Catégorie oBox : OBOXMA
«Immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.»
It seems that Donald Trump can’t make anyone happy, not even his crypto friends that he’s been bending over backwards for.
“A lot of people say that he wasn’t guilty of anything.”
Trump’s recent pardoning of Binance founder and crypto guru Changpeng Zhao was met with immediate backlash from one of the President’s most prominent supporters, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale.
“I love President Trump; this is possibly the greatest admin of my lifetime—except for these pardons.”
-Joe Lonsdale
Changpeng Zhao Arrest
In November 2023, Changpeng Zhao pled guilty to breaking the US Bank Secrecy Act after failing to monitor the transactions of users on his site, Binance.
Those failings allowed hundreds of millions of dollars to be fed through the site, funding drug deals, terrorism, child sex abuse, and human trafficking.
Federal prosecutors said they had never seen anyone violate the rules to the extent that Zhao did between 2017 and 2024. The case judge claimed to have been disturbed by Binance’s strategy of ignoring any US banking regulation that would stem the site’s growth.
Why was he pardoned?
When questioned, the President gave a slough of answers, from which allied and opposed media outlets could pick and choose which one aligned best with the story they’re spinning.
Trump claimed that what Zhao did was not a crime,
A lot of people say that he wasn’t guilty of anything.
He tried spinning the victim story for Zhao,
He served four months in jail, and they say that he was not guilty of anything.
He then seemed to excuse himself of any blame by placing it on an unnamed advisor, stating, “[I’ve] been told … that what he did is not even a crime”.
He then added that “I gave him a pardon at the request of a lot of very good people,” a statement every American should pay close attention to.
Trump claimed in 2024 that he would be the “first crypto president,” and America is already seeing what that looks like.
Joe Lonsdale Comments
Lonsdale posted on X shortly after the President pardoned Zhao on Thursday, stating, “I love President Trump; this is possibly the greatest admin of my lifetime—except for these pardons.”
He continued to say, “If I’m calling balls and strikes, these are hit-by-pitches! POTUS has been terribly advised on this; it makes it look like massive fraud is happening around him in this area.”
Once again, he deflects blame away from the president – placing it on advisors instead. He also makes sure to clarify that it only looks like fraudulent activity is surrounding the President’s crypto ventures.
Blatant financial fraud in the Oval Office?
Of course, it’s almost certain that the president is engaging in fraud.
Donald Trump was already found guilty on 34 counts of fraud before his crypto ventures.
Currently, the president has approximately $3.4 bn in Crypto, either attached to his fame or to the US economy itself. Trump also owns the marketplace; all of the tokens are sold and bought in, adding another layer of protection to the inner workings of the venture’s finances.
While a president selling what are essentially stocks related to his fame and the U.S. dollar is obviously a conflict of interest on many levels, the White House maintains that all actions are above board, with Karoline Leavitt claiming:
Neither the President nor his family have ever engaged, or will ever engage, in conflicts of interest.
In the pocket of crypto?
Donald Trump has received at least $41 million since January 2025 from crypto companies, making him the first successful fascist crypto-technocrat—an impressive achievement if you’re striving for the Orwellian Hall of Fame.
Binance has been banned from use in the US since Zhao’s conviction in 2023, but the door has now been opened for questions on whether or not its status will be reinstated.
On Thursday, Trump admitted that he didn’t know who Zhao was when he granted the pardon but instead acted on the advice of “a lot of very good people.”
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Trump’s demented speech in Japan
If the president of the United States’ cognitive performance keeps you up at night, this one will keep you up till the weekend.
Donald Trump went on a demented speech in Japan on Monday, where he failed to understand his new fleet of aircraft carriers, steam technology, and the 2000-year-old technology of magnets.
The president was attempting to explain his views on America’s new fleet of aircraft carriers. The carriers have catapult systems that launch F-15s, as well as an advanced electromagnetic elevator used to move weaponry on deck. Both of these technologies reportedly cut preparation time in half.
So what are Trumps thoughts? Well it doesn’t seem like he’s a fan. On the subject of the advanced electromagnetic elevators, he said, “You know, the new thing is magnets. So instead of using hydraulic that can be hit by lightning and it’s fine. You take a little glass of water, you drop it on magnets, I don’t know what’s going to happen,”
Waterproof magnets
In case you were never a 10-year-old playing with fridge magnets, they’re not affected by water. Apparently, Trump hasn’t used a magnet in a couple of decades; he’s forgotten how they work.
He tried pushing on, attempting to find any sort of track to attach his wayward train of thought to.
So, you know, the elevators come up in the new carriers—I think I’m going to change it, by the way—they have magnets. Every tractor has hydraulic, every excavator, every excavating machine of any kind has hydraulic. But somebody decided to use magnets.
Trump didn’t just attack magnets, though; he also criticized the catapults used by the carriers.
“I’m going to sign an executive order. When we build aircraft carriers, it’s steam for the catapults and it’s hydraulic for the elevators. We’ll never have a problem.”
He then pointed out an apparent high-ranking general,
“He agrees. Everybody agrees. But, ahh, these people in Washington…”
The general’s silence echoed loudly.
Magnets are confusing
This is actually not Trump’s first time claiming that magnets are killed by water.
In January 2024, “Give me a glass of water, let me drop it on the magnets, that’s the end of the magnets.”
Nobody is quite sure just how long Trump’s battle against magnets has lasted, but his opinions are certainly set in stone. Magnets are weak and should not come into contact with water. One can only imagine where he got such an idea.
Cognitive decline?
All these comments come as speculation swirls about Trump’s cognitive ability.
Trump underwent a basic cognitive test in April 2025, Donald Trump completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a basic test used to gauge whether an elderly person’s cognitive ability has begun to decline.
The test asks respondents to draw a clock with a specific time, identify pictures of animals, remember a series of words, and count backwards by a specific number. According to the creators of the test, it is meant to detect mild cognitive impairment as early as possible, not to measure intelligence or IQ.
The fragile peace plan brokered by Donald Trump is now in disarray after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered «immediate, powerful» airstrikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement and staging the discovery of a deceased hostage.
This abrupt escalation, announced on Tuesday after emergency security consultations in Jerusalem, has thrown months of US-led diplomatic efforts into turmoil and reignited fears of a rapid return to open conflict in the region
«Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out “immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.”»
At the end of the security consultations, Netanyahu informed the United States that he had ordered the military to carry out what his office described as «immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.»
The Prime Minister’s office released a brief statement declaring: «Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the military echelon to carry out “immediate, powerful strikes in the Gaza Strip.”»
A military official accused Hamas of attacking Israeli troops east of the so-called yellow line — the boundary separating Israeli-occupied Gaza from the rest of the territory — during Tuesday’s clashes, warning that Hamas would pay a «heavy price» for targeting Israeli soldiers.
«We’re going to have peace, if you think about it — peace in the Middle East for the first time in, they say-really, 3,000 years.»
-Donald Trump
The massive attack comes as thousands of Palestinians had begun returning to their neighborhoods, humanitarian aid deliveries from Israel had resumed, and search operations were underway to recover the bodies of hostages buried beneath the rubble left by months of intense Israeli bombardments.
Many observers had already questioned the durability of the ceasefire and the broader peace plan, which Trump had hailed as a historic end to the conflict.
At the time, Trump celebrated what he described as a historic breakthrough between Israel and Gaza, declaring: «We’re going to have peace, if you think about it — peace in the Middle East for the first time in, they say-really, 3,000 years.»
A Tesla shareholder has warned that Elon Musk could leave the company if his newly proposed $1 trillion compensation plan is rejected, underscoring the high stakes ahead of Tesla’s annual meeting on November 6.
«If shareholders reject the pay package and fail to foster an environment that motivates Elon to achieve great things through an equitable pay-for-performance plan, we run the risk that he gives up his executive position.»
The vote will determine whether shareholders approve Musk’s second massive pay package — coming only months after his previous multi-billion-dollar plan was finalized — a move seen as critical to securing his continued commitment to Tesla as he divides his attention among several other ventures.
Shareholders’ best interests
Tesla chair Robyn Denholm issued the warning in a letter to shareholders ahead of the company’s November 6 annual meeting, saying: «If shareholders reject the pay package and fail to foster an environment that motivates Elon to achieve great things through an equitable pay-for-performance plan, we run the risk that he gives up his executive position.»
According to Reuters, Tesla’s board has faced repeated criticism for failing to act in shareholders’ best interests, with governance experts and advocacy groups questioning its independence and its ability to oversee Musk’s growing influence.
Critics argue that several members of the board have long-standing personal and financial ties to Musk, raising concerns that their decisions may favor his interests over those of ordinary investors.
Many question why Tesla would want to keep Musk at their side with all the harm he’s done to the company in recent months; yet, as investor Christopher Tsai put it, «Elon is clearly a key piece of the story».
Tesla’s public standing
This perception of weak corporate governance has fueled skepticism about the board’s willingness — or capacity — to hold Musk accountable as his power within the company continues to expand.
Musk’s recent controversies have further complicated Tesla’s public standing, with his outspoken political commentary and increasing alignment with far-right figures drawing backlash from parts of the public and the media.
Musk’s growing political involvement has deepened the controversies surrounding him and further damaged Tesla’s public image.
Once celebrated as a visionary entrepreneur, he became an increasingly polarizing figure through his outspoken commentary and alignment with right-wing causes.
The lines between business and politics
During the early months of Trump’s second term, Musk briefly took part in his administration in advisory roles for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pushing for deep cuts to the federal budget and workforce while advocating for policies that benefited his own companies.
Musk proximity to power fueled criticism that he was blurring the lines between business and politics. Musk’s large-scale political donations to the Trump campaign — described by watchdog groups as «astronomical» — have sparked accusations that he attempted to buy influence and even sway key elections.
«Elon is clearly a key piece of the story»
-Christopher Tsai
One recent lawsuit in Wisconsin alleged that Musk’s contributions and incentive schemes tied to a state Supreme Court race violated election laws.
Musk publicly backed Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany during the 2025 elections, triggering consumer backlash. In Germany alone, Tesla sales plunged over 75% year-on-year in February 2025. Across key European markets, Tesla’s registrations fell by nearly 50% while the EV market grew.
«I’m not saying it’s an easy path, but I see a path to Tesla being the most valuable company in the world by far.»
These political ventures, amplified by his provocative activity on X, have alienated many consumers and investors, with analysts estimating that Tesla’s U.S. sales and brand perception have suffered significantly as a result.
Amid growing criticism over his leadership and political controversies, Musk has continued to project confidence in Tesla’s future.
During a discussion with investors earlier this year, he dismissed concerns about the company’s trajectory and insisted that Tesla remains poised for explosive growth, saying: «I’m not saying it’s an easy path, but I see a path to Tesla being the most valuable company in the world by far. Not even close, like maybe several times more than – I mean, there is a path where Tesla is worth more than the next top five companies combined.»
The Russian government have reportedly tested a new missile that seems straight out of a science fiction movie.
The announcement, released on Sunday by President Vladimir Putin, confirmed that Russia had completed a successful test with the ‘Burevestnik’ missile in Novaya Zemlya—a high-tech long-range cruise missile powered by a nuclear engine.
the missile would be impervious to any defense system on the globe, due to the almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path it possesses
The announcement is another example in a long line of behaviour meant to instill nuclear fear into the hearts of Western countries.
The ‘Burevestnik’
There is little information about the missile that was tested, as is expected for a Kremlin project.
Russia began the invention of the Burevestnik (nicknamed the ‘Skyfall missile’ by NATO) in 2018, initially labelling the missile as a ‘hypersonic weapon with infinite range.”
Putin added that the missile would have “unlimited range, allowing it to circle the globe undetected by missile defense systems,”
The missile travelled 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) during the test on October 21, spending more than 15 hours in the air using nuclear power.
The Kremlin leader also claimed that the missile would be impervious to any defense system on the globe, due to the almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path it possesses.
It’s important to note that this missile is not a nuclear bomb, but an explosive powered by a nuclear engine. Still, Western experts have been skeptical, claiming that a nuclear-powered engine could be highly unreliable.
The Burevestnik suffered one explosion during testing in 2019. The explosion killed at least seven people, including five engineers and two service members. The blast also triggered a radiation spike, sparking widespread fear in a nearby city.
The Kremlin never officially identified that the Burevestnik was the weapon involved in the 2019 accident, but the U.S. government claimed it was.
A successful test
Kirill Dmitriev, a Putin aide living in the U.S., said his delegation confirmed the successful test and informed U.S. government staffers.
…a successful test [of an] absolutely new class of weapon.
Kirill Dmitriev
While Russia has been heralding this incredible advance in technology, some experts are skeptical of how useful the missile really is.
Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, told NBC News that, “The main reason that no one else has tried to build something like this is that it doesn’t really have any use,”.
According to Podvig, the weapon is actually largely political, a gesture meant to flex Russia’s impressive nuclear technology program.
The engine of the Burevestnik missile is essentially a mini nuclear reactor, heating the air around it to over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, propelling a ramjet engine for days, in theory.
What isn’t clear is the destructive capabilities of this weapon. Experts do not know the exact kind of explosive used, and they have not ruled out the possibility of the Burevestnik carrying nuclear warheads.
A response to the U.S.
Some experts read the Russian announcement as political response, responding to the U.S.A.’s recent announcement of its own ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system. The Kremlin specified in its announcement that the missile would be undetectable by any missile defence system.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov seemed to imply that the test may have also been a response to the new sanctions this month from the European Union and the U.S., citing:
Ensuring security is a vital issue for Russia, especially given the militaristic sentiment we are currently hearing primarily from Europeans,
And then adding « Despite all our openness to establishing a dialogue with the United States, Russia, first of all, and the president of Russia, is guided by our own national interests, »
Proof of frivolity
The Burevestnik is reportedly supposed to be a second-strike missile, used in the event of a nuclear attack on Russia. The only problem? According to Pavel Podvig, any nuclear attack on Russia would almost certainly begin by targeting the very military base that houses the Burevestnik launch pads, thus making it an expensive waste of time.
Western experts (Podvig among them) also claim the missile would be detected during its ‘potentially infinite’ flight.
After undergoing his second annual medical examination at Walter Reed Medical Center in October, the first having taken place in April, Donald Trump is once again drawing attention to his health and mental fitness.
While traveling aboard Air Force One for an important trip to Asia, the president claimed he had taken another «IQ test» at Walter Reed during his first annual visit in April.
«Let AOC go against Trump, let Jasmine go against Trump. I don’t think Jasmine. The first couple of questions are easy — a tiger, an elephant, a giraffe, you know. When you get up to five or six, and up to 10 and 20 and 25.
The same test
Trump said he wanted to challenge Democratic Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two lawmakers he has repeatedly described as «very low IQ», to take the same test, boasting that they would not perform as well as he did.
In reality, the test Trump referred to was not an intelligence exam, but the standard cognitive screening used to detect early signs of dementia, the same type of assessment he previously described as «very hard» and bragged extensively about acing.
«Have her pass the exam that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. I said those are very hard; they are really aptitude tests, I guess.»
The president’s comments have reignited questions about his mental acuity, both for confusing and boasting about a dementia screening as if it were an IQ test, and for the fact that he has reportedly taken such cognitive exams multiple times since 2018, whether at his own request or not.
Not an intelligence test
During his remarks attacking the intelligence of Democratic Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett, Trump appeared to confuse the Montreal Cognitive Assessment — a dementia screening administered by clinicians and not an intelligence test — with an IQ or aptitude exam, saying: «We have a great group of people, which they don’t. They have Jasmine Crockett — a low IQ person. They have AOC — is low IQ. Have her pass the exam that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed. I said those are very hard; they are really aptitude tests, I guess.»
He went on to challenge both lawmakers directly, boasting about his own performance on the test and mocking their intelligence, saying: «Let AOC go against Trump, let Jasmine go against Trump. I don’t think Jasmine. The first couple of questions are easy — a tiger, an elephant, a giraffe, you know. When you get up to five or six, and up to 10 and 20 and 25.»
Even if it remains unclear whether Trump took another Montreal Cognitive Assessment in October, the president, during his second annual medical examination on October 10, received a mysterious MRI — an exam for which he later said the results were «perfect.»
In addition to the tests and imaging, Trump also received his updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.