February 2025 - cypherpunks - lists.cpunks.org

Ambitious appeal
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Ambitious appeal The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGYx15_qzFd9l2OZTY235few0UuXDY6zNV3m8G…> is *aiming to raise $18 billion to continue its critical work*. A fully funded Global Fund “could save an additional 23 million lives between 2027 and 2029.” Executive Director Peter Sands highlighted the fund’s high return on investment, stating that “for every dollar invested in the Global Fund, they expect a return of $19 in health and economic benefits.” South Africa and the United Kingdom will cohost the replenishment effort, but raising the full amount won’t be easy <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POp1mn9lW8gJ-vTpus1F37TLIkvgQud02…>, writes Devex Senior Reporter Jenny Lei Ravelo. The ask *comes amid donor fatigue and a U.S. aid funding freeze* that has already forced global health programs, including those tackling HIV, TB, and malaria, to shut down. “This would be a record breaking replenishment, which would be surprising, given reduced interest in global health from major donors,” says Pete Baker, deputy director of the global health policy program at the Center for Global Development <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGYx15_q1O_VotomMlacJWcBLqaXdKmmT9B_qH…> . The fund also leans heavily on *U.S. support, which makes up about 30% of its funding*. “The US simultaneous retreat from aid, reproductive health and multilateralism, should be concerning for the size of its future commitment [to] the Global Fund,” Baker warns. With fundraising uncertainty ahead, the Global Fund’s ambitious goal may be a tough sell — but with millions of lives on the line, advocates say the stakes couldn’t be higher. *Read:* Global Fund launches $18B replenishment in tough fundraising landscape <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POp1mn9lW8gJ-vTpus1F37TLIkvgQud02…>

1 0

On the chopping block
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

*On the chopping block* U.S. President Donald Trump has signed yet another executive order <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POjbW6rOsZ37Uc-AtgCDeIveAuZUFDsa4…>, this time dismantling the Inter-American Foundation <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGYx15_qw6kBjTpzJ2zOBD-X1F8RMva1iXxaSD…>, the U.S. African Development Foundation, and the U.S. Institute of Peace <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGYx15_qyMT8ur6XnGlKXKj2mHhq1V5HMtUUWq…> , *calling them “unnecessary.”* Created by the U.S. Congress around 50 years ago, these agencies operate on modest budgets of $40million to $55 million annually, funding development projects in Latin America and Africa, as well as global conflict resolution. *Despite their small size, they've faced scrutiny* — critics accuse the U.S. Institute of Peace of having an overwhelmingly Democratic-leaning staff, while the African Development Foundation was flagged for financial mismanagement, though audits later found no violations. Trump’s order gives agency heads *14 days to comply with the directive and to justify their existence* or begin scaling down to the bare legal minimum. It also takes aim at various advisory groups, including USAID’s long-standing committee on voluntary foreign aid, established after World War II. Even San Francisco’s Presidio Trust, which manages a historic park, is in the crosshairs, writes my colleague Elissa Miolene. *Read:* Trump to scrap US African Development Foundation, US Institute of Peace <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POjbW6rOsZ37Uc-AtgCDeIveAuZUFDsa4…>

1 0

Hanging by a thread
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Hanging by a thread The freeze on USAID programs has wreaked havoc in Bangladesh’s Rohingya refugee camps <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POlEl9RSRUZlYbrmNpaBWzbPtOxss_ToD…>, shuttering hospitals and threatening food, health, and sanitation services for over a million refugees. The situation was not exactly hunky-dory before. Funding was already at an all-time low, and Myanmar’s escalating civil war is making things worse. The Arakan Army’s capture of the border region has *driven thousands more Rohingya into overcrowded camps*, while repatriation talks have stalled. Crime is on the rise, with kidnappings, extortion, and violent attacks becoming disturbingly common. “The lack of food keeps people hungry and angry, fueling crimes, domestic abuse, quarrels, and a worsening mental health crisis,” warns Rohingya community volunteer Sahat Zia Hero. Food aid was already slashed in 2023, *leaving 90% of refugees without enough to eat*, and malnutrition levels at their worst since 2017. Though rations were briefly restored in 2024, the freeze threatens to undo any progress, writes Masum Billah for Devex. Despite assurances from Bangladesh’s interim government, the *Trump administration hasn’t confirmed continued support*. A memo from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentions a humanitarian waiver, but Rohingya refugees and aid workers say *the impact of the freeze is already being felt*. Five hospitals have shut down, and critical programs — including maternal health services, gender-based violence support, and sanitation efforts — are now in jeopardy. For Rohingya community volunteers like Zia Hero, *the uncertainty is devastating*. “Our opportunities have diminished. New recruitments are rare, many long-time volunteers are out of work, payments have been reduced, and multiple projects have been canceled,” he explains. As the crisis deepens, the strain on the host community is also growing, with rising security risks and worsening conditions in the camps. *Read:* USAID freeze deepens Rohingya crisis, exacerbating ‘subhuman conditions’ <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POlEl9RSRUZlYbrmNpaBWzbPtOxss_ToD…>

1 0

Let’s try this again
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Let’s try this again [image: USAID-branded pallets of humanitarian aid.] <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POp_Hs-eLlqXZ5H-RoYoukth3mwLfJzyD…> On Feb. 13, a U.S. federal court issued a temporary restraining order requiring the Trump administration to lift its blanket freeze on foreign assistance funding for existing projects. Last night, it extended that order <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POp_Hs-eLlqXZ5H-RoYoukth3mwLfJzyD…> and stressed that *the administration needed to get the money flowing again*, which it has largely refused to do <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POlJNH-zgYN4uLQ2vyaWxF-yOJIQlX2cx…> . The administration had claimed it could terminate nearly all USAID <https://t.devex.com/Njg1LUtCTC03NjUAAAGYx15_qxjPZfFZ6NGp9yOhKblMBMU7SBf34zk…> contracts and grants because the judge’s original order stated that normal contract clauses can still be enforced. But in the most recent hearing, Judge Amir Ali *pushed back on that assertion*. “The Court was not inviting Defendants to continue the suspension while they reviewed contracts and legal authorities to come up with a new, post-hoc rationalization for the en masse suspension,” he stated. But the judge *didn’t find the government in contempt*, which was what the plaintiffs in the case — including for-profit contractors and NGOs — had been seeking. Instead, Ali *extended the temporary restraining order until midnight on March 10*, 2025. Though his earlier reversal hasn’t yet resulted in the thaw of Trump’s funding freeze, this latest order is clear: The administration cannot “simply replace their earlier implementations with ‘other directives’” to suspend, pause, or terminate obligated funds. *Read:* Court extends order lifting Trump administration's foreign aid freeze <https://t.devex.com/dc/kyXVoDpAY__Vu56MNr4POp_Hs-eLlqXZ5H-RoYoukth3mwLfJzyD…>

1 0

Re: SpaceX Interlocking Directors’ Intent to Manipulate Markets; BREAKING: Justices Knock Down Ala. Federal Rights Exhaustion Rule; BREAKING: High Court Finds FCC's E-Rate Subject To False Claims Act
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Madam Attorney General James: xNY.io - Bank.org urges AGNY to contact the FBI in consultancy relateting to the below headlines; Particularly if AGNY was potentially involved in any "Obstruction of Justice" against xNY.io - Bank.org. BREAKING: Justices Knock Down Ala. Federal Rights Exhaustion Rule <https://www.law360.com/delaware/articles/2262356?nl_pk=9f0ef0c6-df48-47ce-8…> By Katie Buehler The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down an Alabama law that requires litigants to exhaust state administrative remedies before filing federal civil rights claims in local courts, finding the rule established an impermissible obstacle to litigants seeking to assert federal rights. Opinion attached | Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/delaware/articles/2262356?nl_pk=9f0ef0c6-df48-47ce-8…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/delaware/articles/2262356?nl_pk=9f0ef0c6-df48-47ce-8…> BREAKING: High Court Finds FCC's E-Rate Subject To False Claims Act <https://www.law360.com/compliance/articles/2264357?nl_pk=7f7472c8-af4a-4299…> By Christopher Cole Justices ruled unanimously Friday that telecoms participating in the federal E-Rate program supporting school and library connectivity can be sued for excess payouts under the False Claims Act because the subsidy's funds are provided through the U.S. Treasury. Opinion attached | Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/compliance/articles/2264357?nl_pk=7f7472c8-af4a-4299…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/compliance/articles/2264357?nl_pk=7f7472c8-af4a-4299…> xNY.io - Bank.org respectfully reserves all Interjurisdictional rights. Thank you, Gunnar Larson -- Gunnar Donald Arthur Peter Larson xNY.io - Bank.org 646-554-7514 On Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 5:31 PM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: > Madam Attorney General James: > > On Saturday June 18, 2022 at 4:44 PM xNY.io - Bank.org wrote you > concerning SpaceX Interlocking Directors’ Intent to Manipulate Markets. > > Musk's X Seeks Cash At $44B Valuation, Plus More Rumors > <https://www.law360.com/capitalmarkets/articles/2299674?nl_pk=35f19b02-1b5d-…> > > By Tom Zanki > > Elon Musk is seeking to raise money for his social media platform X at a > $44 billion valuation — the same price he paid to buy the site in 2022 — > while BP is considering selling its Castrol lubricants unit for $10 billion > and KKR could inject $5 billion into ailing British utility Thames Water. > Here, Law360 breaks down the notable deal rumors from the past week. > > Read full article » > <https://www.law360.com/capitalmarkets/articles/2299674?nl_pk=35f19b02-1b5d-…> > | Save to favorites » > <https://www.law360.com/capitalmarkets/articles/2299674?nl_pk=35f19b02-1b5d-…> > xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC seeks to earn NYAG's esteemed approval to engage > the New York False Claims Act under urgent pretences. > > Today's correspondence marks the *second* time in history, a self-titled > "mafia" (aka, the "PayPal Mafia '') is compelled to answer publicly the > decision to manipulate both the New York False Claims Act and the Martin > Act against one another. > > - Madam Attorney General, your leadership approach has historical > context > <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/climate/exxon-climate-lawsuit-new-york.h…> to > logic and ultimate Exxon Mobil vs. New York State > <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLp9RIYw8mAh1SRG8E9PMEK94SV-viUN/view?usp=…> case > precedent. > - xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC research and development notes our hawkish > approach to ESG, D&O and LBO innovation. > - xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC sees this not a democrat vs. republican > concern as Mr. Elon Musk (CEO, SpaceX and Tesla) claims. False pretense to > protect free speech are now being debated as party to a $200B pryamid > scheme. > > Ms. James, on May 21, 2022 xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC > <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lv9Wt6y1ld4bNap0z3epIxttEGiP_oVpfxH0GTS…> contacted > the SpaceX Corporation with reasonable concern of CEO Musk's intent behind > the $44B Twitter LBO. The Orlando Police Pension Fund shared similar > concerns to the intent behind Twitter's LBO as illegal. > > - Since, market forces suggest that SpaceX and Tesla directors are > part of interlocking directorate, self proclaimed the PayPal Mafia. The > racket could waterfall to problem(s) at the New York State Department of > Financial Services with Superintendent association to D&O insurance > regulation. > > Ms. James, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC seeks your office's urgent assessment of > this matter. We aim to earn approval to explore the New York False Claims > Act to confront SpaceX as a racket. > > *Like a house of cards, the PayPal Mafia racket could risk a waterfall of > D&O interlocking directorate insolvencies. In summary: * > > 1. xNY.io - Bank.org's May 21, 2022 memo to SpaceX questioned intent > behind baseless claims pioneered by SpaceX's CEO, branding ESG a scam via > Exxon Mobil. Obviously, Exxon Mobil vs. New York State > <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLp9RIYw8mAh1SRG8E9PMEK94SV-viUN/view?usp=…> alludes > Mr. Musk party to a false claim. > 2. SpaceX has failed to establish a preponderance of evidence and > burden of proof not a racket. > 3. SpaceX has failed to prove that Twitter's LBO is not false claim to > free speech protection. > 4. True social innovation cannot sponsor a fake news racket that could > jeopardize space exploration and war. > 5. Twitter's LBO dealmakers (Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase) > company balance sheets, financial statements and other corporate records do > not impact xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC holding a racket accountable to false > claims. > > The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla leveraging Exxon Mobil as an ESG > securities scam does not preclude the PayPal Mafia's intent to engage false > claims at the sacrifice of New York State's financial future. > > Madam Attorney General James, we hope to hear from your esteemed office > and learn assessment of best next steps. > > Thank you, > > Gunnar ✌️ > > -- > *Gunnar Larson * > *xNY.io <http://www.xny.io/> - Bank.org <http://bank.org/>, PBC * > > MSc > <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - > Digital Currency > MBA > <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship > and Innovation (ip) > > G(a)xNY.io > +1-646-454-9107 > New York, New York 10001 > > On Sat, Jun 18, 2022, 4:44 PM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: > > Dear Attorney General Letitia James: > > xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC seeks to earn your esteemed approval to engage the > New York False Claims Act under urgent pretences. > > Today's correspondence marks the first time in history, a self-titled > "mafia" (aka, the "PayPal Mafia '') is compelled to answer publicly the > decision to manipulate both the New York False Claims Act and the Martin > Act against one another. > > - Madam Attorney General, your leadership approach has historical > context > <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/climate/exxon-climate-lawsuit-new-york.h…> to > logic and ultimate Exxon Mobil vs. New York State > <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLp9RIYw8mAh1SRG8E9PMEK94SV-viUN/view?usp=…> case > precedent. > - xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC research and development notes our hawkish > approach to ESG, D&O and LBO innovation. > - xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC sees this not a democrat vs. republican > concern as Mr. Elon Musk (CEO, SpaceX and Tesla) claims. False pretense to > protect free speech are now being debated as party to a $200B pryamid > scheme. > > Ms. James, on May 21, 2022 xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC > <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lv9Wt6y1ld4bNap0z3epIxttEGiP_oVpfxH0GTS…> contacted > the SpaceX Corporation with reasonable concern of CEO Musk's intent behind > the $44B Twitter LBO. The Orlando Police Pension Fund shared similar > concerns to the intent behind Twitter's LBO as illegal. > > Since, market forces suggest that SpaceX and Tesla directors are part of > interlocking directorate, self proclaimed the PayPal Mafia. The racket > could waterfall to problem(s) at the New York State Department of Financial > Services with Superintendent association to D&O insurance regulation. > > Ms. James, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC seeks your office's urgent assessment of > this matter. We aim to earn approval to explore the New York False Claims > Act to confront SpaceX as a racket. > > *Like a house of cards, the PayPal Mafia racket could risk a waterfall of > D&O interlocking directorate insolvencies. In summary: * > > 1. xNY.io - Bank.org's May 21, 2022 memo to SpaceX questioned intent > behind baseless claims pioneered by SpaceX's CEO, branding ESG a scam via > Exxon Mobil. Obviously, Exxon Mobil vs. New York State > <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLp9RIYw8mAh1SRG8E9PMEK94SV-viUN/view?usp=…> alludes > Mr. Musk party to a false claim. > 2. SpaceX has failed to establish a preponderance of evidence and > burden of proof not a racket. > 3. SpaceX has failed to prove that Twitter's LBO is not false claim to > free speech protection. > 4. True social innovation cannot sponsor a fake news racket that could > jeopardize space exploration and war. > 5. Twitter's LBO dealmakers (Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase) > company balance sheets, financial statements and other corporate records do > not impact xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC holding a racket accountable to false > claims. > > The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla leveraging Exxon Mobil as an ESG > securities scam does not preclude the PayPal Mafia's intent to engage false > claims at the sacrifice of New York State's financial future. > > Madam Attorney General James, we hope to hear from your esteemed office > and learn assessment of best next steps. > > Thank you, > > Gunnar > > -- > *Gunnar Larson * > *xNY.io <http://www.xny.io/> - Bank.org <http://bank.org/>, PBC* > > MSc > <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - > Digital Currency > MBA > <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship > and Innovation (ip) > > G(a)xNY.io > +1-646-454-9107 > New York, New York 10001 > > On Sun, May 22, 2022 at 9:34 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: > > May 21, 2022 > > BY ELECTRONIC MAIL > > SpaceX Corporation > Board of Directors > One Rocket Road > Hawthorne, California > 90250 > Sales(a)SpaceX.com > > Re: Potential SpaceX Interlocking Directors’ Intent to Manipulate > Markets > > Dear SpaceX Board of Directors: > > From our New York headquarters, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC embodies the notion > that rather than a merry-go-round, the process of change and innovation is > like a slide. > > Today’s memo aims to notify the SpaceX Corporation of concern of potential > market manipulation that could impact cross-border digital asset > innovation, free speech in the United States of America, the global ESG > economy and Moon exploration. > > Please find the attached memo > <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lv9Wt6y1ld4bNap0z3epIxttEGiP_oVpfxH0GTS…> > addressed to SpaceX's board of directors. > > Respectfully, > > Gunnar Larson > > > On Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 5:21 PM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: > >> Madam Attorney General James: >> >> On Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 12:52 PM, xNY.io - Bank.org came to you with the >> below memo; with aim to execute N.Y. Executive Law, Article 15 § 297. >> Procedure >> 1. Additionally, § 298-a. Application of article to certain acts >> committed outside the state of New York, (Israel Crisis). >> >> Since then, the interlocking directorate subject to this email have >> ceaselessly tried to fling one monkey wrench after another into pure market >> dynamics. >> >> >> FCA Explains Deleted Emails Plan As Modernization Move >> <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2300408?nl_pk=9aaa8…> >> >> By Joel Poultney >> >> The Financial Conduct Authority has said its plan to delete staff emails >> after a year is designed to modernize how it manages its records, amid >> criticism that the proposals undermined transparency at the regulator. >> >> Read full article » >> <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2300408?nl_pk=9aaa8…> >> | Save to favorites » >> <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2300408?nl_pk=9aaa8…> >> xNY.io - Bank.org respectfully reserves all Interjurisdictional rights. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Gunnar Larson >> -- >> Gunnar Donald Arthur Peter Larson >> xNY.io - Bank.org >> 646-554-7514 >> >> On Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 1:27 PM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >> >>> >>> https://wallstreetonparade.com/2025/02/elon-musks-doge-appears-to-be-violat… >>> >>> By Pam Martens and Russ Martens: February 21, 2025 ~ >>> >>> Donald Trump loyalists, including Elon Musk and his “Muskrats,” (coders >>> and techies that are loyal to Musk) have launched an unconstitutional reign >>> of terror through federal agencies that are critical to the safety and >>> security of Americans. Musk is the world’s wealthiest man, and foreign >>> born, with a dubious history when it comes to following U.S. laws. >>> >>> Musk previously battled in court to obtain a $56 billion pay package at >>> Tesla. (That’s billion not million.) Tesla is a publicly-traded company and >>> Musk is its CEO – meaning that under law he owes an oath of loyalty to the >>> company and its shareholders. Notwithstanding that law, Musk simultaneously >>> serves as CEO of rocket and satellite company, SpaceX, and controls >>> numerous other companies, including the social media platform, Twitter, >>> which Musk has renamed “X.” >>> >>> In January and February of last year, Musk was profiled in two bombshell >>> Wall Street Journal articles regarding his use of illegal drugs. The Wall >>> Street Journal’s January 6, 2024 (paywall) article carried this assessment >>> of Musk’s drug use: >>> >>> “The world’s wealthiest person has used LSD, cocaine, ecstasy and >>> psychedelic mushrooms, often at private parties around the world, where >>> attendees sign nondisclosure agreements or give up their phones to enter, >>> according to people who have witnessed his drug use and others with >>> knowledge of it. Musk has previously smoked marijuana in public and has >>> said he has a prescription for the psychedelic-like ketamine.” >>> >>> In October, five Wall Street Journal reporters dropped more bombshell >>> news that Musk “has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir >>> Putin since late 2022.” In February of 2022, the U.S. placed Putin on a >>> sanction list in response to his “unjustified, unprovoked, and premeditated >>> invasion of Ukraine….” >>> >>> Trump, who received $288 million in political campaign support from Musk >>> in the last campaign cycle, has now announced that it was Ukraine that >>> started the war with Russia, making the U.S. look like a fool on the world >>> stage and among its allies in Europe. >>> >>> Musk has also been the target of multiple cases brought by the >>> Securities and Exchange Commission which allege that he violated federal >>> securities laws at Tesla and Twitter (now called X). See here and here. >>> >>> Notwithstanding this five-alarm fire history, President Donald Trump has >>> put Musk and his organizational concoction called the Department of >>> Government Efficiency, (DOGE, after the meme crypto coin of the same name) >>> in charge of rooting out fraud, waste and abuse in federal agencies. >>> >>> In the case of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Musk and >>> his pals in the Trump administration tried to kill the whole agency. On >>> February 7, Musk Tweeted: “CFPB RIP” (rest in peace) with a picture of a >>> tombstone. That followed a November 27, 2024 Tweet from Musk where he wrote >>> “Delete CFPB. There are too many duplicative regulatory agencies.” >>> >>> It is patently untrue that the CFPB is “duplicative.” The agency was >>> created under the Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation of 2010 to fill >>> the void that allowed millions of Americans to have their homes illegally >>> foreclosed and be swindled under tricked-up subprime mortgages that left >>> the U.S. economy in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. >>> Since its creation, the CFPB has returned more than $21 billion to >>> defrauded seniors, students, military veterans and other vulnerable >>> Americans. >>> >>> On February 1, President Trump fired CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, who had >>> led the agency for almost three and a half years. Trump then appointed his >>> newly-installed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to serve as Acting >>> Director of the CFPB. (See Trump’s Hedge Fund Guy Is Now Overseeing the >>> U.S. Treasury, IRS, OCC, U.S. Mint, FinCEN, F-SOC, and the Consumer >>> Financial Protection Bureau.) >>> >>> About a week later, Trump changed his mind about Bessent leading the >>> CFPB (or Bessent decided he wanted no part of the legally dubious act of >>> gutting a federal agency created by Congress). So Trump decided to install >>> the mastermind of Project 2025, Russell Vought, as Acting Director of the >>> CFPB. (Vought was already serving as Trump’s newly installed Director of >>> the Office of Management and Budget.) >>> >>> NBC News got its hands on an email that Vought immediately issued to >>> employees of the CFPB. NBC News reported as follows: >>> >>> “Employees were instructed to ‘cease all supervision and examination >>> activity,’ ‘cease all stakeholder engagement,’ pause all pending >>> investigations, not issue any public communications and pause ‘enforcement >>> actions.’ >>> >>> “Vought also told employees not to ‘approve or issue any proposed or >>> final rules or formal or informal guidance’ and to ‘suspend the effective >>> dates of all final rules that have been issued or published but that have >>> not yet become effective,’ among other directives.” >>> >>> A 404 Error message appears on the front page of the CFPB website and >>> its social media pages have been deleted (as Musk envisioned back in >>> November) at X (Twitter), and Facebook. >>> >>> Multiple federal lawsuits were quickly filed against this unprecedented >>> and outrageous attack on a federal agency. Notable among them was a lawsuit >>> brought in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the National >>> Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). The lawsuit names Vought as the defendant, >>> in his official capacity as Acting Director of the CFPB, and charges that >>> his actions violate the separation of powers principles embedded in the >>> U.S. Constitution that assign specific powers to the legislative branch >>> (Congress) and specific powers to the Executive Branch (the President). >>> >>> On February 14, the Judge assigned to the case, Judge Amy Berman >>> Jackson, issued the following order that included this directive, among >>> others: >>> >>> “…it is hereby ORDERED that until the resolution of plaintiffs’ motion >>> for temporary restraining order [Dkt. # 10], which, with the parties’ >>> consent, will be deemed to be a motion for preliminary injunction, the >>> following orders shall remain in place: >>> >>> “It is ORDERED that Defendants, including their officers, agents, >>> servants, employees, and attorneys, (hereafter collectively, ‘Defendants’) >>> shall not delete, destroy, remove, or impair any data or other CFPB records >>> covered by the Federal Records Act (hereinafter ‘agency data’) except in >>> accordance with the procedures described in 33 U.S.C. § 44. This means that >>> defendants shall not delete or remove agency data from any database or >>> information system controlled by, or stored on behalf of, the Consumer >>> Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the term ‘agency data’ includes any >>> data or CFPB records stored on the CFPB’s premises, on physical media, on a >>> cloud server, or otherwise.” >>> >>> Notwithstanding that federal court order, Wall Street On Parade located >>> the YouTube page below showing that the entire video playlist for the CFPB >>> has been deleted. According to the Wayback Machine, that playlist >>> previously consisted of 361 videos. (See screenshot from the Wayback >>> Machine in second graphic below.) >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Dozens of videos have also been disabled on the official website of the >>> CFPB. See examples below: >>> >>> Racial equality in higher education; >>> >>> How to spot, avoid and report student loan debt relief scams; >>> >>> Financial Education Resources for Veterans. >>> >>> In an acknowledgement of just how dangerous this attack on a consumer >>> protection agency is, Senator Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the >>> Senate Banking Committee, will convene a forum in the Senate Dirksen Office >>> Building next Tuesday, February 25. A livestream of the event will be >>> available to the public. (Check back here on Monday for more specific >>> details.) The forum will focus on the consequences of President Trump’s and >>> Elon Musk’s efforts to eliminate the CFPB. >>> >>> Senator Warren has invited Elon Musk to appear at the forum and justify >>> his actions. Confirmed witnesses include: Andrea Campbell, Attorney General >>> of Massachusetts; Lorelei Salas, former CFPB Director of Supervision >>> Policy; and Americans whose savings have been protected by the CFPB. >>> >>> On Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 11:59 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> Behind Musk’s X Turnaround: Pick-and-Choose Financials >>>> https://assets.bwbx.io/s3/readings/SRXP3GT0AFB41740070011208.mp3 >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 5:42 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Madam Attorney General James: >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 12:52 PM, xNY.io - Bank.org came to you with the >>>>> below memo; with aim to execute N.Y. Executive Law, Article 15 § 297. >>>>> Procedure >>>>> 1. Additionally, § 298-a. Application of article to certain acts >>>>> committed outside the state of New York, (Israel Crisis). >>>>> >>>>> Since then, the interlocking directorate subject to this email have >>>>> ceaselessly tried to fling one monkey wrench after another into pure market >>>>> dynamics. >>>>> >>>>> This news crossed yesterday: >>>>> >>>>> Tesla, Objector Appeal $730M Chancery Board Pay Deal >>>>> <https://www.law360.com/fintech/articles/2297934?nl_pk=31322029-63eb-4d40-ac…> >>>>> >>>>> By Katryna Perera >>>>> >>>>> Tesla Inc. and a stockholder objector have appealed a Delaware Court >>>>> of Chancery approval of the return of more than $730 million in director >>>>> stock, option and grant awards to the company that would resolve a suit >>>>> accusing the electric-car maker's board of raking in "outrageous" >>>>> compensation packages that cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars. >>>>> >>>>> 3 documents attached | Read full article » >>>>> <https://www.law360.com/fintech/articles/2297934?nl_pk=31322029-63eb-4d40-ac…> >>>>> | Save to favorites » >>>>> <https://www.law360.com/fintech/articles/2297934?nl_pk=31322029-63eb-4d40-ac…> >>>>> Madam Attorney General, who has the blood on their hands after my Nov >>>>> 2, 2023 note to you? >>>>> >>>>> I have put a $1B fund together to support New York Human Rights Law >>>>> around the world. Letitia James, Madam Attorney General, the blood will not >>>>> be on my hands much longer. >>>>> >>>>> xNY.io - Bank.org respectfully reserves all Interjurisdictional >>>>> rights. >>>>> >>>>> Thank you, >>>>> >>>>> Gunnar Larson ✌️ >>>>> -- >>>>> Gunnar Donald Arthur Peter Larson >>>>> xNY.io - Bank.org >>>>> 646-554-7514 >>>>> >>>>> On Fri, Feb 14, 2025, 5:42 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Madam Attorney General James: >>>>>> >>>>>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 12:52 PM, xNY.io - Bank.org came to you with the >>>>>> below memo; with aim to execute N.Y. Executive Law, Article 15 § 297. >>>>>> Procedure >>>>>> 1. Additionally, § 298-a. Application of article to certain acts >>>>>> committed outside the state of New York, (Israel Crisis). >>>>>> >>>>>> Musk Says He'll Drop OpenAI Bid If It Scraps 'For Profit' Plans >>>>>> <https://www.law360.com/mergersacquisitions/articles/2297699?nl_pk=34b724c6-…> >>>>>> >>>>>> By Jade Martinez-Pogue >>>>>> >>>>>> Elon Musk has hit back at OpenAI's claim that his $97.375 billion >>>>>> takeover bid is improper, noting if the ChatGPT maker agrees to nix plans >>>>>> to become a for-profit business, his offer will be dropped. >>>>>> >>>>>> Response attached | Read full article » >>>>>> <https://www.law360.com/mergersacquisitions/articles/2297699?nl_pk=34b724c6-…> >>>>>> | Save to favorites » >>>>>> <https://www.law360.com/mergersacquisitions/articles/2297699?nl_pk=34b724c6-…> >>>>>> War in the Middle East is not a for profit exercise. However, Peace >>>>>> on Earth is xNY.io - Bank.org's revenue engine. >>>>>> >>>>>> Reiterating our November 2, 2023 plea to the esteemed NYAG: >>>>>> >>>>>> This memo aims to execute N.Y. Executive Law, Article 15 § 297. >>>>>> Procedure >>>>>> 1. Additionally, § 298-a. Application of article to certain acts >>>>>> committed outside the state of New York, (Israel Crisis). >>>>>> >>>>>> Warm regards, >>>>>> >>>>>> Gunnar Larson >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Gunnar Donald Arthur Peter Larson >>>>>> xNY.io - Bank.org >>>>>> 646-554-7514 >>>>>> >>>>>> On Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 12:52 PM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Dear Madam Attorney General James: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> xNY.io - Bank.org kindly seeks a response from your office >>>>>>> concerning the message below. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Today in Manhattan, the FTX case will soon be sent for jury >>>>>>> deliberation. According to NPR, "... FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is >>>>>>> accused of orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in history." >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Additionally, today Donald Trump's civil fraud trial continues in >>>>>>> New York City. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Attorney General James, as you are aware xNY.io - Bank.org has an >>>>>>> ongoing dialog with your office concerning a 'RICO.' The New York State >>>>>>> Department of Financial Services records office has responded with a memo >>>>>>> concerning the "Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement" >>>>>>> here: >>>>>>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1reLapm-6C0QJZhPKIPtN5HZGbYhTxZMh/view?usp=… >>>>>>> . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This memo aims to execute N.Y. Executive Law, Article 15 § 297. >>>>>>> Procedure >>>>>>> 1. Additionally, § 298-a. Application of article to certain acts >>>>>>> committed outside the state of New York, (Israel Crisis). >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Kind regards, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Gunnar >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> Gunnar Larson >>>>>>> xNY.io - Bank.org >>>>>>> >>>>>>> MSc - Digital Currency >>>>>>> MBA - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> G(a)xNY.io >>>>>>> +1-917-580-8053 >>>>>>> New York, New York 10001 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Sat, Jun 18, 2022, 4:44 PM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Dear Attorney General Letitia James: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC seeks to earn your esteemed approval to >>>>>>>> engage the New York False Claims Act under urgent pretences. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Today's correspondence marks the first time in history, a >>>>>>>> self-titled "mafia" (aka, the "PayPal Mafia '') is compelled to answer >>>>>>>> publicly the decision to manipulate both the New York False Claims Act and >>>>>>>> the Martin Act against one another. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> - Madam Attorney General, your leadership approach has historical >>>>>>>> context >>>>>>>> <https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/climate/exxon-climate-lawsuit-new-york.h…> >>>>>>>> to logic and ultimate Exxon Mobil vs. New York State >>>>>>>> <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLp9RIYw8mAh1SRG8E9PMEK94SV-viUN/view?usp=…> case >>>>>>>> precedent. >>>>>>>> - xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC research and development notes our >>>>>>>> hawkish approach to ESG, D&O and LBO innovation. >>>>>>>> - xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC sees this not a democrat vs. >>>>>>>> republican concern as Mr. Elon Musk (CEO, SpaceX and Tesla) claims. False >>>>>>>> pretense to protect free speech are now being debated as party to a $200B >>>>>>>> pryamid scheme. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Ms. James, on May 21, 2022 xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC >>>>>>>> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lv9Wt6y1ld4bNap0z3epIxttEGiP_oVpfxH0GTS…> >>>>>>>> contacted the SpaceX Corporation with reasonable concern of CEO Musk's >>>>>>>> intent behind the $44B Twitter LBO. The Orlando Police Pension Fund shared >>>>>>>> similar concerns to the intent behind Twitter's LBO as illegal. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since, market forces suggest that SpaceX and Tesla directors are >>>>>>>> part of interlocking directorate, self proclaimed the PayPal Mafia. The >>>>>>>> racket could waterfall to problem(s) at the New York State Department of >>>>>>>> Financial Services with Superintendent association to D&O insurance >>>>>>>> regulation. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Ms. James, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC seeks your office's urgent >>>>>>>> assessment of this matter. We aim to earn approval to explore the New York >>>>>>>> False Claims Act to confront SpaceX as a racket. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> *Like a house of cards, the PayPal Mafia racket could risk a >>>>>>>> waterfall of D&O interlocking directorate insolvencies. In summary: * >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> 1. xNY.io - Bank.org's May 21, 2022 memo to SpaceX questioned >>>>>>>> intent behind baseless claims pioneered by SpaceX's CEO, branding ESG a >>>>>>>> scam via Exxon Mobil. Obviously, Exxon Mobil vs. New York State >>>>>>>> <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLp9RIYw8mAh1SRG8E9PMEK94SV-viUN/view?usp=…> alludes >>>>>>>> Mr. Musk party to a false claim. >>>>>>>> 2. SpaceX has failed to establish a preponderance of evidence >>>>>>>> and burden of proof not a racket. >>>>>>>> 3. SpaceX has failed to prove that Twitter's LBO is not false >>>>>>>> claim to free speech protection. >>>>>>>> 4. True social innovation cannot sponsor a fake news racket >>>>>>>> that could jeopardize space exploration and war. >>>>>>>> 5. Twitter's LBO dealmakers (Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase) >>>>>>>> company balance sheets, financial statements and other corporate records do >>>>>>>> not impact xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC holding a racket accountable to false >>>>>>>> claims. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla leveraging Exxon Mobil as an ESG >>>>>>>> securities scam does not preclude the PayPal Mafia's intent to engage false >>>>>>>> claims at the sacrifice of New York State's financial future. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Madam Attorney General James, we hope to hear from your esteemed >>>>>>>> office and learn assessment of best next steps. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Gunnar >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> *Gunnar Larson * >>>>>>>> *xNY.io <http://www.xny.io/> - Bank.org <http://bank.org/>, PBC* >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> MSc >>>>>>>> <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - >>>>>>>> Digital Currency >>>>>>>> MBA >>>>>>>> <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship >>>>>>>> and Innovation (ip) >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> G(a)xNY.io >>>>>>>> +1-646-454-9107 >>>>>>>> New York, New York 10001 >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Sun, May 22, 2022 at 9:34 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> May 21, 2022 >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> BY ELECTRONIC MAIL >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> SpaceX Corporation >>>>>>>>> Board of Directors >>>>>>>>> One Rocket Road >>>>>>>>> Hawthorne, California >>>>>>>>> 90250 >>>>>>>>> Sales(a)SpaceX.com >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Re: Potential SpaceX Interlocking Directors’ Intent to Manipulate >>>>>>>>> Markets >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Dear SpaceX Board of Directors: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> From our New York headquarters, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC embodies >>>>>>>>> the notion that rather than a merry-go-round, the process of change and >>>>>>>>> innovation is like a slide. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Today’s memo aims to notify the SpaceX Corporation of concern of >>>>>>>>> potential market manipulation that could impact cross-border digital asset >>>>>>>>> innovation, free speech in the United States of America, the global ESG >>>>>>>>> economy and Moon exploration. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Please find the attached memo >>>>>>>>> <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lv9Wt6y1ld4bNap0z3epIxttEGiP_oVpfxH0GTS…> >>>>>>>>> addressed to SpaceX's board of directors. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Respectfully, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Gunnar Larson >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>

1 0

BREAKING: Mastercard Wins Green Light For £200M Swipe Fee Settlement
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

BREAKING: Mastercard Wins Green Light For £200M Swipe Fee Settlement <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2301056?nl_pk=9aaa8…> By Joanne Faulkner The U.K.'s Competition Appeal Tribunal said Friday it would approve a £200 million ($250 million) settlement between Mastercard and Walter Merricks to end litigation over credit card fees, despite "some concerns about how the matter was dealt with" in the lead-up to the deal being reached. Read full article » <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2301056?nl_pk=9aaa8…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/2301056?nl_pk=9aaa8…>

1 0

Snapshot: Delaware Lawmakers Target Hefty Atty Fee Awards
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Snapshot: Delaware Lawmakers Target Hefty Atty Fee Awards <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2299701?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…> By Rose Krebs Amid a push by Delaware lawmakers to overhaul the First State's corporation law provisions, the state Senate is seeking recommendations aimed at avoiding "excessive" attorney fee awards in corporate litigation, drawing a mixed reaction from lawyers and a corporate law scholar. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2299701?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2299701?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…>

1 0

Fed. Circ. Revives Claims Over Maui Bypass Work Delays
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Fed. Circ. Revives Claims Over Maui Bypass Work Delays <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2300060?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…> By Nate Beck A Federal Circuit panel has directed the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to decide if the government flouted a construction contract after officials took nearly seven months to sign an agreement to relocate utilities and four months to obtain right of way for crews on a $38.7 million bypass relocation project in Maui. Opinion attached | Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2300060?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2300060?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…>

1 0

Bell Textron Says Iran Is Refusing To Pay $1.7M Storage Costs
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Bell Textron Says Iran Is Refusing To Pay $1.7M Storage Costs <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2300608?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…> By Madeline Lyskawa Helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron Inc. has sued the Islamic Republic of Iran in Texas federal court, claiming it is owed $1.67 million for its continued storage of equipment once owned by the pre-revolutionary Iranian government. Complaint attached | Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2300608?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/governmentcontracts/articles/2300608?nl_pk=0fbf612f-…>

1 0

Wells Fargo, AAA Look To Nix Fraudulent Inducement Suit
by Gunnar Larson 21 Feb '25

21 Feb '25

Wells Fargo, AAA Look To Nix Fraudulent Inducement Suit <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2299515?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…> By Caroline Simson Wells Fargo and the American Arbitration Association are urging a California federal judge to nix a proposed class action accusing them of colluding to fraudulently induce consumers into accepting a fundamentally unfair arbitration process, with the bank arguing that the claims must be arbitrated. 2 documents attached | Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2299515?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2299515?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…>

1 0