Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you’re having a great Sunday. This afternoon, two major developments demand our attention.
First: a growing number of U.S. service members are now reaching out to outside legal counsel to determine whether the orders coming from President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are lawful. That alone is extraordinary.
Second: I am continuing to track the Epstein files vote. Survivors are urging the public to call their representatives and make their voices heard ahead of Tuesday’s critical decision. The pressure they are applying, and the response from the public, will shape what happens next.
Everything I am reporting is only possible because of you. We are breaking through echo chambers, reaching tens of millions of Americans, and we are not beholden to corporations, billionaires, or political machines. We answer only to you and to the truth. If you want this work to continue, and if you believe independent media willing to push back has never been more important, subscribe today.
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I will have another update for you tonight.
Growing numbers of U.S. military personnel are seeking outside legal advice about the legality of Trump-ordered missions including lethal strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats with little publicly released evidence and politically contested National Guard deployments to U.S. cities, amid concerns about pressures within the chain of command, possible violations of U.S. and international law, and the limits of DOJ-asserted immunity.
Legal experts warn that while the orders are not clearly unlawful based on available facts, unanswered questions about their legal basis, accountability, and potential exposure to prosecution (domestic or international) are driving officers, especially those involved in planning, to seek independent guidance to avoid unlawful actions and long-term moral injury.
Epstein survivors are urging the public to call and email their representatives ahead of Tuesday’s critical vote to release the files.
In a tense exchange, ABC’s Jonathan Karl challenged the president’s claim that Thanksgiving costs are down 25%, pointing out that Walmart’s cheaper holiday package includes less food than last year, while adviser Kevin Hassett struggled to respond and said he didn’t understand Karl’s point.
Sen. John Barrasso declined to commit to a Senate vote on releasing the Epstein files, arguing the push is politically motivated and claiming Democrats are trying to make Trump a lame-duck president, adding that he will not assist in that effort.
Rep. Ro Khanna defended the bipartisan push to force release of Jeffrey Epstein–related files, stressing it is about justice for survivors rather than Trump, as he and Rep. Massie secured enough House signatures for a vote despite Trump and the White House calling the effort a hoax and pressuring Republicans to withdraw, while divisions grow inside the GOP and supporters argue transparency could politically benefit the president and prevent future accountability failures.
Trump sharply criticized Indiana Republican lawmakers for refusing to pursue mid-decade redistricting, singling out top GOP leaders, urging primary challenges against those who oppose new maps, and warning the decision could cost the party House control, even as state leaders say they lack the votes to advance the effort despite heavy pressure from Trump and the administration.
The USS Gerald R. Ford’s arrival in the Caribbean marks the largest U.S. military buildup near Venezuela in generations, reinforcing a 12,000-troop force under “Operation Southern Spear” after 20 lethal boat strikes, fueling regional and international concern that the Trump administration’s counterdrug rationale masks escalating pressure on Maduro and raises the possibility of broader military action.
Sen. Chris Murphy said potential U.S. military strikes on Venezuela appear to be a political distraction from rising prices and the Epstein scandal, warning that “no one wants a war with Venezuela” and calling such action “wildly illegal.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene said Trump’s recent attacks calling her a “traitor” and “lunatic” were hurtful and dangerous but expressed hope for reconciliation, as their split deepens over the push to release Epstein files; she defended her support for transparency, warned that Trump’s rhetoric has fueled threats to her safety, urged an end to political “toxic infighting,” and acknowledged major policy rifts even while maintaining she wants to “make up” with the president.
Marjorie Taylor Greene said she has received “warnings for my safety” after Trump withdrew his endorsement and escalated attacks against her, accusing him of fueling threats as their feud intensifies over her support for releasing Epstein files and broader policy rifts.
Former BBC director general Tony Hall said the broadcaster should refuse to pay Trump any compensation over the misleading Panorama edit of his January 6 speech, calling a payout inappropriate for a publicly funded institution even as the BBC apologizes and faces new scrutiny over earlier edits, while Trump threatens a multibillion-dollar lawsuit and critics warn the controversy is undermining trust in the BBC’s impartial journalism.
Iran is facing its worst water emergency in decades, with drought, overuse, aging infrastructure, and chronic mismanagement driving reservoirs near empty and forcing officials to consider evacuating Tehran, as millions contend with days-long water outages, rising costs, growing public anger, infrastructure damage, and warnings from experts that parts of the country have reached irreversible “water bankruptcy.”
Jets cornerback Kris Boyd, 29, was shot in the abdomen during an early-morning altercation at a Manhattan restaurant and is in critical condition with a bullet lodged in his lung; police have made no arrests as the investigation continues, and the Jets say they are aware of the situation but are not commenting further.
Thousands of mostly Gen Z–led protesters marched in Mexico City against crime, corruption, and impunity, drawing broad support across age groups and ending in clashes that left 120 injured and 20 arrested, highlighting growing youth-driven frustration with insecurity and governance even as President Sheinbaum accuses opposition groups of exploiting the movement.
Zelenskyy announced a new deal for Ukraine to import nearly €2 billion worth of gas from Greece to offset wartime production losses, while preparing additional defense and energy agreements with France and Spain, as Kyiv works with European and U.S. partners to secure winter supplies, bolster air defenses, and pursue long-term energy contracts with countries including Poland and Azerbaijan.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
