By Ben Meiselas
Today I teach my law class at USC, but I wanted to take a moment to fill you in on the latest news, as things are escalating quickly.
Remember to like and re-stack to spread the word.
I’ve been watching a deeply troubling convergence of events unfold in real time.
As Donald Trump continues to collapse in the polls and the fallout grows from revelations within the Epstein Files, the United States is now moving closer to what could become a full scale war with Iran.
Axios is reporting that preparations are underway for a major military confrontation that could begin within days. This is not being described as limited strikes. It is being described as a prolonged and expansive campaign that would likely involve weeks of sustained military engagement. In other words, war.
The scale of the buildup is unmistakable. The United States has already moved a second aircraft carrier group into the region. The armada now includes two carriers, 12 warships, hundreds of fighter jets, and multiple air defense systems. Over 150 military cargo flights have transported weapons and ammunition into the Middle East in recent days. Additional fighter aircraft, including F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, are expected to arrive imminently.
Markets are reacting. Oil prices have already surged above $64 per barrel on the news.
What is equally notable is the absence of broad international support for this escalation. Current reporting suggests this is shaping up as a joint U.S. and Israeli operation rather than a multilateral campaign backed by a wider coalition.
All of this is happening as the American people turn against Trump in greater numbers than ever.
Even figures within his own political orbit are sounding the alarm. Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote, “Americans do not want to go to war with Iran. They want to be able to afford their lives and just get ahead.”
At the same time, Trump’s response to growing unrest within his base has been telling. Rather than addressing substantive concerns, he has leaned into conspiracy-driven messaging. He shared a meme rooted in QAnon imagery declaring, “I will be the one to shut it down.”
Shut what down?
Plus, let’s be honest. I’m not sure it’s the best time for Trump to be bringing back up a movement focused on exposing an international cabal of pedophile elites.
While military tensions rise abroad, we also need to remain focused on what’s happened at home.
On CNBC, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. openly discussed their efforts to leverage the power of the presidency in financial arenas. During the interview, when the host raised the concern that business leaders may be seeking to curry favor because of the family’s influence over government contracts, neither son rejected the premise.
Instead, Donald Trump Jr. framed their actions as retribution. He stated that they were “the most canceled people in the world in 2020, 2021,” and spoke about the current moment as an opportunity to pursue what he described as “retribution.”
I call it “corruption.”
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While Americans face rising costs and growing uncertainty, the president’s family is openly discussing the consolidation of influence between the White House and financial interests.
Meanwhile, ProPublica has reported on the extraordinary treatment afforded to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández following a Trump pardon.
Hernández had been convicted in the United States and sentenced to 45 years in prison for facilitating the movement of hundreds of tons of cocaine into the country. Instead of being transferred to immigration custody after his release, taxpayers funded the notorious drug trafficker’s transport to a luxury hotel in New York City.
He stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and was given the five-star VIP treatment.
This stands in stark contrast to how the regime treats countless other individuals navigating the immigration system, and completely blows up their cover story that they are fighting drug trafficking.
At the same time, economic policy continues to reflect a disconnect from basic realities. Trump’s trade representative, Jamieson Greer, asserted that tariffs are not regressive because “most consumption in America is done by the wealthiest people.”
Economists across the political spectrum have long explained that tariffs function as a consumption tax that disproportionately affects lower income households. They increase the price of goods and services that make up a larger share of spending for working families.
But the Trump regime simply doesn’t care. They think they can lie to people’s faces as they see the literal receipts before them showing skyrocketing prices.
Now to public health news.
The FDA has removed longstanding warnings against dangerous and unproven autism treatments, including chlorine dioxide and raw camel milk. These warnings were initially implemented after children were harmed by misinformation encouraging parents to administer bleach-based substances.
Removing these warnings introduces new risks for vulnerable families already navigating complex medical decisions.
All of this unfolds as the Epstein investigation continues to move forward. Let me be clear: nothing Trump does will ever distract us from this story.
A major deposition involving Leslie Wexner, Epstein’s longtime financial patron, is now underway. Congressman Robert Garcia, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, emphasized the significance of Wexner’s role prior to the deposition.
He noted that “much of Epstein’s wealth” came directly from Wexner and that understanding why such vast sums were transferred remains central to understanding the broader enterprise.
Survivors have consistently pointed to Wexner as a key figure within Epstein’s network.
Ahead of his testimony to the House Oversight Committee, Wexner submitted a written statement regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he was “naive” and had been duped by a “con man.” He insisted he severed ties nearly two decades ago and had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct.
Financial records and testimony will be critical in determining how Epstein accumulated and deployed the resources that sustained his operations for years.
Military escalation abroad. Financial self-dealing at home. Public health safeguards being rolled back. And ongoing revelations tied to one of the most significant criminal networks in modern history.
In other news, I am excited to announce that MeidasTouch and MoveOn will be hosting the People’s State of the Union on the National Mall as Democrats boycott Trump’s address. Hosted by Katie Phang and Joy Reid, the event will feature lawmakers alongside federal workers, immigrants, and Americans impacted by Trump’s policies. It will be broadcast on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel live on February 24th at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT. The New York Times wrote about our event earlier today, and you can read all about it at this gift lift here.
We won’t be distracted, and we won’t be intimidated into backing away from reporting what matters by this regime.
Keep an eye on YouTube and the MeidasTouch Podcast audio feed for more reports throughout the day. Thank you for your support.
