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In a new court filing, Special Counsel Jack Smith's team admitted that the FBI altered or manipulated the order of documents seized from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence during the August 2022 raid. The admission reveals that FBI agents used classified cover sheets as placeholders and props, paperclipping them to documents and staging a photograph that was later released to the public. The FBI's actions raise questions about whether the agents had the proper security clearance, expertise, and authority to determine the classification levels of the documents on-site during the raid. Additionally, the location of at least one cover sheet in the physical box did not match the FBI's accounting, calling into question whether the contents of the boxes remain the same as when they were seized This admission contradicts previous statements made by Smith's team, who claimed the evidence was in its original condition. Defense attorneys claim that some placeholders do not match the relevant documents House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan is investigating the alleged tampering, which he believes amounts to "witness tampering" and reflects "serious ethical lapses" in Smith's prosecution. U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon has indefinitely postponed Trump's classified documents trial due to unresolved legal issues and deadlines involving the use of classified evidence. More Info: House Republicans are investigating the possibility of evidence tampering in the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump, following admissions by Special Counsel Jack Smith's team that the order of files recovered from Mar-a-Lago was altered or manipulated after the FBI's August 2022 raid. Previously, Smith's team had claimed that the evidence was in its original condition when seized. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan expressed "grave concerns" about the DOJ's "commitment to impartial judgment" in a letter calling the manipulation of the boxes "witness tampering." The alleged tampering was discovered by the legal team of Trump aide Walt Nauta, who is accused of conspiring with Trump to thwart the investigation and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jordan's letter also reveals that Jay Bratt, a senior member of Smith's prosecution team, allegedly suggested that Nauta's lawyers could receive favorable consideration for future judicial roles if they cooperated with federal officials. Jordan is demanding that the DOJ turn over documents and communications related to potential ethics investigations into Smith and information on why the boxes of documents were manipulated, setting a May 20 deadline for compliance. Trump has been indicted on 40 felony charges, including 32 under the Espionage Act and eight related to lying to prosecutors and obstructing justice, stemming from the 33 boxes of documents seized during the FBI raid. In a recent court filing, Special Counsel Jack Smith's team admitted that the FBI used classified cover sheets as props and placeholders when photographing documents seized from former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence during the August 2022 raid. The admission reveals that FBI agents paperclipped cover sheets to files, laid them on the floor, and staged a photograph that was later released to the public, contradicting earlier statements that the evidence was in its original condition. The FBI's actions raise questions about whether the agents had the proper security clearance, expertise, and authority to determine the classification levels of the documents on-site during the raid. Defense attorneys claim, and the special counsel concedes, that some placeholders do not match the relevant documents, a potentially case-blowing mistake. Additionally, the location of at least one cover sheet in the physical box did not match the FBI's accounting, calling into question whether the contents of the boxes remain the same as when they were seized. Jay Bratt, a lead prosecutor on the case, initially told Judge Aileen Cannon that the boxes were in their original condition, with the exception of classified documents being removed and replaced with placeholders. However, Bratt later admitted that this statement was not entirely accurate. The revelations about the FBI's handling of evidence in the case have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation and prosecution of former President Trump. U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon has indefinitely postponed former President Donald Trump's classified documents trial, which was originally scheduled to begin on May 20. Cannon, a Trump appointee from 2020, cited unresolved legal issues and deadlines involving the use of classified evidence at trial as the reason for the postponement. In her order, Cannon stated that setting a trial date at this point would be "imprudent and inconsistent with the Court's duty to fully and fairly consider the various pending pre-trial motions before the Court, critical CIPA

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced plans on Thursday to significantly increase audit rates for wealthy taxpayers and large corporations, using funds provided by the Democrat-backed Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The audit rate for taxpayers earning more than $10 million is expected to rise by 50%, from 11% in 2019 to 16.5% in 2026. The IRS also plans to triple the audit rates of large corporations with assets over $250 million and increase the audit rates of business partnerships with assets over $10 million by tenfold over the seven-year period. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has repeatedly reassured that audit rates for American households earning less than $400,000 a year will not exceed 2018 levels, a record-low year. To ramp up audits, the IRS is hiring accountants, engineers, economists, data scientists, attorneys, and tax experts, and has added about 11,000 full-time positions since 2022. The agency is also investing in improving its technology, using artificial intelligence to help select businesses to audit, and has recovered $520 million from millionaires who have either not filed their taxes or failed to pay their tax debt.

Special Counsel Jack Smith's team acknowledged key evidence in Trump's classified documents case was altered or manipulated since FBI seizure Legal analysts argue this discrepancy with previous court statements is a serious issue that could undermine the prosecution Trump impeachment whistleblower Eric Ciaramella had close ties to Biden's Ukraine policy as a White House adviser Emails show Ciaramella's involvement in Biden's push to oust Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who was investigating Burisma Holdings while it paid Hunter Biden Ciaramella met with Ukrainian prosecutors, gave readouts to superiors who pushed for Shokin's firing He corresponded with Biden officials on media responses regarding Hunter's Burisma job Ciaramella's role advising Biden on Ukraine policy intersects with current Biden impeachment inquiry in several areas Despite witnessing questionable Biden activities firsthand, Ciaramella apparently didn't raise alarms like he later did about Trump House Republicans argue Ciaramella would be a valuable witness in the Biden impeachment probe more info: Special Counsel Jack Smith's legal team has conceded that crucial evidence in former President Donald Trump's classified documents case was accessed and rearranged after being seized by the FBI. This admission contradicts previous statements made to the court, which legal experts argue could seriously undermine the credibility of the prosecution. The order of documents in some boxes taken from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate differs between the physical copies and digital scans. Prosecutors attribute the inconsistencies to various reasons, including court-ordered access, investigative purposes, and the physical properties of the items in the boxes. However, they acknowledge this contradicts what they had previously understood and represented to the court. Former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy contends that this revelation amounts to evidence tampering and could be highly problematic for the prosecution. The organization of the documents is expected to be a key aspect of Trump's defense, as his team will likely argue that the materials were packed by staff without his knowledge of any classified content. Eric Ciaramella, the whistleblower who triggered President Donald Trump's first impeachment, had significant involvement in the political maneuverings surrounding the Biden family's business dealings in Ukraine, according to recently obtained emails from Joe Biden's vice presidential office. As a national security analyst assigned to Biden's office in 2015, Ciaramella closely advised the vice president when he threatened to withhold U.S. aid from Ukraine unless its top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, was fired. Shokin was investigating Burisma Holdings, a company that employed Biden's son Hunter. Emails show Ciaramella hosted and met with senior Ukrainian prosecutors at the White House, provided readouts to superiors who pushed for Shokin's dismissal, and traveled with Biden to Kyiv during the trip when Biden demanded Shokin's ouster. Ciaramella also drafted media talking points for Ukrainian officials and corresponded with Biden aides coordinating responses to negative press about Hunter's Burisma job. Despite witnessing these events firsthand, there is no evidence Ciaramella raised concerns about the Bidens' activities as he later did regarding Trump. Some former congressional investigators argue that Ciaramella effectively helped conceal a scandal worse than what Trump was impeached over and failed to disclose his own potential conflict of interest. The ongoing trial of former President Donald Trump in New York is shrouded in ambiguity, as the specific crime he is accused of committing remains unclear. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 and 2017. However, falsifying business records is a misdemeanor with a two-year statute of limitations, which would have expired in 2019. Under New York law, falsifying business records can be elevated to a felony if done with intent to commit or conceal another crime. The statute of limitations for this felony charge is five years, but prosecutors missed this deadline as well. The indictment was made possible by a COVID-19-related extension of the statute of limitations, allowing prosecutors to bring charges just before the new six-year deadline. Prosecutors have not specified the underlying crime that would justify the felony charges, and this lack of clarity persists even as the trial is underway. Legal experts argue that this violates the Fifth Amendment, which requires felony charges to be clearly stated in an indictment. If convicted on all 34 felony counts, Trump could face a maximum sentence of 136 years in prison, despite the fundamental questions surrounding the charges against him.

Recent testimony from witnesses in the Trump "hush money" trial appears to contradict Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's central claims Hope Hicks, former Trump communications aide, suggested Trump's primary motivation was to spare his wife embarrassment, not influence the 2016 election David Pecker, National Enquirer CEO, acknowledged providing similar "catch and kill" services for other public figures, not just Trump Keith Davidson, former lawyer to Stormy Daniels, stated the payments were part of a civil settlement agreement, not "hush money" or a "payoff" Jeffrey McConney, former Trump Organization controller, testified that Trump did not personally direct him to make the alleged payments Matthew Colangelo, a top prosecutor in the case, received $12,000 from the DNC for "political consulting" in 2018, according to FEC records Colangelo previously worked in the Obama and Biden administrations and was involved in Trump-related lawsuits and investigations while in the New York Attorney General's office House Republicans are investigating Colangelo's past work as he prosecutes Trump More Info: Several high-profile witnesses called by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in the "hush money" trial against former President Donald Trump have provided testimony that appears to contradict Bragg's primary allegations. Hope Hicks, a former Trump communications aide, testified that Trump's main concern was protecting his wife, Melania Trump, from public embarrassment caused by affair accusations, rather than influencing the 2016 election outcome. Hicks also questioned the role of Michael Cohen, Bragg's key witness and former Trump attorney, stating that Cohen "went rogue at times" and was not closely involved in the day-to-day operations of the presidential campaign. David Pecker, CEO of the National Enquirer, testified that his relationship with Trump predated the 2016 election and the allegations made by Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Pecker also acknowledged providing similar "catch and kill" services for other public figures, not just Trump. Keith Davidson, former lawyer to Stormy Daniels, described the payments as "consideration in a civil settlement agreement" rather than "hush money" or a "payoff," challenging Bragg's claim that the payments were falsely recorded as legal expenses. Jeffrey McConney, former Trump Organization controller, testified that Trump did not personally instruct him to make any of the alleged hush money payments, which is central to Bragg's case. Cohen, who is set to testify against Trump, faces credibility issues. He previously told his former lawyer that he had no incriminating evidence against Trump related to the hush money payments and was sentenced to three years in prison for various crimes stemming from the scheme and for lying to Congress. Legal experts and attorneys have questioned Bragg's decision to call certain witnesses, such as McConney, who failed to establish a clear link between the alleged crime and Trump's knowledge or involvement. Upcoming witnesses may include Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal, Robert Costello (Cohen's former lawyer), and various Trump White House secretaries or campaign officials. a top prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's office currently working on the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, received $12,000 from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2018 for "political consulting." Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show that on January 31, 2018, the DNC Services Corp/Democratic National Committee made two payments of $6,000 each to Colangelo. At the time of the payments, Colangelo was serving as deputy attorney general for social justice under then-New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a role he took over from current Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. In December 2022, Colangelo left a senior position at the Biden Justice Department to join Bragg's office, following the resignations of prosecutors Mark Pomerantz and Carey Dunne, who were investigating Trump and stepped down due to Bragg's initial reluctance to indict the former president. Shortly after Colangelo received the DNC payments, in June 2018, Acting New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood, with Colangelo as executive deputy attorney general, sued the Trump Foundation, alleging that Trump used the foundation's charitable assets to settle legal obligations. The foundation agreed to dissolve in December 2018. On January 20, 2021, Colangelo began serving as acting associate attorney general in the Biden Justice Department and later became the principal deputy associate attorney general, overseeing several divisions. Prior to his work in New York and the Biden administration, Colangelo held various roles in the Obama administration, including positions in the DOJ's civil rights division and as chief of staff to then-Labor Secretary Tom Perez, who later served as DNC chair when Colangelo received the payments for political consulting. Rep. Jim Jor

The Biden administration has proposed a plan that would grant the Secretary of the Air Force sole authority to transfer Air National Guardsmen from any state to Space Force units without requiring governors' approval. The proposal, known as Legislative Proposal 480, affects approximately 1,000 Air National Guardsmen across 14 space units. Governors from all 50 states, territories, and commonwealths have signed letters opposing the proposal, arguing it would undermine their authority and the National Guard's readiness and deployability. Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the proposal an "intolerable threat" and a "power grab," while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said it would "flout more than a century of precedent." A White House official stated that the Biden administration stands by the proposal for a one-time transfer of Air Guardsmen to the Space Force to help expand that division and space security. The proposal is currently under review by the Senate Armed Services Committee, with no further reports on the committee's planned actions. A bipartisan group of 56 House members and 29 senators have urged the Armed Services committees to reject the proposal, calling it "deeply flawed" and a threat to the National Guard system. more info: Republican Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida have joined 48 other state governors and five U.S. territory leaders in condemning a proposal that would allow the Democratic administration to take control of National Guard units away from governors nationwide. The proposal, known as U.S. Air Force's Legislative Proposal 480 (LP480), would enable the Secretary of the Air Force to transfer space functions currently performed by the Air National Guard to the U.S. Space Force without first obtaining gubernatorial consent. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall suggested that LP480 would not set a precedent for other services to take control of National Guard elements without governors' approval, calling it a unique situation due to the creation of the Space Force. Retired Major General Francis M. McGinn, head of the National Guard Association of the United States, warned that the proposal constitutes an existential threat to the National Guard and a significant federal overreach that bypasses longstanding gubernatorial authority. In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the National Governors Association emphasized the importance of retaining the authority laid out in U.S.C. Title 32, Section 104, and noted that LP480 conflicts with existing laws requiring gubernatorial consultation and approval for changes to National Guard units. Abbott and DeSantis penned separate letters on Friday, with Abbott calling LP480 an "intolerable threat" to the Texas National Guard and a dangerous precedent, while DeSantis argued that the proposal weakens Florida's ability to address domestic emergencies, especially during hurricane season. A bipartisan group of senators and representatives has urged the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services committees to keep LP480 out of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, calling it "deeply flawed" and a threat to over 120 years of precedent. A White House official indicated that the Biden administration supports LP480, which is consistent with the structure authorized by Congress for the U.S. Space Force in the fiscal 2024 defense policy bill. A bipartisan group of lawmakers, consisting of 56 House members and 29 senators, is urging the congressional Armed Services committees to reject the Biden administration's proposal to incorporate Air National Guard service members into the Space Force without gubernatorial consent. In a letter dated May 6, the lawmakers argued that the proposal is "deeply flawed" and would "undermine" the nation's National Guard system, which is based on the principle of serving both the country and the community. The lawmakers emphasized that the original intent of the National Guard was to have a force ready to respond to the needs of their state and country, with authority placed in the hands of each state's governor. They further argued that governors bear the responsibility to protect the safety of their citizens by maintaining the readiness and deployability of their National Guard units. The letter was led by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), the founding co-chair of the Space Force Caucus, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). The move, proposed to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2025, would affect about 14 space units, equal to approximately 1,000 Air National Guardsmen. A White House official stated that the Biden administration supports the Defense Department's suggestion for a one-time transfer of National Guard missions into the Space Force, consistent with the structure approved by Congress in the 2024 defense policy bill

According to New York University (NYU), more than half of the protesters arrested were outside agitators. The NYPD arrested 133 individuals at NYU, with only 65 being current students, faculty, or staff. This revelation follows the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams claiming that a significant number of the 283 protesters arrested at Columbia University and CUNY were also external actors. In a surprising move, Shiraz University in Iran announced a scholarship program offering free tuition to American students expelled due to their pro-Palestinian protests. Meanwhile, the student editors of the Columbia Law Review demanded the cancellation of exams, citing trauma caused by the police presence during the clearing of the unauthorized encampment. At Portland State University (PSU), anti-Israel protesters charged at police with makeshift shields made from trash bins but were quickly thwarted. UCLA saw at least 132 demonstrators arrested during a raid on a barricaded encampment. In contrast, Brown University demonstrators and administrators reached an agreement to disband the camp in exchange for a meeting to discuss divestment demands. more details: Over half of the protesters arrested at New York University (NYU) were outside agitators, according to the university. The NYPD arrested 133 individuals at NYU, with only 65 being current students, faculty, or staff. This revelation comes a day after the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams claimed a significant number of the 283 protesters arrested at Columbia University and City College of New York (CUNY) were also external actors. Shiraz University in Iran has announced a scholarship program offering free tuition to American students expelled due to their pro-Palestinian protests. The student editors of the Columbia Law Review demanded the cancellation of exams, citing trauma caused by the police presence on campus during the clearing of the unauthorized encampment. Anti-Israel protesters at Portland State University (PSU) charged at police with makeshift shields made from trash bins but were quickly thwarted. At UCLA, at least 132 demonstrators were arrested during a raid on a barricaded encampment. Brown University demonstrators and administrators reached an agreement to disband the camp in exchange for a meeting to discuss divestment demands.

A congressional hearing on Wednesday exposed glaring inconsistencies between a GOP report and statements made by EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak concerning his organization's involvement in funding controversial research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) before the global health crisis. Daszak denied knowledge of any connection between the WIV and China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), despite a declassified DNI report documenting such links. EcoHealth Alliance also faced scrutiny for failing to submit a crucial year five progress report to the NIH by the September 30, 2019 deadline. Daszak claimed they were "locked out" of the NIH system, but an NIH forensic audit could not verify this claim. Significant discrepancies were found between the initial draft and the final version of the report, which was submitted nearly two years late in August 2021. Furthermore, Daszak vehemently denied accusations of EcoHealth Alliance engaging in gain-of-function research, challenging the subcommittee members' definitions while claiming he lacked a personal definition. More Info: The GOP report alleged wrongdoing by EcoHealth Alliance throughout its coronavirus research, with several details conflicting with Daszak's statements from a closed-door interview with House members in November. Daszak claimed he was unaware of any affiliation between the WIV and China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), stating, "I've never seen any. I've never seen any reliable reporting of any." However, the DNI, whom Daszak admitted to being interviewed by, thoroughly documented the connections between WIV and PLA in a declassified report. EcoHealth Alliance's failure to submit a required year five progress report to the NIH by the September 30, 2019 deadline. Daszak claimed EcoHealth attempted to submit the report but was "locked out" of the NIH system. However, an NIH forensic audit "could not verify the claim." Discrepancies between the initial draft of the year five progress report and the version ultimately submitted to NIH in August 2021, nearly two years after the original deadline. Daszak emphatically denied accusations that EcoHealth Alliance engaged in gain-of-function research, claiming, "EcoHealth Alliance never has, and did not do gain of function research, by definition." However, he challenged multiple subcommittee members' definitions of gain-of-function research and claimed he didn't have a personal definition. The hearing also touched upon the issue of Big Tech censorship of factual information related to the pandemic. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, referenced the federal government's efforts to pressure social media companies to censor posts containing accurate information. When asked whether he thought the government's collusion with Big Tech to "ban" certain scientific analyses "benefited science," Daszak refused to provide a straightforward answer, instead stating, "I think there's been a lot of misinformation, there still is, on social media. I think it's good that social media companies are going to scientists to get information about whether the data they're putting out is true or false." The hearing also delved into the issue of potential coercion by the Biden White House to suppress information related to the lab-leak theory. Emails released as part of an 800-page report from the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government revealed Facebook officials expressing frustration with the pressure they felt from the Biden administration. In one email dated July 2021, Facebook's President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, described the White House as "highly cynical and dishonest." The emails showed that Facebook had censored reports suggesting the virus was "man-made" from February through May 2021, before transitioning to demoting such reports instead. When questioned about why the company removed these reports, a Facebook team member admitted, "Because we were under pressure from the administration and others to do more and it was part of the 'more' package. We shouldn't have done it."

More than 280 anti-Israel demonstrators were arrested at Columbia University and City College of New York overnight in a "massive" NYPD operation. 109 people were arrested at Columbia after the university requested police help to remove a destructive mob that had illegally taken over Hamilton Hall late Tuesday. NYC Mayor Eric Adams blamed the on-campus chaos on insurgents with a "history of escalating situations and trying to create chaos" rather than peaceful protest. Columbia president Minouche Shafik, facing calls to resign for not cracking down sooner, said the violence had "pushed the university to the brink." Shafik recently testified before Congress and refused to say if the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is antisemitic. Over 100 Columbia professors signed a letter defending students who support Hamas' "military action." more info: In a massive overnight operation, the NYPD arrested more than 280 anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University and City College of New York. According to police and Mayor Eric Adams, 109 individuals were detained at Columbia after the university requested assistance in removing a destructive mob that had illegally occupied Hamilton Hall late Tuesday. Adams attributed the on-campus unrest to insurgents known for escalating situations and creating chaos rather than engaging in peaceful protest. Columbia president Minouche Shafik, who faces mounting pressure to resign for her delayed response, stated that the violence had pushed the university to its limits. Shafik recently testified before Congress, where she declined to characterize the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" as antisemitic. Meanwhile, over 100 Columbia professors signed a letter supporting students who back Hamas' military actions. Anti-Israel demonstrations have swept across college campuses nationwide over the past two weeks, with protesters often calling for schools to divest from investments supporting Israel. At GWU, protesters are also demanding the school lift a suspension against a pro-Palestinian student group. Dozens of protesters have been arrested at various universities, including Northeastern University, Emerson College, Emory University, Virginia Tech University, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Mary Washington. The situation has been particularly tense at Columbia University in New York City, where protesters took over a building on Tuesday morning, prompting administrators to threaten expulsion.

The House of Representatives passed a major antisemitism bill on Wednesday, which would crack down on antisemitism on college campuses amid ongoing nationwide protests. The bill, introduced by New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, passed in a bipartisan 320-91 vote and will now go to the Senate. 21 Republicans and 70 Democrats opposed the legislation. The legislation seeks to make the Department of Education adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism when enforcing the 1964 Civil Rights Act on college campuses. The alliance defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" and includes "[r]hetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." Examples of antisemitism include calling for the harming of Jewish people in the name of a radical or extremist view of religion and accusing Jewish people of inventing and/or exaggerating the Holocaust. More Info The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) praised the House's passage of the bill as a "momentous achievement" but emphasized that further efforts are needed to secure its approval in the Senate and its delivery to President Joe Biden for signing. CAM urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prioritize the Antisemitism Awareness Act's passage in the Senate. The bill has faced criticism from some members of both parties who argue that it could restrict free speech. Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who opposed the bill, referred to it as a "hate speech bill" in a social media post. Gaetz stated, "Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words." Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have also called for the passage of a related bill titled "Countering Antisemitism Act." This bill would combat antisemitism through the appointment of a new presidential advisor responsible for implementing the White House's coordinated strategy in dealing with antisemitism. The House's approval of the antisemitism bill was hailed as a significant milestone by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), which simultaneously stressed the necessity for continued efforts to ensure its passage in the Senate and its presentation to President Joe Biden for his signature. CAM called upon Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to make the Antisemitism Awareness Act's passage a top priority in the Senate. The bill has encountered opposition from certain members of both parties who contend that it might infringe upon freedom of speech. In a social media post, Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who voted against the bill, characterized it as a "hate speech bill." Gaetz remarked, "Antisemitism is wrong, but this legislation is written without regard for the Constitution, common sense, or even the common understanding of the meaning of words." Democratic legislators, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have also advocated for the adoption of a companion bill named the "Countering Antisemitism Act." This legislation seeks to address antisemitism by appointing a new presidential advisor tasked with executing the White House's coordinated approach to confronting antisemitism.

According to a review of financial records, More than $5 billion in taxpayer dollars were given to Ivy League schools through sponsorship, grants, and contracts in fiscal year 2023, while another $2.1 billion went to other prominent schools that have recently had anti-Israel rallies. Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Dartmouth, and Cornell, have been the scenes of some of the most high-profile anti-Israel unrest. Republican lawmakers in the Senate and House are calling for the removal of federal funding for schools that refuse to meaningfully address the situations on their campuses. In fiscal year 2023, Harvard received $676.1 million, Princeton $403 million, Yale $776.8 million, Columbia $1.2 billion, Penn $955.6 million, Brown $173.7 million, Dartmouth $133 million, and Cornell $736.3 million in federal funding. An Open the Books study revealed that the eight Ivy League schools, along with Northwestern and Stanford, received "$33 billion [worth] of federal contracts and grants" since 2018, averaging $6.6 billion annually, and an additional $12 billion in special tax treatment benefits on the growth of their endowment gains. more info: The unrest on college campuses began after Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. Students at various schools have set up encampments, calling for divestment from Israel and other demands. Some protesters have engaged in anti-Israel and antisemitic chants, and a few have even clashed with police, leading to arrests. Legal experts argue that the students participating in these protests are violating each school's code of conduct. At Princeton, dozens of demonstrators attempted to erect a tent encampment, resulting in two arrests by university police. The group Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest referred to the police as "pigs" on social media. UT Austin placed an anti-Israel group on interim suspension following the arrest of several students last week. According to a review of financial records, several colleges and universities that have witnessed anti-Israel protests in recent weeks received substantial federal funding in fiscal year 2023. UC Berkeley received over $451.4 million, New York University (NYU) $805.5 million, University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) roughly $645.6 million, and George Washington University (GWU) more than $200 million.

President Joe Biden referred to close US ally Japan as "xenophobic" during a Washington, D.C. fundraiser on Wednesday, just weeks after praising the US-Japan alliance at a state dinner. According to an official White House transcript released Thursday, Biden argued that Japan, along with India, Russia, and China, would perform better economically if they embraced immigration more. "Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they're xenophobic. They don't want immigrants," Biden said. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified on Thursday that Biden was attempting to make a larger point about the US being a nation of immigrants and that he was making a "broad comment" about Japan and India. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he wasn't aware of any communications between the White House and the governments of Japan or India regarding Biden's remarks. The president's comments come less than a month after he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit, during which he said Japan and the US share "the same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom to dignity." more info: At a Washington, D.C. fundraiser on Wednesday, President Joe Biden referred to close US ally Japan as "xenophobic," alongside India, Russia, and China. According to an official White House transcript released Thursday, Biden argued that these countries would perform better economically if they embraced immigration more. The president said, "Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they're xenophobic. They don't want immigrants." Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified on Thursday that Biden was attempting to make a larger point about the US being a nation of immigrants and that he was making a "broad comment" about Japan and India. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said he wasn't aware of any communications between the White House and the governments of Japan or India regarding Biden's remarks.