An FBI raid has uncovered a complex web of alleged illicit activities involving high-ranking government officials and a notorious local business in Oakland, California. At the center of the scandal is Andy Duong, a key member of the Duong family and the self-proclaimed proprietor of the now-defunct Music Cafe. Duong is accused of using the cafe as a front for a sex trafficking and drug operation.

The Allegations

The Music Cafe, which also functioned as a karaoke lounge, was linked by state authorities to drug dealing, pimping, and human trafficking before its closure in early 2019, according to the Mercury News. Recent FBI operations on June 20 included searches at several locations, including the residences of Andy Duong, his father David Duong, Mayor Sheng Thao, and the offices of California Waste Solutions (CWS).

Political Connections

The investigation has revealed alleged financial dealings and contributions made to various political campaigns in the Oakland and South Bay areas. FBI agents previously raided a home owned by Democrat Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, conducting “court-authorized law enforcement” at her property. David Duong, CEO of California Waste Solutions, and his son Andy Duong have deep-seated ties to Democratic politicians and businesses, according to NBC Bay Area.

Straw Donor Scheme

Andy Duong’s Instagram page features frequent posts with high-profile political figures, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Health and Human Services Secretary and former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Duong is accused of utilizing “straw donors” to mask contributions made to political candidates, circumventing campaign finance laws.

Undercover Operations

Documents filed by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) reveal that Andy Duong used “straw donors” to funnel money to political candidates. One alleged straw donor, Charlie Ngo, was arrested on suspicion of narcotics sales following a raid at the cafe. Between 2016 and 2018, individuals associated with the cafe gave roughly $18,000 to Oakland City Council candidates on behalf of Andy Duong.

Financial Irregularities

FPPC filings indicate that Ngo made significant campaign contributions despite having insufficient funds in his bank account. For example, he donated $700 to Friends of Desley Brooks with only $49.58 in his account and $700 to re-elect Oakland Councilman Larry Reid in 2016 despite having only $2.14. Investigators found that Ngo made large deposits just before or after writing his checks for these contributions.

Campaign Contributions

Mayor Sheng Thao, then a councilmember, received $2,400 from individuals associated with the cafe. One cafe owner admitted to giving $5,000 to then-Oakland Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney’s legal defense fund and $800 to then-Oakland Councilmember Abel Guillen. While these elected officials have not been accused of violating campaign finance laws, the revelations raise questions about the integrity of political funding in Oakland.

The ongoing investigation into the Duong family’s activities and their connections to high-ranking officials has cast a shadow over Oakland’s political landscape. The use of the Music Cafe as a front for a sex trafficking and drug operation, coupled with the alleged campaign finance violations, highlights a troubling intersection of crime and politics. As the investigation continues, the implications for those involved remain to be seen.

CNN is facing a defamation lawsuit over Jake Tapper’s coverage of President Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal, a Florida Court of Appeal has ruled. This development comes as Tapper is set to moderate the first 2024 Presidential debate, drawing increased scrutiny over his allegedly dishonest news coverage and repeated rebukes of former President Trump.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit stems from CNN’s 2021 coverage of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, where the network accused Plaintiff Zachary Young of running a “black market” scheme and exploiting “desperate Afghans” for personal gain. Young, who was assisting in evacuating Afghans from Taliban control, argues that CNN’s portrayal harmed his security consulting company, Nemex Enterprises Inc.

Court’s Ruling

The First District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida ruled on June 12 that Young had provided sufficient evidence to move forward with his defamation suit for punitive damages. The court document stated that Young “sufficiently proffered evidence of actual malice, express malice, and a level of conduct outrageous enough” to warrant seeking punitive damages. The judges emphasized that the issue at hand was not whether Young could ultimately prevail but whether he had enough evidence to proceed.

Allegations Against CNN

Young, a U.S. Navy veteran, alleges that CNN “destroyed his reputation and business by branding him an illegal profiteer who exploited desperate Afghans” during a segment on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” aired on November 11, 2021. This segment was shared on social media and repackaged for CNN’s website, amplifying its reach and impact.

The court’s ruling highlighted internal CNN messages and emails expressing concern about the completeness and accuracy of the report, describing it as “a mess,” “incomplete,” and “full of holes like Swiss cheese.” Despite Young notifying CNN correspondent Alex Marquardt of factual inaccuracies hours before publication, the network proceeded with the story.

Internal Communications

The court acknowledged that internal communications revealed a lack of regard for Young, with CNN staff using profane language to disparage him. The judges noted that CNN’s defense for these internal attacks was described as “journalistic bravado,” raising questions about the network’s commitment to factual reporting.

Implications for the Presidential Debate

As Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, both known for their critical coverage of Trump, prepare to moderate this week’s presidential debate, concerns about fairness and bias have resurfaced. Trump supporters recall instances where Tapper and Bash compared Trump to Adolf Hitler, casting doubt on the impartiality of their moderation.

Earlier today, CNN’s Kasie Hunt cut off Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt during a debate preview interview after she mentioned Tapper’s past comparisons of Trump to Hitler. This incident further fuels skepticism about CNN’s ability to host a fair debate, reminiscent of Chris Wallace’s controversial moderation of the 2020 debate.

CNN Abruptly Cuts Off Trump Campaign Spokeswoman Live on Air Ahead of First Presidential Debate

The defamation lawsuit against CNN highlights significant issues regarding media accountability and journalistic integrity. As the network gears up for the first presidential debate, the outcome of this legal battle and the scrutiny of its moderators will likely impact public perception of CNN’s credibility and impartiality.

Will Jake Tapper’s “journalistic bravado” influence the debate stage? The coming days will reveal whether CNN can uphold the standards of unbiased journalism during this critical election period.

CNN abruptly cut off Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt during a live interview on Monday morning. The incident occurred just days before the network is set to host the first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

The interview began with anchor Kasie Hunt asking Leavitt about Trump’s strategy for the upcoming debate in Atlanta, Georgia. Leavitt started by asserting that Trump is well-prepared and doesn’t need to rely on advisors for what to say, contrasting this with her depiction of Biden’s approach.

“President Trump is well-prepared ahead of Thursday’s debates. Unlike Joe Biden, he doesn’t have to hide away and have his advisors tell him what to say. President Trump knows what he wants to say,” Leavitt stated.

Leavitt then shifted the conversation to the debate environment, expressing concerns about potential bias from CNN’s moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

“That’s why President Trump is knowingly going into a hostile environment on this very network on CNN with debate moderators who have made their opinions about him very well-known over the past eight years in their biased coverage of him,” she said.

Hunt quickly responded, defending her colleagues as “professionals” and proceeded to play a series of clips showing Trump’s previous comments about debate moderators. As Leavitt attempted to interject, reiterating her point about bias, Hunt repeatedly interrupted her.

“Ma’am, we’re going to stop right there if you’re going to keep attacking my colleagues,” Hunt said firmly. “I would like to talk about Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who you work for.”

Shortly after, Hunt abruptly ended the interview. “I’m sorry guys … Karoline thank you very much for your time. You’re welcome to come back at any time,” she declared before cutting the feed.

Hunt later defended her decision on social media, writing on X, “You come on my show, you respect my colleagues. Period. I don’t care what side of the aisle you stand on, as my track record clearly shows.”

This incident has added fuel to the already intense anticipation surrounding the upcoming presidential debate. Both Trump and Biden are scheduled to take the stage in Atlanta on Thursday, with CNN’s moderators expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the discussion.

Leavitt’s abrupt cut-off has drawn mixed reactions from viewers and political commentators. Some criticized CNN for silencing a campaign spokesperson, while others supported Hunt’s stance on maintaining respect for her colleagues.

The debate on Thursday is expected to be a crucial moment in the 2024 presidential race, with both candidates facing off on various pressing issues. The incident on Monday has set the stage for what promises to be a highly charged and closely watched event.