Good morning everyone. There’s a lot of major news unfolding. We are learning more about why Melania Trump may have delivered her shocking Epstein statement, as newly surfaced recordings show Jeffrey Epstein claimed a much closer relationship with the Trumps than they have acknowledged. I am actively investigating what may have happened behind the scenes. Nothing is confirmed yet, but I am committed to uncovering the truth, even if powerful people would rather these questions not be asked.
At the same time, Donald Trump is facing backlash from his own supporters as he continues to attack major MAGA influencers, while inflation is surging amid the war in Iran and putting pressure on everyday Americans.
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Here’s the news:
- First Lady Melania Trump publicly denied ever having a relationship or friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, calling such claims “lies.” She also rejected allegations that she had flown on Epstein’s plane or had any knowledge of his crimes. However, now released recordings show Epstein claiming he was close to Donald Trump and making assertions about Melania that contradict her account. In recordings released by the Daily Beast, Jeffrey Epstein claimed he was a close friend of Donald Trump for about a decade. He also alleged that the first time Trump had sex with Melania occurred on Epstein’s plane, the “Lolita Express.” Additionally, Epstein described himself as Trump’s “closest friend” during that period.
- Emails from the early 2000s between Melania and Ghislaine Maxwell have also surfaced, though Melania described them as trivial and not indicative of any relationship. Overall, the situation highlights conflicting narratives between Melania’s denials and Epstein-related evidence made public.
- There are some possible theories floating around online right now about why Melania Trump gave the statement. I am personally working around the clock to confirm why behind the scenes. I am going to list some of the theories below, but just a flag, I cannot confirm either yet:Amanda Ungaro theory: Some online posts claim Amanda Ungaro—a Brazilian model connected to Paolo Zampolli and who moved in similar social circles as Melania Trump—threatened to reveal damaging information, prompting Melania to speak out preemptively. However, the claims and account are unverified, and there is no confirmed evidence linking this to her decision. Meanwhile, Paolo Zampolli said he is willing to testify under oath that he—not Jeffrey Epstein—introduced Trump to Melania Trump. He made the claim during a surprise call in a Sky News segment discussing the issue. Pam Bondi theory: Another theory suggests Pam Bondi might disclose new details about Epstein after being removed from her position, leading Melania to get ahead of potential revelations. But there is no proof Bondi plans to reveal such information, and the claim appears to be based on speculation rather than credible reporting.Michael Wolff theory: Another theory suggests the timing of Melania Trump’s statement may be tied to an ongoing legal dispute with Michael Wolff. Wolff has claimed that Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, which both Trumps deny, and the dispute has escalated into lawsuits and threats of depositions. Melania has actively pursued legal action to distance herself from Epstein-related claims, seeking retractions, filing suits, and attempting to have Wolff’s case dismissed.
- Amanda Ungaro theory: Some online posts claim Amanda Ungaro—a Brazilian model connected to Paolo Zampolli and who moved in similar social circles as Melania Trump—threatened to reveal damaging information, prompting Melania to speak out preemptively. However, the claims and account are unverified, and there is no confirmed evidence linking this to her decision. Meanwhile, Paolo Zampolli said he is willing to testify under oath that he—not Jeffrey Epstein—introduced Trump to Melania Trump. He made the claim during a surprise call in a Sky News segment discussing the issue.
- Pam Bondi theory: Another theory suggests Pam Bondi might disclose new details about Epstein after being removed from her position, leading Melania to get ahead of potential revelations. But there is no proof Bondi plans to reveal such information, and the claim appears to be based on speculation rather than credible reporting.
- Michael Wolff theory: Another theory suggests the timing of Melania Trump’s statement may be tied to an ongoing legal dispute with Michael Wolff. Wolff has claimed that Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, which both Trumps deny, and the dispute has escalated into lawsuits and threats of depositions. Melania has actively pursued legal action to distance herself from Epstein-related claims, seeking retractions, filing suits, and attempting to have Wolff’s case dismissed.
- Stephanie Grisham, who later served as chief of staff to Melania Trump, disputed Donald Trump’s claim that he was unaware of Melania’s Epstein statement. She said Melania acts strategically and likely planned the speech in advance, suggesting Trump would have known. Grisham added that Melania’s decision was deliberate and meant to make an impact, even if the exact reason for the timing is unclear.
- Supporters of Donald Trump on Truth Social are reacting angrily to his attacks on prominent conservative figures, including Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, Alex Jones, and Tucker Carlson.
- Alex Jones reacted to Donald Trump criticizing him by claiming Trump is “possessed by demonic forces” and behaving as if he is guilty. He also pointed to Melania Trump’s statement denying ties to Epstein as a sign she may be distancing herself from Trump. According to Jones, her remarks suggest she believes “the ship is sinking” and contradict Trump’s position on the issue.
- Trump continued to lash out at those he views as enemies on Truth Social. His team posted the following video attacking several MAGA figures including Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and more:
- Donald Trump posted an unedited video on Truth Social showing a woman being killed with a hammer, saying he felt an “obligation” to share the “brutal slaying.” He used the incident to criticize immigration policies, claiming the suspect—an undocumented immigrant—was evidence of broader failures and attacking political opponents. The post came amid a series of late-night messages in which Trump also lashed out at former allies and the media. I am not going to show you the video given its graphic nature, but here is a screen grab of the post:
- In an MSNBC interview, John Kerry said Benjamin Netanyahu had long urged multiple U.S. presidents—including Bush, Obama, Biden, and Donald Trump—to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, but Trump was the only one to do so. He described how Trump’s strikes beginning in late February targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missiles, and defense industry, leading to a fragile two-week ceasefire announced on April 7 after mediation by Pakistan. While Trump framed the operation as a major success achieved without ground troops, Kerry criticized it as unusually aligned with Netanyahu’s position, noting internal tensions within Iran and continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon that are testing the ceasefire.
- According to The Guardian, Keir Starmer, the United Kingdom’s prime minister, said he is “fed up” with the impact of Donald Trump’s actions in the Middle East on energy costs in the UK. He criticized ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, saying they are wrong and should stop, and called for a practical plan to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Starmer also indicated that the conflict has strained relations between the U.S. and its allies.
- U.S. inflation rose to 3.3% year-over-year in March—the highest since May 2024—driven in part by the Iran war, which is increasing costs for middle- and lower-income households. Prices jumped 0.9% in March alone, the largest monthly increase since June 2022. Energy costs surged, with gas up about 21% and fuel oil around 31%, while airfares rose 15%. Food prices were flat for the month but are expected to increase later.
- A Reuters report says the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has driven a sharp rise in oil prices, pushing U.S. inflation higher and increasing costs for consumers. It notes that crude oil prices have surged more than 30%, with gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon, contributing to what could be the largest monthly increase in consumer prices in years. The report adds that the conflict and resulting price increases may reduce chances of interest rate cuts and could hurt consumer spending if the situation continues. It also highlights that the ceasefire announced by Donald Trump remains fragile, leaving economic uncertainty.
- The gas index component of the Consumer Price Index saw its largest monthly increase since 1967, rising 21.2%, while the fuel oil component surged by 30%.
- The United States Forest Service is being weakened through multiple major changes. Its headquarters is being moved far from Washington, D.C., and its existing regional structure is being dismantled and replaced, disrupting how the agency operates. Core functions are also being cut back—especially scientific research and long-term environmental studies—reducing its ability to monitor and protect forests. At the same time, funding and leadership priorities are shifting heavily toward logging, with increased support for timber production and sawmills.
- Yassamin Ansari, a Democratic member of Congress, sharply criticized Donald Trump over the war with Iran, calling him unfit for office and urging his removal. She argued that his military actions and threats have worsened conditions, strengthened Iran’s regime, and risked global instability. Ansari also said the war has devastated civilians and infrastructure in Iran, warning it could lead to economic collapse and food insecurity.
- A federal judge, Paul Friedman, ruled that the Pentagon violated a court order by continuing to restrict journalists’ access despite being told to restore it. The court found that new rules imposed by Pete Hegseth’s team still limited press access and could discriminate against certain reporters. The Defense Department said it plans to appeal, while critics argue the policy undermines press freedom and transparency.
- The foreign ministers of Pakistan and France, Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Jean-Noël Barrot, raised concerns about “serious ceasefire violations” in Lebanon and stressed the need to fully respect the agreement. Pakistan maintains that the Lebanon fighting is part of the broader ceasefire, while the U.S. and Israel dispute this and say it is not included. Meanwhile, Iran insists the Lebanon situation is a key component of the deal, and Pakistan is preparing to host upcoming peace talks.
- US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he spent six weeks living in a command center during the conflict, staying in a single room with limited movement and basic conditions. He described sleeping on cots, cooking with a microwave and hot plate, and living alongside two dogs. After the ceasefire, he returned to his residence and said he is now back to normal living conditions, including sleeping in a bed.
- Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, said the country’s 10-point plan will form the basis of negotiations with the United States. He emphasized that Iran does not want a ceasefire that would allow its opponents to rearm and resume attacks, insisting on guarantees. He also described the U.S.-Israeli actions as an “illegal war” while claiming Iran’s military forced both countries to reconsider their strategy.
- Israel carried out new strikes in Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, escalating tensions and putting the fragile ceasefire at risk. Iran maintains that fighting in Lebanon is part of the ceasefire agreement, while the U.S. and Israel reject that interpretation. The developments come as U.S. and Iranian officials prepare to meet in Pakistan for upcoming talks.
- The World Food Programme warned that Lebanon is facing a growing food security crisis as the Iran war disrupts supplies. Allison Oman said the situation is worsening beyond displacement, with food becoming increasingly unaffordable due to rising prices and higher demand from displaced families.
- Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, summoned Nizar Khirullah, Iraq’s ambassador to the United States, to condemn attacks by Iran-backed militias, including an April 8 ambush on U.S. diplomats in Baghdad. The U.S. said the groups also carried out drone attacks near diplomatic and airport facilities and warned it will not tolerate such actions. Officials also called on Iraq to take immediate steps to dismantle these militias and prevent further attacks.
- According to CNN, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, faced backlash after sending a religious Easter message to all department employees referencing Christian beliefs. Some staff and a union leader filed a formal complaint, arguing the message violated the separation of church and state and made employees uncomfortable. Critics said it promoted one religion using government resources, while the department defended her right to send the message.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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