The Morning Sixpack - May 13, 2025

Trump secures $600 billion from Saudi Arabia, dines with crypto investors in Riyadh, and hosts $2 million dinner, among other grifts

Trump's Tax Breaks in House GOP's Massive $4.9 Trillion Bill: Big Promises, Bigger Costs

House Republicans are pushing a tax overhaul package that could cost taxpayers nearly $5 trillion—paid for with controversial cuts to Medicaid and green energy programs.

The bill, dubbed ‘THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL,’ extends key Trump-era tax breaks, including new incentives for tipped workers, overtime pay, and car loans. But critics are concerned about the high price tag, which could escalate to $20 trillion over the next decade.

The proposal aims to boost the standard deduction, child tax credit, and estate tax exemption while slashing taxes on automobile purchases and Social Security benefits. However, the proposal is not without its challenges. Lawmakers face backlash over Medicaid cuts that will impact millions of Americans, and some Republicans are pushing back on cuts to green energy tax credits.

Meanwhile, the bill promises significant relief for service workers by eliminating taxes on tips and introducing deductions for car loans, particularly for vehicles manufactured in the U.S. However, there is a catch: The cost of these benefits will lead to a significant increase in the national debt.

As the GOP races to finalize the bill before Memorial Day, debates rage over how to pay for it. With opposition growing both within and outside the party, the tax cuts could come at the expense of vital public services.

Source: AP News

Like EVERY Republican-led budget, they will not pay for it, and then they’ll blame the Democrats for the debt they run up. It’s a classic.

Cassie Ventura to Testify as Key Witness in Sean Combs' Sex Trafficking Trial

Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing serious accusations as his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura prepares to take the stand in a high-profile sex trafficking trial.

The hip-hop mogul is charged with running a network of drug-fueled sex parties, blackmailing women, and committing acts of violence when they resisted. Combs, who faces a minimum sentence of 15 years if convicted, is fighting accusations that he manipulated women into participating in these activities while secretly recording them.

The case has already taken a dramatic turn, with jurors viewing a disturbing video showing Combs attacking Ventura in a hotel room. The footage depicts the rapper throwing her to the ground and kicking her in a hotel hallway, further complicating his defense.

Prosecutors argue that these incidents highlight a broader pattern of control and violence, with claims that Combs used his wealth and power to exploit women. Combs’ legal team, however, maintains that these were consensual relationships, framing the case as a misunderstanding of his "swingers" lifestyle.

Testimony from Ventura, along with other accusers, promises to shine a light on some of the darkest chapters of Combs' career. These women allege physical abuse, manipulation, and coercion into participating in sex parties for the mogul's pleasure.

Source: Reuters

I admit I have been purposely avoiding this story for months now. The whole thing sickens me. But it’s news, so here we are.

Trump Secures $600 Billion in Investments from Saudi Arabia During Landmark Summit

President Donald Trump has scored a monumental victory with $600 billion in investment commitments from Saudi Arabia, marking a major achievement during his first foreign trip since returning to office.

The White House highlighted the landmark agreements as pivotal for strengthening U.S. energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to critical global infrastructure and minerals.

These massive investment pledges are a key part of Trump’s broader strategy to bolster U.S.-Saudi relations and ensure America's leadership in essential global sectors. The White House emphasized that the agreements would not only enhance national security but also expand U.S. influence in technology and energy markets.

While the specifics of the investment deals were not fully disclosed, the announcement signals a strong push to secure long-term economic benefits for the U.S. from its partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Trump’s administration has prioritized expanding these kinds of international agreements, aiming to foster U.S. dominance in critical industries as part of a broader geopolitical strategy.

Source: Bloomberg

Let’s just put it out there: Trump was with the Saudis on 9/11. After all, their hit on the Twin Towers gave Trump the tallest building in New York City, which he, of course, immediately bragged about.

Trump's Middle East Trip Leaves Israel Feeling Left Out Amid Strategic Shifts

President Trump’s first trip to the Middle East since his re-election has sparked concern in Israel as the U.S. sidelined its closest ally in the region.

Key decisions by the Trump administration, including a surprise deal with Hamas and a halt to airstrikes in Yemen, have raised questions about whether the two nations are fully aligned on critical regional issues.

Trump’s decision to skip Israel during the trip has created unease in the Israeli government, with some officials questioning whether the U.S. is prioritizing its economic and diplomatic interests over the longstanding alliance with Israel. A deal to release the last American hostage in Gaza has drawn mixed reactions, with some Israelis fearing it signals U.S. willingness to negotiate without Israel's approval.

Trump Sides With the Israeli People Against Netanyahu (gift article)

Adding to the tensions, the U.S. decision to end airstrikes on the Yemen-based Houthi rebels without conditions has also left Israel uneasy, particularly after a recent missile attack on its airport. The broader shifts in U.S. policy seem to reflect Trump’s ‘America First’ strategy, focusing on securing economic victories rather than maintaining a tight grip on Israel’s security concerns.

Despite the apparent rift, some Israeli officials believe the relationship remains solid, even if not entirely in lockstep. However, growing questions persist about how much influence Israel will have as Trump pursues his broader Middle East goals, particularly in negotiations with Iran and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

This article is damning - Trump’s Middle East trip leaves Netanyahu watching from the sidelines again | CNN

Trump Dines with Top U.S. Business Leaders in Riyadh, Paving the Way for Major Deals

A star-studded group of U.S. business moguls joined President Trump for a high-profile lunch in Riyadh, where trade deals and AI investments were on the menu.

The event, attended by key executives from tech giants, banks, and consumer industries, signals a strong push to tap into Saudi Arabia’s deep pockets and diversify business ties.

Among the notable attendees were Sam Altman of OpenAI, Jensen Huang from Nvidia, and Amazon's Andy Jassy. These leaders are not only angling for lucrative business with Saudi investors but also seeking to influence U.S. trade policies under Trump’s administration.

Saudi Arabia, positioning itself as a global AI powerhouse, attracted attention with its investments in technology to reduce its dependence on oil. As one of the world’s largest investors in AI, the country is setting the stage for more groundbreaking deals with U.S. companies.

Elon Musk, attending the luncheon with his ventures Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, is reportedly in talks for new financing, which could elevate his company’s valuation to $120 billion. His presence underscores the growing fusion of business, politics, and technology in this landmark meeting.

Source: MDGN

Talk about a circle jerk of rich jerks in the jerkiest of all places.

$2 Million to Break Bread with Trump: The Price of a Seat at His Crypto Dinner

A seat at Donald Trump’s exclusive crypto dinner in Washington D.C. comes with a hefty price tag, with VIP access starting at a cool $2 million.

The dinner, set to take place at the Trump National Golf Club in DC, offers a chance for 220 lucky crypto investors to meet the President and hear firsthand about the future of his TRUMP coin, a memecoin tied directly to his personal wealth.

To qualify for an invite, attendees had to buy or hold large amounts of the TRUMP coin, with the 25 largest holders gaining access to a more intimate pre-dinner reception. For some, this opportunity to hobnob with Trump is worth millions, with one investor, known as "Sun," spending over $19 million on the coin.

Critics have slammed the event as a "money grab" that could open the door to foreign influence, as investors are essentially buying access to the president. The event has sparked concerns that the coin could be used to discreetly funnel wealth to the Trump family, raising ethical questions about its role in politics.

The TRUMP coin, launched in January 2025, surged in value after the dinner announcement but has since plummeted by 80%. However, the event continues to drive intense trading activity, benefiting Trump’s affiliated companies in the process.

Source: WIRED

So here’s the deal: This is money laundering and bribery rolled into one of the most brilliant grifts EVER. Gotta hand it to ‘em: The Trump Machine knows how to raise cash!