Trump II's Regulatory Pot Boils for Some, Cool Drink for Others

It's getting harder to know a number of things as the globe fractures into continental alliances.  The U.S. is backtracking on corporate ownership disclosures as it facilitates corporate hacking of global entities.  Trump II refers to such hackers as "cyber privateers" and they are to fight:

"any foreign group that conducts cyber-enabled crime against the United States Government, a United States person, or United States interests, and that is not an institutional part of a foreign government or wholly operated under a foreign government’s direction"

Additionally, the Pentagon plans to crack down on the transfer of technology and intellectual property theft.   Once again, this is not a domestic taking of intellectual property without permission, a foundational practice for most AI models.

The former Defense Department is focusing on foreign appropriators of U.S. technology/intellectual property.  Elected officials have long used the military as our global police force.  For the last few decades it took only the President to start or enter an international conflict.

Private equity underwriters' (PEU) political influence soared over that period as they flipped affiliates doing big business with Uncle Sam, hired former public servants in non-lobbying, lobbying roles and preserved their highly unpopular preferred "carried interest" taxation.

TechGods noted and copied the PEU playbook, albeit a bit more brashly.  

The Pentagon identified "suspect entities" in China, Russia and Iran and published a list.  

Pete Hegseth must have used a Ginshu knife when it came to Tsinghua University in Beijing.  Their Master of Global Affairs is OK while their Center for International Security and Strategy is verboten.

Might Blackstone co-founder Stephen Schwarzman have influenced Trump II's thinking?  Schwarzman is the Founding Trustee of Tsinghua University's Schwarzman Scholars.

Trump II disdains knowledge, thus his propensity to attack universities.  He disdains responsibility, accountability and consistency as they interfere with his ability to launch his signature "savage whims."

Trump II does things in each and every present moment that maximize his image and reflect his greatness.  He wants to protect his crony friends and loyal members of the Red Team.  This creates a Swiss Cheese framework to those paying attention.  It's cheese in this instance and a hole in another.

If he can break their minds then Trump II has them.  

To sum up:

Global affairs, supporter/friend/neighbor/PEU - OK  

International Security and Strategy, lacking political Red Team heavyweight - Not OK

And that's why so many tune him out.  This simply adds to the danger as politicians Red & Blue love PEU and their new TechGod brethren.  Increasingly, more are one in a marriage of dark forces.

Offending "Epstein-Junkermann" Post

Google sent a notice that one of my blog posts violated copyright laws in a specific country.  No country was identified.  

The offending post is titled "Epstein's Junkermann PEU."  I posted it in February 2026. 

The piece dealt with the Epstein files and the child sex predator's relationship with Nicole Junkermann, a European private equity underwriter (PEU).  

The communication stated an offending URL but provided none below that line:

Affected URL(s): 

 -----------------

A review of the post showed no remaining links.  The communication included the name of the person filing the complaint against PEU Report.  

I searched for a reporter, author or writer by that name and found none.  A photographer had a similar name but differed in the spelling of their first name.  I did find a trainee solicitor with that name at a London law firm.

I wondered if an image was the source of the problem as I used a photo from a Business Magazine (UK) article and added images of Jeffrey Epstein, NJF Capital and NJF Private Equity.

I also included a graphic with an e-mail communication between Nicole Junkerman and Jeffrey Epstein.  This e-mail was at one time included in the DOJ's Epstein files release, which is how I obtained it.

The content of the post is below (all my words):

(introductory image - compliation as described above)

The Epstein Library has curious functionality.  Yesterday I could search the last name Junkermann and see 4,000 results.  Today it shows zero.  

A search on that person's first name, Nicole, produced over 5,000 results.  I'll venture most belong to Junkermann but there is another Nicole that works for Deutsche Bank.  

Nicole Junkermann founded NJF Capital which invests in various transformative tech ventures.  It also has a sister firm, NJF Private Equity.  That makes her a private equity underwriter (PEU).  There aren't many who can pull off a TechGod/PEU combo.

In January 2014 TechGoddess Nicole Junkermann informed Jeffrey Epstein that she had "split up with mario."  

Junkermann experienced the creep in Jeffrey Epstein.  He lorded over her as ungrateful and ungiving, but she gave it right back.

(image of their communication) 

Jeffrey and his wingman, Donald, missed the part about insiders not speaking badly about other insiders.  Either would trash you in a heartbeat. 

The DOJ's Epstein Library is another window into politicians Red & Blue love PEU and their new TechGod brethren where increasingly, more are one.

Google informed me that I could appeal the decision.  I began the "counter notice" form but was quickly stymied as it required a reference number and none was provided in the e-mail. 

I deleted the introductory photo, which is the only thing that included copyright material.  The post remained hidden from public view.

Google has enabled me to share my thoughts on multiple blogs over the years and for that I am grateful.  But I must say their technology enabled, non-customer service is unparalleled in its complexity and near undecipherability.  

One can see how little information Google shared with me (light yellow boxes) relative to what they provide to Lumen. 

I have no idea how to inform Google that I removed the offending picture which included a portion of copyrighted material (potentially considered fair use for an anonymous, no-revenue blog).  

Why would Google or a London law firm be interested in my post on Jeffrey Epstein and Nicole Junkermann?  I have not a clue.  The post had 299 views, so it was not widely read.

Politicians Red & Blue love PEU and their new TechGod brethren.  Increasingly, more are one and the globe rotates around their axis, maximizing their status, enrichment and pleasure.

Update 8-19-26:  FT noted the rise of the PEU/TechGod class:

Batshit TechGods Free Wheeling with Uncle Sam's Backing

The U.S. government once served as a counterbalance to abusive worker treatment.  It now facilitates it.

I watched private equity underwriters (PEU) abuse hospice workers after our takeover by TPG and Welsh Carson Anderson & Stowe.  

Nurses were made salaried and their work hours exploded due to purposeful understaffing, inefficient computer software and hard (unreasonable) productivity targets.  Nurses donated their personal and family time to the corporation in order to complete visit and admission documentation.  

The new "all organization" software (business and clinical) stole mileage reimbursement from workers.  It took hours each week to investigate and correct the shortfall in miles and worked hours. I wrote the Department of Labor in San Antonio.  Crickets.

TechGods took the PEU playbook and ran with it.  They paint a pastoral human future under AI with new free time, everyone having a penthouse and robots doing menial tasks.  

Their present is very different.  Many espouse the Chinese 96 hour workweek and workers are subject to ever changing priorities and irrational management demands.  A Meta worker was recently belittled for asking about the possible return of a former time off benefit called Meta Days.

There is no body of knowledge that they can't ignore or corrupt.  Kalshi's CEO doesn't care about management theory or laws as his gambling site parades around as a "derivatives" play.  

OpenAI's Sam Altman knows "secrets" about all human beings.  All they need to do is "stay busy." This also ignores the tenants of what brings pride in work.  

The model for insane management is Palantir CEO Alex Karp, who has the full throated backing of the U.S. government.  The Pentagon has a $244 million line item simply stating "fund Palantir."

It is a dangerous time with so many powerful people chasing massive returns so cavalierly.  The dangle of an ideal future or the need to beat China is the excuse for them to flout management practices, laws and basic human decency.  

There is no group to hear opposition given politicians Red & Blue love PEU and their new TechGod brethren.  Increasingly, more are one and for that, many suffer.

Lakers Get Quick PEU Flip

ESPN broke the news of Thrive Capital's purchase of Mark Walters' LA Lakers ownership stake.   

SB Nation noted the short time period of Walters' franchise ownership through TWG Global.

Not even 10 full months since Mark Walter officially acquired the franchise, he sold it to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner on Wednesday. If Walter’s purchase of the team was shocking, it’s hard to find a word to describe this transaction. 

 The sale of the team, though, came at the same time as Walter is being investigated by the FBI for loan fraud.

My wise friend had already made this connection:

"What a convenient way to bypass Walters' prosecution by having Bob Iger and Josh Kushner buy a majority stake in the LA Lakers at $12.5 billion valuation. Sometimes you go to jail for violating federal and state regulations, other times you just have to share the bounty.  "JUST - US" is alive and thriving."

Walters may have misrepresented the value of TWG/Guggenheim Partners holdings in a $10 billion investment deal with Mubadala, a Dubai based sovereign wealth fund.

An interesting aside will be the fate of former UVA basketball coach Tony Bennett, known for his ethical principles and squeaky clean image.  The Lakers named Bennett their Draft Advisor. in February 

Walters said he sold because the opportunity came up to flip the team and make a quick $2.5 billion.  Really?  A cash grab outweighed the opportunity to own a rich, storied pro basketball franchise?  

Flashback to his statement in October 2025 at the time of purchase:

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports, defined by a history of excellence and the relentless pursuit of greatness.  Few teams carry the legacy and global influence of the Lakers, and it’s a privilege to work alongside Jeanie Buss as we maintain that excellence and set the standard for success in this new era, both on and off the court. - Lakers new owner Mark Walter

It was a privilege to briefly and barely work alongside....

This era of greed and the quick flip is brought to you by questionable PEUs and their TechGod brethren.  Both groups' political connections provide regulatory advantage, preferential legal treatment in times of trouble and a tax code all their own.  That deal is not for you.

From "Greatest" to "Greediest"

It was foretold that in the ashes of the greatest generation would rise a class of grifters, conmen and ne'er-do-wells.  Such a time has come to pass, courtesy of elected officials, private equity underwriters (PEU) and TechGods.

A handshake was once one's word, their personal bond.  Entities now have beneficial owners such that the people behind them are unknown.  PEU's can on all sides of a deal, a carnival side show of the multi-armed man in a hall of mirrors, thus giving the impression of being at arm's length in multiple directions simultaneously.

Elections were won by votes based on barnstorming and word of mouth.  The most powerful court in the land negated that practice by awarding money free speech rights.  

Wisdom, knowledge and virtue have been replaced by insolence, sloth and whimsy.  

Christ has been pushed aside for Old Testament Kings.  

Justice turned into "Just Us."

Violence was to be avoided, only a last resort.  Now those in charge look to punch first, seeking an immediate knockout.  

Truth telling was once an obligation of great leaders.  Spin has replaced that, with the greatest fawning aimed at the most powerful.  Mirror, mirror.

Charlatans promise absurd things to divert attention away from their mendacious machinations.  The people are too exhausted trying to get by to challenge any of their nonsense.  The blather floats in the airwaves and bobs around the internet.

Politicians Red & Blue love PEU and their new TechGod brethren.  Increasingly, more are one.  Together they remake the world to fulfill their dark dreams of obscene personal wealth by any means possible.  For that many suffer.

Update 8-13-26:  This post came from these words shared by my wise friend regarding his grandfather.

I think of him and men of his caliber and era often. They believed in the country and sacrificed heavily for it. They were not perfect, of course. But they would never profiteer and betray the principles of the Constitution or their countrymen. 

The current crop of hooligans dishonor their sacrifices and memory. They dismantle what our forefathers defended. Not only do I question their allegiances, but these guys and Trump's crew all dance to the same tune from The Greatest Show on Earth , never enough! 

They do not care what they destroy or who they destroy. Traitorous. I would not be surprised if Palantir CEO Alex Karp Took the playbook from Sheldon Adelson with the news media. Control the data and control the outlets.

Private equity is mankind's "highest calling" according to Carlyle co-founder David Rubenstein.  It is so powerful it has people speaking from the afterlife:

Thus endeth the lesson.

PEU Vultures Circling

Many U.S. voters have worked for an employer that is "sponsored" by private equity.  These voters know the internal distaste from the greed and leverage boys executing their playbook.  PEUs sent jobs offshore.  They often slashed jobs and supply budgets in order to fund deals fees, special dividends and soaring interest expenses.

Private equity underwriters (PEU) long sold their investment wares to public pension funds.  Now they aim to be the one stop shop for most retirement investing needs, 401(k), IRA, retirement annuity, life insurance. etc.

Elected officials, long PEU sponsored themselves (including post public service employment), facilitated this transition.

Many voters are stressed shoppers who regularly experience the impact of higher prices and poorer quality.

Big conglomerates and private equity were buying up "trusted brands and riding that reputation out until it was a husk of what it was". 

"...founders who built brands they love take lucrative offers from big corporations or private equity investors. While they cash in on the decades it took to build their product's brand, the new corporate owners eventually prove they don't have the same emotional investment and are distanced from loyal customers.

"...news industry in the US used to hold corporations more accountable for the quality of their products and service. But consumer-facing business news was decimated when local newspapers disappeared and national news outlets shifted their corporate coverage to focus on investors."

In some cases those PEU investors were their owners. 

The United States has a local journalism crisis, one that is only worsening. Almost 40% of all local newspapers have shut down since 2005, leaving around 50 million Americans with severely diminished access to news and civic information, according to the Medill School’s State of Local News Report 2025. 

At the core of this crisis is the rise of ownership by private-equity firms and corporate chain owners, which are gutting local newspapers.

It's hard to be an educated voter when resources disappear or become conflicted and purposely push a distorted message.  Far more slanted messages are on the way,  intended to get you to put your retirement money in PEU offerings.

Politicians Red & Blue love PEU and their new TechGod brethren.  Increasingly, more are one and frankly, it's killing our federal republic (on top of harming product quality and democracy).

NVIDIA Chip Data Center Financing Goes PEU

Full stack AI infrastructure may soon be an investable asset class and private equity underwriters (PEU) aim to play a big role.  Apollo, Blackstone and KKR will join Brookfield, Goldman Sachs and BlackRock to fund the data center build out.  

KKR may stuff that data center financing into its insurance affiliate, Global Atlantic Financial Group.

References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.

Global Atlantic Financial Group's products are shown on their website.  They include annuities and pension risk transfer products.

The PEU boys may load up their insurance holdings with risky data center financing.  And who would back those up if they failed?  

Insurance products are state regulated and many states have "guaranty associations" which cover failed products up to a certain limit.  For most states annuities are covered to $250,000, although a few go as high as $500,000.

As for Global Atlantic the fine print on their website states:

Guarantees provided are subject to the financial strength of the issuing insurance company; not guaranteed by any bank or the FDIC. 

This information is written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the matter(s) addressed in this material. The information cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of avoiding IRS penalties. These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your tax or legal counsel for advice. 

Life insurance products are issued by and all policy benefits are the responsibility of Accordia Life and Annuity Company, 215 10th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Accordia Life is subsidiary of Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited. 

Annuities are issued by Forethought Life Insurance Company, 10 West Market Street, Suite 2300, Indianapolis, Indiana. Variable annuities are underwritten and distributed by Global Atlantic Distributors, LLC.

Packaging data center debt could produce regularly recurring PEU fees.  

Significant, dedicated pools of capital at attractive rates is the promise to data centers that use NVIDIA chips.  What's the promise to investors, especially those unaware that data center infrastructure debt is backstopping their insurance product?

FDIC bank limits are fairly well known.  State Guaranty limits may need to be as well.   

The boys that helped break the financial system in 2008 and front and center in 2026.  I would not put it past them to do it again.

As for anyone truly protecting the little person, they went AWOL decades ago.  It happened as politicians Red & Blue loved PEU and their new TechGod brethren.  Increasingly, more are one and they know how to further their interests.  Yours?  Not so much.

Update 8-13-26:  Chris Whalen of the Institutional Risk Analyst wrote:

"... there are growing signs of contagion in the insurance sector after years of dubious business practices by insurers controlled by private equity and credit firms."

We believe that the unwind of 777 Partners and the literally hundreds of affiliates involved in this fiasco provides a picture of how the private credit trade is going to end. 

Millions of retirees who depend on life insurance and annuities could be affected by unsound management practices by private credit and equity managers who care only about profits.

Whalen calls it like he sees it, not as PEUs portray it.