The IRS may soon come calling to collect an unpaid debt of more than $100 million in back taxes supposedly owed by former President Donald Trump.

Trump’s financial woes stem from handling the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, his most recent major construction project. Built-in 2008 amidst the Great Recession, Trump claimed significant losses from the project, utilizing it as a tax write-off. But get this: the self-proclaimed greatest deal maker initially cited the tower as a “worthless” deduction on his tax return in 2008, emphasizing the overwhelming debt load over any potential profit.

However, the investigation revealed that Trump allegedly claimed the same tower as a loss again in 2010 after transferring it to a new partnership, which was still under his control. This move resulted in an additional $168 million in reported losses over the following decade. Huh? Double dipping? Oh, but this guy owes New York State over $400 million after a judge ruled he defrauded New York widely through his real estate. 

Details of Trump’s IRS audit surfaced in 2020, coinciding with the agency’s investigation into a nearly $73 million tax refund from 2010 — the same year as the establishment of the new Chicago tower partnership.

Trump’s son, Eric Trump, the smart one, defended his father’s tax strategies, stating, “This matter was settled years ago, only to be brought back to life once my father ran for office.” He cited support from various tax experts, including the former general counsel of the IRS.

Despite ongoing audit proceedings, last publicly updated in December 2022, Trump may face substantial tax penalties once the process concludes and any appeals are exhausted. This potential nine-figure bill adds to Trump’s mounting legal troubles, including an $83.3 million penalty from a defamation case by writer E. Jean Carroll and the aforementioned $464 million verdict in a civil fraud suit. Bonds have been secured for both cases, which are currently under appeal. Good luck with that. 

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Today’s developments in Donald Trump’s criminal trial shed light on crucial aspects of the case:

Cohen’s Testimony:

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer and lawyer, is set to testify on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the trial. His testimony is expected to implicate Trump in the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels and shed light on the reimbursement process through retainer payments. However, given his previous legal troubles and changing accounts, Cohen’s credibility poses a significant challenge for prosecutors.

Judge’s Order to Cohen:

Ahead of Cohen’s testimony, Trump’s attorney requested the judge to order Cohen to refrain from discussing the trial with Trump, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the case.

Westerhout’s Testimony:

Trump’s former White House aide, Madeleine Westerhout, concluded her testimony with a seemingly friendly exchange with Trump in the courtroom. Prosecutors introduced key text and call records into evidence after Westerhout’s testimony, providing crucial documentation for the case.

Prosecution’s Evidence: 

Prosecutors introduced a series of text messages between Stormy Daniels’ manager and National Enquirer’s editor-in-chief, along with other cell phone records. These records aim to bolster the prosecution’s argument of Trump’s guilt in falsifying business records.

Prosecution’s Timeline: 

The prosecution anticipates resting its case by the end of next week and plans to call two more witnesses. However, a potential issue arises concerning the admission of Trump Organization CFO Weisselberg’s settlement agreement into evidence, which Trump’s lawyers object to, citing prejudice against their client.

These key takeaways underscore the complexity and significance of the ongoing trial, with each development shaping the narrative and outcome of the proceedings.

The post What Happened on Day 15 of Trump Criminal Hush Money Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post What Happened on Day 15 of Trump Criminal Hush Money Trial appeared first on The Source.

After another contentious day of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial, his defense attorneys didn’t let up their barrage of attacks against Stormy Daniels’s credibility on Thursday. Trump’s defense attorney, Susan Necheles, flat-out accused the adult film performer of completely making up the story of her sexual encounter with Trump to make money. Here’s the rundown on the rest of the courtroom drama after Day 14 of the Trump hush money trial:

Stormy Daniels faced another day of cross-examination, adamantly asserting the truth of her account despite defense attorney Susan Necheles’ attempts to undermine her credibility. Daniels remained steadfast in her assertion that her sexual encounter with Trump was genuine, even when confronted with inconsistencies in her narrative.

Trump’s defense team and prosecutors clashed over Stormy Daniels’ financial situation, with Necheles insinuating that Daniels fabricated her story for monetary gain. Conflicting accounts were presented regarding Daniels’ earnings from recounting her alleged affair with Trump, including references to tweets and online store promotions.

Former Trump aide Madeleine Westerhout provided insights into the inner workings of the White House, detailing her experiences working in Trump’s West Wing for over two years. Testimony included discussions about a list of Trump’s contacts, ranging from media personalities to sports figures, received from his longtime assistant Rhona Graff.

Trump’s legal team sought modifications to the gag order against him and requested a mistrial following Daniels’ testimony. The judge denied both motions, rejecting arguments that Trump should be allowed to respond to Daniels’ allegations publicly. The defense contended that Daniels’ testimony unfairly prejudiced the jury against Trump.

Judge Merchan rebuffed Trump’s renewed motion for a mistrial, citing the defense’s actions in challenging Daniels’ credibility as a factor in allowing the salacious testimony. Despite arguments from Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, that Daniels’ trial testimony presented a new version of events, Merchan disagreed and denied the mistrial motion.

The post The Rundown After Another Contentious Day of Testimony at Trump’s Trial first appeared on The Source.

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During Tuesday’s Trump’s hush money trial, jurors found it a bit challenging to keep their composure as adult film star Stormy Daniels delivered a vivid and titillating account during her testimony on the witness stand.

Get this: Daniels, born Stephanie Clifford, recounted an incident where she playfully spanked the former president with a magazine. This alleged spanking session prompted smirks from some jurors … Okay done giggling. Anyway, their demeanor remained stoic when Daniels delved into the details of her sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, describing it as occurring in “the missionary position” on a hotel bed. The 45-year-old Daniels spoke rapidly and expressed concern about Trump not using a condom during their brief encounter. Ick. 

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan sustained objections from Trump’s legal team, deeming Daniels’ testimony as overly graphic. Daniel wore a black kimono-style garment over a tight shirt. She energetically recounted her thing with Trump, recalling how she was over his arrogance and suggested someone should “spank” him with a magazine that had his face on the cover.

Sitting hunched, Trump signaled to his defense attorney, Susan Necheles, who raised multiple objections that the judge upheld. Occasionally glancing at Trump, Daniels reminisced about meeting the real estate mogul at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe when she was 27 years old. Their flirtatious banter eventually led to their liaison, she testified.

Daniels revealed that her decision to meet Trump was influenced by her publicist, who encouraged her to forgo a work event in favor of the encounter, promising it would be a remarkable story. Before their rendezvous, Daniels encountered Trump’s security guard, Keith Schiller, further solidifying the meeting’s arrangements. Upon arriving at Trump’s opulent hotel suite, Daniels was taken aback to find him dressed in Hugh Hefner-style pajamas, which she insisted he change out of. She admitted to feeling ashamed and chose not to disclose the affair to her then-boyfriend and former publicist.

The trial centers on allegations that Trump directed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to pay Daniels $130,000 before the 2016 election to prevent her from publicizing their affair. Trump is further accused of concealing the payment by categorizing it as a legal expense. Denying the charges, Trump has dismissed the case as a politically motivated vendetta.

The post Jurors Try to Keep Straight Faces during Stormy Daniels Colorful Testimony; Judge Warns Prosecutors Some Graphic Details Are Unnecessary first appeared on The Source.

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Hope Hicks, former campaign press secretary and White House communications director for Donald Trump found herself in the hot seat on Friday. She faced questions about pivotal moments during Trump’s presidential campaign and his subsequent occupation of the White House. Sitting just feet away from her former boss, Hicks recounted the chaotic fallout from the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape and the subsequent response from the Trump administration regarding allegations of hush money payments.

Appearing visibly nervous, Hicks struggled to maintain eye contact with Trump. She answered questions from prosecutors for over two hours. The courtroom was tense, with Trump occasionally exchanging notes with his attorneys while closely observing the proceedings. Guess he wasn’t sleeping for this one. The gist of Hicks’ testimony centered around her role in the Trump campaign in October 2016, particularly in the aftermath of the “Access Hollywood” tape revelation. You know where he was exposed on a hot mic bragging about grabbing women by the you know what. She described the tape’s release as a “crisis” for the campaign, which subsequently influenced their response to reports of hush money payments involving Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. Hicks adamantly denied allegations of Trump’s affairs with these women. Hopefully, no pun intended she can sleep well at night after her public stance.

During cross-examination, Hicks revealed Trump’s concerns regarding the impact of these scandals on his family, particularly his wife Melania. Jurors were presented with a full transcript of the “Access Hollywood” tape, exposing Trump’s incendiary remarks. Thankfully. Prosecutors meticulously outlined the timeline of events surrounding the hush money payments, inching closer to establishing Trump’s culpability in the alleged cover-up. Hicks recounted Trump’s reaction upon learning about the payments, emphasizing his desire to mitigate any potential damage to his reputation. Hicks still denied direct knowledge of any coverup. 

Then, Trump’s legal team relentlessly attacked the credibility of Michael Cohen. Hicks corroborated these assertions, portraying Cohen as a self-proclaimed “fixer.” The trial also saw contentious exchanges regarding the integrity of digital evidence, with Trump’s lawyers attempting to cast doubt on the reliability of Cohen’s cell phone data. Despite efforts to undermine the prosecution’s case, forensic experts testified to the absence of tampering or manipulation in the evidence presented. As the trial adjourned for the day, the courtroom buzzed with anticipation for the testimonies yet to come, promising further revelations in the unfolding saga of the Trump hush money scandal.

The post Emotional Day 11 in Trump Hush Money Criminal Trial first appeared on The Source.

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On the 10th day of Trump’s hush money trial, the former President’s legal team attempted to discredit Keith Davidson, a central witness in the Stormy Daniels hush money deal, by portraying him as someone accustomed to extracting money from celebrities without crossing the line into extortion. Trump’s attorney, Emil Bove, cited Davidson’s past dealings with celebrities like Hulk Hogan, Lindsay Lohan, Charlie Sheen, and Tila Tequila to argue that his actions in the deals involving Trump followed a familiar pattern.

Judge Juan Merchan presided over a second hearing regarding Trump’s alleged violations of a gag order. Prosecutors accused Trump of breaching the order by discussing witnesses and the jury. This comes after Trump was fined $9,000 for nine previous violations earlier in the week.

During testimony, Davidson faced scrutiny from Bove, who questioned whether his actions in negotiating deals with AMI and Michael Cohen for the Daniels and Karen McDougal agreements bordered on extortion. Davidson denied the implication, stating he didn’t understand the question.

Merchan did not immediately rule on the latest allegations of gag order violations. Prosecutor Chris Conroy highlighted four recent comments made by Trump, including remarks about Cohen and former AMI chief David Pecker. The district attorney’s office seeks fines for the violations but is not pushing for Trump to be jailed, citing potential disruptions to the trial.

Davidson portrayed Cohen as difficult to work with, noting his unreliable behavior and disappointment after not receiving a White House position. Davidson testified about a phone call in December 2016 where Cohen expressed frustration, saying, “I can’t believe I’m not going to Washington after everything I’ve done for that guy.”

The post Here’s How the 10th Day of the Trump Trial Went Down first appeared on The Source.

The post Here’s How the 10th Day of the Trump Trial Went Down appeared first on The Source.

Whelp, another first went down in the first trial of a former POTUS. Donald Trump received his first punishment from Judge Juan Merchan in the New York hush money trial for defying the judge’s gag order, resulting in fines totaling $9,000 for nine violations. The judge’s written order also cautioned the former president that further breaches could result in imprisonment, highlighting the gravity of the trial’s significance from a historical standpoint. 

During the trial on Tuesday, jurors listened to testimony from Keith Davidson, the attorney who orchestrated the hush money agreements involving Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Davidson recounted the stresses of working with Trump’s former fixer, Michael Cohen, in the final days of the 2016 campaign to secure funds, allegedly to silence Daniels. Remember Daniels said she had sex with the married Trump, who was running for President and was reeling from the salacious Access Hollywood grab em by the you know what scandal. Here are some additional takeaways from today’s proceedings:

Jurors were briefed on the financial dealings surrounding the Stormy Daniels payment

Gary Farro, Cohen’s former banker, detailed Cohen’s swift actions in setting up a shell company and transferring funds to Daniels’ attorney. Within a day, Cohen expedited a $131,000 advance on his home equity line of credit, promptly wired to the newly created Essential Consultant LLC account. This maneuver, disguised as a real estate deal, resulted in a $130,000 transfer to Daniels’ lawyer. Farro emphasized the frequency of urgent matters in his interactions with Cohen, noting that Cohen’s accounts were subsequently closed by First Republic Bank following the public revelation of the hush money payment to Daniels.

Video evidence was presented to the jury in court on Tuesday morning, with prosecutors relying on records custodians to introduce several clips.

Clips from C-SPAN featuring Trump speaking at public events were shown to the jury. 

The clips depicted then-candidate Trump vehemently refuting allegations of sexual assault made by women following the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape that month. In one clip, Trump asserts, “As you have seen, right now I’m being viciously attacked with lies and smears. It’s a phony deal. I have no idea who these women are.”

Some of Trump’s family and friends showed up at court today.

On Tuesday, Trump received guests in the courtroom gallery, expanding beyond the usual team. Notably, his son, Eric Trump, made an appearance. That marked the first attendance by a family member at the trial. Susie Wiles, Trump’s senior campaign adviser, accompanied Eric Trump.

Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, and David McIntosh, a co-founder of conservative political groups such as the Club for Growth, were also in the courtroom.

The post Key Takeaways From the Ninth Day of Trump’s Historic Hush Money Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post Key Takeaways From the Ninth Day of Trump’s Historic Hush Money Trial appeared first on The Source.

Former President Donald Trump’s legal woes have taken a turn as he faces consequences for violating a gag order imposed by the judge overseeing his criminal trial in New York. This week, Judge Juan Merchan held Trump in contempt of court and fined him $9,000 for repeatedly breaching the order, warning that further violations could result in jail time.

CBS News reports that the gag order restricts Trump from making public statements about individuals involved in the case, including key witnesses such as Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. However, Trump defied the order by posting on his social media platform Truth Social and campaign website, targeting these witnesses in his fiery posts.

Judge Merchan emphasized that Trump’s actions undermined the integrity of the legal proceedings. By publicly discussing witnesses and jurors, Trump violated the sanctity of the trial process and jeopardized its fairness.

The judge’s ruling came after Trump violated the gag order nine times in recent weeks, prompting Merchan to impose fines of $1,000 for each violation. Additionally, Trump was ordered to delete the offending posts, which were promptly removed by Tuesday afternoon.

Trump’s penchant for trying his case in the court of public opinion has led to clashes with the judiciary, with Merchan warning him of the consequences of flouting the gag order. The judge’s decision underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial orders in high-profile legal proceedings.

As Trump’s trial unfolds, his approach to the legal process continues to draw scrutiny. With the rumors of potential jail time looming, Trump faces mounting pressure to adhere to the court’s directives and refrain from further violations of the gag order.

Watch below. Thoughts?

The post [WATCH] Donald Trump Held in Contempt of Court For Violating Gag Order first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Donald Trump Held in Contempt of Court For Violating Gag Order appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump is held in contempt of court for violating a gag order. His current penalty is fines, but the judge has the option of jail time in the future.

According to TMZ, Trump’s fine is $9,000 for nine violations, each costing $1,000. The presiding judge stated, “While $1,000 may suffice in most instances to protect the dignity of the judicial system … it unfortunately will not achieve the desired result in those instances where the contemnor can easily afford such a fine.”

He added, “Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment.”

Previously, Trump blasted the gag order, stating it was “unconstitutional” and the trial was “rigged.”

BREAKING: Donald Trump is in criminal contempt for nine violations of a gag order and has been fined $9,000, one for each, judge Juan Merchan has ruled. https://t.co/oUC3NLMUuZ

Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/HRzRFu13Ia

— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 30, 2024

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The post Trump Found in Contempt of Court for Violating Gag Order, Issued Fines appeared first on The Source.

After persistent pressure from Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and allies, the anticipation of a face-off between the former POTUS and President Joe Biden on the debate stage is growing as the most critical election of our time looms.

In a recent interview with Howard Stern, Biden expressed his willingness to debate Trump, stating, “I’m happy to debate him.” Responding via Truth Social, Trump challenged Biden’s sincerity but declared his readiness to debate “ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE.”

This exchange follows a crescendo of calls from Republicans urging the debates to proceed promptly. Asserting Trump’s eagerness to engage and the American people’s right to witness the showdown, campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita emphasized Trump’s readiness for a debate in a memo.

Former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, who famously coined the term “alternate facts,” underscored the importance of Vice President Kamala Harris debating Trump’s running mate sooner than later, once Trump’s VP is named.

Efforts to accelerate the debate timeline have been made, with the Trump campaign urging the Commission on Presidential Debates to schedule debates earlier. Trump’s team strategizes to pressure Biden’s camp into an early debate decision, believing it places Biden in a dilemma: face Trump on stage or explain the avoidance to the electorate.

Amidst this push, the Commission on Presidential Debates has yet to finalize candidate eligibility criteria. However, the source insists Trump is prepared to debate regardless of third-party candidates’ presence. With both camps on the brink of an epic showdown, anticipation mounts as voters await a clash of ideas on the national stage.

It’s important to note that this election cycle’s initial presidential debate will be the first time one candidate will face dozens of felony charges across several criminal cases. And to think people will still vote for a potential felon is wild, to say the least. 

The post Trump and Biden Edging Closer to Debate Showdown first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump and Biden Edging Closer to Debate Showdown appeared first on The Source.

As the first full week of testimony wrapped up in the historic Donald Trump hush money trial, jurors were granted a three-day weekend to mull over what they had heard. After over 10 hours of detailed testimony across four days, David Pecker, the former chief of American Media Inc., concluded his time on the witness stand. 

Pecker outlined how he assisted Trump in suppressing negative stories and attacking his rivals in the National Enquirer during the 2016 campaign. Upcoming testimonies from Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen are heavily anticipated.

Friday afternoon, the prosecution called Rhona Graff, Trump’s longtime assistant at the Trump Organization, followed by a banker for Cohen, indicating a shift towards the pivotal documents central to the charges against Trump.

The courtroom drama unfolded with more of the alleged scandalous affair, where the focus shifted to 34 counts of falsified business records. Prosecutors meticulously presented evidence, including a shell company and its dormant bank account, intended for hush money payments that never materialized. 

Pecker’s testimony, portraying a narrative of unique dealings and campaign assistance, clashed with Trump’s legal team’s efforts to discredit him by pointing out alleged inconsistencies. The jury was given testimony to navigate through a complex paper trail.

The Trump legal team worked to undermine Pecker’s credibility during his extensive testimony. Meanwhile, prosecutors portrayed Pecker’s deal with Trump as vital and positioned him as a campaign insider. Trump’s attorneys challenged this narrative by the prosecution. They pointed out alleged inconsistencies in Pecker’s testimony and disputed his claims about AMI’s acknowledgment of campaign finance violations.

Pecker concluded his time on the stand. The courtroom tension was high, with both sides contesting the credibility of his statements.

Of course, Trump raged outside the courtroom about witnesses and still violating his gag order. BTW, he’s still nodding off in court; He’s also complaining about how cold the courtroom is. But wait, isn’t he a strong alpha male that will make America great again? Or just another criminal defendant who can’t stand a little air conditioning? Meh, who knows at this point? 

The post Trump Criminal Trial: Day 8 Key Takeaways first appeared on The Source.

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CNN reports that so far, and in lightening quick fashion seven people have been seated on the jury in the unprecedented Donald Trump hush money trial in Manhattan. Court will not be in session Wednesday. Jury selection will continue Thursday until prosecutors and defense counsel can agree on 12 jurors and probably six alternates in the first criminal trial of a former President of the United States.

Let’s get to what we know about the seven jurors that have been already seated. Not that this reporting comes from CNN:

1. The first seated juror, who will be the foreperson on Trump’s jury, is a man originally from Ireland. He works in sales and has some college education. He is married but doesn’t have kids. He reads the New York Times and Daily Mail and watches some Fox News and MSNBC.
2. The second juror is an oncology nurse who lives with her fiancé. She’s a native New Yorker. She reads the New York Times and watches CNN.
3. The third seated juror is a corporate lawyer. He’s originally from Oregon. He gets his news from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Google. He’s a younger man who’s never been married and doesn’t have kids. 
4. The fourth juror is an older Puerto Rican man who’s married with adult children and two grandkids. When asked about his hobbies, he said, “I guess my hobby is my family.” He has an IT business for training and consulting and attended one year of college. He told the court he finds Trump fascinating and mysterious. “So many people are set off one way or the other and that is interesting,” the man said. “Really, this one guy can do all of this, wow.” Trump “makes things interesting,” the man said, but also didn’t indicate any strong feelings about his politics.
5. The fifth juror is a young Black woman who teaches English language in a public charter school system. She has a master’s degree in education, is not married and doesn’t have any kids. The juror said that as a person of color she has friends who have strong opinions on Trump, but she personally is not a political person. She said she tries to avoid political conversations and doesn’t really care for the news. The juror did say she appreciates Trump’s candor: “President Trump speaks his mind and I’d rather that than someone who’s in office who you don’t know what they’re thinking.” She was also the only juror of 18 in the box Tuesday morning who said she wasn’t aware that Trump is facing charges in other criminal cases.
6. The sixth juror is a software engineer at a large broadcast company who recently graduated from college. She voiced no strong feelings about Donald Trump one way or the other and said, “I will be fair and impartial.” She is not married and has no kids, currently living with three roommates in Chelsea. The juror gets her news from the New York Times, Google, Facebook and TikTok. She asked the judge whether her sister’s wedding on a Sunday in September would be a scheduling conflict. Merchan quipped, “If we were still here in September that would be a big problem,” garnering laughs in the courtroom.
7. The seventh juror is a civil litigator who is married with two kids and lives on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. Originally from North Carolina, he reads the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post and Washington Post. He said he has “political views as to the Trump presidency” and that he thinks there were likely Trump administration policies he disagreed with. “I don’t know the man and I don’t have opinions about him personally,” he said. “I certainly follow the news, I’m aware there are other lawsuits out there. But I’m not sure that I know anyone’s character.”

The post Here’s What We Know About the Jurors Seated in Trump’s Historic Criminal Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post Here’s What We Know About the Jurors Seated in Trump’s Historic Criminal Trial appeared first on The Source.

In a surprise appearance at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Atlanta’s Vine City last week, former President Donald Trump found himself at the center of controversy once again after a young Black woman embraced him in what appeared to be a spontaneous show of support. However, new revelations suggest that the encounter may have been more orchestrated than it initially seemed.

According to reports from Fox 5, the embrace was orchestrated by conservative activist Michaelah Montgomery, founder of Conserve the Culture, a group that recruits and educates college students and young alumni at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) about conservative ideas. Montgomery, a former Georgia Republican Party staffer, allegedly coordinated the event after being notified of Trump’s visit to the area.

“Everybody got together at around 9:30 in the morning and walked on over to the Chick-fil-A, and then we sat there and waited until the president showed up,” Montgomery revealed. She expressed frustration at the media’s portrayal of the event, emphasizing that it was not a spontaneous encounter but a planned gathering.

Montgomery’s admission has sparked outrage and skepticism, with many questioning the authenticity of the moment captured in viral videos.

Meanwhile, Angela Stanton, a staunch supporter of Trump and founder of “Auntie Angie’s House,” a non-profit support center for expectant mothers in Vine City, expressed disappointment after failing to secure a visit or position in the Trump campaign. Stanton, who campaigned vigorously for Trump for many years, faced the ultimatum of keeping “Auntie Angie’s” doors open or accepting a paid consulting position with Bobby Kennedy’s campaign. Ultimately, she chose the latter, feeling insulted by the lack of acknowledgment from the Trump camp.

Watch her video below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angela Stanton King (@theangiestanton)

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The historic first criminal trial ever against a former President of the United States started with emphatic energy as dozens of prospective jurors, more than 50, were dismissed from the first pool during the jury selection process on Monday. According to various reports, most said they felt they could not hear the case fairly or impartially and were denied the running of the 12-seat jury. 

Full stop CNN and other news outlets reported Trump seemingly nodded off during day one of the trial’s jury selection process. He reportedly fell asleep. You can’t make this up. 

This underscores the scathing reality of finding not only an adequate but also an impartial jury during easily one of the most high-profile criminal cases in this country’s history.

Get this: at least nine more jurors were excused after saying they could not serve for any other reason. That left about 34 of the 96 potential jurors from the first pool, this from reporters inside the courtroom as cameras are not allowed in New York hearings. One juror said, “I just couldn’t do it,” from the hallway outside the courtroom.

The remaining members of the first pool must fill out a questionnaire about how they consume media and the news, along with their habits for such indulgence, where they reside, and whether they have a relative or have ever volunteered or worked for the Trump campaign, as well as a host of other inquiries.

As you can imagine, attorneys from both sides will scrutinize the remaining candidates. They will also review their social media profiles and ask more personal questions to search for potential bias against or for the polarizing defendant. 

“You really don’t want jurors who bring something to the table, other than the fact that they have a general understanding Trump was the president,” said Joshua Naftalis, a former federal prosecutor in New York and now a partner at Pallas, who told Axios.

Whoever they seat to be jurors, along with the alternates, is in for one heck of a ride in the first of four criminal trials Trump is facing. 

The post More Than 50 Potential Jurors Dismissed on First Day of Historic Trump New York Criminal Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post More Than 50 Potential Jurors Dismissed on First Day of Historic Trump New York Criminal Trial appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump will once again negatively make history. Today (April 15), Trump will be the first former president to stand tiral on criminal charges. The first step in the trial will be jury selection.

Trump is required to attend each trial hearing, which, according to NBC News, could last up to eight weeks. Trump has pleaded not guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, which can be punishable of up to four years in prison.

The charges are connected to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office claim Trump engaged in a plot with his former attorney, Michael Cohen, and the National Enquirer’s publisher to suppress scandalous reports about him leading up to Election Day.

One of these reports involved adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who asserted she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has refuted the allegation, and Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 in October 2016 to silence her about the claim. Subsequently, after Trump’s election, he reimbursed Cohen through payments categorized as legal expenses within his company’s records—documents the DA alleges were doctored to conceal the hush money transactions.

Trump attempted to delay the case, with focusing on the election. However, that attempt failed. Just selection is expected to last up to two weeks.

The post The People of New York v. Donald Trump: First Criminal Trial of U.S. President Begins first appeared on The Source.

The post The People of New York v. Donald Trump: First Criminal Trial of U.S. President Begins appeared first on The Source.

According to several confirmed reports, the first attempt to have the federal conspiracy conviction overturned for Pras of The Fugees was denied in federal court on Friday(April 12) by a judge who has presided over cases involving Saddam Hussein, George W. Bush and Microsoft.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the motion, saying there was more than sufficient evidence to convict Pras, whose real name is Prakazrel Michel, of the charges on the first go-round, and therefore, there was no reason to dismiss the conviction.

“After a five-week trial, a jury convicted Michel of ten counts,” the judge wrote in her memorandum. “The Court has thoroughly reviewed the extensive evidence presented at trial and finds the evidence sufficient to withstand a motion for judgment of acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29. Accordingly, Michel’s [309] Motion for Judgment of Acquittal is DENIED.”

Back in January, Pras’ former attorney David Kenner pleaded guilty to leaking confidential federal grand jury files to two reporters in 2023, which is in direct violation of federal rules. The United States District Court in Washington, DC found probable cause that the ex-attorney for Michel “committed misdemeanor contempt in violation of 18 USC 401 (c)” by leaking files.

Pras was convicted of money laundering and illegitimate lobbying tactics. Just a few months later, he began working toward bringing his case back to life on grounds of his ex-attorney apparently messing up “the single most important portion” of his defense by using AI to put together a closing statement.

“Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” Pras’ new legal team stated in a brief. “The AI program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed [Pras] Michel. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

David Kenner is the famed attorney who represented Death Row Records in the 90s and was able to secure an acquittal for Snoop Dogg’s murder trial back in 1993.

The post Pras Denied First Attempt At Overturning Political Conspiracy Conviction first appeared on The Source.

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The iconic and pioneering careers of Bronx Hip Hop legends KRS-One and Kurtis Blow were honored last week. Both living legends received Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards at the National Hip Hop Museum Induction Ceremony.

AllHipHop reported President Biden honored Kris and Kurtis at the NHHM in D.C. on Thursday(April 4). The event was hosted at the RIAA’s Headquarters, and Reverend Dr. George Holmes delivered a speech commemorating the two hip-hop icons.

“There are two ways for a leader to go through life: as a thermometer or as a thermostat,” Holmes said. “The thermometer merely measures the climate, but the thermostat sets the tone and creates it. That’s who you are, KRS-One and Kurtis Blow.”

Although President Biden did not attend the celebration, a letter from the POTUS to the honorees was read in front of the 300+ attendees.

“As it is with Kurtis Blow, as it is with you, America’s story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us,” read the letter. “On behalf of the American people, President Biden extends his heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and he encourages you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is still counting on you.”

The post KRS-One and Kurtis Blow Receive Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards At The National Hip Hop Museum Induction Ceremony first appeared on The Source.

The post KRS-One and Kurtis Blow Receive Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards At The National Hip Hop Museum Induction Ceremony appeared first on The Source.

For those who swear by Trump being so great for the American economy, here’s something for your bingo card today. His shares of Truth Social just plummeted. That’s his social media app, with the ironic name that he owns and uses to regularly rage over, well, anyone that stands in his way, starting with the “radical liberals” and the witch-hunting ‘insert prosecutor’ in any of his criminal cases. H

ere’s how it all went down, quite literally. CNN reported that Trump Media & Technology Group just disclosed that it lost more than $58 million and only generated very little revenue in 2023, like $4.1 million for the entire year. Comparatively, the same company allegedly profited $50.5 million in 2022. 

Now, as you can imagine, the former president is the majority shareholder of Trump Media & Technology Group. Hence, after the financial disclosure, his net worth is nose-dived by more than $1 billion today. Donald Trump owns a majority stake of 78.8 million in the newly public company. But the revenue has been in a tailspin, dropping 39% “year-over-year in the fourth quarter to just $751,500,” as CNN reports. That is pretty scary; investors never want to see that from any start-up.

The disclosures of the significant losses are so drastic that Trump Media’s accountants warned they “raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern,” which can be taken as Wall Street jargon for: We may not be able to stay in business. One can only hope … they figure it out. Wink. Wink.

The post Trump’s Media Stock Plummets, Dropping His Net Worth by $1 Billion   first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump’s Media Stock Plummets, Dropping His Net Worth by $1 Billion   appeared first on The Source.

Miami bass/Hip Hip pioneer Luther Campbell aka Uncle Luke is considering entering politics by running in a local race against an incumbent in his local Florida district, according to reports.

In an interview last weekend with Miami’s The Bulwark, the 2 Live Crew founder explained his decision in considering running for incumbent Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s 20th Congressional district seat. Campbell said, “I’m living my ideal. I have the opportunity to bring something back to the community…And I get to fight these motherfuckers.”

By “motherfuckers”, Campbell was referring to “Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump, and all these crazy-ass Republicans who want to divide us.”

In anticipation of his bid, Campbell established a political committee in January called “Don’t Stop Get It Get It”.

“Campbell has had informal conversations with political consultants in South Florida to help run his primary campaign,” reports The Bulwark. “He has also been followed around by a Los Angeles-based documentary film crew, whose name he’s keeping secret for now.”

Campbell said he’ll decide whether to run before April 26, which is the race entry deadline in the state of Florida. The primary elections are set August 20.

The post Uncle Luke Considers Entering Congressional Race Against Incumbent Florida Democrat first appeared on The Source.

The post Uncle Luke Considers Entering Congressional Race Against Incumbent Florida Democrat appeared first on The Source.

In his hush money criminal case, Donald Trump appeared at a New York criminal court for a pre-trial hearing. Let’s get to it. The hearing is set to discuss discovery issues that contributed to the delay of starting this criminal trial until at least April. Trump’s lawyers have asked for further delay or dismissal of the case. The latter is unlikely, while the former has been a strategy across all of Trump’s cases … delay, delay, delay. 

Of course, when he entered the hearing, Trump said the case was a “hoax,” a word he likes to use to categorize most charges against him.

Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom but in the courthouse’s hallway. In the past, Trump has used the opportunity to rant to the media about his appearances. And yes, he’s expected to make more remarks after the hearing.

But get this: the hush money criminal case hearing is happening on the same day as Trump`s deadline to secure a bond while he appeals a $464 million civil fraud decision by Judge Arthur Engoron after losing a civil trial along with his adult sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization. Trump had until the end of the day Monday to post a bond, which is over half a billion dollars when you include interest, but as of 11:30 am Monday, the New York Appeals Court allowed Trump to post a smaller bond of $175M within ten days in a civil fraud case.

Trump has been posting on Truth Social—that’s actually the name of his social media platform; insert laughing emoji—that he nearly has the dough to post bond. But now it looks like he has to post only the 175 million, and if he can’t in 10 days, then the New York attorney general can start the process of seizing Trump’s assets to satisfy his obligation to the state after losing the fraud trial. 

The post Trump Hush Money Hearing for Upcoming Criminal Trial Has Begun first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump Hush Money Hearing for Upcoming Criminal Trial Has Begun appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is apparently “thinking in terms of” supporting a 15-week federal abortion ban. Yes, he said that in an interview that aired Tuesday. Just wondering how we came up with 15 weeks and why. 

“The number of weeks now, people are agreeing on 15, and I’m thinking in terms of that, and it’ll come out to something that’s very reasonable. But people are really, even hard-liners are agreeing, seems to be, 15 weeks seems to be a number that people are agreeing at. But I’ll make that announcement at the appropriate time,” Trump said in a radio interview with Sid & Friends in the Morning. Trump then reiterated his support for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is in danger. 

The former POTUS told Fox News he remains undecided about whether he would back a federal abortion ban but did say, “More and more I’m hearing about 15 weeks.” Over the weekend, he said he would make a decision “pretty soon” on whether he will back a federal abortion ban.

President Joe Biden is attacking Trump over his stance on abortion. Just last month, after The New York Times reported that Trump privately expressed support for a 16-week federal ban. Biden went after Trump by saying the twice impeached former President would “rip away your rights” while falsely casting himself as “running to protect them.”

A Trump campaign spokeswoman told CNN Trump is yet to commit to a national abortion ban. They said Trump would “sit down with both sides and negotiate a deal that everyone will be happy with,” from spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement responding to the Times report.

Trump has not been clear on this issue, and the national debate has hurt Republicans at the ballot box since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump has criticized his party over their abortion messaging.

Still, Trump frequently flaunts his role in the elimination of abortion protections on the federal level, which came after he appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices who each voted with the conservative majority that lead to overturning Roe. He calls this a key achievement of his administration. This is what President Biden is up against. Someone who is considering a federal abortion ban. Let that sink in.

The post Trump Says During Interview He’s ‘Thinking Of’ Backing 15-Week Federal Abortion Ban first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump Says During Interview He’s ‘Thinking Of’ Backing 15-Week Federal Abortion Ban appeared first on The Source.

Bronx-raised rap icon Fat Joe just had a high-level meeting this past Friday with the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris! As TMZ reported, Joe “led a panel regarding criminal justice reform featuring Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and White House Director of the Office of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin,” where he expressed ideas and solutions for important issues in the country.

This seemed more than a photo op. Fat Joe met with VP Harris and spearheaded the conversation with other advocates of criminal justice reform, not to mention a few recipients of marijuana-related pardons. Joe had the Vice President’s audience for about an hour, and he reportedly contributed personal anecdotes from the pardoned in attendance.

TMZ was told Fat Joe expressed gratitude for how his Hip-Hop journey paved the way for a close relationship with the Veep, whom he met through Power To The Patients, his healthcare reform group. Did you know he had that? Joe has been busy in the public reform arena!

Now get this: the report also said Fat Joe could have a private chat with Kamala, and the two dished on transparency regarding healthcare prices and other issues that matter to Joe.

ICYMI, Joe also rapped with President Joe Biden, himself after the State of the Union address, which implies Joe was at the address. Both political parties were clamoring for Joe’s attention trying to score autographs and snap pics. Rightfully so, because Joe has been working the world of politics and advocacy like no other in the world of Hip-Hop, maybe he’s on to something. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FAT JOE (@fatjoe)

The post Fat Joe Panel Leads Discussion With Vice President Kamala Harris on Criminal Justice Reform, Cannabis and Healthcare first appeared on The Source.

The post Fat Joe Panel Leads Discussion With Vice President Kamala Harris on Criminal Justice Reform, Cannabis and Healthcare appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump delivered a threat to all of America while at a rally in Ohio. Speaking in his trademark MAGA hat, Trump stated there would be a “bloodbath” if he lost the election.

“Now if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s gonna be the least of it,” Trump said. “It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it.”

Trump: Now, If I don't get elected, it's gonna be a bloodbath. It's going to be a bloodbath for the country. pic.twitter.com/qDEPTtl4Bu

— Acyn (@Acyn) March 16, 2024

He also said, “If this election isn’t won, I’m not sure that you’ll ever have another election in this country.”

The Biden administration responded, via spokesperson James Singer:

The post Trump Says If He Doesn’t Win the Election There Will be a ‘Bloodbath’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump Says If He Doesn’t Win the Election There Will be a ‘Bloodbath’ appeared first on The Source.

During his State of the Union address, Biden announced steps to establish a port in Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. 

This initiative was reported by CNN and teased before the speech on Thursday by a senior administration official who said it prior to the POTUS’s biggest speech of the year.

“Tonight in the speech, the President will announce that he’s directing the US military to lead an emergency mission to establish a port in the Mediterranean on the Gaza coast that can receive large ships carrying food, water medicine, and temporary shelters,” a senior administration official said Thursday.

CNN reported the port will essentially include a temporary pier “will provide the capacity for hundreds of additional truckloads of assistance each day.” It’s interesting as the efforts will be coordinated mainly with Israel, the United Nations, and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. The initial aid shipments will come from Cyprus.

What is not immediately apparent is when the port will be up and running. The administration said, “This new significant capability will take several weeks to plan and execute. The forces required to complete this mission are either already in the region or will begin to move there soon,” said a second official.

It’s important to note that Israel has imposed major restrictions on what aid can enter the Gaza Strip and has drained or forbade essential supplies that are desperately needed by displaced civilians in Gaza. Many are facing starvation, including children, who make up half of the population in Gaza. 

US officials still believe that delivering aid via land is “the most efficient, cost-effective way to get assistance in,” Biden’s State of the Union announcement expressed the urgency of the overall situation in Gaza..

The post Biden’s State of the Union Announces Plans To Establish a Port in Gaza To Deliver Aid first appeared on The Source.

The post Biden’s State of the Union Announces Plans To Establish a Port in Gaza To Deliver Aid appeared first on The Source.

Trump just couldn’t help himself. During the Oscars, Trump hit Truth Social and diss Jimmy Kimmel as he hosted.

You can read Trump’s statement below.

Jimmy Kimmel just read this post by Trump and then asked “isn’t it past your jail time?” pic.twitter.com/y7DUt2I6nE

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) March 11, 2024

Kimmel responded with an eloquent clapback, concluding with: “isn’t it past your jail time?”

Jimmy Kimmel calls out Donald Trump at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/bAGWxUFg9P

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024

The post WATCH: Jimmy Kimmel Owns Trump with Oscars Clapback: ‘Isn’t It Past Your Jail Time’ first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Jimmy Kimmel Owns Trump with Oscars Clapback: ‘Isn’t It Past Your Jail Time’ appeared first on The Source.

Following the Super Tuesday election results, President Biden issued a statement emphasizing the critical choice facing the American people. He framed the decision as one between progress and regression, urging citizens to consider the stark contrast between moving forward or reverting to the chaos and division of the past administration.

Biden highlighted the significant advancements made during his tenure, including job creation, wage growth, and victories against powerful interests like Big Pharma and the gun lobby. However, he cautioned that these achievements could be jeopardized if Donald Trump were to return to the White House. Biden warned that the former president’s agenda threatens to undermine democracy, restrict personal freedoms, and further enrich the wealthy.

The President appealed to voters of all backgrounds, urging them to stand united against Trump’s divisive tactics and extreme policies. He called upon Americans to defend democracy, protect civil rights, and safeguard the right to vote.

You can read the full statement below:

“Tonight’s results leave the American people with a clear choice: Are we going to keep moving forward or will we allow Donald Trump to drag us backwards into the chaos, division, and darkness that defined his term in office?

Four years ago, I ran because of the existential threat Donald Trump posed to the America we all believe in. Since then, we’ve made enormous progress: 15 million jobs, wages rising faster than inflation, taking on Big Pharma and the gun lobby — and winning. But we have more to do.

If Donald Trump returns to the White House, all of this progress is at risk. He is driven by grievance and grift, focused on his own revenge and retribution, not the American people. He is determined to destroy our democracy, rip away fundamental freedoms like the ability for women to make their own health care decisions, and pass another round of billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy — and he’ll do or say anything to put himself in power.

Today, millions of voters across the country made their voices heard — showing that they are ready to fight back against Donald Trump’s extreme plan to take us backwards.

My message to the country is this: Every generation of Americans will face a moment when it has to defend democracy. Stand up for our personal freedom. Stand up for the right to vote and our civil rights. To every Democrat, Republican, and independent who believes in a free and fair America: This is our moment. This is our fight. Together, we will win.”

The post President Biden Calls for Unity Against Trump White House Return in Post-Super Tuesday Statement first appeared on The Source.

The post President Biden Calls for Unity Against Trump White House Return in Post-Super Tuesday Statement appeared first on The Source.

Super Tuesday marked the end of Nikki Haley’s run for President. A source revealed the decision to the Associated Press after Donald Trump dominated primary matchups nationwide.

The United States appears set for another political battle between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Haley’s formal announcement is expected on Wednesday morning (March 6). During Super Tuesday, Vermont was the only state Haley won. She also won D.C.

As of midnight Wednesday, Trump had 893 delegates, more than half of the 1,215 needed to clinch the nomination. Haley had just 66.

“They call it Super Tuesday for a reason,” Trump said from Mar-a-Lago. “This is a big one. And they tell me, the pundits and otherwise, that there’s never been one like this.”

Here is Trump's full speech from Super Tuesday… UNCENSORED. MSNBC cut away from it last night, claiming it is "irresponsible." Watch it and decide for yourself because it should be your choice to decide that. Report here: https://t.co/Ejidq4lVR1 pic.twitter.com/VuPr5DrVrp

— m o d e r n i t y (@ModernityNews) March 6, 2024

Following Haley’s withdrawal, Biden released a statement:

“It takes a lot of courage to run for President – that’s especially true in today’s Republican Party, where so few dare to speak the truth about Donald Trump. Nikki Haley was willing to speak the truth about Trump: about the chaos that always follows him, about his inability to see right from wrong, about his cowering before Vladimir Putin.

“Donald Trump made it clear he doesn’t want Nikki Haley’s supporters. I want to be clear: There is a place for them in my campaign. I know there is a lot we won’t agree on. But on the fundamental issues of preserving American democracy, on standing up for the rule of law, on treating each other with decency and dignity and respect, on preserving NATO and standing up to America’s adversaries, I hope and believe we can find common ground.

“We all know this is no ordinary election. And the stakes for America couldn’t be higher. I know that Democrats and Republicans and Independents disagree on many issues and hold strong convictions. That’s a good thing. That’s what America stands for. But I also know this: what unites Democrats and Republicans and Independents is a love for America.”  

The post Nikki Haley to Drop Out Presidential Race After Trump Dominates Super Tuesday first appeared on The Source.

The post Nikki Haley to Drop Out Presidential Race After Trump Dominates Super Tuesday appeared first on The Source.

Rev. Al Sharpton heard Donald Trump state Black people identify with him due to his indictments and is offended.

In case you missed it, Trump got really comfortable during his speech at a South Carolina primary rally. As he took the stage, Trump stated the lights were bright, allowing him only to see Black people.

“These lights are so bright in my eyes that I can’t see too many people out there,” Trump said. “I can only see the Black ones; I can’t see the white ones. That’s how far I’ve come. That’s a long way isn’t it? We’ve come a long way together.”

Donald Trump is WILD. pic.twitter.com/XOYJ54OEVT

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) February 24, 2024

Also, during his time, Trump revealed he believed he has turned the Black population in his favor by his indictment and being discriminated against.

“When I did the mug shot in Atlanta, that mug shot is number one,” Trump said, highlighting Black people “embraced it more than anyone else,” saying he saw it on t-shirts.

His key statement on stage was: “I’m being indicted for you, the Black population.”

(They Criminals Just Like Me) I’m Not Even Gone Lie I’m Starting To Like The Casual Racism He Gives U Keep Treating Them Like “Tim Scott” Trump!! They’ll Jump Even Higher!!! pic.twitter.com/vKdDi4eUaW

— Plies (@plies) February 24, 2024

Speaking on MSNBC’s The Morning Joe, Sharpton said questioned everything Trump had to say.

“I’ve never seen him stand up for Blacks that were treated wrong by the criminal justice system,” Sharpton said. “But now he’s a symbol of being prosecuted?”

“I’ve never seen [Trump] stand up for Blacks that were treated wrong by the criminal justice system. But now he’s a symbol of being prosecuted?” — @TheRevAl on Trump saying his criminal indictments boosted his appeal with Black voters pic.twitter.com/rUWwY7BMBo

— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) February 26, 2024

According to The Washington Post, the remarks happened at the Black Conservative Federation’s annual awards gala, where he stood with Black leaders, including former Housing and Urban Development secretary Ben Carson.

The post WATCH: Rev. Al Sharpton Blasts Trump for Saying Black People Identify with Being Indicted and Will Vote for Him first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Rev. Al Sharpton Blasts Trump for Saying Black People Identify with Being Indicted and Will Vote for Him appeared first on The Source.

Trump got real comfortable during his speech at a South Carolina primary rally. As he took the stage, Trump stated the lights were bright, allowing him only to see Black people.

“These lights are so bright in my eyes that I can’t see too many people out there,” Trump said. “I can only see the Black ones; I can’t see the white ones. That’s how far I’ve come. That’s a long way isn’t it? We’ve come a long way together.”

Donald Trump is WILD. pic.twitter.com/XOYJ54OEVT

— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) February 24, 2024

According to The Washington Post, the remarks happened at the Black Conservative Federation’s annual awards gala, where he stood with Black leaders, including former Housing and Urban Development secretary Ben Carson.

Also, during his time, Trump revealed he believes he has turned the Black population in his favor by his indictment and being discriminated against.

“When I did the mug shot in Atlanta, that mug shot is number one,” Trump said, highlighting Black people “embraced it more than anyone else,” saying he saw it on t-shirts.

His key statement on stage was: “I’m being indicted for you, the Black population.”

(They Criminals Just Like Me) I’m Not Even Gone Lie I’m Starting To Like The Casual Racism He Gives U Keep Treating Them Like “Tim Scott” Trump!! They’ll Jump Even Higher!!! pic.twitter.com/vKdDi4eUaW

— Plies (@plies) February 24, 2024

The post WATCH: Trump Says Indictments Made Him Relatable to Black Population at South Carolina Appearance first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: Trump Says Indictments Made Him Relatable to Black Population at South Carolina Appearance appeared first on The Source.

Rapper Snoop Dogg’s six-year-old criticism of former President Donald Trump resurfaced during the final hours of Trump’s tenure in the Oval Office, according to sources close to the White House.

The feud between the two figures dates back to 2018 when Snoop Dogg openly condemned Trump and Kanye West, stating that anyone who supported Trump was a racist. His bold comments reverberated across the nation, drawing both praise and criticism from different quarters.

Fast forward to Trump’s last days in office, and sources reveal that the then-president was consumed with thoughts of Snoop Dogg, unable to shake off the rapper’s scathing remarks. According to insiders, Trump was overheard expressing his frustration, bluntly stating, “Well, f— him,” in reference to Snoop Dogg.

The revelation sheds light on the unexpected impact of Snoop Dogg’s criticism on the highest office in the nation, with Trump reportedly stewing over their beef during his final moments in power. As the clock ticked down to President Biden’s inauguration, Trump’s renewed fury at the rapper triggered a flurry of efforts to convince him that Snoop Dogg had softened his stance.

Interestingly, during the same period, Snoop Dogg was silently advocating for the White House to grant clemency to his longtime friend Michael “Harry-O” Harris, who was serving a lengthy sentence for attempted murder and drug trafficking charges. However, Trump’s lingering resentment towards the rapper threatened to derail the campaign for Harris’s clemency.

Despite the tension between Trump and Snoop Dogg, justice prevailed when Harris was granted clemency in January 2021, marking a significant victory for the rapper’s behind-the-scenes efforts.

Thoughts?

The post Snoop Dogg’s Criticism Haunted Trump During Final Days in Office first appeared on The Source.

The post Snoop Dogg’s Criticism Haunted Trump During Final Days in Office appeared first on The Source.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is engaging in a public back-and-forth with rapper 50 Cent over the city’s new $53 million pilot program to aid migrant families. The clash began after 50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, took to Instagram to express confusion and criticism over the program, prompting Adams to extend an invitation for a personal explanation.

50 took to his Instagram stories Saturday to express his confusion by revealing details of the mayor’s latest migrant crisis plan.

“WTF mayor Adams call my phone, I don’t understand how this works somebody explain,” the rapper wrote. “Can’t explain this I’m stuck maybe TRUMP is the answer.”

“We need to dispel the rumor that we gave American Express cards to everyone you know, that is just not true,” Adams said Monday.

First, to Fitty, I have not had one birthday that I have not played his music,” Adams told reporters at a City Hall press conference after The Post asked him whether he’d reached out to the 48-year-old rap star since the post.

“I would love to explain it to him so that he can go out and do another tweet of saying, ‘you know what, Eric is just a smart manager, and now we understand why he was elected by the people of the city of New York,’ ” Adams said.

Adams, addressing reporters at City Hall, revealed his admiration for the rapper’s music and expressed a desire to clarify the program’s objectives to him. Despite Adams’ invitation, it’s uncertain whether any communication has transpired between the mayor and the rapper.

The initiative, named the Immediate Response Card, involves providing pre-loaded credit cards to migrant families for food purchases at local businesses. Adams defended the program, emphasizing its cost-saving potential and the need to address food wastage in city-run migrant shelters.

However, the program has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who labeled it “reprehensible” and criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Despite the backlash, Adams remains steadfast in supporting the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for local communities and businesses.

The clash between Adams and 50 Cent highlights the nature of the program and its implications for migrant assistance in New York City.

The post Eric Adams Invites 50 Cent for Explanation Over $53 Million Migrant Credit-Card Plan first appeared on The Source.

The post Eric Adams Invites 50 Cent for Explanation Over $53 Million Migrant Credit-Card Plan appeared first on The Source.

At the United Auto Workers (UAW) National CAP Conference, the UAW declared its endorsement for the reelection of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. UAW President Shawn Fain took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump, branding him as a “scab” and denouncing his anti-worker policies, which he argued favored the billionaire class.

"The UAW is endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States," UAW President Shawn Fain announces. pic.twitter.com/JChH3RjQhR

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 24, 2024

Donald Trump is a scab. – Shawn Fain, UAW President pic.twitter.com/hgbw4OrYzP

— Dripped Out Trade Unionists (@UnionDrip) January 24, 2024

Fain highlighted the stark contrast between the two administrations, praising President Biden for his historic commitment to union and labor rights. The UAW’s endorsement aligns with its vision of supporting leaders who prioritize the interests of workers and stand against policies perceived as detrimental to the workforce.

I’m proud to have the UAW’s back, and I’m honored they have mine.

Thank you for choosing to stand with me. pic.twitter.com/YKsevpcfQW

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 24, 2024

“This is a very significant political endorsement and coming just the day after President Biden’s campaign unofficially said this was the start of the general election,” said CNN’s MJ Lee. “Heading into this general election. … In the remarks that we heard from the president earlier today, we heard him explicitly calling out President Trump as he tries to cast himself as being the candidate of the working class.”

The announcement at the National CAP Conference underlines the UAW’s commitment to actively shaping the political landscape by endorsing candidates aligned with their values and advocating for the rights and well-being of workers.

The post United Auto Workers Endorses Biden-Harris Reelection Bid, Slams Trump’s Anti-Worker Stance first appeared on The Source.

The post United Auto Workers Endorses Biden-Harris Reelection Bid, Slams Trump’s Anti-Worker Stance appeared first on The Source.

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Born January 15, 1929, Civil Rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would’ve turned 91 Years old today; as we celebrate the day of his birth almost 47 years after he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born to Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King, Dr. King was a gifted man from his youth. He skipped grades 9 through 12, and began college at Morehouse College at the age of 15; the alma mater of his father and maternal grandfather. The iconic leader received his B.A. degree in 1948.

Following his family’s long tenure as pastors, MLK was ordained and served as co-pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA; the same church his father and grandfather pastored.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested almost 30 times, on acts of civil disobedience and false charges. He was once jailed in Montgomery, Alabama in 1956, for driving 30 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone.

King’s last public speech was at Mason Temple Church, where he told the congregation:

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now … I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was standing on the balcony of his motel room, where he was preparing to lead a protest march for garbage workers who were on strike. James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the assassination.

In 1983, President Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday celebrating Dr. King, first celebrated in 1986. The national holiday is celebrated every third Monday in January.

Happy Birthday, from The Source to the legend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The post Happy Birthday To The Late, Great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy Birthday To The Late, Great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appeared first on The Source.

There has not been a figure in the history of the United States that can ever be compared to the life and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His methods of non-violent protest that were used to fight oppression and inequality in this country have been emulated all over the world. Besides, who else has been given their federal holiday that wasn’t a former president?

In celebration of Dr. King’s birthday today, without focusing on how the U.S. government is admittedly responsible for his tragic and untimely death or the rumorous allegations of him being a philandering lady’s man, the Mind Squad presents a photo gallery that captures some of Dr. King’s most intimate moments within the struggle for the liberation of Black people.

And for those that didn’t know, this rendition of “Happy Birthday” composed by Stevie Wonder, which can be heard at many Black birthday shindigs, was originally created in memory of the late Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

The post The Northstar Group/TheSource Magazine Celebrates The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first appeared on The Source.

The post The Northstar Group/TheSource Magazine Celebrates The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appeared first on The Source.

Former President Donald Trump has provided a new set of orders to his rabid fan base: “If you see bags of crap coming into the voting area, you gotta stop it.”

Trump was speaking on the third anniversary of the Insurrection on Jan. 6., claiming people will cheat on election day. The message echoed the rallying cry of his base at the Capitol.

You can see the moment below.

Maine is the latest state that will not include Donald Trump on the 2024 Republican Primary Ballot. According to CNN, Maine’s top election official have removed Trump based on an “insurrectionist ban” presented in the 14th Amendment.

Trump: You should all stay in those voting booths— you should stay there and watch and if you see bags of crap coming into the voting areas, you gotta stop it pic.twitter.com/qvXSTCmAE7

— Acyn (@Acyn) January 6, 2024

The 14th Amendment prohibits individuals who participate in insurrection from holding future public office in the United States.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows anticipates the Trump campaign’s appeal. Bellows is a Democrat but led a bipartisan group that didn’t find Trump to be fit for the ballot.

“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” Bellows wrote. “Democracy is sacred … I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”

Earlier this month, Colorado Supreme Court removed Trump from their state’s primary ballot. The Trump team also appealed that decision.

“Democrats in blue states are recklessly and un-Constitutionally suspending the civil rights of the American voters by attempting to summarily remove President Trump’s name from the ballot,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The post Trump Calls for His Supporters to Stop ‘Bags of Crap’ At Voting Both first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump Calls for His Supporters to Stop ‘Bags of Crap’ At Voting Both appeared first on The Source.

With the Republican primary less than two months away, former President Donald Trump is celebrating the Insurrection anniversary of Jan. 6 with a rally.

The “Commit to Caucus Rally” will be held in Newton, Iowa. Members of the Republican party are downplaying the key date. Specifically, Thad Nearmyer, chairman of the Jasper County, Iowa Republican party, stated the date was an afterthought.

“A little bit later it kind of occurred to me that that date has some significance,” Mr Nearmyer said. “It wasn’t nearly as big of a deal as it was made out to be.”

Just last week, Maine became the latest state that will not include Donald Trump on the 2024 Republican Primary Ballot. According to CNN, Maine’s top election official have removed Trump based on an “insurrectionist ban” presented in the 14th Amendment.

The 14th Amendment prohibits individuals who participate in insurrection from holding future public office in the United States.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows anticipates the Trump campaign’s appeal. Bellows is a Democrat but led a bipartisan group that didn’t find Trump to be fit for the ballot.

“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” Bellows wrote. “Democracy is sacred … I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”

Earlier this month, Colorado Supreme Court removed Trump from their state’s primary ballot. The Trump team also appealed that decision.

“Democrats in blue states are recklessly and un-Constitutionally suspending the civil rights of the American voters by attempting to summarily remove President Trump’s name from the ballot,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The post Trump to Host Campaign Rally on Jan. 6 Anniversary first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump to Host Campaign Rally on Jan. 6 Anniversary appeared first on The Source.

Maine is the latest state that will not include Donald Trump on the 2024 Republican Primary Ballot. According to CNN, Maine’s top election official have removed Trump based on an “insurrectionist ban” presented in the 14th Amendment.

The 14th Amendment prohibits individuals who participate in insurrection from holding future public office in the United States.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows anticipates the Trump campaign’s appeal. Bellows is a Democrat but led a bipartisan group that didn’t find Trump to be fit for the ballot.

“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” Bellows wrote. “Democracy is sacred … I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”

Earlier this month, Colorado Supreme Court removed Trump from their state’s primary ballot. The Trump team also appealed that decision.

“Democrats in blue states are recklessly and un-Constitutionally suspending the civil rights of the American voters by attempting to summarily remove President Trump’s name from the ballot,” Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The post Maine Election Official Rules to Not Allow Trump on State’s Primary Ballot first appeared on The Source.

The post Maine Election Official Rules to Not Allow Trump on State’s Primary Ballot appeared first on The Source.

The riveting documentary, Bobi Wine: The People’s President, delves into the tumultuous 2021 presidential election in Uganda, capturing the fearless efforts of music star, activist, and opposition leader Bobi Wine. The film, available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, offers a gripping narrative of Bobi Wine’s perilous journey as he rallies against the oppressive 35-year regime led by President Museveni.

Born in the slums of Kampala, Bobi Wine emerges as a national superstar musician, activist, and opposition leader. Faced with the ruthless regime of President Museveni, who has maintained power since 1986, Bobi Wine, along with his wife Barbie, embarks on a dangerous mission to liberate Uganda from oppression. The 2021 presidential elections become a battleground where Bobi Wine employs his music to denounce the dictatorial regime and champion the cause of the voiceless and oppressed.

Directors Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo share their journey of documenting Bobi Wine’s life and activism. Originally conceived as a film about a socially conscious musician, the project evolved into a powerful portrayal of Bobi and Barbie’s courage in challenging a regime deeply entrenched in power. The film, infused with Bobi Wine’s music, serves as a testament to the genuine spirit of those fighting for freedom.

The directors express their intent to create an authentic representation of Uganda’s struggles, focusing on the raw and genuine spirit of the inspiring individuals involved. The film captures the dangers, unpredictability, and sacrifices encountered by Bobi Wine and his supporters in their quest for justice.

In an interview with The Source Magazine, co-directors Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo shed light on their personal connections with Uganda, their inspiration to tell Bobi Wine’s story, and the challenges of capturing the unfolding events in a volatile environment.

Having been born in Uganda, you both have personal, but presumably also very different connections with the country. What inspired you to tell the story of Bobi Wine? How did you and Moses meet, and what individual perspectives and experiences did each of you bring to the project?

When I first met Bobi and Barbie in Europe in 2017, I was already a devotee of Bobi’s music. I had a strong
connection with the country through my family and childhood, so I understood some of the challenges.
When Bobi and Barbie started telling me their story and explained what they were trying to do, I found
them totally compelling. They were both articulate, charming and, above all, brave. Barbie had grown up in the same region of Uganda as I had, so we had some shared memories.

When we first started shooting, we had a very accomplished DOP called Sam Benstead and an Italian,
Michele Sibiloni. They were both living in Kampala at the time. I was introduced to Moses, and he gradually took over from them. Moses proved to be totally dedicated to the project. He repeatedly put himself in danger to stay close to Bobi as the situation became increasingly volatile. Moses, particularly towards the end, was the one filming on the frontline, which allowed me to focus on the narrative, deciding what we needed and how it might look. We worked very well together, and even when not physically together, we would be on the phone all day.

What role does Bobi Wine’s music play in his life story and his political engagement, and how did you incorporate his music into the structure of your film?

Bobi uses his music as a means to communicate with the people. He originally sang about life, girls and
subjects that a young musician would typically draw inspiration from. This changed as Bobi felt compelled to articulate the injustices he was witnessing in Uganda. As the government became increasingly nervous about Bobi’s popularity, it tried to stop his audience from hearing his music. They banned concerts and prohibited radio stations from playing his songs. However, music is a very difficult thing to stop. Amusingly, Bobi once told me that Museveni hands out money to his oppressed people to buy their support, and they use the money to buy beer and then listen to his music!

Working with Paul Carlin, our editor, we started to think about the structure of the film. We knew music had to be central to the story. It is central to Bobi’s life. Much of Bobi’s message is delivered through the
lyrics of his songs, so we had to do the same with the film.

What were the biggest challenges of filming Bobi Wine as he moved around Uganda, especially when events sometimes turned violent? Was it difficult to choose which scenes to insert, and was there a limit to what you thought you could or should show on screen?

We filmed horrific violence, stories of individuals who had been tortured in what can only be described as
medieval methods. We spoke to people whose loved ones had disappeared. Originally, we thought we would include more of these interviews in the film. We had limited time and ended up focusing on experiencing the story through our main characters. However, it is hard not to feel like it is something of an injustice to the victims not to include them. Certainly, both Bobi and Moses felt that the film doesn’t
convey the extent of the horror, although they fully understand the rationale behind that choice.

You must have shot a wealth of material. How did the editing process develop, and what led you to focus on the characters we see in the film?

We shot literally hundreds of hours of footage. We were in the cutting room for two years. We had an exceptional editor, Paul Carlin, as mentioned before; he was incredibly patient. Our big struggle was how to cover five years of filming and, as is often the case, deciding which stories were central to the narrative. We ended up focusing on Bobi and Barbie and those closest to them.

In the Global North, Africa is often not given the attention and importance it deserves in terms of its size, population, diversity and vitality. How difficult was it to secure the resources you needed to produce the film?

The film was self-financed, which was obviously a great risk. We were extremely fortunate to have John
Battsek as a producer. He has great experience and recognizes the importance of the story. He could not have been more insightful and helpful. As we were making the film, we recognized that we had this important story with amazing characters and we were determined to make sure that people were able to see the film. We are grateful to National Geographic for being our distribution partner. They believe in the strength of the film and the heroism of its message and believe in the power of storytelling to generate conversation and hopefully change in an African country that so desperately needs it.

What would you like viewers to take away from the experience of watching the film?

People in the West often marvel that Africa has made such little progress. The answer is clear; it is dictatorships that stop progress. How far would our own societies get economically; how would our
healthcare be; how would our education system be if we had a ruler who, by his own omission, is working
for his family and stays in power for 35 years and counting?

Western governments are completely complicit in maintaining dictatorship in Uganda. I would like our audience to question their own government’s financing of dictatorial regimes.

Watch the trailer below.

The post Bobi Wine: The People’s President Chronicles Uganda’s Struggle for Freedom first appeared on The Source.

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Renowned figures Yo Gotti and Angela Simmons, alongside E-40 and his wife Tracey Stevens, were honored guests at The White House’s holiday party. The exclusive event included President Joe Biden addressing attendees, providing an opportunity for the guests to engage with members of the Biden administration, including White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The post Yo Gotti, Angela Simmons, E-40, and Wife Tracey Stevens Attend White House Holiday Party first appeared on The Source.

The post Yo Gotti, Angela Simmons, E-40, and Wife Tracey Stevens Attend White House Holiday Party appeared first on The Source.

Marking Hip Hop History Month, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, published the following essay in African Voices Magazine. In 2021, Congress established November as Hip Hop History Month.

“It was all a dream. 

I used to read Word Up! magazine. 

Salt’n’Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine. 

Hangin’ pictures on my wall. 

Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl.” 

Those words were uttered by the late, great Notorious B.I.G. But they also vividly described my own experiences growing up as a teenager in Central Brooklyn during the mid to late 1980s. Before Yo! MTV Raps and Rap City, all we had were Rap Attack, a rival show hosted by Kool DJ Red Alert and the iconic Video Music Box led by VJ Ralph McDaniels. It was through these venues that we were first exposed to the latest artists, including the rise of LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Eric B and Rakim, KRS-One, MC Lyte, NWA and EPMD. After hearing new records, we couldn’t wait to talk about the compelling music we were just exposed to during homeroom or in the cafeteria the next day.

Early on in high school, I had two fantastical career objectives. The first was Hip Hop stardom, as I was casually rapping under the name Kid Fresh. The second was to become a point guard for the New York Knicks. Neither of these worked out.

Nevertheless, I still fondly remember my highest profile rap battle against a classmate named Sam, right in front of Midwood High School after the last bell. While memories are hazy, one of my boys seems to recall that I won the showdown on points.

Music is a soundtrack for our lives, none more compelling for me than Hip Hop. To this day, it allows me to mark and reflect upon different parts of my life based on the records that were banging at the time.

MC Run could do no wrong upon hearing Sucker MCs as a pre-teen. The BDP conflict with MC Chan captivated us in High School. When A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” featuring Busta Rhymes was played during a Kappa party at College In The Woods up at Binghamton, the crowd went wild. And my eventual graduate school roommate while I was at Georgetown, Adrian Fenty, introduced me to Dr. Dre’s classic album “The Chronic.”

The Hip Hop landscape was forever changed by Dre, Snoop, Ice Cube, Tupac and a compelling array of West Coast rappers. But not to be outdone, the Wu-Tang Clan, Fugees, Nas, Biggie, Lil Kim, Mobb Deep, Jay-Z, DMX and a host of incredible new artists brought the East back. Balance was restored to the Hip Hop universe. And of course, OutKast, Ludacris and the South would also have something to say.

When the Notorious B.I.G. dropped “Who Shot Ya” during my first year of law school, it lit up the parties hosted by aspiring Black lawyers at NYU and Columbia. We studied Supreme Court case law during the week, and listened to Bad Boy, Tupac and Jay-Z on the weekend. As a young lawyer in Manhattan in the early 2000s, we debated the back and forth between “Takeover” and “Ether,” admiring the sophisticated wordplay of both songs.

To this day, when locked into political combat with an adversary and in search of inspiration, those classics remain my go to records — along with Queen Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y.”, Tupac’s “Against All Odds” and 50 Cent’s “Back Down.” When declaring victory during my first congressional race in June 2012, “Empire State of Mind” was blaring in the background. Yeah, I’m out that Brooklyn.

The older you get, the more things begin to come full circle. Hip Hop has evolved, but the power of its music, culture, language, fashion and art remain constant. It’s just that now I have to rely on my sons to keep me up on the latest drop from Kendrick Lamar, or inform me that “Lit” is the new “Hot.”

Throughout my time in elected office, I have had the privilege of representing the neighborhoods where Biggie Smalls and a host of iconic Brooklyn MCs were raised. Hip Hop is not just an important part of my life, but it’s intimately connected to the district I serve.

Six years ago, on March 9, 2017, I decided to go to the House Floor to deliver a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his tragic death. When I told the staff of my plan, one of them responded: “You can’t do that!”

So I asked the team to check the congressional record and validate my suspicion that other prominent artists like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen had been acknowledged on the House Floor by Members of Congress in the past. About an hour later, a staff member confirmed that all three had received multiple congressional tributes. I responded: “Great. Christopher Wallace is about to get one as well.”

The framers of the Constitution designed the House to be the institution closest to the American people, and reflect their hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, concerns, anxieties and passions. It’s what makes the House of Representatives so unique. For me, that has meant authentically bringing to Washington all that Hip Hop music has represented for the communities I am privileged to serve. During this challenging time in America, House Democrats will continue to fight For the People. And I will continue to do my best to always represent for the culture.

Published in the November/December Edition of African Voices Magazine as Part of their Special50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Issue.

The post Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Pens Hip Hop 50 Essay For African Voices Magazine first appeared on The Source.

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Koch Network, the political news network founded by the Koch Brothers, has announced they are endorsing Republican candidate Nikki Haley in the presidential primaries.

According to The New York Times, the Koch Network’s endorsement provides a strong backing, in organization and finances, to provide support against fellow candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida in the key state of Iowa. The Koch Network lends its support to the Americans for Prosperity Action. The group released a memo of support for Haley.

“In sharp contrast to recent elections that were dominated by the negative baggage of Donald Trump and in which good candidates lost races that should have been won, Nikki Haley, at the top of the ticket, would boost candidates up and down the ballot,” the memo reads.

Acknowledging that the country is divided by both sides of the political aisle, Americans for Prosperity Action states Haley is the choice because America “requires a tested leader with the governing judgment and policy experience to pull our nation back from the brink.”

The endorsement comes in the run toward the beginning of the voting and provides Haley with the power for the country’s biggest anti-Trump spenders. The Koch network has raised over $70 million for political races through this past summer.

The post Rep. Candidate Nikki Haley Gains Powerful Endorsement from Koch Network Ahead of Primaries first appeared on The Source.

The post Rep. Candidate Nikki Haley Gains Powerful Endorsement from Koch Network Ahead of Primaries appeared first on The Source.

Fugees rapper Pras was convicted on conspiracy charges to launder money for fugitive Malaysian billionaire Jho Low. Pras Michel was found guilty of 10 counts related to what prosecutors called a “clandestine foreign influence campaign scheme” funded by a wealthy Malaysian financier to peddle influence in the United States. Pras allegedly received $88 million through the scheme and is facing 20 years in prison. Now Pras is trying to get a new trial…

The Daily Mail reports:

Fugees star Pras Michel is seeking a new trial after claiming his defense attorney used AI in his closing arguments about a $100m foreign extortion plot, in the latest twist of a bizarre tale for the Grammy-winning rapper.

He was found guilty of being the lynchpin lobbyist for China in a bewildering plot whose cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Michel, who netted $88 million through the scheme, was found guilty in April of ten counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign government agent, and is facing 20 years in prison.

The rapper was the unlikely agent of flamboyant Malaysian businessman and fugitive Low Taek Jho, who paid the rapper to wield influence from the corridors of Washington D.C. to the mansions of Hollywood.

But the former Fugees star has since filed a scathing motion for a new trial, blasting his lawyer David Kenner as unprepared and unscrupulous.

The filing accuses the attorney – who has previously represented Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight – of using an ‘experimental’ AI to help him draft his closing argument in the trial.

A new defense team for Michel also claimed that Kenner had ‘a financial interest in the AI program’, called EyeLevel, and was quoted in a press release for the program.

He said of the tech: ‘This is an absolute game changer for complex litigation. The system turned hours or days of legal work into seconds. This is a look into the future of how cases will be conducted.’

Watch the video below.

The post Rapper Pras Seeks New Trial Following Conviction first appeared on The Source.

The post Rapper Pras Seeks New Trial Following Conviction appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump truly loves his fast food. The former president was in court facing a $250 million civil suit for fraud and had a massive McDonald’s order delivered to court.

TMZ notes Trump had a couple members of his security team bring in a hoard of McDonald’s for lunch.

Trump was present in court on Monday with his legal team Clifford Robert, Alina Habba, and Christopher Kise. Likely the crew who were in for the meal.

Trump has been known for his fast food choices, even during his presidency when he hosted the Clemson Tigers National Championship team and Baylor Lady Bears for Big Macs at the White House.

WATCH: Donald Trump seen ordering mountains of McDonald's during court lunch break pic.twitter.com/GbBnr8eh5q

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 2, 2023

You can learn more about Trump’s crumbling empire here.

The post McDonald Trump: Former Pres Gets Massive Fast Food Order to Civil Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post McDonald Trump: Former Pres Gets Massive Fast Food Order to Civil Trial appeared first on The Source.

Former president Donald Trump is no longer one of the richest people, according to Forbes. The top 400 list has dropped, and that list dropped him.

Trump was removed once in 2021 but returned in 2022 at the 343rd slot on the list. He was carrying a net worth of $3.2 billion. Now he once again finds himself on the outside, as his net worth is projected to be just $2.6 billion. Forbes notes that the loss of worth is due to a poor investment in Truth Social, his Twitter alternative, and the depreciation of some of his real estate assets. Trump is believed to have $426 million in liquid assets.

In other news, expensive food won’t hurt the former commander-in-chief because Donald Trump truly loves his fast food. The former president was in court facing a $250 million civil suit for fraud and had a massive McDonald’s order delivered to court.

TMZ notes Trump had a couple members of his security team bring in a hoard of McDonald’s for lunch.

Trump was present in court on Monday with his legal team Clifford Robert, Alina Habba, and Christopher Kise. Likely the crew who were in for the meal.

Trump has been known for his fast food choices, even during his presidency when he hosted the Clemson Tigers National Championship team and Baylor Lady Bears for Big Macs at the White House.

WATCH: Donald Trump seen ordering mountains of McDonald's during court lunch break pic.twitter.com/GbBnr8eh5q

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 2, 2023

You can learn more about Trump’s crumbling empire here.

The post Trump Falls Out of Forbes Top 400 Richest Americans List first appeared on The Source.

The post Trump Falls Out of Forbes Top 400 Richest Americans List appeared first on The Source.

Donald Trump truly loves his fast food. The former president was in court facing a $250 million civil suit for fraud and had a massive McDonald’s order delivered to court.

TMZ notes Trump had a couple members of his security team bring in a hoard of McDonald’s for lunch.

Trump was present in court on Monday with his legal team Clifford Robert, Alina Habba, and Christopher Kise. Likely the crew who were in for the meal.

Trump has been known for his fast food choices, even during his presidency when he hosted the Clemson Tigers National Championship team and Baylor Lady Bears for Big Macs at the White House.

WATCH: Donald Trump seen ordering mountains of McDonald's during court lunch break pic.twitter.com/GbBnr8eh5q

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 2, 2023

You can learn more about Trump’s crumbling empire here.

The post McDonald Trump: Former Pres Gets Massive Fast Food Order to Civil Trial first appeared on The Source.

The post McDonald Trump: Former Pres Gets Massive Fast Food Order to Civil Trial appeared first on The Source.

REFORM Alliance successfully hosted its first-ever Casino Night event at Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort, raising an impressive $24 million for criminal justice reform. The invite-only, black-tie event featured notable figures such as Michael Rubin, Meek Mill, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, and Kevin Hart, who emceed the evening. The event aimed to support REFORM Alliance’s mission to transform the nation’s supervision system for the millions on probation or parole, offering them employment and well-being instead of a return to prison.

Over 250 VIPs gathered in Atlantic City to hear about REFORM’s positive impact on communities since its inception over four years ago. Attendees also witnessed personal stories shared by individuals affected by the flawed probation and parole policies and those who have benefited from the bipartisan laws passed by REFORM.

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A post shared by Michael Rubin (@michaelrubin)

The evening featured a blackjack tournament, a dinner program, and a live auction. REFORM Alliance founding members and prominent guests like Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, Travis Scott, and Matthew McConaughey participated in the festivities.

During the dinner program, REFORM’s CEO Robert Rooks and Chief Advocacy and Operations Officer Jessica Jackson expressed gratitude to the guests for confronting pressing social and economic issues. The organization’s focus on public safety solutions has contributed to the passage of 17 bipartisan bills in 11 states, providing pathways for nearly 700,000 people to transition out of the justice system towards work, well-being, and stability. The organization also organizes job and opportunity fairs and grants to organizations offering solutions for those impacted by the criminal justice and supervision system.

A live auction featuring items donated by Tom Brady, George Condo, Rashid Johnson, and Jay-Z raised $7.8 million. Afterward, guests enjoyed an after-party with surprise performances by Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, and more.

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With less than 0.01% of philanthropic giving directed toward criminal justice reform, REFORM Alliance’s Casino Night ensures that 100% of the proceeds will fund their initiatives, providing opportunities and stability to millions in the criminal justice system.

The post JAY-Z, Michael Rubin, and Meek Mill’s REFORM Casino Night Raises $24 Million for Criminal Justice Reform first appeared on The Source.

The post JAY-Z, Michael Rubin, and Meek Mill’s REFORM Casino Night Raises $24 Million for Criminal Justice Reform appeared first on The Source.

A New York State Judge has issued a judgment against Donald Trump, the Trump Organization, his sons, and several others, ruling that they are liable for extensive fraud committed for many years while Trump was building his real estate empire, and has taken the extraordinary measure of cancelling Trump’s New York business registrations, effectively putting him out of business in the state.  

On September 26, 2023, Judge Arthur Engoron granted summary judgment in favor of the New York State Attorney General, ruling that the defendants had defrauded banks, insurers, and others by massively overvaluing Trump’s assets and exaggerating his net worth when making deals and securing financing.  Summary judgment is appropriate when there is no material fact in dispute, and no reasonable jury could find otherwise, so a plaintiff is entitled to judgment as a matter oflaw, without the issue having to go before a jury.  Here, because Trump failed to establish any plausible questions of fact as to the claims of fraud brought against him, summary judgment was granted against him and the other defendants.

The court’s summary judgment order disposes of the key issue in this case, although there are several issues remaining, so the remaining case will proceed to trial this month.  As this is a civilcase, and not a criminal case, Trump and the other defendants do not face any jail time.  However, they face very substantial civil penalties, including a fine of as much as $250 million, and a court-ordered cancellation of Trump’s businesses.

The Attorney General’s fraud claim was brought under New York Executive Law § 63(12), which provides that where a company engages in “repeated fraudulent or illegal acts or otherwise demonstrate persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting or transaction of business,” the Attorney General may seek a court order awarding restitution or damages, and may seek the cancellation of any certificate of incorporation of the businesses found liable.  This is effectively the “death penalty” for corporations, as it dissolves the company and puts it entirely out of business in New York State. 

Here, Judge Engoron found the existence of repeated and persistent fraud, and ordered the cancellation of business licenses for any business entity owned by Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Alan Weisselberg and Jeffrey McConney.  He further ordered the parties to recommend independent receivers to manage the dissolution of those entities whose licenses have been cancelled.

Trump has vowed to appeal this ruling and in a subsequent hearing, his lawyers asked Judge Engoron for clarity on how his order would be implemented.   In particular, they pointed out that Trump businesses own properties such as Trump Tower and an office building at 40 Wall Street, and asked if these properties must be sold or if they would continue to be managed under the direction of the receiver.  Judge Engoron replied that he was not prepared to rule on these matters at that time, but they would be taken up going forward. He also extended the deadline to recommend receivers from ten days to thirty days.

It is not yet clear exactly how this ruling will be implemented and what impact it will have on Trump’s businesses. The Judge’s order was not detailed, and because Trump’s businesses are complex, there are a lot of issues that will need to be figured out going forward.  At a minimum, even if Trump is allowed to continue to own his properties, he will be doing so subject to the supervision of the receiver, and will be unable to sell them or transfer them without the receiver’s approval.   It is highly unlikely the Judge will allow Trump to be in a position where he is able to continue his fraudulent conduct with impunity.

The trial on the remaining issues in this case begins on October 2, including the Attorney General’s request for $250 million in penalties.  Trump has sought to delay the trial pending his appeal.  Trump also faces criminal charges in New York and Georgia, as well as two sets of federal charges.  He will be keeping his lawyers busy and well-paid.

The post Death Penalty For Donald Trump’s Empire In New York first appeared on The Source.

The post Death Penalty For Donald Trump’s Empire In New York appeared first on The Source.

Government shutdown narrowly avoided: What does it mean for you?

In a dramatic turn of events on Capitol Hill, Congress managed to strike a deal, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown that would have sent shockwaves through the nation. On Saturday evening, the Senate took a resounding step by passing a crucial measure, temporarily securing government funding until November 17th. The House had earlier approved, surpassing the essential two-thirds majority with 335 votes—made up of 209 Democrats and 126 Republicans.

This high-stakes race against time saw House and Senate members rush to pass the spending bill before the looming shutdown deadline. The Senate’s resounding 88-9 vote favoring the stopgap spending bill was the final lifeline, narrowly averting a midnight shutdown. The bill has now been forwarded to President Biden’s desk, awaiting his signature to officially become law.

President Biden didn’t waste any time in sealing the deal. Late Saturday night, the White House confirmed that he had signed the law. The President issued a statement praising the bipartisan effort, emphasizing the relief it would bring countless Americans. He says, “This bill ensures that active-duty troops will continue to get paid, travelers will be spared airport delays, millions of women and children will continue to have access to vital nutrition assistance, and so much more. This is good news for the American people.”

However, it’s worth noting that not all Republicans were on board with this continuing resolution. Nine Republican senators voted against the bill, displaying their dissent in a time of high tension. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) were among those who voiced their concerns. Hagerty, in particular, took to social media to make his stance clear, emphasizing the need for serious border-security measures.

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) also opposed the bill, with Marshall criticizing its failure to address the southern border crisis and the influx of fentanyl. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Eric Schmitt (Mo.), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) rounded off the list of Republicans who voted against the resolution.

This nail-biting episode in Congress highlights the delicate balance of power and priorities in Washington. As the nation looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the coming weeks, the implications of this compromise will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape.

The post Bipartisan Showdown: How Congress Defied the Deadline to Keep the Nation Running first appeared on The Source.

The post Bipartisan Showdown: How Congress Defied the Deadline to Keep the Nation Running appeared first on The Source.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has officially unveiled the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, a groundbreaking global effort designed to harness the power of music as a diplomatic tool for promoting peace democracy and advancing broader U.S. foreign policy objectives. This initiative seeks to expand economic equity and the creative economy, foster societal opportunity and inclusion, and enhance access to education through the medium of music.

The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative aspires to foster public-private partnerships, leveraging the support of American companies and non-profit organizations to strengthen connections with people worldwide, convey American leadership, and respond to global challenges.

In the company of senior officials from the Biden-Harris Administration, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, distinguished figures from the music industry, influential leaders in the arts and humanities, and alumni from the Department’s music diplomacy exchanges, the Secretary unveiled several significant initiatives. These include the introduction of the American Music Mentorship Program, the establishment of the Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science, and a commitment to disseminating American music and lyrics in classrooms worldwide as part of the United States’ extensive investment in global English-language education.

Moreover, in a collaborative effort between the Department and the Recording Academy®, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, along with Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harvey Mason, Jr., presented Quincy Jones with the inaugural Peace through Music Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of American music industry professionals, artists, or groups who have played a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural exchanges and advancing global peace and mutual understanding through their musical endeavors.

Key highlights of the initiative’s launch include:

1. American Music Mentorship Program: This partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Recording Academy will bring mid-career music industry professionals, including musical artists, to the United States for mentorship and networking opportunities. The program aims to cultivate a professional music industry ecosystem, support creative talent, and bolster the global creative economy.
2. Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science: In collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Fulbright Program will introduce a new fellowship for foreign scholars that explores the intersections of arts and science. This fellowship focuses on the role of the arts in individual and global health, well-being, and the environment.
3. Boosting English-Language Learning Through Music: To promote English-language learning, especially for youth and underserved communities, the Department will integrate music into its existing $40 million investment in English-language learning worldwide. The Sing Out Loud program, in collaboration with American Music Abroad, will bring music and lyrics into classrooms globally.

This initiative follows the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, And Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act signed by President Biden last year.

The launch event featured live performances by American and international artists across various music genres and was supported by generous private-sector sponsors.

Additionally, the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative includes many programs worldwide, such as Arts Envoys traveling to the Middle East and the People’s Republic of China, American Music Abroad, the Next Level hip-hop program, and the Harmundi International Music Summit, among others.

The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative embodies a powerful commitment to the role of music in fostering understanding, diplomacy, and peace on the international stage, making it an essential component of U.S. foreign policy efforts. For more information, visit www.state.gov/musicdiplomacy or contact ECA-Press@state.gov.

The post U.S. Secretary of State Launches Global Music Diplomacy Initiative to Promote Peace and Democracy Worldwide, Quincy Jones  Receives Inaugural Peace Through Music Award first appeared on The Source.

The post U.S. Secretary of State Launches Global Music Diplomacy Initiative to Promote Peace and Democracy Worldwide, Quincy Jones  Receives Inaugural Peace Through Music Award appeared first on The Source.