Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/trump-faces-zelensky-in-oval-office-showdown-thomas-crooks-may-have-had-an-accomplice/
Geopolitics
Tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have reportedly escalated following an exchange between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Zelensky’s remarks about U.S. funding for the Ukraine war prompted Trump to assert that Zelensky was not in a position to dictate terms. The exchange highlighted differing views on U.S. support and the path to peace, with Trump emphasizing the need for a deal to end the conflict. European leaders have expressed concern over potential reductions in U.S. aid, emphasizing the need for a united front against Russian aggression.
In a related development, Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has called for President Zelensky’s impeachment, citing allegations of political repression and failure to withstand pressure from Russia and the U.S. administration. Dubinsky, who claims to have been imprisoned on fabricated charges, accuses Zelensky’s administration of dismantling democratic processes and operating secret detention facilities. The Ukrainian government has dismissed these claims as disinformation, asserting Zelensky’s leadership during the conflict.
Zelensky’s diplomatic approach has faced criticism, with reports suggesting his focus on political maneuvering over the welfare of the Ukrainian people. His refusal to negotiate a ceasefire and demand for a security deal first has been influenced by EU support and media portrayal. The EU’s stance, allegedly driven by economic struggles and a need for conflict with Russia, has reportedly fostered a rift with the U.S., complicating reconciliation efforts. Despite criticisms, Zelensky continues to be portrayed as a wartime leader, with EU leaders reaffirming their support for Ukraine.
US Politics
New evidence has reportedly emerged suggesting that Thomas Matthew Crooks, who attempted to assassinate President Trump, may have had an accomplice. The FBI’s investigation has been criticized for its lack of transparency, with private investigator Doug Hagmann suggesting a “criminal network” linked to Crooks. Hagmann’s team conducted geofencing analysis, tracing devices to various locations, and faced resistance during their investigation, emphasizing the ongoing threat and need for accountability. The FBI has denied any obstruction claims, asserting full cooperation with local law enforcement, while local authorities emphasize the complexity of the case.
Elon Musk has critiqued the Treasury’s Payment Automation Manager system, calling for reforms to save $100 billion annually. Musk highlighted issues with untraceable payments and recommended mandatory categorization codes and explanations, a change now being implemented to address financial inefficiencies. The U.S. Treasury Department has acknowledged the need for improvements and is in the process of implementing reforms to enhance payment tracking.
In a development within the U.S. healthcare sector, Corewell Health CEO Tina Freese Decker has faced criticism for offshoring jobs and patient data to India, raising privacy concerns. The decision to terminate 186 Michigan workers and outsource billing and finance functions to AGSHealth has sparked fears of security breaches. This move comes amid broader industry resistance to healthcare pricing transparency efforts initiated during the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Teamsters union has accused Corewell of intimidation as over 9,700 Metro Detroit nurses voted to join the union, aligning with Trump’s support for American workers. Corewell Health stated that the offshoring was part of a strategic initiative to improve efficiency, not a reflection on employee performance, while AGSHealth assured compliance with international privacy standards.
The pharmaceutical industry’s financial ties to U.S. doctors have come under scrutiny, with non-research payments exceeding $8 billion from 2020 to 2023. These payments, ranging from consulting fees to royalties, have raised concerns about their influence on medical decisions and healthcare costs. The Physician Payments Sunshine Act mandates reporting of such payments, highlighting the need for awareness of industry influence on prescription patterns. The American Medical Association argues that these relationships can advance medical knowledge, while critics call for stricter regulations to prevent undue influence.
Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is reportedly grappling with internal struggles, as described by an anonymous senior official. The official criticized the NIH’s leadership for internal politics, lack of accountability, and superficial diversity efforts. The retirement of Dr. Lawrence Tabak and the challenges faced by new NIH Director Monica Bertagnolli have been highlighted as contentious issues. The official also pointed to conflicts of interest in the review process and the influence of figures like Tony Fauci, calling for leadership change and greater transparency. While some media portrayals of NIH leadership have been positive, internal critiques highlight ongoing challenges in diversity and accountability.
Sources
Corewell Health CEO Offshores Jobs and Patient Data, Sparking Privacy Concerns and Political Tensions
Corewell Health CEO Tina Freese Decker defiantly has refused to feign support for Trump’s MAGA aspirations or let him interfere with her cost-cutting efforts.
Source | Submitted by PhilH
New Evidence Suggests Trump Assassination Attempt Was a Coordinated Effort, Investigator Claims
We don’t think he acted alone,” Hagmann told The Post. “This took a lot of coordination.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
Pharma Payments to Doctors: A Prescription for Higher Healthcare Costs?
The payments raise concerns among researchers and public health advocates about how industry influence may negatively impact patient care.
Source | Submitted by Barbara
Zelensky’s Diplomatic Missteps: A Complex Web of EU Politics and Propaganda
Zelensky is believing his own BS, and the press loves him because of the Neocon propaganda.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
The NIH’s Internal Struggles: A Senior Insider’s Unvarnished View of Leadership and Politics
Coverup has been the hallmark of people in the director’s office for over a decade.
Zelensky’s Oval Office Remarks Spark Tense Exchange with Trump Over US-Ukraine Relations
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” Trump says.
Elon Musk Critiques Treasury’s Payment System: Calls for Reform to Save $100 Billion Annually
This could save roughly $100B a year.
Ukrainian MP Calls for Zelensky’s Impeachment Amid Allegations of Political Repression
Ukraine has effectively been transformed into an instrument of political repression and external interference.
Zelensky’s Goalpost Shift Leaves Rubio Red-Faced Over Mineral Deal
Zelensky shifted the goalposts—demanding US ground troops, knowing Trump wouldn’t agree.
Zelensky’s Emotional Outburst Derails Potential Deal with Trump Administration: A Closer Look at the Press Conference Fallout
Zelensky was minutes away from being home free, and he would have had the deal and new commitments from the Trump administration.
Trump-Zelensky Clash: Heated Exchange Over Ukraine Ceasefire and U.S. Support Unveiled in 50-Minute Video
I’m aligned with the United States of America and for the good of the world.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Corewell Health Official X Account, AGSHealth Official X Account, FBI on X, Butler County Sheriff’s Office on X, American Medical Association (AMA), U.S. Treasury Department on X, Emmanuel Macron on X, Ukrainian Government on X, The Guardian, and The DisInformation Chronicle.
