DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou: “It’s Trump’s Economy Now”

Fresh off taking control of 10% of Intel, Donald Trump is expanding his takeover of the economy by going after the Fed. On the “DeProgram show with political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou,” we’ll deprogram you from the day’s news coverage and tell you the truth about the top stories. • Trump Fires Federal Governor: The President fires Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven mortgage fraud allegations by FHFA Director Bill Pulte. The move intensifies pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates. Cook denies wrongdoing, as the Justice Department investigates. • Australia Accuses Iran of Arson Attacks: Australia accuses Iran of directing arson attacks on a Jewish business and synagogue, leading to severed diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Albanese calls these acts attempts to sow discord. Intelligence links the attacks to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, now designated a terrorist group. • France’s Political Crisis and Antisemitism: Prime Minister Francois Bayrou gambles on a confidence vote for his debt-cutting plan, likely leading to his government’s collapse and potential snap elections, as opposition parties vow to vote against it. Markets tumble with the CAC 40 index down nearly 2%, reflecting fears of destabilization and higher bond yields. Rising antisemitism, including vandalism and assaults on Jewish sites, draws criticism from U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner, who accuses Macron's government of insufficient action, escalating diplomatic tensions. • DNC Covers Harris: The Democratic National Committee covers $20.5 million in outstanding bills from Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign through a handshake deal, using funds from donor solicitations. Harris's operation raised money earmarked for these debts without full disclosure to small donors, who received nearly 100 emails promoting contributions for future elections. The arrangement, legal but opaque, helps obscure the campaign's financial shortfall while bolstering DNC infrastructure, though party cash reserves dwindle compared to Republicans. • Man Arrested for Flag Burning Near White House Federal authorities arrest a 20-year combat veteran for setting an American flag on fire in Lafayette Square, protesting Trump's executive order cracking down on flag desecration linked to incitement or violence. The arrest occurs hours after Trump signs the order, directing vigorous prosecution for flag burning tied to other offenses, despite Supreme Court protections under the First Amendment. The veteran declares the act a response to an "illegal fascist president," highlighting tensions over free speech and symbolic protest.