Courageous Statements Everyone Should Hear, Share, and Start Questioning What You Think You Know Regarding Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu
“Investigative Essay with Commentary” V1.4 10.08.25
By John R. Brakey, Director (for identification only), AUDIT Elections USA.
I am writing in a personal capacity. The views and conclusions here are my own and not authorized, reviewed, funded, or endorsed by AUDIT Elections USA (a 501(c)(3)) or its Board.
Table of Contents (jump-link format for Substack) Coming soon
Prologue – The Light of Transparency
Introduction – Courage and Context
A Difficult but Necessary Statement
Proof of Principle – The 2023 Arizona Transparency Bill in Arizona
The Erosion of Truth – Hannah Arendt’s Warning
The Moral Reckoning – Mark Braverman: Courage, Hope and Peace
Breaking the Silence – New Voices on the Woke Right
That silence is breaking. Across the political spectrum—conservative and liberal Americans are opening their eyes.
A Woke MAGA Right Emerges as Israel’s Netanyahu
Exposing Influence and Funding Scams
From the Desk of Charlie Kirk to Netanyahu (May 2, 2025)
Was Charlie Kirk Silenced? – The Max Blumenthal Report
BREAKING: Charlie Kirk Told Netanyahu: “Do Your Own Propaganda!” - w/ Max Blumenthal:
Key Claims to Verify (Fact-Check Guide)
Lessons from History – The USS Liberty 1967
The Power of Satire
Follow the Money (2020 vs 2024)
Transparency as the Solution – The ABE System
In an Era of Division – Unity, Compassion, and Verified Elections
Charlie Kirk 48 Hours Before 9/10 Assassination said in a 9-person chat ...“Jewish donors play into all of the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this, leaving me no choice but to leave the pro-Israel cause.”
Max Blumenthal EXPOSES Netanyahu’s Censorship Campaign WITHIN the US
TikTok U.S. Divestiture — Where Things Stand (early Oct 2025) Could the New Owners Be “Worse Than China”?
Epstein/Blackmail Claims -The idea that Jeffrey Epstein ran a Mossad-linked compromise operation?
Democracy Now! “End Times Fascism”: “Naomi Klein on How Trump, Musk, Far Right “Don’t Believe in the Future”
Conclusion – Hope, Peace, and Democracy? What next is up to us.
1. Prologue – The Light of Transparency
In the Age of Paid Influences — Follow the Money and get the Facts.
For over twenty years, my colleagues and I at AUDIT USA have fought for election transparency because we learned a simple truth: when light of transparency shines in, corruption can’t survive.
The same principle that drives our work in verifying elections—trackable, transparent, and publicly verifiable truth—also applies to how a healthy democracy operates and how its citizens stay informed.
Yes, the problems we face are complicated, however the solutions are simple -chief among them is transparency.
That’s what this Investigative Essay focuses on, the importance of courage, accountability, and individual initiative; it is essential that all members of society contribute. Collective engagement supports the pursuit of truth, which is necessary for the continued health of democracy and our Democratic Republic.
Current developments reflect established patterns of authoritarian behavior: consolidation of authority, widespread dissemination of misinformation, suppression of opposing views, and manipulation of regulatory oversight.
Like Government suing people because they requested public records!
Investigative Report Parts 1, 2, & 3: “They Sued Us for Asking for Public Records” — Inside Santa Cruz County’s Culture of Concealment, Retaliation, Missing Millions, and an unjustified SLAPP Lawsuit
By John R. Brakey, Director, AUDIT Elections USA — Exploring the culture of corruption in Santa Cruz County, AZ John R Brakey Jul 16, 2025
📽️ Prefer to watch instead of read?
🎧 Podcast-Style Narrated Report – Part 1, 2, & 3: Wednesday July 16, 2025
What we’re seeing follows the classic authoritarian playbook—centralize power, flood the zone with disinformation, punish dissent, and rig the referees.
Two Solid, nonpartisan sources to links:
Protect Democracy – “The Authoritarian Playbook” (media guide + updated PDF). Clear, bite-size list of tactics with U.S. examples; perfect to hyperlink the words authoritarian playbook.
Freedom House – “Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule.” Global data + concrete examples of the same tactics (useful for “this is a known pattern worldwide”).
2. Introduction – Courage and Context
Every generation faces its moment of truth — a time when silence and fear threaten to overpower our human capacity for reason and empathy. We are living in such a moment today.
We are approaching a tipping point in history. Citizens are weary of choosing the lesser of two evils, trapped between parties increasingly influenced by oligarchs, Christian nationalism, and powerful foreign interests. Out of this disillusionment, a new coalition of awake citizens is beginning to rise — people from the right and the left discovering common ground in their search for truth, accountability, and peace.
What unites them is a simple, unbreakable demand: transparency.
This piece is not about politics; it is about conscience and transparency — the two forces that can still save our democracy if we choose them.
What follows is a journey through truths too often ignored and voices too rarely heard — a story that exposes the machinery of manipulation and ends with hope: a clear, practical solution that makes both elections and governance transparent, trackable, and publicly verifiable.
Fortunately, when it comes to elections, we now live in a digital age where our voting system has evolved into a hybrid model.
We have hand-marked paper ballots backed up by digital ballot images — a built-in redundancy that can safeguard the integrity of the vote. In democracy, redundancy is not waste; it is protection. (More on this below.)
Image of a lion with quote — “The truth is like a lion. You do not need to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.” — Saint Augustine
3. A Difficult but Necessary Statements
This is a difficult but necessary message. I ask you to read with an open mind — and the courage to revisit what you think you know about power, corruption, and influence at the highest levels, from the Epstein scandal to the role of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the network of global interests that connect them.
Study this information. Share it. Let it spark honest, uncomfortable, and essential conversations.
Each day, the alarms grow louder. Reports of meetings between Donald Trump and senior military leaders, talk of “taking over” cities, and widening conflicts abroad all suggest that something dangerous is taking shape. Add to that the manipulation, corruption, and radical leadership we’re seeing at home and around the world, and it’s easy to feel hopeless. Perhaps that’s the point.
But I believe — deeply — that love, understanding, courage, and truth are where real solutions begin.
AUDIT USA’s mission is not about politics. It’s not about right or left. It’s about right and wrong.
What Does “Woke” Mean to me? John Brakey
“Woke” originally meant being awake to injustice and facts—seeing how race, money, power, and history shape people’s lives—and choosing to care.
The word got politicized, but the version I defend is simpler: be informed, be compassionate, and be hard to con. Practice understanding before being understood, spot grifters and scams, and act with humility—there but for the grace of God go I. In recovery terms: change what you can, accept what you can’t, and stay honest and clean. That simple philosophy lets me look in the mirror and be glad about the person I see.
It’s not a team label; it’s empathy + critical thinking + responsibility in daily life.
Breaking Through the Division
I’ve seen firsthand how deep the divisions have become. When Ken Bennett and I worked together to pass Arizona’s bipartisan election transparency bill in 2023, we had genuine support from both parties at first. But as soon as the media labeled it a “Republican bill,” many Democrats — who should have supported transparency — backed away.
I spent seven years working for Democrats under Representative Ted Downing on election integrity efforts with the state Democrat Party. I still identify as a Democrat. But even with highly respected allies like Bill Risner, we could barely gather a handful of Democratic votes for a bill that was purely about accountability and transparency in elections.
In the end, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed it. And groups like Common Cause — who support similar transparency measures in other states — opposed it here. That’s alarming.
Too many people now define themselves not by what they stand for, but by what they stand against.
Politics has become tribal — and tribes don’t seek truth, they seek loyalty.
If the right moved left tomorrow, I fear the left would move right — just to stay in opposition. That’s not democracy. That’s reflexive tribalism.
True democracy is built on understanding, compromise, and shared truth — not hatred, fear, or party loyalty.
4. Proof of Principle – The 2023 Arizona Election Transparency Bill in Arizona
PRESS RELEASE (May 22, 2023): Arizona Misses Opportunity to Present Voters with Evidence of Accurate Elections.
Contacts:
Senator Ken Bennett – Republican
John Brakey, Director, AUDIT Elections USA
Phoenix, Arizona — Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto of the bipartisan bill HB 2560 was a missed opportunity to present voters with essential election records that would have allowed them to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the state’s elections.
The bill would have provided voters with four key data sets:
Two confirming that only eligible, qualified voters cast ballots.
Two more allowing the public to compare a digital image of every paper ballot with the way that ballot’s votes were recorded in the final spreadsheet — the starting and finish lines of the electronic counting process.
In her veto statement, Governor Hobbs claimed that publishing ballot images would threaten anonymity and privacy — and could add to misinformation.
In fact, the opposite is true.
“This bill would have achieved just the opposite,” said John Brakey, Director of AUDIT Elections USA, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to increasing transparency and accuracy in elections.
“The Governor has ignored the experience of multiple jurisdictions around the country that have been posting ballot images without the problems she claims would be caused. This bill would have helped expose false election claims.”
“This bill would have been transformative for Arizona,” said Republican Senator Ken Bennett, “because it would have enabled every voter to see true election results for themselves.”
The bill was also enthusiastically supported by Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
“Our country needs models for trust,” Bennett added.
“Even Florida Democratic State Party Chair Nikki Fried wrote to Governor Hobbs stating that HB 2560 ‘provides an unparalleled opportunity to enhance election accuracy, assist with efficient and reliable recounts, and promote the credibility of our election outcomes.’ It’s tragic that what Republicans are trying to prevent Democrats from doing in Florida, Democrats are preventing both parties from doing in Arizona.”
Democrats in Arizona, Florida, New York, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, and other states who understood the bill’s transparency goals praised it as a national model for restoring trust among voters — especially those skeptical of election integrity.
For Further Reading and Verification
Here is a link to a file containing 10 VIP letters of support for HB 2560 sent to Gov. Hobbs after the bill was passed by the House and Senate on May 15, 2023:
Arizona Daily Independent (May 22, 2023): “Hobbs Vetoes Fontes-Supported Bipartisan Ballot Image Bill.”
HB 2560 – “Digital Ballot Images: Key to Trustworthy Elections & Bridging Our Great Divide.” By John R. Brakey, May 19, 2023.
Brad Friedman – The BradCast (May 18, 2023): “AZ Republicans, with Democrat SoS Support, Pass Landmark Election Transparency Bill.” Today’s #BradCast Guest: AZ GOP State Senator and former Sec. of State Ken Bennett.
5. The Erosion of Truth – Hannah Arendt’s Warning
To understand how we arrived at this point of division and confusion, we must first listen to those who warned us decades ago.
Political theorist Hannah Arendt observed that when a society can no longer distinguish between truth and lies, it loses the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
She warned that constant lying is not designed to make people believe a falsehood—it is meant to make them stop believing anything at all.
That is the stage at which we find ourselves today: drowned in disinformation, manipulated by emotion, and divided by design.
Arendt’s insight lays the moral foundation for everything that follows—the imperative to see clearly, verify facts, and demand transparency from those in power.
The Courage to Stand in Truth
I come to this work not as an academic but as a civil-rights, social-justice, and election-transparency activist / scrutineer who has spent more than two decades in the trenches of democracy. Over time, I’ve learned to live by what I call the Seven C’s:
Character. Capacity. Credibility. Civility. Citizenship. Country.
And above all — Courage.
Courage ties the other six together.
It’s what lets you stand up — sometimes alone — after carefully checking yourself against the first six.
A person of character with true capacity doesn’t throw away credibility by acting recklessly or speaking without reflection.
In this work, credibility is all we have to offer, built on twenty-one years of hard-earned experience in election integrity.
As researcher Brené Brown reminds us, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of trust, love, belonging, and courage.”
I agree wholeheartedly. Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s how we build bridges, earn trust, and move people toward truth.
And when one person stands in courage, it gives others permission to do the same.
Because, after all — courage can be contagious.
6. The Moral Reckoning – Mark Braverman a man of Courage, Hope and Peace
Mark Braverman, a Jewish-American psychologist and peace activist, confronts what he calls “the ethical crisis of our time.” He asks how a people who survived genocide could support oppression in another land.
Braverman’s message is not anti-Israel; it is pro-humanity. He challenges us to see Palestinians as equals in their own right and to reclaim the Jewish ethical tradition of justice and compassion.
Placing Braverman here bridges Arendt’s moral philosophy with modern voices calling for honesty and empathy
This brief one-minute video stands out to me as it depicts an individual demonstrating courage and consideration, free from apprehension or antagonism.
“Our story today is the story of what we are doing to another people… And the day will come when we will be on our knees in contrition… for what we have done.”
“How to be a Jew, after the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
I am a Jew born in America in 1948. I go to Palestine, and I find out that we have driven out an entire population and are engaged in the process of ethnically cleansing an Indigenous people—a beautiful, wonderful culture.
The Jewish story of today is not the story of our suffering in the past, which gives us total innocence and the right to do whatever we want. Our story today is the story of what we are doing to another people. Our story is the Nakba—what Palestinians call the catastrophe, their Holocaust.
And if we do not understand that this is our story, we are done for. And I tell you, Rabbi, that the day will come when we will be on our knees in contrition and beating our breasts in shame for what we have done. And may that day come speedily in our times, as the Jewish prayer goes.” Watch this 1 minute video:
7.Breaking the Silence – New Voices on the Woke Right.
Charlie Kirk and New Voices on the Right
The silence that Arendt described is finally cracking.
When conservative influencers such as Charlie Kirk and others begin questioning America’s uncritical support for Israeli policies, it signals a generational shift. Even those who once followed party lines are now demanding transparency.
Kirk’s own letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu revealed a moral and political tension that runs through America today — between loyalty and truth, between power and principle.
I’m sharing this because we need more courage and compassion more than ever. No matter where you stand politically or spiritually, I hope that all of this information will inspires you the way it inspired me.
I am a lifelong activist, I’ll never stop trying, and I’m proudly WOKE.
At age of eight, I learned from John F. Kennedy’s legacy that “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
PLEASE WATCH 2 CLIPS each 1 minute FROM A GOOD SOURCE - John Oliver:
“Netanyahu’s support is dropping across Israel and the US. Stream a new episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver now on BINGE.” 1-minute video
John Oliver savages Netanyahu’s statement on no starvation in Gaza! Video: 1 minutes
America Is Waking Up and many on the Right are becoming WOKE as to Isreal. I can see that Charlie Kirk was too.
The late Charlie Kirk asked Dave Smith Jewish-American commentator:
“Is Israel an ally of the United States?”
Dave Smith: “No!”
Charlie Kirk replied: “you say Israel is not an ally, that is not an opinion that people hear a lot. Why is that?”
Dave Smith:
“They have been constantly pushing America toward more aggressive policies, toward getting in more fights. And just like I always say: if you went out to the bar every single night with your friend and every night your friend’s trying to convince you to get into a fight, and while you’re beating a lot of people up, you’re also taking a lot of wounds and you’re going to jail and you’re getting in trouble, you got to stop hanging out with that friend.”… …and they shouldn’t get another dime of US taxpayer money, and they should not hold on to their lobby their lobby register as a foreign that’s a good segway to finish and they should stop blackmailing our politics. Got it.”
For decades, Americans have been told what we cannot talk about Israel. While it’s legal and expected to criticize our own government. But raise questions about Israel’s influence in U.S. politics, and too often you hit a wall of accusations and attacks.
Link to Wikipedia on Weaponization of Antisemitism
8. That silence is breaking. Across the political spectrum—conservative and liberal—Americans are opening their eyes. This isn’t Just left versus right.
It’s right versus wrong: corruption, payoffs, influences, and cover‑ups going back generations.
9. A Woke MAGA Right Emerges as Israel’s Netanyahu
As stated by former Representative MAGA Matt Gaetz in this video:
“What do these guys think? If they just got Charlie Kirk and 12 influencers to wear yamaka and wrap themselves in the Israeli flag, that the millions of Americans who are asking reasonable questions were all of a sudden going to fall in line behind them?
To me, it seems as though, despite the best efforts of Netanyahu, despite the best efforts of his puppets, there’s nothing stopping the fact that young people in this country—right and left—are asking questions about the U.S.–Israel relationship and how it benefits them.
Do you think that a bunch of people under the age of 30 are going to turn 40 or 50 and be like, ‘You know what? I was wrong. Actually, we should fund the entire Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
Journalist Max Blumenthal underscored the demand for transparency:
“The American people want—whether they’re on the RIGHT or on the LEFT—transparency. And they’re not getting transparency about what’s happening with AIPAC and our representatives, because AIPAC is not registered as a foreign agent even though it’s representing a foreign government.
AIPAC was actually founded with money from Israel’s Jewish Agency, channeled through something called the American Zionist Committee. And then, once it fell under investigation in the Senate—under Senator Fulbright’s investigation—they just changed the name to AIPAC.
So we want transparency. We need to know about Israeli money flowing into conservative organizations, media organizations, lobbying firms. We have never faced a foreign meddling operation like the one that we face from Israel. It’s because Americans are starting to wake up.”
10. Exposing Influence and the funding Scams
Netanyahu in a meeting with US influencers, emphasized the importance of engaging with influencers to secure and strengthen ‘Israel’s support base in the United States’
‘What’s another game plan if we lose evangelical support for the state of Israel?’
Powerfully Exposed‼️
445,444 views Oct 3, 2025
MATT GAETZ former congressman: Israel is paying influencers up to $7,000 per post in some cases. Yet, the same people like Eric Swalwell and Adam Schiff, who are constantly clutching their pearls over foreign influence in U.S. elections and politics, don’t seem to be upset about this Israel-paid influencer campaign.
MARJORIE TAYLORE GREENE American congresswoman:
“Let’s talk about these social media influencers. I made two posts about this today because I find it highly offensive as an American that social media influencers can get paid—basically under the table—and no one knows who is paying them or sponsoring them.”
“So today, I made two posts. The first one called for any social media influencer who is getting paid by a foreign country to be required to register under FARA (the Foreign Agents Registration Act).”
“And especially when it comes to our MAGA influencers—the ones who claim to be America First—the biggest message they need to hear is this: you’re not America First if you’re taking payments from a foreign government.” End
Watch: “Epstein Pal Has MELTDOWN Over Israel Debate”
Excerpt: Journalist Max Blumenthal highlights what he describes as a coordinated media and political influence operation:
“What is Larry Ellison doing in the United States? He’s buying Paramount to produce propaganda films for Israel. His son is buying CBS, and they plan to install Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief. This matches the strategy Netanyahu outlined in meetings with Deborah Leah and other influencers.
And the most important purchase going on right now is TikTok. Number one. Number one.”
Blumenthal continues by alleging that major political donations are tied to this same network:
“Miriam Adelson added hundreds of millions of dollars to Donald Trump’s campaign. This is an Israeli asset. We’re facing an eight-front war, and Donald Trump is, as Tucker Carlson’s sources said, under Netanyahu’s thumb. This is the worst foreign meddling we’ve ever seen. This is the real foreign meddling scandal. It’s ‘Israelgate.’”
Why This Matters
Max Blumenthal is arguing that what Americans are seeing isn’t just random media consolidation or political donations but a deliberate, multi-front influence campaign. Whether or not one agrees with his conclusions, his comments raise questions about:
Media consolidation and whether powerful owners use outlets to push a foreign policy agenda.
Political donations from billionaires with strong foreign ties shaping U.S. campaigns.
Public awareness — many Americans don’t know how ownership or funding networks influence the news they consume.
11. From the desk of Charlie Kirk to Netanyahu: May 2, 2025
Excerpt below of letter. Link to full version click here
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
(Last paragraph of Page 1)
My experience on college campuses matches a recent Harvard Harris poll which reported 48% of 18- to 24-year-old American support hummus over Israel. Even in young MAGA circles, Israel is losing support. We are getting huge crowds of 4000-5000 students on some of my college tours. My campus visits are becoming like a rock concert atmosphere filled with conservative patriots. Yet, on these campus visits, I’m constantly confronted with:
Top of Page 2
“Israel is an apartheid state.”
“why does Israel conduct ethnic cleansing?”
“Why is America subsidizing Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people?”
“Is American aid helping to subsidize Israel’s free healthcare?”
“Israel and the Jews are running US foreign policy.”
“Defending Israel is not in our U.S. National interest.”
“Why is Israel trying to drag us into a war in the Middle East?”
Above are just a sampling of the negative Israel / Jewish comets and questions I confront on college campuses. I’m accused of being a paid apologist for Israel when I defend her; however, if I don’t defend Israel strongly enough, I’m accused of being an Anti-semitic. I know you’ve got a 7 front war and my kvetching (“Complaining” & “whining”) pale in comparison. But I’m trying to convey to you that Israel is losing support even in conservative circles. This should be a 5-alarm fire.
End of excerpt. Link to complete letter.
12. Was Charlie Kirk Silenced for Challenging Israel? | Max Blumenthal
Oct 1, 2025 - 69,745 views since Oct 1, - Video is 57 Minutes
Brakey wrote: In a striking new segment, (video below) Max Blumenthal contends that Charlie Kirk was in open revolt against pro-Israel donor pressure in the days before his killing—telling Turning Point USA insiders, key donors, and a rabbi that he would no longer be bullied and even pushing to bring Candace Owens back on stage as a statement of independence.
Soon after Netanyahu referenced a private “letter” from Kirk, an undated digital version surfaced and was framed by friendly outlets as proof of unwavering support.
Blumenthal counters that the text reads far more ambivalently and predates a visible turn: by summer, Kirk was lobbying against a wider war with Iran, platforming dissenting voices at TPUSA, and publicly complaining about donor attempts to muzzle him.
Blumenthal situates this clash inside a broader generational realignment. Among conservative Gen-Z and younger voters, enthusiasm for unconditional U.S. backing of Israel is waning, and—he argues—major funders have responded by corralling influencers through high-dollar summits, coordinated talking points, and even pay-per-post campaigns.
According to his reporting, donor blowback intensified (including the loss of a top benefactor), while a tight circle of Netanyahu-aligned intermediaries tried to script Kirk’s message ahead of campus events they feared would spotlight uncomfortable questions.
The stakes, Blumenthal says, go beyond one personality. He casts Kirk’s late-stage defiance as a symbolic break in a system where elite pressure shapes U.S. debate and nudges policy toward wider confrontation—particularly with Iran—despite mounting public fatigue with endless wars. Whether readers accept his conclusions or not, the story forces a timely question: who sets the boundaries of acceptable speech on Israel in American politics, and what happens when a prominent figure tries to cross them?
Yes! Max Blumenthal argues that, in the 48 hours before his killing, Charlie Kirk broke with pro-Israel donors and signaled a public pivot—prompting a flurry of damage control, including the release of an undated “Kirk letter” (reported above) touted as proof of loyalty. Blumenthal frames the episode as part of a larger shift among conservative youth away from unconditional support for Israel and a well-funded effort to manage influencers and the narrative.
13. BREAKING: Charlie Kirk Told Netanyahu: “Do Your Own Propaganda!” - w/ Max Blumenthal:
Turning Point USA, the “Netanyahu Letter,” and Donor Pressure — Summary Brief
The Jimmy Dore Show 1.64M subscribers
Executive Summary
The transcript describes growing tension within Turning Point USA (TPUSA) over Israel-related messaging, the role of key donors, and a disputed “Netanyahu letter” allegedly sent by Charlie Kirk shortly before his death. The narrative depicts a split between Zionist-aligned donors and a conservative grassroots base increasingly skeptical of U.S. support for Israel. It suggests that donor pressure and narrative management efforts intensified in the months leading up to Kirk’s assassination, and that Israel-linked figures attempted to steer TPUSA’s programming and messaging. The document also forecasts a broader information struggle in the U.S., warning of divide‑and‑conquer tactics.
Key Figures & Entities
Charlie Kirk / Turning Point USA (TPUSA): Conservative youth organization facing internal donor–grassroots tension on Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu: Referenced in connection with a disputed letter and alleged donor‑coordination outreach.
Robert Shillman: Major pro‑Israel donor; longtime supporter through the David Horowitz Freedom Center; reportedly withdrew support from TPUSA.
Bill Aman: Linked to an influencers’ meeting in the Hamptons; presented as a pro‑Israel messaging organizer.
David Horowitz Freedom Center: Conservative nonprofit associated with funding right‑wing media and activism.
Tucker Carlson / Marjorie Taylor Greene / Megyn Kelly: Programming focal points around which donor pressure and grassroots expectations collided.
Cash Patel: Named in connection with inconsistencies around the shooter narrative.
The “Netanyahu Letter” (Alleged)
A digital, undated letter purportedly from Charlie Kirk to Benjamin Netanyahu surfaced post‑assassination. Portions circulated by pro‑Israel advocates framed Kirk as unwaveringly Zionist. However, the fuller account described in the transcript suggests Kirk urged Israeli leadership to shoulder their own public persuasion efforts and to stop relying on U.S. influencers to sell a potential conflict with Iran. The lack of a date and digital-only format raise authenticity questions.
14. Key Claims to Verify (Fact‑Check List)
Robert Shillman withdrew funding/support from TPUSA (and canceled a plaque at HQ) over programming decisions (e.g., Tucker Carlson, MTG).
The full contents and provenance of the “Netanyahu letter” (first source, authenticity, complete text vs. excerpts).
Reports that Netanyahu (or intermediaries) offered coordinated donor funding to TPUSA in exchange for strict alignment on Israel—and that Kirk refused.
Kirk declined an invitation to visit Israel, consistent with a pattern of “Israel fatigue.”
Two separate denials by Netanyahu of any Israeli role in Kirk’s killing (dates, venues, exact quotes).
Audience pushback on Israel questions during Megyn Kelly’s TPUSA appearances (video and transcript).
Inconsistencies in public statements by Cash Patel about the shooter.
Working Hypotheses (for editorial framing — not conclusions)
TPUSA leadership attempted to balance donor expectations with a grassroots base increasingly skeptical of Israel policy.
The “Netanyahu letter” was used to claim Kirk’s loyalty yet may show his pushback and desire to shift responsibility to Israeli media and officials.
Post‑assassination messaging reflects a broader propaganda struggle and potential donor panic over losing narrative control among young conservatives.
Condensed Narrative Timeline
Pre‑assassination: Influencer coordination (Hamptons meeting); growing friction over Israel programming at TPUSA.
Funding pressure: Reports of donor withdrawal (Robert Shillman) and conditional funding offers linked to pro‑Israel alignment.
Letter emerges: Digital, undated “Netanyahu letter” released; competing interpretations circulate.
Public reactions: Netanyahu’s statements, audience challenges to Megyn Kelly, and continued presence of Carlson/MTG to placate grassroots.
Post‑assassination: Conflicting shooter narratives; warnings of “divide‑and‑conquer” tactics and intensified narrative management.
Notable Pull Quotes (from transcript; paraphrased for clarity)
“Stop counting on us to sell your war with Iran. The message should come from Israel.”
“I’m out — you have to toe the Likud line.” (attributed to Shillman, per sources)
“Without U.S. backing, this would be over already; Israel’s legitimacy is collapsing.”
“Expect a strategy of tension: cognitive warfare, division, and false flags to keep the public from uniting.”
Primary documents: full text/image of the “Netanyahu letter” with metadata; first publication/host; any original file hashes.
Donor records: grants, event sponsorships, and public statements from Robert Shillman/David Horowitz Freedom Center related to TPUSA.
Programming & guest lists: TPUSA agendas featuring Tucker Carlson, MTG, Megyn Kelly (pre/post‑assassination).
Video receipts: audience Q&As pressing Megyn Kelly on Israel; Netanyahu denials; Bill Aman appearances/statements.
Shooter narrative audit: compare public statements to official filings and timelines.
Transcript (Clean Version) 292,730 views Oct 1, 2025
The Jimmy Dore Show PODCAST with Max Blumenthal:
Transcript: - Jimmy Dore: “I think a lot of people blame Israel for Charlie Kirk’s assassination — I know many do. I wonder how many people at Turning Point USA, not the leadership but the rank-and-file members and college kids, feel the same way. They’ve already turned against Israel, and I don’t see this coming back the way Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, or anyone in the leadership of Turning Point University thinks it will.”
Before I let you go, you wrote that great article exposing the meeting with Bill Aman and all those influencers with Charlie Kirk in the Hamptons. What’s the most recent update on that?
Max Blumenthal: Well, I’ve had a third part to it. Robert Shillman, one of the foremost anti-Islam, pro-Israel donors in the U.S.—someone deeply involved in demonizing Muslims and funding organizations that do so—was a longtime donor to Charlie Kirk through the David Horowitz Freedom Center. I reported that Shillman pulled out of TPUSA because Charlie Kirk kept giving a platform to Tucker Carlson and was planning to feature Marjorie Taylor Greene at the next AmericaFest.
Charlie was trying to straddle the divide between his Zionist donors, who helped make him who he was, and the conservative grassroots that were moving away from that position. Shillman reportedly said, “I’m out. You have to completely toe the Likud line.” He has previously sponsored Laura Loomer and Tommy Robinson.
( Here is a link to the rest of this Important transcript. ) Access the full transcript Link to Transcript of Jimmy Dore Show PODCAST with Max Blumenthal Oct 1, 2025:
15. Lessons from History – The USS Liberty 1967
If you haven’t seen this yet, I encourage you to watch this interview with a USS Liberty survivor:
The truth may be uncomfortable, but we can’t look away. Silence only allows history to repeat itself.
USS Liberty Survivor Speaks Out | Candace Ep 118:
Brakey wrote: Until recently, I never knew the full story of the USS Liberty and what happened in 1967. I was only 13 at the time, and like many Americans, I grew up never hearing the truth about how an American ship was attacked by Israel, and how dozens of sailors were killed, and how our own government covered it up.
Watching the testimony of USS Liberty survivors today is both heartbreaking and enraging. It shows how political pressure and foreign influence can lead our leaders to lie to the American people, even about an attack on our own servicemen. That episode alone should remind us to question the role of powerful lobbying organizations like AIPAC, which too often push U.S. policy in ways that serve Israel’s interests while harming our own.
What is happening right now in Gaza and Palestine is also deeply troubling. We are told one story by politicians and the media, while on the ground, the reality is undeniable: widespread suffering, destruction, and the loss of innocent lives. The American people are expected to foot the bill, remain silent, and look the other way.
“I believe we have a responsibility as citizens to stand up, to demand transparency and honesty from our government, and to say clearly that our foreign policy should put American interests and human rights first—not the agenda of any foreign government or lobby.” John Brakey
16. The Power of Satire at its Best
Comedians and satirists have always played a crucial role in keeping the public awake and aware. Through humor, they can say what journalists often can’t—and make us laugh while forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths. Satire cuts through propaganda and doublespeak by exaggerating the absurd until it becomes impossible to ignore. It works because laughter disarms us; it lowers our defenses long enough for the truth to slip in. Sometimes the jokes are shocking, even offensive—but that’s part of their power. In a society where people are manipulated by fear and division, satire reminds us how to think for ourselves. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a mirror held up to the madness of our times.
Truth, Transparency, and the Courage to Laugh
AUDIT USA’s mission is not about politics—it’s not about right or left; it’s about right and wrong. Satire and election transparency share the same purpose: they both expose what others would rather keep hidden.
Whether through spreadsheets using ABE or stand-up, truth demands courage—and sometimes, humor is the only form brave enough to tell it.
Comedians speak to the public conscience the way auditors speak to the public record. Both reveal contradictions, hypocrisy, and absurdity in systems that pretend to be fair and honest. When laughter erupts in the face of corruption, it’s not just comedy—it’s civic therapy. It reminds us that democracy depends on people who can see through the illusion, question authority, and still find the heart to laugh while demanding better.
John Brakey 10/04/2025
SOLVING CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER | STAND UP COMEDY - 328K views
Sammy Obeid @SammyObeidComedy 466K subscribers •906 videos Premiered Oct 3, 2025 #charliekirk #standupcomedy #mystery
Highlights from SOLVING CHARLIE KIRK S MURDER | STAND UP COMEDY
1. The truth is the killer is still on the loose and you should be terrified and angry at the people who are lying to you.
2. We deserve answers. Unfortunately, you came to a comedy show where you ll get more answers than from your government.
3. This is very likely going to be the assassination of our lifetime because it unfolded live on social media.
4. If a camera caught him jumping off the roof, why don t we have the rooftop view of the shot?
5. You’re telling me a .30 06 that shoots through bricks was stopped by a neck bone?
6. Sometimes you have to be your own private detective.
17. Follow the Money that is reported (2020 vs. 2024)
Substack sidebar/table with one-line explainer captions. Everything verifiable and linked to OpenSecrets (and a couple of reputable reports) so readers can click through.
Significant financial contributions from billionaire donors appear to have been allocated toward influencing activities, yet these transactions do not seem to be documented in any publicly available reports I was able to locate. Still working it. Could use help?
Follow the Money: Pro-Israel Political Spending in the 2020 and 2024 Presidential Cycles
This section details the major financial contributions and spending by Pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC and related organizations, during the last two U.S. presidential election cycles. The data presented draws on publicly available figures, primarily from OpenSecrets, to provide a transparent overview of the influence exerted through campaign donations, super PAC expenditures, lobbying, and advertising.
Each row in the table represents a distinct channel through which pro-Israel advocacy organizations have contributed to the American political landscape.
“Total federal contributions” captures both direct and indirect donations to candidates, parties, and committees. PAC contributions reflect hard-dollar giving from pro-Israel groups specifically to federal candidates.
The emergence of super PACs, such as AIPAC’s United Democracy Project, has significantly increased outside spending, primarily through independent expenditures on media and digital advertising.
The Democratic Majority for Israel has also been active, with notable ad buys during key presidential primaries. Lobbying figures indicate substantial efforts to influence federal policy, with AIPAC and other pro-Israel organizations accounting for millions in reported expenditures during the 2024 cycle.
Captions (one-liners):
“Total federal contributions” combines donations from individuals & PACs to candidates/parties plus soft/outside money to committees, per OpenSecrets’ methodology. OpenSecrets
PAC figures isolate hard-dollar giving from Pro-Israel PACs directly to candidates. OpenSecrets+1
UDP is AIPAC’s super PAC; its 2024 total reflects TV/digital independent expenditures, not donations to campaigns. OpenSecrets
DMFI’s 2020 number reflects documented presidential-primary ad buys (> $1.4M); its 2024 total is OpenSecrets’ full outside-spend figure. OpenSecrets+3Business Insider+3The Nevada Independent+3
Lobbying totals come from federal disclosure; AIPAC is the largest single client within the Pro-Israel category in 2024. OpenSecrets+1
Where “influencer/creator” $$ lives in filings: There isn’t a clean FEC line item for “influencer spend,” most paid messaging shows up as independent expenditures to media/digital vendors.
Example: UDP’s 2024 disbursements list “Media” at $32.31M (54.3%)—a good proxy for TV/digital placements and creative. OpenSecrets
Notes for readers: OpenSecrets’ “Pro-Israel” is an issue-area category (includes AIPAC, J Street, RJC, CUFI, etc.). State/local spending and dark money (501(c)(4)) aren’t fully disclosed, so actual totals can be higher. OpenSecrets+1
Please share because….
What is supported (with sources):
Netanyahu has actively courted U.S. evangelical support (CUFI) and framed evangelicals as Israel’s “best friends.” Public speeches and reporting document this relationship and its policy goals (e.g., annexation push). Christians United for Israel+2Christians United for Israel+2
Christian Zionism exists as a sizable movement and has influenced U.S. policy debates on Israel. Scholarly overviews and religion/politics research describe the theology (including end-times/Armageddon views among some adherents) and its political effects. Equinox Journal+1
Pro-Israel lobbying is significant in U.S. politics. OpenSecrets tracks AIPAC’s lobbying and broader “pro-Israel” sector spend; major news outlets have covered planned spend in recent cycles. Reuters+4OpenSecrets+4OpenSecrets+4
Dozens of U.S. states have adopted anti-BDS measures; several have faced First Amendment challenges. See ACLU litigation (e.g., Koontz v. Watson) and trackers/maps summarizing state actions. American Civil Liberties Union+2legislation.palestinelegal.org+2
18. Transparency as the Solution – The ABE System
Everything discussed so far—truth, influence, history—leads to one clear remedy: transparency that is trackable and publicly verifiable.
That’s what my work with AUDIT USA and the ABE (Auditable Ballot Examination) tool is all about. ABE links digital ballot images to Cast Vote Records, allowing citizens and officials to see and verify results without compromising privacy.
It’s simple, effective, and already built on software that most election offices own — Microsoft Excel. We’ve proven that transparency isn’t a theory; it’s a tool.
This section shifts the story from critique to solution — from the problem to the path forward.
Seeing is believing. When people can verify election results for themselves, they regain faith in democracy and each other.
I apologize for not writing more in the past 5 weeks, I have been in investigative mode and soon we’ll publishing several articles on what’s going on in elections.
My next article will be on:
Looking Ahead: Ballots Over Bullets
Securing Democracy with Transparent Public Audits for the 2026 Congressional Elections”—will show how we can restore trust with transparent, trackable, publicly verifiable vote counts.
In order to enhance transparency and accuracy prior to the 2026 election, it is recommended that Georgia and other states mandate election databases to record all ballot-identifier digits for each ballot image and its corresponding cast vote record (CVR) row. This practice enables swift, reliable and accurate verification.
As Ken Bennett—former Arizona Secretary of State and Chair of AUDIT USA—puts it:
“When one side sees elections as fair and the other sees them as rigged, we’re no longer sharing a democracy—we’re fighting over a broken scoreboard. That’s why tools like ABE exist: to rebuild trust through transparency.”
Resources on ABE
New Brochure on ABE
Video: Ken Bennett’s Five Steps to Achieving Verified and Trusted Elections Using ABE
Executive Summary by Ken Bennett and John R. Brakey — coming soon.
Below are excerpts from this Substack article:
19. In an Era of Division, We Stand for Unity, Compassion, and Publicly Verified Elections by 2026 Midterms
The most effective way to secure elections isn’t through proprietary machines or complex algorithms—it’s We the People, equipped with transparent tools like ABE. Rev 5.8.25 John R Brakey May 06, 2025
Attorney Bill Risner’s assessment of key issues in Arizona’s election processes and a related court filing titled “Statement of Facts.” from years of investigating.
Some of what we found and learned over the years
The system operator backed up the database after counting vote-by-mail ballots, took it home, modified it in Microsoft Access, and reloaded it the next day—erasing the original count.
Unauthorized summary reports were printed before polls closed, violating state law.
Pima County had also acquired a “Cropscanner,” a device capable of pre-programming Diebold memory cards to generate fraudulent results. This purchase came shortly after an alert from Black Box Voting.
Watch the 6-minute court video with Bill Risner: Memory card hacks explained.
We spent 8.5 years on this case. We filmed everything. The truth is undeniable.
Excerpt: While reviewing the Diebold RTA audit log with attorney Bill Risner, we identified another serious issue. The system operator backed up the database after counting Vote-by-Mail ballots, took the database home, opened it in Microsoft Access, and reloaded a new version the following morning—thereby erasing the prior count.
On May 10, 2006, 23:27:38 Crane “previewed cards cast report” which is the correct procedure to verify the total number of ballots counted in all races without disclosing the candidates or race’ totals.
The following day, Crane logs into at 9:55:57 AM. Just under a minute later, at 9:56:30 he backs up the system by illegally breaking the chain of custody by overwriting the results from yesterday. With the changes he made at home the night before.
(The system give you a warning)
Then right away at 9:56:49 AM, he illegally printed two election summary reports, 10 minutes apart, to check if changes were correctly implemented.
Again, cards cast report only tells you how many cards were counted. He needed to see the actual results to confirm his work.
We have testimony from trial in 2007 where it was common for Crane to print these reports, take them out of the office and provide them to the election’s director Brad Nelson.
Additionally, election employees testified that they printed such a large number of reports that they eventually obtained a seal to mark them “unofficial.”
(Video excerpt court testimony 16 minutes)
According to the Secretary of State’s procedures manual, election summary reports cannot be printed until one hour after polls close on election night.
For the complete story and more click here: https://johnrbrakey.substack.com/p/in-an-era-of-division-marisela-and
The Stakes –
The 2026 Congressional Elections are expected to have significant impact.
Public trust in elections has decreased, attributed to factors such as secrecy, misinformation, and unclear voting systems. (Voters do not have the ability to directly view or confirm how their votes are counted.) In the absence of transparent and verifiable procedures, trust in democratic processes may continue to decline and could get ugly.
Ken Bennett, Former Secretary of State of Arizona from 2009 to 2015 and president of the Senate 2 terms, January 2003 to January 2007.
“The actual act of Voting is the secret process. However, once VOTED ballot become anonymous, counted in a public process and the ballot images are public records!”
Why?
Due to widespread concerns regarding the integrity of the election process, some individuals choose not to participate in voting or challenge reported outcomes. By demonstrating the accuracy of election results, it is possible to promote confidence in our democratic system through a transparent, traceable, and publicly verifiable process..
Two Links to why John Brakey don’t trust Elections:
Chapter 11A What’s the Difference Between a Logic and Accuracy Test & Emissions Test? Not Much! Understanding the Role of Logic and Accuracy Testing in Electoral Process: What It Is—and What It Is Not.
This eBook will be released in chapters before being compiled into a complete volume. It includes Videos and Audios John R Brakey
20. Charlie Kirk 48 Hours Before 9/10 said ...“Jewish donors play into all of the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this, leaving me no choice but to leave the pro-Israel cause.”
Oct 6, 2025 @ 8:11PM - views 87,980 - Candace Owens 5.36M subscribers
Summary Brief: Candace Owens on Charlie Kirk’s Final Group Chat
In a recent video, Candace Owens claimed to reveal evidence from a private group chat that took place two days before Charlie Kirk’s assassination. According to Owens, the chat included nine participants—among them Charlie Kirk, Pastor Rob McCoy, and journalist Josh Hammer—and showed Kirk expressing frustration over losing major Jewish donors who pressured him to “cancel Tucker Carlson.” Kirk allegedly stated he “would not be bullied” and was considering leaving “the pro-Israel cause.” Owens said this message, sent 48 hours before his death, proved the intense financial and political pressure he faced in his final days.
Owens criticized conservative media figures for remaining silent about the donor influence she believes contributed to Kirk’s distress. She argued that those same financial forces might still be controlling others within the movement. Calling the silence “suspicious,” Owens urged viewers to reflect on why only a few, including herself, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly, have spoken openly about the issue
Here’s the complete transcript from the Candace Owens video:
Candace Owens began by stating, “I am now going to present you proof of what I am saying. This is an actual group chat which happened two days before Charlie Kirk was assassinated. There were nine people in total on this chat, including Charlie and Rob McCoy. I’m going to protect the names of the other seven for now. To be clear, I might actually release a name every day this week. But I want to show you this because, suffice it to say, Rob McCoy was on this text thread, and I think it helps contextualize him as a person, in my view, that he would attack me for telling the truth about the pressure that he was facing. Take a look.”
Candace then described messages from the group chat.
Charlie Kirk wrote in the chat, “Just lost another huge Jewish donor — two million a year — because we won’t cancel Tucker. I’m thinking of inviting Candace.” He followed up with, “Jewish donors play into all of the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this, leaving me no choice but to leave the pro-Israel cause.”
A participant named Sedona responded, “Please do not invite Candace. That might feel good short term, but it’s not good long term in my opinion. Like all groups, you’re going to get a wide variety of opinions — that nasty free will thing that God bestowed on us makes life frustrating at times. After the dust settles a bit, maybe.”
Candace emphasized that this conversation happened just 48 hours before Charlie was assassinated. She said, “He was very clear and he was very explicit. He did not back down at that Hamptons meeting which they’re all lying about, nor in this text thread. I’m not going to reveal the names of the other seven. Actually, you know what? I disagree with myself four seconds ago. Let’s just throw in Josh Hammer for funsies — he’s on this chat. Okay, so what are we to make of that?”
She continued, “Now that I’m showing you this, and showing to you that the conversations were real, I want you to reflect. It took me a lot of patience to allow the lies that were being woven and the misrepresentations of people that were pretending that I was just what? High on lying about Charlie and the pressure he was under — the attacks that not just me, but Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly faced for trying to stand up and tell the truth about what Charlie was actually going through.”
Candace asked rhetorically, “Why are you hearing it though from me, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly? Is that weird? You got people that are hosting a show. Have they done one honorable thing — come out and said, ‘You know what? Forget a couple of these donors who made his life a living hell in the last couple of weeks’? Why haven’t they done that?”
She also noted, “There was a rabbi in that chat. Why hasn’t anybody made that move to at least vindicate what I have been saying about what he was going through? That registers to me as very suspicious. I’m going to frankly say that it’s suspicious to me. It makes me think, in the same way that Charlie was being pressured by money, that you might be now run by that same money — that those same donors might be running you.”
Candace Owens.
21. Max Blumenthal EXPOSES Netanyahu’s Censorship Campaign WITHIN the US
Judging Freedom — Judge Andrew Napolitano with Max Blumenthal
Link to Transcript made from YouTube video with the assistance of Chat GPT
Video link to Recorded: Monday, October 6, 2025
Read This First — Why the Napolitano - Blumenthal Interview Matters
Judging Freedom, October 6, 2025
In this interview, journalist Max Blumenthal alleges a coordinated campaign to mold U.S. opinion on Israel and regional war: legacy‑media control (Paramount/CBS), the purchase of TikTok, paid influencer programs, and AI/algorithm manipulation—alongside geofenced propaganda aimed at churches in major U.S. cities. He frames this as an “eighth front” of a wider conflict: cognitive warfare targeting Americans, with dissent chilled by secretive policing and expanding surveillance.
Why read/watch: It gathers, in plain language, a set of claims that—if true—carry immediate stakes for media independence, FARA compliance, transparency around influence operations, and the boundaries of lawful protest. The interview invites readers to weigh the evidence and decide for themselves.
What to watch for
Media consolidation and conflicts of interest tied to policy influence.
Church geofencing and phone tracking as a paid foreign‑influence program.
Per‑post influencer payments and algorithm/LLM “gaming.”
The “eighth front”: information warfare aimed at U.S. audiences.
What is geofencing? By John Brakey OCT 7TH 2025
Geofencing is when advertisers draw a digital fence around a real place (a church, stadium, clinic, rally).
Any phone that enters that area—via GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth—gets tagged so its owner can be targeted with ads now or later and sometimes tracked after they leave.
How it works (in 3 steps)
A marketer “draws” a polygon on a map.
Phones that cross it share location signals through apps with ad/analytics SDKs.
An audience is built from those device IDs and served tailored ads (and can be retargeted later).
Why it matters
It can micro-target people by location without their clear awareness.
Messaging can be political, religious, medical, or commercial.
It creates a trail that can be used to profile or persuade.
Quick ways to reduce it
Turn off Location Services for apps that don’t need it.
Disable Bluetooth when not using it (stops beacon pings).
Limit Background App Refresh and Precise Location.
Reset your Advertising ID (and turn on “Limit Ad Tracking” / “Ask apps not to track”).
Use a privacy-focused browser and block third-party cookies.
22. TikTok U.S. Divestiture — Where Things Stand (early Oct 2025) Could the New Owners Be “Worse Than China”?
The TikTok deal looks less about business and more about message control. If they own the platform, they can shape what Americans see—especially content
By John Brakey
The push to acquire TikTok reads like a bid for narrative control. With ownership comes the power to tune the feed—downranking protest footage from Israel, muting civilian-impact videos from Gaza, and elevating safer, official lines. Put simply: if they control the platform, they can keep what they don’t want Americans to see out of sight and out of mind.
They’re trying to put the woke genie back in the bottle—with free speech and transparency. Netanyahu and his Zionist allies are desperate to use TikTok’ for controlling the media and the information you see and read.
As of early October 2025, the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations is moving forward under a deal approved by President Trump via executive order in late September, valuing the business at roughly $14 billion. ByteDance, the Chinese parent, would retain under 20% to comply with U.S. national-security requirements, while majority control shifts to a consortium of American and international investors.
The transaction isn’t fully finalized. Enforcement of the original ban has been delayed until at least December 2025, pending U.S. regulatory steps and Chinese approvals. Even so, this is the closest TikTok has come to divesting from Chinese ownership.
Likely Lead Investors (and why they’re drawing attention)
Larry Ellison / Oracle — Oracle is expected to take about 15% and run U.S. data/security. Ellison has donated tens of millions to Israel-related causes, including the IDF, and Oracle has business links in Israel (AI, cloud, and security collaborations).
Safra Catz (Oracle CEO) — Israeli-born executive helping steer the deal. A leaked 2015 email to former PM Ehud Barak showed her interest in U.S. public-opinion efforts that “humanize” Israel/IDF amid BDS concerns. Her sister is active with AIPAC.
Rupert & Lachlan Murdoch — Control Fox News and News Corp. Their media outlets are frequently criticized for defending Israeli government policies and for skepticism toward pro-Palestinian activism.
Michael Dell / Dell Technologies — Dell supplies hardware and data tech used by Israel’s security sector and appears in UN reporting connected to the occupied territories.
MGX (Abu Dhabi) — An investment fund reportedly targeting about 15%, chaired by UAE national-security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed—reflecting UAE–Israel normalization since 2020.
These connections fuel speculation that the new ownership could shift content-moderation priorities. Some observers—even Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu—have framed the sale as “consequential” for Israel and Jewish communities, especially around antisemitism online. Groups like Jewish Federations of North America have urged tougher enforcement against hate.
That said, characterizing the buyers as “well-known Zionists working for Israel” in any covert, state-directed sense overstates the public evidence. Most ties are philanthropic, commercial, or personal advocacy, not signs of Israeli government orchestration of the deal.
Could the New Owners Be “Worse Than China”?
It depends on what risk you care about:
Under Beijing/ByteDance: Concerns centered on data access and potential CCP influence over the algorithm.
Under a U.S./allied consortium: Risks shift toward content governance—especially around Israel-Palestine. Rights groups (e.g., HRW, Amnesty) already criticized TikTok for removing thousands of Gaza-related videos during the 2023–24 war and warn that strongly pro-Israel investors could tighten moderation that suppresses Palestinian voices or tilt recommendation systems.
Supporters counter that U.S. ownership reduces foreign surveillance risk and can improve enforcement against antisemitism and other forms of hate.
Bottom line: This is a trade-off—from Beijing’s opacity to Silicon Valley/geo-political alliances—with fresh free-speech fights ahead. There’s no public indication that the Israeli state is directing the transaction, but the investors’ histories mean moderation and algorithmic transparency will be closely scrutinized.
Super-Concise Summary (5 bullets)
A ~$14B deal approved in late Sept 2025 moves TikTok U.S. toward majority non-Chinese ownership; ByteDance would keep <20%.
Finalization is pending; ban enforcement delayed until Dec 2025 at the earliest.
Reported investors (Oracle/Ellison, Catz, Murdochs, Dell, UAE’s MGX) have strong Israel ties, prompting moderation-bias concerns.
Claims of an Israeli-orchestrated takeover or Epstein-style blackmail connection are unsupported by public evidence.
Trade-off: less China risk but intense debates over free speech, Gaza/Palestine content, and algorithmic neutrality
Netanyahu’s Media-Influence Playbook
Over decades in power, Benjamin Netanyahu has used a mix of media attacks, social platforms, proxy networks, and political leverage to shape narratives at home and abroad—undercutting critics while amplifying supporters.
Overview
Netanyahu’s approach blends direct pressure on traditional outlets with an aggressive social-media strategy AND A NETWORK OF ALIGNED INFLUENCERS AND MEDIA PARTNERS. These tactics often spike during moments of legal and geopolitical stress—his corruption trials, election cycles, and the Gaza war—aiming to discredit adversaries, dominate the conversation, and sidestep accountability.
1) Undermining traditional media
Delegitimization & boycotts. He has cast major Israeli broadcasters and newspapers as biased “fake news,” urging public boycotts and singling out journalists and executives in inflammatory posts—especially during campaigns.
Regulatory leverage. Coalition talks and ministerial appointments have been used to shape the media landscape, with allies floating reforms and regulatory moves that critics say would chill independent coverage.
Selective access. In crises (e.g., after October 7, 2023), he has shunned critical outlets and prioritized friendlier platforms such as Channel 14, narrowing scrutiny while reaching his base.
2) Turning social media into a force multiplier
Personal media machine. Netanyahu’s accounts pump out frequent videos, posts, and paid promotions designed to maximize algorithmic reach and bypass traditional gatekeepers. In 2025, he described social platforms as Israel’s “most important weapon” for securing U.S. support during the Gaza conflict.
Counter-narratives & blame-shifting. His team has framed anti-Israel sentiment as the work of foreign states, bots, or hostile NGOs, while promoting counter-messaging. After October 7, aides and allies pushed narratives that shifted responsibility onto military leadership and “elites,” recasting criticism as sabotage.
3) Influencer and proxy networks
Paid creators. Israeli-linked operations have reportedly paid U.S. influencers (figures up to the low five digits per post have circulated) to push pro-government messaging; Netanyahu has spoken of a “community” of supportive creators.
Ecosystem building. With backing from settler-movement allies and far-right partners, channels like Channel 14 have grown into loyal amplifiers, steering Gaza-war coverage and creating an echo chamber for core supporters.
U.S. media management. In Western interviews, he frames judicial changes as democratic reforms and briefs sympathetic outlets to consolidate his narratives on the war and on domestic protests.
4) Political through-lines and legal context
Coverage for consideration. Prosecutors have alleged quid-pro-quo arrangements trading regulatory favors for favorable coverage (e.g., cases involving major publishers). While these cases are ongoing, they underscore how media management intersects with Netanyahu’s political survival.
Press-freedom concerns. Critics argue the cumulative effect—delegitimization, selective access, regulatory pressure, and proxy amplification—has eroded checks and balances and chilled independent journalism.
Bottom line
Netanyahu’s strategy prioritizes narrative dominance: weaken adversarial media, weaponize social platforms, and outsource amplification to friendly outlets and INFLUENCERS. It is effective at mobilizing supporters and resetting agendas—but it also deepens polarization, narrows the space for independent scrutiny, and raises enduring questions about transparency and democratic norms.
(Citations/sources on file.)
23. Epstein / Blackmail Claims. The idea that Jeffrey Epstein ran a Mossad-linked compromise operation?
The idea that Jeffrey Epstein ran a Mossad-linked compromise operation—now driving this sale—remains unproven. Epstein had high-profile relationships (including with Israelis like Ehud Barak), and commentators such as Tucker Carlson have amplified theories, but there’s no credible link between those allegations and the TikTok divestiture.
Here are 6 credible sources mix of major outlets one public-broadcast YouTube that directly examine or explicitly address the allegation that Epstein ran/was part of an Israeli (Mossad) kompromat operation.
1. ABC News (Australia) – “If You’re Listening”: Was Jeffrey Epstein a Mossad agent? (18-min explainer video) Public broadcaster walks through the origins of the Mossad theory, what’s documented, and what isn’t—useful neutral primer to embed. ABC
Angle: explores (balanced):
2. New York Magazine (Intelligencer): “The Jeffrey Epstein Mystery Roundtable”
Six experts discuss the most plausible open questions—including intelligence ties—without endorsing unproven claims; good for framing “what’s still unknown.” New York Magazine Angle: explores (balanced)
3. Rolling Stone: “Was Jeffrey Epstein a Spy?”
Long feature surveying the intelligence rumors (CIA/Israeli/other), sourcing contemporaneous reporting and players around Epstein; helpful for context quotes. Rolling Stone Angle: explores (skeptical but open)
4. Business Insider: “Was Jeffrey Epstein…a spy?”
Investigative review finds no evidence in seized records or trial filings that Epstein worked for U.S. or foreign intel; details the tell-tale legal signs that would’ve appeared if intel were involved. Good to show you recognize the evidentiary bar. Business Insider Angle: rebuts (evidence-based)
5. Haaretz: “Ghislaine Maxwell told U.S. officials she didn’t think Epstein was a Mossad agent” Primary Israeli outlet reporting Maxwell’s own statement to officials; you can cite it as a high-signal denial from a central figure. Haaretz
Angle: rebuts (first-person denial)
6. The Daily Beast: “Epstein’s ex says he boasted about being a Mossad agent”
Reports that a former girlfriend claims Epstein bragged about being Mossad; not proof, but it’s a clean, citable on-record allegation for your “claims to evaluate” section. The Daily Beast Angle: supports (anecdotal allegation)
24. Democracy Now! “End Times Fascism”: “Naomi Klein on How Trump, Musk, Far Right “Don’t Believe in the Future”
AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report. I’m Amy Goodman.
We spend the rest of the hour with award-winning journalist and author Naomi Klein. She has a major new piece out, co-authored with Astra Taylor, for The Guardian newspaper. It’s headlined “The rise of end times fascism.” It looks at the apocalyptic fervor of the far right.
In it, they write, quote, “[T]he most powerful people in the world are preparing for the end of the world, an end they themselves are frenetically accelerating. That is not so far away from the more mass-market vision of fortressed nations that has gripped the [hard] right globally, from Italy to Israel, Australia to the United States: in a time of ceaseless peril, openly supremacist movements in these countries are positioning their relatively wealthy states as armed bunkers,” Naomi Klein writes.
She is also professor of climate justice at the University of British Columbia, founding co-director of the UBC Centre for Climate Justice. Her latest book, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World.
Naomi, welcome back to Democracy Now! It’s great to have you with us. If you can start off by talking about your piece and what exactly you mean by talking about the end times, fascism?
NAOMI KLEIN: Well, it’s very good to be with you, Amy…… Link to Video: https://www.democracynow.org/2025/5/5/naomi_klein_trump_silicon_valley
Link to Transcript Democracy Now! “End Times Fascism”:
If you have reached this point, you are likely aware that our democratic system faces considerable challenges.
YES—Democracy is in Crisis.
According to respected studies, public trust in U.S. elections is at a 70-year low. The Pew report show only 17% of Americans still have confidence in our elections. But the real number might be even lower—closer to 3–4%. Most people only trust the results when their “Party” wins. And that’s not how a functioning democratic republic is supposed to work.
Voter turnout in the U.S. ranks among the lowest in the developed world. Many Americans believe elections are rigged or meaningless. As the old quote (often misattributed to Mark Twain) goes:
“If elections made a difference, they wouldn’t let us do it.”
So, how do we fix it? We prove it’s real. And that’s what ABE does.
It took years of work by me and the AUDIT USA team to develop ABE: the Auditable Ballot Examination system.
25. Conclusion – Hope, Peace, and Democracy
I’ve learned that when you shine, a light, shadows retreat.
Abe, along with similar tools, serves as an example of that innovation, and there are additional options available.
Let’s use them—together.
Let’s use these digital tools they don’t want us to know about.
Because:
“Democracy dies in darkness—but it can be revived in the light of transparency.” Seeing is believing.
Our program ABE is named after Abe Lincoln for good reasons:
I believe democracy revives in the light. That’s why I’m stepping away—unpaid—from AUDIT USA to finish this work as a private citizen. These findings and opinions are mine alone; they do not represent AUDIT USA or its Board, and no organization resources were used.
If you value this kind of evidence-first work, help me keep going:
Become a paid Substack subscriber (covers public-records/FOIA costs, transcripts, secure data handling, travel, and video production; not tax-deductible).
Thank you for reading, sharing, and standing for transparent, publicly verified elections.
— John R. Brakey
🔗 My Substack Page
📧 JohnBrakey@gmail.com
(520) 339-2696
My advocacy for election transparency is rooted in the belief that safeguarding a strong democracy is the most significant thing I can leave for my children and grandchildren.
In my view, an activist is someone propelled by a genuine commitment to causes greater than themselves.
Their motivation does not derive from the pursuit of power, wealth, or recognition, but from a profound sense of purpose.
Heightened awareness of injustice, cruelty, or inequity inspires me to take substantive action with others. Yes I’m WOKE!