Wayne Dupree Podcast

France and the U.K. are leading an initiative to form a coalition supporting a European armed force for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression. Plans suggest 10,000–30,000 troops, but challenges remain around command, logistics, and potential U.S. support under Trump’s leadership.

President Trump signed an order declassifying FBI files on Crossfire Hurricane, the investigation into alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 election. His legal team labeled the probe as political weaponization. Trump emphasized the need for transparency, fulfilling a campaign promise to expose and end misuse of government power within law enforcement.

US officials shared classified Yemen strike details via a commercial messaging app, bypassing secure SCIF protocols. Journalist Goldberg redacted sensitive information, sparking predictable denials and backlash from Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth.

Major U.S. banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, have closed 145 branches in five weeks, signaling a shift towards digital services. From February 7 to March 14, banks reported closures to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Flagstar Bank led with 44 closures, followed by TD Bank with 38. Bank of America added nine closures, totaling 168 in 2024. This trend highlights decreasing reliance on physical branches as customer preferences evolve.

President Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday to begin dismantling the Department of Education, the White House announced. The event will feature several Republican governors, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to White House spokesperson Harrison Fields, the order aims to expand educational opportunities and empower parents, states, and communities. However, fully eliminating the department would require congressional approval, which remains uncertain.

The Justice Department's National Security Division rushed to meet Donald Trump's promise to release JFK assassination files. Despite an initial FBI review, DOJ attorneys worked overnight, rechecking documents for declassification. Resources were shifted, and most division attorneys assisted, except those handling urgent cases, to meet the sudden, high-priority task.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard highlighted the growing India-US partnership during the Raisina Dialogue. She emphasized that Trump’s “America first” approach is not isolationist and aligns with Modi’s “India first” vision. Gabbard expressed confidence in stronger ties through collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, Quad, and security, despite reciprocal tariff threats and specific unresolved concerns.

Donald Trump claimed that Joe Biden’s Jan. 6 pardons are invalid because they were signed using an autopen without Biden's knowledge or approval. Trump argued the necessary documents were neither explained nor approved by Biden.

Senate Democrats on Wednesday rejected the Republican-led funding bill passed by the House, raising the likelihood of a government shutdown by Friday night. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for excluding Democrats from the process, pushing instead for a one-month extension to allow bipartisan negotiation. Meanwhile, Democrats remain divided, with some fearing the economic impact of a shutdown outweighs their objections to the bill’s cuts to nondefense spending and increased military funding. Should Congress avoid a shutdown? 

During Trump's first term, stocks rose on policy optimism, but current tariffs and budget cuts are unsettling investors. Despite the administration's promises of future gains, market confidence has declined. The S&P 500 fell 8.2%, the Nasdaq dropped 11.2%, and consumer-discretionary stocks plunged 14.2%, signaling broader economic worries.

Critics argue Medicaid limits access to quality care due to low reimbursement rates, making it harder to find doctors and specialists. Additionally, a recipient's estate can be used to repay Medicaid for covered costs like nursing home and medical services.

President Trump dismissed concerns about tariffs hurting the economy, calling them a “transition” to rebalance trade. He plans reciprocal tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting April 2, with potential increases. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick downplayed recession fears.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested Americans consider raising backyard chickens to combat rising egg prices. Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," she highlighted this as a practical solution, sharing her own experience with backyard chickens.

President Donald Trump highlighted the “swift and unrelenting action” taken to reorient the nation’s economy, immigration, and foreign policy during an address to Congress and the American people. He emphasized his administration’s determination to bring change during his first weeks in office, showcasing a commitment to bold initiatives and a vision for the future.

President Donald Trump returns to Capitol Hill this week to address Congress, showcasing his bold leadership and decisive actions. With Elon Musk aiding his efforts, Trump streamlines federal agencies and rethinks U.S. alliances. While critics voice concerns, his administration pushes forward. Share your thoughts on Trump’s vision for America below!

Fox host Sean Hannity's website hyped up the release of "bombshell" documents about Jeffrey Epstein's legal case, but the release ended up revealing little new information. Attorney General Pam Bondi had claimed the files would include flight logs and important names, but the public was disappointed when no major revelations, like Epstein’s client list, were shared. Epstein, who faced sex trafficking charges, died in his jail cell in 2019. Facing backlash, Bondi called on the FBI to release all Epstein-related files.

Attorney General Pam Bondi faces bipartisan pressure to release Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged “client list.” She confirmed possessing related files and said President Trump directed her to review them. Lawmakers are urging her to act.

On Reddit, users expressed concerns about AGI emerging under a Trump presidency, citing fears of world-changing tech in the hands of politicians with limited technical understanding. Discussions on r/Singularity labeled the scenario as apocalyptic, with concerns over figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel influencing AI's future. Trump’s plan to repeal Biden's AI restrictions has amplified worries about the potential for unregulated AGI development during his tenure.

A nationwide economic protest, the "Feb 28 Economic Blackout," urges Americans to halt spending at major retailers for one day. Backed by The People's Union USA, a grassroots group led by John Schwarz, the movement aims to challenge rising costs and corporate greed.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously blocked the Trump administration's birth order immigration ban, ruling 3-0 against its emergency appeal. The judges stated the administration failed to demonstrate it would likely succeed on appeal, leaving the district court's February 6, 2025, preliminary injunction in place. This decision may push the issue to the Supreme Court.

Hamas plans to release the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including siblings Kfir and Ariel Bibas, on Thursday, and six living hostages on Saturday. Israel confirmed the agreements, with more remains expected next week. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum welcomed the release of six hostages, including Hisham al-Sayed and Avera Mengistu, but mourned others' losses. Israel is expected to trade Palestinian prisoners for hostages but has not confirmed the Bibas children's deaths or responded to Hamas' statement.

Court documents reviewed by Newsweek confirm Elon Musk is not leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite claims by Donald Trump and allies. Joshua Fisher, director of the Office of Administration, clarified Musk is a White House advisor with no formal authority and not affiliated with the DOGE Service. No other DOGE administrator was named in the filing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Europe to unite with a shared army and foreign policy, warning against relying on guaranteed US support. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he expressed concerns over Ukraine's exclusion from key negotiations, particularly after a US-Russia call and diminished NATO prospects. Later, US envoy Keith Kellogg assured Ukraine’s inclusion in peace talks but noted Europe would not directly participate.

Senator Richard Durbin has accused Kash Patel, President Trump’s FBI director nominee, of orchestrating firings at the bureau and potentially lying during his confirmation hearing. In a letter to the Justice Department's inspector general, Durbin called for an investigation into Patel’s alleged actions and raised concerns ahead of the committee's vote.

President Trump’s second term has seen numerous executive orders, many facing legal challenges. Federal courts are playing a key role in blocking some of his controversial policies, including efforts to end birthright citizenship, transfer trans women to men’s prisons, and freeze federal grants. Judges from both political appointments have issued temporary injunctions, demonstrating the judiciary’s ability to check some of Trump’s actions amid limited opposition in Congress.