Former National Security Adviser John Bolton was indicted yesterday. Unlike the politicized cases against James Comey and others, this one has teeth. The Washington Post notes the indictment was signed by Kelly O. Hayes, a respected veteran prosecutor, and Tom Sullivan, who heads Maryland’s national security division—both career prosecutors, not Trump appointees overruling their staff. The timing may be political. The case itself? Less so.

Venezuela: My conversation with Elliott Abrams, Trump’s former envoy to Venezuela, is essential viewing (link in show notes). If you think US action there is just about drug cartels, think again. Abrams offers crucial context on the administration’s regional strategy, US interests at stake, and what recent military strikes and Trump’s CIA directive really mean for Maduro’s regime.

Party rebels gone wild: Sen. John Fetterman now faces a 2028 Democratic primary after his approval among Democrats collapsed from 80% to 33%—while Republicans suddenly love him at 62%. Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene is earning praise from Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer for breaking with GOP leadership on ACA subsidies and Epstein files, even as the White House calls her actions “hostile.”

We are also watching Hamas fresh reign of terror in Gaza and Trump’s frustrating willingness to give Putin yet another chance with a potential meeting in the works. Stay tuned.

Show Notes

Former Trump aide John Bolton indicted over handling of classified material (Washington Post, October 16, 2025)

Elise’s conversation with Elliot Abrams, Is the US seeking regime change in Venezuela (Substack,m October 17, 2025)

Top military officer central to Trump’s drug war will step down early (Washington Post, October 16, 2025)

Puppet Regime (Instagram - GZero Media)

Dany’s piece: In the Middle East, there is no “new beginning,” Substack, October 16, 2025) and podcast episode with Dan Senior #WTH Is Happening With Middle East Peace?

Democrats plot Fetterman’s ouster (Axios, October 16, 2025)

Why Marjorie Taylor Greene is defending Obamacare subsidies (Washington Post, October 17, 2025)

Thank you David Galinsky, Andrea LeDew, Kathy J., JP, lotta kuylenstjerna, and many others for tuning into my live video with Danielle Pletka! Join me for my next live video in the app.

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