Federal Reserve Independence & Economic Policy - The report highlights President Trump's efforts to exert partisan pressure on the Federal Reserve (Fed), including attempts to fire a member, Lisa Cook, and influence the board's majority, raising concerns about the Fed's independence [1] - Financial experts widely view Trump's reference to investigating Lisa Cook for a mortgage application as a pretext to consolidate power over the independent Fed [1] - The Fed released a statement reaffirming its commitment to accountability and independence, indicating less compliance with Trump's desires [1] - The report emphasizes that politicians who interfere with the independence of central banks are "playing with fire," as historical examples show that autocratic control over economies often leads to market crashes, shortages, and even famine [1][2] - The weakening dollar, down 10% over the year, and increasing long-term borrowing costs are cited as practical effects of undermining the Fed's independence, leading to less purchasing power and higher loan rates for Americans [11][12] - The report mentions that short-term focused presidents may push for looser monetary policy, which might be good in the short term but bad for all in the long term if prices go up [15] Trump Administration & Power Consolidation - The report suggests Trump's actions are part of a wider effort to undermine career independence across the federal government, reminiscent of purges aimed at ousting career prosecutors and labor statisticians [1] - The Trump administration's desire to buy up private companies to exert more control is highlighted, exemplified by taking a tenth stake (10%) in chipmaker Intel [2] - The report mentions Trump musing about a dictatorship, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms [3][4] Epstein Case & Political Implications - Congress will question former Trump labor secretary, Alex Acosta, about the secret deal he cut in the Epstein case [29] - Ghislaine Maxwell's interview, where she claims to have never seen any problems from Trump, is viewed with skepticism, with some suggesting it was a scripted effort to seek a pardon [31][40] - The report highlights conflicting claims about the existence of an Epstein client list, with Trump's former attorney general claiming it existed and Maxwell denying its existence [36][37][38] Cultural & Political Commentary - The report touches on Trump's desire to control Hollywood and pop culture, viewing him as one of the most anti-First Amendment presidents in history [58][61]

Hollywood's history is filled with movies celebrating the USA. From triumphs in sports to play for the United States of America, victories over Nazis and even beating up aliens. Today we celebrate our Independence Day.But some say that's been lost in Hollywood. The American people are smart. They will not be manipulated by Hollywood.Enter Founders Films, a company branding itself as pro-American, pitched by three people connected to the tech company Palunteer. According to a new Semaphore report, Palanteer ...

Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in post-war Austria and dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. “I said to myself, ‘What am I doing here?’ I wanted to be in America and to become famous and rich.” https://t.co/nDWZ3TWBbA ...

Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in post-war Austria and dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. “I said to myself, ‘What am I doing here?’ I wanted to be in America and to become famous and rich.” https://t.co/SgS8ZBYgJT ...