Tag: Whistleblower

Ep. 295 – 45 Impeached
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 295 - 45 Impeached
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18 December 2019 is a sad day for the Republic of the United States of America. Primarily on partisan lines, Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America has been impeached by the US House of Representatives. Two articles of impeachment were brought forth, the first, Abuse of Power, and the second, Obstruction of Congress. Both articles were affirmed. The next step of the impeachment process will be to move this to the trial phase that will reside in the US Senate. How things will transpire on the Senate side of the Capitol remains to be seen, but in all likelihood, the President will be acquitted. Also recall that Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, has already stated that he is working closely with the White House on how to proceed – so a juror is working with the defendant. So much for process.

The majority of our discussion today was centered on the facts of the case. Not emotion. Not partisanship. Not process. Facts. And the facts have not changed because they are facts. Not opinions. Facts. Recall the fact pattern of actions taken and not taken. Recall the witness testimony. Recall the defense by the Republicans and the President – primarily centered on process, distraction, and finger-pointing at the Democrats. Not focused on the facts. Why? Because the facts as they stand in the case against President Trump are strong. If you have exculpatory evidence Mr. President, release it, so that this country can begin to heal. You have had more than enough time to do so, but you have not. A further indication that you have something to hide. This is a sad day for the United States of America and for so many reasons. And my heart weeps for my country and fellow Americans. May God help us and forgive us. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Impeachment #Truth #Justice #Peace #Politics #Congress #Democrats #Republicans #Constitution #USA #Republic

Ep. 279 – DC + Market Drama
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 279 - DC + Market Drama
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Wrapping up a drama filled week that focused primarily around the impeachment inquiry. However, there are still also some serious questions surrounding the global markets. As the end of 2019 draws near, will investors attempt to lock-in their gains or will they attempt to chase these markets at all time highs? Prudent investors are supposed to buy low and sell high. With markets at all time highs, what do you think the risk-reward profile looks like at this juncture? On top of this, there are expectations that Q4 US GDP is going to be around 0.3 to 0.5%. Does that sound like the greatest economy ever in the history of the USA? This is also on the back of renewed global central bank intervention, tax cuts, deregulation, and trillion dollar deficits – and all we can generate is 0.5%? We’re in trouble if this happens to be the case.

On the DC drama front, former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, is back in Washington and on Twitter. He claimed that his twitter account was placed on a hold by the White House. The White House denies this allegation. Nevertheless, a potential bombshell witness is back in the news and should he decide to testify, he could prove to be the death knell for the President’s and Republicans’ defense. Bolton was one of the most senior advisors in the White House and would have intimate knowledge of what was taking place behind the scenes. Recall his descriptive language of “hand grenade” and a “drug deal” as it related to Rudy Giuliani and Mick Mulvaney and Ambassador Gordon Sondland respectively. The drama is far from over. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Truth #Justice #Peace #Impeachment #Politics #Economy

Ep. 278 – Impeachment Hearings, Day V
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 278 - Impeachment Hearings, Day V
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Day V of the public hearings in the impeachment inquiry have concluded and this is perhaps that last of the public hearings. This will be true of course, unless there is someone else who decides to step forward and testify. The individuals that The Kapital News would like to see testify are the following, VP Mike Pence, Sec of State, Mike Pompeo, Sec of Energy Rick Perry, Acting Chief of Staff, Mick Mulvaney, former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, and President Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani. These gentlemen would have firsthand knowledge of the true motivations for the hold that was placed on the Ukrainian foreign assistance and a visit to the White House for the new President of Ukraine. The Republicans have been arguing that there has been a lack of firsthand witnesses that have thus far testified. Well, here’s your list. Call on them to testify under oath! Of course the Republicans have not done so and the President has blocked them from testifying as well. If you have exculpatory evidence and witnesses who can exonerate you, then release everything so that people can know the truth.

The witnesses that testified today were Dr. Fiona Hill, a former Senior Aide to the White House on Russian and European Affairs and David Holmes, a Political Advisor for Ukrainian Affairs, stationed in Ukraine. Dr. Hill testified that John Bolton likened Rudy Giuliani to a “hand-grenade.” Meaning that all of his running around and meddling with foreign affairs, especially pertaining to Ukraine, at the direction of the President, was going to blow everybody up. And lo and behold – we find ourselves in the midst of an impeachment inquiry. Additionally, John Bolton likened another situation pertaining to Ukraine as a “drug deal” that was being run by Mick Mulvaney and Amb Gordon Sondland and that he, Bolton, wanted nothing to do with it. In fact, he instructed Dr. Hill, as she reported to Bolton, to not get involved and to inform the lawyers with the National Security Council that such a situation was unfolding. This was done for the obvious and logical reason to create a paper trail showing that Dr. Hill and Bolton were not involved with this matter and were concerned by its very existence.

What has transpired is clearly troubling and when we take all of our analysis together, it is quite evident that the President abused his powers by asking a foreign government to investigate a political rival. The President had the opportunity to direct the DoJ to look ino Burisma and the Bidens in 2017 and/or 2018, but he didn’t. He did so in 2019 when former VP Joe Biden just so happens to be running for President. And again, instead of directing the US DoJ, the President asks President Zelensky to do so. Of all the corruption that exists within Ukraine and all the corrupt companies, President Trump just so happens to mention Burisma, a firm with ties to the Bidens, and we’re supposed to believe this is just a coincidence? I suupose we’re just to trust Hillary Clinton when she says that all of those 33,000 deleted emails were just about yoga and her daughter’s wedding – yeah, didn’t think so.

All of this is troubling and all of this is disturbing. The question we now have to ask ourselves is does this rise to an impeachable offense and does this warrant the removal of a sitting US President? This is a serious question and I hope the process is about the truth and justice and not about politics and partisanship. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Truth #Justice #Peace #Impeachment #Politics

Ep. 277 – Impeachment Hearings, Day IV
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 277 - Impeachment Hearings, Day IV
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A big day on Capitol Hill with the testimony of Ambassador Gordon Sondland. Perhaps the most damning day against President Donald J Trump as Amb Sondland makes the connection between the President and withholding a Ukrainian visit to the White House and foreign aid – in what Amd Sondland calls a quid pro quo. Both political parties were caught off guard as to what Amb Sondland was going to testify to. His opening statement was lengthy and detailed and highlighted the motivations of the President, which was inconsistent with what the President and the Republicans have been arguing. The Republicans were completely stunned and dumbfounded following the opening statement, which was evidenced by the poor questioning from both Ranking Member, Devin Nunes, and minority Counsel Castor. However, following the break and when individual members of the committee were able to ask questions, the Republicans were able to create a defense for the President. This is like splitting hairs in our opinion, but nevertheless, it was a defense. It was also made known that on 9 September, a phone call between President Trump and Amb Sondland, the President allegedly claims that he wants no quid pro quo and that all he wants is for President Zelensky to do what he’s supposed to do and fight corruption. The timing is highly suspect as 9 September is the same day that it is made known that there is a whistleblower complaint. The next day, 10 September, former National Security Advisor, John Bolton resigns. The next day, 11 September, the Ukrainian foreign aid is released. Is this all just a coincidence? We think not.

Furthermore, the Republican defense now seems to be, unless someone can step forward with video or taped audio evidence/confession of President Trump clearly ordering a bribe – then the President is innocent. This is such a weak argument on so many levels, we’re not even going to waste our time explaining it. In addition, Amb Sondland implicates a number of other officials, such as VP Mike Pence, Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, Acting Chief of Staff, Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, former National Security Advisor, John Bolton, and President Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani. The Republicans have been complaining about a lack of firsthand witnesses – fair enough. Then they should be calling for the President to allow these individuals to testify and for various agencies and departments to release documents that can shed light on this whole issue. The Kapital News is not interested in the partisan atacks and arguments. We are interested in truth and justice. We do not care who is named and implicated. The sake and health of our Republic is at stake and the truth is needed now more than ever. The divisive partisanship has to cease or the collapse of our Republic will be near inevitable. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Truth #Justice #Peace #Impeachment #TradeWar #Politics #Recession #Economy #Protetsts #EndTheFed

Ep. 276 – Impeachment Hearings Day III + No Trade Deal?
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 276 - Impeachment Hearings Day III + No Trade Deal?
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The third day of public impeachment testimony took place today and both sides of the aisle are claiming victory. This stalemate, however, could possibly be decided during tomorrow’s testimony of Ambassador Gordon Sondland. Amb. Sondland is going to be the first person to testify who can perhaps speak from a first-hand perspective as to what was motivating the President when it came to Ukrainian policy. Recall that Amb Sondland already amended his testimony from his closed-door deposition. This amendment was likely conducted because of the release of transcripts from other witnesses. The Ambassador is basically claiming that others’ testimony refreshed his memory – this or perhaps he doesn’t want to be charged with perjury and was taking advantage of the opportunity to amend? We also know that another State Department official, testified behind closed-doors that he overheard a phone conversation between the Ambassador and the President. Allegedly, the President was only concerned with the Ukrainians investigated the Bidens. Also, allegedly, there were other staffers who could have overheard this phone call. The Ambassador now finds himself in a very delicate situation. The veracity of his initial testimony is already in question due to his amendment. Now, he has to be concerned with making sure he tells the whole truth when it comes to this phone call and other conversations he may have had with the President. Otherwise he may face the real possibility of being charged with perjury; especially if other staffers can corroborate the testimony pertaining to the phone call. All eyes will be on Sondland.

In other news, both chambers of Congress unanimously passed the Hong Kong Human Rights Act. This has been criticized by the Chinese and they claim they will retaliate if this bill becomes law. It will now head to the Presidnet’s desk. Should the Presidnet veto this bill, given the unanimous consent from both chambers, they could potentially override the veto. This throws a big wrench into trade talks – however, we’ve been highly skeptical of any real progress on the trade front. Furthermore, President Trump has been claiming that if there is not a trade deal soon that the tariffs will go up significantly. The markets have not priced in a no-deal. They have been strung along into believing that a trade deal was at-hand. Should there be a no-deal, the markets could correct quickly and significantly. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Impeachment #HongKong #Truth #Peace #Protests #EndTheFed #Justice #Economy #Politics

Ep. 275 – Impeachment Hearings Day II
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 275 - Impeachment Hearings Day II
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Round II of the impeachment inquiry hearings and former Ukrainian Ambassador, Marie Yovanovitch, was in the hot seat. Amb. Yovanovitch came off as credible and was praised and thanked for her 33 years of service by both Democrats and Republicans. Despite this, President Donald Trump could seemingly not contain himself and had to send a tweet during the testimony, attacking the character and “results” of the ambassador. Even Republicans condemned the tweet. And now, this tweet opens the door to potential charges of witness tampering and/or intimidation. Not only for this witness, but for potential witnesses to come because this has been how President Trump has been behaving toward these witnesses. This is beneath the Office of the Presidency. There are a lot of questions that remain outstanding because Amb. Yovanovitch could have simply been removed because the President wanted her gone. Evidently, that wasn’t good enough because as we know from the 25 July phone call memo, Trump and Zelensky discuss the ambassador and say she’s “trouble” and that, “she’s going to go through some things.” Now it gives the appearance that Trump wanted the ambassador removed because she wasn’t playing the game with getting the Ukrainians to investigate the Bidens. So the appearance of wrongdoing is in the air.

Also, and central to all of this is the President’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and two of his associates. The associates by the way have been arrested by the FBI. These men wanted the ambassador removed and seemingly convinced Trump that she was bad news and had to go in order to get the Ukrainians to investigate the Bidens. Again, this does not look good.

In addition, there was another witness, David Holmes, a State Department official, who testified this evening behind closed doors. This is the man who claims to have overheard President Trump speaking with Ambassador Sondland in a Ukrainian restaurant on the progress being made to investigate the Bidens. This phone call took place on 26 July – one day after the phone call with Zelensky. This testimony can serve to further show the state of mind and the area of focus for the President and his inner circle.

Lastly, Roger Stone, long-time friend and associate of Donald Trump’s was found guilty of all charges today in a Washington, DC courthouse. He was convicted of lying to several authorities and witness intimidation and the like. He is to be sentenced in February. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Impeachment #Truth #Justice #Peace #Economy #Politics #EndTheFed #Protests

Ep. 270 – The Week Ahead 11.11.2019
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 270 - The Week Ahead 11.11.2019
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Much is likely to continue this week regarding global protests, especially in the Middle East, South America, and Hong Kong. In fact, as Hong Kong enters its 6th month of protests, today we witnessed a rare weekday protest in Hong Kong on Monday, and unfortunately, a protester was shot by the police. This individual is in critical condition, and regardless if the office was justified, this is not a good image, and is likely going to fuel further protests. Protests in Bolivia have caused the President to resign. This follows the resignation of the Lebanese PM and the cabinet shuffle in Chile. These protests are not transitory. This is history in the making.

On the economic front, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, is schedule to give his bi-annual testimony before Congress. President Trump is scheduled to give a speech before the Economic Club of New York, where his remarks on US/China trade talks will be highly anticipated. Why? All we get is noise and falsehoods and market manipulation, but we digress. Markets will nevertheless be paying close attention. There will also be a handful of important economic data releases. But hey, since the Fed is printing money again, who cares about the fundamentals? They don’t matter until they do.

On the political front, the impeachment inquiry will enter its public phase this week with Bill Taylor and George Kent testifying on Wednesday and Marie Yavonavitch testifying on Friday. Most people did not take the time to read through thousands of pages of testimony. However, the public will likely watch some of the public testimony. This will come down to public opinion on who they find more credible – a whole host of State Department officials who have served their country with integrity for decades, or the President of the United States? If public opinion starts to sway towards impeachment, this will not bode well for the President as this may open the door to on-the-fence Republicans who may privately want to impeach and remove, but are afraid of being attacked by the President and his base. Increased polling numbers to impeach and remove can give these Republicans the cover they need to vote in accordance.

Lastly, Nikki Haley, the former US Ambassador to the United Nations is out with a new book (as we predicted). In it she alleges that former Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, and former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, attempted to “recruit” her to oppose Trump on several policies. We imagine she is auditioning for the role of Secretary of State as rumors are circulating that Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, may resign so that he may run for a Senate seat for Kansas. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Protests #Recession #Economy #Politics #Impeachment #EndTheFed #Truth #Justice #Peace

Ep. 266 – Impeachment Inquiry Testimony
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 266 - Impeachment Inquiry Testimony
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As the impeachment inquiry continues, we are now starting to see a release of the transcripts of those who have already testified. To date, we have four transcripts that have been released. These are extensive and are hundreds of pages each. Contained therein is further information as to what these individuals know and how it relates to the phone call between President Trump and President Zelensky of Ukraine, as well as events leading up to the call and events that have followed.

The Kapital News will do its best to make its way through these transcripts to find interesting bits of information that brings us to the truth. We are not concerned with who is implicated and who is exonerated. We are interested in the truth and in justice being served. The country is at a crossroads and the divisive tactics that are deployed, equally, by both parties, needs to end or it will be the end of our Republic. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Truth #Justice #Impeachment #Peace #Economy #Politics #EndTheFed

Ep. 130B – Impeachment: Trial by Jury
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 130B - Impeachment: Trial by Jury
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In today’s podcast we cover the market news, some further Q3 earning’s reports, brief updates to Brexit and the US/China trade talks, and a deeper discussion of the impeachment inquiry.

There is much noise across the political spectrum when it comes to the impeachment inquiry. This makes it incredibly difficult to know where the truth resides. This nation is divided as it has ever been and the lack of leadership from the White House and the Congress is a national disgrace, as neither side wants to rise above the situation. As such, those who admire the President are likely to find their home within Fox News. Meanwhile, those who do not like him or cannot stand the President are likely watching CNN and MSNBC. Again, further dividing the country as people turn into the programs that agree with what they want to hear. This becomes a vicious cycle. It’s important to take a step back and understand that this inquiry at this juncture is akin to a grand jury. Grand juries are secret. So it should not come as a surprise that there are closed door depositions taking place. The next step will be for the House Committees to move to open public hearings once the closed door depositions have been completed. This allows for the general public and all members of the House to hear and weigh the evidence that has come to light. With this information, members of the House can then move forward, if they think it’s warranted, with a vote to bring forth Articles of Impeachment. If this vote should pass, then the President will have been impeached and the trial will take place in the Senate with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding.

It is currently understood that the Democrats are hoping to have the closed door depositions completed by mid-to-end November. Following this, in our opinion, they must move to public hearings. Otherwise, the credibility of the whole investigation comes into question. The American people have a right to know what has been taking place within its government. Should this move to a trial in the Senate, then this is where the President and his legal defense team can state their case and make their argument. The whole argument that the President and his team should have access to all of the information that is being obtained by the House in their closed door sessions is ridiculous on its face. You do not give the suspect of an investigation information on the investigation about the suspect! You do not let the fox run the hen house. This will certainly be political theater and a circus for the foreseeable future and there will be much more to come. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Impeachment #Jusctice #Truth #Economy #Politics #Recession #Whistleblower #Peace

Ep. 126B – The White House in Damage Control?
The Kapital News
The Kapital News
Ep. 126B - The White House in Damage Control?
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The White House is scrambling on several fronts to get in front of some stories and to simply better communicate their position on others. Whether it’s the continuation of the impeachment inquiry, the “greatest” deal ever surrounding an alleged Phase 1 interim trade deal between the US and China, the escalation between Turkey and Syria, or the verbal jabs between President Trump and former VP Joe Biden, the White House is looking for a breather. Tomorrow evening the Democratic contenders for the Presidency face-off once again, but before the debate, we are expected to hear remarks/interview from Hunter Biden, the son of VP Joe Biden. Hunter has been called out recently by President Trump and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, regarding Hunter’s professional positions and board seat(s) with companies involved with Ukraine and China. Arguing that Hunter never would have held those positions and earned that kind of money if it wasn’t for his father being the Vice President. This may very well be true. But if it’s good enough to investigate a former VP and his son, then it’s also right and good enough to investigate the President and his children who are intimately involved with his administration and are still engaged in foreign business transactions. The President has to be careful for what he wishes for because if investigations follow the Bidens, then they must follow the Trumps as well. Due to the escalation in Syria, VP Mike Pence is being sent to Turkey to broker peace or at least a truce/ceasefire. We are for peace and for ending these endless wars, but these recent actions were not taking place when US forces were in the area. The credibility of the US is paramount and leaving the Kurds, an ally in the fight against ISIS, to be massacred by Turkey is highly problematic, which is indicative of little planning by the President on this matter. We do hope for a peaceful resolution and for a complete end to these endless wars. Lastly, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin was out today making comments that IF a trade deal is not agreed to between the US and China over the coming weeks, that tariffs will increase on Chinese goods. Wait a minute! Weren’t we just informed by President Trump on Friday that the “greatest” trade deal regarding agricultural goods was just agreed to? More questions and problems regarding the credibility of this President and his administration. This is not good for the health of our Republic. Stay diversified, stay vigilant, and stay with The Kapital News. #Recession #Impeachment #Justice #Peace #Truth #Economy #Politics #USA #China #TradeWar #Syria #Turkey #War