Epstein Files, Power Panic, and a Government Allergic to Accountability
Another day, another stack of receipts the powerful would very much like you to stop reading. This week’s political chaos runs straight through the Epstein files, courtroom smackdowns, culture-war tantrums, and a federal government that keeps insisting everything is fine while actively setting itself on fire. From resurfacing allegations and billionaire ties to judges blocking authoritarian overreach and Trump threatening comedians instead of answering questions, the pattern is painfully clear: when accountability shows up, power flees or lashes out.
Broligarchy
“Spy Sheikh” Snags $500M Stake in Trump Crypto Firm Days Before Inauguration — Capitol Explodes
A Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser often dubbed the “spy sheikh,” **quietly purchased a 49 % stake in the Trump family’s cryptocurrency company, World Liberty Financial, for roughly $500 million just days before President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, according to company documents and people familiar with the matter. The deal, signed by Eric Trump, routed about $187 million to Trump-linked entities and sparked immediate concerns over conflicts of interest, U.S. national security and possible violations of the Constitution’s emoluments clause — especially after the Trump administration soon approved UAE access to advanced U.S. AI chips. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, are calling for congressional probes into the timing and implications of the investment, while the White House denies any wrongdoing.
American Gestapo
Kristi Noem Faces Calls to Resign or Be Impeached After Controversial Comments
In a new Of The Brave newsletter piece, conservative commentator Donald “J.” Smith argues that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem should either resign or be impeached following backlash over remarks perceived as dismissive of serious concerns, including her handling of recent political controversies and broader cultural issues. The newsletter highlights growing dissatisfaction among grassroots conservatives and some state lawmakers who believe Noem’s comments and leadership approach undermine public trust and fail to uphold Republican values, intensifying pressure on her to step down or face formal proceedings.
Measles Outbreak Rips Through Dilley Detention Center as Trump Policies Are Blamed
A measles outbreak has erupted at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas, where hundreds of immigrant families and children are held under harsh conditions, according to a report condemning the Trump administration’s handling of immigration and public health. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the outbreak and public health experts warned that detention settings create “near-universal exposure risk,” urging coordinated health intervention as unvaccinated populations face rapid spread. The Department of Homeland Security’s response has been criticized as insufficient, with calls rising for the closure of detention facilities and expanded vaccination efforts, framing the crisis as a broader indictment of systemic neglect of immigrant rights and health protections.
Cheeto Von Taco Schitzenpantz
Trump Threatens To Sue Trevor Noah Over Epstein Island Joke — “Get Ready, I’m Going To Have Some Fun With You!”
Following the 2026 Grammy Awards, President Donald Trump publicly threatened legal action against comedian Trevor Noah after Noah quipped during the ceremony that Trump might want a new island to “hang out on with Bill Clinton” now that Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous private island is gone, a reference to long-scrutinized ties between Epstein and powerful figures. Trump took to Truth Social, denied ever visiting Epstein’s island or being accused of doing so, called Noah a “total loser” and “talentless,” and vowed to “send [his] lawyers” to sue him for “plenty$,” framing the comment as defamatory — even as free-speech protections for comedy and satire are well-established under the First Amendment.
Trump’s Surprise Kennedy Center Shutdown Triggers Chaos in D.C., Arts World Pushback
President Donald Trump’s sudden announcement that he intends to close the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for roughly two years starting July 4, 2026 has sparked a political and cultural firestorm, with arts organizations, performers, lawmakers and Kennedy family members criticizing the move as poorly planned and politically motivated. Trump posted the closure plan on social media without prior notice to staff or trustees, saying extensive renovations and a transformation of the venue are needed, even as several top performers and institutions have already canceled appearances in protest of his leadership and the controversial renaming of the center to include his name. Critics argue the decision raises legal questions about governance and congressional authority, threatens long-term artistic programming and job security, and deepens existing tensions over the reshaping of one of America’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Kinzinger Sounds Alarm: Trump Talk of “Nationalize Elections” Is Authoritarian, Not Politics
In a Substack post titled “A Psychopath Talking About Seizing Elections—and a Party Too Cowardly to Stop Him,” former Congressman Adam Kinzinger sharply criticizes Donald Trump’s recent remarks on Dan Bongino’s show in which Trump suggested Republicans should “take over” or nationalize elections, a proposal Kinzinger says undermines constitutional democracy and mischaracterizes unfounded claims of voter fraud. Kinzinger frames this rhetoric as authoritarian, not a policy dispute, arguing that Trump’s push to federalize election control poses a direct threat to the U.S. electoral system and that silence from Republican leaders only enables this erosion of democratic norms. He emphasizes that there is no evidence of widespread illegal voting by immigrants or others, and urges lawmakers to explicitly defend state-run elections and democratic principles rather than shrug off dangerous language.
Epstein Trump Pedo”files”
Epstein Files Reveal New High-Profile Revelations, Trump Pushback, and Payment Correction — February 3, 2026
Today’s Epstein news cycle is dominated by fresh disclosure from the ongoing release of Jeffrey Epstein’s investigative files, including high-profile revelations tied to a bizarre “Snow White” costume request shortly before communications with former banker Jes Staley, further intensifying public scrutiny of Epstein’s network and associates. President Donald Trump publicly denied closer ties to Epstein and threatened legal actions against author Michael Wolff and Epstein’s estate over the recent document dump, while a published correction clarified that Epstein made a $75,000 payment to Peter Mandelson, not £75,000 as previously reported — underscoring how nuanced details in the files continue to emerge as millions more pages are released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Department of Injustice
Feds Finger So-Called “Leader of Antifa” — But the Paper Trail Doesn’t Add Up
Investigative reporter Ken Klippenstein reveals that a federal law enforcement affidavit has identified a person described as a “leader of Antifa,” but documents and public records cited by the government appear to be thin, misleading or unrelated to any organized Antifa structure, casting doubt on the narrative being pushed by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecutors. The report highlights how references to Antifa have increasingly been used in charging documents and public statements despite no formal national organization existing, and notes that in this case the individual’s supposed leadership role is based on social-media activity and generic counter-protest involvement rather than evidence of an organized chain of command. Klippenstein’s analysis raises questions about prosecutorial overreach, political framing and how law enforcement labels dissent in the post-Trump era. (kenklippenstein.com)
Bipartisan Fury Erupts Over DOJ Comments on “Partying” With Epstein — Parnas Clears His Name Too
In his latest The Parnas Perspective newsletter, journalist Aaron Parnas reports a surge of bipartisan outrage after the U.S. Department of Justice’s deputy attorney general **suggested it was “not a crime” to attend social events with Jeffrey Epstein, igniting criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, survivor advocates and public figures demanding accountability. Parnas also addresses and categorically denies online rumors falsely claiming his name appears in the Epstein files, clarifying he was a toddler during Epstein’s crimes and dismissing the claims as malicious misinformation. The post highlights ongoing dissatisfaction with how the Trump Justice Department has handled redactions, deadlines and transparency around the release of millions of Epstein-related investigation files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, fueling calls for greater protection of survivors’ privacy and legal compliance from federal authorities.
The Resistance
Judge Blocks Noem Again — Immigration Oversight Rule Shot Down in Federal Court
A **U.S. District Judge has issued another court order blocking South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s latest immigration policy after she attempted to impose a new requirement forcing members of Congress to give seven-day notice before visiting immigration detention facilities — a move opponents said undermined legislative oversight and federal law. Judge Jia Cobb found Noem’s January 8 policy likely used funds restricted under federal appropriations law and granted a temporary restraining order, preventing the notice rule from taking effect while the broader legal challenge proceeds, reinforcing earlier rulings that such congressional visits can’t be curtailed without violating statute. The decision marks a significant judicial rebuke of ongoing Trump-era immigration enforcement policies and highlights continued friction between federal courts and the administration’s detention practices.
JoJoFromJerz Rips GOP as “Craven, Cuckholding Cowards” in New Substack Rant
In a fiery new Substack post titled “Craven Cuckholding Cowards,” political commentator JoJoFromJerz unleashes blistering criticism of Republican lawmakers for what she describes as their consistent failure to hold Donald Trump and his allies accountable, particularly on issues from the Epstein files to shifting ethical lines in GOP politics. Jo accuses figures like Marco Rubio of cowardice and argues that Republicans repeatedly “move the line” to excuse conduct she sees as indefensible, framing her argument around a broader trend of partisan cover-ups and moral surrender — a critique that has resonated widely on social media and sparked debate about political courage and accountability.
What We Are Watching Today
- House Session
- Netflix CEO Testifies on Proposed Acquisition of Warner Bros.
- National Institutes of Health Director Testifies on NIH Modernization Live
- Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Swiss Banks and Nazi Money
- Senate Session, Part 1 Live
- NASA Officials Hold Briefing Following Artemis II Rocket Testing
- Senator Mark Warner Holds News Conference on Intelligence Oversight
- House and Senate Democrats Examine DHS Immigration and Enforcement Tactics
Featured Resisters
Today’s Call to Action
- Contact your lawmakers
- Decide what your roll for the New National No Kings protest will be and start working it
- organizer
- Support staff
- Participant
- Digital Propaganda
- Download and share the new graphics for the March 28th No Kings International Protest and help recruit resisters.
- Send These Pre Written Letters
- Sign These Petitions
This isn’t about gossip. It’s about systems that protect the wealthy, silence survivors, punish dissent, and dare the rest of us to look away. Don’t. Read the files. Share credible reporting. Call your representatives. Support independent journalists. Show up to court watch, protests, and town halls. Power depends on exhaustion and confusion — Resistance Kitty recommends neither. Stay loud. Stay curious. Stay ungovernable (politely, legally, and with receipts).