Kash Patel Took Payment From Russian Filmmaker With Kremlin Ties
What Happened: Kash Patel was paid $25,000 by Global Tree Pictures, a company owned by Igor Lopatonok, a filmmaker with direct Kremlin ties who has produced Russian propaganda. The payment was listed as an “honorarium” for Patel’s participation in a Tucker Carlson-backed docuseries that pushed anti-Western conspiracy theories and depicted Trump allies as victims of a deep-state plot.
Why It Matters: If confirmed, Patel would lead the agency responsible for countering Russian espionage, despite financial ties to a Kremlin-linked entity. His appointment signals a dangerous shift in U.S. intelligence, as Trump dismantles Russia sanctions enforcement and questions support for Ukraine.
Source: Washington Post
Trump's media company gave a roughly $800,000 stock award to his pick for FBI director
What Happened: Kash Patel received $800,000 in stock from Trump Media & Technology Group just days before his Senate confirmation hearing. Patel did not disclose the stock award in his financial disclosure report.
Why It Matters: Patel’s financial ties to Trump’s media company compromise FBI independence, mirroring Russia, where Kremlin loyalists have influence or control over various agencies. His appointment reinforces Trump’s intent to weaponize the FBI against political enemies.
Source: Business Insider
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