Joe Rogan has revealed that two former U.S. presidents pressured Spotify to censor his views on COVID.

In his most recent episode with Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, a Houston-based otolaryngologist who wrote a book about her battle to push back against the mainstream narratives about the pandemic, Rogan detailed how aggressively people in powerful places had come after him.

“Spotify got calls from two former presidents,”

Spotify responded by flagging podcasts discussing COVID-19, however, although Rogan insists the effects were overwhelmingly positive.

“I grew by two million subscribers in a month,” he said.

“People started listening, and they started listening, like, ‘Oh, he’s really reasonable and pretty humble about all this stuff and just asking questions.’”

NEW: Joe Rogan just revealed that Spotify got calls from TWO FORMER PRESIDENTS after his viral ivermectin Instagram post.

Dr. Mary Talley Bowden thought he was joking. “Really?” she asked.

“OH YEAH,” Rogan confirmed.

“OH YEAH.”

Why would two former presidents care what Joe… pic.twitter.com/6NxdibK1sp

— The Vigilant Fox (@VigilantFox) June 10, 2025

Rogan also criticized media outlets that mocked his use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19, accusing them of deliberately misleading the public by calling it a horse dewormer.

“I’m, like, ‘Why aren’t you guys concentrating on the fact that a 55-year-old man is fine three days later during the worst strain?’

“It was during the Delta where everybody’s freaking out. ‘This one’s going to kill us all,’” he continued.

“And I was fine in three days.”

The 57-year-old added that he no longer respects mainstream media after they disgraced themselves countless times.

“It’s so dirty. It’s such a dirty business,” Rogan said.

“God, I used to have massive respect for journalists.”

“If I had never done this podcast, I would be your regular schmo out there with, you know, just spitting out all the company lines and all the blast all over the news.”

“I kind of liked it better when I didn’t think the world is filled with demons, money-hungry demons that are willing to sacrifice human lives in the pursuit of revenue.”

The post Joe Rogan Reveals Two Former U.S. Presidents Pressured Spotify to Censor His Views on COVID appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

Connecticut’s GOP Meltdown: Ben Proto’s Chairmanship Sparks National Outrage

Like so many states, the GOP leadership in Connecticut Demands POWER but does not support its base – MAGA 

On June 24, 2025, the Connecticut Republican Party will hold an election for State Chairman that’s making national headlines—and for all the wrong reasons. Ben Proto, the embattled incumbent, claims Donald Trump’s endorsement, but his record and reputation tell a different story. Across Connecticut, Proto is widely disliked by party activists, local leaders, and even many rank-and-file Republicans—so much so that the sentiment “anyone would be better” has become a rallying cry.

Proto has repeatedly tried to tie himself to Trump, touting his role as a delegate and his participation on the RNC’s Platform Committee. But there is no public evidence that Donald Trump has personally endorsed Proto’s re-election bid. In fact, Proto’s own actions have often run counter to the Trump movement—he has privately discouraged candidates from embracing Trump:

Matt Corey, who just ran against incumbent Chris Murphy for U.S. Senate, issued a statement after seeing last week’s telephone interview between CT GOP Chairman Ben Proto and Yankee Tea News (“YTN”).

“Consistency and transparency are essential in leadership, especially when guiding political campaigns. During our campaign, the Connecticut GOP Chair advised us that embracing President Trump or even mentioning his name would hurt candidates in the state. He justified this by citing past races, like the 2022 Senate race, where President Trump’s endorsement was said to have negatively impacted Republican campaigns in Connecticut,” said Corey.

“Now, after the election is over, it’s surprising to hear the same Chairman openly embracing President Trump’s legacy,” quips Corey. “This sudden shift in tone raises questions about the consistency of our party’s messaging and the guidance given to candidates during critical moments.”

Proto has even said he wouldn’t want to have dinner with President Trump nor believe anyone else would want to sit with the President. His current attempts to claim Trump’s mantle are seen by many as political opportunism, not genuine support.

Like in so many states, the current GOP Head in Connecticut, Ben Proto, despises Trump and MAGA – it’s time to kick Trump haters like Ben Proto out of office for good. pic.twitter.com/iruMXMjqPj

— Joe Hoft (@realJoeHoft) June 15, 2025

Proto’s leadership has left the Connecticut GOP fractured and stagnant. Under his watch, Republicans have lost ground in statewide races and the legislature. His divisive and transactional leadership style has alienated not just Democrats, but his own party’s base; even national observers are taking note: Proto’s chairmanship is now a cautionary symbol of everything wrong with state-level GOP dysfunction.

Connecticut Republicans—and Republicans across the country—are watching as Proto’s troubled chairmanship becomes a cautionary tale. His hollow claims of Trump endorsement and empty promises have left the party adrift from its grassroots, and the results speak for themselves: a shrinking base and state GOP further irrelevant. As national attention grows, the message from the grassroots is clear: Ben Proto’s time is up. For the good of the party, anyone would be better.

If Connecticut Republicans hope to rebuild, they must start by cleaning house at the top. The upcoming vote is not just about leadership—it’s about survival. The party’s future depends on whether it can break free from Proto’s failed tenure and find a leader who can unite, inspire, and deliver real results. If not, Connecticut’s GOP risks becoming a cautionary footnote in American political history—remembered not for its victories, but for its spectacular collapse under Ben Proto’s watch.

The people in Connecticut and across the country are not for Democrat wars, riots, inflation and the destruction of America.  It’s time the GOP under great leadership takes back this great state. 

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A heated confrontation unfolded in downtown Los Angeles between a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer and ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman during a live broadcast covering ongoing riots.

The clash occurred as Gutman reported live for ABC News Live near a federal building downtown, which has become the main starting point for the protests and riots sparked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to deport illegal aliens.

In the video footage, an LAPD officer confronts Gutman and accuses him of making aggressive contact with another officer.

The officer shouted, “You touched my partner! Don’t touch my partner! I’m letting you know! Don’t touch him!” The officer also shoves the reporter away from him.

“You’re pushing me on live television,” Gutman said, adding that “tensions are extremely high here.”

“Yes! Because you touched the officer!” the officer shouts.

A second officer joined to back up the first, scolding the reporter and telling him not to touch the officers.

“We clearly didn’t touch the officers,” Gutman claimed.

“Yes you did!” the original officer said.

WATCH:

Whoa! Hats off to ABC News reporter Matt Gutman for keeping his cool yesterday.

This LAPD officer needs to be relieved of duty if he can’t handle an alleged “touch” without snapping. pic.twitter.com/cqwVqpaHzD

— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) June 15, 2025

The confrontation took place against the backdrop of nearly ten days of protests and riots in Los Angeles.

As The Gateway Pundit reported on Saturday, one of our own reporters was shot with a rubber bullet and a tear gas canister during the chaos.

Gateway Pundit Journalist Shot with Rubber Bullet and Tear Gas During LA ‘No Kings’ Riot — ‘They Are Targeting Press!’ (VIDEOS)

Shortly after 5 p.m. local time, Schaffer wrote that “police are using tear gas and crowd control munitions to break up the crowd.”

LOS ANGELES: police are using tear gas and crowd control munitions to break up the crowd

Though I identified as press and had my badges / credentials displayed, an officer still shot me with a rubber bullet

Another shot a tear gas can at me. They are targeting press pic.twitter.com/Y2gWVX4WhK

— E (@ElijahSchaffer) June 15, 2025

“Though I identified as press and had my badges / credentials displayed, an officer still shot me with a rubber bullet,” Schaffer reported. “Another shot a tear gas can at me. They are targeting press.”

The post ‘YOU TOUCHED THE OFFICER!’ LAPD Officer EXPLODES on ABC Reporter in Riot Showdown During Live Segment (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

President Donald Trump spoke with ABC News reporter Rachel Scott on Sunday, telling her, “It’s possible we could get involved,” in the war between Iran and Israel, but that the U.S. is not presently involved.

Screen image of Iranian missile strike on Israel.

Trump also posted about the conflict on Truth Social Sunday morning, imploring both sides to make a deal.

Scott posted to X about her conversation with Trump, “Spoke with President Trump briefly this morning. I asked him about those reports that Israel urged the Trump administration to join the war with Iran to eliminate its nuclear program. “We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,” the president said…Asked President Trump about Putin serving as mediator in the conflict. “Yeah, I would be open to it. He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation. This is something I believe is going to get resolved,” the president said…(Skip Minnesota comments) Asked the president about Iran nuclear talks being called off and if there’s a deadline for Iran to come to the table. “No, there’s no deadline. But they are talking. They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking. They continue to talk,” he said. The president said something like this *had* to happen. “Something like this had to happen because I think even from both sides, but something like this had to happen. They want to talk, and they will be talking,” Trump said. “May have forced a deal to go quicker, actually.”

Asked President Trump about Putin serving as mediator in the conflict.

“Yeah, I would be open to it. He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation. This is something I believe is going to get resolved,” the…

— Rachel Scott (@rachelvscott) June 15, 2025

Asked the president about Iran nuclear talks being called off and if there’s a deadline for Iran to come to the table.

“No, there’s no deadline. But they are talking. They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking. They continue to talk,” he said.

The president said something like…

— Rachel Scott (@rachelvscott) June 15, 2025

President Trump’s Truth Social post on Iran and Israel touting his record as a peacemaker:

“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP! Also, during my first term, Serbia and Kosovo were going at it hot and heavy, as they have for many decades, and this long time conflict was ready to break out into WAR. I stopped it (Biden has hurt the longer term prospects with some very stupid decisions, but I will fix it, again!). Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River. There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way! Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”

Just past midnight EDT, Trump–while pushing for a deal–posted a warning to Iran not to attack the U.S., “The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”

President Trump has made clear he will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. He has also made clear that while he prefers a peaceful resolution, he is prepared to use military force.

AS TGP’s Cassandra MacDonald reported Sunday morning, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified in March the intel community’s assessment that Iran’s Supreme Leader has not given the green light for making a nuclear bomb.

The issue is driving a wedge among camps of Trump’s coalition between those who want the U.S. to attack Iran’s nuclear sites hidden deep in bunkers and those who do not want the U.S. involved in another Middle East War–and some who believe such an attack would be the U.S. doing Israel’s bidding.

The post President Trump: “It’s Possible We Could Get Involved” in Iran-Israel War, as He Presses Both Sides to Make a Peace Deal appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

General Flynn provided today’s update on Global Responses to the Middle East

Below is General Flynn’s two part message for today (emphasis added):

ATTENTION!

Today’s SITREP focuses on regional and global responses (thread 1 of 2).

The ongoing conflict between Iran & Israel involves direct military strikes, with both sides exchanging missile & drone attacks, causing significant casualties.

Regional responses include support from groups like the Houthis in Yemen, while Hezbollah & Gaza have limited involvement.

Globally, the U.S. & UK have taken military precautions, & countries like Russia & China focus on diplomacy, with calls for de-escalation from the EU & UN. The situation is complex, with ongoing diplomatic efforts & concerns about regional stability, & opinions vary on responsibility & escalation.

The war between Iran & Israel has seen intense military engagements, with both nations launching strikes against each other. This conflict has drawn varied responses from regional actors & global powers, reflecting a mix of military, diplomatic, & humanitarian concerns.

Israel has targeted Iranian military & nuclear sites, while Iran has retaliated with missile & drone attacks, leading to casualties on both sides. Regional groups like the Houthis in Yemen have supported Iran w/ missile launches, & there have been minor actions from Gaza, though Hezbollah has not actively joined the fray.

Globally, The U.S. has stated it was not involved in Israel’s strikes but has warned Iran against attacking U.S. assets, with the UK deploying additional jets to the region. Russia & China have engaged in diplomatic efforts, while the EU, France, Germany, & others call for de-escalation. The UN condemned the escalation, urging restraint & holding emergency meetings.

The conflict’s complexity is evident, w/ diplomatic talks like those mediated by Oman being canceled, & concerns about nuclear safety & regional stability persist. The INTL community remains divided, w/ varying views on responsibility & the path forward.

Regional & Global Military Responses to the IR-IS Conflict vary & the ongoing conflict has caused an array of regional/global military responses, reflecting the geopolitical stakes & the potential for broader escalation.

The conflict has clearly intensified with Israel launching its initial airstrikes back on 13 June. Targets in Iran include military & nuclear facilities, such as Natanz, Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center, Tabriz Airbase, Hamedan Airbase, Amand Missile Base, Bakhtaran missile base, & energy infrastructure such as South Pars, Fajr-e Jam, and Shahran oil depot, as well as the Farda Motors factor. Israel described these actions as aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities, reporting a 90% interception rate of Iranian munitions. Iran responded with Operation True Promise III, launching 7 waves of ballistic missile attacks & two waves of drones, causing significant casualties, w/ at least 13 deaths & 270 wounded in Israel.

The regional landscape shows a mix of direct involvement & limited engagement. For instance, Israel’s military, the IDF, has been proactive, striking 80 targets in Iran, including oil depots and the defense ministry, as part of its campaign to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats.

Iran’s retaliation has been robust, w/ missile barrages targeting Israeli cities like Haifa & Tel Aviv, causing residential areas to take direct hits. My assessment at this stage is that the ability for Iran to sustain these type strikes is limited.

The Houthis, aligned w/ Iran, have launched three drones & one ballistic missile at Israel, coordinating with Iran’s efforts, though Israeli officials were unaware of some attacks from Yemen.

Hezbollah has not participated actively, limiting its response to generic condemnation statements, indicating a cautious approach to avoid direct involvement (at this stage they likely know better).

Two rockets were launched from Gaza, falling near Nir Oz, with no group claiming responsibility, suggesting limited and uncoordinated action (likely loner thugs).

2 of 2:

Global powers have responded with a combination of military precautions, diplomatic initiatives, and calls for de-escalation:

1. The U.S. has clarified it was informed but not involved in Israel’s strikes, with President Trump warning Iran against attacking U.S. assets and threatening a full military response if necessary. The U.S. has 2,500 troops in Iraq, and Iraq has asked Iran not to strike U.S. targets there. U.S. officials described the Natanz strikes as “extremely effective” and prioritized protecting U.S. citizens while seeking diplomatic resolution.
2. The UK has deployed additional jets to the Middle East following Iran’s threats to target British, French, and U.S. bases, indicating heightened military readiness.
3. Russia, through President Putin, has engaged in diplomatic efforts, holding calls with U.S., Israeli, and Iranian leaders offering to facilitate nuclear talks and supporting Iran’s uranium enrichment while urging diplomatic resolution (sorry Putin, IR is led by psychotics and can never have a nuclear weapon).
4. China has taken a diplomatic approach, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding a call with Wang Yi, though no specific military response was reported. This reflects China’s focus on maintaining stability through dialogue (Xi, you cannot have your one belt cake and eat it too).
5. Both France and Germany, along with other EU members, have called for de-escalation to avoid all-out war, with France, the UK, and Germany expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran’s nuclear threat (surprising support and a bit lukewarm). Their position highlights a balance between security concerns and diplomatic restraint.
6. Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel’s strikes, describing them as a violation of international law, with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan urging Iran to reject the use of force. Saudi Arabia fears being drawn into the conflict and has called for international intervention, reflecting concerns about regional stability (trust the Saudis DO NOT want Iran to have a NUC).
7. The EU, through High Representative Kaja Kallas, has called on both Israel and Iran to show restraint, voicing deep concern over the escalating conflict (keep in mind, the majority of the EU is in favor of the globalist agenda).
8. Cyprus has been involved in back channel messaging between Iran and Israel, to ensure diplomatic lines of communications remain open.
9. The United Nations pretends to play a central role in addressing the conflict w/ UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the escalation, urging “maximum restraint” and recalling the obligation of Member States to act in accordance with the UN Charter (an anti-American and anti-Israeli agenda). The UN Security Council held an emergency session 13 June, requested by Iran and supported by others, where various positions were aired. Russia condemned Israel’s actions, Pakistan supported Iran’s self-defense, the U.S. accused Iran of attacks, Iran held the U.S. complicit, and Israel defended its strikes as preventative.
10. The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that nuclear sites must never be targeted, offering the IAEA as a neutral platform for dialogue, highlighting concerns about radiological risks (like China, you can’t have your take the money and run cake and eat it too).

Bottom Line: The complexity of the conflict, with a massive & initial number of competing military actions, combined w/ diplomatic efforts & international calls for restraint, reflect the high stakes to attain regional & global stability. This conflict will continue to be waged until Iran’s ability to wage war against [Israel] is eliminated. Israel has had enough.
@realDonaldTrump
@JDVance
@DNIGabbard

Here is today’s message on Twitter:

2 of 2:

Global powers have responded with a combination of military precautions, diplomatic initiatives, and calls for de-escalation:

1. The U.S. has clarified it was informed but not involved in Israel’s strikes, with President Trump warning Iran against attacking U.S. assets…

— General Mike Flynn (@GenFlynn) June 15, 2025

The post GENERAL FLYNN: Today’s Update on the Middle East – “Iran Is Led by Psychotics and Can Never Have a Nuclear Weapon” first appeared on Joe Hoft.

The post GENERAL FLYNN: Today’s Update on the Middle East – “Iran Is Led by Psychotics and Can Never Have a Nuclear Weapon” appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.