The FBI has revealed that Iranian cyber actors sent stolen materials from Donald Trump’s campaign to individuals associated with the Biden campaign during the 2024 election. This act, alongside alleged assassination plots targeting US politicians, including Trump and President Biden, underscores Iran’s efforts to influence the US election and undermine confidence in the democratic process.
A Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint in California while President Biden attended a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles. The incident occurred on the same day that the Biden campaign raised over $30 million at the event. Authorities are investigating the robbery and are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect(s).
Actor Robert De Niro joined a Biden campaign press conference outside Trump’s criminal trial in New York City, slamming the former president for January 6 and invoking the 9/11 terrorist attacks. De Niro’s rant, focused on saving New York, is seen as an attempt by the Biden administration to sway the jury, who are Manhattan residents. The actor’s statements on crime rates, despite being inaccurate, may resonate with New Yorkers amid rising crime concerns.
President Biden’s reelection campaign released a digital advertisement before the NFL draft, featuring Trump’s criticism that football is ‘boring.’ The ad highlights Biden’s support for football and contrasts it with Trump’s remarks. Trump’s campaign responded by posting a video of Trump throwing a football, stating that ‘real athletes’ support Trump. Biden’s campaign emphasized the bipartisan appeal of football and criticized Trump’s polarizing agenda.
The Biden campaign plans to continue using TikTok despite a recent bill signed into law that would ban the app if its Chinese owner fails to divest it. The campaign stated that they will use enhanced security measures while using the app. Biden’s campaign account on TikTok has over 306,000 followers and frequently posts videos of the president, even though the White House has expressed concerns about the app’s potential impact on national security. The White House press secretary emphasized that the legislation is not a ban but rather a measure to protect national security. The Biden campaign does not anticipate the decision to affect young voters and expects a protracted legal battle that could delay any potential ban.
Despite the possibility of a ban on TikTok in the United States, the Biden campaign has stated that they will continue using the platform to connect with voters. The campaign believes that TikTok is an effective way to reach young voters and will employ enhanced security measures to mitigate any potential risks.
Despite President Biden signing a law that could potentially ban TikTok in the United States within months, his re-election campaign plans to continue using the platform to reach out to voters, particularly younger demographics. The campaign’s decision underscores the importance of meeting voters where they are in the current fragmented media landscape and highlights the stakes of the upcoming election. However, critics have raised concerns about national security risks associated with TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government, including the potential possession of Americans’ data and influence on youth.
The Biden campaign announced its continued presence on TikTok, despite President Biden signing a bill requiring the sale or ban of the Chinese-owned app due to security concerns. The campaign emphasized its commitment to reach young voters on the platform and stated that enhanced security measures would be implemented for protection. The bill’s passage is part of a broader package of aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, faces a legal battle to either sell the platform or face a ban within the next year due to concerns that user data could be shared with the Chinese government. Despite the ban, the Biden campaign remains committed to utilizing TikTok as a tool for voter engagement and outreach.
President Biden’s re-election campaign has dismissed questions about his support for abortion restrictions as a ‘Republican trap.’ Despite previously expressing support for some limits on the procedure, the campaign insisted that Biden remains committed to restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade. The president’s stance has evolved since his early opposition to abortion rights, and he now calls for a Democratic-controlled Congress to codify the right nationwide. However, the campaign declined to specify whether Biden supports any cut-off point for abortion, instead accusing Republicans of trying to trap him into a debate on the issue.
The cost of presidential travel can be a substantial expense, particularly during an election year. The president’s fleet includes Sikorsky helicopters known as Marine One and custom Boeing 747s known as Air Force One. The cost of operating Marine One is between $16,700 and $20,000 per hour, while Air Force One costs approximately $200,000 per hour. The campaign is responsible for paying for the president’s travel expenses when used for political purposes. However, the line between official and campaign-related travel can be blurred during an election year. Taxpayers end up covering the majority of the cost, as campaigns typically only cover the cost of Air Force One passengers who are flying for political purposes. President Biden’s campaign has deposited nearly $6.5 million into an escrow account for travel expenses, including official aircraft used to transport the President and other officials. As of the latest available data, $300,000 has been reimbursed to the U.S. Treasury.
