Good evening everyone. It was a slower news day, so I spent the afternoon on my couch with my daughter in one arm and the Epstein files in the other. My fight for the truth is no longer only about accountability for survivors. It is about making sure my daughter grows up in a world free from exploitation and sex trafficking. What happened must never happen again.
That is why I have done a deep dive into the Melania Trump Epstein connection, including the role of Paolo Zampolli, who is said to have introduced her to Donald Trump. There are documents you need to see. At the same time, there were mass demonstrations in Hungary against Viktor Orban ahead of critical elections tomorrow, stalled Iran negotiations, and threats from Trump to China.
I have already faced pushback for this reporting, but I will not stop. If you can, please subscribe to support my work. This reporting matters, and it is not easy, especially when investigating Epstein-related issues that many would rather keep buried.
Here’s the news:
- Paolo Zampolli said he introduced Melania Trump to Donald Trump and has defended her against claims linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. He acknowledged limited professional interactions with Epstein but denied any close relationship or wrongdoing. The situation has drawn renewed attention due to overlapping social and business connections, as well as disputes involving people connected to Zampolli. This is the man Trump appointed to his administration:
- This email from the Epstein files shows a redacted individuals discussing Zampolli allegedly writing something against them:
- More about Zampolli. From this file:
- This appears to be a section of an interview that discusses Zampolli. The full interview notes are here.
- Zampolli was described as a “killer” in this email:
- This is Epstein saying that Zampolli was a lot of trouble:
- Iran has criticized U.S. demands in ongoing peace talks as “excessive,” with negotiations in Pakistan seen as a critical, possibly final chance to reach an agreement. The discussions—led by JD Vance for the U.S. and Iranian officials—have been tense, with reported “mood swings” and major disagreements, especially over the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides are trying to extend a fragile ceasefire after weeks of conflict, but significant obstacles remain. The outcome of the talks is uncertain as diplomatic and military tensions continue.
- President Donald Trump warned that China would face serious consequences if it supplies weapons to Iran. His comments came in response to reports that China may soon deliver air defense systems to Iran, though this has not been independently confirmed. Trump did not specify what actions the U.S. might take but emphasized it would be a “big problem.” The situation underscores rising tensions involving the U.S., China, and Iran over military support and regional security.
- Trump said the U.S. has already “won” its conflict with Iran, regardless of the outcome of ongoing peace negotiations. He claimed the U.S. had completely defeated Iran’s military and is now focused on clearing naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump indicated that a deal with Iran is optional, stating it “makes no difference” whether an agreement is reached.
- Pope Leo XIV strongly criticized the mindset driving the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, condemning what he called a “delusion of omnipotence.” Speaking at a prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica, he urged political leaders to stop the fighting and pursue peace through negotiation. Although he did not name specific countries or leaders, his remarks appeared aimed at U.S. leadership and their justification of the war. His message emphasized rejecting power and materialism in favor of diplomacy and ending conflict.
- Reports claim two U.S. Navy destroyers turned back in the Strait of Hormuz after threats and a drone launch by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. This version, based on an intelligence source cited by Bloomberg, contradicts U.S. Central Command and some American media reports. The situation reflects conflicting accounts about what actually happened during the encounter.
- During an exchange with reporters, Trump pushed back when questioned about Iran ignoring his threats over the Strait of Hormuz. A reporter noted that the strait remained blocked, suggesting Iran wasn’t complying, but Trump dismissed the claim and challenged the reporter’s certainty. The tense back-and-forth highlights skepticism about the effectiveness of U.S. pressure, as disruptions in the strait have continued despite threats and ongoing negotiations.
- Leaked intelligence assessments contradict claims by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Iran’s missile program has been largely destroyed. While U.S. officials say significant damage was done, intelligence sources indicate Iran still retains thousands of ballistic missiles, many of which could be restored or deployed from underground sites. This discrepancy raises doubts about the administration’s portrayal of total military success. The situation highlights ongoing uncertainty about Iran’s remaining capabilities despite U.S. and Israeli strikes.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military campaign against Iran is ongoing and not yet complete. He stated the operation was launched because Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons and emphasized that Israel took the initiative in attacking. Netanyahu claimed the campaign has achieved major successes, including strikes on nuclear facilities and the killing of key nuclear scientists, in coordination with the U.S.
- Israeli airstrikes on the southern Lebanese town of Tuffahta killed eight people and injured nine others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Five of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition. The strikes are part of ongoing regional tensions involving Israel and neighboring areas.
- Mark Carney declared that his country will no longer spend the majority of its military budget on the United States, signaling a shift toward greater independence in defense spending. His statement was met with strong applause, reflecting support for reducing reliance on U.S. military ties.
- The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell, which he denies. Multiple women have recently accused him of misconduct, including assault, harassment, and sending unsolicited explicit content, though these claims have not been independently verified. The allegations have prompted political fallout, including withdrawn endorsements and calls from Democratic leaders for him to end his gubernatorial campaign. Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers are pursuing formal actions against him, such as censure or expulsion from Congress.
- Senior staff for Eric Swalwell said they are “horrified” by recent reports about his alleged conduct, calling the behavior described “abhorrent” and unacceptable.
- A federal appeals court temporarily allowed construction of President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom to continue while legal challenges proceed. The court’s 2–1 decision pauses a lower court order that had blocked the project, giving time to further review whether the president exceeded his authority. The administration argues the ballroom is necessary for security and does not require congressional approval, while preservationists contend it is unlawful and needs approval from Congress.
- Large protests against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are taking place in Hungary.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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