Two High-Level White House Insiders Caught on Undercover Video Bragging About Internal Subversion Against President Trump – One Placed on Leave

 The O'Keefe Media Group released undercover footage showing two White House officials discussing their efforts to undermine President Trump. The footage raises concerns about the decision-making process within the administration.

1. Internal Subversion: Maxim Lott, a Special Assistant on the White House Domestic Policy Council, and Benjamin Ellisten, a Budget Analyst Manager, were recorded discussing how they believe policy decisions are influenced by their own perceptions of what Trump would want, rather than direct instructions from him.

2. Decision-Making Approach: Lott admitted that many domestic policy decisions are made based on instincts or what feels right, without thorough analysis. He indicated that officials often assume they know Trump's preferences well enough to decide on his behalf.

3. Desire to Remove Trump: Ellisten was openly critical of Trump, stating that he is "fcking it up for everybody" and expressing a desire to see him removed from office. He emphasized to colleagues that they should not know the extent of his true feelings about Trump.

4. Response to Exposure: Following the release of the videos, Benjamin Ellisten was placed on administrative leave and is currently under investigation. When approached for comment, he appeared flustered and disconnected from the situation. Lott responded by expressing regret for his comments but maintained his commitment to the administration's agenda.

5. Video Content: The video includes statements from Lott on how policy proposals are advanced based on perceived support from the political base, rather than structured evaluations of their merits.

This undercover material highlights significant internal discord and differing views about President Trump's leadership within his own White House team. The implications of these revelations raise questions about the integrity of decision-making in the administration and may affect public trust and perceptions of Trump's governance. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/05/breaking-two-high-level-white-house-insiders-caught/

The Overhyped Nuclear Hazard America Has Mastered

 Nuclear waste remains a contentious topic in energy discussions. Critics often view it as a severe problem, while evidence suggests the U. S. manages it effectively.

• The U. S. has safely stored spent fuel at over 70 sites across 35 states for decades without significant radiation releases.

• Nuclear waste shipping casks are rigorously tested for safety, and there have been no incidents in over 50 years related to commercial nuclear waste.

• France effectively reprocesses most of its used nuclear fuel, showcasing viable technologies.

• The Department of Energy has proposed "Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses" to handle the entire nuclear fuel cycle and potentially create long-term jobs and regional economic benefits.

• Taxpayers currently cover the $8 billion annual cost of waste management, with federal liabilities at over $56 billion.

• Companies are increasingly viewing spent nuclear fuel as a valuable resource for new reactor fuel and medical uses, leading to heightened competition in the sector.

While nuclear waste is hazardous, the U. S. has managed it responsibly for years, shifting the narrative from a problem to a potential economic asset through innovation. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/overhyped-nuclear-hazard-america-has-mastered

Any Vote For Democrats Is Now A Vote For Their Plan To Overthrow SCOTUS

 Recent political developments indicate that some Democratic leaders are openly advocating for increasing the number of justices on the Supreme Court, aiming to influence judicial outcomes in their favor.

1. Court Packing Intentions: After a significant Supreme Court ruling (Louisiana v. Callais) against race-based redistricting, Democrats are calling for an expansion of the court to secure favorable partisan decisions.

2. Political Statements: Various Democratic representatives, including Sen. Ruben Gallego and Rep. Ro Khanna, have publicly proclaimed the need for changes such as term limits and adding justices, claiming it is necessary to counter perceived biases in the current court.

3. Function of the Court: Historically, Democrats have viewed the Supreme Court as a means to implement their policies and have criticized the court when it doesn't align with their agenda. The shift towards appointing originalist justices has reduced their influence over judicial decisions.

4. Consequences of Court Expansion: There is concern that if Democrats succeed in packing the court, it would undermine its legitimacy and disrupt the balance of powers within the government.

5. Shift in Election Dynamics: Elections now not only focus on party control over judicial appointments but also on whether the size of the Supreme Court will change. Democrats may seek to transform the court into an extension of legislative ambition, thus risking its integrity as an impartial judicial body.

The Democrats' call for court packing signifies a strategic shift in their approach to influencing the Supreme Court. The implications of such actions could fundamentally alter the court's role and challenge America’s system of checks and balances. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/05/12/any-vote-for-democrats-is-now-a-vote-for-their-plan-to-overthrow-scotus/

Like Trump in 2024, independents in CA are breaking for Republicans with 'common sense' policies

 Recent polling trends indicate a significant shift in California's political landscape, particularly among independent voters. This change, reported by Kreate Strategies, shows that independents are increasingly favoring Republican candidates in major statewide races, suggesting a potential realignment in California’s political dynamics.

1. Polling Overview:

• Independent voters are leaning towards Republicans, with recent polling showing Steve Hilton (Republican) leading at 22%, ahead of Democrat Xavier Becerra at 20%.

• The data highlights a broader trend of independents moving away from the Democratic Party, which has traditionally dominated California politics.

2. Independent Voter Trends:

• No-party-preference voters now outnumber registered Republicans, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic establishment.

• Issues such as housing costs, crime, and energy policy are driving independents towards Republican candidates who propose practical solutions.

3. Implications for Democratic Party:

• This shift poses a challenge for Democrats who have relied on demographic advantages in California.

• If independents continue to support Republicans, it could lead to unexpected victories in upcoming elections.

4. Comparison to National Trends:

• The trend mirrors successful strategies from Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, where he also gained ground with independent voters by focusing on practical issues and criticizing the current administration’s effectiveness.

5. Los Angeles Mayoral Race:

• The LA mayoral race presents another scenario where Republican candidates are gaining traction, notably Spencer Pratt, who has emerged as a strong contender.

• Pratt’s platform includes public safety reform, homelessness solutions, and fiscal responsibility, resonating with voters dissatisfied with current leadership.

6. Pratt’s Campaign Strategy:

• Pratt positions himself against the status quo by advocating for increased police funding and direct approaches to homelessness.

• His approach emphasizes accountability, treating drug addiction as a primary issue in the homelessness crisis, and tackling bureaucratic inefficiencies.

7. Recent Debate Performance:

• In a recent televised debate, Pratt outperformed his opponents, receiving significant public support, with an NBC poll indicating 89% of respondents viewed him as the debate winner.

• If Pratt receives over 50% of the vote in the upcoming primary, he could secure his position without proceeding to the general election.

The shift among independent voters in California marks a significant change in the state's political dynamics. As Republicans gain support based on practical solutions and critiques of current governance, the outcome of upcoming elections may defy previous expectations. The LA mayoral race and the overall dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party indicate a potential resurgence for Republican candidates, demonstrating that voter priorities are evolving in the Golden State.

https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/trump-2024-independents-ca-are-breaking-republicans-common-sense-policies

Mounting Resistance to the Teacher Union Leviathan

 Recent actions taken by several states indicate a growing resistance to the influence and practices of teachers' unions. This movement aims to address concerns regarding union power and the financial impact on taxpayers.

• Concerns About Unions: A Wall Street Journal editorial highlights the political dominance of public-sector unions, particularly teachers' unions, as a significant issue in state governance.

• State-Level Reforms:

• Idaho: A new law signed by Governor Brad Little prohibits school districts from deducting union dues from teachers’ paychecks. It also limits unions' recruitment efforts during school hours and eliminates paid time off for union-related activities.

• Arizona: A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to stop payroll deductions for union dues and ban teacher strikes, requiring communications to occur off school property.

• Florida: The new SB1296 law mandates that unions must secure a minimum member participation for recertification votes, strengthening democracy within union representation.

• Oklahoma: A pending bill would enable school employees to cancel their union membership at any time without restrictive conditions.

• Transparency in Union Dues: The Department of Labor has introduced a system for workers to see how unions spend their dues, which can aid in informed decision-making regarding union membership.

• Political Donations: Most of the political contributions from major teachers' unions significantly favor Democratic candidates, raising concerns among those who may not align with these political activities.

• Counter Legislation: While many states are pushing reforms, some, like Oregon, have passed laws against impersonating union representatives, stifling efforts to inform members about opting out of unions.

• Call for Further Reforms: The article underscores the need for comprehensive changes to the monopoly-like power of unions, including allowing teachers to negotiate independently and access affordable professional liability insurance without high union dues.

Several states are moving to reduce the power of teachers' unions and increase transparency in their operations. While progress is being made, further reforms are necessary to alleviate the burdens placed on teachers and taxpayers, ensuring fair representation and financial accountability in union activities. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/05/12/mounting-resistance-to-the-teacher-union-leviathan/

Great Nations Aren’t Destroyed by Enemies. They’re Destroyed by Debt.

 The alarming state of the U. S. national debt, suggesting that the greatest threat to American power comes not from external adversaries but from its growing debt crisis.

• The U. S. federal government has spent more than it earned every year since 2001, leading to a national debt of nearly $39 trillion, up from less than $6 trillion in 2001.

• Over the past 25 years, the U. S. has accumulated $33 trillion in debt, which is significantly more than the total debt from the previous 212 years (1789-2001).

• The acceleration of debt is concerning; $10 trillion has been added in the last five years alone, and the government now incurs $8 billion in new debt daily.

• The historical perspective indicates that great nations often decline due to overwhelming debt, with examples such as Habsburg Spain and the Ottoman Empire.

• A critical point identified by historian Niall Ferguson is when a nation’s debt servicing costs surpass defense spending, signaling jeopardy for national power. The U. S. is approaching this limit.

• Essential programs like Medicaid, Social Security, and federal pensions rely on manageable debt levels.

• Cutting spending alone won’t resolve the issue; economic growth is necessary. There are hopes for growth through advancements such as AI-driven productivity.

• A combined approach of spending restraint and growth could reduce the deficit over time, crucial for future generations’ prosperity.

The article stresses the importance of addressing the national debt to maintain U. S. strength. How the government manages this debt will determine whether future generations will experience better living conditions or face increased challenges, akin to those in Europe today.

https://spectator.org/great-nations-arent-destroyed-by-enemies-theyre-destroyed-by-debt/

Ethanol: Not the Energy Transition We’re Looking For

 The use of corn ethanol as a fuel source has come under scrutiny for its negative impacts on energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental resources. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), established by U. S. law, aimed to improve energy security, reduce emissions, and support rural economies but has had contrary effects.

1. Inefficiency of Corn Ethanol:

• Producing corn ethanol requires more fossil fuel energy than the energy it provides when converted to fuel.

• The government policies promoting corn ethanol have resulted in increased fuel and food prices without achieving energy security.

2. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Shortcomings:

• The RFS aimed to improve U. S. energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and aid rural economies.

• Instead, it led to higher prices for motor fuels and food, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and extensive cultivation leading to environmental degradation.

• RFS has been criticized for transferring wealth from consumers to large agricultural corporations.

3. Environmental Impact:

• The intensive use of land for corn cultivation has caused environmental damage, increasing carbon emissions and water pollution, alongside harming air quality.

• Government monitors the RFS under the Clean Air Act, which has paradoxically resulted in more net pollution.

4. Updated Perspectives on Energy Security:

• The initial goals of RFS regarding domestic energy security have become moot, as the U. S. now produces significant crude oil and has a booming natural gas output.

• The U. S. continues to export refined gasoline, using domestic corn for ethanol production that does not effectively reduce emissions compared to gasoline.

5. Recommendations for Policy Change:

• The current trajectory of promoting corn ethanol is deemed economically and environmentally unreasonable.

• There is a call to redirect efforts toward genuine energy solutions that do not compromise the integrity of the food supply and environmental health.

Current policies promoting corn ethanol have failed to fulfill their intentions and instead have created a range of economic and environmental issues. Authorities are encouraged to reevaluate these policies and seek alternative strategies for both energy security and environmental sustainability that don't rely on converting food into fuel.

The article by Ike Kiefer suggests an urgent need for legislative reform to mitigate the adverse impacts of the RFS and prioritize genuine energy solutions that do not harm food production or environmental quality.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/05/12/ethanol-not-the-energy-transition-were-looking-for/