One of the many surprises in the latest Epstein Files drop is how much correspondence former Trump adviser Steve Bannon had with Epstein. In total, Bannon is mentioned in the files over 1,700 times. One message exchange between Epstein and Bannon shows the two discussing strategies to take down Pope Francis. Take a look: Epstein and Bannon: “Will take down Francis” Pope Francis: 1Epstein: 0 pic.twitter.com/h4TjQvSnNX — FeelsGuy (@FeelsGuy2003) February 5, 2026 CNN provided more details on Bannon’s emails with Epstein regarding “taking down” the Pope: Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to US President Donald Trump, discussed opposition strategies with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein against Pope Francis, with Bannon saying he hoped to “take down” the pontiff, according to newly released files from the US Department of Justice. Messages sent between the pair in 2019, released in the massive document dump last month, reveal Bannon courted the late financier in his attempts to undermine the former pontiff after leaving the first Trump administration. Bannon had been highly critical of Francis whom he saw as an opponent to his “sovereigntist” vision, a brand of nationalist populism which swept through Europe in 2018 and 2019. The released documents from the DOJ appear to show that Epstein had been helping Bannon to build his movement. “Will take down (Pope) Francis,” Bannon wrote to Epstein in June 2019. “The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU – come on brother.” Pope Francis was a significant obstacle to Bannon’s brand of nationalist populism. In 2018, the former Trump aide described Francis to The Spectator as “beneath contempt,” accusing him of siding with “globalist elites” and, according to “SourceMaterial,” urged Matteo Salvini, now Italy’s deputy prime minister, to “attack” the pontiff. For his part, Salvini has used Christian iconography and language when pursuing his anti-immigrant agenda. In his messages with Epstein, Bannon references “In the Closet of the Vatican,” a 2019 book by French journalist Frédéric Martel that lifted a lid on secrecy and hypocrisy at high levels of the church. Martel created a storm with his book by claiming 80% of the clergy working in the Vatican are gay, while exploring how they keep their sexuality secret. The whole question of homosexuality in the church has been a lightning rod for some conservatives, who see it as evidence of a deeper, systemic crisis in the church, with some linking it to the wider sexual abuse scandals. Most experts and researchers view any conflating of sexual orientation with abuse as scientifically inaccurate. Bannon showed an interest in turning Martel’s book into a film after meeting the author in Paris at a five-star hotel. In the messages, Bannon appears to suggest that Epstein could be the film’s executive producer. “You are now exec producer of ‘ITCOTV’ (In the closet of the Vatican),” Bannon wrote. Here was Elon Musk’s response to the latest messages being revealed: Something rotten in Bannon’s soul — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 14, 2026 Musk last year claimed Bannon was in the Epstein files: Elon Musk was right about everything. pic.twitter.com/z0Mos258YA — DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) February 14, 2026 Other messages show Bannon was attempting to help Epstein restore his image: Steve Bannon to Jeffrey Epstein in April of 2019, three months before his arrest: “We need to work around your 38–first we need to push back on the lies ; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative ; then rebuild your image as philanthropist” pic.twitter.com/r6yI00flPv — Home of the Brave (@OfTheBraveUSA) February 2, 2026 Some claim Bannon’s contact with Epstein was just to get a sit-down interview with him. In case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s Bannon’s nearly two-hour-long interview with the convicted sex offender: BREAKING: The FULL Jeffrey Epstein Interview with Steve Bannon. Before it gets removed…pic.twitter.com/arn509xl5P — ADAM (@AdameMedia) February 1, 2026

Federal agents were busy in Tucson, Arizona, on Friday night. A new photo has been released of FBI agents holding a sheet in an effort to block the view of the press from a man they detained in a parking lot in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. Take a look: Minutes ago: police hold up a sheet while possibly pulling something out of Range Rover reportedly connected to search warrant activity in Nancy Guthrie case pic.twitter.com/Jgn4IkG6NX — Steve Lookner (@lookner) February 14, 2026 Here’s a video: BREAKING: Nancy Guthrie Case Update Police were seen holding a sheet while removing something from a Range Rover tied to search warrants in the ongoing Nancy Guthrie investigation. Authorities have not confirmed what was recovered, but the footage raises serious questions… pic.twitter.com/eZvYBPBA6x — J!nz (@Jnz4tu) February 14, 2026 Fox News provided the latest update on the A Range Rover was towed away from a Culver’s parking lot in Tucson, Arizona, Friday evening after it was involved in a traffic stop during a law enforcement operation in connection with the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Law enforcement investigated the Range Rover, which appeared to be silver or gray, for a couple of hours before having it loaded up onto a tow truck and taken away from the scene. During the investigation, authorities covered the vehicle’s license plate and removed items from the vehicle to photograph, even holding up a sheet at one point to block the view of police activity in the trunk. The driver of the vehicle was detained by law enforcement for questioning and was taken away from the scene. It’s unclear if the person remains in custody. At least three people were detained Friday evening for questioning, but police have not named any suspects in Guthrie’s disappearance. #BREAKING – FBI on scene at a Culver’s, very close to the scene related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. We are still working to see if there’s any connection. Pima County deputies and Marana Police are here. One man has been detained here at the scene pic.twitter.com/S4fZlJGtpq — Nick Ciletti (@NickCiletti) February 14, 2026 Fox News has since released an image of the detained man: NEW: Image shows a partial view of a man detained during a traffic stop late Friday night in a parking lot about two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home. At this time, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. pic.twitter.com/LClkDks1JM — Fox News (@FoxNews) February 14, 2026 Fox News provided the following details on the image: A newly obtained image shows a partial view of a man detained during a traffic stop late Friday night in the parking lot of Culver’s restaurant about two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home, as law enforcement carried out a major operation in connection with her disappearance. Sources told Fox News Digital the stop was connected to a search warrant served at a home nearby. At least three people were detained during the broader operation, according to a local law enforcement source. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects and have not referred to the man shown in the image as a suspect as of Saturday morning.

A major development just occurred in the ongoing Nancy Guthrie case. Investigators have found DNA that they do not believe belongs to Nancy or anyone close to her inside her home. The Pima County Sheriff has also deployed a SWAT vehicle and mobile command center. Notably, the last time that these vehicles were rolled out, a person-of-interest was detained. Watch what Fox News reporter Jonathan Hunt had to say about the latest developments: JUST IN: Fox’s Jonathan Hunt reports “potentially a very significant development” in the Nancy Guthrie case: A mobile command center and SWAT vehicle just rolled out: “The last time those vehicles moved was when they detained a person for questioning. That is the only time… pic.twitter.com/W7T2H45kOI — TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) February 13, 2026 This comes after investigators discovered gloves near Nancy’s home yesterday. For some strange reason, the local sheriff refused to allow the FBI to send the evidence to Quantico for testing. We covered that full story here: BIZARRE: Arizona Sheriff BLOCKS FBI From Accessing Key Evidence in Guthrie Case Now, the sheriff is also rolling back reports that the gloves was found inside Nancy’s home. He clarified that they were located several miles from the house. CNN summarized the latest findings in the case: Gloves and DNA discovered and under analysis: Several gloves have been recovered as part of the investigation, with the closest discovered roughly two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators have also found DNA, though it’s unclear who it belongs to. The department hasn’t said where it was located but confirmed it was from someone outside Guthrie’s close contacts. Evidence needing forensic analysis is being sent to the same out-of-state lab used from the start of the investigation to maintain consistency, the sheriff’s department said. Doorbell camera video provides biggest leads yet: The doorbell camera video from Guthrie’s home recovered by the FBI has given investigators the “biggest leads we’ve had,” Nanos told CNN. After releasing the video showing a man at Guthrie’s front door, authorities received nearly 5,000 calls within hours, Nanos said. Hundreds of investigators are reviewing tips. Joint effort with the FBI: Nanos reaffirmed the Pima County Sheriff’s Department works closely with the FBI. “The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are joined at the hips,” he said. He emphasized the long-standing partnership, noting personnel have been assigned to work out of the FBI’s office for years, long before Guthrie’s disappearance. President Donald Trump said Friday, “Progress has been made” since the FBI got involved. Neighbors show support at tribute site: Tucson residents have been visiting a tribute site near Guthrie’s home, leaving flowers, a cherub, and notes of encouragement as they plead for her return. Many described the emotional toll of the 13-day search and expressed hope investigators can bring Guthrie home safe. In addition to all of this, TMZ claimed to have received a new letter that implies Guthrie’s alleged kidnapper could go “international.” That doesn’t sound very good, at all. Jesse Waters did a great job breaking down the newest developments:

For some reason, Democrat far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was sent to the Munich Security Conference to represent America. And, it went probably even worse than you would expect. When asked a simple question about U.S. troops defending Taiwan, AOC took a page out of the Kamala Harris playbook and spouted off a nonsensical word salad answer. Watch this for yourself: HOLY SMOKES. Rep. AOC just SELF-DESTRUCTED while trying to represent America in Germany “Should the US commit troops to defend Taiwan?” AOC: “Um, you know, I think that, uhh, eh, this is such a, uh, you know, I th-I think that this is a, umm, this is of course a, uh, a very… pic.twitter.com/VfT98vKhZY — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 13, 2026 HOLY SMOKES. Rep. AOC just SELF-DESTRUCTED while trying to represent America in Germany “Should the US commit troops to defend Taiwan?” AOC: “Um, you know, I think that, uhh, eh, this is such a, uh, you know, I th-I think that this is a, umm, this is of course a, uh, a very longstanding, um, policy.” WTF?! They’re gonna run her for president? LMAO. Brutal. Oof. Very painful. I almost feel bad for her. Is this really the best that Democrats have to offer? Many people wondered if AOC’s decision to talk about foreign policy at the conference was in preparation to announce a 2028 presidential run. However, even The New York Times admitted that AOC “struggled” on the world stage: Ms. Ocasio-Cortez has stepped up her visibility in recent months as a leader for Democrats as they oppose President Trump. Speculation about her future political ambitions — she has long been considered a potential presidential candidate — was rife in Munich. Her mere presence was scrutinized as a hint that perhaps she was considering a White House bid and brushing up on world affairs. “So when you run for president, how are you going to impose a wealth tax?” asked Katrin Bennhold, a New York Times reporter who moderated one of the panels. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez laughed and shook her head. The visit also demonstrated the relative foreign policy inexperience of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who has made a few overseas trips since taking office but does not sit on any House committees devoted primarily to world affairs. She struggled at times to formulate succinct answers at a nighttime panel session, during which she was asked probing and specific questions about how to respond to international crises. Questioned about whether the United States should send troops to defend Taiwan if China invaded the island, she stalled for roughly 20 seconds before offering a substantive response. “I think that, uh, this is such a, a — you know, I think that — this is a, um — this is of course, a, uh, a very longstanding, um, policy of the United States,” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said, before saying that the country should try to avoid reaching that point with China in the first place. It was a striking moment from a self-assured legislator who is normally nimble at answering impromptu questions from reporters on Capitol Hill, and conservative critics seized on the stumble online. Earlier in the day, she also made a reference to the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” — later correcting that on social media to “trans-Atlantic.” Ouch. As President Trump would say, this woman is “low IQ.” Maybe AOC should go back to bartending. Make AOC Bartend Again — TONY (@TONYxTWO) February 13, 2026 Your thoughts?

The U.S. military has conducted another strike in the Caribbean. On Friday evening, the U.S. military conducted a military strike on suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean. Military operators conducted the strike after receiving intelligence that the vessel that was under their surveillance was connected to a designated terrorist organization. Fox News provided more details on the strike and gave the death toll: The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced Friday that the U.S. military carried out an operation targeting suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean, leaving three people dead. “On Feb. 13, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations,” SOUTHCOM said in a post on X. Aerial footage posted by SOUTHCOM shows the vessel being struck. “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” the joint command added in the post. Three narco-terrorists were killed during the operation, the joint command said. No U.S. military personnel were harmed in the operation, the command added. Watch the moment the strike hit the narco-terrorists here: JUST IN: US military strikes cartel drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, eliminating three narco-terrorists. pic.twitter.com/zBB5Aey2yD — Remarks (@remarks) February 14, 2026 The strike by the Pentagon comes as a surprise, given that in recent weeks the U.S. military has begun moving its assets from the Caribbean to the Middle East. The Union Leader has reported the U.S. military is moving a second aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East as tensions with Iran are at an all-time high: The Pentagon is sending an aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, a move that would put two carriers in the region as tensions soar between the United States and Iran. The Gerald R. Ford carrier, the United States’ newest and the world’s largest carrier, has been operating in the Caribbean with its escort ships and took part in operations in Venezuela earlier this year. One of the officials, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said the carrier would take at least a week to reach the Middle East. The Gerald R. Ford will join the Abraham Lincoln carrier, several guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets and surveillance aircraft that have been moved to the Middle East in recent weeks.