More than 30 government scientists abruptly left a town hall meeting Tuesday after newly appointed NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya suggested the agency may have played a part in creating the COVID-19 pandemic, Daily Mail reported.
During his first official address at the National Institutes of Health, Bhattacharya made controversial claims about the origins of the coronavirus and the agency’s past research funding, igniting immediate backlash amid existing tension over budget cuts and layoffs.
The town hall event was held at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, at around 1 p.m., marking Bhattacharya’s first major appearance since being appointed as director by former President Donald Trump. Audience members included NIH staff and researchers, many of whom expressed concern over ongoing administrative changes.
Bhattacharya, known for his opposition to pandemic lockdowns and prior involvement in the Great Barrington Declaration, was quickly challenged by attendees over steep funding reductions under his leadership. He defended the decisions, calling the cuts necessary and criticizing certain projects supported by the NIH, particularly those he described as lacking scientific merit and rooted in political ideology.
The event took a sharp turn when Bhattacharya commented on the origins of COVID-19, saying it was plausible that “research conducted by human beings” could have caused the outbreak, and that the NIH may have “partly sponsored” such work. This reference was widely interpreted as pointing to previous NIH-funded experiments in China.
The NIH had financially supported virus manipulation projects at the Wuhan Institute of Virology before the pandemic’s outbreak. U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI, have pointed to a possible lab leak from Wuhan as the likely origin of the coronavirus.
Immediately following Bhattacharya’s remarks, more than 30 scientists in the audience stood and exited the room in protest. As they left, Bhattacharya responded by saying, “It’s nice to have free speech. You’re welcome, you guys.”
After the walkout, Bhattacharya continued to address the remaining crowd, stating that if it turned out the NIH had funded research that led to the pandemic, it was critical to ensure that similar experiments did not occur again. He emphasized the need to avoid any studies that might pose a public health threat.
He added that many Americans believe the virus stemmed from laboratory research, and he himself was persuaded by mounting scientific evidence supporting that possibility. Notably, in May 2022, he had distanced himself from the lab leak theory, but his recent comments suggest a shift in his stance.
The walkout came amidst broader unrest at the NIH, where up to $2.7 billion in cuts are being implemented under the Trump administration’s policy direction. These reductions are projected to result in more than 1,200 staff layoffs, according to a report by Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Bhattacharya also took aim at specific types of NIH-funded research, criticizing topics such as studies into structural racism. He suggested that work in this area did not contribute to public health and instead damaged scientific integrity and public trust.
He argued that research that aligns too closely with political ideology could undermine the mission of the NIH. This line of reasoning received sharp criticism from many within the scientific community, who view such studies as critical to addressing long-term health disparities.
In discussing the agency’s future, Bhattacharya identified five core priorities he intends to pursue: tackling chronic illnesses, protecting academic freedom, improving research reproducibility, promoting innovative science, and committing to transparency.
The director’s comments on COVID-19 origins contrast with earlier statements he made. In a 2022 post on X, previously known as Twitter, he questioned the lab leak theory, saying, “Who says I believe it was a lab leak? I still don't.” Now, citing increasing volumes of evidence, Bhattacharya appears more open to the theory that lab experiments may have played a role in spreading the virus.
During the pandemic, Bhattacharya drew national attention for supporting targeted public health strategies rather than broad lockdowns. His views were sharply criticized by many leading health officials, including former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins, who privately referred to Bhattacharya as a “fringe epidemiologist” in 2021 emails.
The media landscape at CBS News faces significant upheaval as CEO Wendy McMahon's unexpected departure sends shockwaves through the network's newsroom.
According to Fox News, McMahon announced her resignation on Monday, citing disagreements with Paramount Global over the network's direction, particularly as speculation mounts regarding a potential settlement in President Donald Trump's $20 billion lawsuit against the company.
The timing of McMahon's exit proves particularly significant, coming mere hours after she participated in the network's regular editorial call, where she gave no indication of her impending departure. Her resignation follows closely on the heels of "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens' recent departure, who left citing concerns over maintaining editorial independence.
McMahon's departure message to staff highlighted the growing tensions within CBS News' parent company. In her memo, she acknowledged the challenging nature of recent months while expressing gratitude for her tenure, stating, "It has been one of the most meaningful chapters in my career. Leading this extraordinary organization has been the honor of a lifetime because I got to work alongside all of you."
CBS News insiders reveal that McMahon's exit didn't come as a complete surprise to many staffers, who had been following industry gossip about potential leadership changes. One CBS staffer noted, "We all read the gossip articles. We knew this was coming."
The network's journalists have particularly praised McMahon's unwavering support of their work, with veteran "60 Minutes" producers expressing concern about the future direction of CBS News' editorial independence.
The backdrop to McMahon's resignation involves President Trump's massive lawsuit against CBS News and Paramount Global, which alleges election interference during the 2024 presidential race. The legal battle centers on the controversial editing of Vice President Kamala Harris's interview on "60 Minutes" last October.
The editing controversy erupted when different versions of Harris's response to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in separate broadcasts. The preview clip on "Face the Nation" showed Harris delivering what critics called a "word salad" answer, while the primetime special featured a more polished response.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr's involvement escalated the situation when he demanded CBS News release the unedited transcript of the Harris interview following complaints about potential violations of the FCC's "news distortion" policy.
Paramount Global's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, reportedly seeks to settle the Trump lawsuit to facilitate a planned merger with Skydance Media. Sources suggest Redstone's concerns about potential regulatory obstacles from Trump's FCC are driving this strategy.
Internal tensions have risen as Redstone allegedly attempted to monitor upcoming "60 Minutes" segments involving Trump and urged executives to delay sensitive reporting until after the merger's completion. These actions reportedly contributed to Bill Owens' departure from the network.
Scott Pelley, "60 Minutes" correspondent, appeared to address these pressures during his Wake Forest University commencement speech on Monday, suggesting that powerful interests often attempt to intimidate truth-seekers through legal action.
The convergence of McMahon's departure, ongoing lawsuit negotiations, and mounting pressure on editorial independence raises significant questions about CBS News' future direction. Veteran journalists within the organization express growing concern about maintaining journalistic integrity amid corporate pressures.
One "60 Minutes" producer captured the sentiment among staff members, stating, "This is so unfortunate. It seems that to actively pledge adherence to journalistic integrity and independence means you no longer have a home within CBS News leadership. I don't think [it] bodes well."
Wendy McMahon's sudden exit from CBS News marks a critical turning point for the network as it grapples with President Trump's lawsuit and potential corporate restructuring. The resignation, coupled with Bill Owens' earlier departure, has created uncertainty about the network's ability to maintain editorial independence amid pressure from parent company Paramount Global. The network now faces the dual challenge of maintaining its journalistic standards while navigating complex corporate interests, particularly as speculation grows about an imminent settlement with Trump and the pending Skydance Media merger.
The FBI is officially leaving its iconic J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., citing concerns about the safety of its workforce.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the agency will relocate staff away from the capital region, although a new headquarters location has not yet been announced, as the Daily Caller reports.
In a clip airing Friday on Fox Business, Patel unexpectedly announced the federal law enforcement agency will be leaving its longtime base at the J. Edgar Hoover Building. The clip came from an interview with host Maria Bartiromo, with the full segment scheduled for release on Sunday.
Patel described the current headquarters as unfit for FBI personnel, calling it unsafe. He emphasized that employees of the FBI should expect a workplace that reflects the prestige of serving in what he referred to as the world’s premier law enforcement agency. “This FBI is leaving the Hoover building,” Patel said during the interview. “This building is unsafe for our workforce.”
Following Patel’s announcement, Deputy Director Dan Bongino responded by saying, “You just gave up a big nugget there! -- expressing surprise at the seriousness of the statement. The announcement had not been prepared in advance, suggesting it was a candid revelation by the newly appointed FBI chief.
Patel expanded on the motivation behind the move. He noted that the current facility falls short of representing an institution of the FBI’s scale and importance. “If you are going to come work at the premier law enforcement agency in the world,” he said, “we are going to give you a building that is commensurate with that -- and that is not this place.”
The FBI has operated from the J. Edgar Hoover Building since 1974. It was named after the agency’s first director, and President Richard Nixon officially dedicated the site just two days following Hoover’s death in 1972.
No new facility has been identified yet to replace the current headquarters. However, Patel confirmed that various FBI employees currently based in Washington, D.C., will be reassigned to offices across the country. “Look, the FBI is 38,000 when we are fully manned, which we are not,” Patel said, referring to the agency’s staffing levels. He said the D.C. metropolitan area, defined as within 50 miles of the capital, currently houses 11,000 FBI workers. He argued that having this many personnel stationed in one place does not reflect the true geographic spread of criminal activity across the nation.
As part of the agency’s new direction, Patel announced that at least 1,500 of those employees will be relocated to other areas. He did not offer a projected timeline for these reassignments but indicated that change was already underway.
Patel’s views on decentralizing the FBI are not new. In a 2024 interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, he expressed his intent to close the current D.C. facility and transform it into what he called a “museum of the ‘deep state.’” He also floated a more aggressive reorganization during that appearance. “I’d take the 7,000 employees who work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals,” he said at the time. While that figure differs from the current plan, it aligns with a broader desire to redistribute FBI personnel throughout the country.
During the Fox Business interview, Patel did not elaborate on whether those earlier ideas specifically influenced the latest decision. Still, his comments signal that a nationwide restructuring of the FBI's presence remains a priority.
The J. Edgar Hoover Building has not undergone a full-scale renovation in decades. Numerous reports over the years have described the aging structure as inefficient and in need of major upgrades.
While no specific building defects were cited during Patel’s announcement, the use of the term “unsafe” suggests internal reviews may have identified issues that hinder daily operations or create potential hazards for employees. There were no immediate reactions from congressional leaders or local D.C. officials regarding the announcement. The full interview, expected to air Sunday, may provide added details about the rationale and future plans.
For now, the lack of a confirmed new headquarters keeps several logistical questions unresolved, including where the core administrative operations will reside. Patel provided assurance that the agency remains committed to its mission while working through the transition. It is also unclear whether the move will involve only staff from the central office or include changes to other federal law enforcement facilities currently located in or near the capital.
As the relocation plan develops, this marks one of the most significant shifts in the physical structure of the FBI in over 50 years. Future updates are expected as leadership identifies next steps and a permanent site for the bureau’s base of operations.
The Internal Revenue Service has made an unexpected change in its leadership, quietly removing Jodie Reynolds from her role as chief spokeswoman without any formal announcement.
Reynolds' removal after 27 years of service follows scrutiny over her criminal history and outspoken political stance, highlighting internal controversy and public debates concerning her conduct, as the Daily Caller reports.
The longtime official began her career with the IRS in 1998. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, and by 2023, she assumed leadership of the communications office. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over her lengthy tenure.
The IRS did not publicize or explain Reynolds’ removal from her position. This became apparent when her name was quietly taken off the organizational chart, which prompted investigative interest from the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).
Reynolds' past includes a 2015 arrest in Knightstown, Indiana, for driving under the influence of alcohol. At the time, she informed officers that she had consumed five beers and initially refused a breathalyzer test. A subsequent blood test confirmed that her blood alcohol concentration was above the legal limit.
Despite pleading guilty, Reynolds escaped a formal conviction by serving a year on probation. Her prior history also includes five traffic violations dating back to the 1990s, which once resulted in a suspended driver’s license due to an unpaid fine.
Following inquiries into her employment status, Reynolds deleted her social media profiles and abstained from addressing questions. Her account is also noted for a history of left-leaning political opinions that were critical of the Trump administration's policies.
Reynolds’ high-profile role was criticized by Tom Jones, president of the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), who described her as emblematic of deeper issues within the IRS. Jones’ critique added pressure to the agency, suggesting a disconnect between her personal actions and managerial decisions regarding employment consequences.
"They retained her after a serious incident while Americans face severe penalties for minor errors," said Jones, specifically highlighting the disparity in treatment. He further expressed concerns over the potential outcomes of her actions, suggesting it could have resulted in more tragic consequences.
Court records reveal that at the time of her 2015 arrest, Reynolds exhibited argumentative behavior and mood swings, according to an Indiana state trooper. The officer's affidavit mentions that Reynolds refused further chemical testing without a lawyer. Adding to the complexity is Reynolds’ career requirement to travel frequently to Washington, D.C., as noted in a legal motion by her attorney. Despite such obligations, her conduct reportedly clashed with professional expectations and policies.
In February, the IRS initiated staff layoffs affecting various departments, including tax auditors and IT executives. These changes coincided with increased scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency, suggesting a climate of reform within the agency.
Tensions within and outside the IRS are further illustrated by Reynolds’ digital activity. She once shared a saying from a Black Lives Matter figure that hinted at dissatisfaction with capitalist systems. This statement, along with others, became part of the broader discourse around her political perspective and the agency's impartiality.
As the IRS embarks on its internal re-evaluation, the unexpected transition in its communications office reflects growing scrutiny over individual conduct and governance within federal institutions. The internal shifts underscore the broader challenges in maintaining public trust while adhering to administrative standards.
President Donald Trump's popularity among millennial voters has seen a remarkable shift in recent months, marking a significant change in the demographic's political leanings.
According to the Washington Examiner, a recent YouGov/Economist survey reveals Trump's favorability among voters aged 30-44 has increased by 10 percentage points from April to May 2025, reaching 48% approval.
The surge in millennial support represents the most substantial monthly increase across all demographic groups in the poll. This dramatic shift comes at a crucial time when millennials constitute the largest voting bloc in the electorate, potentially reshaping the political landscape for future elections.
President Trump's "America First" agenda initially faced resistance from younger voters during the early months of 2025. His administration's sweeping global tariffs, controversial deportation policies, and extensive restructuring of federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency created significant upheaval. These bold moves initially resulted in declining approval ratings, particularly concerning immigration and economic policies.
Recent diplomatic victories have helped turn the tide in Trump's favor. Successfully negotiating new trade agreements with China and the United Kingdom has resolved long-standing tariff disputes. These achievements have contributed to the president's growing appeal among younger voters who previously expressed skepticism about his economic policies. The administration's ability to deliver tangible results has seemingly validated Trump's aggressive negotiating stance on international trade.
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic decline in millennial backing for Democratic policies and candidates. This shift represents a stark contrast to the Obama era when young voters consistently provided strong support for Democratic initiatives.
Pollster Jeremy Zogby's February surveys highlighted this significant transformation in millennial voting patterns. His research revealed that the same demographic cohort that strongly supported former President Barack Obama through two terms has now largely shifted their allegiance to Trump. The demographic's evolving priorities and values appear increasingly aligned with Trump's policy approaches.
Trump's rising popularity extends beyond just millennial voters. The 2024 election demonstrated his growing appeal among traditionally Democratic-leaning demographics, including significant gains within the Black community and working-class voters.
This broad-based support suggests Trump's message resonates across various demographic boundaries. His ability to attract voters from different backgrounds indicates a possible realignment of traditional political affiliations. The president's success in building these diverse coalitions challenges conventional political wisdom about demographic voting patterns.
The YouGov/Economist survey, conducted between Friday and Monday, gathered responses from 1,786 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. These findings provide crucial insights into evolving voter preferences as the country navigates significant policy changes.
The 10-point jump in millennial approval ratings stands out as particularly significant given the traditionally left-leaning tendencies of younger voters. This dramatic shift suggests a possible long-term transformation in American political alignments. These polling results may indicate broader changes in how different age groups respond to various policy initiatives and leadership styles.
President Trump's recent surge in popularity among millennial voters represents a significant shift in American political dynamics. The 10-point increase in approval ratings among voters aged 30-44 demonstrates growing support for his policy initiatives and leadership approach.
This transformation in millennial voting patterns, combined with Trump's success in attracting support from traditionally Democratic-leaning demographics, suggests a potentially lasting change in American political alignments. The president's ability to resolve international trade disputes and implement domestic policy changes appears to resonate strongly with younger voters who previously supported Democratic candidates.
CNN anchor Erin Burnett interrupted regular programming to deliver breaking news about President Donald Trump's controversial acceptance of an extravagant aircraft from Qatar officials.
According to The Mirror US, the CNN host strongly criticized Trump's decision to accept a $400 million aircraft dubbed "The Palace in the Sky" during his diplomatic visit to the Middle East.
The luxurious aircraft gift has sparked intense debate about ethical concerns and potential conflicts of interest. Trump defended his acceptance of the aircraft, expressing gratitude to Qatar officials and dismissing suggestions that refusing such an expensive gift would have been foolish.
CNN's Burnett drew parallels between this gift and a similar aircraft previously given to Turkey's president in 2018. The revelation highlighted a pattern in Qatar's diplomatic approach using extravagant gifts to strengthen international relations.
Trump's acceptance speech reflected his characteristic directness about the situation. He maintained that rejecting such a valuable gift would have been unnecessary and counterproductive to diplomatic relations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president's decision, emphasizing Trump's commitment to American interests. She strongly denied any possibility of Qatar expecting favors in return for the aircraft.
The aircraft controversy emerged during Trump's broader Middle East diplomatic tour. His visit has already yielded significant outcomes, including a substantial $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.
The president announced plans to lift all sanctions against Syria, expressing optimism about the country's future potential. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the region. Trump's diplomatic schedule includes planned visits to Qatar and the UAE following his meetings in Saudi Arabia. These stops are expected to further strengthen U.S. ties with key Middle East allies.
Burnett delivered a scathing critique of the gift acceptance on her broadcast. She expressed particular concern about the precedent this sets for presidential conduct and diplomatic relations.
The CNN host emphasized the ethical implications of a sitting president accepting such an expensive gift. She specifically questioned the role of Trump's inner circle in advising him on such matters.
Trump's team member Karoline Leavitt stated:
Absolutely not, because they know President Trump and they know he only works with the interests of the American public in mind.
President Donald Trump's acceptance of Qatar's $400 million aircraft gift has created significant controversy during his Middle East diplomatic tour. The CNN broadcast interruption by Erin Burnett highlighted serious concerns about the ethical implications of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government.
The situation continues to develop as Trump proceeds with his Middle East tour, which includes stops in Qatar and the UAE. The gift acceptance has sparked debate about diplomatic gift-giving practices and their potential influence on international relations, while Trump's team maintains that the acceptance serves American interests.
A senior staff member working for Representative Sara Jacobs fell victim to a violent carjacking incident in Washington D.C.'s Navy Yard neighborhood.
According to Fox News, the incident occurred on Friday afternoon in a Harris Teeter parking lot, where suspects stole government-issued devices, including an iPhone, MacBook, ID, and Capitol parking pass, all of which were immediately wiped, as confirmed by Jacobs' office.
The Metropolitan Police Department has made progress in the case, arresting two juvenile suspects - a 15-year-old male from Washington and a 14-year-old male from Maryland. The victim's car and a firearm were recovered on Saturday, though authorities continue their search for two additional suspects captured by surveillance cameras during the incident.
The Navy Yard neighborhood, located south of the U.S. Capitol, has transformed into a bustling urban center attracting congressional staffers and young professionals. Despite its development, the area has faced increasing scrutiny over safety concerns.
The carjacking incident began around 12:08 p.m. when the suspects confronted the victim as they left their vehicle. After the staffer initially refused to surrender their keys, one suspect displayed a handgun, forcing compliance before fleeing in the stolen vehicle.
This incident adds to a pattern of concerning criminal activity in the area. Just last month, a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority police officer was stabbed in the face at the Navy Yard Metro Station, an attack witnessed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was en route to a transit safety event.
President Donald Trump has addressed the rising crime rates in Washington D.C., making it a focal point of his administration's domestic policy agenda since returning to office in January 2025.
Speaking at the Department of Justice, Trump emphasized his commitment to addressing the capital's crime problems.
Trump stated:
We're cleaning up our city. We're cleaning up this great capital. And we're not going to have crime, and we're not going to stand for crime.
The Metropolitan Police Department has moved swiftly in their investigation, recovering crucial evidence and making two arrests within 24 hours of the incident. The 15-year-old suspect faces armed carjacking charges, while the 14-year-old has been charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Police continue their investigation with a particular focus on identifying and apprehending the two remaining suspects shown in surveillance footage. The recovered firearm and vehicle are being processed for additional evidence.
The quick response by law enforcement demonstrates their commitment to addressing violent crime in the area, particularly given the victim's connection to Congress and the theft of government property.
A senior staffer from Representative Sara Jacobs' office experienced a violent carjacking at Washington D.C.'s Navy Yard on Friday afternoon, resulting in the theft of multiple government-issued devices and personal belongings. The incident has highlighted ongoing safety concerns in the popular neighborhood, prompting increased attention from law enforcement and the Trump administration. While two juvenile suspects have been apprehended and some stolen items recovered, police continue their search for two additional suspects as they work to address rising crime rates in the nation's capital.