Latest news with #Russia-gate
Sydney Morning Herald
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Trump told in May that his name appears in Epstein files: report
Washington: US President Donald Trump is among many of Jeffrey Epstein's associates whose name appears in the 'Epstein files' – records from investigations of the financier's alleged sex-trafficking crimes – according to a US media report. The Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal reported Attorney-General Pam Bondi and her deputy informed the president his name was in the documents during a meeting at the White House in May, citing officials familiar with the exchange. Trump was told many other high-profile figures were also named, according to the Journal 's story. The meeting was reportedly a routine briefing and Trump's appearance in the files was not the focus. Being named in the files is not necessarily an accusation of wrongdoing. Trump was friends with Epstein in the 1990s, and they mixed in the same New York social circles, before falling out in the 2000s, according to Trump. But the report of Trump's appearance in the documents will intensify speculation about why the administration has refused to release the files – something Trump indicated he would do – and fuel anger in the president's MAGA base. Loading In a statement to this masthead, White House communications director Steven Cheung did not explicitly deny The Wall Street Journal story, but said it was a continuation of 'fake news' stories aimed at attacking Trump. 'The fact is that the president kicked [Epstein] out of his club for being a creep,' Cheung said, referring to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. 'This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media, just like the Obama Russia-gate scandal, which President Trump was right about.'
The Age
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Age
Trump told in May that his name appears in Epstein files: report
Washington: US President Donald Trump is among many of Jeffrey Epstein's associates whose name appears in the 'Epstein files' – records from investigations of the financier's alleged sex-trafficking crimes – according to a US media report. The Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal reported Attorney-General Pam Bondi and her deputy informed the president his name was in the documents during a meeting at the White House in May, citing officials familiar with the exchange. Trump was told many other high-profile figures were also named, according to the Journal 's story. The meeting was reportedly a routine briefing and Trump's appearance in the files was not the focus. Being named in the files is not necessarily an accusation of wrongdoing. Trump was friends with Epstein in the 1990s, and they mixed in the same New York social circles, before falling out in the 2000s, according to Trump. But the report of Trump's appearance in the documents will intensify speculation about why the administration has refused to release the files – something Trump indicated he would do – and fuel anger in the president's MAGA base. Loading In a statement to this masthead, White House communications director Steven Cheung did not explicitly deny The Wall Street Journal story, but said it was a continuation of 'fake news' stories aimed at attacking Trump. 'The fact is that the president kicked [Epstein] out of his club for being a creep,' Cheung said, referring to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. 'This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media, just like the Obama Russia-gate scandal, which President Trump was right about.'
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS We're still struggling to deport illegal Afghans
'The Americans have so much to learn.' 'You mean that a multipolar world is emerging, and the US is no longer the sole superpower?' 'No that they have learned – didn't Rubio say that during an interview way back in February or was it March?' 'They have already learned the concept of First Daughter, how to engage in effective propaganda – remember the by now debunked Russia-gate charge levelled by Hillary Clinton against Trump and…' 'Crooked Hillary is how Trump used to refer to her; but that is not what I was referring to when I said the Americans have much to learn from us.' 'How about using laws to arrest and detain those who criticize…' 'There are two differences: one our laws were recently enacted so PECA laws have enabled cases against those using modern means of communication, but the US invoked some centuries old law to detain aliens; and two the US has been deporting aliens, but we are still struggling to deport Afghans though one can see some changes there and…' 'Was that what you were referring to when you said…' 'No, I was actually referring to the publication of a letter purportedly written by Trump and sent to the deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in the Wall Street Journal. In my book, while a handwriting expert can give you a high degree of probability that the letter was written by Trump, yet it cannot be conclusively proved because there must be experts who can forge someone's handwriting.' 'Hmmmm I haven't heard of such experts.' 'IF there are those who can forge the work of great masters, Monet and Van Gogh and…' 'I get your drift. So what is your point?' 'My point is that in our land we don't release letters we release audio tapes and on some occasions videotapes.' 'Which require forensic analysis.' 'As does handwriting but forensic experts are able to distinguish deletions and additions and…' 'I get it, but you know the letter is more than two decades old – a time when letter writing was the preferred method at the time, now of course with the revolution in communications…' 'Hey back off bozo.' 'Excuse me!' 'Members of our parliament continue to write letters, they clearly prefer it, Sadiq the Speaker sent a letter to the Election Commission, the Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless wrote at least one open letter…' 'There you go, that's something the Americans can learn from us – open versus closed letters now If Trump had written an open…' 'Don't be facetious.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Business Standard
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
'Let's move on': Elon Musk shrugs off drug use accusation at White House
The New York Times report alleges Elon Musk frequently used ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelics during his time in Trump's administration, sometimes daily, raising concerns over his behaviour New Delhi Elon Musk's tenure as part of US President Donald Trump's administration has come under renewed scrutiny following a New York Times investigation alleging frequent drug use and erratic behaviour. The report alleged Musk consumed ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms while serving as a 'special government employee' at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to sources cited in the report, Musk's drug use — reportedly far more frequent than he previously admitted — sparked alarm among government insiders. Although Musk claimed in a March 2024 interview with journalist Don Lemon that he used ketamine in 'small doses every two weeks', news reports allege he often took it daily, contributing to bladder issues. 'If you've used too much ketamine, you can't really get work done, and I have a lot of work,' Musk told Lemon. Musk's daily medication box allegedly held around 20 pills, including Adderall, intensifying concerns about his physical and mental well-being. His influence in the administration grew alongside a $275 million donation to Trump's presidential campaign, deepening questions about the intersection of power and substance use. Erratic conduct in office Despite SpaceX's strict drug-free workplace policy, insiders claim Musk received advance warnings of random drug tests, undermining the system's integrity. Being classified as a 'special government employee', Musk was exempt from many federal restrictions on drug use — though recreational use of substances like ecstasy and ketamine would typically violate federal workplace policies. Musk deflects during farewell speech When Fox News's Peter Doocy questioned Musk about the New York Times allegations during his farewell speech at the White House, Musk responded dismissively. 'Is the New York Times, is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia-gate? Is that the same organisation? I think it is,' Musk said, turning to Trump. 'I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russia-gate hoax, and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on.' White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also avoided addressing concerns over Musk's drug use. 'The drugs we're concerned about are the drugs pouring across the southern border. Next question,' he told reporters.
India.com
31-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Elon Musk Shrugs Off NYTs Drug Consuming Report During DOGE Stint
New Delhi: Elon Musk's tumultuous stint in Donald Trump's administration has sparked intense backlash following a scathing New York Times expose claiming alleged frequent drug use during his time at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The report alleges Musk's frequent indulgence in ketamine, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, sparking concerns about his judgment and fitness for his government advisory role. However, Musk vehemently dismissed the allegations during his farewell speech at the White House, with Trump by his side, launching a scorching attack on the publication instead of addressing the substance of the claims. It's worth noting that Musk's role in the administration was part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he led a team of young staffers and employees from his companies to overhaul federal agencies. While answering a question raised regarding this issue, Musk underscored, "The New York Times is that the same publication that got a Pulitzer Prize for false reporting on the Russia Gate? Is it the same organization? I gotta check my Pulitzer counter." Turning to Trump, he again said, "I think it is." Aiming his gun further on the publication, he added, "I think the judge just ruled against the New York Times for their lies about the Russia-gate hoax, and they may have to give back their Pulitzer Prize. That New York Times, let's move on." — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2025 Furthermore, when White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was asked about concerns regarding Musk's drug use, he avoided the topic, saying, "The drugs we're concerned about are the drugs pouring across the southern border. Next question." The report further stated that Musk and his lawyer did not respond to requests for comment this week about his drug use and personal life. He has previously said he was prescribed ketamine for depression, taking it about every two weeks. And he told his biographer, 'I really don't like doing illegal drugs.' Musk's daily medication box reportedly held around 20 pills, including Adderall, intensifying concerns about his physical and mental well-being during a period when he donated $275 million to Trump's campaign and took on a prominent role in the administration, the report further quoted.
