FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has revealed a major investigation into alleged criminal coverups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The probe focuses on three distinct areas: the virus's origins, the destruction of federal records, and the manipulation of vaccine approval processes.
According to Just The News, FBI agents in Cleveland, New York, and Baltimore are actively investigating these matters. Bongino made the investigation public last week, stating on social media that Americans "deserve answers" about the COVID coverup.
The investigation gained legal momentum following a court ruling that China concealed COVID-19's origins, along with evidence uncovered by congressional investigations. The FBI's work spans multiple jurisdictions and appears to be moving quickly as agents pursue leads on what may be one of the most consequential investigations in recent history.
The Cleveland field office is leading the most extensive part of the investigation, focusing on whether federal scientists or political leaders intentionally misled Americans about COVID-19's origins.
Evidence emerging from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's successful $24 billion judgment against China suggests the earliest recorded COVID case in Chinese databases may have been in September 2019. U.S. District Judge Steven N. Limbaugh Jr. wrote in his ruling that "China's pattern of actions strongly suggests that it had knowledge of the existence and human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 virus as early as September 2019."
FBI agents are investigating when American scientists or federal officials learned about concerns in China and whether they participated in a coverup. One piece of evidence involves a Chinese scientist who attempted to submit data on human-to-human transmission in December 2019, only to have the information removed from a U.S. government database by NIH officials.
The Baltimore field office is examining evidence that federal scientists used private emails to hide discussions about COVID and vaccines from public scrutiny.
Emails obtained during the investigation reportedly show scientists admitting they were attempting to circumvent transparency requirements by using non-government communication channels. This practice potentially violated federal record-keeping laws designed to ensure public access to government decision-making.
The investigation is examining whether these actions constituted illegal conduct, particularly if they were done to prevent Americans from learning about important health information or to shield controversial decisions from oversight during the pandemic response.
New York-based FBI agents are investigating potential political manipulation of the COVID vaccine approval process and subsequent efforts to hide emerging side effects from the public.
This branch of the investigation includes scrutiny of heart inflammation cases in young adults and other adverse reactions that critics claim were downplayed during the vaccine rollout. A whistleblower from one of the vaccine manufacturers is reportedly providing information to investigators.
Senator Ron Johnson, who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has conducted "significant investigative work" on these issues that FBI agents are now examining. The investigation seeks to determine if federal officials prioritized political considerations over public health transparency.
The sprawling FBI investigation represents one of the most extensive probes into pandemic response decisions by government officials and scientists.
Missouri's legal victory against China for COVID coverup has provided investigators with substantial evidence and legal precedent. Judge Limbaugh's ruling cited specific evidence, including statements from a Chinese professor who accessed a confidential national database containing early COVID fatalities from September 2019, well before China's public acknowledgment.
The investigation also examines U.S. State Department information indicating researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology became sick with COVID-19 symptoms in autumn 2019, months before China admitted human-to-human transmission was occurring.
According to Daily Mail, Elon Musk recently voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump's proposed spending bill, predicting it would negate the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) achievements.
In a CBS Sunday Morning interview, Musk critiqued the bill for erasing fiscal savings and increasing national debt.
During the interview, Musk expressed disappointment, stating that the proposed legislation threatens to undo DOGE's gains. Specifically, Musk warned that the bill could eliminate most of the savings DOGE achieved within a year. These savings had originally aimed to reach $2 trillion but fell short at $175 billion.
Musk, who stepped down from his advisory role days before voicing his concerns, criticized the bill's potential consequences. He emphasized the damage that $5 trillion in tax cuts and a $4 trillion increase in the debt limit could cause to DOGE's fiscal reforms. Musk had previously invested $288 million in Trump's campaign and was actively involved in DOGE efforts.
Despite these efforts, DOGE measures led to a 71% decrease in Tesla's profits and massive job cuts within the government. Musk lamented that "DOGE became the whipping boy" for various issues and feared the continuance of economic challenges.
Musk stressed that DOGE faced undue criticism for potentially affecting Social Security checks, which he assured was untrue. He remarked that they were viewed as the "DOGE boogeyman," unfairly blamed for financial cutbacks.
Looking to the future, Musk stated DOGE aimed for an eventual $1 trillion in savings, though the path remains fraught with complications from newly proposed policies. He likened the burdensome nature of government interventions to an overly complex DMV, underscoring inefficiencies.
The bill seeks sweeping changes to tax legislation, immigration, and Medicaid, areas Musk feels conflict with DOGE goals. He underscored his skepticism of the bill's ability to be both "big" and "beautiful," a critique he has consistently voiced.
Musk plans to turn his focus toward his professional ventures post-resignation but pledges to remain as a visiting friend and advisor to President Trump. This personal shift comes after a farewelling ceremony in the Oval Office, where Trump commemorated Musk with a symbolic gift, a gold key.
During the farewell, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared tense over the proceedings, and Musk's remarks generated considerable attention across Washington. The CBS interview clip showcasing Musk's perspective quickly went viral, fueling discussions about the implications of Trump's bill.
As Musk shared his government efficiency predictions, he aimed to temper his comments with assurance to the public: the congressional adjustments wouldn't jeopardize crucial social infrastructure like Social Security.
Musk reiterated that the "DOGE team is doing an incredible job" in maintaining cost-effective governance, even as complexities arise with new federal proposals. His assertion of ongoing results reflects his belief that DOGE efforts will persist despite external challenges.
After airing his views publicly, Musk attended a related SpaceX event, which took an unexpected turn when a rocket exploded upon re-entry. This incident added another layer of complexity and drama to the narrative surrounding Musk's critique.
Musk, known for his ambitious endeavors, has been at the forefront of implementing fiscal reforms through DOGE. His resignation and subsequent critique signal a pivotal moment in his relationship with the administration and broader financial governance strategies.
While Musk's long-term influence on governmental policies remains to be seen, his outspoken nature continues to provide a lens through which to understand and critique proposed changes affecting the nation's fiscal future.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning to China, pledging that the United States will defend Taiwan if Beijing launches an attack on the self-governed island. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit, Hegseth described the threat as "real" and potentially "imminent."
According to The Daily Caller, Hegseth delivered one of the Trump administration's strongest statements yet on Taiwan's defense, declaring that "Communist China will not invade Taiwan on President Trump's watch."
The defense secretary's comments come amid increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, where China has been conducting military buildups and maintaining an aggressive posture toward Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with mainland China.
Hegseth emphasized that Asia remains the top strategic priority for the Trump administration, marking a significant shift from decades of U.S. focus on the Middle East and Europe.
The defense secretary used the international security forum to urge Asian allies to contribute more to their own defense efforts. He pointed to what he described as disproportionate European defense spending as a comparison point, suggesting Asian nations should increase their military investments.
This reprioritization signals the administration's recognition of China's growing influence and military capabilities in the region, as well as the strategic importance of maintaining strong relationships with Indo-Pacific allies.
China's response to the Shangri-La Dialogue has been notably muted, with Beijing sending only a one-star admiral to the summit rather than a high-ranking delegation.
Chinese officials have criticized the conference as biased against their interests. Zhou Bo, a retired senior colonel who served as China's delegate, expressed skepticism about the forum's value, indicating that Beijing prefers its own Xiangshan Forum for security discussions.
The limited Chinese participation underscores the growing diplomatic tensions between the United States and China, particularly as the Trump administration takes an increasingly assertive stance on Taiwan's defense and other regional security issues.
Hegseth's remarks at the summit left little room for ambiguity regarding the U.S. position on Taiwan's defense, though he stopped short of outlining specific military responses.
"This isn't a drill," Hegseth stated firmly during his address. "Any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world."
The defense secretary's comments align with President Trump's tougher approach toward China, which has characterized both his first and current term. The administration has consistently sought to counter Chinese influence and military expansion in the region.
The exchange between U.S. and Chinese officials at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights the growing strategic competition between the two powers in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defense Secretary Hegseth's pledge to defend Taiwan represents one of the clearest articulations yet of the Trump administration's commitment to the island's security. While previous administrations maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding Taiwan, Hegseth's comments suggest a more definitive stance.
As tensions continue to simmer, regional allies and partners are closely monitoring both U.S. commitments and China's responses. The situation surrounding Taiwan remains one of the most volatile flashpoints in U.S.-China relations, with significant implications for regional stability and international security.
Former President Joe Biden struggled to complete the most famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence during a Memorial Day speech in Delaware. During what marked his first public address since his office revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis on May 18, Biden attempted to recite the document's iconic passage but trailed off before finishing.
According to The Daily Caller, Biden stumbled when trying to pronounce the final words of the well-known phrase about "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" during his address to the Memorial Day crowd.
The event also held personal significance for the former president as it coincided with the ten-year anniversary of his son Beau's death. Biden acknowledged the emotional weight of the day during his remarks, expressing gratitude to those in attendance for allowing him to share in their collective grief.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal, endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of ha — we made it!" Biden exclaimed during the speech. He immediately followed the verbal stumble by shouting, "That's who we are! That's what makes America the most unique nation in the world. Literally, not figuratively."
This isn't the first time Biden has struggled with this particular line. During a 2020 campaign speech in Texas, he reportedly had difficulty recalling the famous phrase, saying "We hold these truths to be self-evident. All men and women created by you know, you know the thing."
The former president's speech patterns and verbal missteps were frequently scrutinized during his presidency, with critics pointing to such moments as evidence of cognitive decline – an allegation Biden has consistently denied.
Biden's Memorial Day appearance comes less than two weeks after his personal office publicly disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis. The statement released on May 18 detailed that Biden was diagnosed on May 16 after being evaluated for increasing urinary symptoms.
The former president's cancer was characterized as having a Gleason score of 9 with metastasis to the bone, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease. However, his office noted that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which "allows for effective management."
The timing of the health announcement came just two days before the publication of a book titled "Original Sin," which reportedly covers Biden's physical and mental decline during his presidency and alleged efforts to conceal it from the public.
Since leaving office, Biden has maintained a relatively low public profile. His Memorial Day speech represents one of just a few major public appearances in recent months.
Prior to the Delaware event, the former president had delivered one major speech focused on Social Security and participated in interviews with "The View" and BBC since concluding his presidency.
During his May 8 appearance on "The View," Biden directly challenged reports about his cognitive abilities, rejecting claims that he experienced mental decline while serving as president. The Memorial Day event provided an opportunity for Biden to connect with supporters while honoring fallen service members, including his late son Beau, who served in Iraq before his death ten years ago.
Former President Biden used the Memorial Day platform to acknowledge the painful anniversary of his son's passing. The event offered a moment of personal reflection amid the collective remembrance of fallen military personnel.
"This day is the 10th anniversary of the loss of my son Beau, who spent a year in Iraq. And to be honest, it's a hard day," Biden told attendees. He added, "Being with all of you quite frankly makes things a little bit easier, it really does. So thank you for allowing me to grieve with you."
Biden's appearance at the Memorial Day event came shortly after his cancer diagnosis became public knowledge. The former president faces significant health challenges as he navigates treatment options for his aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Former ESPN and Fox Sports star John Brenkus, known for creating and hosting the Emmy award-winning "Sport Science" show, has died following a struggle with depression. The respected sports media personality was just 54 years old.
According to the Daily Mail, Brenkus passed away on May 31, 2025, with his family announcing the news on Sunday night. The announcement revealed that Brenkus had been battling depression for some time before his death.
In a statement, his family said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of Base Productions, Founder of Brinx.TV, and co-creator and host of the six-time Emmy award-winning 'Science,' had been battling depression."
Brenkus made his mark in the sports entertainment world as the creator and host of "Sport Science," a program that combined scientific analysis with athletic performance. The innovative show earned him and his team multiple Emmy awards during its run on both ESPN and Fox Sports Net.
Beyond television, Brenkus established himself as an accomplished author. In 2010, he published "The Perfection Point: Sport Science Predicts the Fastest Man, the Highest Jump, and the Limits of Athletic Performance," which became a best-seller among sports enthusiasts and science buffs alike.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Base Productions and later establish Brinx.TV, a streaming platform where he continued to explore the intersection of sports, science, and entertainment. Former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley was his partner on the Brinx.TV venture.
In a revealing January 2023 interview with Marcellus Wiley, Brenkus opened up about his serious mental health challenges. The conversation provided insight into the depth of his struggle with depression, which ultimately claimed his life.
"I fell into a very deep depression," Brenkus disclosed during the interview. "I spiraled into a deep, deep depression and I was flat-out suicidal." In that same conversation, he credited his dog with saving his life during one of his darkest moments.
Brenkus had explained how his pet prompted a crucial moment of clarity: "He came to my rescue... and in my suicidal funk, I was like: 'What am I doing?' I literally picked up my phone, called my mom and said: 'There's something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.'" Following this realization, Brenkus described seeking professional help from multiple psychologists and psychiatrists.
News of Brenkus's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the sports world, with many former colleagues and athletes expressing their shock and sadness at his passing.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III was among those who paid tribute on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). "Prayers up for John Brenkus and his family," Griffin wrote. "The man who gave us the Emmy Winning Sports Science lost his battle with depression."
Marcellus Wiley, Brenkus's colleague and friend, shared a simple but poignant message online, writing "RIP John Brenkus" accompanied by a prayer emoji. The brevity of his post reflected the raw emotion felt by many who worked with the sports science pioneer.
John Brenkus leaves behind a significant legacy in sports media, having revolutionized how audiences understand athletic performance through scientific analysis. His work on "Sport Science" changed the way fans appreciate the physical feats of professional athletes.
In their statement announcing his death, Brenkus's family encouraged "anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help." This call to action serves as a reminder of the seriousness of mental health issues and the importance of reaching out when in crisis.
The six-time Emmy winner's passing at just 54 years old highlights the devastating impact depression can have, even on those who have achieved remarkable professional success. His family has requested privacy as they mourn his loss, while his legacy in sports broadcasting continues to influence the industry.
President Donald Trump has sparked a media frenzy by reposting a theory on his Truth Social account that former President Joe Biden was replaced by a clone after allegedly dying in 2020.
This unexpected online post, which was initially shared by a user named llijh, generated a storm of reactions across social media platforms, with some expressing disbelief and others scrutinizing the implications for President Biden's health, as the Daily Mail reports.
The origin of this sensational claim comes from an individual asserting that former President Biden had been "executed" in 2020 and subsequently substituted by a "robotic engineered" double. Trump, known for his provocative social media presence, shared this theory without adding his commentary, significantly amplifying its reach and stirring a torrent of responses online.
Reactions to Trump's sharing of this theory have been varied, capturing a spectrum of social media commentary. Many were shocked and critical of this action, questioning the former president's motives in giving credence to such a speculative claim. On the other hand, some used this moment to reiterate their longstanding skepticism toward Biden's presidency, including a few who claimed prior to 2020 that Biden had been "gone" and replaced at some point during his campaign.
This is not the first time Trump has been linked with conspiracy theories. Throughout his political career, he has been at the center of several controversies, including perpetuating the narrative concerning Barack Obama's birthplace. Additionally, Trump's assertions about supposed election fraud in 2020 and allegations involving Ted Cruz's father and the JFK assassination have remained focal points in his controversial legacy.
Recent developments regarding Biden's health have added another layer to the public's interest in these unfounded allegations. Earlier revelations around Biden's aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis sparked concern and raised questions about his ability to navigate the demanding role of the presidency effectively.
Compounding these health concerns is a recent publication titled Original Sin, which has provoked further debate by addressing worries over Biden's cognitive abilities in office. These disclosures have fueled the public dialogue as people weigh the potential implications on current and future political landscapes.
The reemergence of Biden's health in the public discourse was also influenced by his recent presidential campaign decisions. Following what many described as a lackluster performance in a critical debate, Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. This unexpected move cleared the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to pursue the nomination, although ultimately, she was unsuccessful against Trump.
As the 2024 election concluded with Trump's victory, the political milieu continues to embolden opinions and conspiracy theories surrounding Biden's presidency. These theories shape how some view current political reality, impacting both online discourse and political narratives.
Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in the proliferation of the clone theory, with users debating, mocking, and at times endorsing the claims Trump propagated. Despite the baseless nature of the conspiracy, the quick spread underscores the potent influence social media has in shaping political conversations.
Comments in response to Trump's post varied widely, with some commentators expressing surprise over Trump's choice to amplify such a theory. One commenter remarked on their incredulity at seeing Trump engage with the post, whereas others recalled Trump's previous conspiracy-driven narratives and saw this behavior as a continuation of those tendencies.
For some, this episode reinforces their perception of Trump as a political figure willing to embrace and promote controversial ideas without faithfully evaluating their veracity. Others interpret it as a strategic maneuver to destabilize public confidence in President Biden, continuing the partisan positions that have characterized American politics in recent years.
Social media conversations are indicative of the deep divides that persist in political affinity and belief systems among the public. While some move entirely to dismiss such claims, others see them as validation of their skepticism towards mainstream political figures and narratives.
Controversy surrounded California's recent state track and field championship as a transgender athlete claimed top honors in the girls' events, igniting a national debate.
The California Interscholastic Federation permitted AB Hernandez to compete in girls' events, despite President Donald Trump's warnings against such participation in female sports. The decision led to protests and an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into California's conduct, as Fox News reports.
The debate commenced when Hernandez, a transgender student athlete, competed in high-profile events at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Clovis on Saturday. The competition witnessed Hernandez winning first place in the high jump and triple jump categories. Additionally, Hernandez secured second place in the high jump, trailing behind competitor Loren Webster of Woodrow Wilson High School.
Despite federal warnings, California's decision to allow Hernandez's participation was fiercely defended by the California Interscholastic Federation, which adjusted its rules to award medals based on standings among female-only competitors. Trump had previously cautioned California, warning against transgender participation in girls' sports and threatening to withdraw funding from the state.
Compounding the controversy, the U.S. Department of Justice is scrutinizing California's actions to assess compliance with federal regulations. The Department of Education is also conducting its inquiry to understand the state's handling of transgender athlete participation in school sports.
The championship event was marred by protests from various groups, with demonstrators advocating for both LGBTQ rights and female athletes' rights. Tensions escalated into a sudden act of violence when LGBTQ protester Ethan Kroll allegedly assaulted conservative activist Josh Fulfer, resulting in Kroll's subsequent arrest.
Adding to the dramatic atmosphere, aerial demonstrations took place at the stadium, with a plane showcasing a provocative banner that read, "No Boys in Girls' Sports!" Participants on-site also experienced encounters with security personnel. For instance, Sophia Lorey was escorted out after distributing "Save Girls' Sports" wristbands and fliers, prompting further controversy.
Gov. Gavin Newsom faced significant criticism for his stance in support of eligibility for transgender athletes, though he acknowledged concerns about fairness in competition. During a recent podcast, Newsom remarked that allowing male competitors in female sports was fundamentally unjust.
The issue of transgender athlete participation extends beyond California's borders, as similar debates occurred in other states, including Maine, Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota, over the weekend. Each state grappled with the complexities and emotions surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls' sports.
Trump's attempt to mandate exclusive gender-based sports participation came in the form of the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order, which he signed on Feb. 5. This executive order aimed to limit eligibility strictly, yet several Democratic states, including California, defied its stipulations and continued to recognize transgender athletes.
Reacting to the events in Clovis, Clovis Police Sergeant Chris Hutchison emphasized the department's responsibility to maintain peace while respecting individuals' constitutional rights. "Our stance is always to allow people to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and protest. They have a right to do it in a manner that isn't inciting violence or causing other problems," Hutchison noted, firmly condemning any violent actions.
Participants at the event conveyed mixed emotions, with some expressing concerns about the enforcement of rules regarding the distribution of materials. Sophia Lorey recounted her experience, stating, "We handed out half-page fliers at the prelims event and we were not told anything that we couldn't do that."
Despite the contentious atmosphere, the California championship concluded with a renewed focus on addressing the broader implications of transgender athlete participation. As the national debate intensifies, stakeholders continue to navigate the challenging terrain of balancing inclusivity, fairness, and compliance with federal legislation.