven't made a decision on that yet,' Walters said. 'I get (the question) wherever I go, and it's very humbling. It's an honor to have Oklahomans (ask).' Walters pointed out that Oklahoma is a Republican state, and all 77 counties in the state voted for President Donald Trump. 'People are frustrated. They see that there's no candidate out there that's backing President Trump, and backing the Make America Great Again agenda. ... They want to see that candidate,' Walters said. On Tuesday, Walters announced a partnership with conservative nonprofit PragerU to vet teachers moving into Oklahoma from states with 'progressive education policies.' PragerU will supply the Oklahoma State Department of Education with an America First Assessment that evaluates teachers on 'their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, their understanding of American exceptionalism, and their grasp of fundamental biological differences between boys and girls.' 'We're sending a clear message: Oklahoma's schools will not be a haven for woke agendas pushed in places like California and New York,' Walters said in the release. 'If you want to teach here, you'd better know the Constitution, respect what makes America great, and understand basic biology. We're raising a generation of patriots, not activists, and I'll fight tooth and nail to keep leftist propaganda out of our classrooms.' The Oklahoma gubernatorial election is more than a year away, and six candidates have already announced their intention to run for governor. Those candidates include former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Charles McCall, Democrat House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Oklahoma State Senator Mike Mazzei, business owner Leisa Mitchell Haynes (originally from Stillwater) and former Republican senator Jake Merrick of 'The Jake Merrick Show.' Drummond and McCall, considered two of the frontrunners, would likely disagree with Walters' assessment they are not MAGA candidates, as both have sought to align themselves with Trump in campaign material. McCall's campaign has called him an 'America First' candidate. Drummond's main campaign website includes a photo with Trump on the front page and gives about 20 seconds of his three-minute pop-up ad to images of Trump. Oklahoma congressman Kevin Hern, who represents Oklahoma's first congressional district, pulled out of the gubernatorial race in December 2024. In a letter to constituents that News 9 obtained, he wrote that President Trump's agenda in the next year would be intense and he was concerned about the 217-215 slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. 'Put simply, one member of the House could obstruct President Trump's agenda, and I will not let that be me,' Hern wrote. News Press Editor Beau Simmons contributed to this report.
Int'l Business Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Oklahoma Mocked as Teachers Set to Undergo 'America First' Screening to Obtain License: 'Trying to Uphold That 49th Out of 50th in Education'
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is implementing a new "America First" assessment for new teachers relocating to the state. The test, developed with conservative media non-profit, PragerU, is targeted at teachers relocating from states deemed to have progressive education policies. "Oklahoma's schools will not be a haven for woke agendas pushed in places like California and New York," Superintendent Ryan Walters said. The test will reportedly measure educators' knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, understanding of "American exceptionalism," and grasp of "fundamental biological differences between boys and girls." "We're raising a generation of patriots, not activists," Walters continued. "I'll fight tooth and nail to keep leftist propaganda out of our classrooms." The final version of the assessment is expected in the coming weeks, with plans for immediate implementation. "We're thrilled to join Oklahoma in answering parents' urgent call against senseless woke indoctrination," PragerU CEO Marissa Streit said. "This assessment will stop extreme leftist ideologues from harming children and ensure teachers champion America's greatness and future potential." Online, the announcement was met with ridicule, with critics referencing national education rankings that place Oklahoma among the worst performing states. "They're just trying to uphold that 49th out of 50th in education," one Reddit user quipped. Others called it an effort to produce "J6 patriots," accused officials of wanting "followers not thinkers," and joked the state was "really gunning for that 50th spot." Critics also noted the irony of demanding smaller government while imposing new ideological screenings on educators. "No educator is relocating to pathetically retrograde Oklahoma to teach anyway," one commenter added. Teacher unions in Oklahoma declined to comment until more details about the assessment are made public. OSDE, under Walters, has recently implemented several controversial reforms, including new pro-America social studies standards and lifetime teaching bans for serious misconduct. Originally published on Latin Times
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Epstein files: What is the Kash Patel honeypot theory about his country singer girlfriend? Why is it driving MAGA crazy?
There are moments in politics when disappointment curdles into betrayal. For Donald Trump 's MAGA base, the long-awaited unsealing of the Jeffrey Epstein files was one such moment. Promised revelations that would expose the darkest secrets of America's elite, what they received instead was a bureaucratic anticlimax – court filings without new names, and a Justice Department memo confirming what many refused to believe: Epstein died by suicide, and no hidden 'client list' exists. Ironically, one of the loudest voices once demanding full exposure of Epstein's secrets – Kash Patel – now finds himself at the centre of an unproven conspiracy theory of his own. In the void left behind, conspiracy theories have rushed to fill the silence. Chief among them is the so-called 'Kash Patel honeypot theory,' a narrative that blends espionage, personal relationships, and unresolved public trauma into a potent cocktail of suspicion. The Anatomy of a Conspiracy Theory — KremlinTrolls (@KremlinTrolls) The honeypot theory begins with a simple espionage trope: seduction as a weapon. Throughout intelligence history, from KGB operations in Cold War Berlin to Mossad missions in Beirut, romantic entanglements have been used to extract secrets, recruit assets, and compromise targets. On X, a viral post by @KremlinTrolls on July 10 invoked this history to suggest that Alexis Wilkins – a 26-year-old country musician and conservative commentator – might be a Mossad agent assigned to manipulate Kash Patel, the 45-year-old Indian-American lawyer who Trump picked to be FBI director. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Resolve alerts efficiently with dynamic risk prioritization for the cloud CIO | AWS Learn More Undo The Age Gap – a nearly two-decade difference, seized upon by conspiracy theorists who ask why an 'attractive young woman' would date a Trump loyalist with Patel's polarising public image. The PragerU Connection – Wilkins is a prominent presenter for PragerU, whose CEO, Marissa Streit, served in Israeli military intelligence. The theory leaps from Streit's biography to allege a clandestine recruitment network. The Epstein Files – Patel had previously implied the FBI held a list of Epstein's powerful associates. His current leadership role coinciding with the Justice Department's closure of the case is cited as suspicious. What is PragerU? Founded in 2009 by conservative radio host Dennis Prager and businessman Allen Estrin, Prager University (PragerU) is not an accredited academic institution but a digital media organisation producing short educational videos promoting conservative viewpoints. Its content covers topics ranging from economics and history to culture and foreign policy, often criticised for partisan framing but praised by supporters as a counterweight to liberal academia. Its current CEO, Marissa Streit, served in Israeli military intelligence before moving to the US, a biographical detail conspiracy theorists cite in their honeypot narrative. Wilkins' Response to the Conspiracy Theory Alexis Wilkins has addressed the honeypot allegations directly, though without naming specific accounts. In a statement on social media, she said: 'I've spent my career saying no to anything that would compromise my character and working to restore America. It's disappointing to see people with no real contribution to political discourse spin ridiculous conspiracy theories out of thin air. These accusations are obviously insanely ridiculous and coming from accounts that are farming because their engagement dried up after Trump's win.' She further added: 'I would encourage anyone interested to actually research the facts of my life — they're readily available. My happy relationship, my work, my Christian faith, and my integrity speak for themselves.' Kash Patel Then vs Now: The Shifting Tone In 2022 and 2023, Kash Patel was among the loudest voices demanding transparency on Epstein. He framed the case as a test of American justice, repeatedly urging the FBI to 'put on your big boy pants' and release the names of alleged co-conspirators. He called the Epstein files 'the ultimate proof of elite criminality.' Yet after his confirmation as FBI Director under Trump in 2025, Patel's tone has shifted dramatically. Today, he echoes the Justice Department line, referring to the files as 'a matter closed by due process' and insisting there is 'no further actionable intelligence' within them. For his critics, it is a jarring reversal that feeds suspicions of institutional capture; for his defenders, a pragmatic acceptance of legal reality. But the honeypot narrative cannot be understood in isolation. It emerges at a time of profound disillusionment within the Trump movement. For years, MAGA influencers promised their followers that the Epstein case would expose the ruling class. Dan Bongino told listeners Epstein 'was murdered' to protect elites. Pam Bondi hinted she possessed the client list herself. Patel demanded the FBI reveal 'who the pedophiles are.' When the files arrived last week, there were no bombshells. No Hollywood or Washington elites newly implicated. Just depositions, flight logs, and travel receipts – public records confirming little beyond what court proceedings had already established. The sense of betrayal stems from: Shattered Expectations – Years of promises created a narrative too powerful to unwind quietly. The anticlimax felt like a cover-up. Leadership Contradiction – Figures who fuelled the suspense were suddenly silent or evasive, prompting accusations of deception or cowardice. Political Fallout – With midterms looming, MAGA insiders fear broken promises could fracture trust, though few expect long-term loyalty erosion. Why the Honeypot Theory Resonates Conspiracy theories rarely flourish in political certainty. They thrive where unanswered questions remain. The honeypot narrative leverages this fertile ground: Espionage history lends it superficial plausibility. The Epstein mystery remains unresolved in the public mind. An interracial, age-disparate relationship invites prurient scrutiny. Yet it remains speculation – no documents, leaks, or investigations support the idea that Wilkins is a Mossad operative. What it reveals instead is a cultural psychology: the refusal to accept disappointment without seeking an enemy to blame. The Big Picture It is ironic that Kash Patel, once a crusader demanding conspiracies be unveiled, now finds himself their target. The honeypot theory is not about espionage. It is about faith – faith in narratives that make betrayal easier to stomach. For a movement built on promises of unmasking hidden truths, the Epstein files offered only silence. And in that silence, MAGA found its greatest fear: not that the elites remain hidden, but that there was nothing left to reveal at all.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Why date an unattractive Indian-American': Kash Patel's girlfriend smeared into Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy
FBI director Kash Patel 's girlfriend Alexis Wilkins is dominating the headlines at a time when anger is mounting over the US administration's denial of the very existence of Jeffrey Epstein files. Multiple conspiracy theories such Donald Trump administration dropped the Epstein case, his name was in the files as claimed by Elon Musk, or because Jeffrey Epstein was a Mossad agents, have been doing rounds on social media amid a major MAGA meltdown. Now, surprisingly Kash Patel's 19-years-younger girlfriend Alexis Wilkins has been dragged into the Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy. Many social media users have wondered whether the FBI and the US Justice Department's refusal to release the list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients could have something to do with Alexis Wilkins. A post has gone viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, which claims that Alexis Wilkins works for an "NGO that's basically Israeli intelligence". "And seriously, why would an attractive young woman date a not so attractive Indian American. Classic honey pot," the post claimed adding that Alexis works for PragerU . "Plus: she is 26 and he is 45. Red flags all over," the conspiracy theorist noted. Alexis Wilkins is indeed affiliated with PragerU, as she's listed as a presenter on the organization's official website. However, the viral claim attempting to link PragerU to Israel appears to be a stretch. It alleges that Marissa Strey, PragerU's CEO, previously served in the Israeli Defense Forces' military intelligence unit. ALSO READ: After Texas, flood warning in North Carolina after severe rainfall from Chantal's remnants. Check latest update Live Events Why is Kash Patel girlfriend's dragged into Epstein controversy? Many social media users and conspiracy theorists have pointed out that Kash Patel claimed for years that FBI had a list of rich and wealthy people to whom Epstein trafficked underage girls. Now, since the Justice Department has said that Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a 'client list' and said no more files related to the wealthy financier's sex trafficking investigation would be made public and Kash Patel's refusal to release the list after being appointed as FBI director, has raised eyebrows. 'Kash Patel claimed for years that the Epstein files were under direct control of the director of the FBI and called for them to be released. But, now after he's been made the director of the FBI, he claims that the Epstein list doesn't exist, even though Pam Bondi said it was sitting on her desk,' reads one comment on Reddit. 'This really comes across as trying to cover up for Trump, especially after Musk said he's in the files,' another person said. ALSO READ: Big blow to Trump as Supreme Court declines to let Florida enforce its controversial immigration law How does Alexis Wilkins fit in here? Country music star Alexis Wilkins is dating Kash Patel. Online sleuths have uncovered that Wilkins contributes to PragerU, a US-based media outlet known for promoting conservative and pro-capitalist perspectives. Some internet users claimed that PragerU operates as 'an Israeli/Zionist front' and accuse it of attempting to suppress the release of the Epstein files. 'Kash Patel's girlfriend is a Jewish 'country singer' and works for Prager U, run by Dennis Prager whose CEO is a known former Mossad operative. Epstein Island was a blackmail operation for Mossad,' reads one post on X. "Alexis Wilkins is a PragerU media personality, political commentator, country music artist, and published writer. Alexis was born in the USA, raised in both Europe and Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is currently based in Nashville. Alexis uses her platform and experiences as a public speaker, musician, and conservative student to promote education, America-first values, and veteran causes. She is an ambassador for Turning Point USA and a contributor to The Unity Project," the PragerU bio of Alexis Wilkins said. ALSO READ: NASA employees layoffs: Trump administration planning to cut over 2,000 senior staff across 10 regional centers The US Justice Department and FBI have concluded that notorious sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein did not have a so-called client list that could implicate high-profile associates, and that he did take his own life - contradicting long-held conspiracy theories about the infamous case. While campaigning last year, President Donald Trump promised to release files relating to the disgraced financier. But since he returned to office in January, some of his supporters have grown frustrated with the administration's handling of the case and for failing to deliver new revelations. Kash Patel also vowed to give out the details of explosive in the Esptein case but five months into the administration, the White House has abruptly closed the investigation. Officials concluded there was no foul play in Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death, affirming it was a suicide in his prison cell—not a murder. The swift closure of the case triggered a backlash among right-wing commentators, some of whom are now floating unverified theories that Epstein was a Mossad agent and that the case is being buried to protect intelligence secrets. ALSO READ: 'No water, mosquitoes like elephants': Alligator Alcatraz's detainees detail horrifying inhumane conditions Is there a Mossad link? The Mossad is the national intelligence agency of Israel. The alleged link between Jeffrey Epstein and Mossad is a conspiracy theory that has circulated online and in some media discussions — but there is no confirmed or publicly verified evidence that Epstein worked for or was connected to Mossad. Conspiracy theorists claim that Epstein was working on behalf of Mossad to bring down influential people. 'Why date an unattractive Indian-American': Kash Patel's girlfriend smeared into Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy
