Key Takeaways
1. Ukraine: A Magnet for Scandal and Influence
Ukraine is a giant, twenty-four-hour ATM. A broken slot machine that spewed out money to greedy politicos, lobbyists, and, yes, a son of the vice president of the United States.
Corruption Central. Ukraine's political landscape has long been plagued by corruption, making it a playground for influence peddling and illicit financial dealings. This environment has attracted individuals from both sides of the American political aisle, eager to exploit the country's vulnerabilities for personal gain. The nation's broken political class, consistently prioritizing power and riches over morality, has perpetuated this cycle of corruption.
Vital Interests. The country's strategic importance to both Russian and American interests has further fueled the chaos. This convergence of competing geopolitical agendas has created a breeding ground for self-serving individuals seeking to capitalize on the country's instability. The situation has made Ukraine a focal point for anyone looking to generate cash through influence and backstabbing.
Hunter Biden's Role. Hunter Biden's involvement with Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, exemplifies the problematic connections between American political figures and Ukrainian corruption. His lucrative position on the board, secured while his father was Vice President, raised serious ethical questions about conflicts of interest and influence peddling. This situation underscores the need for greater scrutiny of the financial ties between American politicians and foreign entities.
2. The Trump Tower Meeting: A Collusion Mirage
Samochornov concurred with Donald Trump Junior’s account of the meeting. He added, “they were telling the truth.”
No Collusion. The infamous Trump Tower meeting, hyped by the media as proof of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, was ultimately a nothingburger. Translator Anatoli Samochornov, present at the meeting, confirmed that no discussion of the 2016 election or collusion took place. His testimony, along with the lack of any incriminating evidence, debunked the narrative of a sinister conspiracy.
Optics Over Substance. The meeting's true purpose was to create the appearance of a scandal, regardless of the actual content discussed. The presence of a Russian lawyer in Trump Tower, combined with carefully orchestrated leaks to the media, was enough to fuel the collusion narrative. This strategy highlights the power of optics in shaping public perception, even in the absence of concrete evidence.
Media Hysteria. The New York Times and other left-leaning media outlets sensationalized the meeting, amplifying innuendo and speculation to create a false impression of wrongdoing. This biased coverage demonstrates the media's eagerness to advance the collusion narrative, even at the expense of journalistic integrity. The entire episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of media-driven witch hunts and the importance of verifying information before publication.
3. Brennan's Biased Intelligence Laundering
I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals.
CIA's Role. Former CIA Director John Brennan played a significant role in promoting the Russiagate collusion storyline, raising questions about his organization's impartiality. His anti-Trump bias, evident in his public statements and social media activity, casts doubt on the objectivity of the intelligence collected and analyzed under his leadership. This raises concerns about the potential for political influence within the intelligence community.
Intelligence Assessment. The January 6, 2017, Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), overseen by Brennan, concluded that Russia actively sought to help Trump win the 2016 election. However, the assessment also acknowledged the possibility of false-flag operations and disinformation campaigns, which were then ignored when the Steele dossier was inserted into the investigation. This selective application of intelligence analysis suggests a predetermined agenda to undermine Trump.
Spreading Rumors. Brennan actively shared unverified rumors of collusion with members of Congress and the Obama administration, amplifying the false narrative and creating a climate of suspicion around the Trump campaign. This behavior raises serious ethical questions about the role of intelligence officials in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. His actions contributed to the creation of Spygate and the subsequent attempt to cripple the Trump presidency.
4. The National Security Council's Cyber Directive: A Double-Edged Sword
The transnational nature of the Internet and communications infrastructure requires the United States to coordinate with international partners, as appropriate, in managing cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity Policy. President Obama's Presidential Policy Directive 41, issued in July 2016, aimed to coordinate the federal government's response to cyber incidents. While ostensibly intended to protect national assets, the directive also provided a broad mandate for cyber investigators to work with foreign operatives. This opened the door for potential abuses and the weaponization of intelligence gathering for political purposes.
Ferrante's Role. Anthony J. Ferrante, Obama's director for Cyber Incident Response at the NSC, played a key role in implementing Directive 41. His close ties to the FBI and his subsequent work for Buzzfeed to bolster the Steele dossier raise questions about his impartiality and potential conflicts of interest. His actions highlight the blurring lines between national security and political agendas within the NSC.
Steele Dossier. The directive provided cover for the investigation into Trump-Russia by gluing Steele's cyber misinformation to already established campaign-meddling efforts documented in the alleged DNC online infiltration. This allowed the FBI to use the dossier as justification for spying on the Trump campaign, despite its unverified and dubious nature. The directive, in effect, became a tool for political espionage.
5. Ruemmler: Obama's Fixer and Spygate's Shadow
I deeply value her smarts, her judgment, and her wit—but most importantly her uncanny ability to see around the corners that nobody else anticipates.
Obama's Legal Shield. Kathryn "Kathy" Ruemmler, Obama's Chief Counsel, served as a legal human shield for the president, navigating the administration through various scandals and shielding him from scrutiny. Her ability to suppress damaging information and stonewall investigations made her an invaluable asset to Obama. This raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power within the executive branch.
Defending Spygate Figures. After leaving the White House, Ruemmler represented several figures embroiled in the Spygate scandal, including Susan Rice and George Nader. Her involvement in these cases suggests a continued effort to protect Obama administration insiders and suppress information that could expose wrongdoing. This raises questions about her commitment to justice and accountability.
Defending the DNC. Ruemmler's firm defended the DNC in Carter Page's lawsuit, arguing that the allegedly defamatory statements against him were "substantially true." This defense, given the debunked nature of the Steele dossier, highlights the lengths to which Ruemmler was willing to go to protect her clients and advance the Democratic Party's agenda. Her actions underscore the deep-seated political biases within the legal system.
6. Case Agent 1: The Enigmatic Driver of the Carter Page FISA
Case Agent 1 was primarily responsible for some of the most significant errors and omissions in the FISA applications.
FISA Abuses. Special Agent 1, identified as Stephen M. Somma, played a central role in the FBI's abuses of the FISA process in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. He was responsible for significant errors and omissions in the FISA applications targeting Carter Page, a Trump campaign advisor. This raises serious questions about his motives and the integrity of the investigation.
Early Push for FISA. Somma pushed for a FISA warrant on Carter Page almost immediately after the investigation began, suggesting he had prior knowledge or a predetermined agenda. This early focus on Page, despite limited evidence, raises suspicions about the FBI's true motives and the potential for political targeting. His actions suggest a coordinated effort to undermine the Trump campaign.
Halper Connection. Somma's prior relationship with Stefan Halper, the FBI informant who targeted Page, further complicates the picture. Halper's sudden emergence as a source of information on Page raises questions about the orchestration of events and the potential for manipulation. The entire scenario strains credulity and suggests a deliberate effort to frame Page.
7. The Flynn Takedown: A Three-Part Character Assassination
I can feel my heart beating harder. I’m so stressed about all the ways THIS has the potential to go fully off the rails.
Targeting Flynn. Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, President Trump's former national security advisor, was the target of a relentless campaign to destroy his reputation and career. This campaign involved a three-part strategy: a fabricated dinner encounter, a phone call setup, and a perjury trap. The goal was to remove Flynn from the White House and silence his criticism of the intelligence community.
Cambridge Dinner. The first setup involved a 2014 dinner at Cambridge University, where Flynn met Svetlana Lokhova, a Russian-born academic. This encounter was later weaponized by Stefan Halper and others to create the false impression of a compromising relationship. The entire operation was designed to smear Flynn's reputation and fuel the Russiagate narrative.
Kislyak Call. The second setup involved a phone call between Flynn and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, which was monitored by the FBI. Flynn was later accused of lying to the FBI about the content of the call, leading to his guilty plea. However, evidence suggests that the FBI deliberately set a perjury trap for Flynn, violating his rights and undermining the integrity of the justice system.
8. The Impeachment Fiasco: A Whistleblower's Web of Connections
President Obama began the conversation by stressing his continued commitment to ensuring that every aspect of this issue is handled by the Intelligence and law enforcement communities “by the book”.
Ukraine Phone Call. The impeachment proceedings against President Trump stemmed from a phone call with Ukraine's President Zelensky, which Democrats claimed was an attempt to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. However, the transcript of the call revealed no explicit quid pro quo, and Ukraine ultimately received the aid package in question. The entire episode was a politically motivated attempt to remove Trump from office.
Ciaramella's Role. Eric Ciaramella, a CIA staffer, has been identified as the alleged whistleblower who filed the complaint that triggered the impeachment inquiry. His connections to Joe Biden, John Brennan, and Alexandra Chalupa raise questions about his impartiality and potential bias. His actions suggest a coordinated effort to undermine Trump's presidency.
Schiff's Deception. Adam Schiff, who led the impeachment inquiry, repeatedly lied about his committee's contact with the whistleblower. He also hired two of Ciaramella's former colleagues, Abigail Grace and Sean Misko, to work on the committee. These connections raise serious questions about Schiff's integrity and the fairness of the impeachment process.
9. China's COVID-19 Deception: An Act of Economic Warfare
By their nature, Russian influence campaigns are multifaceted and designed to be deniable because they use a mix of agents of influence, cutouts, front organizations, and false-flag operations.
Virus Origin. The COVID-19 pandemic, originating in Wuhan, China, has unleashed a devastating attack on America and the global economy. While the exact origins of the virus remain debated, the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) efforts to cover up the outbreak and spread misinformation are undeniable. This raises serious questions about China's role in the pandemic and its potential motives.
WHO Complicity. The World Health Organization (WHO), under the leadership of Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has been accused of colluding with China to downplay the severity of the outbreak. The WHO's delayed warnings and praise of China's response have been criticized as enabling the virus to spread globally. This raises concerns about the WHO's independence and its ability to effectively address future pandemics.
Economic Warfare. China's actions suggest a deliberate strategy to weaponize the virus and inflict economic damage on its rivals, particularly the United States. By allowing the virus to spread while simultaneously hoarding medical supplies, China may have sought to destabilize the American economy and undermine Trump's reelection chances. This constitutes an act of economic warfare.
10. The Two-Party Swamp: Time to Reclaim American Ideals
It is also important to know that the CIA is not a law enforcement organization. That is the job of the FBI; however, the CIA and the FBI cooperate on a number of issues, such as counterintelligence and counterterrorism.
Bipartisan Complicity. The scandals and abuses of power detailed in this book are not solely the fault of one political party. Both Republicans and Democrats have contributed to the erosion of American ideals and the rise of the Deep State. This underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency within both parties.
Media Bias. The mainstream media has played a significant role in perpetuating the false narratives and double standards that have fueled the political chaos. Their eagerness to promote the collusion narrative and attack Trump has often come at the expense of journalistic integrity. This highlights the need for greater media literacy and critical thinking skills among the public.
Reclaiming American Ideals. To reclaim America, voters must demand accountability from their elected officials and reject the influence of special interests and political agendas. By focusing on individual freedoms, limited government, and the rule of law, we can restore faith in our institutions and ensure a brighter future for our nation.
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FAQ
1. What is "Follow the Money: The Shocking Deep State Connections of the Anti-Trump Cabal" by Dan Bongino about?
- Deep State Allegations: The book investigates what Dan Bongino calls the "Deep State" and its alleged efforts to undermine and remove President Donald J. Trump from office.
- Scandal Manufacturers of America: Bongino introduces the concept of the "Scandal Manufacturers of America" (SMA), a coalition of Democrats, media pundits, and Never-Trumpers, who he claims orchestrated various anti-Trump scandals.
- Focus on Key Events: The narrative covers major events such as the Russia-collusion investigation, the Ukraine impeachment proceedings, and the COVID-19 pandemic, tying them to a network of political operatives, intelligence officials, and foreign actors.
- Money and Influence: The book emphasizes following the flow of money and influence, particularly in Ukraine, to expose connections between American political figures, foreign interests, and anti-Trump activities.
2. Why should I read "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino?
- Alternative Perspective: The book offers a counter-narrative to mainstream media coverage of the Trump presidency, focusing on alleged abuses by government officials and political operatives.
- Detailed Investigative Approach: Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, uses investigative techniques to connect dots between people, organizations, and events often overlooked or dismissed by other sources.
- Understanding Political Scandals: Readers interested in the origins and mechanics of the Russia investigation, Ukraine impeachment, and related scandals will find a comprehensive, if controversial, account.
- Insight into Media and Politics: The book critiques the role of the media and the so-called "Deep State" in shaping public perception and political outcomes.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino?
- Collusion Narrative Origins: Bongino argues that the Russia-collusion story was manufactured by political operatives, with the Steele dossier and Fusion GPS playing central roles.
- Ukraine as a Corruption Hub: The book details how Ukraine became a focal point for influence-peddling, involving both Democratic and Republican figures, and how this set the stage for the impeachment of Trump.
- Role of Intelligence Agencies: Bongino claims that senior officials in the FBI and CIA, particularly John Brennan and James Comey, abused their positions to promote false narratives and spy on the Trump campaign.
- Media Complicity: The author asserts that mainstream media outlets were complicit in spreading misinformation and failed to hold anti-Trump actors accountable.
- COVID-19 and China: The book concludes by linking the COVID-19 pandemic to Chinese government actions and criticizes the World Health Organization for its response, suggesting geopolitical motives.
4. Who are the main players and organizations discussed in "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino?
- Political Operatives: Glenn Simpson (Fusion GPS), Christopher Steele, Alexandra Chalupa, and the Podesta brothers are highlighted as key figures in anti-Trump activities.
- Intelligence and Law Enforcement: John Brennan (CIA), James Comey (FBI), Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, and Andrew McCabe are accused of bias and misconduct.
- Foreign Actors: Ukrainian politicians, oligarchs, and organizations like AntAC (Anti-Corruption Action Centre) are discussed as both sources and targets of influence.
- Media Outlets: The New York Times, Washington Post, and BuzzFeed are critiqued for their roles in publicizing and legitimizing unverified allegations.
- Billionaires and Donors: George Soros is portrayed as a major funder of anti-Trump efforts, particularly through his Open Society Foundations.
5. How does "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino explain the origins and impact of the Steele dossier?
- Fusion GPS and Clinton Campaign: The book claims the Steele dossier was commissioned by Fusion GPS, funded by the Clinton campaign and the DNC, to dig up dirt on Trump.
- Unverified and Discredited: Bongino argues that the dossier was filled with unverified and false information, much of which was later discredited by official investigations.
- Used for FISA Warrants: The dossier was allegedly used as a primary source to obtain FISA warrants to spy on Trump campaign advisor Carter Page.
- Russian Disinformation: The book suggests that some of the dossier’s content may have been Russian disinformation, and that intelligence agencies ignored warnings about its credibility.
6. What role does Ukraine play in the narrative of "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino?
- Corruption and Influence-Peddling: Ukraine is depicted as a "24-hour ATM" for American and foreign political operatives seeking money and influence.
- Hunter Biden and Burisma: The book scrutinizes Hunter Biden’s role on the board of Burisma and Joe Biden’s alleged intervention to protect his son’s interests.
- Impeachment Proceedings: Bongino argues that the impeachment of Trump was rooted in efforts to cover up or distract from Democratic involvement in Ukrainian corruption.
- Soros and NGOs: The influence of George Soros and his funding of Ukrainian anti-corruption groups is highlighted as part of a broader network of political manipulation.
7. How does "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino describe the actions of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies during the Trump-Russia investigation?
- Abuse of Power Allegations: The book accuses the FBI and CIA of abusing their authority to surveil the Trump campaign and promote the collusion narrative.
- Key Figures: John Brennan, James Comey, Peter Strzok, and Lisa Page are singled out for their roles in advancing the investigation despite weak evidence.
- FISA Process Manipulation: Bongino details how FISA applications were allegedly based on faulty or misleading information, particularly from the Steele dossier.
- Internal Bias and Leaks: The narrative suggests that anti-Trump bias within agencies led to selective leaks and a lack of accountability for misconduct.
8. What is the "Scandal Manufacturers of America" (SMA) as defined in "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino?
- Definition: The SMA is Bongino’s term for an informal coalition of Democrats, liberal media figures, and Never-Trump Republicans dedicated to undermining Trump.
- Tactics: The group is accused of manufacturing scandals, spreading misinformation, and leveraging government and media resources to attack Trump.
- Key Examples: The Russia-collusion investigation, the Trump Tower meeting, and the Ukraine impeachment are cited as SMA-driven events.
- Motivation: Bongino argues that the SMA’s ultimate goal was not just to damage Trump politically, but to remove him from office by any means necessary.
9. How does "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino address the impeachment of Donald Trump?
- Impeachment as a Political Tool: The book claims the impeachment was a continuation of failed efforts to remove Trump after the collapse of the Russia-collusion narrative.
- Ukraine Call Analysis: Bongino argues that Trump’s call with President Zelensky was routine and that no quid pro quo occurred, as Ukraine received its aid.
- Whistleblower Controversy: The identity and motivations of the whistleblower are scrutinized, with claims of bias and connections to anti-Trump operatives.
- Adam Schiff’s Role: Schiff is portrayed as a central figure in orchestrating the impeachment, allegedly using selective leaks and misleading narratives.
10. What does "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino reveal about the attempted prosecution of General Michael Flynn?
- Targeted by Intelligence Community: Flynn is depicted as a victim of a coordinated effort by intelligence and law enforcement officials to entrap and remove him.
- Setup Allegations: The book details three separate "setups" involving Flynn, including a dinner at Cambridge, monitored calls with the Russian ambassador, and a controversial FBI interview.
- Exculpatory Evidence Suppressed: Bongino claims that exculpatory evidence was withheld from Flynn’s defense and that the charges against him were not material to any legitimate investigation.
- Eventual Exoneration: The narrative concludes with the DOJ’s move to dismiss the case against Flynn, framing it as a rare victory against the Deep State.
11. How does "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino connect the COVID-19 pandemic to global politics and the Trump presidency?
- China’s Role: The book argues that the Chinese Communist Party deliberately covered up the outbreak and allowed the virus to spread globally while locking down its own population.
- World Health Organization Critique: Bongino criticizes the WHO for allegedly acting as a mouthpiece for China and failing to warn the world in time.
- Impact on U.S. Politics: The pandemic is framed as a geopolitical weapon that destabilized the U.S. economy, potentially undermining Trump’s reelection chances.
- Media and Political Response: The author contends that Democrats and the media politicized the pandemic to further damage Trump’s presidency.
12. What are the best quotes from "Follow the Money" by Dan Bongino and what do they mean?
- "Ukraine is a giant, twenty-four-hour ATM." – This quote encapsulates Bongino’s view of Ukraine as a hub for political corruption and influence-peddling by both American and foreign actors.
- "The Scandal Manufacturers of America pivoted to a new chapter in its senseless saga." – Here, Bongino criticizes the persistence of anti-Trump forces in manufacturing new scandals after previous efforts failed.
- "Disinformation can be very compelling." – This reflects the book’s theme that false narratives, once legitimized by authority figures, can have powerful and lasting effects.
- "If this won’t stick, what will?" – Referring to
Review Summary
Follow the Money receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising Bongino's detailed research and ability to connect complex political events. Many find the book informative and eye-opening regarding alleged corruption and deep state activities. Supporters appreciate Bongino's fact-based approach and view it as revealing important truths. Critics, however, dismiss it as biased and promoting conspiracy theories. Some readers note the complexity of the information presented, while others commend Bongino for making intricate topics understandable. Overall, the book resonates strongly with conservative readers and Trump supporters.
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