
X influencers spotted with 'Epstein Files: Phase 1' binders at White House, sparking online debate
A group of X influencers, including Jack Posobiec, DC Draino, Libs of TikTok, Mike Cernovich, Chad Prather, and Liz Wheeler, were seen carrying binders labeled "Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House on Thursday.
Their appearance followed an announcement by Attorney General Pam Bondi that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) would release additional files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The sighting quickly sparked reactions on social media, with many users comparing the event to the release of the 'Twitter Files.' Some critics argued that the distribution of the documents to select influencers instead of direct public access raised concerns about transparency.
One X user commented, "Trump did exactly what I was afraid of, just like Elon did with the 'Twitter Files.' The Epstein files should have been released on a website to the public, not just to a few select people."
Pam Bondi should give the Epstein Files to Ricky Gervais and have him present them at the Oscars tonight.
It would be the most watched event in human history. pic.twitter.com/KtQFBLCdzn — Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) February 27, 2025
The Epstein Files Phase 1: pic.twitter.com/oinRVpDRxD — drefanzor memes (@drefanzor) February 27, 2025
Another user expressed skepticism, writing, "Not blackpilling, but today's Epstein stunt is unfortunately delegitimizing and a poor attempt at recreating some kind of 'Twitter Files' exposé."
The 'Twitter Files,' released between December 2022 and March 2023, were internal Twitter communications obtained by independent journalists Matt Taibbi and Bari Weiss, with the backing of Elon Musk. These documents were presented as evidence of alleged coordination between social media companies and the government to control narratives and limit free speech.
As debates continue, calls for full public disclosure of the Epstein files remain strong, with many urging the DOJ to make the documents widely accessible.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Govt to import sugar after exports
Listen to article In a paradoxical move, the government on Thursday decided to import 750,000 metric tonnes of sugar after having already exported nearly the same quantity during the current fiscal year — a move that has driven domestic prices sharply higher, benefitting sugar millers. The move has raised questions over the rationale behind the government's earlier approval of sugar exports, which critics warned would hurt domestic supply and inflate prices. The new plan includes submitting a policy for the import of 250,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar to the cabinet for approval, while 500,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar have already received in-principle approval, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced via X (formerly Twitter) after chairing his second meeting on the issue in three days. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country exported 765,734 metric tonnes of sugar between July and May this fiscal year, earning Rs114 billion. This marks a 2,200% increase in sugar exports compared to the same period last year. Exporting first and then deciding to import has sparked concerns over the government's contradictory policies and the disadvantageous position imposed on consumers. After exports, domestic sugar prices hit a record Rs190 per kilogram — Rs50 higher than the pre-export price. A Ministry of National Food Security official claimed that there were sufficient stocks and imports are only being considered to lower prices. As of the latest PBS weekly bulletin, sugar was priced between Rs170 and Rs190 per kilogram across the country. In March, the government had fixed the retail price of sugar at Rs164 per kilogram — 13% higher than the cap set during the export approval period — allowing millers to enjoy windfall gains in both local and export markets. Dar's committee had negotiated the ex-factory and retail prices of sugar with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), which has previously been accused of cartel-like behaviour by the nation's antitrust watchdog — the Competition Commission of Pakistan. Despite the agreed rates, the government failed to ensure stable retail prices. Dar added on Thursday that the Ministry of National Food Security has been instructed to seek the Economic Coordination Committee's (ECC) formal approval for the sugar imports. Currently, the deputy prime minister is making key economic decisions that are later presented to formal forums for ratification. On Wednesday, Dar also announced a downward revision of the proposed sales tax on solar panel imports — from 18% to 10% — for the upcoming fiscal year, diverging from the initial budgetary proposal. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, meanwhile, is engaged in trade negotiations with the United States — normally the responsibility of the commerce ministry. The sugar import decision followed a high-level meeting attended by the Minister for National Food Security, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) Tariq Bajwa, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Ministry of Industries and Production, PSMA, and provincial representatives. Dar reiterated the government's commitment to balancing the interests of both consumers and producers, stressing the importance of making essential commodities affordable and widely available. According to PSMA's presentation at the meeting, average monthly sugar consumption last year was 533,000 metric tonnes, with a total annual consumption of 6.4 million tonnes. In the first half of this fiscal year, monthly consumption showed a negligible increase of 0.003% to 535,016 metric tonnes, totalling 3.5 million tonnes so far. PSMA claims current sugar stocks stand at 2.8 million tonnes — enough to meet demand until November 21 even at the compressed consumption level of 535,000 metric tonnes per month. However, the government's decision to import 750,000 tonnes suggests that either the shortage is more acute than reported or consumption is higher than projected. Experts had earlier opposed the government's decision to export sugar, fearing that it would jeopardise supply and raise prices for the entire population to benefit a small group of industrialists. The government's control over sugar trade also contradicts its recently adopted free-market agricultural policies. "Export and import decisions should be left to farmers and market forces, not to selective millers with political influence," said Usama Mela, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA, during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance meeting this week. The PSMA, whose members are direct beneficiaries of the export, also recommended curbing sugar smuggling to neighbouring countries and proposed a tolling policy for importing raw sugar to manage stock shortages. PSMA also suggested starting the crushing season from November 1 — a proposal that is largely seen as symbolic and may be an attempt to deflect the criticism over the export of sugar. The PSMA stated in the meeting that without duties and taxes the cost of imported sugar was Rs153 per kilogram, which is still Rs37 per kilogram cheaper than the local price bonanza. The millers claimed that the country produced 5.9 million metric tonnes of sugar this year, which was 14% or nearly 1 million tonnes less than the previous crushing season.


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
PHC questions DC's TikTok activity
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought a response from the Director of the Performance Management and Reforms Unit (PMRU) over a petition challenging the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Swabi's act of sharing a video from an event at Women University Swabi on social media platform TikTok. A division bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal heard the petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Hamdan on Thursday. The petitioner informed the court that the DC attended multiple events, recorded videos, and shared them on his personal TikTok account instead of an official government platform. He argued that while the government permits the use of platforms like Facebook and Twitter for official communication, the use of TikTok by public officials is unauthorized and raises serious privacy concerns — particularly when such content features individuals without their consent. Justice Arshad Ali inquired where the TikTok video was filmed. The court was told that the DC recorded the video during a ceremony at Women University Swabi and uploaded it from his personal account. The video included footage of female students, allegedly shared without their permission. Advocate Hamdan further argued that public officials are only permitted to share content through official government websites or verified accounts. At this point, Justice Arshad Ali questioned whether any departmental representative was present, to which the Additional Advocate General responded that none were in attendance. Expressing concern, Justice Arshad Ali remarked, "What is going on here? These officers have created pages for self-promotion. This isn't for official useit's personal branding on social media." Following a brief recess, the Deputy Director of PMRU appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali asked him whether PMRU had issued any notification allowing such social media accounts and questioned the basis upon which every officer had started their own pages and was sharing all kinds of content. The court directed PMRU to frame clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and submit a detailed report within 10 days. Justice Arshad Ali also cited a recent case where a District Police Officer used inappropriate language regarding civil judges on social media, emphasizing the need for regulation. "The purpose of these accounts should be strictly official," he stressed. "We are monitoring everything. Videos featuring university students should not be shared online." The hearing was adjourned until July 10, with clear instructions for PMRU to submit its report before the next session.


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
FaZe Jason addresses death threats after viral Streamer Prom date
FaZe Clan member Jason 'Jasontheween' is speaking out after receiving harassment and death threats following his appearance at the Streamer Prom event with Sakura Shymko, the younger sister of streamer Kyedae. Held on June 18 in Houston and organized by Twitch streamer Funny Mike, the prom was inspired by Kai Cenat's Streamer University. Jason and Sakura quickly became one of the most talked-about pairs after a viral clip showed Sakura kissing Jason during the event. Following the clip's spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), online speculation began to circulate suggesting Sakura wasn't genuinely interested in Jason. This led to a wave of negativity and threatening messages directed at both creators. In a public post, Jason addressed the backlash: 'Sakura and I are fine. Please stop sending death threats and harassment, especially toward her. Our streams are for entertainment, but things can be misinterpreted.' Sakura and I are fine. Please stop sending death threats and harassment, especially toward her. Our streams are for entertainment, but things can be misinterpreted. Today didn't go as expected, but we're grateful for the support. Please be kind, we're all human. Thank you. — FaZe Jason (@jasontheween) June 19, 2025 He went on to thank fans for their support and urged kindness in the community. 'Please be kind, we're all human,' he added. Many fans rallied behind Jason and Sakura in the comments, condemning the threats. One user wrote, 'Death threats over a Twitch stream should result in a felony.' This incident follows a similar case in March when Valkyrae faced threats after a stream-sniping controversy. The growing trend highlights the increasing emotional intensity around parasocial relationships in the streaming world.