Judging Freedom Ray McGovern: Trump, the CIA, and USAID
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Feb 17, 2025 
Ray McGovern, a seasoned expert on the CIA and U.S. foreign policy, dives deep into the intricate ties between the CIA and USAID, questioning what Trump really knew. He sheds light on the erosion of checks and balances over the CIA, revealing how this influences key political events like the Iraq war. The discussion also touches on the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and critiques U.S.-Ukraine relations, emphasizing the interplay of international players and the historical context of diplomatic strategies.
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CIA's Slush Fund and Oversight
- The CIA operates a slush fund, unaccountable to oversight committees.
- These committees, intended for oversight, often protect the CIA's interests.
Durbin's Classified Briefing
- Senator Dick Durbin was briefed on pre-Iraq intelligence, but couldn't reveal the classified information.
- He later admitted the information was "baloney."
USAID as a CIA Conduit
- USAID serves as a conduit for CIA funding, particularly for covert operations.
- This was established after controversies surrounding overt CIA actions.