All articles tagged with #obama administration
Trump signed a memo reviving the Presidential Fitness Test; Obama-era changes retired it amid concerns about effectiveness and peer pressure, and the piece also offers a DIY at-home version using the 1985 benchmarks (sit-ups, shuttle run, 1-mile run, V-sit and reach, pull-ups) with percentile targets to reach the 85th percentile for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
President Trump expressed support for the DOJ's new grand jury probe into Obama officials' handling of the Russia investigation, marking an escalation in his efforts to challenge the investigation's findings and allegations of election interference, while the specifics of the investigation remain unclear.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a grand jury investigation into whether Obama administration officials committed crimes related to Russia's actions during the 2016 election, amid ongoing political disputes and claims of conspiracy, despite previous investigations finding no evidence of wrongdoing.
A senior intelligence official, supported by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, exposed efforts within the US intelligence community to manipulate and manufacture intelligence to support the Russia collusion narrative, highlighting attempts to suppress dissent and report wrongdoing over six years, and emphasizing the importance of whistleblower protections and accountability.
Tulsi Gabbard released declassified documents challenging the 2016 intelligence assessment that Russia favored Donald Trump, claiming it was flawed and politically motivated, and promised to refer her findings to the Justice Department, amid ongoing debates over the legitimacy of the Russia-Trump interference narrative.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard revealed evidence suggesting that the Obama administration manufactured and politicized intelligence to undermine President Trump's 2016 victory, involving false claims of Russian interference and a coordinated effort to delegitimize his presidency, which she describes as a treasonous conspiracy requiring investigation and accountability.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder criticized Special Counsel Robert Hur's report on President Joe Biden's memory, stating that it contained gratuitous remarks and was inconsistent with DOJ traditions. The report suggested that Biden had a poor memory, prompting a defense from Biden himself and criticism from other former Obama administration officials. Holder and others viewed the report as a right-wing hit job from within Biden's own DOJ, with Hur being described as a lifelong Republican aiming to politically harm Biden.
Mike Gill, a former government official under the Trump and Obama administrations, was shot and killed during a carjacking spree in Washington, D.C. His death has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and sadness from family and colleagues, with former President Donald Trump calling for federal intervention to address rising crime rates in the nation's capital. Gill's wife and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow and described him as a devoted husband, father, outstanding lawyer, public servant, and cherished friend.
Experts argue that the Obama administration's decision to allow the establishment of a Hamas office in Qatar as a means of soft diplomacy and appeasement has backfired on the US. While the US claims that the office was established to facilitate indirect communication, critics argue that it failed to moderate Hamas and instead allowed the terrorist group to grow in influence. The recent Oct. 7 attack on Israel has changed attitudes towards the office, with calls for the US to end its tolerance of Qatar's support for Hamas. Suggestions include relocating the US air base out of Doha and dropping Qatar's non-NATO ally status.
The US played a role in setting up a Hamas office in Qatar during the Obama administration, hoping for moderation and indirect communication. However, experts argue that this policy backfired as Hamas continued to operate as a terrorist group. The Qatari government claims that the office served as a channel for mediation and de-escalation efforts. The US State Department acknowledges Qatar's influence but condemns Hamas' actions. The recent Oct. 7 attack on Israel has changed attitudes towards the office, with calls to end Qatar's support for Hamas. Experts suggest consequences such as relocating the US air base and dropping non-NATO ally status for Qatar.
Stuart Seldowitz, a former national security adviser in the Obama administration, was caught on video verbally abusing and taunting a New York City food cart vendor with Islamophobic language. Seldowitz made derogatory comments about the vendor's religion, including references to rape and terrorism. The incidents have been reported as a possible hate crime, and Seldowitz's employer has severed ties with him. The videos highlight concerns about rising tensions and hate incidents targeting Jewish, Muslim, Arab, and South Asian Americans in the aftermath of recent events in the Middle East.
David Axelrod, former president Obama's top campaign guru, believes President Biden's chances of winning the 2024 presidential election are no better than 50-50, possibly even worse. Axelrod warns that Biden's age and reliance on Trump's unpopularity could pose risks for his reelection bid. Polls show growing pessimism among Americans about a second Biden term, with Trump leading in swing states. The strained relationship between Team Obama and Team Biden adds to the challenges faced by the Biden administration.
The federal investigation into President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents prior to becoming president has expanded to include an examination of Obama-era security protocols and internal White House processes. Investigators have interviewed scores of witnesses, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and have uncovered instances of carelessness but believe the improper removal of classified documents from Biden's office was likely a mistake rather than a criminal act. The investigation, led by special counsel Robert Hur, is ongoing and has gathered documents dating back to the early days of the Obama administration. Witnesses have been questioned about internal procedures for handling classified materials and Biden's tendencies for notetaking and document retention.
President Joe Biden has appointed former federal prosecutor and Chicago lawyer Ed Siskel as his top White House lawyer, citing his experience in navigating complex challenges and advancing the president's agenda. Siskel previously served in the White House Counsel's office during Biden's tenure as vice president under Barack Obama. The appointment comes as Biden faces ongoing Republican-led congressional investigations and seeks to advance his legislative agenda. Siskel replaces Stuart Delery, who served as White House counsel since July 2022.
President Joe Biden has chosen Ed Siskel, a former White House attorney who handled the Benghazi and Solyndra investigations during the Obama administration, as his next White House counsel. Siskel's appointment comes at a critical time as Biden faces various judicial and congressional investigations. His experience in managing high-profile investigations and his background as a federal prosecutor and in the Justice Department make him well-suited for the role. Siskel will be responsible for navigating legal matters related to Biden's presidency, candidacy, and private citizen status.