freebeacon--2020-07-24--Chinese Officials at Houston Consulate Engaged in Espionage and Cyber Theft, Senior Officials Say

Chinese Communist Party officials operating at a consulate building in Houston , Texas , engaged in espionage operations on Beijing ’ s behalf and waged cyberattacks across the United States for at least a decade in one of the most sophisticated operations of its nature , according to senior law enforcement and State Department officials .
The Chinese consulate in Houston was ordered by the Trump administration to shutter its operations as of Friday , though it is unclear if China will heed this order .
Communist Party officials have been caught shredding documents and other materials since the order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what American officials say is an attempt to destroy evidence of these espionage operations .
The Houston facility is one of 25 known locations across the United States in which China installed undercover operatives to spy on the American government , U.S. businesses , and academic research institutions , according to multiple senior Trump administration officials familiar with the activities .
From these outposts , Chinese officials `` facilitated covert activity by instructing People ’ s Liberation Army ( PLA ) members to purposefully violate U.S. laws by making false statements on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the PLA , '' according to information provided by the State Department .
The Houston consulate served as a central base of operations and `` targeted more than 50 Houston-area researchers , professors , and academics for participation in Chinese talent plans , '' which enlist Americans to steal sensitive research on behalf of the Communist Party .
The Trump administration ’ s landmark order shuttering the Houston consulate is just one piece of a larger effort to thwart Chinese espionage operations in the United States , which officials say have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to take further actions , which include sanctions on officials and the arrest of hackers known to steal information on the Communist Party ’ s behalf .
`` The PRC Consulate in Houston has directed economic espionage and other activities contrary to U.S. law not only in the city of Houston but across the entire southeastern United States , '' according to the State Department .
`` The criminal activities directed by the PRC Consulate in Houston include : economic espionage , visa fraud , theft of commercial intellectual property for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of medical research for transfer to China , falsification of official documents , and more . ''
The FBI , which has been investigating China ’ s operations in the United States along with the State and Justice Departments , said Chinese officials stationed in America have stolen more than $ 1 billion in trade secrets from American companies .
Officials say this just scratches the surface of China ’ s U.S.-based spy ring .
`` I can tell you that Houston—the behavior was once again , not unlike what we 've seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement source said , speaking only on background .
`` We have over 50 examples over the last 10 years of the Houston consulate supporting talent from members of recruitment in the area , targeting various research centers down there . ''
In addition to cyber hacks , Chinese officials lured dissidents and other Communist regime critics back to China .
`` The folks in Houston were very much active participants in all the various efforts of collection work that the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party is doing , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI also determined that Communist Party officials working in the Houston consulate `` were deeply involved '' in efforts to transfer sensitive American research back to China in recent months , including proprietary research on the coronavirus and possible vaccines .
It is unlikely the United States will be able to prosecute the individuals it caught running these spy operations due to complications with diplomatic immunity and other factors , according to a senior Justice Department official , who also spoke only on background .

Chinese Communist Party officials operating at a consulate building in Houston, Texas, engaged in espionage operations on Beijing’s behalf and waged cyberattacks across the United States for at least a decade in one of the most sophisticated operations of its nature, according to senior law enforcement and State Department officials.
The Chinese consulate in Houston was ordered by the Trump administration to shutter its operations as of Friday, though it is unclear if China will heed this order. Communist Party officials have been caught shredding documents and other materials since the order was handed down earlier this week in what American officials say is an attempt to destroy evidence of these espionage operations.
The Houston facility is one of 25 known locations across the United States in which China installed undercover operatives to spy on the American government, U.S. businesses, and academic research institutions, according to multiple senior Trump administration officials familiar with the activities. From these outposts, Chinese officials "facilitated covert activity by instructing People’s Liberation Army (PLA) members to purposefully violate U.S. laws by making false statements on their visa applications and lying about their affiliation with the PLA," according to information provided by the State Department. The Houston consulate served as a central base of operations and "targeted more than 50 Houston-area researchers, professors, and academics for participation in Chinese talent plans," which enlist Americans to steal sensitive research on behalf of the Communist Party.
The Trump administration’s landmark order shuttering the Houston consulate is just one piece of a larger effort to thwart Chinese espionage operations in the United States, which officials say have gone unchecked for decades. The Trump administration is expected to take further actions, which include sanctions on officials and the arrest of hackers known to steal information on the Communist Party’s behalf.
"The PRC Consulate in Houston has directed economic espionage and other activities contrary to U.S. law not only in the city of Houston but across the entire southeastern United States," according to the State Department. "The criminal activities directed by the PRC Consulate in Houston include: economic espionage, visa fraud, theft of commercial intellectual property for diversion to the PRC military, theft of medical research for transfer to China, falsification of official documents, and more."
The FBI, which has been investigating China’s operations in the United States along with the State and Justice Departments, said Chinese officials stationed in America have stolen more than $1 billion in trade secrets from American companies. Officials say this just scratches the surface of China’s U.S.-based spy ring.
"I can tell you that Houston—the behavior was once again, not unlike what we've seen throughout the country," a senior law enforcement source said, speaking only on background. "We have over 50 examples over the last 10 years of the Houston consulate supporting talent from members of recruitment in the area, targeting various research centers down there."
In addition to cyber hacks, Chinese officials lured dissidents and other Communist regime critics back to China.
"The folks in Houston were very much active participants in all the various efforts of collection work that the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party is doing," the law enforcement official said.
The FBI also determined that Communist Party officials working in the Houston consulate "were deeply involved" in efforts to transfer sensitive American research back to China in recent months, including proprietary research on the coronavirus and possible vaccines.
It is unlikely the United States will be able to prosecute the individuals it caught running these spy operations due to complications with diplomatic immunity and other factors, according to a senior Justice Department official, who also spoke only on background.


freebeacon--2020-07-24--Trump Humiliates ‘Doctor’ Fauci in Presidential Display of Athletic Prowess

Anthony Fauci , the so-called `` doctor '' in charge of stopping the China Virus , threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park on Thursday .
It did not go well .
Against all odds , Fauci 's attempted throw was even more embarrassing than failed-president Barack H. Obama 's pathetic effort at Nationals Park in 2014 .
Obama 's unique inability to throw a baseball correctly will be one of the Democrat 's most enduring legacies as commander in chief .
While Fauci was palling around with the Washington Nationals , one of the most notoriously racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J. Trump was showing off his athletic prowess on the White House lawn .
Trump displayed impeccable form , power , and accuracy during a game of catch with Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera , whose career resembles the one Trump might have had if he 'd pursued baseball instead of business .
Trump 's flawless throwing ability filled the hearts of Americans with pride .
Fauci 's humiliating performance , meanwhile , would have filled the hearts of radical liberals with shame—if they had hearts and were capable of feeling shame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of athletic , intellectual , and sexual prowess , continues to demonstrate why he is the only leader capable of making America great—again and again and again .

Anthony Fauci, the so-called "doctor" in charge of stopping the China Virus, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park on Thursday. It did not go well.
Against all odds, Fauci's attempted throw was even more embarrassing than failed-president Barack H. Obama's pathetic effort at Nationals Park in 2014. Obama's unique inability to throw a baseball correctly will be one of the Democrat's most enduring legacies as commander in chief.
While Fauci was palling around with the Washington Nationals, one of the most notoriously racist sports franchises in history, President Donald J. Trump was showing off his athletic prowess on the White House lawn. Trump displayed impeccable form, power, and accuracy during a game of catch with Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera, whose career resembles the one Trump might have had if he'd pursued baseball instead of business.
Trump's flawless throwing ability filled the hearts of Americans with pride. Fauci's humiliating performance, meanwhile, would have filled the hearts of radical liberals with shame—if they had hearts and were capable of feeling shame.
Trump, through his frequent displays of athletic, intellectual, and sexual prowess, continues to demonstrate why he is the only leader capable of making America great—again and again and again.
THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!


freebeacon--2020-07-24--NYT: New York May Now Have ‘Nation’s Most Liberal Legislature’

After progressive wins in state-level Democratic primaries , New York boasts a legislature that may be `` one of the most liberal in the nation '' by November , the New York Times reported Friday .
The primary wins occurred in state seats that nearly all lean Democratic , setting up a progressive sweep come Election Day .
The total number of potential new members could amount to nearly two dozen .
In what the Times called a `` high-water mark '' for the Democratic Socialists of America , the party 's candidates won five New York primary races this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats , the phenomenon of a leftward shift in the Democratic Party has spilled over into New York 's congressional delegation .
Former school principal and Democratic Socialist party member Jamaal Bowman defeated Rep. Eliot Engel , a 16-term incumbent and House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman , earlier this month .
Unseating one of Congress 's staunchest Israel hawks , Bowman 's victory signals `` change is coming '' to the Democratic Party 's position on the Jewish state , columnist Peter Beinart said .
Victories for the progressive wing of the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unemployment , poverty rates , and a wave of deadly shootings afflict major metropolitan areas nationwide .
In New York , shootings are up roughly 60 percent compared with last year .
Many progressives have embraced criminal justice reform proposals—including defunding the police—that some worry will worsen the current urban malaise .
`` Today 's progressives , many of whom did n't live through [ the crime wave of 1961-1991 ] , may not remember [ it ] , '' a recent Washington Free Beacon editorial reads .
`` Enabled by their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are embracing policies that will beget a 21st century crime wave . ''

After progressive wins in state-level Democratic primaries, New York boasts a legislature that may be "one of the most liberal in the nation" by November, the New York Times reported Friday.
The primary wins occurred in state seats that nearly all lean Democratic, setting up a progressive sweep come Election Day. The total number of potential new members could amount to nearly two dozen.
"Socialism won," tweeted candidate Zohran Mamdani after defeating incumbent Queens assemblywoman Aravella Simotas.
In what the Times called a "high-water mark" for the Democratic Socialists of America, the party's candidates won five New York primary races this election cycle.
Not limited to state seats, the phenomenon of a leftward shift in the Democratic Party has spilled over into New York's congressional delegation. Former school principal and Democratic Socialist party member Jamaal Bowman defeated Rep. Eliot Engel, a 16-term incumbent and House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, earlier this month. Unseating one of Congress's staunchest Israel hawks, Bowman's victory signals "change is coming" to the Democratic Party's position on the Jewish state, columnist Peter Beinart said.
Victories for the progressive wing of the party come during a crisis for American cities. Unemployment, poverty rates, and a wave of deadly shootings afflict major metropolitan areas nationwide. In New York, shootings are up roughly 60 percent compared with last year.
Many progressives have embraced criminal justice reform proposals—including defunding the police—that some worry will worsen the current urban malaise. "Today's progressives, many of whom didn't live through [the crime wave of 1961-1991], may not remember [it]," a recent Washington Free Beacon editorial reads. "Enabled by their allies on the 'right,' they are embracing policies that will beget a 21st century crime wave."


freebeacon--2020-07-24--Taylor Swift Earns Rave Reviews for George Soros Breakup Album

Controversial pop musician Taylor Swift is getting rave reviews for her new album folklore—her second release since left-wing billionaire George Soros helped finance the hostile acquisition of her music catalog in 2019 .
`` Her emotional acuity has never been more assured , '' the Guardian wrote in a five-star review of Swift 's performance .
NME praised the album 's `` elegant melodies '' and `` glittering production . ''
Swift , who is best known for writing songs about failed relationships , was heartbroken after the Soros family backed ex-manager Scooter Braun 's successful bid to acquire the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 330 million .
Soros and Braun are both major donors to the Democratic Party and other left-wing activist groups .
This heartbreak is woven through nearly all of the 16 tracks on folklore .
For example , Swift laments the purchase of her music catalog in `` hoax '' : `` You knew it still hurts underneath my scars / From when they pulled me apart / But what you did was just as dark . ''
In this case , we can all assume the `` you '' is Mr. Soros himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in `` illicit affairs , '' an emotionally complex examination of the secret scheme to steal the rights to her music : `` Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me / You showed me colors you know I ca n't see with anyone else / Do n't call me ‘ kid , ' do n't call me ‘ baby ' / Look at this idiotic fool that you made me . ''
The album 's lyrics are a creative manifestation of public comments Swift made prior to the release of folklore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soros family while accepting an award at Billboard ‘ s `` Women in Music '' event in December , just weeks after Braun exercised his legal right to ban Swift from performing a medley of her songs at the American Music Awards .
She accused the liberal billionaire of having `` enabled '' Braun 's malicious actions .
`` This just happened to me without my approval , consultation , or consent , '' Swift said at the Billboard event .
`` After I was denied the chance to purchase my music outright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scooter Braun ’ s Ithaca Holdings in a deal that I ’ m told was funded by the Soros family , 23 Capital , and the Carlyle Group . ''
Swift attacked Soros again in April after learning that Braun was planning to release a live album of a radio concert she performed in 2008 .
`` It looks to me like Scooter Braun and his financial backers , 23 Capital , Alex Soros , and the Soros family and The Carlyle Group , have seen the latest balance sheets and realized that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't exactly a wise choice and they need money , '' Swift wrote in a post on Instagram .
`` In my opinion , just another case of shameless greed in the time of Coronavirus .
So tasteless , but very transparent . ''
Soros , 89—whose ex-girlfriend Adriana Ferreyr is only seven years older than Swift—knows a thing or two about painful breakups .
In 2012 , Soros reportedly offered Ferreyr 's cousin $ 250,000 to persuade his former lover to drop a $ 50 million lawsuit .
The lawsuit alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an argument after he reneged on a promise to buy her a luxury condo in Manhattan .

Controversial pop musician Taylor Swift is getting rave reviews for her new album folklore—her second release since left-wing billionaire George Soros helped finance the hostile acquisition of her music catalog in 2019.
"Her emotional acuity has never been more assured," the Guardian wrote in a five-star review of Swift's performance. NME praised the album's "elegant melodies" and "glittering production."
Swift, who is best known for writing songs about failed relationships, was heartbroken after the Soros family backed ex-manager Scooter Braun's successful bid to acquire the rights to her music catalog for $330 million. Soros and Braun are both major donors to the Democratic Party and other left-wing activist groups.
This heartbreak is woven through nearly all of the 16 tracks on folklore. For example, Swift laments the purchase of her music catalog in "hoax": "You knew it still hurts underneath my scars / From when they pulled me apart / But what you did was just as dark." In this case, we can all assume the "you" is Mr. Soros himself.
Swift continues to rage at Soros in "illicit affairs," an emotionally complex examination of the secret scheme to steal the rights to her music: "Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me / You showed me colors you know I can't see with anyone else / Don't call me 'kid,' don't call me 'baby' / Look at this idiotic fool that you made me."
The album's lyrics are a creative manifestation of public comments Swift made prior to the release of folklore. The musician lashed out at the Soros family while accepting an award at Billboard's "Women in Music" event in December, just weeks after Braun exercised his legal right to ban Swift from performing a medley of her songs at the American Music Awards. She accused the liberal billionaire of having "enabled" Braun's malicious actions.
"This just happened to me without my approval, consultation, or consent," Swift said at the Billboard event. "After I was denied the chance to purchase my music outright, my entire catalog was sold to Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in a deal that I’m told was funded by the Soros family, 23 Capital, and the Carlyle Group."
Swift attacked Soros again in April after learning that Braun was planning to release a live album of a radio concert she performed in 2008. "It looks to me like Scooter Braun and his financial backers, 23 Capital, Alex Soros, and the Soros family and The Carlyle Group, have seen the latest balance sheets and realized that paying $330 million for my music wasn't exactly a wise choice and they need money," Swift wrote in a post on Instagram. "In my opinion, just another case of shameless greed in the time of Coronavirus. So tasteless, but very transparent."
Soros, 89—whose ex-girlfriend Adriana Ferreyr is only seven years older than Swift—knows a thing or two about painful breakups. In 2012, Soros reportedly offered Ferreyr's cousin $250,000 to persuade his former lover to drop a $50 million lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Soros choked and slapped Ferreyr during an argument after he reneged on a promise to buy her a luxury condo in Manhattan.


freebeacon--2020-07-24--China Forces Closure of U.S. Consulate

China Forces Closure of U.S. Consulate

The Chinese Communist Party ordered the shutdown of the U.S. consulate in Chengdu on Friday , the Associated Press reported .
Citing escalating tensions with Washington—particularly the forced closure of one of China ’ s own consulates in Houston—Beijing responded in kind .
`` The measure taken by China is a legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the United States , '' said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin .
U.S. officials said the Chinese consulate in Houston was closed because of its role in the theft of intellectual property by the CCP .
The Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationals conducting medical and technological research in the United States who lied about their connections to the People 's Liberation Army ( PLA ) .
One researcher who had taken refuge in the Chinese consulate in San Francisco was arrested Thursday night .
`` These members of China ’ s People 's Liberation Army applied for research visas while hiding their true affiliation with the PLA , '' said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers .
`` This is another part of the Chinese Communist Party ’ s plan to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic institutions . ''
These decisions come in the midst of what may be a turning point in Sino-American relations .
A Thursday speech Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave at the Nixon Library called for an openly hawkish disposition against China , warning about Beijing ’ s hegemonic designs .
`` If we bend the knee now , our children 's children may be at the mercy of the CCP , whose actions are the primary challenge to the free world , '' Pompeo said .
`` If the free world does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will change us . ''
Some experts believe the CCP is attempting to deescalate the worsening crisis with the closure of the U.S .
consulate .
`` Beijing 's decision to close the U.S. consulate in Chengdu is among the least escalatory steps China could have taken in response , '' Zack Cooper , a research fellow in foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute , told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` The Chinese consulate in Houston is more important to China than our consulate in Chengdu is to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The fact that Chinese leaders chose to close Chengdu rather than Guangzhou , Hong Kong , or Shanghai suggests they were trying to deescalate the worsening crisis while looking tough for domestic political purposes . ''
Given recent developments though , Cooper also anticipates Beijing ’ s pushback may not be finished .
`` Other responses might still be coming , particularly after Secretary of State Pompeo ’ s tough language on the Communist Party of China yesterday , '' he added .

The Chinese Communist Party ordered the shutdown of the U.S. consulate in Chengdu on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
Citing escalating tensions with Washington—particularly the forced closure of one of China’s own consulates in Houston—Beijing responded in kind.
"The measure taken by China is a legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the United States," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.
U.S. officials said the Chinese consulate in Houston was closed because of its role in the theft of intellectual property by the CCP. The Department of Justice also announced charges Thursday against Chinese nationals conducting medical and technological research in the United States who lied about their connections to the People's Liberation Army (PLA). One researcher who had taken refuge in the Chinese consulate in San Francisco was arrested Thursday night.
"These members of China’s People's Liberation Army applied for research visas while hiding their true affiliation with the PLA," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers. "This is another part of the Chinese Communist Party’s plan to take advantage of our open society and exploit academic institutions."
These decisions come in the midst of what may be a turning point in Sino-American relations. A Thursday speech Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave at the Nixon Library called for an openly hawkish disposition against China, warning about Beijing’s hegemonic designs.
"If we bend the knee now, our children's children may be at the mercy of the CCP, whose actions are the primary challenge to the free world," Pompeo said. "If the free world doesn't change Communist China, Communist China will change us."
Some experts believe the CCP is attempting to deescalate the worsening crisis with the closure of the U.S. consulate."Beijing's decision to close the U.S. consulate in Chengdu is among the least escalatory steps China could have taken in response," Zack Cooper, a research fellow in foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute, told the Washington Free Beacon.
"The Chinese consulate in Houston is more important to China than our consulate in Chengdu is to the United States," Cooper said. "The fact that Chinese leaders chose to close Chengdu rather than Guangzhou, Hong Kong, or Shanghai suggests they were trying to deescalate the worsening crisis while looking tough for domestic political purposes."
Given recent developments though, Cooper also anticipates Beijing’s pushback may not be finished. "Other responses might still be coming, particularly after Secretary of State Pompeo’s tough language on the Communist Party of China yesterday," he added.


freebeacon--2020-07-24--More Than 40 Countries Call Out North Korea for Violating Sanctions

More than 40 countries condemned North Korea ’ s alleged violation of a United Nations-mandated petroleum import cap , Reuters reported Friday .
The U.N. Security Council issued an annual cap of 500,000 oil barrels in 2017 , in an attempt to halt Pyongyang ’ s missile and nuclear development programs .
The Kim regime ran afoul of this cap by a large margin—standing at 1.6 million barrels in the first five months , according to an estimate by the United Kingdom and France .
Accordingly , some 43 U.N. countries , including the United States , signed on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` immediately exercise enhanced vigilance regarding the DPRK attempting to procure additional refined petroleum products and to prevent illicit ship-to-ship transfers of refined petroleum products to vessels owned , controlled , or acting on behalf of or working in cooperation with [ North Korea ] . ''
`` If [ North Korea ] is able to flagrantly evade international sanctions , it will have little incentive to engage in serious negotiations , '' the complaint added .
This would not be the first time Pyongyang flouted international sanctions .
A Wednesday New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy of benign neglect—even covert encouragement—of the Chinese fishing industry .
Chinese boats violated international sanctions by fishing for squid in North Korean waters , offering kickback funds for fishing rights to Pyongyang .
Chinese vessels brought home $ 560 million in 2017 due to these illegal practices .
North Korea ’ s behavior this year has been especially hawkish toward world powers .
Earlier this month , the Kim regime refused to meet with American envoys soon after destroying a liaison building used to converse with South Korean counterparts .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korea in an attempt to increase its flexibility and its changing strategic priorities .
`` The government in Pyongyang is looking to establish a new normal , '' warned American Enterprise Institute scholar Nicholas Eberstadt earlier this year .
`` The United States ’ only option for precluding this nightmare is to bring down the hammer on the Kim regime before its capabilities expand even further . ''

More than 40 countries condemned North Korea’s alleged violation of a United Nations-mandated petroleum import cap, Reuters reported Friday.
The U.N. Security Council issued an annual cap of 500,000 oil barrels in 2017, in an attempt to halt Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear development programs. The Kim regime ran afoul of this cap by a large margin—standing at 1.6 million barrels in the first five months, according to an estimate by the United Kingdom and France.
Accordingly, some 43 U.N. countries, including the United States, signed on to a complaint calling for member states to "immediately exercise enhanced vigilance regarding the DPRK attempting to procure additional refined petroleum products and to prevent illicit ship-to-ship transfers of refined petroleum products to vessels owned, controlled, or acting on behalf of or working in cooperation with [North Korea]."
"If [North Korea] is able to flagrantly evade international sanctions, it will have little incentive to engage in serious negotiations," the complaint added.
This would not be the first time Pyongyang flouted international sanctions. A Wednesday New York Times report noted North Korea’s policy of benign neglect—even covert encouragement—of the Chinese fishing industry. Chinese boats violated international sanctions by fishing for squid in North Korean waters, offering kickback funds for fishing rights to Pyongyang. Chinese vessels brought home $560 million in 2017 due to these illegal practices.
North Korea’s behavior this year has been especially hawkish toward world powers. Earlier this month, the Kim regime refused to meet with American envoys soon after destroying a liaison building used to converse with South Korean counterparts.
Meanwhile, Washington is actively considering troop adjustments in South Korea in an attempt to increase its flexibility and its changing strategic priorities.
"The government in Pyongyang is looking to establish a new normal," warned American Enterprise Institute scholar Nicholas Eberstadt earlier this year. "The United States’ only option for precluding this nightmare is to bring down the hammer on the Kim regime before its capabilities expand even further."


freebeacon--2020-07-24--FLASHBACK: Clinton Repeatedly Called Trump ‘Illegitimate’ President

President Donald Trump drew criticism after he said he would wait and see before accepting the result of the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ drew swift condemnation for casting doubt on the electoral process , Hillary Clinton , the @ @ @ @ @ never accepted the 2016 election .
She has repeatedly called Trump an `` illegitimate '' @ @ @ @ @ race was `` stolen '' from her .

President Donald Trump drew criticism after he said he would wait and see before accepting the result of the 2020 presidential election.
While he drew swift condemnation for casting doubt on the electoral process, Hillary Clinton, the last Democratic presidential nominee, never accepted the 2016 election. She has repeatedly called Trump an "illegitimate" president and even claimed the race was "stolen" from her.


freebeacon--2020-07-24--Democrats Press Trump Appointees to Recuse From Felon Voting Case

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are pressing three Trump appointees on a federal appeals court to explain why they have n't recused themselves from a politically charged case implicating the voting rights of 750,000 felons in Florida , a perennial swing state .
Progressive advocates for criminal justice reform say restoring ballot access to convicted felons is a key step toward reentering society on equal footing .
A 2019 Florida law requires felons to pay off all fines and restitution before their voting rights are restored .
Civil rights groups challenging the requirement—with the backing of Democratic lawmakers—say Judges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves from the dispute because they were briefly involved with the controversy as members of the Florida Supreme Court .
The third judge , Andrew Brasher , backed out of the case on separate grounds .
`` As the first branch , it falls to Congress to oversee the federal judiciary , '' the senators wrote in letters to Luck and Lagoa .
`` That oversight includes a responsibility to ensure that sitting federal judges honor their commitments to the Senate and the public and follow all applicable rules and codes of judicial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the increasingly aggressive tack Democratic lawmakers have taken against Republican-appointed judges in politically sensitive cases .
Otherwise powerless to stop the confirmation of President Donald Trump 's judicial nominees , Democrats have brought pressure to bear on right-leaning tribunals with recusal motions , courthouse rallies , and pointed amicus briefs .
Lawyers defending the Florida law said the request was `` frivolous . ''
`` While movants and their Senate allies invoke statutes and ethical canons designed to promote public confidence in the judiciary , it is they who threaten the judiciary 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of two of this court 's members without even a colorable basis for doing so , '' they wrote in legal filings .
In 2018 Florida voters enacted a state constitutional amendment to extend voting rights to felons , provided they have fulfilled `` all terms of sentence . ''
In turn , the Florida legislature passed a law clarifying that `` terms of sentence '' includes fees and compensation to victims .
Governor Ron DeSantis ( R. ) asked the state supreme court to weigh in on the matter .
Luck and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue , but were confirmed to the 11th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals before the court released its opinion .
The plaintiffs say ethics rules require Luck and Lagoa to recuse themselves , given the justices ' involvement with the controversy on the state supreme court .
That matter presents the same issues and arguments now before the 11th Circuit , the plaintiffs argued in a motion to disqualify .
The motion also cites pledges the judges made to step back from cases involving the Florida Supreme Court during their confirmations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing bars judges from participating in a case raising questions they 've previously dealt with , or even positions they once advocated .
For example , Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has participated in cases involving the federal sentencing guidelines , even though he was a lead reformer of those guidelines as a member of the U.S .
Sentencing Commission .
The case now before the 11th Circuit also involves legal questions the Florida Supreme Court did not touch .
Whatever the merits of the dispute , congressional involvement in a recusal controversy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in bullish Democratic efforts to rein in the judiciary .
The letter 's invocation of oversight strikes a particularly sharp note , raising questions as to what Democratic senators have in store for the courts if they retake control of the chamber .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) prompted condemnation from Chief Justice John Roberts in March after he singled out Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh for criticism during a rally .
The senator said the two Trump appointees would `` pay the price '' if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of Democratic lawmakers led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse ( D. , R.I. ) repeatedly alluded to public support for `` restructuring '' the Supreme Court in an amicus brief pressing the justices to dismiss a Second Amendment case .
Before his elevation to the federal bench , Brasher served as the top appeals lawyer for the state of Alabama .
Since Alabama is participating in the case in support of Florida , Brasher said in a short statement that he had disqualified himself pursuant to a personal policy of recusing from cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is No .
20-12003 Jones v. DeSantis .

More and more, Democrats push Republican-appointed judges to bow out of politically sensitive cases
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are pressing three Trump appointees on a federal appeals court to explain why they haven't recused themselves from a politically charged case implicating the voting rights of 750,000 felons in Florida, a perennial swing state.
Progressive advocates for criminal justice reform say restoring ballot access to convicted felons is a key step toward reentering society on equal footing. A 2019 Florida law requires felons to pay off all fines and restitution before their voting rights are restored.
Civil rights groups challenging the requirement—with the backing of Democratic lawmakers—say Judges Robert Luck and Barbara Lagoa should recuse themselves from the dispute because they were briefly involved with the controversy as members of the Florida Supreme Court. The third judge, Andrew Brasher, backed out of the case on separate grounds.
"As the first branch, it falls to Congress to oversee the federal judiciary," the senators wrote in letters to Luck and Lagoa. "That oversight includes a responsibility to ensure that sitting federal judges honor their commitments to the Senate and the public and follow all applicable rules and codes of judicial conduct."
The statement keeps with the increasingly aggressive tack Democratic lawmakers have taken against Republican-appointed judges in politically sensitive cases. Otherwise powerless to stop the confirmation of President Donald Trump's judicial nominees, Democrats have brought pressure to bear on right-leaning tribunals with recusal motions, courthouse rallies, and pointed amicus briefs.
Lawyers defending the Florida law said the request was "frivolous."
"While movants and their Senate allies invoke statutes and ethical canons designed to promote public confidence in the judiciary, it is they who threaten the judiciary's independence by calling into question the integrity of two of this court's members without even a colorable basis for doing so," they wrote in legal filings.
In 2018 Florida voters enacted a state constitutional amendment to extend voting rights to felons, provided they have fulfilled "all terms of sentence." In turn, the Florida legislature passed a law clarifying that "terms of sentence" includes fees and compensation to victims. Governor Ron DeSantis (R.) asked the state supreme court to weigh in on the matter. Luck and Lagoa were present at oral arguments on the issue, but were confirmed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before the court released its opinion.
The plaintiffs say ethics rules require Luck and Lagoa to recuse themselves, given the justices' involvement with the controversy on the state supreme court. That matter presents the same issues and arguments now before the 11th Circuit, the plaintiffs argued in a motion to disqualify. The motion also cites pledges the judges made to step back from cases involving the Florida Supreme Court during their confirmations.
Lawyers for the state counter that nothing bars judges from participating in a case raising questions they've previously dealt with, or even positions they once advocated. For example, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has participated in cases involving the federal sentencing guidelines, even though he was a lead reformer of those guidelines as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. The case now before the 11th Circuit also involves legal questions the Florida Supreme Court did not touch.
Whatever the merits of the dispute, congressional involvement in a recusal controversy is rare and represents a new front in bullish Democratic efforts to rein in the judiciary. The letter's invocation of oversight strikes a particularly sharp note, raising questions as to what Democratic senators have in store for the courts if they retake control of the chamber.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) prompted condemnation from Chief Justice John Roberts in March after he singled out Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh for criticism during a rally. The senator said the two Trump appointees would "pay the price" if they restricted abortion rights.
Likewise, a group of Democratic lawmakers led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.) repeatedly alluded to public support for "restructuring" the Supreme Court in an amicus brief pressing the justices to dismiss a Second Amendment case.
Before his elevation to the federal bench, Brasher served as the top appeals lawyer for the state of Alabama. Since Alabama is participating in the case in support of Florida, Brasher said in a short statement that he had disqualified himself pursuant to a personal policy of recusing from cases in which Alabama participates.
The case is No. 20-12003 Jones v. DeSantis.


freebeacon--2020-07-24--Feds Nab Chinese Researcher Who Took Refuge in Consulate

A Chinese military researcher who entered a Chinese consulate in San Francisco to avoid arrest by the FBI is now in custody , according to administration officials .
In June , federal authorities issued an arrest warrant for Juan Tang , a researcher at U.C .
Davis , for concealing her affiliation with the Chinese military in her visa application .
Tang evaded arrest by seeking refuge in the Chinese consulate .
Senior administration officials confirmed that Tang is now in custody as of Thursday night and is expected to appear in federal court on Friday .
It is unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to comment on why the consulate allowed the arrest to happen , saying that additional details will be revealed at the court appearance .
Tang 's arrest is the latest success in the FBI 's recent push to crack down on Chinese state espionage in American academia .
Federal authorities have arrested several other Chinese and U.S. researchers at American institutions for lying about their ties to the Chinese military or the Thousand Talents Program , a program the FBI sees as an avenue of `` non-traditional espionage '' for the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles Lieber , the former chair of Harvard University 's chemistry department , who concealed from federal investigators the fact that he had received funding from the Thousand Talents Program .
Administration officials said the government continues to fight back against Chinese intelligence efforts , noting that the FBI opens a new counterintelligence investigation tied to China every 10 hours .
The Trump administration also closed down a different Chinese consulate in Houston , ordering the consulate staff to end operations by Friday .
Administration officials said the decision to close down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the consulate was particularly aggressive in its attempts to steal U.S. intellectual property and recruit American researchers .

A Chinese military researcher who entered a Chinese consulate in San Francisco to avoid arrest by the FBI is now in custody, according to administration officials.
In June, federal authorities issued an arrest warrant for Juan Tang, a researcher at U.C. Davis, for concealing her affiliation with the Chinese military in her visa application. Tang evaded arrest by seeking refuge in the Chinese consulate. Senior administration officials confirmed that Tang is now in custody as of Thursday night and is expected to appear in federal court on Friday.
It is unclear how U.S. authorities arrested Tang. Officials declined to comment on why the consulate allowed the arrest to happen, saying that additional details will be revealed at the court appearance.
Tang's arrest is the latest success in the FBI's recent push to crack down on Chinese state espionage in American academia. Federal authorities have arrested several other Chinese and U.S. researchers at American institutions for lying about their ties to the Chinese military or the Thousand Talents Program, a program the FBI sees as an avenue of "non-traditional espionage" for the Chinese government. High-profile arrests have included Prof. Charles Lieber, the former chair of Harvard University's chemistry department, who concealed from federal investigators the fact that he had received funding from the Thousand Talents Program.
Administration officials said the government continues to fight back against Chinese intelligence efforts, noting that the FBI opens a new counterintelligence investigation tied to China every 10 hours.
The Trump administration also closed down a different Chinese consulate in Houston, ordering the consulate staff to end operations by Friday. Administration officials said the decision to close down the Houston consulate was "not random" and that the consulate was particularly aggressive in its attempts to steal U.S. intellectual property and recruit American researchers.


freebeacon--2020-07-28--GOP Unveils Proposed Next Round of Corona Stimulus

Senate Republicans on Monday officially unveiled details of their proposal for the latest round of coronavirus stimulus , officially igniting last-minute negotiations overshadowed by a still-turbulent economy .
The GOP plan includes roughly $ 1 trillion in new spending meant primarily to shore up the flagging market , as unemployment persists over 10 percent .
At the same time , it sets a far less expansive spending agenda than the House Democrats ' plan that was introduced in May and contains over $ 3 trillion in spending proposals .
That sets up what is likely to be a chaotic week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will face additional pressure thanks to the pending expiration of the earlier-passed federal expansion of unemployment insurance , which will elapse at the end of the month .
Yet that same expansion , as well as other proposed measures , may run afoul of opposition even within the Senate GOP , particularly among fiscal hawks wary of an exploding deficit .
The proposal 's most contentious portion is likely to be its changes to federal supplementation of unemployment insurance .
In August and September , the GOP plan will guarantee payment of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and above their state payments ; in October that would transition to guaranteeing wage replacement of 70 percent to those without a job , up to $ 500 a month .
That 's a major cut to the status quo under the CARES Act , passed in March , which paid out an additional $ 600 per month—essentially guaranteeing a $ 15 per hour replacement wage .
Democrats want to preserve that arrangement , while some Republicans worry that it is discouraging workers from returning to the workforce , contributing to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach is also a stop-gap , as many states work to adapt outdated unemployment systems to cope with making a fixed percentage payout .
The GOP proposal would also include another round of $ 1,200 stimulus checks to Americans making less than $ 75,000 a year , including another $ 500 for all dependents .
And it would push billions to local schools in the process of reopening , further fund the popular Paycheck Protection Program , and create a five-year legal liability shield for employers who fear being sued over coronavirus safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more money for state and local governments , an ongoing source of tension with Democrats who fear the downstream fiscal impact of impending state financial insolvency .
But it would increase flexibility for how states spend the $ 150 billion already allocated to them under the CARES act .
All of these proposals represent Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's ( R. , Ky. ) counterproposal to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi 's ( D. , Calif. ) $ 3.5 trillion proposal from May .
A final bill will likely meet somewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the approval of White House negotiators .
But the coming week 's negotiations may pit not only party against party , but party members against each other .
The GOP package was originally expected on Thursday , but delayed as final details were hashed out , following a heated Senate GOP lunch last week where Sen. Ted Cruz ( R. , Texas ) raised fears about the ballooning deficit , while Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark . )
argued that bringing a halt to spending could spell electoral doom .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Pelosi 's original package .
Several more moderate members described the bill as `` little more than an effort to appease the most liberal members of the caucus '' back in May .
All of that adds up to what is likely to be a contentious week of negotiations on Capitol Hill , especially as a second wave of coronavirus infections likely slows the surprisingly swift economic rebound in June .
With unemployment payments lapsing and rent coming due , legislators will likely face pressure to act swiftly to forestall economic and @ @ @

Senate Republicans on Monday officially unveiled details of their proposal for the latest round of coronavirus stimulus, officially igniting last-minute negotiations overshadowed by a still-turbulent economy.
The GOP plan includes roughly $1 trillion in new spending meant primarily to shore up the flagging market, as unemployment persists over 10 percent. At the same time, it sets a far less expansive spending agenda than the House Democrats' plan that was introduced in May and contains over $3 trillion in spending proposals.
That sets up what is likely to be a chaotic week of inter-party and inter-branch negotiations. Congress will face additional pressure thanks to the pending expiration of the earlier-passed federal expansion of unemployment insurance, which will elapse at the end of the month. Yet that same expansion, as well as other proposed measures, may run afoul of opposition even within the Senate GOP, particularly among fiscal hawks wary of an exploding deficit.
The proposal's most contentious portion is likely to be its changes to federal supplementation of unemployment insurance. In August and September, the GOP plan will guarantee payment of $200 per month to those on unemployment over and above their state payments; in October that would transition to guaranteeing wage replacement of 70 percent to those without a job, up to $500 a month.
That's a major cut to the status quo under the CARES Act, passed in March, which paid out an additional $600 per month—essentially guaranteeing a $15 per hour replacement wage. Democrats want to preserve that arrangement, while some Republicans worry that it is discouraging workers from returning to the workforce, contributing to a slowed economic recovery. The $200 approach is also a stop-gap, as many states work to adapt outdated unemployment systems to cope with making a fixed percentage payout.
The GOP proposal would also include another round of $1,200 stimulus checks to Americans making less than $75,000 a year, including another $500 for all dependents. And it would push billions to local schools in the process of reopening, further fund the popular Paycheck Protection Program, and create a five-year legal liability shield for employers who fear being sued over coronavirus safety.
Conspicuously absent from the proposal is more money for state and local governments, an ongoing source of tension with Democrats who fear the downstream fiscal impact of impending state financial insolvency. But it would increase flexibility for how states spend the $150 billion already allocated to them under the CARES act.
All of these proposals represent Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R., Ky.) counterproposal to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's (D., Calif.) $3.5 trillion proposal from May. A final bill will likely meet somewhere in between, and will also seek the approval of White House negotiators.
But the coming week's negotiations may pit not only party against party, but party members against each other. The GOP package was originally expected on Thursday, but delayed as final details were hashed out, following a heated Senate GOP lunch last week where Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) raised fears about the ballooning deficit, while Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) argued that bringing a halt to spending could spell electoral doom.
Some House Democrats, meanwhile, were unhappy with Pelosi's original package. Several more moderate members described the bill as "little more than an effort to appease the most liberal members of the caucus" back in May.
All of that adds up to what is likely to be a contentious week of negotiations on Capitol Hill, especially as a second wave of coronavirus infections likely slows the surprisingly swift economic rebound in June. With unemployment payments lapsing and rent coming due, legislators will likely face pressure to act swiftly to forestall economic and social catastrophe.


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Australia Joins U.S. Opposition to Chinese Expansion in South China Sea

Australia submitted a diplomatic note to a United Nations commission on July 23 , signaling a shift from neutrality to support for the United States in its fight against China ’ s expansive South China Sea claims , The Diplomat reported Monday .
Australia ’ s note to the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf challenged the legal basis for many of China ’ s claims , including those to the Paracel and Spratly Islands , as well as rights to sovereign and internal commerce in the sea ’ s zone .
Even further , Canberra rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims—that artificial islands can become internationally recognized—as fully incorrect .
Australia `` does not accept that artificially transformed features can ever acquire the status of an island , '' the diplomatic brief reads .
The change of tune from America ’ s oceanic ally comes soon after America ’ s own strategic pivot .
On July 14 , Washington announced its intention to no longer recognize Chinese claims within the body of water .
In effect , the move promotes freedom of navigation and commerce as well as the sovereignty of Asian allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of the world ’ s commerce—some 21 percent in 2016—flows .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s speech last Thursday only intensified Washington ’ s pivot .
Pompeo warned that the `` free world '' is at risk from China ’ s rising global ambitions .
Australia 's national security rhetoric is starting to resemble that of the United States .
`` The rules-based global order is being undermined by disruptions from a widening range of sources , '' Australia 's 2020 Defence Strategic Update reads .
Though not explicitly mentioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` militarization of the South China Sea '' a top security priority .
In recent years , the Australian-American alliance has been tumultuous , but experts are hoping Canberra ’ s newly muscular stance on China may signify a shifting dynamic .
`` The United States has long asked its Asian allies to do more—for themselves throughout the region , and with regards to China .
Australia is responding , and the United States should work with Canberra to achieve its ambitious agenda , '' American Enterprise Institute scholar Zack Cooper and United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Such efforts could constrain the Communist Party ’ s push outward and thereby stabilize the region . ''

Australia submitted a diplomatic note to a United Nations commission on July 23, signaling a shift from neutrality to support for the United States in its fight against China’s expansive South China Sea claims, The Diplomat reported Monday.
Australia’s note to the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf challenged the legal basis for many of China’s claims, including those to the Paracel and Spratly Islands, as well as rights to sovereign and internal commerce in the sea’s zone.
Even further, Canberra rejected one of China’s more ambitious claims—that artificial islands can become internationally recognized—as fully incorrect. Australia "does not accept that artificially transformed features can ever acquire the status of an island," the diplomatic brief reads.
The change of tune from America’s oceanic ally comes soon after America’s own strategic pivot. On July 14, Washington announced its intention to no longer recognize Chinese claims within the body of water. In effect, the move promotes freedom of navigation and commerce as well as the sovereignty of Asian allies in a region through which a massive amount of the world’s commerce—some 21 percent in 2016—flows.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s speech last Thursday only intensified Washington’s pivot. Pompeo warned that the "free world" is at risk from China’s rising global ambitions.
Australia's national security rhetoric is starting to resemble that of the United States. "The rules-based global order is being undermined by disruptions from a widening range of sources," Australia's 2020 Defence Strategic Update reads. Though not explicitly mentioning China, the document does make the "militarization of the South China Sea" a top security priority.
In recent years, the Australian-American alliance has been tumultuous, but experts are hoping Canberra’s newly muscular stance on China may signify a shifting dynamic.
"The United States has long asked its Asian allies to do more—for themselves throughout the region, and with regards to China. Australia is responding, and the United States should work with Canberra to achieve its ambitious agenda," American Enterprise Institute scholar Zack Cooper and United States Studies Centre fellow Charles Edel wrote. "Such efforts could constrain the Communist Party’s push outward and thereby stabilize the region."


freebeacon--2020-07-27--‘Squad’ Member Tlaib Won’t Endorse Biden

Rep. Rashida Tlaib ( D. , Mich. ) said she will not endorse presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden because she does not want to argue with her constituents .
`` I do n't want to get into a debate with my residents , '' she told Newsweek .
`` Residents come up to me and say , ‘ Rashida , I do n't know .
I hear Joe Biden this , Joe Biden that . '
I say , ‘ Listen , do we need another four years of Trump ?
No .
Then what I need you to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . '
If the ultimate goal is to get rid of Donald Trump , that does n't have to involve me actually endorsing Biden . ''
Tlaib has often been a thorn in the side of establishment Democrats .
Tlaib supported Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) in the Democratic primary , along with fellow members of the far-left `` squad '' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) and Ilhan Omar ( D. , Minn. ) .
While she has not endorsed Biden , Tlaib said she would focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Michigan , which Trump narrowly won in 2016 .
She said her residents would be `` inspired '' by an opportunity to vote against Trump , not for Biden .
`` My constituents do n't need to be bogged down in , ‘ Is [ Biden ] the best candidate ? '
That 's not what you have to convince my residents , '' she said .
`` They need to come out in droves and be inspired by something .
And that is going to be a vote against Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary battle with Detroit City Council president Brenda Jones , but Tlaib said she expects to win her seat again in her latest interview .
`` I do n't have to have a campaign plan for November because I have a safe Democratic seat , but I 'm going to [ campaign ] , '' she said .
`` Why ?
Because my residents can not afford another four years of Trump .
They just ca n't . ''

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) said she will not endorse presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden because she does not want to argue with her constituents.
"I don't want to get into a debate with my residents," she told Newsweek. "Residents come up to me and say, 'Rashida, I don't know. I hear Joe Biden this, Joe Biden that.' I say, 'Listen, do we need another four years of Trump? No. Then what I need you to do is go out there and focus on that.' If the ultimate goal is to get rid of Donald Trump, that doesn't have to involve me actually endorsing Biden."
Tlaib has often been a thorn in the side of establishment Democrats. Tlaib supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) in the Democratic primary, along with fellow members of the far-left "squad" Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.). While she has not endorsed Biden, Tlaib said she would focus on turning out the vote for him in Michigan, which Trump narrowly won in 2016.
She said her residents would be "inspired" by an opportunity to vote against Trump, not for Biden.
"My constituents don't need to be bogged down in, 'Is [Biden] the best candidate?' That's not what you have to convince my residents," she said. "They need to come out in droves and be inspired by something. And that is going to be a vote against Donald Trump."
Tlaib is locked in a primary battle with Detroit City Council president Brenda Jones, but Tlaib said she expects to win her seat again in her latest interview.
"I don't have to have a campaign plan for November because I have a safe Democratic seat, but I'm going to [campaign]," she said. "Why? Because my residents cannot afford another four years of Trump. They just can't."


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Nadler: Portland Antifa Riots Are a Myth

Rep. Jerry Nadler ( D. , N.Y. ) said on Sunday that Antifa riots in Portland are a `` myth . ''
`` That ’ s a myth that ’ s being spread only in Washington , D.C. , '' Nadler said after being asked if he disavowed violence in Portland .
Nadler 's comments contradict numerous news reports on the protesters—many of whom identify themselves as members of Antifa .
Protests have continued in Portland for nearly 60 nights in a row , mainly targeting Hatfield Federal Courthouse and local police stations .
The Portland Police Department officially declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 to 6,000 protesters surrounded the courthouse and began shooting fireworks at the building .
Last weekend , rioters barricaded federal officers in the courthouse and launched fireworks at the building .
President Donald Trump deployed the officers to Portland earlier this summer to curb violence in the city sparked by the death of George Floyd in late May .
Antifa has a history of involvement in violent protests .
In 2017 , members caused nearly $ 100,000 worth of damage to the University of California , Berkeley campus after protesting Milo Yiannopoulos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the group counter-protested a `` No Marxism in America '' group at UC Berkeley , attacking the protesters and police with smoke bombs .

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D., N.Y.) said on Sunday that Antifa riots in Portland are a "myth."
"That’s a myth that’s being spread only in Washington, D.C.," Nadler said after being asked if he disavowed violence in Portland.
https://twitter.com/fleccas/status/1287538621445296128
Nadler's comments contradict numerous news reports on the protesters—many of whom identify themselves as members of Antifa. Protests have continued in Portland for nearly 60 nights in a row, mainly targeting Hatfield Federal Courthouse and local police stations.
The Portland Police Department officially declared the protests a riot Sunday after approximately 5,000 to 6,000 protesters surrounded the courthouse and began shooting fireworks at the building. Last weekend, rioters barricaded federal officers in the courthouse and launched fireworks at the building. President Donald Trump deployed the officers to Portland earlier this summer to curb violence in the city sparked by the death of George Floyd in late May.
Antifa has a history of involvement in violent protests. In 2017, members caused nearly $100,000 worth of damage to the University of California, Berkeley campus after protesting Milo Yiannopoulos, a controversial right-wing speaker. In 2019, the group counter-protested a "No Marxism in America" group at UC Berkeley, attacking the protesters and police with smoke bombs.


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Dem Platform Honors Native American Tribes That Fought Against U.S. in War of 1812

The preamble to the Democratic Party ’ s draft platform formally honors a list of Native American tribes that resided on the land where its convention is being held—but neglects to acknowledge that many of these groups allied with the British and took up arms against the United States during the War of 1812 .
The first page of the Democratic National Committee document begins by `` acknowledg [ ing ] that we gather together to state our values on lands that have been stewarded through many centuries by the ancestors and descendants of Tribal Nations , '' a reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Milwaukee , Wisconsin .
The platform praises Native American communities that resided in the region , including the Chippewa , the Ho-Chunk Nation , and the Menominee Nation—groups that sided against the United States in the brutal 1812 conflict .
The language represents the leftward shift of the Democratic Party , which has voiced support for Native American sovereignty in its party credo over the past two decades but has not included a preamble honoring specific tribes at the top of the platform until this year .
The Potawatomi , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clashed with American soldiers in one of the most violent conflicts of the war , the Battle of Fort Dearborn , in which 12 children were killed by indigenous fighters as they attempted to evacuate the fort .
The leader of the evacuation , Capt .
William Wells , had his heart torn out and eaten by the Native American tribe , according to historical accounts .
The tribe also participated in the Battle of Frenchtown , also known as the `` River Raisin Massacre , '' in which tents for wounded U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighters , and soldiers who tried to escape were killed with tomahawks .
According to the Wisconsin First Nations , the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin `` side [ d ] with the British against the United States .
They [ were ] involved in a number of battles during the war , including the capture of Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island and battles in the Prairie du Chien area . ''
The United States declared war on Britain in 1812 , after clashing with London over trade restrictions and ongoing British military encroachments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American groups sided with the British , which had been supplying arms , ammunition , and support to tribal leaders in regional land conflicts with Americans , including the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe .
A representative for the Menominee Tribal Legislature said she disagreed with the language used in the DNC platform because tribal nations no longer hold the land on which the convention will be held .
`` [ The ] statement ‘ been stewarded through many centuries by the ancestors and descendants of Tribal Nations who have been here since time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate , '' chairwoman Joan Delabreau told the Washington Free Beacon .
The Native American bands honored by the DNC own a number of casinos in Wisconsin , including the Sevenwinds Casino , the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino , the Ho-Chunk Casino , and the Menominee Casino Resort .
The DNC did not respond to a request for comment .
The Ho-Chunk Nation , the Potawatomi , and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa did not respond to requests for comment on the platform .

The preamble to the Democratic Party’s draft platform formally honors a list of Native American tribes that resided on the land where its convention is being held—but neglects to acknowledge that many of these groups allied with the British and took up arms against the United States during the War of 1812.
The first page of the Democratic National Committee document begins by "acknowledg[ing] that we gather together to state our values on lands that have been stewarded through many centuries by the ancestors and descendants of Tribal Nations," a reference to the party’s August convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The platform praises Native American communities that resided in the region, including the Chippewa, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the Menominee Nation—groups that sided against the United States in the brutal 1812 conflict.
The language represents the leftward shift of the Democratic Party, which has voiced support for Native American sovereignty in its party credo over the past two decades but has not included a preamble honoring specific tribes at the top of the platform until this year.
The Potawatomi, one of the tribes praised by the DNC, clashed with American soldiers in one of the most violent conflicts of the war, the Battle of Fort Dearborn, in which 12 children were killed by indigenous fighters as they attempted to evacuate the fort. The leader of the evacuation, Capt. William Wells, had his heart torn out and eaten by the Native American tribe, according to historical accounts.
The tribe also participated in the Battle of Frenchtown, also known as the "River Raisin Massacre," in which tents for wounded U.S. troops were set on fire by indigenous fighters, and soldiers who tried to escape were killed with tomahawks.
According to the Wisconsin First Nations, the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin "side[d] with the British against the United States. They [were] involved in a number of battles during the war, including the capture of Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island and battles in the Prairie du Chien area."
The United States declared war on Britain in 1812, after clashing with London over trade restrictions and ongoing British military encroachments in the United States. Most Native American groups sided with the British, which had been supplying arms, ammunition, and support to tribal leaders in regional land conflicts with Americans, including the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe.
A representative for the Menominee Tribal Legislature said she disagreed with the language used in the DNC platform because tribal nations no longer hold the land on which the convention will be held.
"[The] statement ‘been stewarded through many centuries by the ancestors and descendants of Tribal Nations who have been here since time immemorial,’ is not correct or accurate," chairwoman Joan Delabreau told the Washington Free Beacon.
The Native American bands honored by the DNC own a number of casinos in Wisconsin, including the Sevenwinds Casino, the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, the Ho-Chunk Casino, and the Menominee Casino Resort.
The DNC did not respond to a request for comment. The Ho-Chunk Nation, the Potawatomi, and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa did not respond to requests for comment on the platform.


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Tens of Thousands Protest Putin in Eastern Russia

At least 50,000 Russians took to the streets of Khabarovsk in eastern Russia this weekend to oppose President Vladimir Putin , the New York Times reported Saturday .
The intensity and size of the protests have `` little precedent in modern Russia , '' the Times said .
Anti-Putin activists estimate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Russians attended these events .
The protests come in response to the arrest and detainment of local governor Sergei I. Furgal on charges of murder allegedly committed in the early 2000s .
Many speculate that the arrest of Furgal—who beat a Kremlin-backed candidate ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018—indicates Putin ’ s interest in limiting political dissent .
Putin recently enacted constitutional changes which allow him to remain president until 2036 .
`` The very fact that they could not find anything more fresh to accuse [ Furgal ] of is a clear signal that this is an act of political repression , '' said Russian political analyst Nikolai Petrov .
`` They are telling local elites that if they can arrest a sitting governor for crimes going back 15 or 20 years then they can arrest anyone . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ West , launching new high-tech space weaponry and attempting to revise the history of Soviet occupation in the Baltic states .
To strengthen itself geopolitically , Moscow is also entertaining a closer alliance with China .
Though muted , fierce criticism is circulating through the autocratic regime .
Putin ’ s behavior is `` shameless , '' says Vladimir Zhirinovsky , the leader of Furgal ’ s rightist party .
`` You are sitting in high office and start acting like Stalin ! ''

At least 50,000 Russians took to the streets of Khabarovsk in eastern Russia this weekend to oppose President Vladimir Putin, the New York Times reported Saturday.
The intensity and size of the protests have "little precedent in modern Russia," the Times said. Anti-Putin activists estimate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Russians attended these events. The protests come in response to the arrest and detainment of local governor Sergei I. Furgal on charges of murder allegedly committed in the early 2000s.
Many speculate that the arrest of Furgal—who beat a Kremlin-backed candidate’s bid for the governorship of Khabarovsk in 2018—indicates Putin’s interest in limiting political dissent. Putin recently enacted constitutional changes which allow him to remain president until 2036.
"The very fact that they could not find anything more fresh to accuse [Furgal] of is a clear signal that this is an act of political repression," said Russian political analyst Nikolai Petrov. "They are telling local elites that if they can arrest a sitting governor for crimes going back 15 or 20 years then they can arrest anyone."
Russia remains on aggressive footing with the West, launching new high-tech space weaponry and attempting to revise the history of Soviet occupation in the Baltic states. To strengthen itself geopolitically, Moscow is also entertaining a closer alliance with China.
Though muted, fierce criticism is circulating through the autocratic regime. Putin’s behavior is "shameless," says Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the leader of Furgal’s rightist party. "You are sitting in high office and start acting like Stalin!"


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Iowa Dem Scrubs Business Experience From Campaign Site After Local Business Owners Slam Her Record

Iowa Democratic Senate nominee Theresa Greenfield deleted references to her controversial business record from her campaign website .
Greenfield faced criticism from fellow Democrats and local business leaders after a Washington Free Beacon report detailed her role in evicting small businesses as a real estate executive .
While her campaign has downplayed the eviction controversy , calling it `` desperate '' and a `` smear , '' Greenfield 's business record was scrubbed from her campaign site in March .
The Iowa Democrat 's biography page initially listed her tenure with the now-defunct land-development company Rottlund Homes , saying Greenfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead the company 's Iowa division . ''
The page also touted Greenfield 's role as `` president of Colby Interests , one of Des Moines ' oldest family-held real estate and development companies . ''
In March , however , Greenfield removed all mentions of her ties to Rottlund Homes and Colby Interests .
Her campaign site now says Greenfield simply `` worked as an urban planner and has worked in real estate and development in Iowa . ''
While Greenfield has portrayed herself as a champion of small business in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ernst , the scrubbing suggests that the Democrat sees her business record as a political vulnerability .
As president of Colby Interests in 2015 , Greenfield evicted mom-and-pop stores from a local shopping center in an attempt to make way for German grocer Aldi .
Tenants were `` blindsided '' with eviction notices signed by Greenfield , and while her development proposal was ultimately scrapped following local pushback , the Democrat moved forward with an expensive renovation plan that she admitted may `` not fit into '' existing tenants ' budgets .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the project .
Greenfield was criticized for the project during Iowa 's Democratic Senate primary .
Businessman Eddie Mauro said that `` instead of fighting for small-business owners , '' Greenfield `` attempted to evict them to make way for big business . ''
Local business owners have also expressed concern over the evictions .
Nearly a dozen Iowa entrepreneurs sent Greenfield a letter in June calling on the Democrat to provide `` detailed records of the proposed agreement between your firm and the German multinational corporation . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , given your record of favoring a multinational corporation over Iowa small businesses , you would prioritize our needs as a U.S .
Senator ? ''
the letter says .
Small-business owners also gathered at the shopping center cleared out by Greenfield in June to question her business record .
`` I 'm concerned that small-business owners will be tossed to the side when the next big dollar sign comes in , '' Jacob Handsaker of Hands On Excavating LLC said at the press conference .
Ernst campaign spokesman Brendan Conley accused Greenfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempting to hide her troubling business record by scrubbing her campaign website . ''
`` Scrubbing details from her campaign 's website wo n't hide the fact that she prioritizes her own personal gain ahead of Iowans , '' Conley said in a statement .
`` Why is Greenfield hiding from her record ? ''
Greenfield did not respond to a request for comment .

Iowa Democratic Senate nominee Theresa Greenfield deleted references to her controversial business record from her campaign website.
Greenfield faced criticism from fellow Democrats and local business leaders after a Washington Free Beacon report detailed her role in evicting small businesses as a real estate executive. While her campaign has downplayed the eviction controversy, calling it "desperate" and a "smear," Greenfield's business record was scrubbed from her campaign site in March.
The Iowa Democrat's biography page initially listed her tenure with the now-defunct land-development company Rottlund Homes, saying Greenfield "moved quickly through the ranks … to lead the company's Iowa division." The page also touted Greenfield's role as "president of Colby Interests, one of Des Moines' oldest family-held real estate and development companies."
In March, however, Greenfield removed all mentions of her ties to Rottlund Homes and Colby Interests. Her campaign site now says Greenfield simply "worked as an urban planner and has worked in real estate and development in Iowa." While Greenfield has portrayed herself as a champion of small business in her bid to unseat Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, the scrubbing suggests that the Democrat sees her business record as a political vulnerability.
As president of Colby Interests in 2015, Greenfield evicted mom-and-pop stores from a local shopping center in an attempt to make way for German grocer Aldi. Tenants were "blindsided" with eviction notices signed by Greenfield, and while her development proposal was ultimately scrapped following local pushback, the Democrat moved forward with an expensive renovation plan that she admitted may "not fit into" existing tenants' budgets. At least five local businesses were forced out as a result of the project.
Greenfield was criticized for the project during Iowa's Democratic Senate primary. Businessman Eddie Mauro said that "instead of fighting for small-business owners," Greenfield "attempted to evict them to make way for big business."
Local business owners have also expressed concern over the evictions. Nearly a dozen Iowa entrepreneurs sent Greenfield a letter in June calling on the Democrat to provide "detailed records of the proposed agreement between your firm and the German multinational corporation."
"How can small-business owners trust that, given your record of favoring a multinational corporation over Iowa small businesses, you would prioritize our needs as a U.S. Senator?" the letter says.
Small-business owners also gathered at the shopping center cleared out by Greenfield in June to question her business record.
"I'm concerned that small-business owners will be tossed to the side when the next big dollar sign comes in," Jacob Handsaker of Hands On Excavating LLC said at the press conference.
Ernst campaign spokesman Brendan Conley accused Greenfield of "misleading Iowans" and "attempting to hide her troubling business record by scrubbing her campaign website."
"Scrubbing details from her campaign's website won't hide the fact that she prioritizes her own personal gain ahead of Iowans," Conley said in a statement. "Why is Greenfield hiding from her record?"
Greenfield did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-07-27--North Korea Reports First COVID Case

North Korea Reports First COVID Case

North Korea reported its first coronavirus case , the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday .
The case occurred in the city of Kaesong—about 100 miles south of Pyongyang—and forced dictator Kim Jong Un to enact maximum emergency protocol in the country .
`` Everyone needs to face up to the reality of emergency , '' Kim said .
North Korean state media alleged the infected person was an escapee to South Korea who left three years ago .
The person reportedly displayed symptoms of COVID-19 after crossing the border back into North Korea .
The emergence of COVID-19 occurs at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The United Nations recently condemned Pyongyang ’ s violation of oil sanctions .
Weeks before , the Kim regime refused to meet with American diplomats , while cutting off diplomatic communications with South Korea .
In May , a whirlwind series of later disproven rumors alleged that Kim Jong Un had died .
Though North Korea ’ s footing seems weak , Washington remains steadfast in committing to deescalating tensions with the communist regime .
`` We continue to try to work with the North Koreans to achieve '' a mutually beneficial economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo told the Economic Club of New York on July 15 .
`` I ’ m hopeful that we ’ ll be able to have a senior discussion before too long and hopefully advance the ball in that respect , '' Pompeo said .

North Korea reported its first coronavirus case, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. The case occurred in the city of Kaesong—about 100 miles south of Pyongyang—and forced dictator Kim Jong Un to enact maximum emergency protocol in the country.
"Everyone needs to face up to the reality of emergency," Kim said.
North Korean state media alleged the infected person was an escapee to South Korea who left three years ago. The person reportedly displayed symptoms of COVID-19 after crossing the border back into North Korea.
The emergence of COVID-19 occurs at a troubling time for North Korea. The United Nations recently condemned Pyongyang’s violation of oil sanctions. Weeks before, the Kim regime refused to meet with American diplomats, while cutting off diplomatic communications with South Korea.
In May, a whirlwind series of later disproven rumors alleged that Kim Jong Un had died.
Though North Korea’s footing seems weak, Washington remains steadfast in committing to deescalating tensions with the communist regime. "We continue to try to work with the North Koreans to achieve" a mutually beneficial economic and security relationship, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Economic Club of New York on July 15.
"I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to have a senior discussion before too long and hopefully advance the ball in that respect," Pompeo said.


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Democratic Platform Calls For Rejoining Human Rights Council

The 2020 Democratic national platform includes a call to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council ( UNHRC ) , which has been accused of demonizing Israel and elevating leaders with questionable human rights records .
`` Instead of walking away , Democrats believe the United States should lead the way and mobilize our partners to work in common cause , '' the DNC platform reads .
`` We will rejoin and reform the WHO , the United Nations Human Rights Council , and the United Nations Population Fund , because in a global public health crisis and a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than ever . ''
Long criticized as a hotbed of anti-Israel policy , the UNHRC has appointed human-rights monitors with a history of support for the BDS movement .
The council also produced multiple reports on Israeli operations against Hamas that accused the Israel Defense Forces of violating international law and war crimes .
The United States left the UNHRC in 2018 over what former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called `` chronic bias against Israel . ''
After America 's withdrawal , known human-rights abusers China and Russia began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will elect 15 new members this fall .
China regularly engages in human-rights abuses—imprisoning political dissidents and forcing Muslim minorities into labor camps are only a few concerns in its long track record of misconduct .
Russia 's record on human rights is similarly bleak .
Human Rights Watch asserted that the the human-rights situation in Russia deteriorated in 2019 , citing a litany of abuses from violating freedom of expression to discrimination and violence against minorities .
The council has drawn criticism in the past for allowing human-rights abusers to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that its geographical quota for members sets the bar very low , rendering the UNHRC 's condemnation of abuses in other countries far less credible .
`` With a few honorable exceptions , the overwhelming majority of countries outside the Western Europe and others grouping have flawed-to-abysmal human-rights records and policies , '' Krishnadev Calamur lamented in the Atlantic in 2018 .
`` Many are not democracies .
Few have representative governments .
Fewer still have an incentive to pursue and commit to universal human rights , '' Calamur wrote .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the only democracy in the Middle East , is bad enough ; that they do it while pursuing their own draconian policies makes the membership laughable . ''

The 2020 Democratic national platform includes a call to rejoin the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which has been accused of demonizing Israel and elevating leaders with questionable human rights records.
"Instead of walking away, Democrats believe the United States should lead the way and mobilize our partners to work in common cause," the DNC platform reads. "We will rejoin and reform the WHO, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the United Nations Population Fund, because in a global public health crisis and a global democratic recession, American leadership is needed more than ever."
Long criticized as a hotbed of anti-Israel policy, the UNHRC has appointed human-rights monitors with a history of support for the BDS movement. The council also produced multiple reports on Israeli operations against Hamas that accused the Israel Defense Forces of violating international law and war crimes.
The United States left the UNHRC in 2018 over what former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called "chronic bias against Israel." After America's withdrawal, known human-rights abusers China and Russia began vying for spots on the council, which will elect 15 new members this fall.
China regularly engages in human-rights abuses—imprisoning political dissidents and forcing Muslim minorities into labor camps are only a few concerns in its long track record of misconduct.
Russia's record on human rights is similarly bleak. Human Rights Watch asserted that the the human-rights situation in Russia deteriorated in 2019, citing a litany of abuses from violating freedom of expression to discrimination and violence against minorities.
The council has drawn criticism in the past for allowing human-rights abusers to participate in its decision making. Critics allege that its geographical quota for members sets the bar very low, rendering the UNHRC's condemnation of abuses in other countries far less credible. "With a few honorable exceptions, the overwhelming majority of countries outside the Western Europe and others grouping have flawed-to-abysmal human-rights records and policies," Krishnadev Calamur lamented in the Atlantic in 2018.
"Many are not democracies. Few have representative governments. Fewer still have an incentive to pursue and commit to universal human rights," Calamur wrote. "That these are the countries that criticize Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, is bad enough; that they do it while pursuing their own draconian policies makes the membership laughable."


freebeacon--2020-07-27--Soros Pours Record $50 Million Into 2020 Election

Liberal billionaire George Soros has flooded Democratic PACs and campaigns with $ 50 million this election cycle , shattering his personal record by tens of millions with four months to go before the elections .
Soros ramped up his political spending this cycle through the Democracy PAC , which he created last year to pump large sums into the coffers of other left-wing groups .
New filings to the Federal Election Commission show the PAC doled out nearly $ 17 million last quarter , bringing its total cash disbursements this cycle to $ 48 million .
Soros gave another $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committees without first depositing the money into his PAC .
The $ 52 million cash influx is more than double Soros 's previous high of $ 22 million , which came during the last presidential election .
Democratic candidates benefiting from Soros 's cash have railed against the influence of money in politics .
Joe Biden 's government reform plan includes a promise to `` reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics . ''
The presidential candidate 's website says , `` We could improve our politics overnight if we flushed big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financing of our elections… .
Democracy works best when a big bank account or a large donor list are not prerequisites for office . ''
Such rhetoric from Soros-backed candidates has drawn criticism from the right .
`` While Democrats across the country sanctimoniously rail against the influence of dark money in politics , their party ’ s largest donors are bankrolling a massive web of liberal organizations to get them elected , '' one GOP operative told the Washington Free Beacon earlier this month .
`` George Soros 's unprecedented spending further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributions from billionaires , despite their hypocritical rhetoric . ''
Soros is one of several Democratic megadonors who opened their checkbooks last month to provide large sums to outfits backing Biden and hammering Republicans .
The Biden Victory Fund in particular has benefited from a windfall of cash .
It pulled in a whopping $ 83 million thanks to the Democratic Party 's wealthiest donors , including Soros , who donated $ 500,000 .
The liberal billionaire is taking steps to obscure his election spending this cycle .
In the past , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own name .
This cycle , he has operated primarily by transferring tens of millions from the Fund for Policy Reform , a $ 750 million nonprofit in his sprawling Open Society Foundation network , into Democracy PAC .
The PAC then disburses it to other Democratic PACs and committees .
This arrangement allows Soros to keep his name from the top of donor lists .
His $ 50 million in contributions makes him the largest donor of the 2020 cycle , though only $ 8 million is coming directly from him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections as especially important .
Earlier this year during a speech at the World Economic Forum , the 89-year-old billionaire said the `` fate of the world '' is at stake and referred to Trump as a `` con man '' and `` authoritarian '' who is `` willing to sacrifice the national interests for his personal interests . ''
Democracy PAC has provided financial backing to dozens of liberal PACs and state-level politicians .
This past quarter , its donations ranged from $ 90,000 to $ 2 million .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Majority PAC ( $ 2 million ) , Chuck Schumer-tied Senate Majority PAC ( $ 1.5 million ) , Planned Parenthood Votes ( $ 625,000 ) , and the dark money group Sixteen Thirty Fund ( $ 1 million ) .
Soros ’ s $ 4 million in direct donations includes hundreds of thousands each to the DNC-led Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund , the Nancy Pelosi Victory Fund , and the Biden Victory Fund .
The liberal billionaire has also increased his lobbying expenditures .
The Open Society Policy Center , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in 2019—a personal record for Soros .
This amount was more than corporate giants such as Amazon , Facebook , Boeing , and Google 's parent company , Alphabet spent .
The group finished the year as the country 's second-largest lobbying spender .
Soros 's spokesperson did not return a request for comment on the election donations by press time .

Liberal billionaire spends $30 million more than in 2016 with months left to go before the elections
Liberal billionaire George Soros has flooded Democratic PACs and campaigns with $50 million this election cycle, shattering his personal record by tens of millions with four months to go before the elections.
Soros ramped up his political spending this cycle through the Democracy PAC, which he created last year to pump large sums into the coffers of other left-wing groups. New filings to the Federal Election Commission show the PAC doled out nearly $17 million last quarter, bringing its total cash disbursements this cycle to $48 million. Soros gave another $4 million directly to Democratic campaigns and committees without first depositing the money into his PAC. The $52 million cash influx is more than double Soros's previous high of $22 million, which came during the last presidential election.
Democratic candidates benefiting from Soros's cash have railed against the influence of money in politics. Joe Biden's government reform plan includes a promise to "reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics." The presidential candidate's website says, "We could improve our politics overnight if we flushed big money from the system and had public financing of our elections.... Democracy works best when a big bank account or a large donor list are not prerequisites for office."
Such rhetoric from Soros-backed candidates has drawn criticism from the right. "While Democrats across the country sanctimoniously rail against the influence of dark money in politics, their party’s largest donors are bankrolling a massive web of liberal organizations to get them elected," one GOP operative told the Washington Free Beacon earlier this month. "George Soros's unprecedented spending further highlights just how dependent Democrats are on contributions from billionaires, despite their hypocritical rhetoric."
Soros is one of several Democratic megadonors who opened their checkbooks last month to provide large sums to outfits backing Biden and hammering Republicans. The Biden Victory Fund in particular has benefited from a windfall of cash. It pulled in a whopping $83 million thanks to the Democratic Party's wealthiest donors, including Soros, who donated $500,000.
The liberal billionaire is taking steps to obscure his election spending this cycle. In the past, he made donations to groups directly in his own name. This cycle, he has operated primarily by transferring tens of millions from the Fund for Policy Reform, a $750 million nonprofit in his sprawling Open Society Foundation network, into Democracy PAC. The PAC then disburses it to other Democratic PACs and committees. This arrangement allows Soros to keep his name from the top of donor lists. His $50 million in contributions makes him the largest donor of the 2020 cycle, though only $8 million is coming directly from him.
Soros has said he views the 2020 elections as especially important. Earlier this year during a speech at the World Economic Forum, the 89-year-old billionaire said the "fate of the world" is at stake and referred to Trump as a "con man" and "authoritarian" who is "willing to sacrifice the national interests for his personal interests."
Democracy PAC has provided financial backing to dozens of liberal PACs and state-level politicians. This past quarter, its donations ranged from $90,000 to $2 million. Some of the largest donations went to the Nancy Pelosi-linked House Majority PAC ($2 million), Chuck Schumer-tied Senate Majority PAC ($1.5 million), Planned Parenthood Votes ($625,000), and the dark money group Sixteen Thirty Fund ($1 million).
Soros’s $4 million in direct donations includes hundreds of thousands each to the DNC-led Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund, the Nancy Pelosi Victory Fund, and the Biden Victory Fund.
The liberal billionaire has also increased his lobbying expenditures. The Open Society Policy Center, his D.C.-based lobbying shop, spent $48 million in 2019—a personal record for Soros. This amount was more than corporate giants such as Amazon, Facebook, Boeing, and Google's parent company, Alphabet spent. The group finished the year as the country's second-largest lobbying spender.
Soros's spokesperson did not return a request for comment on the election donations by press time.