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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
by Gunnar Larson 04 Feb '25

04 Feb '25

https://wallstreetonparade.com/2025/02/trumps-hedge-fund-guy-is-now-oversee… By Pam Martens and Russ Martens: February 4, 2025 ~ Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary Donald Trump has placed a man with no prior government experience, Scott Bessent, in charge of overseeing a sprawling network of federal agencies that are tasked with operating and protecting the financial system of the United States. What did Bessent do previously to qualify for this powerful position? He ran a hedge fund, Key Square Capital Management LLC, with 25 employees. But, more important to the transactional world of Donald Trump, Bessent gave $1.25 million to PACs supporting Trump and tens of thousands of dollars to state and national Republican parties and candidates. Bessent was sworn in as U.S. Treasury Secretary on January 28. In that position, Bessent sits at the helm of a federal agency that includes the IRS; the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which regulates national banks; the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (of U.S. currency); the U.S. Mint; the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which is tasked with combating money laundering; and Bessent also Chairs the Financial Stability Oversight Council (F-SOC), which is made up of the heads of all major financial regulators. In addition, legislation passed by Congress will put Bessent in charge of the slush fund known as the Exchange Stabilization Fund; and, thanks to stealthy legislation passed during the first Trump administration, the Treasury Secretary is now a permanent member of the National Security Council (NSC) as well. And, if all that wasn’t enough, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced yesterday that Trump had made Bessent the Acting Director of the CFPB, which protects the little guy from the predators on Wall Street and elsewhere. Republicans and bank lobbyists have been trying to kill the CFPB for decades. Bessent has been in office less than 10 days and he has already begun making unsavory headlines by handing over access to highly confidential data in the U.S. Treasury’s $6 trillion payment system to people working for unelected tech billionaire Elon Musk. Yesterday, Bloomberg Law reported that Bessent had effectively shut down much of the CFPB’s operations, writing as follows: “Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has shut down a wide variety of operations inside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his new role as acting director. “Bessent ordered the CFPB to stop all rulemaking, communications, litigation, and other activities, according to a Monday email to staff obtained by Bloomberg Law.” Senator Elizabeth Warren, the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, expressed her outrage at Bessent’s hostile takeover of the CFPB with this statement yesterday: “Secretary Bessent just sent a signal to giant corporations and big banks that it is open season to cheat, trick, and trap hard-working American families. Shutting down CFPB enforcement actions that are on the verge of delivering money into the pockets of working people is at odds with President Trump’s claim that he wants to lower costs for families – which he has done next to nothing on so far. This also follows Secretary Bessent giving Elon Musk and his cronies unprecedented access to government payment systems that deliver everything from Social Security checks to tax refunds. Secretary Bessent must reverse course, and if he doesn’t, I will use every tool at my disposal in the Banking Committee to hold him accountable – along with any company that lines its pockets at the expense of American taxpayers.” Warren is a former Harvard Law professor. She has the knowledge and the connections to back up her warnings. She cited the following examples of enforcement actions that Bessent has put “on ice” at the CFPB: “Capital One cheated millions of consumers out of $2 billion in interest by misleading them about their deposit accounts. “Walmart & Branch illegally opened over one million bank accounts for delivery drivers and charged more than $10 million in junk fees. “JP Morgan, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America allowed fraud to fester on the Zelle payment network, leading to hundreds of thousands of consumers losing nearly $1 billion. “Cash App left users out to dry with a dead-end customer support number and intentionally shoddy fraud investigations designed to discourage seeking help.” Of critical importance, Bloomberg Law also reported that Bessent’s email to CFPB staff ordered them to “suspend the effective dates” for all final rules that have not yet gone into effect. That would include two major triumphs for average Americans: the CFPB’s ban on including medical-related debt on consumer credit reports – which can negatively impact a consumer’s credit score and raise their borrowing costs – and the CFPB’s rule to cap overdraft fees at banks at $5 from the average of $35. In December, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) warned that the overdraft cap rule was in danger of being overturned, despite the fact that it would save consumers approximately $5 billion a year. The NCLC has set up a web page where Americans can whip off a prepared strong message to their representatives in Congress, urging that this rule move forward. Was it legal for Trump to put the head of one federal agency in charge of another federal agency? The Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 provides the statutory basis for Trump placing the Treasury Secretary in charge of the CFPB on an acting basis. When a vacancy occurs in a federal agency within the Executive Branch, where the position requires a Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, the default procedure is to name the first deputy or first assistant to the Director as the Acting Director. The President does, however, have the ability to override that default procedure and appoint anyone as Acting Director who has already been appointed to another federal agency by the President and has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Alternately, the President could also, under the statute, fill the position with someone employed in the agency if they had worked there for 90 days or more in the prior year. Despite these options, Trump selected a hedge fund guy with a vast array of responsibilities at Treasury to oversee the CFPB, and the first thing the hedge fund guy did was to shut down its ongoing enforcement actions, litigation and rule-making.

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Re: SpaceX Interlocking Directors’ Intent to Manipulate Markets
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

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 >>> >>

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BREAKING: Trump Installs Treasury Secretary As CFPB's Acting Chief
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

BREAKING: Trump Installs Treasury Secretary As CFPB's Acting Chief <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2292253?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…> By Jon Hill The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Monday that President Donald Trump has tapped U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to serve as the agency's interim chief after ousting its former Director Rohit Chopra. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2292253?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2292253?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…>

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Fwd: Did this get lost in the shuffle?
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Donald J. Trump <contact(a)support.donaldjtrump.com> Date: Sun, Feb 2, 2025, 12:38 PM Subject: Did this get lost in the shuffle? To: <g(a)xny.io> I know it’s been a crazy week, but this is really important! [image: TRUMP] <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/YUv2SsTeXaMGSp2Vg9IC0PfKuiwCXu1a4ql6EHvb3…> I’m collecting a list of *KEY SUPPORTERS* who I can trust to advise my new administration. So there are a couple of things that I want to make sure we are on the same page about, Gunnar. *This is a BIG one:*. *ILLEGAL ALIENS SHOULD BE BANNED FROM VOTING IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/lpYSyAT9FnLTMLmxzcP7AGQkpnEWk3lX-BGNa-c27…>* *Do you agree?⭕️ YES⭕️ NO <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/VLpVDxd3_MQGWDxa5wk3Bgamr93rJ8ym6S-gu29bI…>* *Gunnar, if you respond BY MIDNIGHT I’ll add your name to the TOP of the list! ANSWER NOW. >> <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/G9dGW4ABHDI25fEVTNeV6Ua0KwfjbRy_QOpK6ARxV…>* *COMPLETE CENSUS <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/iSj5n06XlSlm9bWD4j1EGwH5uMLAX-FpiH4dkz3kt…>* Thank you for your continued support, [image: Donald J. Trump Signature Headshot] <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/xJwf3A2VjgmWGcvE1yMNpgyZYcszmfOxyPPOSsqSM…> Donald J. Trump Contributions to Trump National Committee JFC Inc. are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. All contributions are subject to the limits and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act. Contributions from corporations, foreign nationals (i.e., without “green cards”), federal government contractors, and other federally impermissible sources are strictly prohibited. Contributions made in the name of, or refunded by, any other person are unlawful. Paid for by Trump National Committee JFC, Inc., P.O. Box 509, Arlington, VA 22216. Not Authorized by any Candidate or Candidate’s Committee. You are receiving this email at g(a)xny.io. donaldjtrump.com <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/OBzEyCX8b80N9Tbvr8Wt5nAbcx8pFvTYkXp1xTuGU…> It’s because of the commitment and support from real Patriots, like YOU, that we will SAVE AMERICA! Thank you again for your generous support. If you'd like to change your subscription status follow this link. <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/cu/YdVMC1tZwDVMYjh_lhRGpaO5BfT_SVATKRuGMU5L…> Privacy Policy <https://link.donaldjtrump.com/s/c/uv55ow724i_BLGr3STvrCGasvgKjWbBru1uvdS88c…>

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Fwd: Trump vs. MSNBC >>
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Trump Alert <info(a)dscc.org> Date: Sun, Feb 2, 2025, 5:29 PM Subject: re: Trump vs. MSNBC >> To: <g(a)xny.io> ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ *BREAKING: "Trump Calls for MSNBC to Be Shut Down"* [image: 'They shouldn't even have a right to broadcast' - Donald Trump] <https://go.dscc.org/go/21026?ask=5&t=7&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.i…> *We need to stand with journalists:**Do you support MSNBC?* Yes <https://go.dscc.org/go/21026?ask=5&t=8&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.i…> No <https://go.dscc.org/go/21026?ask=5&t=9&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.i…> Team, Donald Trump's revenge tour is reaching your living room: *He wants to SHUT DOWN MSNBC!* Trump's latest attack on free speech could have DIRE consequences. We must stand up for the First Amendment and the brave journalists who work to find the truth and hold the powerful accountable, and our URGENT Live Poll will show that Americans support MSNBC. *But unless you respond by midnight, your answer will be missing from our records, so tell us immediately:* [image: Live Poll] <https://go.dscc.org/go/21026?ask=5&t=10&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.…> *Do you support MSNBC?* Yes <https://go.dscc.org/go/21026?ask=5&t=11&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.…> No <https://go.dscc.org/go/21026?ask=5&t=12&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.…> Thanks, Team DSCC Derivative of photo <https://go.dscc.org/go/1270?t=1&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.io&addr1…> by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://go.dscc.org/go/1271?t=2&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xny.io&addr1…>. * If you've recently responded or done so with a different email address, thank you! Online records may not be up to date, but don't worry -- your responses have been recorded. [image: Chip in $5 monthly to flip the Senate] <https://secure.actblue.com/donate/support-senate-democrats-2025-q1-recurrin…> ------------------------------ The DSCC is the only committee solely dedicated to supporting Democrats in the U.S. Senate, and our work relies on grassroots supporters like you. If you'd like to make a contribution to support us, please *click here <https://secure.actblue.com/donate/support-senate-democrats-2025-q1?refcode=…>*. *Click here <https://go.dscc.org/signup/receive-fewer-emails/?t=5&akid=19500%2E26297126%…>* to receive fewer emails. *Click here <https://go.dscc.org/unsubscribe/unsubscribe/?t=6&akid=19500%2E26297126%2EyI…>* to unsubscribe. Paid for by the DSCC | PO Box 96047, Washington, DC 20090 | *dscc.org <https://www.dscc.org/>* | Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts to the DSCC are not tax deductible.

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Fwd: Our path to a Senate majority –
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Urgent Alert <info(a)dscc.org> Date: Sun, Feb 2, 2025, 11:19 AM Subject: Our path to a Senate majority – To: <g(a)xny.io> ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ *Two Senate special elections could change EVERYTHING, team:* STATE: FORMER SENATOR: Ohio JD Vance Florida Marco Rubio If we win these crucial states, our chances of flipping the Senate will SKYROCKET! We need to get ready immediately, so don't delay: *Chip in $5 IMMEDIATELY to FLIP key states like these, defend our progress, and take back the Senate majority >> <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=5&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xn…>* Donate $5 <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=6&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xn…> The *crucial* battleground states of Ohio and Florida represent critical opportunities to take back momentum and stop Trump from controlling the Senate *for all four years* -- so we MUST prepare *right now.* Republicans will FLOOD these states with cash to keep them red, so we need to match their megadonor money with a grassroots movement. We've launched an URGENT $50,000 midnight goal to make sure we can flip seats like these from *RED* to *BLUE* -- but we're on track to fall 23.21% short! *Please, before the deadline:* *All eyes are on Florida and Ohio. RUSH $5 or more NOW to help us win in states like these, take back the Senate, and STOP Donald Trump's MAGA agenda >> <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=7&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40xn…>* We need your help to fight for the Senate. If you've saved payment info with ActBlue Express, your donation will be processed immediately. Donate $5 <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=8&amount=5&express_lane=true&firstn…> Donate $10 <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=9&amount=10&express_lane=true&first…> Donate $20 <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=10&amount=20&express_lane=true&firs…> Other Amount <https://go.dscc.org/go/20854?amount=5&t=11&firstname=&lastname=&email=g%40x…> Thanks, Team DSCC [image: Chip in $5 monthly to flip the Senate] <https://secure.actblue.com/donate/support-senate-democrats-2025-q1-recurrin…> ------------------------------ The DSCC is the only committee solely dedicated to supporting Democrats in the U.S. Senate, and our work relies on grassroots supporters like you. If you'd like to make a contribution to support us, please *click here <https://secure.actblue.com/donate/support-senate-democrats-2025-q1?refcode=…>*. *Click here <https://go.dscc.org/signup/receive-fewer-emails/?t=3&akid=19484%2E26297126%…>* to receive fewer emails. *Click here <https://go.dscc.org/unsubscribe/unsubscribe/?t=4&akid=19484%2E26297126%2Elt…>* to unsubscribe. Paid for by the DSCC | PO Box 96047, Washington, DC 20090 | *dscc.org <https://www.dscc.org/>* | Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts to the DSCC are not tax deductible.

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As Elon Musk Begins Shutting Down Payments to Federal Contractors, a Strange Money Trail Emerges to His Operatives Inside the U.S. Treasury’s Payment System
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

*By Pam Martens and <https://wallstreetonparade.com/about-3/about/>Russ Martens <https://wallstreetonparade.com/about-3/about/>: February 3, 2025 ~* [image: Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla] <https://wallstreetonparade.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Elon-Musk.jpg> Elon Musk Elon Musk is the billionaire CEO of the publicly-traded EV company, Tesla. As such, under corporate law <https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/duty-loyalty.asp>, he owes a Duty of Loyalty to Tesla. Notwithstanding this well-established law, Musk is engaged in an array of other corporate endeavors outside of Tesla, including being the CEO of SpaceX, a private rocket company. SpaceX is a major federal contractor to NASA and the Department of Defense. See our report: The U.S. Government Is Plowing Billions into SpaceX, Overlooking Drug Use, Sex Parties, and Elon Musk’s Coziness with Putin <https://wallstreetonparade.com/2024/10/the-u-s-government-is-plowing-billio…> . Now, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, and a host of other media outlets are reporting that Musk has used his 2-week old position as the head of a Donald Trump faux agency – the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – which Trump created out of thin air last month by Executive Order <https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/establishing-and-im…>, to have his DOGE operatives gain access to the U.S. Treasury’s $6 trillion payment system and snoop on its payments. This means that Musk’s DOGE hires could potentially access confidential information on government contract payments made to Musk’s competitors as well as highly confidential payments related to national security. There are media reports this morning that Musk has begun to cancel payments to some federal contractors. One of the individuals engaged in this snooping on behalf of Musk, according to reporting at the New York Times, is Tom Krause, the CEO of Cloud Software Group, which describes itself as “Developer of enterprise infrastructure software” whose platform encompasses, among other things, “business intelligence.” Krause is still listed at the website of Cloud Software Group as its current CEO, as well as using that same title on his personal LinkedIn page. So how, exactly, did he gain security clearance to snoop on this vast U.S. government payment system <https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/about.html>. Why is the Board of Directors of Cloud Software Group allowing him to engage in this legally dubious undertaking? Cloud Software Group’s major owners include Vista Equity Partners and Elliott Investment Management, according to an interview with Krause at SpencerStuart <https://www.spencerstuart.com/research-and-insight/an-investor-minded-ceo-l….> . The founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners is billionaire Robert F. Smith, whose net worth is pegged at $10.8 billion according to Forbes <https://www.forbes.com/profile/robert-f-smith/>. In 2020, during the first Trump administration, Smith was charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with engaging in a massive 15-year international tax fraud scheme. Smith was given a non-prosecution agreement and settled the matter for $139 million <https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/private-equity-ceo-enters-non-prosecution-ag…> after cooperating with prosecutors. The other major co-owner of Krause’s firm, Elliott Investment Management, is the giant hedge fund founded by billionaire Paul Singer, who remains at Elliott as President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Chief Investment Officer. Singer gave the Trump-supporting Make America Great Again Inc. PAC $5 million in one check in August of last year. In addition, *and notably*, Singer is also Chairman of the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, a right-wing think tank. William Barr, one of Donald Trump’s Attorneys General during his first term as President, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manhattan Institute. Megadonors to Trump and Republicans, including hedge fund titan John Paulson <https://wallstreetonparade.com/2024/03/hedge-fund-titan-john-paulson-made-1…> and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos in Trump’s first term, also serve on the Manhattan Institute’s Board of Trustees <https://manhattan.institute/board-of-trustees>. Senator Ron Wyden, the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee has sent a letter <https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/letter_from_senator_wyden_to_s…> to Trump’s recently confirmed U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, raising national security concerns about the snooping by DOGE inside the Treasury’s payment system and demanding answers in short order.

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Fwd: RIDW & SCCA Conference | Join & Hear From Leading Industry Experts!
by Gunnar Larson 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: LexisNexis Middle East <contact.MENA(a)lexisnexis.fr> Date: Sun, Feb 2, 2025, 2:01 AM Subject: RIDW & SCCA Conference | Join & Hear From Leading Industry Experts! To: <g(a)xny.io> *Exclusive 30% Off | Join Us for the Largest Legal Event in MENA!* Riyadh will host the SCCA 4th International Conference and Exhibition, the flagship event of Riyadh International Dispute Week 2025, which is a premier gathering for a diverse array of international attendees from around the world, to will explore the horizons of growth for the commercial dispute resolution industry and examine the latest global trends shaping this dynamic field. February 2025 26 Register Now <https://lexis.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06abfb4b919982faaa1abf33d&…> ------------------------------ Exclusive 30% Off SCCA Roaster Tickets Use Promo Code: RM209LEX30 *Get ready to engage in insightful discussions on Arbitration and the Law as Pillars of Transformation* *What to Expect at the Conference?* *4 Panel Discussions* *2 Keynote Speeches* *7 Subtopics* *30 Speakers* <https://lexis.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06abfb4b919982faaa1abf33d&…> Conference Promo Video Register Now <https://lexis.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06abfb4b919982faaa1abf33d&…> Limited Seats *Copyright © 2024 LexisNexis, All rights reserved. LexisNexis Middle East* Our mailing address is: LexisNexis 141 rue de Javel <https://www.google.com/maps/search/141+rue+de+Javel+%0D%0AParis+75015+%0D%0…> Paris 75015 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/141+rue+de+Javel+%0D%0AParis+75015+%0D%0…> France <https://www.google.com/maps/search/141+rue+de+Javel+%0D%0AParis+75015+%0D%0…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://lexis.us20.list-manage.com/profile?u=06abfb4b919982faaa1abf33d&id=a…> or unsubscribe from this list <https://lexis.us20.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=06abfb4b919982faaa1abf33d&…> . We respect your right to privacy – view the privacy notices and policies <https://lexis.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=06abfb4b919982faaa1abf33d&…> of LexisNexis SA. This email was sent by LexisNexis (contact.MENA(a)lexisnexis.fr) To make sure you keep getting these emails, please add contact.MENA(a)lexisnexis.fr to your address book or whitelist us. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

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BREAKING: Trump Fires CFPB Director Chopra
by Gunnar Larson 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

BREAKING: Trump Fires CFPB Director Chopra <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2286209?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…> By Jon Hill President Donald Trump has fired Rohit Chopra as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in a long-awaited move to purge another holdover of the Biden administration. Read full article » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2286209?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.com/banking/articles/2286209?nl_pk=e602c558-f520-472e-90…>

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HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO FIGHT CITY HALL
by Gunnar Larson 01 Feb '25

01 Feb '25

Art Director/Designer: Sidney Myers Copywriter: Evan Stark Agency: Doyle Dane Bernbach, Inc. Client: Whirlpool HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO FIGHT CITY HALL If you have a product you are not happy with, what do you do? Sit and sulk? Moan to your next-door neighbor? Promise yourself that you'll never buy another product from the manufacturer? A lot of good that will do. No, Mr. and Mrs. Consumer, that's not the answer. If you have a gripe, let the manufacturer know. Call him up. Write to him. Keep after him until he does something about it. Because nothing bothers a reputable manufacturer more than dissatisfied customers. We at Whirlpool believe in putting our money where our mouth is. We believe we make the best appliances you can buy. Automatic washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, etc. And we also believe our Tech-Care Service specialists provide the best service in our field. In addition, we were the first to do away with the complicated standard warranty and replace it with a fully binding, easy-to-understand warranty letter. We were first to provide a free, nation wide telephone number (800-253-1301) for service information. And we were the first to have consultants answer your calls, thereby solving many of your problems right over the phone. But still and all, we know that you can't please all of the people all of the time. That's the reason for the blank letter on the facing page. If you have a gripe about us, we want to know so we can do something about it. Just write your complaint, tear out the page and mail it to us. If you know anything at all about Whirlpool, you know it won't be ignored. By the way, if you have something nice to say about us, we'd like to hear that too. Steve Upton Vice President, Consumer Services Division Whirlpool Corporation

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