U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed that foreign nations are actively attempting to interfere in the 2024 presidential election, specifically aiming to ensure that former President Donald Trump loses. According to reports, these efforts are part of a broader strategy by foreign entities to influence the outcome of the upcoming election.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Iran is among the nations seeking to harm Trump’s presidential campaign through covert online influence operations. U.S. intelligence agencies have observed Tehran working to influence the election, with Iranian leaders reportedly concerned that a return to power by Trump would escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) shared these findings during a press briefing, highlighting the ongoing attempts by foreign actors to sway American electoral processes.

The report indicates that Iranian operatives are using online personas and propaganda efforts to spread disinformation, continuing a pattern of foreign involvement in U.S. elections that has been seen in recent years. This aligns with previous concerns about foreign entities using digital platforms to undermine American political systems.

The Wall Street Journal’s coverage of this issue has not received widespread attention in mainstream media outlets, raising questions about the level of public awareness regarding foreign interference in the election. The report suggests that other nations, including Russia, could also be involved in attempts to influence the election, though specific details about such efforts have not been confirmed.

In addition to the confirmed activities by Iran, there are ongoing discussions about the potential for other countries to manipulate the election for their own strategic interests. Some analysts have speculated about the possibility of foreign interference benefiting other candidates, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, though there is no concrete evidence to support these claims at this time.

SOURCE: WALL STREET JOURNAL

Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to eliminate taxes on Social Security checks if he wins back the White House in 2024. This pledge forms a key part of the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) recently unveiled 2024 GOP Platform, titled “Make America Great Again!”

The platform, which draws heavily on Trump’s previous administration and political vision, outlines a comprehensive agenda aimed at bolstering American interests. It contrasts sharply with what the RNC describes as “the record of weakness, failure, and dishonesty” under President Joe Biden.

In a statement, the Trump campaign emphasized the platform’s alignment with the values and priorities of American voters. “President Trump’s platform serves as a contract with the American voter that makes clear what we can and will deliver under a President Trump administration with the Republican Party leading the country for the next four years,” the campaign stated.

Central to this platform is a commitment to safeguarding Social Security and Medicare. Trump’s plan promises no cuts or changes to these programs, including no alterations to the retirement age—a message that resonates strongly with the millions of Americans who depend on Social Security for their financial well-being.

One of the twenty core promises highlighted in the platform is to “Fight For And Protect Social Security And Medicare With No Cuts, Including No Changes To The Retirement Age.”

On Wednesday, Trump took to Truth Social to reiterate his commitment to eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, stating, “SENIORS SHOULD NOT PAY TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY!” He framed this tax elimination as essential to ensuring that seniors can retain more of their hard-earned benefits.

This announcement has been met with enthusiasm from many supporters, who view it as a direct response to the financial challenges faced by older Americans. Trump’s proposal is seen as a way to alleviate some of the economic pressures on retirees and ensure that they receive the full value of their Social Security benefits.

The Secret Service has denied multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking records related to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The attack occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Crooks managed to evade security, climb onto a roof, and fire eight shots at the former president.

President Trump narrowly escaped serious injury when a bullet grazed his ear after he turned his head to read a chart on illegal immigration. The incident raised significant concerns about security measures at the event.

Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch filed three FOIA requests shortly after the incident, seeking emails, videos, and advance security assessments related to the attempt on Trump’s life. The Secret Service, however, refused to release any documents, citing Title 5 U.S.C. § 552(B)(7)(A), which exempts records that could potentially interfere with enforcement proceedings.

Judicial Watch, known for its legal efforts to obtain government transparency, expressed frustration with the Secret Service’s refusal to provide the requested records. The organization’s president, Tom Fitton, criticized the agency for what he described as a “cover-up,” accusing it of failing to protect the former president and hiding information from the public.

“The Biden Secret Service is in cover-up mode on its inexcusable and epic failure to protect former President Trump and other innocents,” Fitton said. “For Secret Service leaders to promise transparency to Congress while hiding every possible FOIA record from the American people is yet another indictment of this corrupt and failing agency.”

Judicial Watch has indicated that it is preparing for litigation to compel the release of the documents.

The Secret Service’s decision to withhold records has only fueled controversy surrounding the assassination attempt and the agency’s handling of the situation, further igniting conspiracy theories and raising questions about transparency.

SOURCE: JUDICIAL WATCH