In light of ongoing turbulence in politics, particularly under the Trump administration, one cannot help but ponder the integrity of those in leadership positions. The evident corruption and erratic behavior raise the critical question: ‘Are there any rational players in power today?’
Let’s begin with the rampant corruption, as it is an evident pattern that has repeatedly benefited Trump.
The Intersection of Truth and Market Manipulation
I would prefer to avoid diving too deeply into the mundane aspects of today’s political theatrics, a narrative we have seen unfold repeatedly with Trump. However, considerable blogging experience dictates that I must share the essential facts.
Despite the absurdity, this strategy continues to yield results for Mr. Market.
Often, Trump stirs the pot on Truth Social with claims of impending peace, which sets off a chain reaction in trading. This time, Axios reporter Barak Ravid took the lead with an article titled “Exclusive: U.S. and Iran closing in on one-page memo to end war, officials say” (archived).
I won’t cite Ravid’s misleading assertions, as they should refute themselves. Instead, let’s observe the impact it had on the markets earlier today:
BREAKING: According to our analysis, ~$920 million worth of crude oil shorts were taken 70 minutes before an Axios report claimed the US and Iran were near a “14-point” deal to end the war.
At 3:40 AM ET today, nearly 10,000 contracts worth of crude oil shorts were taken without… pic.twitter.com/SZafvnZHHG
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) May 6, 2026
Oil Price maintained a live blog detailing the swift decay of Axios’ reporting, reviewing previous incidents, although it overlooked the implications of apparent insider trading:
7:01 am ET: Oil prices reacted sharply to the news. Brent crude plummeted 10% to $98 a barrel, while WTI fell 12% to $89.
Just minutes later, they shared a quote from Trump’s Truth Social account, endorsing Ravid’s narrative while issuing veiled threats with the amusing phrase, “already legendary”:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) May 6, 2026
Returning to Oil Price’s Michael Kern, he posted a follow-up indicating that he had prepared it ahead of time, summarizing only a few instances of this recurring scenario; readers are encouraged to explore the full article:
Iran ‘Almost’ Made Deals with the U.S. Six Times.
After the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, Brent crude was trading at about $72 a barrel. In a matter of weeks, it soared to nearly $120. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and negotiations stagnant, prices have fluctuated dramatically with each headline, leaving traders increasingly disillusioned.
Here’s how events unfolded:
February 28: War Begins
The US and Israeli strikes kill Supreme Leader Khamenei and dismantle Iran’s military infrastructure. Iran retaliates by closing the Strait of Hormuz. Brent saw a 51% surge in March alone, marking one of the largest monthly price increases in history, with the IEA declaring it “the biggest energy security threat in history.”
Early April: The First ‘Deal’
On April 1, Trump claims Iran requested a ceasefire, which Iran vehemently denies.
…
May 5-6: Project Freedom, Then a Delay
…
Current Situation
The pattern is clear: a headline indicating a potential breakthrough triggers a sharp sell-off in oil, followed by a return to previous prices as the details collapse. This cycle has repeated itself over half a dozen times since February. The only relevant question now is whether the current one-page memo leads to a tangible resolution or becomes yet another failed promise.
Thirty minutes later, Trump tells The New York Post, “it’s ‘too soon’ to prepare for Iran peace signing.”
The rug pull stings!
Witnessing Mr. Market fall for this ongoing charade repeatedly resembles watching a child observe a parent gamble away their home on a rigged card game throughout their youth.
If you’re among the fortunate, dad manages to miraculously win these seemingly irrational bets in a fixed casino:
BREAKING: Several whistleblowers allege that Axios collaborated with market insiders, leaking CME order information via phone calls up to 30 minutes before venue opening and closing prints. Crude oil short positions were also established just before today’s Axios report on a “US-Iran deal” and “14-point deal,” profiting significantly as oil dropped sharply on the news.
— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) May 6, 2026
Enough detailing this sordid daily circus; let’s consider some overarching trends.
Patterns Indicating Corruption
Isaac Saul at Tangle put forth a commendable attempt to record the evidence for a comprehensive theory of Trumpian corruption last week.
Here are a few notable points:
In April, The New York Times revealed that President Donald Trump’s daughter and son-in-law were negotiating a luxury hotel with Syrian billionaires, who were simultaneously lobbying Trump to lift economic sanctions against their country. Let me reiterate that: President Trump’s children are seeking a luxury hotel deal with Syrian billionaires while concurrently asking the president to dismantle sanctions affecting their nation.
Unexplainably, this story lacks the punch of a narrative suggesting, “According to The New York Times, Hunter Biden is negotiating a Biden-branded luxury hotel with Syrian billionaires; those billionaires are also lobbying President Joe Biden to lift economic sanctions on their country.” Yet, the situation we are living through now, where Trump’s family is enriching themselves while the U.S. grants favors in return, seemingly garners little public attention.
After referencing his extensive research into Hunter Biden’s previous scandals and expressing his dismay at the discrepancy in coverage between the Trump and Biden families, Saul made the inevitable comparison:
I’m disheartened to observe right-wing writers, Trump supporters, and GOP officials who encouraged my investigations into possible Biden corruption now turning a blind eye to the much larger alleged corruption incidents occurring now.
…After reviewing the evidence from the first 15 months of President Trump’s second term, I believe the president is benefiting personally from his office and making foreign policy adjustments based on business interests to a level we have never witnessed before, and apparently, there is no accountability for these actions.
Insufficient information exists to make unequivocal claims because the Republicans in Congress have shown unwavering loyalty to Trump in every conceivable way. There is no oversight, no accountability, no inclination to question these actions within the majority party. Many federal watchdogs responsible for investigating fraud and corruption have been dismantled during the Trump administration, making scrutiny of its actions nearly nonexistent.
What we are left with, instead of indictments or investigations, is a small collection of commendable reporting from journalists, the odd leak from the administration, a few right-wing commentators brave enough to speak the truth, and numerous “Occam’s razor” inquiries such as, “Which is more plausible: that the individual who made a massive financial bet on oil prices 20 minutes before Trump announced a ceasefire knew about it beforehand, or simply got extraordinarily lucky?”
Saul elaborates on the major tricks and self-serving maneuvers orchestrated by the Trump family during his second administration, and I highly encourage readers to explore the full article, take handwritten notes, and create a physical board connecting key individuals with threads.
If I may apply Occam’s razor myself, it seems apparent that the scale of self-dealing suggests Trump’s primary motivation in his actions is immediate personal profit.
Therefore, if his actions advance grand imperial strategies as Richard Medhurst and Brian Berletic have compellingly detailed, it implies he is being manipulated to act in ways that serve not only his interests but also those of the broader empire.
How Fox News Neocon Influencers Impact Trump’s Perspective
Semafor has documented the dynamics at play:
Donald Trump has increasingly turned to a former speechwriter for Bush, Marc Thiessen, who is best known for defending the controversial aspects of Bush’s foreign policy, including the Iraq War and CIA torture.
This shift signifies a departure from influential voices like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson, who applauded his withdrawal efforts from international conflicts. Trump has frustrated some of his anti-interventionist allies by aligning more with pro-war figures like Fox News radio host Mark Levin, whom he defended amid criticism from other conservative media.
Thiessen’s rise to prominence began prior to this year’s conflict with Iran (which he staunchly supports). Last year, Trump invited him to dinner at the White House with their respective spouses. Thiessen has relayed that after one phone call with Trump, the president complimented Thiessen’s wife’s appearance.
Additionally, it’s crucial to note that Thiessen is the same Washington Post columnist who proposed the assassination of members of Iran’s negotiation team.
Let’s delve into the muck of these revelations.
Returning to Semafor, they point out the significant oligarch whose interests are undeniably entwined:
Having a writer in the room who can directly reach the president has reinforced the Washington Post’s opinion section post-new leadership under Jeff Bezos. The paper aims to redefine itself as a centrist, pro-free-market outlet with a friendlier disposition towards Trump.
Internally, some at the Post have expressed skepticism over Thiessen’s columns, suggesting they cater not to a broad readership but rather to one specific reader.
Furthermore, this reflects another characteristic of Trump: the excessive importance he attaches to established media outlets that form a significant part of his informational diet.
According to NBC insiders, the network has profited from Trump’s focus on its flagship political show, Meet The Press. Conversely, Trump’s obsession with 60 Minutes has created challenges for CBS’ parent company, rooted in Trump’s belief that the program holds unique significance.
Thiessen, Levin, and Keane have begun appearing more frequently on Fox News since the onset of the war, knowing that Trump is likely tuning in. He must be pleased that a friendly new opinion section at the Post consistently applauds his foreign policy strategies.
I want to shift gears from Trump to another set of morally compromised figures shaping our current difficult landscape.
Revelations of Reactionary Figures’ Malfeasance
As many are aware, most Zionists do not identify as Jewish or Israeli. The majority are American Protestants, primarily from the southern regions of the U.S..
The alliance between evangelicals, the GOP, and Israel solidified during the Bush years, continues to exert considerable influence over the party and its presidents.
Evangelical Zionists are also Donald Trump’s most loyal supporters.
An intricate money cycle is involved, as highlighted in today’s article from Drop Site News, titled “Prominent Christian Zionist Group Is Lobbying U.S. Lawmakers on Israel—Without Revealing It’s Funded by Israel.”
Focus, however, is warranted on one immensely influential Christian Zionist and his deeply personal motivations that significantly impact one of the most powerful congregations: The Southern Baptist Convention.
Texas Monthly’s Robert Downen narrates this troubling tale, “He Remade the Southern Baptist Convention in His Image. Then Came the Abuse Allegations.” (archived).
Some key takeaways:
Paul Pressler played a pivotal role in merging white evangelicals with the Republican Party, all while facing numerous sexual abuse allegations. Right-wing factions are still employing his political strategies.
My colleagues and I have meticulously chronicled over a hundred articles examining the Southern Baptist Church’s rampant sexual abuse issues, provoking international headlines, unprecedented demands for accountability, and a Department of Justice investigation. Less known is the brutal power struggle that erupted from this situation—an ongoing battle between a new generation of leaders and the SBC’s established guards, leading to the ousting of prominent figures and tilting momentum away from major reforms.
For the past eight years, I have been immersed in Southern Baptist life, witnessing SBC leadership alongside abuse survivors navigating the consequences of the crisis. I’ve interviewed countless SBC members, attended meetings, and reviewed hundreds of thousands of documents within Pressler’s archives. What follows is a saga of one man’s rise, dominance, and ultimate fall, emblematic of an ongoing struggle for control within a vast faith community. More than anything, it’s a tale about power and the lengths people will go to secure it. It also speaks to the aftermath left in their wake.
The article details Pressler’s role as a “clearinghouse for biblical inerrancy,” diligently pushing the SBC to the right over decades.
He was equally relentless as a sexual predator, with the account outlining “four decades’ worth of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations against Pressler.”
Given that Downen has built a commendable journalistic career analyzing sexual abuse within the Southern Baptist Convention, it is clear that Pressler was not an isolated case.
https://t.co/mSj7oAa3xo pic.twitter.com/uw8T5T1WZJ
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) May 6, 2026
This conduct is not unique to any religious institution or any entity at all, but organized predation that is shielded is certainly a characteristic of the Epstein class, linking Southern evangelicals with their counterparts in New York and Tel Aviv.
The Criminal Elite
As Dr. Aaron Good argues, predatory individuals, like former GOP Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, seem favored by the power structures that have normalized unwavering support for Zionism, its wars, and its crimes against humanity within American political norms.
Moreover, Good has further elaborated to suggest that America’s governance is effectively under the dominion of a “nazified” criminal syndicate.
Dr. Aaron Good: The depravity of this class, and their inclination toward exploiting younger individuals, is profoundly troubling. It’s challenging to determine how that fits into their accepted ethical framework.
This raises a fundamental issue, as we are merely bystanders in a system predicated on exploitation and social hierarchy, necessitating a degree of desensitization towards empathy for those whose suffering supports our privileges. This bleak reality of civilization hinges upon hierarchy and exploitation, as the absence of these elements would eliminate the positive aspects of society. Nevertheless, the corrupting nature of power often leads to a disregard for the fundamental humanity of those perceived as inferior within this system, resulting in the upper echelons exhibiting greater levels of degradation and corruption.
As Nick Corbishley pointed out yesterday at NC, the geo-political landscape of the Western Hemisphere is deeply entangled with high-level criminality and Zionist influences:
The most recent revelations regarding the Hondurasgate scandal indicate that Argentina’s Milei is colluding with recently pardoned Honduran narco-president Juan Orlando Hernández, apparently at the behest of the US and Israel to orchestrate propaganda aimed at “eliminating the left” throughout Latin America, targeting nations like Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and the leftist opposition in Honduras—all financed through US and Israeli resources.
While leftist governments are implicated, currently, it appears that the right-wing factions are more likely indulging in their own deceptive practices.
Let’s now examine a troubling figure from the right-wing ecosystem, a prominent influencer who previously played a crucial role in Trump’s rise to power back in 2016.
Dr. Jordan Peterson’s Downfall
The New York Post has uncovered the story surrounding the drug-related struggles of a man who has influenced millions within the manosphere:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner) May 6, 2026
Tammy Peterson reports that her husband, renowned author and podcast sensation Dr. Jordan Peterson, is experiencing a “neurological injury,” which has sidelined him from public life.
Previously a highly regarded clinical psychologist and behavioral influencer, Dr. Peterson has pulled back from his popular YouTube series and podcast, prompting concern among his audience.
His family shared with The Post that he primarily suffers from this “neurological injury,” purportedly stemming from prior use of psychiatric medications.
Peterson had been consuming the benzodiazepine Klonopin during a challenging period in 2019 when Tammy was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Discontinuing the medication led to severe withdrawal symptoms.
As per Tammy, Dr. Peterson developed tardive akathisia—a relentless movement disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge for constant motion, a known side effect of halting dopamine antagonist treatments.
“Healing from the harm caused by psych medications from over six years ago demands time, patience, and compassionate attention,” Tammy, 65, stated.
Through this lens, it is vital to remain cognizant of the dubious personal motivations, deeply held delusions, and potential substance use of those who influence the actions shaping our reality.
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