Ed Kamen

FT Exclusive: A broker for the US defence secretary attempted to make a big investment in major defence companies in the weeks leading up to the US-Israeli attack on Iran, according to three people familiar with the matter. ft.trib.al/HIiu9Tx

The lead article in #LePoint from #France (“The Great Heist”)is an extensive investigation into the intersection of Trump’s second term and his and family’s private business interests. The report argues that the White House under Trump has shockingly been transformed into a "cash machine" for the #Trump family and their associates. Key themes of the article include: 1. The "Crypto-President": The report examines how the administration’s shift toward pro-crypto policies coincided with the launch of Trump-branded digital assets and "World Liberty Financial," alleging that regulatory decisions are being influenced by the President's personal holdings. 2. Insider Trading Allegations: Le Point investigates "troubling" market fluctuations that occur immediately following the President's social media posts or policy announcements. It suggests that a small circle of "insiders" may be profiting from prior knowledge of these shifts. 3. Real Estate & Private Clubs: The article details how foreign delegations and lobbyists continue to frequent Trump-owned properties (like Mar-a-Lago), creating a system where access to the Commander-in-Chief is effectively a commercial transaction. 4. The "Trumpification" of Washington: Beyond the money, the article describes an "aesthetic of power," where the President’s personal brand—symbolized by the gold coin shown on the cover—is being merged with the official symbols of the American state as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. The tone of the piece is highly critical, framing these actions not just as ethical lapses, but as a systematic "heist" of democratic norms for private gain.