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Thursday, September 18, 2025

Category: News
May 20, 2025
Immigration
UK

Gun-Toting Palestinian Migrant Gets Just 9 Months Jail for Illegal Entry Attempt.

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❓What Happened: A Palestinian illegal immigrant and alleged terrorist has been jailed for just nine months after attempting illegal entry into the United Kingdom by small boat.

👥 Who’s Involved: Abu Wadee, also known as Mosab Abdulkarim Al-Gassas; Judge Sarah Counsell; terrorism expert Joe Truzman.

📍 Where & When: Initially arrested in Kent, England, on March 6, 2024, after crossing the Channel.

💬 Key Quote: “There is legitimate public concern about breaches of border control,” Judge Sarah Counsell said, despite handing down a light sentence for the accused Palestinian terrorist.

⚠️ Impact: Wadee’s arrival raised security concerns due to his militant ties and rhetoric targeting Jews. His light prison sentence for illegally crossing the English Channel into the United Kingdom raises concerns about how the British justice system is handling cases involving dangerous foreign nationals who are illegally entering the country.

IN FULL:

A Palestinian man with alleged ties to Islamist militant groups and a history of anti-Semitic rhetoric has been sentenced to just nine months in prison for attempting to enter the United Kingdom illegally. Abu Wadee, also known as Mosab Abdulkarim Al-Gassas, pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court after crossing the English Channel in a small boat on March 6, 2025, without valid entry clearance. Wadee, 33, reportedly paid smugglers €1,500 (£1,300 or $1,700) to facilitate the journey and was arrested upon arrival in Kent, England.

The court heard that Wadee, who left Gaza in 2022, had previously sought asylum in Greece, Germany, and Belgium. He had no familial or financial ties to the United Kingdom and stayed in northern France for about a week before attempting the crossing. Judge Sarah Counsell highlighted the public concern over illegal boat crossings, noting the dangers involved and the profits gained by organized criminals.

Bizarrely, Judge Counsell took a moment to chastize Wadee directly, not over his ties to terrorism or violent speech towards Jewish people, but rather over his decision to cross the English Channel. The judge warned Wadee that the illegal crossing posed a significant “risk of death or injury to you and others.”

Meanwhile, videos and images posted online show Wadee expressing support for Hamas, calling for violence against Jews, and posing with an assault rifle. In one Facebook video, he reportedly called for Allah to “punish [Jews] completely.”

Terrorism expert Joe Truzman stated that Wadee had been affiliated with Gaza-based terror groups, including the Hamas-aligned Al-Qadir al-Husseini Brigades. Truzman added that Wadee gained notoriety during the Great March of Return protests from 2018 to 2022, where he participated in violent clashes at the Gaza-Israel border.

Footage obtained by The Telegraph allegedly shows Wadee throwing pipe bombs during confrontations with Israeli forces in 2021. He has also amassed a significant online following, with 170,000 TikTok followers and 189,000 YouTube subscribers.

Image by Duncan Cumming.

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May 20, 2025
News
World

Portugal’s Populists Are Surging. Here’s Why…

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❓What Happened: Portugal’s Chega Party achieved its best-ever election result, securing a record vote share and challenging the country’s long-standing two-party establishment.

👥 Who’s Involved: Chega Party, led by André Ventura; Socialist Party, led by Pedro Nuno Santos; Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Luís Montenegro.

📍 Where & When: Portugal, during snap parliamentary elections concluded in May 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The system has been shaken,” said Chega lawmaker Pedro Pinto. “And we represent a governing alternative.”

⚠️ Impact: The result signals a shift in Portugal’s political landscape, with Chega emerging as a significant populist force in the European Union (EU). The election outcome leaves the AD coalition short of a majority.

IN FULL:

Portugal’s populist Chega Party has achieved its strongest electoral performance to date, securing 22.56 percent of the vote in the nation’s recent snap parliamentary elections. This result, confirmed Monday, marks the end of decades-long two-party dominance in Portuguese politics.

Led by André Ventura, Chega campaigned on an anti-immigration and anti-corruption platform. Ventura described the outcome as “historic,” emphasizing a voter rejection of mass immigration policies under the sitting government. The election was the third in as many years, triggered by political scandals involving former prime ministers.

The governing Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, emerged as the largest party with 32 percent of the vote but fell short of an outright majority. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party, under Pedro Nuno Santos, finished second with 23 percent. The Socialists’ poor showing prompted Santos to announce his resignation, as the party’s vote share drew nearly level with Chega.

Despite Chega’s strong performance, Montenegro has ruled out forming a coalition with the populist party. He has instead expressed hopes of leading a minority government. The election result leaves Portugal’s political future uncertain, with overseas votes yet to break the tie between Chega and the Socialist Party.

Chega’s rise mirrors a broader populist surge in neighboring Spain and across Europe as a whole. The party had already made significant gains in last year’s elections, and its continued momentum highlights growing dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

Chega lawmaker Pedro Pinto remarked, “The system has been shaken. And we represent a governing alternative.” The results underscore a shift in Portuguese politics, with populism gaining ground against traditional parties.

Image via Vox.

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Migrant Crime
May 19, 2025
Jack Montgomery
Immigration

‘No Hard Feelings’ – Legal Migrant Wrongfully Arrested Says He Still Supports Trump, ICE.

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What Happened: Hugo Monteiro, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Brazil, was briefly detained by ICE outside Cambridge District Court in Medford due to a mix-up, but was released after officers confirmed his identity.

Who’s Involved: Hugo Monteiro, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and President Donald J. Trump’s administration.

Where & When: Medford, Massachusetts, outside Cambridge District Court, on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Key Quote: “Unfortunately, they called the wrong person, but I still support whatever they’re doing,” Monteiro said. “I voted for Trump.”

Impact: Monteiro’s support for ICE and Trump’s immigration crackdown, despite his mistaken detention, underscores public backing for America First policies to secure the border and deport illegal aliens.

IN FULL:

Naturalized U.S. citizen Hugo Monteiro has brushed off his brief detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside Cambridge District Court in Medford, Massachusetts, on May 16, 2025, affirming his support for the agency’s mission. The 31-year-old Brazilian-American, mistaken for an illegal immigrant, was quickly released after proving his citizenship and stood firm in backing Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Monteiro, who had just left the courthouse after assisting a client, was approached by four plainclothes ICE officers around 9:15 AM. “They were telling me I was under arrest, that I was in trouble,” he recalled. Handcuffed and escorted to a car, officers soon verified Monteiro’s identity, confirmed their error, and released him by 9:30 AM.

“They explained to me they wanted to make sure they had the correct person,” Monteiro said, noting the officers mentioned prior arrests near the Medford courthouse. Despite the ordeal, he harbored no resentment. “Unfortunately, they called the wrong person, but I still support whatever they’re doing,” he said. “I voted for Trump. There are a lot of bad people in this country, to be honest with you, [and they] don’t deserve to be here. No hard feelings.”

Monteiro’s detention comes amid a surge in ICE operations under Trump’s administration, which reversed a Biden-era policy banning routine courthouse arrests. Trump policy mandates coordination with court security, but Monteiro’s arrest on a public sidewalk suggests operational hiccups, as court security was unaware of the action.

Monteiro’s unwavering support highlights the public’s broad approval of Trump’s robust immigration enforcement.

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May 19, 2025
News
Politics

REPORT: AOC is No Longer Wearing Her Engagement Ring.

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❓What Happened: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has not been seen wearing her engagement ring since November 2023, raising questions about her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Riley Roberts, her fiancé and web developer.

📍 Where & When: Public appearances and social media posts since December 2023; engagement announced in April 2022.

💬 Key Quote: Kendra Arnold of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust said, “When a member is not legally married but in a long-term relationship similar to marriage, these concerns still apply even though there is no disclosure requirement.”

⚠️ Impact: The couple’s unmarried status allows Roberts to avoid financial disclosure rules, raising ethical questions as Ocasio-Cortez pushes for stock trading bans for lawmakers and spouses.

IN FULL:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has not been seen wearing her engagement ring for over 17 months, sparking speculation regarding the status of her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts, according to a review of public appearances, social media posts, and news images.

Roberts proposed to Ocasio-Cortez in April 2022 with a “zero emission” ring made of recycled gold, valued at $3,057.04. The congresswoman frequently displayed the ring in the months following the engagement. However, since November 2023, the ring has been absent from her left hand during numerous public events, including recent televised appearances, committee hearings, and a series of 2025 political rallies held with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as part of the Fighting Oligarchy Tour.

While the absence of the ring has raised questions, records show the couple continues to share a residence in Queens and they were seen together in March 2024. Ocasio-Cortez has also referred to Roberts as her “spouse” in House Ethics Committee filings, though her office clarified that they are not legally married.

The couple’s unmarried status has significant implications. As a long-term partner rather than a legal spouse, Roberts is not required to disclose his financial activities, including stock trades or employment details, as part of Ocasio-Cortez’s congressional financial disclosures. Critics, such as Kendra Arnold of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, argue this loophole undermines transparency.

“When a member is not legally married but in a long-term relationship similar to marriage, these concerns still apply even though there is no disclosure requirement,” Arnold stated.

This situation is particularly noteworthy given Ocasio-Cortez’s legislative efforts to ban individual stock trading by members of Congress and their spouses. Her proposal would not apply to Roberts unless they marry, allowing him to continue trading stocks without restriction or transparency.

Other members of Congress, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), have made millions on the stock market in recent years. Some investors and fund managers have even created their own financial products that mimic trades made by members of Congress using publicly available data, as lawmakers are required to disclose market transactions over $1,000.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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May 19, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

Vatican Could Host Peace Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced a breakthrough two-hour call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, paving the way for immediate Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, with the Vatican offering to host negotiations.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pope Leo XIV, and European Union (EU) leaders.

📍Where & When: President Trump made his announcement on Truth Social on May 19, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s diplomatic masterstroke sets the stage for peace, leveraging U.S. influence to end a bloody conflict while opening trade opportunities, reinforcing his America First vision.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has announced what may be a significant step toward ending the Ukraine war after a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a Truth Social post, Trump revealed that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” with the Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, offering to host the talks.

“The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent,” Trump wrote. He stressed that Russia seeks “largescale TRADE with the United States” post-conflict, envisioning “massive amounts of jobs and wealth” for Russia and trade benefits for Ukraine during its rebuilding.

Trump said he had informed key leaders, mentioning Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and Finland’s Alexander Stubb—but not Britain’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The Vatican’s role as a neutral host, proposed by Pope Leo XIV, could add moral weight to the proposed negotiations. However, Russia and Ukraine are predominantly Eastern Orthodox rather than Catholic.

President Trump’s announcement comes as the Ukraine war, now in its third year, is estimated to have claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions, per United Nations (UN) estimates. Trump’s intervention contrasts with the Biden government’s prolonged support for the Ukrainian war effort, despite no signs of significant Ukrainian progress after 2022, prolonging the killing despite no obvious path to victory for Ukraine.

By contrast, Trump’s focus on immediate talks and trade-driven rebuilding positions the U.S. to break the impasse between Russia and Ukraine and end the “catastrophic bloodbath.”

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May 19, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
News

U.S. Govt to Pay Ashli Babbitt’s Family MILLIONS in Major Lawsuit Settlement.

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❓What Happened: The Trump administration has agreed to a nearly $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed Air Force veteran fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ashli Babbitt’s family, the Trump administration, Judicial Watch, and shooter Michael L. Byrd, of the Capitol Police.

📍 Where & When: U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021; settlement details reported on May 19, 2025.

⚠️ Impact: The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought by Babbitt’s estate but does not include an admission of wrongdoing by the government.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer in the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021. The settlement comes after Babbitt’s family had filed a wrongful death lawsuit last year, demanding $30 million in damages.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially opposed the lawsuit, and a trial would have taken place in July of next year. However, both parties announced earlier this month that they had reached a settlement agreement. Judge Ana C. Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia called on the parties to announce the deal by May 22.

The DOJ has reportedly agreed to pay Babbitt’s family just under $5 million. Notably, initial reports suggesting that a third of the settlement would be paid to the family’s attorneys and Judicial Watch, which assisted with legal counsel, appear to be false. The claims come from sources who spoke anonymously to The Washington Post. Neither the DOJ nor the lawyers for Babbitt’s family immediately confirmed the deal’s details. According to Judicial Watch’s Tom Fitton, while the organization cannot yet comment on the actual settlement sum, the group “is not getting a third (or any portion) of any settlement. We are representing Ashil’s family pro bono!”

The deal marks the first sense of justice for Babbitt’s family, over four years since she was shot and killed by Capitol Police officer Michael L. Byrd. Following the fatal shooting, Byrd saw no disciplinary action whatsoever and was even granted over $36,000 in retention funds after the killing. He was also provided with a security detail and temporary lodging at a military facility.

President Donald J. Trump praised Babbitt in March, saying, “Ashli Babbitt was a really good person who was a big MAGA fan, Trump fan. And she was innocently standing there, they even say trying to sort of hold back the crowd, and a man did something to her that was unthinkable when he shot her.”

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May 19, 2025
News

Trump COVID Cocktail Pharma Firm to Buy Up 23&Me.

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❓What Happened: Regeneron has agreed to purchase 23andMe for $256 million through a court-supervised bankruptcy sale.

👥 Who’s Involved: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 23andMe, Anne Wojcicki (former CEO), Joe Selsavage (interim CEO).

📍 Where & When: The deal was announced Monday; 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We are pleased to reach an agreement with a science-driven partner that maintains our team and helps ensure our mission will carry forward,” said Joe Selsavage, 23andMe’s interim CEO.

⚠️ Impact: Regeneron will acquire 23andMe’s genetic testing and research assets but not its telehealth business, while committing to uphold privacy laws and policies.

IN FULL:

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has finalized a $256 million agreement to acquire genetic testing company 23andMe, following the latter’s bankruptcy filing earlier this year. The purchase, made under a court-supervised sale process, includes 23andMe’s genetic testing services and health research assets but excludes its Lemonaid Health telehealth division.

Notably, President Donald J. Trump received a dose of a Regeneron antibody drug in late 2020 when he was diagnosed with COVID-19. At the time, the medication was still in an experimental phase, but showed promise as a treatment for the virus.

The consumer genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, citing financial difficulties. At the time, it announced plans to seek a buyer and confirmed the resignation of its co-founder and CEO, Anne Wojcicki.

Under the terms of the agreement, Regeneron, based in Tarrytown, New York, will continue to provide 23andMe’s consumer genetic services without interruption. The company also emphasized its commitment to adhering to 23andMe’s existing privacy policies and applicable laws to safeguard sensitive customer information.

“We have deep experience with large-scale data management,” said George Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s co-founder, in a statement. He added: “With the consent of individuals, we use this data to drive discoveries that benefit science and society, while maintaining a strong track record of protecting genetic data.”

Privacy concerns have surrounded 23andMe’s vast database, which includes the DNA information of approximately 15 million customers. The company’s services allow users to explore their ancestry and genetic health profiles, including identifying potential hereditary risks. Its research wing has also been involved in developing treatments for cancer, immune disorders, and other conditions.

Interim CEO Joe Selsavage expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “We are pleased to reach an agreement with a science-driven partner that maintains our team and helps ensure our mission will carry forward. With Regeneron’s expertise in genetic sequencing, testing, and discovery, we look forward to continuing to help people access and understand the human genome for the benefit of customers and patients.”

Image by Mike Mozart.

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May 19, 2025
Media
News

Dilbert Creator Scott Adams Says He Has the Same Cancer As Biden, Expects to Die This Summer.

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❓What Happened: Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip Dilbert, has revealed he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

👥 Who’s Involved: Scott Adams, former President Joe Biden, and their respective medical teams.

📍 Where & When: Adams disclosed his diagnosis on a Rumble livestream on Monday, May 19, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “I expect to be checking out sometime this summer,” Adams said, adding that he has “had it longer than [Biden] has had it. Well, longer than he’s admitted to having it.”

⚠️ Impact: Both Adams and Biden are facing serious health challenges, with Adams sharing that the cancer has spread to his bones and his prognosis is grim.

IN FULL:

Scott Adams, the creator of the popular comic strip Dilbert, has disclosed that he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer, similar to the condition recently revealed by former President Joe Biden.

Adams made the announcement during a livestream on the video platform Rumble on Monday. He revealed that his cancer has metastasized to his bones and expressed that his time may be limited, saying he expects to “be checking out sometime this summer.”

“I’ve had it longer than [Biden] has had it. Well, longer than he’s admitted to having it,” the 67-year-old cartoonist added.

The news follows a statement from Biden’s office on Sunday confirming the former president’s diagnosis with the same aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Adams, whose Dilbert comic strip has been a staple in newspapers and online platforms for decades, had not previously disclosed his health struggles to the public. The legendary cartoonist became a prominent pro-Trump voice around the time of the 2016 election, predicting the America First leader would win the race against what were, at the time, long odds due to his persuasion skills, and eventually endorsing him.

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Image by Thomas Cloer.

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May 19, 2025
News
UK

Top Paid BBC Star Quits Over Anti-Semitic Meme.

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❓What Happened: Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC after criticism for sharing an anti-Semitic Instagram post.

👥 Who’s Involved: Gary Lineker, BBC Director-General Tim Davie, Campaign Against Antisemitism, and the Palestine Lobby group.

📍Where & When: Announcement made Monday; Lineker steps down from the Match of the Day soccer show after this season.

💬 Key Quote: “I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic—it goes against everything I stand for,” claimed Lineker.

⚠️ Impact: Lineker’s departure ends his 24-year tenure with the BBC and raises questions about impartiality and social media use by public figures.

IN FULL:

Gary Lineker, a former England soccer star and top-paid BBC presenter, will step down from his role at the de facto state broadcaster following backlash over his social media activity. The controversy arose after Lineker reposted an Instagram story from the group Palestine Lobby, which featured a rat and was titled “Zionism explained in two minutes.” The image drew criticism due to its historical association with anti-Semitic propaganda.

In a statement Monday, the BBC confirmed Lineker would leave the corporation entirely after the final episode of the Match of the Day show this season. Lineker, 64, had initially planned to step back from hosting the iconic soccer program but remain involved in other BBC coverage. Instead, he will now depart fully.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said, “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”

Lineker apologized last week, claiming he had shared the post without realizing its offensive nature. “I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic,” he said, adding that the post was deleted once he became aware of the issue. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action,” he added.

Lineker’s social media activity has previously caused friction with the BBC. In March 2023, he was temporarily suspended for criticizing the British government’s asylum policy, leading the BBC to update its social media guidelines for prominent presenters. The broadcaster and its employees are supposed to be impartial, as the public funds it through a compulsory license fee.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed Lineker’s departure, accusing him of promoting “dehumanizing and extreme messages” and flouting the BBC’s impartiality rules.

The BBC itself has been accused of bias against Israel in its conflict with Hamas, breaching its own editorial guidelines over 1,500 times. Another BBC star was even linked to funding the terrorist group Hezbollah earlier this month.

Image by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street.

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May 19, 2025
Election Integrity
Health

A Pfizer-COVID Investigation May Finally Be on the Cards.

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❓What Happened: The House Judiciary Committee is investigating claims that Pfizer executives delayed COVID-19 vaccine trial results to influence the 2020 election.

👥 Who’s Involved: Philip Dormitzer, Pfizer’s former head of vaccine research and development; the House Judiciary Committee; federal prosecutors; and GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).

📍 Where & When: Allegations stem from 2020, with ongoing investigations in 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Dormitzer reportedly stated, “Let’s just say it wasn’t a coincidence, the timing of the vaccine.”

⚠️ Impact: The investigation could reveal whether Pfizer acted to impact the 2020 presidential election, and may lead to further scrutiny of the pharma giant’s practices.

IN FULL:

The House Judiciary Committee has launched an investigation into allegations that Pfizer executives deliberately slowed COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials to influence the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The claims center on comments made by Philip Dormitzer, Pfizer’s former head of vaccine research and development.

According to Dormitzer, Pfizer’s top research executives intentionally delayed the completion of clinical testing, ensuring results would not be available before the election. Dormitzer reportedly told colleagues at his subsequent employer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), that the timing of the vaccine’s release was “not a coincidence.” GSK later passed this information to federal prosecutors in New York.

The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, has demanded that Dormitzer provide all relevant documents related to Pfizer’s vaccine trials from March 1, 2020, to the present. Dormitzer has also been asked to schedule a transcribed interview with the committee by May 29. Dormitzer reportedly requested a transfer to Canada after Trump’s 2024 re-election, citing fears of investigation.

Positive trial results, if disclosed earlier, could have politically benefited President Donald J. Trump, then serving his first term. Trump has previously accused Pfizer and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of withholding vaccine success to hinder his 2020 re-election campaign.

Image by Myke Sena/MS.

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