CNN anchor Jake Tapper appeared concerned about the spread of “disinformation” online and how that could impact the next election just days after his network was found guilty of defamation. During CNN’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Tapper focused on a group of tech executives that have grown closer to Trump since the president’s November victory. One of those executives, X CEO Elon Musk, was instrumental in Trump’s victory. Other executives who have made peace with the president include Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Tapper’s emphasis on the influence those men will have on information and elections comes as his own network just suffered a blow to its own credibility after losing a $5 million defamation case. Tapper showed a photo of those executives minus Musk in St. John’s Church for a Monday morning service and remarked on the influence the group has over the spread of information. “Those five people that I just mentioned – the four in the photograph and also Elon Musk – control so much of the information that we receive. So much is in their hands when it comes to ascertaining, monitoring, or refusing to monitor what is real, what is not real,” Tapper said. “We’re about to enter an era of deepfakes and all sorts of misinformation, and the degree to which those five gentlemen play a role or do not play a role will be pivotal in terms of where the American people are four years from now in terms of understanding what is true and what is false,” he continued. Tapper’s colleague, anchor Anderson Cooper, emphasized that the tech titans are “the gatekeepers, in many ways, to information for the entire planet.” WATCH: CNN's Jake Tapper melts down at the fact X's Elon Musk, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Apple's Tim Cook, and Google's Sundar Pichai attended the inauguration church service with @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance: "We're about to enter an era of deepfakes and… pic.twitter.com/qIQcEnjokW — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) January 20, 2025 On Friday, CNN settled a defamation case brought by veteran Zachary Young over a segment the network aired in 2021 on Young’s efforts to extract people from Afghanistan during the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal. The segment portrayed Young as a pariah, according to the lawsuit. A Florida jury agreed with Young and found that CNN had defamed the veteran and that the veteran should be awarded $5 million. The jurors were debating extra punitive damages to be paid out by the network when CNN and Young settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed amount of money. CNN said in a statement after the settlement that it would “take what useful lessons we can from this case.” Young’s attorney, Devin Freedman, said: “We are very happy with the result. We cleared our client’s name, held CNN to account, and then settled to avoid protracted appeals.” Tapper has a record of controversial statements against Trump that at best blur and at worst cross the line between objective journalism and partisan commentary. In 2020, the CNN anchor repeatedly referred to Trump’s children derisively as his “spawn.” Also that year, Tapper called Trump’s presidential campaign “the single most negative, sleazy campaign in American history for a major party candidate.”

Today, every American, whether Democrat, independent, or Republican, ought to pray for President Trump’s success, because then you are praying for the success of the United States of America. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with all his policies. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything he does. I’m not going to agree with everything he does. But it does mean that for the sake of the country, I hope and pray President Trump will be precisely the kind of president that America needs: a president who relies on common sense; a president who does not just seek momentary victories, but also seeks long-term victories; a president who restructures the systems that need restructuring; and cleans out the deadwood in need of cleaning out. I think President Trump takes all of that seriously; he seems to already be taking on the task before him. It is a very serious approach. It is a moment of optimism, but it also is a moment of determination.  The Republicans need to hit the ground running. They need to get to work on the one-bill strategy. They need to make the Trump tax cuts permanent and to loosen regulations dramatically. They need to fire an enormous number of people in the executive branch. They need to restore our nation’s border and deport illegal immigrants, particularly criminal illegal immigrants. They need to restore the semblance of sanity in a country that completely lost its sanity under Joe Biden. The stakes are really high because America doesn’t get opportunities like this particularly often. It is very rare to get a second bite at the apple. I think there has been a lot of despair. In 2020, I was one of the people who felt that despair when Joe Biden took the White House. You get a second chance so rarely, but the American people are getting a second chance with President Trump. WATCH: The Ben Shapiro Show My prayers today are with President Trump, with the members of his excellent cabinet, with the members of his administration, with the members of his family. My prayers are with the country today, as I think everyone’s ought to be. President Trump has pledged a big agenda — a big, robust agenda — and some of it’s going to start taking place today. But it’s not just going to require the efforts of President Trump, because the country doesn’t rise and fall on one man. It rises and falls on the American people and their elected representatives. That means members of Congress need to help push forward the Trump agenda in pragmatic fashion. It means the Senate needs to push forward President Trump’s agenda in pragmatic fashion. Yes, there will be give and take, and push back, and no bill is going to be perfect. I hope that conservatives get more out of these bills than members of the Left do. That’s my hope. But for us, the American people, this is our opportunity. This is our opportunity to thrive. It’s an opportunity for merit to take the floor once again. Freedom is being restored. Free speech is being restored; free markets are being restored. Take this opportunity to go to church. Take this opportunity to get in touch with your neighbors. Take this opportunity to recapitulate what made America great in the first place. Things like free minds, free speech, community values, and rule of law. Those are the things we should all be praying for under the incoming Trump administration. This is our opportunity. The excitement is here. President Trump is going to get to work. So should we. * * * CELEBRATE #47 WITH 47% OFF DAILYWIRE+ MEMBERSHIPS + A FREE $20 GIFT

Melania Trump’s launch of the $MELANIA meme coin made waves in the cryptocurrency market, sending the value of Donald Trump’s meme coin plummeting. How did Melania’s strategic venture shake the digital currency world? Melania Trump’s Entry into Cryptocurrency Melania Trump introduced the $MELANIA meme coin, signaling her entry into digital currencies, shortly after Donald Trump’s own coin debuted. Like its predecessor, $MELANIA operates as a fungible token on the Solana blockchain, attracting considerable interest, with over 22,000 wallets incorporating the currency post-launch. This initial success reflects a strong market and community response tied to Melania’s political and entrepreneurial influence. The launch’s timing proved significant. Shortly after, Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency experienced a significant downturn, with the market valuation dropping by 36%. Market analysts are keenly observing this development and its long-term implications for the cryptocurrency sector. Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market Melania’s coin, supported by MKT World, an organization linked to her, offers a glimpse into how political figures can leverage their prominence in the digital economy. Her venture strategically emulates Donald Trump’s earlier successful foray, whose coin reached a multibillion-dollar valuation. Melania’s entry unsettled the market, affecting investor confidence in Trump’s digital asset and prompting broader discussions within the crypto community. “Just hours after the incoming First Lady’s digital currency went live, her husband’s suffered a precipitous crash of more than 40%.” – The Daily Beast Donald Trump promoted Melania’s new project on Truth Social, highlighting the family’s increasing inclination towards blockchain technology and digital currencies. Both soaring and then dipping market trends underline the volatile nature of meme coins and the potentially outsized impact influential figures can have in this sphere. Community Response and Future Outlook The enthusiasm for $MELANIA reflects growing public interest in cryptocurrencies linked to prominent personalities. With 35% of $MELANIA tokens reserved for the team and the remaining locked for 13 months, investors are keenly aware of the potential risks and rewards. As more high-profile figures explore digital asset ventures, the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency remains a captivating space to watch. Industry observers are watching closely to see how Melania’s entry will reshape market dynamics. As the crypto market evolves, these innovative initiatives might offer new pathways for digital currencies to integrate with mainstream financial systems and influence significant economic sectors. Sources: Melania Trump Unveils Her Own Crypto Meme Coin Trump’s Meme Coin Immediately Crashes After Melania’s Cryptocurrency Launch The post Melania Trump Enters Crypto World: What’s the Buzz Around $MELANIA Coin? appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Rapper Soulja Boy recently found himself under fire for performing at the Crypto Ball event in Washington D.C. before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. While critics point to political implications, Soulja Boy claims financial necessity drove his decision. The question remains: does financial gain justify the backlash? Crypto Ball Controversy Soulja Boy performed at the Crypto Ball alongside notable artists like Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross. The event took place before Trump’s inauguration, stirring public attention. While many saw it as a politically charged event, Soulja Boy clarified that the event’s focus was primarily on cryptocurrency, not politics. Critics questioned Soulja Boy’s motives, given the proximity to Trump’s event. He defended his choice by emphasizing financial benefits. Public figures such as Obama and Kamala Harris had not provided similar financial benefits, according to the rapper’s statements. Addressing the Backlash Soulja Boy’s statements have drawn mixed reactions. “They paid me a bag. Obama ain’t never put no money in my pockets. Trump put money in my pockets,” he remarked. While financial incentives play a role, questions about the responsibility celebrities hold in politically sensitive settings persist. “Y’all want me to not answer the phone for the fucking president? This nigga the president of the United States. Trump wasn’t even there. It was the Crypto Ball for crypto. And I’ll go again,” Soulja Boy stated, asserting the event’s true purpose. Wider Implications for the Industry The Crypto Ball featured cryptocurrency executives and was seen as a significant moment for the industry, symbolizing its strengthening presence in Washington. This contrasts with the previous administration’s approach. The event represented a shift in attitudes toward cryptocurrency. Soulja Boy later admitted feeling deceived regarding the event’s political implications. “I ain’t going to lie, though. Them folks did try to trick me.” This admission highlights the complexities entertainers face at politically charged events. As financial motives intersect with public expectations, the balance of these influences continues to stir debate. Sources: Rapper Soulja Boy Defends Performing at Trump Event: ‘Obama, Kamala Ain’t Never Put Money in My Fu**ing Pockets’ “Bro only cares about the money”— Internet reacts to Soulja Boy addressing his participation at Trump’s Crypto Ball The post Soulja Boy’s Crypto Ball Controversy: Profit Over Politics Debate Ignites appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Kevin Costner has played a lot of roles during his Hollywood career. Some of his most famous movies include Field of Dreams, Dances With Wolves, and The Bodyguard. He’s a versatile actor who gets into the minds of the characters he plays. In 2018, Kevin Costner took the small screen by storm as John Dutton on Yellowstone. Fans fell in love with him in a cowboy hat, but it appears his love for the West started when he was very young. Kevin recently celebrated his 70th birthday and shared a throwback photo on Instagram that made his fans melt. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Costner (@kevincostner) Kevin Costner Says He’s Always Wanted To Be A Cowboy He shared the black-and-white photo of himself as a very little boy with a cowboy hat on his head and a giant smile on his face. Kevin knew way back then what his heart wanted. He captioned the photo, “Thank you guys for the birthday wishes. If you can believe it, this is me. I was chasing the cowboy life just about as soon as I could walk, and here I am doing it still. Here’s to another year of keeping our sights set on our dreams.” His fans adored seeing a glimpse into Kevin Costner’s childhood. One wrote, “Love Love! You’ve always been just about my favorite for years and years! Keep making those movies. Your fans will keep watching! And a very happy birthday, Kevin !! Lots of love and best wishes!” “Happy birthday… My favorite cowboy nowadays… Enjoy your Day to the fullest,” a fan agreed. Another fan who recently had a big birthday wrote, “You’re my favorite of them all. Happy birthday. I just turned 60 myself.” After leaving Yellowstone, many fans wondered what Kevin Costner would do next. If this picture is any indication, he’ll probably return to his favorite genre. This story’s featured image is by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for DuJour Media. The post Kevin Costner Shares A Photo From His Tiniest Cowboy Days & Fans Are Gushing appeared first on InspireMore.

'Will be shut down'

'Revive interest'

Not the first time...

This is just sad

Delivering his second inaugural address indoors because of the frigid weather conditions in Washington, President Donald Trump vowed Monday to restore integrity and efficiency to government.  Having won in November not only the popular vote, but also with a decisive Electoral College victory, Trump struck a mostly unifying tone from inside the Capitol, invoking Martin Luther King Jr. and asserting, “Impossible is what we do best.” The following are eight takeaways from his address: 1. ‘Stars and Stripes on the Planet Mars’ Among the newer policies Trump spoke of was putting a man on Mars.  “We will pursue our Manifest Destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars,” Trump said.  Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, stood and applauded with a smile after that comment.  Musk is separately heading up Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to identify waste, fraud, and abuse.  2. ‘Saved for a Reason’ Trump referenced the attempt on his life on July 13 in Pennsylvania when a would-be assassin shot Trump in the ear and killed a supporter in the crowd.  The president tied that in with some of the legal cases brought against him seeking to block his path to the presidency.  “From this moment on, America’s decline is over. Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied, and we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government,” Trump said.  “Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250-year history, and I have learned a lot along the way,” the president continued. “The journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one, that I can tell you. Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom and indeed take my life. Just a few months ago in a beautiful Pennsylvania field an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then, and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again.” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, appreciated the line in the Trump inaugural address in which the president said, he will “not forget our Constitution, and not forget our God.” “Today, President Trump did not merely proclaim victory, he declared war upon the betrayals and failures of a federal government, which had forgotten its primary duty to protect the American people at home and abroad and to fight for their best interests,” Lee told The Daily Signal in a statement. “He now takes on that mandate, his mission to usher the United States into a new golden age of strength and freedom.” It’s an honor to be in the Capitol as President Trump outlined his plan to BRING AMERICA BACK! pic.twitter.com/huptKUhzZF— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 20, 2025 3. ‘Weaponization … Will End’ Minutes before leaving office, former President Joe Biden pardoned several family members who had been under congressional investigation for possible influence-peddling, and hours after similar preemptive pardons of political allies. Early in his speech, Trump vowed to restore integrity to the U.S. justice system, after facing multiple investigations from the Biden Justice Department.  “Our sovereignty will be reclaimed,” Trump said. “Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent, and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end.” 4. ‘Liberation Day’ and Honoring MLK Trump said that Jan. 20, 2025, should be regarded as “Liberation Day.” “It is my hope that the recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country,” he said. “As our victory showed, the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increase in support from virtually every element of our society, young and old, men and women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, urban, suburban, rural, and very importantly, we had a powerful win in all seven swing states, and the popular vote we won by millions of people.”  Trump referenced the growing support among constituencies that haven’t often supported Republican candidates, as he noted that he was sworn into office on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  “To the black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust you showed me with your vote,” Trump said. “Today is Martin Luther King Day, and in his honor, this will be a great honor, in his honor, we will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true.” 5. ‘Only Two Genders’  Trump also called for ending government social engineering on race and gender.  “This week, I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based,” Trump said. “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.” 6. ‘External Revenue Service’ While the Internal Revenue Service is the Treasury Department agency charged with tax collection from Americans, Trump announced plans for what he dubbed the “External Revenue Service” to fund the government with revenues from foreign countries.  “I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families,” he said. “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.” He added: “For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service, to collect all tariffs, duties, and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our Treasury coming from foreign sources. The American dream will soon be back and thriving like never before.” 7. ‘National Emergency at Our Southern Border’ Trump said protecting the southern border would be a major priority, and announced numerous executive orders.  “I will declare a national emergency at our southern border,” Trump said. “All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” “We will reinstate my ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. I will end the process of catch-and-release. And I will send troops to the southern border to stop the disastrous invasion of our country,” Trump said.  He added that Mexican cartels will be designated foreign terrorist organizations. “We don’t want criminals coming into our country,” Trump said. “We don’t want the jails of every country in the world virtually being deposited into the United States.” Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said getting rid of the Biden-era Customs and Border Protection app for illegal immigrants to pre-apply for asylum would be an important first step. “Our kids are dying of fentanyl, and families are being ripped apart by murders and assaults committed by illegal immigrants who aren’t supposed to be here in the first place,” Hawley told The Daily Signal. “President Trump has consistently expressed his commitment to stopping the flow of drugs and criminals invading communities across the country. Shutting down the CBP One app—Biden’s concierge service for illegal immigrants—was a huge step in the right direction.” Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said Trump’s new border policies are a welcome change.  “After four years of dangerous open borders, soaring inflation, out-of-control crime, and disastrous foreign policy, the national nightmare is finally over,” Norman told The Daily Signal. “The American people overwhelmingly delivered a mandate on November 5: They want President Trump’s agenda, and they want it now. During his first term, President Trump delivered the most secure border in history, a booming economy, law and order in our communities, and peace on the world stage—and today he will pick right back up where he left off.” 8. ’National Energy Emergency’ Trump also vowed to roll back the energy policies of the Biden administration.  “The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices. That is why today, I will also declare a national energy emergency,” he said. “We will drill, baby drill.” The Republican majority in Congress will play a key role in enacting Trump’s mandate from the November election victory, said Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz.  “The American people gave President Trump a mandate to secure our borders, deport criminal aliens, unleash American energy, and enact a return to law and order—a resounding rejection of the agenda of decline enacted over the last four years,” Crane told The Daily Signal. “The president delivered a strong, bold vision of this new Golden Age of America, and it’s up to Congress to support his commonsense agenda. I look forward to working with President Trump to make these changes a reality.” The post Mars, Tariffs, Two Genders: 8 Takeaways From Trump’s Second Inaugural Address appeared first on The Daily Signal.