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@ISIDEWITH submitted…2 days2D
Trump proposed unprecedented U.S. control of Gaza Strip during a White House press conference with Netanyahu, suggesting "long-term ownership" that could last 10-15 years.The plan calls for nearly two million Palestinian residents to permanently relocate to neighboring countries, marking a dramatic shift from decades of U.S. policy.Congressional leaders from both parties expressed skepticism, with even Trump ally Lindsey Graham calling the proposal "problematic."Middle East experts, including former Palestinian Authority advisor Khaled Elgindy, criticized the plan as "bizarre and incoherent."White House officials argue mass relocation is the only viable option and seek to convince Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians.The administration estimates Gaza reconstruction would take 10-15 years, far longer than the 3-5 years outlined in cease-fire agreements.The proposal lacks clear details on how to handle Palestinian resistance to relocation or potential U.S. military deployment.Saudi Arabia immediately rejected the plan, stating it wouldn't normalize ties with Israel without a clear path to Palestinian statehood.Trump expressed uncertainty about the current cease-fire's durability while presenting his proposal.The plan faces significant implementation challenges and could complicate other regional objectives, including Israel-Saudi normalization efforts.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…14hrs14H
Trump administration plans to place 100+ EPA environmental justice staff on administrative leaveAffects EPA's civil rights and environmental justice office, which had 200 employees under BidenAdministrative leave limited to 10 days per year, future status unclearStems from Jan 20 executive order targeting diversity and inclusion programsAgency compiling list of environmental justice project workersMove impacts programs funded by Biden's infrastructure package and Inflation Reduction ActEJScreen environmental mapping tool taken offlineSimilar actions at other agencies - USAID closed facilities, put 10,000 staff on leaveEPA can terminate newer employees with less than one year serviceCritics say cuts affect poor communities, including rural Republican areas
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…23hrs23H
A House Oversight Committee hearing became chaotic following attempts to subpoena Elon MuskMusk has been working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on federal budget and employee reductionsRep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) initiated the subpoena motion over concerns about unauthorized agency restructuringThese changes reportedly include employee terminations, transfers, and early retirement offersThe actions are being conducted without congressional oversight or reviewOversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) moved to block the subpoena attemptThe blocked motion sparked protests from Democratic committee membersRep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) was among those who voiced oppositionThe controversy centers on the extent of executive branch restructuring authorityThe incident highlights growing tension between congressional oversight and executive reorganization efforts
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…4hrs4H
Trump administration plans to reduce USAID staff from over 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees worldwide, with only 12 staff remaining in the Africa bureau and 8 in AsiaThe reorganization is being led by Elon Musk, described as a close Trump ally, since January 20All directly hired USAID employees globally are being put on leave, with thousands of overseas personnel being recalledThe administration aims to merge USAID with the State Department under Marco Rubio, though this may require congressional approvalUSAID managed over $40 billion in fiscal 2023, providing aid to approximately 130 countriesTwo-thirds of USAID's current 10,000+ employees work outside the United StatesFormer USAID head J. Brian Atwood warns that "a lot of people will not survive" these changesTop aid recipients in 2023 included Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, DR Congo, Somalia, Yemen, and AfghanistanOnly staff designated for "mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs" will continue workingTermination notices have already begun being distributed to agency workers
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…2hrs2H
Drop Site News and European media partners revealed apparent connections between USAID, CIA, and OCCRP in relation to Trump's 2019 impeachment.A CIA analyst-turned-whistleblower's complaint heavily cited OCCRP reporting about Trump's interactions with Ukraine.A 2024 German documentary reportedly showed USAID's significant control over OCCRP, including approval of work plans and key personnel.OCCRP's co-founder Drew Sullivan allegedly pressured German broadcaster NDR to censor the documentary.The investigation revealed OCCRP's initial funding came from the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.OCCRP's leader claimed responsibility for government changes in "five or six countries."The article suggests USAID functions as a $40 billion driver of regime change abroad.The whistleblower complaint focused on Trump's alleged pressure on Ukraine to investigate the Bidens.OCCRP threatened legal action against Public over questions about these allegations.The controversy centers on whether domestic agencies illegally interfered in U.S. politics using methods typically reserved for foreign operations.
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USAID invested $310 million of taxpayer money in 2016 to fund a Palestinian cement factory project run by Sanad company.Sanad Construction Resources Company is publicly traded on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX).The company reportedly benefited from cement purchases made as foreign aid by USAID, UNRWA, and the UN.The article suggests this cement supply was used in the construction of Hamas tunnels and military infrastructure.Sanad's executive head, Loai Quwas, indicated the project had been in planning since 2013.The cement factory project was characterized as a private venture with alleged insufficient oversight.The article claims USAID would later purchase cement from the same company it helped fund.This circular flow of money is described as potentially resembling a money-laundering scheme.The article questions the lack of accountability in how U.S. tax dollars were allocated to this project.The situation raises concerns about inadvertent support of terrorist infrastructure through aid programs.
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