February 10th, 2025: The Very Worst Of USAID Spending & Hamas Releases Emaciated Hostages

Summary

The President's Daily Brief: February 10th, 2025

Host: Mike Baker | Released: February 10, 2025

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1. USAID Spending Under Scrutiny

Overview: Mike Baker opens the episode by examining the Trump administration's initiative to overhaul the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID, responsible for distributing nearly $43.8 billion in foreign aid in fiscal year 2023, operates with minimal oversight, raising concerns about potential government waste and misuse of funds.

Key Points:

• Agency Structure and Oversight: USAID functions independently from the State Department, providing both flexibility and challenges in oversight due to its operations in over 100 countries. The agency often delegates its projects to third parties, contractors, NGOs, and international organizations, complicating accountability measures.

• Financial Mismanagement: USAID's substantial budget, which constitutes more than two-thirds of the State Department's $60 billion budget, lacks consistent audit functions. This gap allows for inefficiencies, waste, and potential fraud to go unchecked until audits are conducted, often too late to recover misallocated funds.

• Egregious Examples of Waste:

  • Tarakil Power Plant in Afghanistan: USAID invested $335 million in a diesel-fueled power plant near Kabul, which operated at a mere 2% capacity due to the high cost of diesel imports (Transcript [04:50]).
  • Funding for LGBTQ Initiatives: Significant funds were allocated to various LGBTQ-related projects globally, including:
    • Serbia’s Grupa Izadi: $1.5 million aimed at enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces ([05:20]).
    • Guatemala’s Asociacion Lambda: $2 million for promoting gender-affirming healthcare.
    • Caribbean and Indonesia: Millions allocated for promoting LGBTQ acceptance and climate-friendly practices in coffee companies ([07:10]).
    • Ireland and Ecuador: Grants for DEI-themed musicals and drag theater performances, respectively ([08:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Baker ([04:50]): “Building this diesel-fueled power plant just outside Kabul... Diesel fuel is absurdly expensive to import into Afghanistan. As a result, the plant ran at just 2% of its capacity.”

• Mike Baker ([07:15]): “U.S. taxpayer dollars were being used to pay for sex change procedures, including Guatemala.”

Conclusion: Baker emphasizes the need for greater oversight and accountability within USAID to ensure that taxpayer money serves America's national interests effectively. The Trump administration's efforts to reform USAID aim to eliminate wasteful spending and redirect funds towards more impactful and necessary programs.

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2. Hamas Releases Emaciated Hostages Amid Ceasefire

Overview: The episode delves into the recent release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement. The poor physical condition of the hostages has sparked outrage and raised questions about the efficacy and humanity of Hamas’s treatment of captives.

Key Points:

• Hostage Release: On the weekend, Hamas released three Israeli hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levi—after 491 days in captivity (Transcript [11:19]).

• Hostages' Condition: The released individuals appeared emaciated, with visible signs of malnutrition and weakness, sparking public fury in Israel. Images of the hostages were displayed prominently in Tel Aviv, eliciting strong emotional reactions from families and supporters ([11:50]).

• Hamas’s Tactics: Hamas released a propaganda video showcasing the hostages in a tunnel, further inciting Israeli anger and questioning the true conditions under which other captives are held ([13:30]).

• Political Repercussions:

  • Israeli Government Response: Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to securing the return of all hostages and criticized Hamas’s treatment of captives ([14:15]).
  • Ceasefire Terms: As part of the exchange, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners, including key Hamas operatives, with some being sent to Egypt under ceasefire terms ([15:20]).

• Operational Challenges: The ceasefire agreement is set to expire on March 1, with uncertainties surrounding further negotiations. Internal divisions within the Israeli coalition, as Finance Minister and National Security Minister threaten to resign over ceasefire issues, complicate the situation ([16:45]).

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Baker ([11:45]): “The hostages... were among those taken during Hamas's brutal 7 October 2023 terror attacks.”

• Netanyahu ([15:35]): “Israel will do everything to bring all our hostages back.”

Conclusion: The release of the hostages in a weakened state highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and underscores the persistent tensions between Israel and Hamas. As negotiations continue, the humanitarian and political complexities remain deeply intertwined, posing significant challenges for lasting peace.

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3. North Korean Troops Rejoin Russia’s Offensive in Ukraine

Overview: The brief shifts focus to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where Ukrainian President Zelensky has announced the redeployment of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. This move signals a significant escalation in Russia’s military commitments.

Key Points:

• Deployment Details: Approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to reinforce Russia’s operations in Ukraine, with estimates of 300 killed and 2,700 wounded, indicating high casualty rates ([19:16]).

• Troop Performance: Reports and firsthand accounts describe the North Korean soldiers as poorly trained and ill-equipped for modern warfare. A Ukrainian commander noted that their combat readiness is akin to that of the 1980s, severely limiting their effectiveness in contemporary conflicts ([19:50]).

• Strategic Implications: The high casualty rates suggest that North Korea’s military support might become unsustainable for Russia, raising questions about the future of their alliance in the conflict.

• Denials and Propaganda: Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny the deployment and collaboration, despite mounting evidence, including the capture of North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces ([20:10]).

• Missile Technology Enhancements: Intelligence reports suggest that North Korean ballistic missiles fired at Kyiv may incorporate Russian navigation technology, indicating a deeper level of military cooperation ([20:45]).

Notable Quotes:

• Ukrainian President Zelensky ([19:30]): “Russia has once again deployed North Korean soldiers alongside its own troops.”

• Mike Baker ([19:50]): “North Korean troops appeared wholly unprepared for 21st century combat, stating they are prepared for the realities of War in 1980 at best.”

Conclusion: The involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict represents a troubling escalation, highlighting the complexities of international alliances and the potential for increased destabilization in the region. As the situation evolves, the sustainability of Russian military efforts remains in question.

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4. Israel’s Withdrawal from the Netzerim Corridor

Overview: As part of the fragile ceasefire with Hamas, Israel has withdrawn its forces from the Netzerim Corridor, a strategic area that had divided Gaza. This withdrawal has allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return north, altering the humanitarian landscape.

Key Points:

• Strategic Withdrawal: The Netzerim Corridor, a nearly four-mile strip established as a chokepoint during Israel’s 15-month campaign against Hamas, has been vacated, facilitating the movement of displaced Palestinians northward ([16:00]).

• Humanitarian Impact: Approximately 500,000 Palestinians have moved north in the first 72 hours post-withdrawal, utilizing various means of transportation through a landscape marked by months of conflict ([16:45]).

• Hamas’s Reaction: Hamas hailed the withdrawal as a victory, claiming it as evidence of their people’s will, despite Israel not officially acknowledging the pullout ([17:10]).

• Ongoing Restrictions: Despite the withdrawal, Israel maintains control over Gaza’s borders, with Egypt and Qatar supervising the remaining checkpoints to manage movement and aid ([17:50]).

• Renewed Violence: Fresh incidents of violence near the Gaza border threaten the ceasefire's stability. Israeli Defense Minister Katz issued a stern warning against any threats to IDF forces, signaling zero tolerance for aggression ([18:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• Hamas Official ([17:00]): “This is proof of the will of our people.”

• Israeli Defense Minister Katz ([18:15]): “Zero tolerance for anyone who threatens IDF forces or the fence area and communities.”

Conclusion: Israel’s partial withdrawal from the Netzerim Corridor represents a significant yet incomplete step towards maintaining the ceasefire. The reopening of the corridor has immediate humanitarian benefits but is coupled with ongoing tensions and sporadic violence, underscoring the precarious nature of the current peace agreement.

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5. Ongoing Diplomatic and Military Developments

Overview: Mike Baker wraps up the episode by highlighting the continued diplomatic efforts and military actions affecting the ceasefire and broader regional stability.

Key Points:

• Diplomatic Missions: Prime Minister Netanyahu sent a delegation to Doha, Qatar, to negotiate further terms of the ceasefire, focusing on technical details rather than high-level political discussions ([18:50]).

• Military Operations in the West Bank: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified raids in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas, significantly restricting access to essential services and causing widespread destruction. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to target terrorists but contribute to regional instability ([19:10]).

Conclusion: The delicate balance of the ceasefire is continually tested by both diplomatic negotiations and military engagements. As Israel grapples with internal political pressures and external threats, the path to a sustainable peace remains uncertain.

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Conclusion

Mike Baker concludes the podcast by summarizing the key developments:

• USAID Reform Efforts: Emphasizing the need for enhanced oversight to prevent wasteful spending and ensure alignment with U.S. national interests.

• Hamas Hostage Release: Highlighting the humanitarian concerns and political tensions arising from the condition of released hostages and ongoing negotiations.

• North Korean Military Involvement: Underscoring the challenges posed by North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its implications for regional stability.

Baker encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing global issues shaping America’s role on the world stage.

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Notable Resources:

• For an in-depth analysis of USAID’s spending and oversight, refer to the recent Situation Report available on the President's Daily Brief YouTube channel.

• Listen to the expanded weekend show featuring Gerald Posner and former Congressman Jim Raci for further insights into government spending and historical assassination files.

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Stay informed, stay safe, and stay engaged with The President's Daily Brief.

Transcript

[Mike Baker]

Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries right as they're being scooped into the carton? And time just stands still. It's Monday, the 10th of February. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage coming to you today from somewhere in Europe. All right, let's get briefed. We'll start things off today with the Trump administration's push to overhaul usaid. That's an agency that hands out billions in foreign aid, frankly, with little oversight. So you ask yourself, is there a chance that a thorough, efficient audit of USAID spending just might perhaps identify government waste and abuse? There's a possibility. Later in the show, the world reacted with shock as Hamas released three emaciated hostages over the weekend as part of the ongoing ceasefire deal. Plus, as both sides exchange hostages and prisoners, Israel follows through on another key part of the agreement and pulling out troops from a critical corridor in Gaza. And in the back of the brief, after a short respite, it appears that North Korean troops may have returned to the front lines as Russian military forces attempt to blunt the renewed Ukrainian offensive in Kursk. Well, that makes sense. I mean, if the Ukrainian military engages in an offensive, Putin's going to need some cannon fodder. And I think he's already discovered that the North Korean troops make for fine fodder. But first, today's PDB Spotlight. Today we're beginning with a closer look at USAID, the U.S. agency for International Development, and the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to reform or in some cases, completely overhaul the agency. If you want to understand what the US Government prioritizes, well, the best way to do it is to follow the money. And if you follow the money at usaid, you might find yourself asking some uncomfortable questions. Usaid, in a sense, is the face of American foreign policy. While the State Department handles diplomacy, USAID is on the ground engaging directly with civilian populations around the world. The agency, frankly, is massive. In fiscal year 2023 alone, they handed out nearly $43.8 billion in funding worldwide, more than two thirds of the entire State Department's $60 billion budget. And yet, despite being largely bankrolled by the State Department, USAID operates as an independent agency separate from the control of the State Department. It was originally established by the JFK administration in 1961, specifically as an independent, autonomous organization. That independence is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it gives the agency the flexibility to respond quickly to crises, but on the other, it makes oversight a bit of A nightmare. With missions in over 100 countries, many of them unstable, keeping track of where the money actually goes is like herding cats. Add in the fact that USAID funding flows not just through the State Department, but also through the Defense and Treasury Departments, and you have a recipe for inefficiency, waste and fraud. Not to mention the lack of consistent audit functions to ensure money is being spent effectively and in line with U.S. interests. And here's the reality. USAID doesn't even carry out most of its work directly. Instead, it offloads the heavy lifting to third party organizations, contractors, NGOs and international groups. That extra layer of bureaucracy, of course, makes accountability even harder. By the time any audit finally catches up to the spending, well, the money is long gone. Now, let's be clear. Some USAID funded programs are genuinely important and worthwhile. Feeding the hungry, providing disaster relief, these are all clearly important. But even the most well intentioned programs can be undermined by waste and mismanagement. And then there are other projects that make you wonder if anyone in Washington has their priorities straight. I had the incredible staff at the President's Daily Brief do a little digging, and we found some fairly egregious examples of where USAID money has gone in the recent past. Let's start with one of the agency's more infamous blunders. The Tarakil Power plant in Afghanistan. USAID spent $335 million. That's a lot of jack. Building this diesel fueled power plant just outside Kabul. But there was one slight problem. Diesel fuel is absurdly expensive to import into Afghanistan. As a result, the plant ran at just 2% of its capacity. That's hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money down the drain. A small amount of due diligence and oversight could have identified the weaknesses in this plan and saved all those taxpayer dollars. But in recent years, USAID's priorities have taken a noticeable shift. It seems less focused on delivering aid and more concerned with advancing a social agenda. One that has little to do with American national interests. Take for example, a pro LGBTQ group in Serbia called Grupa Izadi, which translates to Group Comes out. USAID funneled $1.5 million to this group to to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in Serbia's workplaces and business communities. According to the grant documents, this initiative aimed to increase employment potential for lgbtqi. How many letters do we have? Persons Expand opportunities for LGBTQI entrepreneurs and reduce workplace discrimination. End quote. Now, whatever your personal views on that mission, one has to ask, why are American taxpayers? Funding gets Worse USAID spent $2 million in Guatemala funding associacion Lambda, an LGBTQI. Plus, I'm getting better at this activist organization to promote gender affirming health care. In plain English. Well, U.S. taxpayer dollars were being used to pay for sex change procedures, including Guatemala. Then there's the $3.3 million that USAID dumped into the Caribbean to promote LGBTQ acceptance. Or the $425,600 that was spent helping Indonesian coffee companies become more climate and gender friendly. That's what I look for in my coffee. Still not convinced that USAID might be in need of some grown up supervision. Well, how about the $70,000 grant for a DEI themed musical in Ireland? Just what they were looking for. Yes, you heard that right. A musical? Who, frankly. Okay, fine. Who doesn't love a musical? The money was earmarked to, quote, deliver a live musical event to promote the US And Irish shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. End quote. Or how about the $20,600 that USAID spent in Ecuador to fund three workshops, 12 drag theater performances, and a short documentary, all in the name, of course, of diversity and inclusion. And in Peru, USAID spent $32,000 creating a comic book featuring an LGBTQI hero. Yeah, because obviously that's a pressing foreign policy aid priority. Now, let me ask you this. If you live in North Carolina and a hurricane rips through your town, leaving you without power or food or clean water, would you feel reassured knowing that your tax dollars went toward drag performances and LGBTQI comic books instead of rebuilding your community? Yeah, I didn't think so. The Trump administration is actually moving to cut the fat out of usaid. Look, of course there's nothing wrong with foreign aid, right? Some of it is critically important, just like, of course, there's nothing wrong with accountability. Americans have every right to demand that their money be spent wisely and in their interests. If the best justification for a $70,000 DEI musical in Ireland is that it allows some bureaucrats to wallow in the glow of self righteousness, well, then maybe it's time to rethink what we're actually trying to accomplish with USAID in the first place. All right, if you want to dive deeper into the lack of transparency and oversight@ USAID, check out this past weekend's Situation Report. I spoke with former Ohio Congressman Jim Raci about exactly that. You can also watch it, of course, on our YouTube channel, and you can find our YouTube channel at President's Daily Brief. All right, coming up after the break, we widespread shock over the horrific Conditions of the three hostages freed from Gaza and Israel takes another key step in the ongoing ceasefire. Deal. I'll be right back.

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The fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas stretched into its fifth round of exchanges as three Israeli hostages and more than 180 Palestinian prisoners were swapped. On Saturday, however, the emaciated state of the now freed Israelis ignited public fury, raising new concerns over Hamas's treatment of abductees. Okay, what did anyone imagine? That the hostages were being treated humanely by Hamas? The three men, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and or Levi, were among those taken hostage during Hamas's brutal 7 October 2023 terror attacks. The three men spent 491 days in captivity before being handed over to the Red Cross in central Gaza in what appeared to be an orderly transfer of. That's a stark departure from the chaos of previous hostage releases. But the first images of the three men, gaunt, malnourished and visibly weak, shocked Israelis. Their photos were immediately projected onto large screens in Tel Aviv's hostage square, where their families and supporters stood in stunned silence. The hostages in Missing Families Forum called the images, quote, disturbing. Well, that's putting it mildly. While the Nuroz Kbutz, one of the community's hardest hits in the 7 October terror attacks, condemned their conditions as, quote, an internal testimony to the failure of those delaying further hostage negotiations. Hamas, as they've done in previous hostage releases, paraded the men before cameras ahead of their freedom, forcing them to speak Hebrew while flanked by terrorists. After the Red Cross took custody of the Israeli captives, they were transported to IDF for immediate medical evaluation. Levy's mother said seeing her son so pale and skeletal was devastating, but she remained hopeful about his recovery. Hamas also released a propaganda video showing the three men inside a tunnel, further inflaming Israeli anger and reinforcing concerns, of course, about the conditions under which the remaining hostages are being held. Meanwhile, the parents of American hostage Yite Chen urged President Donald Trump to ramp up efforts to secure the release of six American citizens still held by Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking from Washington over the weekend, reiterated Israel's unwavering commitment to bringing every hostage home, declaring, israel will do everything to bring all our hostages back. Israel's ambassador to the UN wasted no time in calling on Secretary General Antonio Guterres to denounce Hamas publicly for its treatment of hostages. As part of the Exchange, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 who were serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis. Some of the released prisoners were Hamas operatives involved in suicide bombings and other terror operations. Seven of those convicted of the most serious crimes were transferred to Egypt, where they will either remain there or be deported under the ceasefire terms. Footage from Ramallah showed Palestinian detainees arriving from Ophir Prison in the occupied West Bank. Among those freed was abu Shaktam, serving 18 life sentences for his role in terror attacks that killed dozens of Israelis during the second intifada. Another Al Taweel, a senior Hamas political figure, has been in and out of Israeli prisons for two decades on accusations of helping finance terror attacks. The agreement is set to expire on 1 March, leaving uncertainty over the next stage of negotiations. Hamas has so far released 16 Israeli hostages out of the 33 promised in their first phase of the deal. Eight of the remaining captives are confirmed dead in total. Hamas and its terror affiliates are still holding 73 people from the 7 October attacks, down from the original 251. Netanyahu reportedly remains cautious about the second phase of the deal, which would require a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza in exchange for further hostage releases. His coalition shows additional cracks as his finance minister has threatened to resign if the ceasefire continues following the lead of National Security Minister Adamar Ben gvir, who quit Netanyahu's government over the ceasefire's implementation. With political tensions rising and the hostage crisis far from resolved, Israel and the hostages face a precarious road ahead. Alright. Sticking with our coverage of the Israel Hamas ceasefire agreement, Israel pulled its forces from the Netzerim Corridor. That's a militarized zone that splits Gaza in two. The withdrawal, a course stipulation of the ceasefire allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return north for the first time in months. Hamas hailed the Israeli withdrawal Sunday as a victory, declaring it proof of, quote, the will of our people. While Israel has not officially acknowledged the pullout, CNN reported no visible Israeli military presence at the crossing on Sunday. The corridor, a near four mile strip of land stretching from the Israel Gaza border to the Mediterranean, was established as a strategic chokepoint During Israel's 15 month military campaign against Hamas. Its closure effectively severed northern Gaza which restricting both civilian movement and humanitarian aid. Despite the retreat, a checkpoint does remain in place, manned by the supervision of Egyptian and Qatari mediators, who have been key components, of course, to managing talks between Israel and Hamas during the ceasefire process. In the first 72 hours after the corridor reopened, Gaza's government media Office estimates roughly 500,000 displaced Palestinians moved north on foot, others in makeshift vehicles or on donkeys, traversing a battered landscape marked by months of heavy fighting. But despite withdrawing from Netzerim, Israel still controls Gaza's borders, with Egypt and Israel maintaining broader restrictions in place. Meanwhile, the ceasefire's fragile footing was tested over the weekend by fresh violence near an Israeli kibbutz close to the Gaza border. Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli troops opened fire near the area, killing three Palestinians and injuring several others. The IDF stated that its forces had fired warning shots at, quote, suspects approaching the border fence, confirming that, quote, several hits were identified, but without directly acknowledging any civilian casualties. In a blunt warning following the incident, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement declaring, quote, their blood is on their own head. Zero tolerance for anyone who threatens IDF forces or the fence area and communities. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to shore up the ceasefire are ongoing. On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu dispatched a delegation to Doha, Qatar to discuss further terms of the agreement. A senior Israeli official described the team as, quote, mid level, emphasizing the discussions would focus on the, quote, technical details rather than broader political discussions. But even as those talks unfold, Israeli military operations have ramped up in the northern West Bank. The United nations reports IDF raids in the cities of Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, and they're severely restricting access to essential services while inflicting widespread destruction. The idf, operating in the Nur Shams refugee camp, claimed in a telegram post that it was targeting, quote, terrorists and had arrested, quote, additional wanted individuals. All right, coming up in the back of the brief, as Ukraine renews its offensive in Kursk, North Korean troops appear to have returned to the front lines. I'll be back with those details.

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[Mike Baker]

In today's back of the brief, I want to provide you with an update on the front lines of the Russia Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Zelensky announced Friday that Russia redeployed North Korean soldiers to fight alongside its troops in the western Kursk region. As we reported last week on the pdb, North Korean frontline forces had all but disappeared from the battlefield over the past three weeks, sparking speculation that Pyongyang quietly withdrew its soldiers following heavy casualties. Now it appears they've resurfaced, suggesting either a strategic redeployment or that Moscow has convinced its reclusive ally to double down on its military commitment. Zelensky, in a post on X, stated, quote, I received a report from the commander in chief on the situation in the Donetsk and Kursk regions. In the areas of the Kursk operation, new assaults have taken place. Russia has once again deployed North Korean soldiers alongside its own troops. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service estimates, Pyongyang sent approximately 11,000 troops to reinforce Russia's war effort in Ukraine. The agency believes around 300 of these soldiers have been killed, with another 2,700 wounded. Figures that, if accurate, underscore just how poorly trained and equipped these troops are for modern warfare. That assessment tracks with first hand accounts from the battlefield. In January, a Ukrainian Commander with the 6th Special Operations Forces Regiment observed that North Korean troops appeared wholly unprepared for 21st century combat, stating they are prepared for the realities of War in 1980 at best. Military analysts warn that if the casualty rate continues at its current pace, Pyongyang's contribution to the war may become unsustainable. Yet despite mounting evidence, including Ukraine's reported capture of two North Korean soldiers inside Russian territory in Kuroskill. Yeah, that would be evidence. Both Moscow and Pyongyang continue to deny any troop deployments or military collaboration. We don't know anything about it. Sorry, move on. As we've tracked here on the pdb, North Korean made ballistic missiles have been fired at Kyiv via Moscow, with defense analysts suspecting that Pyongyang has enhanced their navigation systems, possibly incorporating Russian guidance technology. For now, the Kremlin and Pyongyang are sticking to their denials. But as intelligence assessments pile up and more North Korean soldiers are killed or captured, well, it's becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss the obvious. North Korea is, of course, playing a direct role in Russia's war effort. And that, my friends, is the President's Daily brief for Monday, 10th February. Now I hope you had a chance over the weekend to check out our latest episode of the PDB Situation Report. That's our expanded weekend show. Guests included author Gerald Posner and former Ohio Congressman Jim Ranacy talking about the release of files on the jfk, RFK, and MLK assassinations. And we took a deep dive with the former congressman into the world of US Government spending. And of course, to listen to the show ad free. Well become a premium member of the President's Daily Brief simply by visiting PDB premium.com I'm Mike Bakker and I'll be back later today with the BDB Afternoon Bulletin. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.