A U.S.-born Olympic skier who abandoned her country to represent communist China has publicly dismissed concerns about the Uyghur genocide, declaring human rights abuses “not my business” while collecting millions from Beijing. American-Born Athlete Defends Communist Regime Eileen Gu, born and raised in San Francisco, sparked outrage by dismissing U.S. government findings on China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. When pressed about allegations of genocide during a TIME interview, Gu stated, “I’m not an expert on this. I haven’t done the research.” Her refusal to acknowledge documented human rights abuses reflects a troubling prioritization of personal gain over fundamental American values of freedom and human dignity. This stance contradicts the principles that made her success possible in the first place. The 23-year-old freestyle skier announced her decision to compete for China in June 2019, abandoning the country that provided her with world-class training facilities, educational opportunities, and the freedoms she now takes for granted. Her switch came as U.S.-China tensions escalated over Beijing’s crackdown on religious minorities. Gu justified her decision by claiming she wanted to inspire Chinese youth, yet she refuses to use her platform to advocate for those suffering under authoritarian oppression. This selective activism reveals the hollowness of her stated motivations. Financial Ties and Citizenship Questions Raise Concerns Documents exposed in 2025 revealed Beijing funneled $6.64 million in government funds to support Gu’s training, money that came from a regime accused of systematic human rights violations. Chinese censors quickly scrubbed these financial disclosures from the internet, raising questions about what else the Chinese Communist Party wants hidden. China’s strict prohibition on dual citizenship means Gu likely renounced her U.S. citizenship to compete, yet she consistently dodges questions about her legal status. This lack of transparency undermines trust and suggests she wants to maintain access to American opportunities while serving Chinese interests. Gu’s decision represents more than athletic competition; it symbolizes choosing authoritarian power over the constitutional freedoms that enabled her achievements. American commentators like Tucker Carlson appropriately called her “ungrateful” for turning her back on the nation that gave her everything. Meanwhile, even Chinese nationalists have attacked her as an “opportunistic outsider,” recognizing her allegiance stems from financial incentive rather than genuine loyalty. Her treatment from both sides demonstrates the consequences of abandoning principle for profit. Olympic Schedule Complaints Reveal Entitlement At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Gu qualified for the big air final on February 14 after winning slopestyle silver, but immediately complained about scheduling conflicts affecting her halfpipe preparation. She criticized the International Ski Federation for “punishing excellence” because multi-event athletes face training limitations between competitions. Her entitlement ignores that the FIS applies rules uniformly to maintain fairness for all competitors. Gu hasn’t competed in halfpipe since December 2025 or big air since her 2022 gold medal, making her scheduling grievances less sympathetic given her extended breaks between competitions. ‘Not My Business’: U.S.-Born Skier Eileen Gu Competing for China Is a ‘Skeptic’ of Uyghur Genocide Claims https://t.co/QoiYNAEtQd — The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) February 18, 2026 The skier’s complaints about “unfairness” ring hollow coming from someone who benefited from millions in Chinese government support unavailable to athletes from democratic nations. FIS spokesman Bruno Sassi defended the organization’s efforts, noting multi-event scheduling conflicts are “inevitable” when athletes choose to compete across multiple disciplines. Gu’s public criticism of Olympic organizers while representing an authoritarian regime that silences dissent demonstrates a stunning lack of self-awareness about actual unfairness and oppression. Broader Implications for American Values Gu’s case highlights growing concerns about Americans who leverage their citizenship for personal advancement before abandoning their country for financial gain from foreign adversaries. Her success helped China’s propaganda machine promote winter sports participation, with 313 million Chinese citizens taking up winter activities following her 2022 Beijing Olympics performance. This athletic diplomacy serves Beijing’s soft power objectives while undermining American interests. Patriots recognize that true excellence includes moral courage to speak against injustice, something Gu conspicuously lacks when it conflicts with her endorsement deals and medal pursuits. The controversy surrounding this athlete extends beyond sports into fundamental questions about loyalty, values, and the responsibilities that come with American freedoms. Her dismissal of genocide concerns as “not my business” while profiting from the perpetrating regime deserves condemnation from anyone who values human rights and constitutional principles. As tensions between democratic nations and authoritarian powers intensify, Americans must recognize the difference between legitimate international competition and actively promoting regimes that oppose everything the United States represents. Gu’s choices serve as a cautionary tale about sacrificing integrity for gold medals and corporate sponsorships. Sources: Fox News – Controversial Olympian Eileen Gu Upset Over ‘Really Unfair’ Winter Games Schedule TIME – How Eileen Gu Became the Olympics’ Star Freestyle Skier Wikipedia – Eileen Gu AOL – Eileen Gu Olympic Practice Schedule

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wants Congress to elevate the Pride flag to the same federal status as the American flag, POW/MIA flag, and military service flags—a move that raises serious questions about national symbolism and constitutional priorities. Schumer’s Legislative Push Following Stonewall Flag Removal Chuck Schumer announced legislation to designate the Pride flag as a congressionally authorized flag with the same federal protections granted to the American flag and military service flags. The bill emerged after the Trump administration removed the Pride flag from Stonewall National Monument in early February 2026, citing National Park Service policy that limits flag displays to those with congressional authorization. Schumer, joined by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Dan Goldman, framed the proposal as necessary to protect LGBTQ symbols from what he called Trump’s “hateful crusade” against the community. Concerns About Elevating Political Symbols Over National Unity The proposed legislation raises legitimate concerns about equating a political movement’s symbol with flags that represent national sacrifice and sovereignty. The American flag symbolizes the Constitution and the unity of all citizens under the rule of law. Military flags honor those who defended the Constitution with their lives. POW/MIA flags memorialize Americans held captive or missing in service to their nation. The Pride flag, designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, represents a specific political and social movement. Granting it equal federal status suggests that Congress should bestow official recognition on ideological symbols—a troubling precedent that could open the door to endless demands for similar treatment from other advocacy groups. Trump Administration Enforces Existing Federal Policy The Trump administration’s removal of the Pride flag from Stonewall National Monument followed established National Park Service rules requiring congressional authorization for flag displays at federal sites. This enforcement aligns with limited government principles that prevent executive agencies from unilaterally deciding which symbols merit official recognition. The Interior Department’s action was not arbitrary persecution but adherence to existing policy applied to all unauthorized flags. Schumer’s characterization of standard policy enforcement as a “crusade” distorts reasonable administrative boundaries. The administration also updated Stonewall’s NPS website content, which critics claim erased LGBTQ representation, though maintaining historical accuracy without political advocacy remains within the proper scope of federal agencies. Political Theater With Slim Prospects Under GOP Control Schumer’s bill faces significant obstacles in a Republican-controlled Congress and White House. While he expressed hope for bipartisan support similar to the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act, the political landscape differs substantially in 2026. Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, and President Trump’s administration opposes using federal authority to promote specific advocacy movements. No Republican co-sponsors have emerged beyond the New York Democratic trio backing the measure. The proposal appears more focused on energizing progressive activists and creating a campaign issue than achieving legislative success. This follows a familiar pattern where Democrats use symbolic gestures to portray Republicans as hostile while advancing policies most Americans find excessive—placing political identity flags on equal footing with the nation’s own. Schumer Pushes Bill to Make the LGBTQ Pride Flag Equal to the American Flaghttps://t.co/5pn33EzCDP — PJ Media (@PJMedia_com) February 17, 2026 The fundamental issue remains whether Congress should grant official status to symbols representing particular social movements, regardless of one’s views on those movements. The American flag and military flags transcend politics, representing principles and sacrifices that bind all citizens. Blurring that distinction risks turning federal institutions into battlegrounds for competing ideological symbols rather than neutral ground that serves all Americans equally under constitutional governance. Sources: After Trump’s Crusade Against LGBTQ+ Community, Schumer Moves to Permanently Protect Stonewall Pride Flag Schumer pushes bill to give Pride flag same status as US, military flags Schumer moves to protect Pride flag Schumer rainbow flag stonewall national monument After Trump’s Crusade Against LGBTQ+ Community, Leader Schumer Moves to Permanently Protect Stonewall Pride Flag Pride flag Stonewall National Monument Chuck Schumer LGBTQ Mamdani, Schumer, NYC Council demand National Park Service return Pride flag

Newly released documents reveal Steve Bannon conspired with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to orchestrate a campaign against Pope Francis, exposing a disturbing alliance that merges conservative political strategy with one of the most notorious criminals of our time. Bannon’s Anti-Francis Campaign Exposed in DOJ Files The Department of Justice released documents in early 2026 exposing communications between Steve Bannon, former Trump White House chief strategist, and Jeffrey Epstein from June 2019. Bannon explicitly told Epstein, “Will take down Francis. The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU — come on brother.” The messages reveal Bannon proposed adapting Frédéric Martel’s book “In the Closet of the Vatican” into a film, suggesting Epstein serve as executive producer. The book alleges widespread homosexuality among Vatican clergy, claims that remain unverified but align with traditionalist Catholic critiques of Francis’s progressive reforms on immigration and social justice issues. Ideological Motivations Behind Vatican Plot Bannon’s opposition to Pope Francis predates these 2019 exchanges, rooted in his view of the pontiff as a “globalist” undermining nationalist movements. In a 2018 Spectator interview, Bannon called Francis “beneath contempt” for supporting progressive causes. The messages show Bannon positioning Francis alongside other perceived globalist threats, framing the pope’s emphasis on compassion for immigrants and the poor as ideological warfare against American sovereignty. This perspective resonates with many conservatives frustrated by religious leaders who prioritize international cooperation over national interests. Bannon’s willingness to partner with a convicted sex offender to advance this agenda raises serious questions about judgment and priorities among certain political operatives. Failed Collaboration and Epstein’s Death The proposed film project never advanced beyond these initial discussions. Epstein responded to Bannon’s proposal with a cryptic one-word reply that sources interpreted variably, leaving unclear how seriously he took the venture. Weeks after these exchanges, Epstein died in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in August 2019. Book author Frédéric Martel told CNN that Bannon aimed to “instrumentalize” his work for political purposes, suggesting the strategist misunderstood both the book’s content and Pope Francis’s actual positions. Vatican official Rev. Antonio Spadaro characterized the plot as an attempt to merge “spiritual authority with political power” for strategic gain. Bannon’s representatives have not responded to media inquiries about the revelations. Steve Bannon should be excommunicated for plotting with Epstein to take down Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/ehfSFS7BAC — Dan (@PapistPilled) February 9, 2026 Conservative Catholic Divisions and Trump Circle Implications These revelations expose deep divisions within American Catholicism between traditionalists aligned with Bannon’s nationalist vision and supporters of Francis’s reformist approach. The timing proves significant as Francis clashed with Trump administration figures before his 2025 death, criticizing mass deportation plans as a “disgrace” targeting the poor and sparring with Vice President JD Vance over theological priorities. For conservatives concerned about preserving traditional values, the choice to align with Epstein undermines legitimate critiques of problematic Vatican policies. The documents fuel ongoing scrutiny of Trump-adjacent figures’ associations while Epstein files continue surfacing, though no evidence suggests Trump knew of this specific conspiracy. Bannon hosts an influential podcast reaching Trump supporters, making these revelations relevant to understanding conservative movement dynamics heading into 2026. Sources: Epstein files reveal Steve Bannon’s plot to ‘take down’ Pope Francis Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein discussed plot to ‘take down’ Pope Francis Epstein files show former Trump advisor corresponding over ways to undermine Pope Bannon-Epstein plot to ‘take down’ Pope Francis revealed Epstein files reveal ties of Catholic conservatives to anti-Francis campaign

Hollywood just lost one of the last big-screen icons of a pre-woke era—an actor who built a 70-year legacy by portraying hard truths instead of fashionable narratives. Death Confirmed After Wife’s Public Statement Luciana Duvall announced Monday morning that her husband, Robert Duvall, died the day before at home in Middleburg, Virginia. Multiple outlets reported the same core facts: Duvall was 95, passed away peacefully, and was surrounded by love. The family did not disclose a cause of death. Luciana’s message emphasized gratitude for his life and requested privacy as the family mourns out of the spotlight. The timeline has remained consistent across reports. Duvall died Sunday, February 15, and the public confirmation followed Monday, February 16, after Luciana posted her statement. That sequence matters because it underlines what the family appears to want: a dignified, controlled announcement instead of a rumor-driven media frenzy. As of Monday evening, no further family updates were reported, keeping the focus on his work rather than private medical details. A Career Built on Substance, Not Celebrity Branding Robert Duvall’s film career started early with a small but memorable role as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). Over roughly seven decades, he accumulated more than 100 film, theater, and television credits. Critics repeatedly highlighted his ability to play “self-controlled” men with depth and restraint—characters who felt like real Americans rather than studio inventions built to chase trends or social media approval. Duvall became a household name through films that helped define modern American cinema. Audiences remember him as Tom Hagen in The Godfather films and for unforgettable moments tied to Apocalypse Now. His awards legacy includes winning the Academy Award for Tender Mercies (1983), a performance rooted in quiet realism rather than spectacle. Even when he wasn’t the loudest presence on screen, he often anchored scenes with discipline and credibility. Late-Career Work Showed Staying Power Into His 80s and 90s Reports about Duvall’s final years emphasized that he kept working well past the age when most actors retire. His later credits included Get Low (2009), Seven Days in Utopia (2011), and The Judge (2014), where he earned an Oscar nomination at 83—then a record as the oldest nominee in that category. Those projects reinforced a consistent pattern: he favored character-driven storytelling over Hollywood fads. Duvall also maintained long-term ties to Virginia, living in Middleburg rather than staying planted in the culture machine of Los Angeles. That detail stood out in coverage because it matches the reputation he carried for privacy and independence. In an age when many celebrities attempt to build influence by lecturing everyday Americans, Duvall largely let the work speak for itself, focusing on craft, family, and a quieter personal life away from political posturing. Authenticity Was the Through-Line in His Work and Personal Reputation Coverage revisited Duvall’s reputation for authenticity, including how he approached The Apostle (1997), which he directed and starred in. Accounts described his commitment to researching preachers and even using non-actors to capture a more truthful feel on screen. Friends and collaborators credited his ear for voice, rhythm, and human detail—traits that made his characters believable whether he played a soldier, a lawyer, or a man wrestling with faith. Legendary Actor and Director Robert Duvall Dead at 95 https://t.co/RgovGGF35I — Townhall Updates (@TownhallUpdates) February 16, 2026 His family situation was also included in the reporting, but without tabloid excess. Duvall married Luciana in 2005, and his surviving brother William was described as an actor and music teacher; another brother, John, died in 2000. For many fans, the most fitting takeaway is the one his wife’s message implied: a long life, a private passing at home, and a legacy defined by professional seriousness rather than cultural activism. Sources: Legendary Actor Robert Duvall Dead at 95 Robert Duvall dead Robert Duvall, longtime Virginia resident, dies at 95

In India, a wave of violence against Christians has surged nearly sixfold in a single decade, leaving hundreds of families watching their homes burn simply because they refused to abandon their faith. The Escalation Pattern Nobody Can Ignore The numbers tell a story that should alarm anyone who values religious freedom. In 2014, India recorded 127 incidents of violence against Christians. By 2024, that figure reached 834. This represents a nearly sixfold increase in just ten years. The escalation accelerated dramatically after 2016, with a major jump to 505 incidents in 2021, then 599 in 2022, and 720 in 2023. These are not random acts of violence but a documented pattern involving organized groups operating with apparent impunity across multiple Indian states. Who Stands Behind the Violence The perpetrators are not shadowy figures. Multiple sources identify Hindu nationalist organizations as primary actors in this violence. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bajrang Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad operate openly, often with tacit government support. These groups justify their actions through allegations of forced conversions, using India’s anti-conversion laws as legal cover. The United Christian Forum, which systematically tracks incidents, reveals state-specific patterns: Uttar Pradesh reported 184 incidents and Chhattisgarh 157 in 2025 through November alone. Christmas Violence Reveals Coordinated Strategy December 2025 showcased how organized these attacks have become. On December 24, a mob affiliated with Bajrang Dal and VHP stormed St. Mary’s English School in Assam’s Nalbari district, burning the nativity scene and destroying decorations. That same day in Bareilly, groups gathered outside a cathedral protesting Christmas prayers, chanting Hindu religious slogans while police stood by. The violence reached its peak in Chhattisgarh between December 15 and 18, when a dispute over a Christian burial escalated into full-scale riots. The mob exhumed a convert’s body, set multiple churches ablaze, and destroyed Christian homes. The Legal Framework Enabling Persecution Anti-conversion laws in various Indian states provide the skeleton key for persecution. These laws allow authorities and vigilante groups to claim Christians are forcibly converting Hindus, a charge that triggers violence with minimal legal consequences. International Christian Concern documents that government officials turn a blind eye to persecution or actively participate in it. Of 579 incidents reported between January and September 2025, only 39 resulted in police cases. This 93 percent documentation gap reveals systemic failure to protect religious minorities, suggesting not incompetence but complicity. Manipur Crisis Exposes Ethnic and Religious Targeting The ongoing Manipur violence between the Meitei Hindu majority and Kuki-Zo Christian minority demonstrates how religious persecution intertwines with ethnic conflict. Since 2023, the crisis has killed 258 people, displaced 60,000, burned 4,786 houses, and vandalized 386 religious structures, including churches. Archbishop Joseph Pamplany of Thalassery accused the Modi government of sponsoring violence to destroy Christian communities. The Archbishop of Imphal reported 249 churches destroyed in just 36 hours. Even BJP Vice-President R. Vanramchhuanga from Mizoram resigned in July 2023, explicitly accusing the BJP governments of supporting church demolitions. Rural Communities Bear the Greatest Burden Rural Christian communities face the highest vulnerability due to isolation and limited police protection. Home church congregations, which meet in private residences rather than formal structures, become easy targets for mobs. Pastoral leadership faces specific targeting for arrest and violence. The pattern follows a predictable trajectory: accusations of conversion, mob mobilization, property destruction, and forced displacement. These communities lack political representation and media access, making documentation difficult and justice nearly impossible to obtain. International Monitoring Confirms Systematic Persecution Multiple credible international organizations corroborate the escalation. Genocide Watch characterizes the violence as mob action by vigilante groups receiving support, warning that 2023 represented one of the most violent years Christians in India have ever faced. The U.S. State Department’s 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom documents aggression by vigilante mobs comprised of religious extremists, acts of violence against Christian leaders and members, and church arson. Open Doors International emphasizes that false conversion reports are extremely dangerous because they lead directly to mob violence. Historical Precedents Cast Long Shadows Two historical incidents reveal how deep these patterns run. In 1999, in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons, ages 10 and 7, were burned alive. The 2008 Kandhamal violence in Odisha left close to 100 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. These are not isolated events but markers along a continuum of persecution that has intensified under the current political climate. The violence escalated notably after the 2014 election of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. The Price of Faith Christians in India face a stark choice: renounce their faith or lose everything. Families watch their homes burn. Churches see decades of community building destroyed in hours. Children grow up displaced, carrying generational trauma. The psychological toll extends beyond immediate violence to pervasive fear and anxiety about personal safety. Economic disruption follows property destruction, leaving families unable to conduct business safely. Religious freedom, supposedly guaranteed by India’s constitution, erodes through both mob violence and legal mechanisms weaponized against minorities. Sources: Attacks in India Escalated in 2023 – International Christian Concern Rise in Attacks on Christians in India – Genocide Watch 2025 Christmas Violence in India – Wikipedia 2023-2025 Manipur Violence – Wikipedia India: Thousands of Christians Protest Amid Worst Persecution to Date – Christian Solidarity International Indian Christians Still Reeling 2 Years Since Manipur Violence – Open Doors 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: India – U.S. State Department India – Open Doors USA Christian Persecution Creates Internally Displaced Persons in India – Christianity Today