Vance to Meet With FBI, DOJ Officials Over Epstein Strategy, Possible Maxwell Interview Release

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Vice President JD Vance is expected to meet with senior officials from the Department of Justice and the FBI to determine the administration’s next steps in handling the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal — including whether to release the administration’s July interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, multiple sources confirm.

The high-stakes meeting will take place at the vice president’s residence and is expected to include Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to CNN and a source familiar with the planning who spoke to the Daily Caller.

The central topic of discussion will be how to craft a unified and credible response to mounting public and political pressure surrounding the Epstein case. During a two-day interview in July, Blanche reportedly questioned Maxwell about nearly 100 individuals allegedly tied to Epstein’s operations — a move many believed would lead to long-awaited transparency. However, expectations were dampened after a leaked memo, published by Axios, claimed that the investigation had concluded and no formal “client list” would be released.

Vice President Vance’s scheduled meeting comes amid growing frustration among the president’s base, many of whom feel misled after years of speculation surrounding Epstein’s network and the individuals allegedly involved. Former President Trump has recently attempted to downplay the investigation, calling the public narrative a “hoax.”

Following her interview with federal officials, Maxwell — who is currently serving a 20-year sentence — was quietly transferred from a federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security facility in Texas. Meanwhile, her legal team continues to push for privacy, filing a motion earlier this week to keep grand jury transcripts sealed in the Southern District of New York.

Public pressure has continued to mount for transparency, with one official telling the Caller, “You can arrest all the drug leaders and cartel leaders, but people want closure on this case, and the attorney general must find a better way to reconcile that.”

As the administration weighs whether to release the Maxwell interview — or potentially other sealed materials — the outcome of Vance’s meeting could signal a turning point in one of the most secretive and politically charged investigations in recent history.

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DOJ Requests DNI Documents Following Gabbard Criminal Referral on Russiagate Conspiracy

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has sent the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) a request for a treasure trove of documents related to the ongoing federal investigation into the Obama administration’s Russiagate operation, The Federalist has learned. According to a letter to ODNI senior adviser Paul McNamara, which was obtained by The Federalist, the DOJ has requested from ODNI a wide array of documents about the Obama administration’s 2016 and 2017 attempts to frame then-President-elect Donald Trump as an agent of Russia who stole the 2016 election from Hillary Clinton.

The request comes on the heels of the declassification and public release of records from late 2016 and 2017 which show how top intelligence and law enforcement officials — including former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former DNI James Clapper — conspired to fabricate a narrative that Russia meddled in the 2016 election in order to elect Trump. The declassified records showed that top intelligence experts objected to the narrative, highlighted myriad issues with the so-called intelligence used to support false claims about Trump, and even told Brennan that he was misrepresenting facts and ignoring counter-evidence as part of a push to attack Trump, cripple his transition, and even hijack his presidency.

Fox News reported on Monday that the DOJ had authorized the empaneling of a federal grand jury to investigate whether Comey, Brennan, or other top Obama administration officials committed any crimes as part of their operation to use the nation’s top intelligence and law enforcement agencies to smear Trump.

The DOJ letter from a federal prosecutor, which was sent in response to a request from Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard for the DOJ to investigate any potential criminal wrongdoing related to the production of the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that claimed without evidence that Russia sought to elect Trump in 2016, asks for 12 different categories of documents related to Gabbard’s criminal referral.

“Pursuant to the authority and director of the United States Attorney General, I have been assigned responsibility for investigating this criminal referral,” the letter states. (Read more from “DOJ Requests DNI Documents Following Gabbard Criminal Referral on Russiagate Conspiracy” HERE)

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Clinton Subpoenas Shock D.C. as House Expands Epstein Files Probe

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In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing congressional probe into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, House Republicans have issued sweeping subpoenas to former federal officials — including Bill and Hillary Clinton — demanding testimony and records tied to Epstein’s long history of sex trafficking and alleged government cover-ups.

The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-KY), announced Tuesday that it is seeking sworn depositions from more than a dozen high-profile figures, including former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller, as well as six former U.S. Attorneys General. The Department of Justice has also been ordered to produce unredacted records — dubbed the “Epstein Files” — by August 19.

The move comes just days after the DOJ interviewed Epstein’s notorious accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison. According to her legal team, Maxwell answered questions about “100 different people” and has been subpoenaed again to appear before Congress, potentially signaling a shift in strategy as her appeal heads to the Supreme Court.

“The facts and circumstances surrounding both Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell’s cases have received immense public interest and scrutiny,” Comer wrote in his letters, emphasizing the need for full transparency into the federal handling of Epstein’s prosecution and connections.

Among the most notable names on the subpoena list are:

Former President Bill Clinton, who flew aboard Epstein’s private jet at least 26 times.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, scheduled to testify on October 9.

Former FBI Directors James Comey (Oct. 7) and Robert Mueller (Sept. 2).

Former AGs Bill Barr, Jeff Sessions, Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Alberto Gonzales, and current AG Merrick Garland.

Clinton representatives have not commented on the subpoena. Legal experts note that former presidents may claim executive privilege, though such claims often face limitations in congressional investigations.

The broader investigation intensified after the July 6 release of a DOJ-FBI memo stating no “client list” was found, despite public assurances from Attorney General Pam Bondi that thousands of pages of Epstein-related material were under review. Former Epstein associate Maxwell was questioned again later that month.

President Trump has called for full disclosure of the Epstein records, asserting on Truth Social that the American people “have a right to know.” He also criticized the DOJ for “overpromising and under-delivering” on its handling of the case.

Trump’s political rivals have long attempted to tie him to Epstein due to a past social acquaintance. However, Trump says he cut ties with Epstein in the mid-2000s and has consistently supported full public release of any credible records.

As pressure mounts, observers are questioning whether Maxwell will begin cooperating more fully in exchange for clemency — and whether the Clintons or others will actually appear before Congress as scheduled.

Illegal Chinese Immigrant and Accomplice Charged in High-Stakes U.S. Microchip Smuggling Case

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Two Chinese nationals — one of whom is residing in the United States illegally — are facing serious federal charges for allegedly smuggling advanced U.S. microchips designed for artificial intelligence applications to China in violation of U.S. export laws, the Department of Justice announced.

Chuan Geng, of Pasadena, California, and Shiwei Yang, an illegal immigrant from El Monte who overstayed her visa, have been charged under the Export Control Reform Act. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in federal prison.

According to the federal affidavit, the pair operated an El Monte-based business, ALX Solutions Inc., from October 2022 to July 2025. The company allegedly exported tens of millions of dollars’ worth of sensitive AI-related GPUs and high-performance microchips to China without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Rather than ship the items directly, Geng and Yang allegedly routed their exports through Singapore and Malaysia — countries frequently used as transshipment hubs to mask illegal activity. These shipments were also paid for by companies based in China and Hong Kong, not by the entities listed on export records.

One shipment in December 2024, along with more than 20 others, included chips described by federal investigators as “the most powerful GPU chip on the market”, designed specifically for cutting-edge AI functions, such as autonomous vehicles, diagnostic tools, and other military-adjacent or sensitive technology.

Incriminating evidence was reportedly found on the pair’s mobile devices, including messages about using Malaysia to circumvent export regulations.

Yang was arrested on Saturday, while Geng turned himself in later the same day. The case is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin S. Scott, Joseph Guzman, and Jenna Long of the Central District of California, with support from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

“This case underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign actors seeking to undermine U.S. technological advantages,” said one DOJ official familiar with the investigation.

Authorities have not disclosed whether additional arrests or charges may follow.

Biden Debate Performance Blamed on Stutter, Not Mental Decline, Adviser Tells Congress

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In closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee, a senior White House official defended President Joe Biden’s controversial debate performance by attributing his struggles to a lifelong stutter rather than any signs of cognitive deterioration.

Bruce Reed, who served as deputy chief of staff for policy, reportedly told congressional investigators that concerns about Biden’s mental fitness are unfounded. According to a source familiar with the proceedings, Reed emphasized that the president’s verbal slips during the debate were a result of his known speech impediment, not mental decline.

Reed has been a longtime Biden confidant, previously serving as chief of staff during Biden’s vice presidency and playing central roles in both of his presidential campaigns. His comments came as part of a transcribed interview during an ongoing investigation into the president’s health and decision-making process.

The timing of the June debate — widely criticized by both parties — was not, according to Reed, a reaction to voter concerns about Biden’s age or stamina. Instead, it was scheduled early to “get ahead of early voting and the 2024 Olympics,” Reed testified.

Reed also confirmed that Biden’s team anticipated questions about a cognitive exam ahead of the ABC interview with George Stephanopoulos. According to the same source, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s personal physician, allegedly dismissed the value of cognitive tests, calling them “meaningless.”

Reed was not the only senior Biden official to testify. Steve Ricchetti and Mike Donilon, both key White House advisers, also spent hours in closed-door sessions last week. Ricchetti reportedly supported Reed’s explanation of the president’s performance, while Donilon said he had no knowledge of the controversial use of an autopen — an automated signature device — in signing official correspondence.

Meanwhile, other figures close to the president have declined to testify openly. Anthony Bernal, who previously served as chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden, along with aide Annie Tomasini and Dr. O’Connor, all invoked their Fifth Amendment rights during committee questioning, according to sources.

The Oversight Committee continues to examine whether White House staff have been forthright with the American public about the president’s health and whether internal protocols are in place to ensure transparency at the highest levels of government.

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Trump Admin Reverses Course After Outrage Over Israel Boycott Funding Ban

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The Trump administration has rolled back a controversial policy that would have blocked federal disaster preparedness grants from cities and states engaged in boycotts against Israel. The change came just days after updated funding guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sparked widespread criticism.

On Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released guidelines for its upcoming grant cycle, which governs the distribution of over $1.9 billion in emergency preparedness funding. The guidance originally referenced a DHS provision that prohibited awarding funds to jurisdictions involved in “discriminatory prohibited boycotts”—a phrase specifically defined to include boycotts of Israeli companies or entities doing business with Israel.

The policy language, which appeared to mirror anti-boycott measures found in some state laws, quickly drew backlash—not only from critics of Israel’s policies but also from prominent voices within the MAGA movement, who accused the administration of applying political litmus tests to public safety funding.

By Monday, DHS quietly updated the guidance, removing the explicit reference to anti-Israel boycotts while retaining more general anti-discrimination provisions. The reversal came after increased public scrutiny and pressure from right-leaning commentators and media outlets.

A DHS spokesperson clarified that no state or city had been denied funding and that no new restrictions had been imposed. “FEMA grants remain governed by existing law and policy, not political viewpoints,” the spokesperson said, adding that the department enforces anti-discrimination laws, including those concerning the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement.

The initial proposal could have affected more than $300 million in emergency preparedness funding and over $1 billion in anti-terrorism support for major cities. While the policy is no longer in effect, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. policy toward Israel and how domestic political positions on the issue can impact federal funding.

President Trump has maintained strong public support for Israel, but this incident shows that policies seen as punishing dissent—even perceived anti-Israel sentiment—can create political friction, even among allies.

FEMA declined to comment on the policy update or its original inclusion in the funding requirements.

Jack Smith Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Election Interference, Hatch Act Violations

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Federal authorities have launched a formal investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith following allegations that he may have violated the Hatch Act — a law designed to prevent political activity by government officials while performing official duties.

According to documentation reviewed by the New York Post, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent agency charged with enforcing the Hatch Act, has initiated the probe through its Hatch Act Unit. Senior Counsel Charles Baldis reportedly confirmed the investigation via email.

At the heart of the allegations are concerns that Smith may have used his position within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to influence the 2024 presidential election — specifically in a manner detrimental to former President Donald Trump.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who also chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, applauded the move in a public statement.

“I commend the Office of Special Counsel for treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Jack Smith is not above the law,” Cotton said. “His conduct appears to have been politically motivated and aimed squarely at undermining President Trump’s campaign.”

He also criticized Smith’s attempt to bypass normal judicial channels and take the case directly to the U.S. Supreme Court without sufficient justification.

“The goal wasn’t justice. It was speed — and the motive was clearly political,” Cotton added. “This was campaign interference dressed up as legal process.”

The Office of Special Counsel has not publicly commented beyond confirming that a review is underway.

Smith, appointed as Special Counsel under the Biden administration, previously led two high-profile federal investigations into Donald Trump — one focused on Trump’s retention of classified materials at Mar-a-Lago, and the other examining his role in the events surrounding January 6, 2021. Both investigations have since concluded without resulting in a conviction, and the cases have been dropped.

Cotton is now urging OSC to complete its investigation and, if warranted, hold Smith accountable for what he describes as “an unprecedented attempt to sway the outcome of a presidential election through federal authority.”

“These weren’t the decisions of a neutral public servant,” Cotton concluded. “They were the calculated moves of a partisan figure operating from inside the Department of Justice.”

The outcome of the investigation could have major implications, not only for Jack Smith personally but also for future interpretations of the Hatch Act and its role in maintaining political neutrality within the federal government.

MTG Warns of Generational Collapse: “One of the Most Startling and Tragic Statistics I’ve Seen”

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Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed deep concern this week over what she described as a “startling” collapse of traditional milestones for young Americans — namely marriage and homeownership — warning that an entire generation may be missing out on the foundation of the American Dream.

The Republican lawmaker, who is also a mother of three adult sons aged 22, 25, and 27, took to social media to voice her frustration following the early adjournment of House business by Speaker Mike Johnson. The session was reportedly cut short in part to avoid a floor vote on a bipartisan resolution to unseal documents related to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Greene, a co-sponsor of the measure seeking the release of the so-called “Epstein Files,” criticized the decision to leave Capitol Hill early, calling it another example of “political gamesmanship” taking precedence over issues that impact American families.

“I’m fighting for my kids and their entire generation. Their future is all that matters to me,” Greene posted on X (formerly Twitter).

As part of her ongoing advocacy for what she calls “real American priorities,” Greene posted a dramatic chart showing a steep drop in the number of 30-year-olds who are both married and own a home — from more than 50% in the 1950s and 60s to just 12% projected for 2025.

“This is one of the most tragic and eye-opening statistics I’ve seen,” she wrote. “Marriage, family, and homeownership are the ultimate trifecta of stability and happiness. I hope we can reverse this downward trend.”

The graph underscores a growing concern among conservatives and some economists who point to rising housing costs, inflation, student debt, and cultural shifts as contributing factors to young adults delaying — or entirely forgoing — marriage and buying property.

Greene’s remarks reflect broader frustrations among many Americans who feel the promise of upward mobility has dimmed for their children, despite technological advances and a booming financial sector. Critics argue that the current economic framework has increasingly locked out younger generations from attaining the same quality of life their parents and grandparents enjoyed.

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Soccer Fan Booted from Stadium for Wearing MAGA Hat

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A soccer fan attending a St. Louis City SC game over the weekend was kicked out of the stadium — not for unruly behavior, but for wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat.

Michael Weitzel, the man at the center of the controversy, recorded part of the incident and shared it on social media. The footage shows him being confronted by three security officers at Energizer Park, home of the MLS team, and told he had to leave the premises due to the political nature of his apparel.

According to Weitzel, the stadium security cited a ban on political messages. “I’m being evicted from the premises because of Donald Trump,” he said. “We can’t wear Donald Trump hats in public, and so now I’m being evicted.”

The confrontation quickly sparked a debate online after another attendee posted the video and noted what many see as a glaring inconsistency: while pro-Trump gear is prohibited, pride flags and trans-themed banners are a regular sight in the stadium.

MLS’s official fan code of conduct prohibits “electioneering, campaigning or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issue, or government action.” Critics argue the rule is selectively enforced — banning conservative political messages while allowing left-leaning social statements.

Neither MLS nor St. Louis City SC have publicly addressed the situation as of Sunday afternoon.

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Second American Citizen Allegedly Killed by Israeli Settlers in West Bank

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A U.S. citizen has died following an alleged attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, marking the second American fatality linked to settler violence in less than a month.

Khamis Abdul Latif Ayyad, 41, reportedly died from smoke inhalation after fires were set to vehicles and homes in the village of Silwad, located northeast of Ramallah, late Thursday night. According to reports from the Miami Herald and Palestinian news sources, the fires were allegedly started by Israeli settlers who entered the village under cover of darkness.

“We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in the town of Silwad in the West Bank,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said. “We offer condolences to the family on their loss and are providing consular assistance to them. We condemn criminal violence by any party in the West Bank.”

Ayyad’s family said the fire broke out after settlers torched several cars and homes in the neighborhood. A funeral was held Friday in Silwad. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm his cause of death.

The attack comes amid growing unrest in the region, where violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians has intensified throughout 2024. Ayyad is now the second American citizen confirmed dead as a result of that violence this month.

On July 11, 20-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet died after reportedly being beaten by settlers during clashes near the northern West Bank village of Burqa. That incident followed the hurling of rocks at Israeli civilians, which escalated into physical altercations, arson, and blockades, according to the Israeli Defense Forces. Musallet’s injuries allegedly went untreated for two hours because emergency medical crews were denied access by settlers, a friend of the victim told The Washington Post.

Ayyad had lived in the United States with his wife since 2008, but returned to the West Bank with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is remembered by relatives as a devoted husband and father.

“He was loved by everyone,” his brother told reporters. “He caused no problems at all.”

Ayyad leaves behind his wife and five children, ages 6 to 15.

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