Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump recently dined for a three-hour chat. Apparently the topics covered everything from HIV cures to polio. Gates was interviewed by Wall Street Journal and he went over how his dinner with President Trump went. Despite outgoing Biden’s warnings about the growing influence of tech billionaires, Gates was kissing up to Trump. Oh to be a fly on that wall. I wonder if Gates was disappointed that his chemically sprayed Apeel food was most likely not on the menu? The Daily Beast reports: Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and the Gates Foundation, who is worth $160 billion, has revealed the details of his anticipated three-hour dinner with President-elect Donald Trump. Gates told The Wall Street Journal that the “wide-ranging” conversation, which included Elon Musk, focused heavily on public health issues. The Gates Foundation specializes in global health, among other philanthropic causes. According to the tech tycoon, Trump was “excited” about fast-tracking a cure for HIV, similar to how the COVID-19 vaccine was fast-tracked during the pandemic. Gates was also “impressed” by how interested Trump was into solving other global health issues, such as polio. In his farewell address on Wednesday, outgoing President Joe Biden warned of a “tech-industrial complex” and an “oligarchy” of powerful elites who wield increasing societal influence. He was likely talking about the gaggle of tech billionaires who surround Trump. These billionaires make increasingly significant decisions and wield growing influence over affairs traditionally left up to the state. JUST IN: Bill Gates says he was very “impressed” by Trump during their three hour dinner together. Everyone is falling in line. Interesting. Gates said he and the president elect had a very “intriguing” conversation about global health. “[Trump was] energized and looking… pic.twitter.com/raKz31YHIO — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 17, 2025 If you ever wondered if Gates is just like us, wonder no more. This video is proof that he’s just a regular joe, as he’s seen eating a hot dog in Time Square. Try to forget that he wants to lower the population by millions… Bill Gates seen doing a photo shoot of himself eating a Hot Dog in Times Square. This weird dude who pushes for faux meat and poo water expects you to take health advice from him. And how the heck is he just walking around in public so comfortably?https://t.co/Iv0Y8Wy56U pic.twitter.com/YnirjDA44q — “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) September 24, 2024

So you want a house now that your previous one burned down in L.A.? Guess what, now you gotta pay 200% more! Wait, you seem desperate, make that 300%!! As wildfires devastate Los Angeles County, authorities are tackling skyrocketing rental prices that exploit displaced residents. Zillow has already pulled hundreds of listings exceeding the 10% price hike limit set during a state of emergency. LA County DA Nathan Hochman made it clear, violators will face criminal charges, civil penalties, and public shaming. With some rents spiking as much as 300%, the crackdown is a stark reminder that profiting off disaster will cost more than it’s worth. It also reminds us that we live among those without souls. The LA rental market is going absolutely nuts right now. Landlords are scalping rent to high heavens looking for the fire victims that have fresh insurance payouts. This house would typically go for 13-18k per month. They didn’t even try to take good pics. pic.twitter.com/uXighEZyiF — Justin Girard (@justinngirard) January 11, 2025 ABC News reports: Sites that host rental listings in the Los Angeles County area are scrambling to address rent gouging amid the destructive, deadly wildfires ravaging the region and displacing thousands of residents. Real estate marketplace Zillow told ABC News that it has “removed hundreds of Zillow listings due to price increases that exceed the state of emergency threshold.” Housing providers can fix the “pricing issues” and re-list the homes or apartments once addressed, the company said. The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) warned businesses not to price gouge during a declared emergency. Prices for goods and services — including hotel rooms, rental housing and emergency supplies — cannot be raised more than 10% in a time of emergency. Some residents have seen increases in prices or rooms they are renting or houses that they are leasing go up by 100%, 200% or even 300%, according to LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “If you’re one of these people who have engaged in price gouging, not only do you need to stop it immediately, I would strongly recommend that you go back and fix it, go back and refund the amount that you have overcharged people,” Hochman said in a Jan. 15 press conference. “We will certainly take that into consideration in deciding whether or not to charge you.” Hochman noted that violators would face both criminal and civil penalties. “And as importantly, your name will get out there, your company’s name will get out there,” he said. “You will be publicly shamed. I want to make that crystal clear. So stop it right now.” The greed among liberal areas is insane. But I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. A furnished Bel Air home went on Zillow today for $29,500 / month. A few months ago, it was asking $15,900. The agent said she told her client to re-list the home after this week’s L.A. fires. “People are desperate,” she said. “You can probably get good money.” pic.twitter.com/FAGfixxGad — John Wick of Delay Deny Defend (@MobyDickTikTok) January 12, 2025 Here’s a list of the greedy landlords breaking the law. Thank God it’s going viral so these landlords will be under the magnifying glass of anons and will most likely be prosecuted. LA isn’t playing around… There’s a spreadsheet of landlords price-gouging rent during the LA Fires https://t.co/in7qTMp0Kf — Mexican Rug Dealer (@DealinRugs) January 14, 2025 And here’s where we can report them: https://t.co/zSb8PEZG1V — Mexican Rug Dealer (@DealinRugs) January 14, 2025 pic.twitter.com/htyPJZcQ62 — StarNinja (Cara/ ) (@StarNinja347) January 14, 2025 I’m willing to bet patriotic Americans are NOT the ones doing this. Just reported my old landlord. Moved out 6 months ago due to cockroaches & shady monthly price bumps even though they were rent controlled. Sure enough, Jones & Jones Property Management is preying on the LA fires & price gouging. Raised rent on available 2 bedrooms by $800 today pic.twitter.com/7gJ9qgNwI7 — Caitlin Oishi (@caitlinerin) January 14, 2025

With just three days to go, there’s been a change in plans. The inauguration is now indoors. And so now the Secret Service and other agencies are scrambling to update security plans for Monday’s inauguration and parade. Originally planned over months as a National Special Security Event, the shift forces a rapid change to protect the those attending. Was this done to thwart any attack plans that were already in place? #BREAKING: Trump inauguration OFFICIALLY moved indoors, President-elect announces. Trump will join the crowd from inside Capital One arena after being sworn in inside the Capitol for the parade. pic.twitter.com/jqFoRgo15Y — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 17, 2025 Trump’s Inauguration has been moved indoors, in Capitol Rotunda. pic.twitter.com/gk2VKLtfkS — MAGAfan1776 (@magafan1776) January 17, 2025 President Trump posted to Truth Social: January 20th cannot come fast enough! Everybody, even those that initially opposed a Victory by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Administration, just want it to happen. It is my obligation to protect the People of our Country but, before we even begin, we have to think of the Inauguration itself. The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours on the 20th (In any event, if you decide to come, dress warmly!). Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather. The various Dignitaries and Guests will be brought into the Capitol. This will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience! We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In. All other events will remain the same, including the Victory Rally at Capital One Arena, on Sunday at 3 P.M. (Doors open at 1 P.M.—Please arrive early!), and all three Inaugural Balls on Monday evening. Everyone will be safe, everyone will be happy, and we will, together, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump announces the inauguration will take place indoors this year. pic.twitter.com/auNJ5T3c5r — Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 17, 2025 CNN reports: President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will be moved indoors, he announced Friday, due to dangerously cold temperatures projected in the nation’s capital. “I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump added. CNN reported earlier Friday that plans were underway for Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance to be sworn in in the Rotunda and that Trump’s team was in talks to potentially hold some of the festivities at the arena, where Trump will host a rally on Sunday. “The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will honor the request of the President-elect and his Presidential Inaugural Committee to move the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda,” the committee said in a statement. The committee always makes contingency plans to host the inauguration in multiple locations in case of weather or other obstacles, but the challenge now is where to put the thousands of people who would have been outside but cannot all fit in the Rotunda. “The vast majority of ticketed guests will not be able to attend the ceremonies in person,” the committee said in a notice sent to ticket holders later Friday. It urged would-be spectators to watch at “indoor venues of their choice,” adding that it’s “designating certain places to watch and will provide additional information.” The committee said that those with tickets for the Presidential Platform and members of Congress will be able to attend in person. The Secret Service and other agencies, including DC and US Capitol Police, are working to determine how moving the inauguration and parade indoors will change security plans for Monday, two law enforcement sources familiar with the planning told CNN. Agencies now have just three days to put together a new security plan that previously took months to plan. The agencies have worked since early 2024 planning for the inauguration — designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a National Special Security Event, which triggers a multi-pronged federal approach. President Ronald Reagan also had an indoor inauguration: Footage of Reagan’s 1985 indoor inauguration The last indoor ceremony, held due to −13°C temperatures. This time, it’s −6°C. It’s seemingly lacking the grandeur of the usual outdoor swearing in, hence the surprise that @realDonaldTrump agreed. pic.twitter.com/I5EksSalL2 — lukas_J (@XLukasjames) January 17, 2025

As Michelle Obama continues retreating from public view, some speculate that it could be due to a rift in her marriage to Barack Obama. Are Michelle and Barack Obama headed for DIVORCE? Is he insinuating that Michelle LACKS grace? Wow!!!! pic.twitter.com/gCHgFDnWxS — Madeleine Case Tweets (@McCannCaseTweet) January 14, 2025 Amid such speculation, the former president took to Instagram to deliver a message to his wife, per Fox News: To commemorate her birthday, the former president shared a tribute to his wife on Instagram, writing, “You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!” Michelle later shared the post on X and captioned it, “Love you, honey!” followed with a heart emoji and an emoji of a face blowing a kiss. Sources reportedly close to Michelle told People that the former first lady intends to skip Trump’s inauguration because she cannot contain her disdain for the Republican president-elect. Her decision to skip Monday’s inauguration ceremony has been a particularly popular topic of social media discussion: Trump’s Inauguration No-Shows Michelle Obama is skipping Trump’s inauguration because of severe, chronic jock itch Pelosi can’t go because she doesn’t want to leave her husband alone again with a hammered gay prostitute AOC isnt going because she’ll be busy filming season 3… — It’s Tiff (@TiffMoodNukes) January 16, 2025 Whatever shall we do without AOC, Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi at the Trump inauguration? pic.twitter.com/NrLM5mEkLZ — DeFiLatina (@DeFiLatina) January 16, 2025 Michelle Obama is either one of the most classless, petty person alive or her and Barry are headed to divorce to not attend the inauguration. pic.twitter.com/7xvV5ng2vh — Angie G (@MomAngtrades) January 14, 2025 Among the co-hosts of ABC’s “The View,” however, her decision to snub Trump was met with rambunctious approval. According to Page Six: The “View” co-hosts — Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin — shockingly all agreed that Michelle Obama had every right to skip President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. The group –– who all have differing political opinions –– discussed on Friday’s episode whether the former first lady was “right or wrong” for announcing she wouldn’t be attending the swearing-in ceremony Monday. “Yes, Lord, she is so right, she is so right!” Hostin began while the audience clapped. “She gave us that, ‘When they go low, we must go high,’ and I think she’s changed her tune. I think when they go low, you have to meet that energy and perhaps go even lower [and] become small like an ant and go to the Earth’s crust.” Haines chimed in and joked, “Do not cross Sunny Hostin!” “What I will say is, she said that she did not enjoy Trump’s 2017 inauguration, because there was no diversity, there was no color on that stage, she said there was no reflection of what the broader sense of what America looks like and many people took pictures of her, and she just wasn’t in a good mood,” Hostin, 56, continued. Griffin –– who previously worked for Trump –– agreed that she had “no problem” with Michelle ditching. Here’s a clip of the relevant segment of that episode:

In a rare win against a media giant, a Florida jury found CNN defamed Navy veteran Zachary Young in 2021. This is in regards to a story about rescuing Afghans from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Young argued CNN misrepresented his business as a “black market” operation. Guess how that affected his business? You guessed it. It ruined his livelihood. The jury sided with him, awarding $5 million in damages, with punitive damages still on the table. CNN has yet to comment as the trial continues. I wonder how many people CNN have defamed over it’s lifetime that they got away with? There needs to be a tidal wave of lawsuits against this giant. BREAKING CNN found guilty of defaming security contractor, ordered to pay $5 million A Florida jury of six decided unanimously to find the network guilty of hurting the reputation of security contractor ZacharyYoung. pic.twitter.com/ISilxnCXPL — Andrea Shaffer, Employment/Labor Law (@Andreafreedom76) January 17, 2025 CBS News reports: A Florida jury on Friday found that CNN defamed a U.S. Navy veteran in a 2021 story about people paid to rescue endangered Afghans following the Taliban takeover of that country. It was an unusual ruling against a media outlet in a defamation case. Libel laws are generally protective of news organizations, and plaintiffs must meet a high standard to prove defamation. The jury in Panama City, Florida, deliberated for more than eight hours starting Thursday before ruling in favor of Zachary Young, who blamed CNN for destroying his business by showing his face onscreen in a story about a “black market” of smuggling out desperate Afghans for high fees. The jury awarded Young $5 million in damages and is now being asked to determine whether CNN must pay additional punitive damages. Young had argued that his business targeted sponsors who could afford to pay for Afghans to get out, not individual Afghans charged as much as $10,000 for the service. While CNN said it was wrong to use the phrase “black market,” it contended that its reporting on Young was accurate. CNN said it would have no comment on the verdict until after the punitive damages part of the trial is concluded. BREAKING: A jury just found CNN defamed Navy veteran Zachary Young with this Jake Tapper segment on extractions from Biden’s Afghanistan debacle. pic.twitter.com/vALmrSvmMN — Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) January 17, 2025 BREAKING: Fake News CNN must pay $5M for defaming Navy veteran, Zachary Young, during Joe Biden’s disastrous Afghanistan pullout. Jake Tapper is a lying POS! GUILTY!pic.twitter.com/OyoM3LhGTV — AJ Huber (@Huberton) January 17, 2025 Justice has been served for this patriot. MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: CNN found guilty in Florida trial of defaming Navy veteran! pic.twitter.com/LvDrXue1tM — Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) January 17, 2025

Looks like the upcoming inauguration of President Donald Trump will bring together quite the assorted group. It brings Biden, Harris, and their spouses back to the stage. And then there’s the tech giants. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will all be there. Adding international flair, Europe’s populist leaders. And even Communist China’s VP will join the VIP mix. I can only imagine the tension that will be in the air. China President Xi Jinping Confirms “Special Representative” to Attend President Trump’s Inauguration – Joining Other Notable World Leaders https://t.co/1v0vc0mloW — Jim Hoft (@jimhoft_) January 17, 2025 TIME reports: President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration will be attended by some of America’s most influential billionaires and politicians as well as some foreign leaders and celebrities who have embraced the incoming President. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with their respective spouses First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, are set to revive the tradition of defeated presidential candidates sharing the inauguration stage with the election winners. The world’s three richest people—Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg—will attend Trump’s inauguration and have a prominent spot at the ceremony. The tech moguls will be seated together on the dais. While foreign diplomats such as ambassadors have typically attended U.S. presidential inaugurations, no foreign head of state has previously made an official visit for the occasion, according to the Associated Press. But that is set to change for Trump. Among the other ideological comrades around the globe who are planning to attend Trump’s inauguration are Belgium’s Vlaams Belang party chairman Tom Van Grieken, Éric Zemmour of France’s nationalist Reconquête party, Tino Chrupalla of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Spain’s Vox party president Santiago Abascal, and Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform UK party. Trump also extended an invite to China’s President Xi Jinping. In Xi’s stead, China is sending Vice President Han Zheng. Musk will also be at the pre-inauguration rally. NEWS: Elon Musk is set to speak at the Pre- Inauguration Rally of President-Elect Donald Trump on Sunday, according to reports pic.twitter.com/e1920eSRbL — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 17, 2025 Looks like Nancy Pelosi and Michelle Obama will miss out on the fun. What a shame. BREAKING: Nancy Pelosi will not attend President Trump’s Inauguration. pic.twitter.com/kpLlcQjE8m — Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) January 16, 2025 Michelle Obama, skipping the inauguration is completely in keeping with the Democratic way of life. No decency. No honor. No class. pic.twitter.com/MT0Zj1AM0p — Admone (@Admone7) January 15, 2025

Vivek Ramaswamy is setting his sights on becoming Ohio’s governor. With Governor Mike DeWine term-limited in 2026, Ramaswamy’s seems to have a game plan. First rack up wins at DOGE, getting the public’s support, and then declare his candidacy. A biotech entrepreneur turned President Trump fan, Ramaswamy is betting Ohio voters will embrace him for the role. Ambitious? Sure. But a lot can and will happen between now and 2026. Seems a bit soon to make plans like that when the world could look completely different in only twelve months. Does he think that he’ll shoot for the presidency afterwards, if he becomes the governor? #BREAKING: Vivek Ramaswamy runs for governor of Ohio – Washington Post pic.twitter.com/rl5gD7vGxJ — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 17, 2025 I am officially announcing my candidacy for governor of Ohio. I am ready to lead with vision, integrity, and a commitment to addressing the needs of every Ohioan. Together, we can build a brighter future for our state. — Vivek Ganapathy Ramaswamy (parody) (@VivekRammaswamy) January 17, 2025 The Hill reports: Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-chair of President-elect Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), plans to run for governor of Ohio, two sources confirmed to The Hill on Friday. The Ohio governor’s mansion will be up for grabs in 2026, as sitting Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is term-limited. One of the sources said Ramaswamy’s plan was to “get accomplishments at DOGE” and then announce his gubernatorial bid. The Washington Post first reported the news. According to the Post, Ramaswamy’s aim is to announce a gubernatorial bid after DeWine declares who will fill the Senate seat left open as Vice President-elect JD Vance exits the upper chamber. Though Ramaswamy was reportedly considered, DeWine is expected to name Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the seat. Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur and former White House contender who, even as he challenged Trump for the Republican nomination in 2024, has long been an ally of the president-elect. He was floated in talk of who could join Trump’s ticket and has called Trump “the best president of the 21st century.” JUST IN: Vivek Ramaswamy plans to announce he is running for governor of Ohio, according to the Washington Post. “The co-leader of Trump’s DOGE initiative plans to announce a run for Ohio governor, two people familiar with his plans said,” the outlet reported. The… pic.twitter.com/qILlQSZZ9V — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 17, 2025 But not everyone is a fan of Vivek. The ol’ H-1b controversy wasn’t received well by many. We haven’t forgotten Vivek. You exposed yourself on the open stage with the H1B scam. You should apologize hard working Americans and admit you were wrong What you wrote wounded a lot of people and permanently caused distrust between MAGA & the Trump admin on immigration — E (@ElijahSchaffer) January 17, 2025