the intercept sues doge

Conan Doyle • June 12, 2025

The Intercept Sues Department of Government Efficiency Over Transparency Concerns


The Intercept, an independent investigative news outlet, has filed a series of lawsuits against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The legal actions, part of a broader wave of litigation targeting DOGE, aim to compel the release of documents and communications to shed light on the opaque operations of this Trump administration project. The lawsuits allege that DOGE’s structure and actions violate federal transparency laws, raising questions about its authority and potential conflicts of interest.



What is the intercept ?


The Intercept is an independent, nonprofit investigative news organization founded in 2014 by journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill. Known for its in-depth reporting on government overreach, national security, and corporate misconduct, it gained prominence for publishing Edward Snowden’s leaks about NSA surveillance. Backed by First Look Media, The Intercept prioritizes transparency and accountability, often using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover hidden government activities. In its legal battle against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), The Intercept has staked its reputation as a watchdog for public interest.


By filing lawsuits and FOIA requests to expose DOGE’s opaque operations and potential conflicts of interest involving Elon Musk, the outlet risks financial and legal strain, as prolonged litigation against a powerful government entity could drain resources. However, success could reinforce its mission, yield critical documents, and set a precedent for holding DOGE accountable, amplifying public scrutiny of an initiative critics argue undermines democratic oversight.


A Flood of FOIA Requests to Doge from the Intercept


On March 7, 2025, The Intercept announced it had obtained and published Musk’s government email address, to encourage public filing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.


The outlet itself submitted over a dozen FOIA requests, seeking details about DOGE’s activities, Musk’s role, and the department’s interactions with federal agencies. The move was framed as a push for transparency at a time when DOGE’s rapid restructuring of federal bureaucracy has sparked widespread concern. “The government has given shifting and conflicting answers on Mr. Musk’s role, what DOGE is doing, and under what legal authority DOGE is operating,” said Donald Sherman, chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, in an interview with The Intercept.


DOGE’s Unprecedented Power - ACCORDING to Intercept

Established by executive order on January 20, 2025, DOGE is tasked with modernizing federal technology, slashing regulations, and cutting federal spending by up to $2 trillion by 2026. Despite its name, DOGE is not an official federal department but an advisory body, initially co-led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who stepped down to run for Ohio governor. The initiative has drawn scrutiny for its aggressive actions, including mass layoffs, agency restructuring, and access to sensitive federal data systems.


A February 2025 ruling by Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered DOGE to produce documents for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, noting the department’s “secrecy” and “unprecedented” authority to reshape federal programs without congressional oversight. Cooper highlighted DOGE’s access to sensitive personal and classified data, raising alarms about its unchecked power.


The Intercept has also criticized DOGE’s selective cost-cutting. In a February 28 article, the outlet proposed over $2 trillion in potential savings by targeting the Department of Defense’s bloated budget, which exceeds $1 trillion annually and has failed seven consecutive audits.


The Intercepts LAwSuit CONTINUES even as Musk Leaves DOGE

DOGE’s actions have fueled public unrest, with protests erupting at Tesla showrooms and cities like San Francisco and Minneapolis in February 2025. Demonstrators have decried mass layoffs, service cuts, and privatization efforts, with some chants referencing Musk’s controversial public statements. Meanwhile, congressional responses are mixed. While Representatives Aaron Bean and Pete Sessions launched a DOGE Caucus to support efficiency efforts, Representative Sara Jacobs introduced the Delete DOGE Act, accusing the initiative of gutting programs to fund tax cuts for billionaires.


On April 26, 2025, an X user highlighted The Intercept’s lawsuit, noting its focus on why Musk has not cut SpaceX’s government contracts, suggesting potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s business ties. However, such claims remain speculative and require further evidence.


As The Intercept continues its FOIA-driven campaign, the news outlet remains a vocal critic of DOGE’s lack of transparency. With Americans expressing concern—57% worry DOGE could benefit Musk personally, per an Economist/YouGov survey—these lawsuits may test the limits of executive power and the public’s right to know.


For more information on The Intercept’s FOIA requests or to file your own, visit theintercept.com. For details on DOGE’s executive order, see whitehouse.gov.

What is going on with New York Real Estate: Buy or sell ?

By Jack Sterling • December 18, 2025
Order 66 from Mamdani The Billionaires are leaving New York in Perpetration of Zohran's Housing plan to combat Affordability Crisis On December 9, 2025, New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani convened a closed-door meeting with approximately two dozen real estate executives, including developers, investors, and lenders, to address the city's housing crisis. Zohran Mamdani's Recent Meeting with Real Estate Executives: The gathering, held in Lower Manhattan , focused on strategies to increase affordable housing supply while discussing potential policy measures like rent freezes and delays in new housing approvals. Participants included members from the Partnership for New York City and real estate industry groups, marking an early engagement between the incoming administration and business leaders. Mamdani emphasized collaborative approaches to cut red tape and boost production, though specifics on timelines remained vague. The NY Affordability Crisis Driving Mamdani's Housing Agenda New York City's housing market faces persistent affordability challenges maximum rents at 80 percent AMI. Manhattan rents hit record highs in November 2025, exacerbating the crisis where production is geographically uneven and affordable units comprise only a fraction of new builds. The city completed 27,620 affordable units in 2024 through capital programs, including new construction and preservation, according to the New York Housing Conference's 2025 Tracker Report. Mamdani's plan aims to tackle these disparities by prioritizing equitable distribution across neighborhoods. Billionaires' Responsed Threating Exodus from NYC Amid Mamdani Policy Uncertainty Wealthy New Yorkers have voiced concerns over potential tax increases under Mamdani's administration, with some threatening relocation to lower-tax states. However, data from 2020-2021 indicates the city gained about 10,000 millionaires during similar periods of uncertainty, countering claims of a mass departure. Affluent residents highlight the arduous process of avoiding state and city taxes, including audits and residency requirements, as a deterrent to leaving. While some high-earners relocate to suburbs or other regions to mitigate costs, overall trends show resilience in New York's wealthy population. A Cato Institute commentary from November 2025 notes that even if billionaires stay, their employees might seek more affordable locales. Buy or Sell NYC Real Estate in 2026? Inventory and Mortgage Rate Factors The U.S. housing market in 2026 is expected to see slowly cooling prices with rising inventory, according to Ramsey Solutions' forecast. In New York, home sales dipped 0.7 percent year-over-year, but NYC bucked the trend with increased activity. Experts recommend buying in December 2025 for better deals, as per a Yahoo Finance analysis from December 8. The week of October 12-18, 2025, was highlighted as prime buying time by NAR, with surrounding weeks offering advantages. Manhattan's record rents in November underscore selling opportunities in luxury segments. Mamdani's Housing Plan: Rent Freezes and Production Delays Discussed During the December 9 meeting, Mamdani outlined potential rent freezes and delays in approving new housing, aiming to address affordability gaps where new units exceed AMI thresholds for most New Yorkers. Overall, the market shows resilience, but affordability remains a key concern.

Robert Kiyosaki Says The Crash Is Here 2026 And His Hedge Is Survive It Is Silver

By Alfanso C. • December 18, 2025
The Prediction: A 2026 Crash Kiyosaki Says Has Already Begun Robert Kiyosaki, author of the 1997 bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, issued a stark warning in late November 2025: The "biggest crash in history" is underway, starting in the U.S. and rippling to Europe and Asia. Drawing from his 2003 book Rich Dad's Prophecy, which foresaw a market downturn tied to debt cycles, Kiyosaki points to AI-driven job losses. Kiyosaki's track record on forecasts varies: A 2022 review of his calls since then showed about 10 percent accuracy, per Finbold analysis, but his emphasis on tangible assets has resonated amid 2025's $1.2 trillion crypto market dip. He urges shifting from stocks and fiat, citing Gresham's Law—bad money drives out good—as rationale for hard assets. Kiyosaki's Preferred Crash Survivor Silver & claims Recession Odds Economists peg U.S. recession probability at 40 percent by end-2025 into 2026, per J.P. Morgan's November 2025 outlook, down from 65 percent in 2022 but up from 26 percent at 2024's close. Barclays called it "50-50" in September 2025, citing trade tensions and slowing job growth, nonfarm payrolls added just 12,000 in October, per BLS. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon echoed in October: A downturn "could hit in 2026," amid 3.25-3.5 percent Fed funds rate forecasts by Q2 2026. Polymarket odds show 31 percent chance of recession through August 2026, based on NBER announcements or two negative GDP quarters. RSM US predicts 2.2 percent GDP growth in 2026 but flags stagflation risks, with inflation "uncomfortably hot" at 3 percent. Morgan Stanley sees global GDP at 3.2 percent in 2026, but U.S. slowdowns could ripple, per their December outlook. Why Silver Shines as a Hedge according to Kiyosaki Silver's 60 percent industrial use, solar cells (80-100 mg each), EVs, and electronics, fuels demand amid 2025's 215 million ounce deficit, per Silver Institute. As a precious metal, it correlates inversely with stocks (gold-silver ratio at 80:1 in November 2025, historical crash average 60:1), per deVere Group analysis. In downturns, silver falls less than the S&P 500, gaining 71.9 percent YTD 2025 despite volatility. Kiyosaki's $200 call exceeds consensus $50-100 range but aligns with structural deficits: Supply grows 2,500-3,500 metric tons yearly, per CoinCodex, while demand surges from AI and renewables. Physical shortages spiked lease rates in 2025, echoing 2020's 50 percent rally. In Kiyosaki's worldview , silver's industrial-monetary duality.
Paul Krugman Explains 'Future Financial Crisis' is fueled by trump

Paul Krugman Explains 'Future Financial Crisis' is being fueled by trump

By Jack Sterling • December 18, 2025
Paul Krugman’S Economic Perspective Paul Krugman is a renowned economist whose insights have shaped understanding in both academic and public spheres. His work, known for its clarity and incisive analysis, often bridges complex economic theories with real-world applications, making his contributions essential in discussions of fiscal policy and global economics. Krugman, a Nobel laureate , has dedicated much of his career to examining the intricacies of economic structures and their impact on societies. Krugman's perspective is grounded in the belief that informed economic policy can prevent crises and promote equitable growth. His analysis of current policies often underscores the dangers posed by deregulation, protectionism, and unsustainable debt expansion. Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate in economics, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the economic policies implemented during Donald Trump's presidency Particularly in terms of their potential to sow the seeds of a future financial crisis. Krugman argues that Trump's approach was characterized by a significant reduction in regulatory oversight, particularly in the financial sector, coupled with substantial tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest individuals. These measures, he suggests, may have provided short-term economic boosts but at the cost of long-term stability. Krugman points to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a pivotal policy that exacerbated income inequality and ballooned the federal deficit. By favoring the wealthy, these tax cuts did little to stimulate sustainable economic growth, instead enriching those at the top and leaving the middle and lower classes with marginal benefits. Furthermore, Trump's deregulation efforts, particularly in the banking industry, echo the pre-2008 era's deregulatory environment that contributed to the financial collapse. Krugman's analysis warns of a scenario resembling past financial downturns. The Connection Between Tax Cuts And National Debt Paul Krugman, a renowned economist, has often explained how significant tax cuts can substantially increase the national debt, potentially setting the stage for a future financial crisis. The tax cuts implemented during Donald Trump's presidency are a prime example of this dynamic. These cuts primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, leading to a shortfall in government revenue while failing to generate the promised economic growth. The idea behind such tax reductions is often rooted in supply-side economics, suggesting that lowering taxes will spur investment, create jobs, and ultimately increase government revenues through heightened economic activity. However, the anticipated growth frequently falls short of these predictions. Krugman’S Predictions For A Future Financial Crisis These cuts, according to Krugman, have led to an increase in the federal deficit without substantially boosting long-term economic growth. This rising debt could constrain future government spending, especially in times of economic downturn when stimulus is most needed. He also points to the escalating trade tensions initiated by Trump's trade wars, which have disrupted global supply chains and could undermine international economic cooperation. Such tensions might lead to retaliatory measures and uncertainties that could further destabilize global markets. Krugman's analysis underscores the interconnected nature of these policies and the potential for them to trigger a crisis that could have far-reaching implications for both domestic and global economies.

meta platforms may ditch nvidia for googles parent company tpus custom compute chips for ai

By Jack Sterling • December 9, 2025
Meta's Ai GPU Needs Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, has been constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to enhance user experiences across its suite of applications, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. A critical aspect of this innovation is the deployment of artificial intelligence, which drives everything from content moderation to personalized user experiences. AI's role within Meta has grown exponentially, as it powers complex algorithms that handle massive amounts of data to make real-time decisions. With billions of users interacting daily, the demand for efficient, high-performance AI infrastructure is paramount. To meet these needs, Meta has traditionally relied on NVIDIA's GPUs, known for their robust performance in handling AI workloads. However, the rapid advancements in AI have necessitated even more specialized hardware solutions. These solutions must offer swift processing capabilities, scalability, and energy efficiency to support Meta's expansive AI operations across its platforms.  As AI models become more sophisticated, requiring extensive computation for deep learning and natural language processing, the need for cutting-edge infrastructure grows. This is where custom compute chips come into play. In this quest for superior AI infrastructure, Meta has been exploring alternative options that promise to deliver enhanced performance tailored to their unique AI requirements. A potential shift towards custom chips from Google's parent company, offering Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), represents a strategic consideration for future-proofing their AI capabilities. Current Meta Partnership With Nvidia Meta Platforms has maintained a crucial partnership with Nvidia, a leading figure in the field of graphics processing and AI computing. This collaboration primarily centers around Nvidia's powerful GPUs, which have become the backbone for running sophisticated AI models and supporting Meta’s expansive infrastructure needs. These GPUs have been instrumental in training large-scale machine learning algorithms, enhancing Meta's capabilities in areas such as content recommendation, computer vision, and natural language processing. The reliance on Nvidia has enabled Meta to rapidly advance its AI initiatives, thereby improving user experiences across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Nvidia's cutting-edge technology has provided Meta with the necessary computational power to manage and process massive amounts of data efficiently. This synergy has allowed Meta to innovate continuously and remain competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape. The GPUs offer flexibility and scalability, crucial for a company that deals with billions of user interactions daily. Advantages Of Google's Custom Tpus Google's custom TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for companies like Meta, especially when considering a shift from using NVIDIA's chips. One of the primary benefits of Google's TPUs is their optimization for artificial intelligence workloads, particularly in deep learning. These chips are designed specifically to handle the heavy computational tasks required for training AI models, resulting in faster processing times and increased efficiency compared to general-purpose GPUs. Another advantage is the scalability that TPUs provide. Google's infrastructure allows organizations to scale their AI workloads seamlessly, making it easier to manage the growing demands of AI development and deployment. This scalability is essential for tech giants like Meta, which continuously expand their AI-driven services. Potential Benefits For Meta switching from NVIDIA to Google Switching from NVIDIA GPUs to custom compute chips from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, could provide several benefits for Meta, particularly in the realm of AI development and deployment. One of the primary advantages is cost efficiency. Utilizing custom tensor processing units (TPUs) could significantly reduce the expenses associated with large-scale AI operations. These chips are specifically optimized for AI tasks, offering better performance-per-dollar compared to generalized GPUs. This means Meta could achieve more with less financial outlay, potentially freeing up resources for other innovative projects. Beyond cost, the integration of Alphabet's TPUs could enhance processing speed and efficiency. These chips are designed to handle the specific computations needed for AI models more effectively, which could lead to faster training times and improved performance of AI-driven features. This capability is crucial as Meta continues to invest heavily in virtual reality, augmented reality, and other AI-powered technologies. Additionally, partnering with Alphabet might facilitate better integration and collaboration opportunities. Given the expertise and infrastructure that Google has developed around its TPUs, Meta could leverage this to speed up the development and deployment of new AI applications. This strategic shift could ultimately strengthen Meta's competitive edge in the tech industry, enabling it to innovate more rapidly and effectively. Challenges And Considerations Switching from NVIDIA to Google’s custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) presents several challenges and considerations for Meta Platforms. One significant challenge is the compatibility and integration of TPUs with Meta's existing infrastructure. Transitioning to a new hardware architecture requires extensive modifications to software, potentially disrupting ongoing projects and necessitating considerable developer resources. Additionally, TPUs might require different frameworks or APIs, demanding retraining of staff and adaptation of current AI models to maximize efficiency. Though Google’s TPUs might offer cost advantages, the initial investment in new hardware, training, and possible downtime during transition can be substantial. Meta must conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses to ensure the financial viability of such a switch. Another consideration is vendor dependency. Relying on Google for critical hardware components might limit Meta’s flexibility and bargaining power, particularly if their relationship with Google changes over time.
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