Natalie Winters on DARPA, Air & China

 Natalie Winters' recent reporting on this exact beat is clear and consistent: American defense expertise and taxpayer money are flowing into China's military-industrial complex, with DARPA and other U.S. agencies implicated as funders of research at blacklisted Chinese institutions.

The most recent piece (August 17, 2026) centers on Brian Cantwell, a former Stanford aerospace chairman who spent 14 years on an Executive Independent Review Team overseeing the F119, F135, and F136 engine programs tied to the F-22 and F-35.

The key findings:

Cantwell spent May 9 – June 3, 2025 at Beihang University, one of China's most sensitive defense-linked schools

The visit ran under a Chinese "expertise introduction" (引智计划) program — a state apparatus explicitly designed to recruit foreign technical specialists

He delivered six technical lectures, met with Chinese research teams, advised graduate students, toured labs and an aeroacoustic wind tunnel

His host school, Beihang's School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, operates an Advanced Long-Endurance UAV Technology Research Center

Washington has spent 25 years restricting tech transfer to Beihang over missile and UAV concerns

The punchline Winters drives home: Stanford never publicized any of this. Americans only learned about it from Chinese-language university webpages. Beijing was proud; Stanford was silent.

A separate piece (August 13, 2026) reveals a private nuclear war backchannel between former U.S. military chiefs and CAEP — the China Academy of Engineering Physics, blacklisted since 1997 for developing Beijing's nuclear weapons.

Americans involved included:

Adm. Mike Mullen (former JCS Chairman)

Adm. James Ellis (former STRATCOM commander)

Ernest Moniz (former Energy Secretary)

Sam Nunn (former Senate Armed Services Chairman)

Rose Gottemoeller (former NATO Deputy Secretary General)

The channel was financed by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), which congressional investigators have called an "instrument of the CCP's approach to political warfare." The meetings were not U.S. government diplomacy — they were a privately financed CCP influence operation, documented in Chinese-language materials that have since been scrubbed.

Winters' November 2025 reporting connects this directly to DARPA. Her investigation found that research at China's top semiconductor lab — an institution targeting America's chip dominance — was funded by:

DARPA

Office of Naval Research

Army Research Office / Army Research Laboratory

National Institutes of Health

NSF and DOE

Her framing: American tax dollars are underwriting the very CCP research designed to close the technology gap. Beijing treats chip supremacy as a national survival project, and Washington has been sleepwalking into subsidizing it.

The through-line across all three investigations is the same: the revolving door between American academia, defense funding agencies, and China's military-industrial complex is wide open. Ex-generals, former cabinet officials, and Stanford aerospace chairs are lending credibility and technical know-how to blacklisted Chinese institutions — while U.S. agencies like DARPA quietly fund the underlying research.

The transparency asymmetry is the tell: China publicizes these relationships as strategic victories, while American institutions bury them.

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/revealed-researcher-on-us-darpa-air?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=210418075&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Only the Homeless Population Is Growing In Newsom’s California

Two significant issues affecting California under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership: the rise in homelessness and the migration of taxpayers out of the state, resulting in substantial financial losses.

1. Increase in Homelessness:

California has witnessed a 20% increase in homelessness from 2019 to 2025, despite spending $37 billion aimed at addressing this crisis.

The growth in the homeless population is about 40% when comparing 2025 figures to those from 2018.

The Trump administration previously attempted to cut federal housing aid to California due to allegations of fraud within its homeless programs.

2. Outmigration of Taxpayers:

From 2020 to 2025, California experienced an exodus of 1.6 million more people leaving than moving in.

The state’s overall population is now 200,000 lower than it was in 2020.

Many departing residents relocated to states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida, where tax rates are lower and businesses are more favorable treated.

3. Loss of Tax Revenue:

In 2023 alone, California lost billions in tax revenues as many taxpayers moved out.

Los Angeles County faced significant losses, with over 17,000 tax filers leaving and taking nearly $1.9 billion in income with them.

Other counties, such as Orange and San Diego, also saw substantial numbers of residents depart.

4. Increased Government Spending:

Despite the losses, California’s government spending has risen dramatically, with per-capita spending increasing by 68% in the last eight years.

The number of government employees per capita has also risen by 27%.

5. Concerns About Future Tax Initiatives:

Proposition 40, a proposed initiative to tax billionaires' wealth, could exacerbate the state’s issues if passed.

Mark Cuban, a notable investor, warns that this tax may drive not just billionaires but also entrepreneurs out of California.

Under Governor Newsom, California is facing a paradox where homelessness is increasing significantly despite massive financial outlays to combat it, while a notable number of productive citizens are leaving, leading to substantial tax revenue losses. The state's approach to governance appears to prioritize spending over attracting and retaining taxpayers, which could lead to even greater challenges in the future. The editorial indicates a pressing need for reevaluation of policies to address these critical issues effectively. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/08/19/only-the-homeless-population-is-growing-in-newsoms-california/

Hannah Arendt’s Resonant Warning About Public Lying in the Age of Anthony Fauci

This reflective essay about Hannah Arendt's views on the dangers of government deception, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and Dr. Anthony Fauci's role. Arendt's warnings highlight how persistent lies from officials can lead to confusion among the public and degrade democratic judgment.

1. Hannah Arendt's Insight:

Arendt cautioned that when governments lie, the threat is not simply the creation of false beliefs but the erosion of the public's ability to trust any information at all.

2. Government's Role in COVID-19 Narrative:

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key figure during the pandemic, frequently changed his stance on important measures such as masks and school closures. This constant shifting contributed to public disorientation over what was true.

3. Erosion of Reality:

Arendt argued that the destruction of a shared understanding of reality can lead to totalitarianism. When officials redefine truth to meet political needs, public judgment suffers.

4. Fauci's Impact:

Fauci's influential decisions, such as school closures and public health policies, created confusion and dependency on questionable narratives. His recommendations often shifted based on various pressures, ignoring the original rationale.

5. Stigmatization of the Unvaccinated:

During the pandemic, unvaccinated individuals were labeled as selfish or morally deficient, becoming scapegoats for societal frustrations. This fallacy further divided the population.

6. Consequences of Deceptive Governance:

According to Arendt, when the truth is treated as malleable, societal divisions emerge, leading to scapegoating and the potential rise of authoritarian governance, although the U.S. did not reach that point during COVID.

7. Lessons for Democracy:

Arendt’s observations underscore the importance of maintaining trust in governance and the perils of political convenience undermining public reasoning. Recognizing these dangers is crucial for preserving democratic values.

The discussion around Arendt's ideas and their resonance today emphasizes the importance of truth in government communication. Lies and constant narrative changes from authorities can lead to societal confusion and potential threats to democracy, stressing the need for vigilance against political manipulation. 

https://spectator.org/hannah-arendts-resonant-warning-about-public-lying-in-the-age-of-anthony-fauci/

From DSA to Fishback: Why Young Voters Feel Disenfranchised

Young voters today feel neglected by both major political parties and are expressing their discontent through a shift in political allegiance. This demographic largely identifies as independent and is increasingly skeptical of traditional party politics, seeking leaders who offer genuine solutions to pressing issues like affordability and government distrust.

1. Disillusionment Across the Board:

Many young Republicans and Democrats feel misled by their party leaders. Republicans have witnessed broken promises on issues like immigration and economic growth. Democrats are frustrated by perceived betrayals during primary elections and ongoing scandals.

2. Generational Drift:

Gen Z is distancing itself from formal party affiliations, with a significant number identifying as independents. They are frustrated with the current political landscape, which they see as failing to prioritize their needs, particularly in terms of affordability.

3. Crisis of Affordability:

Young voters are burdened by high costs of living, contrasting with the experiences of previous generations. This dissatisfaction has fueled discontent and a desire for broader political change, leading them to consider alternatives ranging from socialism to Trumpism.

4. Civic Knowledge Deficit:

A significant portion of the youth lacks basic civics knowledge, raising concerns about their ability to uphold American values. Only a small percentage of young people can correctly answer basic questions about the government.

5. The Role of Influencers and Messaging:

Politicians and influencers are exploiting the youth's dissatisfaction by promoting negative narratives and radical ideas, complicating the search for effective solutions. Young people are often left feeling overwhelmed by problems without clear paths to resolution.

6. A Call for Conservative Engagement:

There is a pressing need for conservative leaders to engage with young voters, emphasizing policies that tackle overregulation and inflation. By supporting initiatives like career and technical education, conservatives can help redirect youth interest away from radical ideologies.

The young voter demographic is at a critical juncture, caught between disillusionment and a desire for effective leadership. In order to preserve traditional American values and engage this vital group, Republicans must present clear, actionable solutions that resonate with their experiences and aspirations for the future. As the political climate continues to shift, maintaining a unified front is essential to rallying support among young voters. 

https://spectator.org/from-dsa-to-fishback-why-young-voters-feel-disenfranchised/

Ketanji Brown Jackson and the Return of the Warren Court

The evolving approach of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in the context of the Supreme Court, comparing her views with historical interpretations of the Constitution and highlighting potential implications for future judicial appointments.

Backlash Against the Warren Court: Critics of the Warren Court argue it disregarded the Constitution's original meaning and overstepped judicial boundaries. The current Roberts Court aims to correct these issues, focusing on textualism and judicial restraint.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's Approach: Jackson has adopted a more progressive interpretation, questioning originalism and advocating for a broader understanding of judicial power. Her views may indicate a shift among future Democratic appointees, as they align with a more left-leaning perspective.

Elena Kagan's Position: While Kagan acknowledges some of the Roberts Court's limitations, she maintains a textualist approach, contrasting with Jackson's criticism of originalism.

Controversial Dissent in Wolford v. Lopez: In this case, the Court ruled on Hawaii's law regarding gun rights. Jackson contended that the changes in property law did not warrant a Second Amendment review, a stance critics argue undermines the protection of rights.

Questioning of Originalism: Jackson expressed doubt about the feasibility of originalism, contradicting her earlier confirmation statements where she supported interpreting the Constitution's original intent.

Potential Shifts in Legal Interpretation: Jackson’s perspective on discrimination laws, as seen in her argument regarding Title IX, suggests a possible return to more flexible interpretations reminiscent of the Warren Court’s legacy.

Impact on Future Judicial Philosophy: As the Democratic Party leans left, new appointees may increasingly question established legal frameworks, particularly around social equity and rights.

Jackson’s judicial philosophy suggests a significant shift toward a more expansive view of judicial power and socio-political considerations in legal interpretations. This trend may influence the judiciary's future as the balance of political power evolves, challenging established norms in the legal landscape. Without consistent political support, however, conservative judicial victories risk becoming ephemeral in the face of these changes. 

https://www.city-journal.org/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-supreme-court-earl-warren

PHEMCE Centralized 7 Federal Agencies and Private Industry Into ‘Holistic, End-to-End’ Pandemic-Industrial Complex

The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) nearly 14 years before the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative centralized the efforts of multiple federal agencies and integrated private industry into a coordinated system for developing and deploying medical countermeasures. This summary explores the structure of PHEMCE, its implications, and concerns arising from its approach.

1. Formation of PHEMCE:

PHEMCE was created to streamline and coordinate federal response efforts to public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks.

It combined disparate functions from seven federal agencies, including the HHS, Department of Defense (DOD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among others.

The initiative aimed to enhance collaboration with private industry, specifically pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, to strengthen the development of medical countermeasures.

2. Alignment and Synchronization:

HHS emphasized the necessity for all stakeholders, including government and private sectors, to work in alignment to address public health needs effectively.

The strategy aimed to lower barriers for private investment in medical research and establish liability protections for companies involved in countermeasure development.

3. Holistic Approach:

PHEMCE adopted an "end-to-end" approach, addressing everything from threat surveillance to research, acquisition, and deployment of medical countermeasures.

This broad scope included the evaluation of biological threats and the prioritization of development programs to ensure products were available for the entire U.S. population.

4. Concerns about Conflicts of Interest:

There is considerable concern regarding the intertwining of roles within the PHEMCE framework, particularly when the same entities that define threats also regulate, fund, and procure the products.

This raises ethical questions about accountability if a biological event originates from research funded by the same government agencies involved in response efforts.

5. Acknowledgment of Risks:

Previous warnings from HHS, starting as early as 2006, indicated that engineered organisms might be confused with natural threats. This raises doubts about the safety of laboratory practices related to biodefense.

Several high-profile U.S. and international intelligence agencies suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic could have been linked to laboratory incidents, illuminating the potential dangers within an interconnected research and regulatory system.

PHEMCE represents a significant consolidation of U.S. public health management aimed at enhancement of responses to pandemics and biological threats. However, the structure raises critical ethical and operational questions regarding conflicts of interest and accountability, particularly in the aftermath of events like the COVID-19 pandemic. The intertwining of public health, regulatory, and industry interests complicates the evaluation of potential threats and responses, necessitating careful scrutiny of the implications for future public health initiatives and research governance. 

https://jonfleetwood.substack.com/p/phemce-centralized-7-federal-agencies

Pelosi, Democrats kept Swalwell on Intel Committee despite FBI warnings

Eric Swalwell, a congressman from California, faced scrutiny over his past relationship with a suspected Chinese spy, Fang Fang, while serving on the House Intelligence Committee. Recent disclosures from the FBI have revealed alarming details about this relationship and how it was handled by Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

1. FBI Warnings Ignored:

In 2020, allegations surfaced regarding Swalwell's relationship with Fang Fang, who was identified by the FBI as having potential ties to Chinese intelligence.

Pelosi and other Democratic leaders were briefed on the FBI's findings, which included potentially compromising activities involving Fang.

2. Fang's Influence Tactics:

Fang reportedly used fundraising, networking, and intimate relationships with politicians to influence them, targeting Swalwell as one of her significant connections.

Swalwell admitted to having sexual relations with Fang and stated that she had placed her interns in his congressional office, affecting his campaign finance management.

3. Political Fallout:

After the allegations became public, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy called for Swalwell's removal from the Intelligence Committee, dubbing him a “national security liability.”

Despite the calls for Swalwell's ousting, he was retained on the committee for a period, with Democratic leaders stating they were not concerned about his conduct.

4. FBI Investigation Insights:

The FBI's investigation, initiated in 2014 and code-named "Freshman Fifteen," centered on allegations that Swalwell had exchanged internships for campaign contributions.

The investigation also revealed that Fang’s parents were connected to Chinese intelligence, further complicating the matter.

5. Congressional Actions:

Following McCarthy's push for Swalwell's removal, Congress voted against it along party lines, despite concerns from Republicans regarding Swalwell's access to sensitive information.

Ultimately, when Republicans regained control of the House in 2023, Swalwell was blocked from serving on the Intelligence Committee due to his past relationship with Fang.

6. Fang's Legal Outcomes:

The Justice Department decided not to prosecute Fang, who left the U.S. as investigations began.

Evidence indicated she was intended to be recruited by the FBI as a potential informant about Chinese operations in the U.S.

The revelations surrounding Eric Swalwell's relationship with Fang Fang raise critical questions about political accountability and national security. Despite receiving warnings from the FBI, Democratic leadership initially chose to keep Swalwell on the Intelligence Committee, leading to ongoing debates about the implications for Congress. As details continue to surface, the implications of this relationship underscore the complexity of political influence and foreign espionage. 

https://justthenews.com/government/congress/pelosi-democrats-kept-swalwell-intel-committee-despite-fbi-briefings?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators