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Here’s What FBI Agents Took From John Bolton’s House In Raid — And What Charges He Could Face
Federal authorities confiscated three computers, two iPhones, and stacks of paperwork from John Bolton’s residence on August 22, according to court filings. The documents also indicated that the 76-year-old ex-national security adviser could be on the verge of facing criminal charges that might carry a sentence of more than ten years in prison.
Agents executed the search at Bolton’s Bethesda, Maryland, residence as well as his office in Washington, DC. The raid was linked to suspicions that Bolton had improperly removed sensitive national security files from the White House during President Trump’s first administration, allegedly transmitting them to relatives through a private server, senior FBI sources told The Post at the time.
Besides the computers and phones, the list of seized property included two USB sticks, a hard drive, four boxes of printed daily logs, folders of typed papers labeled “Trump I – IV,” and a binder marked “statements and reflections to allied strikes,” as per an itemized inventory released Thursday.
Court records also showed that Bolton is under investigation for potentially breaking two clauses of the Espionage Act of 1917, which forbid the unauthorized handling or removal of defense-related information. He is also suspected of violating a statute that prohibits keeping classified records.
Should Bolton be indicted and convicted on every charge, the possible punishment could total as many as 25 years in prison. Despite the raid, the longtime diplomat has neither been arrested nor formally charged.
The inquiry was put on hold under the Biden administration, but FBI Director Kash Patel revived the case after assuming office in February, once he learned of its existence, officials explained to The Post.
Trump’s Justice Department is now raising concerns about whether the Biden-era FBI’s choice to leave the case untouched—despite Bolton’s open criticism of Trump’s foreign policy—was influenced by politics.
“The [Biden administration] had probable cause to know that he had taken material that was detrimental to the national security of the United States, and they made no effort to retrieve it,” a senior FBI source told The Post following the raid.
“That was a friendly administration to [Bolton],” the official continued. “They kept bashing [Trump] the entire time for ‘weaponizing law enforcement,’ and they — by politically stopping a righteous investigation — are the ones who weaponized law enforcement.”
Since the search, Bolton has returned to his house and remained visible on social media, where he has taken aim at the president’s handling of international relations.
“The White House has set U.S.-India relations back decades, pushing Modi closer to Russia and China,” Bolton wrote on X Wednesday evening. “Beijing has cast itself as an alternative to the U.S. and Donald Trump.”
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“Alligator Alcatraz” Can Stay Open, Appeals Court Says
A federal appeals court on Thursday blocked a lower court decision that had ordered Florida and the Trump administration to begin dismantling parts of “Alligator Alcatraz,” the disputed detention facility in the Everglades.
The ruling, decided 2-1 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, means the facility will remain in operation while litigation over its environmental impact proceeds.
The Department of Homeland Security had already started transferring detainees away from the site last month, but Florida officials have indicated the center will ramp back up if the original court order is struck down.
In August, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams instructed Florida and federal authorities to halt expansion of the compound and to start removing fences, lighting, and power equipment within 60 days. Her decision backed environmental organizations and a Native American tribe who argued the detention camp, built in the fragile Everglades, should have gone through federal environmental review.
On Thursday, however, the appeals court suspended that directive. The panel determined that Florida and federal officials have a strong chance of proving the site does not fall under the National Environmental Policy Act, since it is operated by the state and no federal funds have yet been reimbursed for its costs.
Judge Barbara Lagoa authored the majority opinion, which was joined by Judge Elizabeth Branch. Both were nominated during Trump’s first term. Judge Adalberto Jordan, who was appointed by President Obama, dissented.
The Department of Homeland Security praised the decision, calling it a “win for the American people, the rule of law and common sense.”
“This lawsuit was never about the environmental impacts of turning a developed airport into a detention facility,” the department wrote on X. “It has and will always be about open-borders activists and judges trying to keep law enforcement from removing dangerous criminal aliens from our communities, full stop.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also reacted on X, saying the facility remains “open for business.” He added, “The mission continues and we’re going to continue leading the way when it comes to immigration enforcement.”
Built on an abandoned runway, Alligator Alcatraz is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to expand detention capacity in response to a surge in ICE arrests. In several cases, Washington has worked with Florida and other Republican-led states to increase space.
Supporters argue the site provides an efficient and cost-effective way to house detainees and deters illegal immigration, while critics have raised concerns about harsh conditions inside the center.
Multiple lawsuits remain pending against Alligator Alcatraz, including one claiming detainees have limited access to legal counsel, and another challenging whether Florida has the authority to operate an immigration detention center at all.
{Matzav.com}
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Joe Biden, 82, Seen With Massive Head Wound As Former President’s Appearance Sparks Concern
President Joe Biden drew attention on Thursday after he was spotted with a noticeable wound on his head while mingling with locals in Delaware.
Video published by Inside Edition captured the 82-year-old leaving a church in Rehoboth, looking frail and wearing a bandage over the large cut.
According to a statement given to The NY Post, Biden had recently undergone Mohs surgery, a treatment typically used to remove skin cancer.
Back in May, doctors diagnosed the president with an aggressive form of prostate cancer after discovering a “small nodule” as well as cancer cells that had already spread into his bones during a medical exam.
He is now receiving ongoing treatment.
{Matzav.com}
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Zohran Mamdani Challenges President Trump to Public Debate: ‘Let’s Cut Out the Middle Man’
Zohran Mamdani, the leading contender in New York City’s mayoral race, has thrown down a challenge to President Trump, daring him to go head-to-head in a live debate. His callout came in response to the White House’s reported involvement in the contentious campaign.
The outspoken move followed ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s demand that Mamdani square off with him five times — staging one debate in each borough — which Cuomo proposed at a Thursday press event.
“Let’s cut out the middle man,” Mamdani told The NY Post. “Why should I debate Donald Trump’s puppet when I could debate Donald Trump himself?”
Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary back in June, accused Trump of interfering in the election. He reiterated claims that he and Trump had spoken by phone about the mayoral race.
On Wednesday, insiders revealed that White House officials were weighing potential administration roles for both Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in hopes of persuading them to exit the contest.
Such maneuvering would leave Cuomo as Mamdani’s chief rival, potentially bolstering his chances against the progressive candidate in what is shaping up to be a crowded November election.
“If Donald Trump is serious about intervening in the mayoral race, he should come to New York City and debate me directly about why he’s cutting SNAP benefits for hungry New Yorkers to give tax breaks to his wealthy donors,” said the DSA-backed lawmaker.
Cuomo earlier in the day criticized Mamdani for declining to participate in debates being planned by PIX11 and CBS News.
“New Yorkers deserve answers. I challenge him to five debates, one in every borough where we speak about the issues in that borough,” Cuomo declared.
But Mamdani countered on Wednesday with a video message to supporters, saying he would only appear at the two debates mandated by the city’s Campaign Finance Board this October.
“In the meantime, I won’t be at this televised circus,” Mamdani said.
{Matzav.com}Habochur Yosef Shia Friedman z”l
The Torah community has been struck by devastating news with the passing of habochur Yosef Shia Friedman z”l, the cherished son of the well-known event planner R’ Eli Friedman.
Just three weeks ago, Yosef Shia suffered a horrific accident when he was electrocuted at his summer camp, sustaining critical injuries just days before his sister’s wedding.
In the aftermath, Yidden around the world joined together in tefillah and heartfelt kabbalos, pouring out their hearts in countless kappitlach Tehillim, adding in Torah and mitzvos.
Today, the crushing news came that Yosef Shia has passed away, leaving his family shattered and the entire community reeling from the loss.
Information regarding the levaya will be released as soon as it becomes available.
Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.
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‘Genocide Scholars’ For $30? Easy Entry, Fake Members Undermine Confidence In IAGS Resolution
Critics are casting doubt on the validity of a new resolution by the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) that accuses Israel of committing genocide, after it was revealed that membership in the organization could be purchased for as little as $30. The revelation coincides with a notable surge in membership following October 2023.
Until this past Wednesday, anyone could sign up for IAGS by paying an annual fee that varied according to income.
The cost ranged between $30 and $125, granting participants access to the group’s activities, including the ability to vote electronically on resolutions—such as the one passed on Monday concerning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Honest Reporting board member Salo Aizenberg and Middle East analyst Eitan Fischberger showcased on social media just how simple it was to become a member, sparking a flood of new sign-ups. Applicants even used names like Adolf Hitler and Star Wars’ Emperor Palpatine to mock the system.
“It turns out literally anyone can join this body and vote on matters that make international headlines – like the resolution claiming Israel is committing genocide,” Aizenberg wrote on X/Twitter.
He went on to say, “Yes, there are some legitimate academics who are members. But when an organization with no standards, no transparency, and no accountability makes sweeping pronouncements about ‘genocide,’ it isn’t scholarship – it’s politics masquerading as scholarship. And everyone deserves to know the difference.”
By Wednesday night, the group disabled its online membership application form. Those who had recently signed up, including Fischberger, were quickly placed into “inactive” status.
“I want my $30 back,” Fischberger told The Jerusalem Post.
While IAGS did not issue an immediate response regarding the controversy, critics pointed out that the ease of entry coincided with a dramatic jump in membership numbers since October 2023.
Internet archives showed that on October 2, 2023, the association’s roster contained around 150 members. By April 2024, that figure had grown to 280, and by the time of the latest resolution, it had climbed to 440.
Aizenberg raised questions online about how the vote was conducted. A press release dated September 1 stated that 28% of members participated in the ballot, with 86% voting in favor.
The resolution that passed declared that “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide and constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
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