Judd Legum
@juddlegum.bsky.social
I write Popular Information, an independent newsletter dedicated to accountability journalism. | [email protected] | Signal: juddlegum.47
Popular.info
Popular.info
At 2 PM Eastern today, I'll be speaking LIVE with John Harwood about corporate media capitulation to the Trump administration. Join us!
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
LIVE SOON: talking with Judd Legum about holding Trump accountable better than Big Media
Starting Dec 11 at 2:00 PM EST
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:52 PM
At 2 PM Eastern today, I'll be speaking LIVE with John Harwood about corporate media capitulation to the Trump administration. Join us!
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
1. The AI industry has kicked off a $100 million+ scheme to influence the 2026 midterm elections
While they claim it's a "bipartisan" effort, it has all the markings of a campaign to benefit Trump and the GOP
Let's review
While they claim it's a "bipartisan" effort, it has all the markings of a campaign to benefit Trump and the GOP
Let's review
The AI industry’s $100 million play to influence the 2026 elections
As the 2026 midterms approach, President Trump is facing headwinds.
popular.info
December 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM
1. The AI industry has kicked off a $100 million+ scheme to influence the 2026 midterm elections
While they claim it's a "bipartisan" effort, it has all the markings of a campaign to benefit Trump and the GOP
Let's review
While they claim it's a "bipartisan" effort, it has all the markings of a campaign to benefit Trump and the GOP
Let's review
Actually, Saudi Arabia is covering Kushner's travel expenses
December 9, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Actually, Saudi Arabia is covering Kushner's travel expenses
1. Paramount's hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery exposes Jared Kushner's game
Kushner is not running a private equity fund. He's running an influence peddling operation.
It's spelled out on page 42 of Paramount's new SEC filing
Kushner is not running a private equity fund. He's running an influence peddling operation.
It's spelled out on page 42 of Paramount's new SEC filing
Kushner and Saudis back hostile takeover of Hollywood giant
Jared Kushner is funneling $24 billion from Middle Eastern governments to back a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery—all while advising President Trump on foreign policy.
popular.info
December 9, 2025 at 2:13 PM
1. Paramount's hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery exposes Jared Kushner's game
Kushner is not running a private equity fund. He's running an influence peddling operation.
It's spelled out on page 42 of Paramount's new SEC filing
Kushner is not running a private equity fund. He's running an influence peddling operation.
It's spelled out on page 42 of Paramount's new SEC filing
1. CNN and CNBC recently announced partnerships with Kalshi, a prediction market that lets you place bets on the news.
Now, every story is a casino game.
Although Kalshi's popularity has exploded, it remains relatively small and vulnerable to political manipulation.
Now, every story is a casino game.
Although Kalshi's popularity has exploded, it remains relatively small and vulnerable to political manipulation.
The casino-fication of news
New partnerships between the prediction market Kalshi and cable TV networks will transform every news event into a betting opportunity.
popular.info
December 8, 2025 at 4:03 PM
1. CNN and CNBC recently announced partnerships with Kalshi, a prediction market that lets you place bets on the news.
Now, every story is a casino game.
Although Kalshi's popularity has exploded, it remains relatively small and vulnerable to political manipulation.
Now, every story is a casino game.
Although Kalshi's popularity has exploded, it remains relatively small and vulnerable to political manipulation.
Pretty much every article about the Putin-Kushner-Witkoff summit in Moscow yesterday fails to mention that Kushner is simultaneously accepting tens of millions in annual payments from the Saudis and other foreign governments.
Seems like a key detail!
Seems like a key detail!
December 3, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Pretty much every article about the Putin-Kushner-Witkoff summit in Moscow yesterday fails to mention that Kushner is simultaneously accepting tens of millions in annual payments from the Saudis and other foreign governments.
Seems like a key detail!
Seems like a key detail!
1. Jared Kushner's trip to Moscow yesterday was not just unethical; it was illegal.
You cannot accept tens of millions of dollars from foreign governments and simultaneously conduct high-level diplomacy for the federal government.
It says it right in the Constitution.
You cannot accept tens of millions of dollars from foreign governments and simultaneously conduct high-level diplomacy for the federal government.
It says it right in the Constitution.
Kushner’s Moscow mission wasn’t just corrupt. It was unconstitutional.
Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, has been traveling the world to participate in high-stakes foreign policy negotiations on behalf of the president.
popular.info
December 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
1. Jared Kushner's trip to Moscow yesterday was not just unethical; it was illegal.
You cannot accept tens of millions of dollars from foreign governments and simultaneously conduct high-level diplomacy for the federal government.
It says it right in the Constitution.
You cannot accept tens of millions of dollars from foreign governments and simultaneously conduct high-level diplomacy for the federal government.
It says it right in the Constitution.
As Jared Kushner prepares to meet with Putin today on behalf of Trump, REMEMBER: After taking billions from the Saudis and other foreign governments, Kushner explicitly said he would not have a foreign policy role in this administration.
popular.info/p/jared-kush...
popular.info/p/jared-kush...
December 2, 2025 at 2:09 PM
As Jared Kushner prepares to meet with Putin today on behalf of Trump, REMEMBER: After taking billions from the Saudis and other foreign governments, Kushner explicitly said he would not have a foreign policy role in this administration.
popular.info/p/jared-kush...
popular.info/p/jared-kush...
1. Steve Witkoff, Trump's top negotiator for a peace deal in Ukraine, has an active financial partnership with Len Blavatnik, a billionaire sanctioned by the Ukrainian government. Witkoff and Blavatnik are co-developing ultra-luxury condos in NYC, a Popular Information investigation reveals.
Top Trump negotiator retains partnership with Ukraine-sanctioned billionaire
Steve Witkoff coached a top Putin aide on managing Trump and created a peace plan that mirrored Russian demands
popular.info
December 1, 2025 at 2:10 PM
1. Steve Witkoff, Trump's top negotiator for a peace deal in Ukraine, has an active financial partnership with Len Blavatnik, a billionaire sanctioned by the Ukrainian government. Witkoff and Blavatnik are co-developing ultra-luxury condos in NYC, a Popular Information investigation reveals.
1. In Tennessee, public libraries have closed for up to a week to facilitate a Trump-inspired book purge.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee public libraries close for Trump-inspired book purge
One hundred and eighty-one public libraries in Tennessee are reviewing their children’s collections after Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) ordered them to remove books with LGBTQ themes…
popular.info
November 25, 2025 at 3:09 PM
1. In Tennessee, public libraries have closed for up to a week to facilitate a Trump-inspired book purge.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
1. EXCLUSIVE
Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Collusus, using Chinese-made transformers, a security risk that leaves it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
The use of Chinese components was previously unreported
Collusus performs sensitive work for the U.S. military
Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Collusus, using Chinese-made transformers, a security risk that leaves it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
The use of Chinese components was previously unreported
Collusus performs sensitive work for the U.S. military
Musk’s AI supercomputer, used by U.S. military, secretly relies on Chinese hardware
Records obtained by Oligarch Watch reveal that the facility relies on Chinese transformers, creating a major security vulnerability.
oligarchwatch.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
1. EXCLUSIVE
Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Collusus, using Chinese-made transformers, a security risk that leaves it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
The use of Chinese components was previously unreported
Collusus performs sensitive work for the U.S. military
Musk’s xAI has secretly built its AI supercomputer, Collusus, using Chinese-made transformers, a security risk that leaves it vulnerable to espionage or sabotage
The use of Chinese components was previously unreported
Collusus performs sensitive work for the U.S. military
Pretty remarkable that Trump has installed someone on the Saudi dole — Jared Kushner collects millions in fees from the Saudis every year — in a key role for America's most sensitive and consequential foreign policy negotiations (Gaza, Ukraine), and it is largely TREATED AS A NON-STORY
November 23, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Pretty remarkable that Trump has installed someone on the Saudi dole — Jared Kushner collects millions in fees from the Saudis every year — in a key role for America's most sensitive and consequential foreign policy negotiations (Gaza, Ukraine), and it is largely TREATED AS A NON-STORY
ICE detainees did not sext with RFK Jr but still deserve your attention
1. An abrupt decision by the Trump administration on October 3 left thousands of ICE detainees without access to vital medical care — a crisis that is ongoing — according to previously unreported ICE documents obtained by Popular Information.
Follow this thread for details.
🧵
Follow this thread for details.
🧵
EXCLUSIVE: How the Trump administration sparked a health crisis for ICE detainees
An abrupt decision on October 3 left thousands of ICE detainees without access to vital medical care — a crisis that is ongoing.
popular.info
November 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM
ICE detainees did not sext with RFK Jr but still deserve your attention
1. An abrupt decision by the Trump administration on October 3 left thousands of ICE detainees without access to vital medical care — a crisis that is ongoing — according to previously unreported ICE documents obtained by Popular Information.
Follow this thread for details.
🧵
Follow this thread for details.
🧵
EXCLUSIVE: How the Trump administration sparked a health crisis for ICE detainees
An abrupt decision on October 3 left thousands of ICE detainees without access to vital medical care — a crisis that is ongoing.
popular.info
November 18, 2025 at 1:46 PM
1. An abrupt decision by the Trump administration on October 3 left thousands of ICE detainees without access to vital medical care — a crisis that is ongoing — according to previously unreported ICE documents obtained by Popular Information.
Follow this thread for details.
🧵
Follow this thread for details.
🧵
1. Trump is in the process of sending millions in taxpayer money directly to his political allies — and himself.
The money purportedly is to settle legal claims.
But these claims are extraordinarily weak and have little to no chance of success.
In reality, it is a brazen theft.
The money purportedly is to settle legal claims.
But these claims are extraordinarily weak and have little to no chance of success.
In reality, it is a brazen theft.
Grand theft government
President Trump is in the process of sending millions of dollars in taxpayer money directly to his political allies — and himself.
popular.info
November 17, 2025 at 1:54 PM
1. Trump is in the process of sending millions in taxpayer money directly to his political allies — and himself.
The money purportedly is to settle legal claims.
But these claims are extraordinarily weak and have little to no chance of success.
In reality, it is a brazen theft.
The money purportedly is to settle legal claims.
But these claims are extraordinarily weak and have little to no chance of success.
In reality, it is a brazen theft.
In an email to customers, Rocket Money has confirmed that they stopped advertising on the Tucker Carlson show following his interview with Nick Fuentes and are working “to ensure our partnerships reflect our values.”
popular.info/p/update-roc...
popular.info/p/update-roc...
November 13, 2025 at 4:08 PM
In an email to customers, Rocket Money has confirmed that they stopped advertising on the Tucker Carlson show following his interview with Nick Fuentes and are working “to ensure our partnerships reflect our values.”
popular.info/p/update-roc...
popular.info/p/update-roc...
BREAKING: Following Tucker Carlson's friendly interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, Rocket Money has ended its sponsorship of Carlson's podcast.
🧵
🧵
UPDATE: Rocket Money ends Tucker Carlson sponsorship
Last month, Tucker Carlson hosted Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist, antisemite, and misogynist, on his popular podcast.
popular.info
November 12, 2025 at 1:42 PM
BREAKING: Following Tucker Carlson's friendly interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, Rocket Money has ended its sponsorship of Carlson's podcast.
🧵
🧵
If you work for Rocket Money, I'd like to speak with you confidentially today. Please contact me on Signal at juddlegum.47
November 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
If you work for Rocket Money, I'd like to speak with you confidentially today. Please contact me on Signal at juddlegum.47
1. Tucker Carlson is mainstreaming white supremacy, hosting Nick Fuentes — a white nationalist who praises Hitler — for a fawning 2-hour interview
These companies are sponsoring Carlson's show:
Rocket Money
Eight Sleep
Beam
These companies are sponsoring Carlson's show:
Rocket Money
Eight Sleep
Beam
November 10, 2025 at 2:11 PM
1. Tucker Carlson is mainstreaming white supremacy, hosting Nick Fuentes — a white nationalist who praises Hitler — for a fawning 2-hour interview
These companies are sponsoring Carlson's show:
Rocket Money
Eight Sleep
Beam
These companies are sponsoring Carlson's show:
Rocket Money
Eight Sleep
Beam
If Musk meets all the benchmarks of his new $1 trillion pay package from Tesla he will be paid $274 MILLION EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS
This is his part-time job
This is his part-time job
November 7, 2025 at 1:59 AM
If Musk meets all the benchmarks of his new $1 trillion pay package from Tesla he will be paid $274 MILLION EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS
This is his part-time job
This is his part-time job
Tucker Carlson is extremely normal
November 6, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Tucker Carlson is extremely normal
1. JD Vance dismissed Tuesday's election as “a couple of elections in blue states.”
But there were significant contests around the country, including in purple and red states.
From coast to coast, voters rejected the MAGA agenda.
Let's review.
🧵
popular.info/p/six-electi...
But there were significant contests around the country, including in purple and red states.
From coast to coast, voters rejected the MAGA agenda.
Let's review.
🧵
popular.info/p/six-electi...
Six election results that didn’t make the headlines
Although Democratic victories in New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and California dominated the headlines, significant contests were held across the nation.
popular.info
November 6, 2025 at 1:57 PM
1. JD Vance dismissed Tuesday's election as “a couple of elections in blue states.”
But there were significant contests around the country, including in purple and red states.
From coast to coast, voters rejected the MAGA agenda.
Let's review.
🧵
popular.info/p/six-electi...
But there were significant contests around the country, including in purple and red states.
From coast to coast, voters rejected the MAGA agenda.
Let's review.
🧵
popular.info/p/six-electi...
Private prison industry is booming.
November 5, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Private prison industry is booming.
1. On September 23, Adelita Grijalva won a special Congressional election in Arizona, collecting 69% of the vote.
43 days later, Speaker Johnson has not sworn her in.
The delay, 8 days longer than the previous record, has prevented Grijalva from forcing a vote to release the Epstein files.
43 days later, Speaker Johnson has not sworn her in.
The delay, 8 days longer than the previous record, has prevented Grijalva from forcing a vote to release the Epstein files.
Speaker Johnson’s unprecedented, democracy-thwarting effort to keep the Epstein files secret
On September 23, Adelita Grijalva won a special election to represent Arizona in the House of Representatives in a landslide, collecting 69% of the vote. Forty-three days later, House Speaker Mike…
popular.info
November 5, 2025 at 3:29 PM
1. On September 23, Adelita Grijalva won a special Congressional election in Arizona, collecting 69% of the vote.
43 days later, Speaker Johnson has not sworn her in.
The delay, 8 days longer than the previous record, has prevented Grijalva from forcing a vote to release the Epstein files.
43 days later, Speaker Johnson has not sworn her in.
The delay, 8 days longer than the previous record, has prevented Grijalva from forcing a vote to release the Epstein files.
1. On October 23, Trump pardoned CZ, the founder of Bianance. CZ had pled guilty to willfully violating anti-money laundering laws. His conduct, according ot the DOJ "allowed money to flow to terrorists, cybercriminals, and child abusers.”
A week later, Trump is getting his payback.
A week later, Trump is getting his payback.
UPDATE: Trump’s crypto pardon delivers immediate payback
On Monday, Popular Information reported on President Trump’s October 23 pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, who pled guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws.
popular.info
October 30, 2025 at 4:50 PM
1. On October 23, Trump pardoned CZ, the founder of Bianance. CZ had pled guilty to willfully violating anti-money laundering laws. His conduct, according ot the DOJ "allowed money to flow to terrorists, cybercriminals, and child abusers.”
A week later, Trump is getting his payback.
A week later, Trump is getting his payback.