Why the Jelly Roll Situation Blew Up the Entire Internet
PDS Published 06/16/2026
-
This messy, nasty Jelly Roll situation has exposed so much. But people also can't seem to agree on the Candace Owens FBI scandal.
Those stories are coming up, but first, we've got new and disturbing details being revealed about the woman who was thrown off a bridge without a safety rope. You've also got the kratom controversy getting even bigger.
We're talking about all of that and more on today's brand-new Philip DeFranco Show, your daily dive into the news.
So buckle up, hit that like button, and let's just jump into it.
A 21-year-old woman plunged 130 feet to her death after instructors failed to actually attach her to a rope-jumping cord before throwing her off a bridge.
The woman was Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, a student and aspiring physical education teacher who had traveled with her fiancé to an abandoned bridge that is famous for extreme sports.
According to reports, she purchased a guided tour from a private company that included a rope jump. Notably, rope jumping is different from bungee jumping. Bungee jumping uses elastic rubber cords for a bouncing effect, whereas rope jumping uses climbing ropes that create horizontal, pendulum-like swings after the initial fall.
Or at least, that's what's supposed to happen.
Because in footage that has now gone viral, you can see three men lifting her above their heads before launching her airplane-style over the edge.
I'm not going to show the full video because it's just so incredibly disturbing.
But in the footage, you can see that the rope is lying on the ground and clearly not connected to her. What does appear to be attached is one of the instructors.
It also sounds like you can hear someone yell, "Guys, the cord!" as witnesses realize that she wasn't attached to anything.
Initially, reports said that a police helicopter had been called to respond. However, Rodrigues de Freitas was declared dead at the scene.
But now we're seeing claims from a nurse who was there that Rodrigues de Freitas was still alive when she arrived.
She said:
"I even talked to her. I have a habit of joking and saying nobody dies on my shift. And I told her, 'Nobody dies on my shift,' even though I wasn't on my shift."
Criminal Investigation Underway
As far as who's responsible and what happens next, government officials say six people were brought in for questioning, and three people were arrested on charges of homicide with implied malice.
Some outlets have also reported that two of the suspects initially tried to flee before ultimately being tracked down by helicopter.
Officials have reportedly initiated an investigation that could potentially lead to murder charges.
However, defense attorneys for the defendants argue that the instructors were very experienced, saying this was the first fatality they had experienced in years of operation.
At the same time, a local delegate told a Brazilian newspaper that the instructors weren't even supposed to be operating there in the first place.
He said:
"It was a team there that wasn't regulated. They didn't even have authorization to be there."
He added that he believed the death occurred because of a failure to verify and supervise the placement of the rope on the victim.
Previous Safety Concerns Surface
Since the names of the three instructors have been released, people have begun circulating social media videos posted by one of the men showing incredibly questionable behavior on that same bridge.
In one video from 2023 that received particular attention, he can be seen rope jumping off the bridge while holding a small child with no visible safety gear, while the child clings to him.
But the controversy doesn't stop there.
We're now seeing reports that the local city council is filing a complaint against the Brazilian federal government, with the mayor saying the bridge has been a problem for years.
Officials argue that it is necessary to determine responsibility for the lack of access control to a federal area that has presented known risks for years and still lacks necessary protections.
Where Things Stand
Ultimately, that's where we are with this absolutely tragic and seemingly very avoidable incident.
We're now waiting to see how the criminal cases, investigations, and official complaints play out.
And speaking of investigations, Candace Owens says she has found a new angle in her search for the truth behind Charlie Kirk's death.
-
Candace Owens Targets FBI Director Kash Patel
Candace Owens' search for the man behind the curtain has now landed on FBI Director Kash Patel.
We've talked before about Candace's previous coverage and theories surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination.
For a while, she suspected friends and associates. She even accused Charlie's own organization, Turning Point USA, of somehow betraying him.
Now it appears she has shifted her attention toward the FBI and Kash Patel.
At the center of all of this is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
The Freedom of Information Act, established in 1967, allows the public to request records from federal agencies. Those agencies are generally required to disclose requested information unless it falls under specific exemptions such as national security or personal privacy.
Candace filed a request seeking Kash Patel's travel itinerary surrounding the days of Charlie Kirk's assassination.
The Flight That Raised Questions
Her interest reportedly began after noticing what she says was an FBI aircraft flying from Virginia to Salt Lake City just days before Charlie was killed.
She described it as:
"Just interesting. That's all. It could be nothing."
The plane allegedly left Richmond, Virginia, at 9:50 a.m., arrived in Salt Lake City around noon, and then departed roughly an hour later.
A very quick trip.
Candace acknowledged that this doesn't mean Kash Patel was even on the flight.
She argued that she was simply pulling threads, doing journalism, and asking questions.
Her FOIA request reportedly sought:
Official calendars
Travel itineraries
Flight records
Reimbursement records
Visitor logs
Emails
Memoranda related to scheduling or coordinating official travel
FBI Pushes Back
Candace later claimed the request was effectively rejected because the burden was too great.
She posted on X saying her team had been told:
"The burden of the request is too great."
Within hours, the FBI's Rapid Response account responded publicly and accused her of misrepresenting the situation.
The FBI wrote:
"Please show us on the document sent to you acknowledging your Freedom of Information Act request where we said the burden of the request is too great. Your quote is false. Just like the fake news media, you will be called out when you lie. We hope this helps."
The FBI also shared what it said was its official response, explaining that the request involved unusual circumstances and would require more than 20 days to process.
The response also suggested narrowing the scope of the request to accelerate the process.
Public Back-and-Forth Escalates
Candace focused heavily on that recommendation, arguing that suggesting a narrower scope for a request covering only a three-day period amounted to admitting the request was burdensome.
She replied:
"Glad to see you are actually capable of responding rapidly to smear people that won't let go of Charlie Kirk's death."
The controversy intensified when Charlie Kirk Show producer Blake Neff criticized her.
He wrote:
"Crashing out here. We can see the latest thing Candace will fixate on for the next two weeks as all-important, the key to blowing the case wide open, so that she has an excuse to harass more people."
He went on to argue that she would eventually move on once it led nowhere.
Candace responded:
"I'm like the queen of not moving on, Blake. In fact, you guys usually call me obsessed. Obsessed people don't let things go."
She added:
"I am obsessed with who killed Charlie Kirk. Why aren't you?"
Government Account vs. Commentator
The FBI Rapid Response account later accused Candace of lying for clickbait.
Candace fired back:
"Do you have nothing better to do than be a nitpicking little bitch in front of the world?"
She also questioned whether this was an appropriate use of taxpayer resources and jokingly suggested filing another FOIA request to determine who runs the account.
So for now, we have a very public argument between an official government account and a political commentator.
Candace says she will continue filing requests and pursuing answers until she reaches what she considers the truth.
And we'll see where that goes.
-
And then, actually, on the note of trying to get to the bottom of a very messy situation, let's talk about Jelly Roll.
On the surface, this isn't normally the kind of story we'd gravitate toward. But surprisingly, it was one of the most requested stories over on the text line.
And it's a story that has absolutely exploded online.
At the center of it are country music star Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie XO, who are now getting divorced.
If you don't know one or both of them, don't worry. We'll get there along the way.
Jelly Roll built his career largely around being brutally honest about his struggles with addiction, recovery, and his Christian faith. Those are things that many fans genuinely connected with.
He married Bunnie XO in 2016, before his music career truly took off.
Like much of his life, their relationship has been very public.
Their Complicated History
Jelly Roll had children from previous relationships.
According to TMZ, one of those children was born shortly before he and Bunnie got together.
People have also focused heavily on Bunnie's past. She previously worked as a sex worker and remained in that industry until 2023, years after they were married.
Adding to that, Jelly Roll has openly admitted to cheating on her.
In one interview, he said:
"One of the worst moments of my adulthood was when I had an affair on my wife. Because it was the first time that I was like, I really can't get this right at all."
He explained that they worked hard to repair the relationship.
"The repair has been special, man. We're stronger than we could have ever imagined."
Public Challenges and Controversies
Over the years, there has also been significant public attention on the couple because of their struggles trying to have children together.
A few months ago, Bunnie opened up publicly about her IVF journey, describing it as one of the hardest experiences of her life.
Earlier this year, comedian Bunnie DeFord also accused Jelly Roll of threatening her during a public dispute involving one of his friends.
She claimed:
"And here comes Jelly Roll with a group of armed thugs. I mean, straight out of a movie."
She alleged that he pushed her, spit in her face, and threatened violence.
Police have reportedly declined to investigate those claims, and several public figures, including Candace Owens, have publicly questioned her credibility.
Regardless, there has been a lot surrounding Jelly Roll over the last few years.
Weight Loss, Success, and Public Support
At the same time, Jelly Roll has undergone a major weight-loss transformation.
Throughout that journey, Bunnie appeared incredibly supportive.
When Jelly Roll won a Grammy earlier this year, he publicly thanked her.
He said:
"I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you. I'd end up dead or in jail. I'd have killed myself if it wasn't for you."
Because of moments like that, many fans were shocked when news of the divorce surfaced.
The Divorce Filing
As far as we know, Jelly Roll was the one who filed for divorce.
Reports surfaced in May indicating that the split was a mutual decision stemming from a private family matter.
But because neither party has provided extensive details, people have eagerly filled in the blanks.
One of the most common narratives online is that Jelly Roll left his wife after becoming successful, famous, healthier, and more attractive.
Many critics have argued that Bunnie stood by him through addiction struggles, career uncertainty, infidelity, and personal hardships, only for him to leave once his life improved.
One viral comment summarized that feeling:
"She supported him throughout his entire career and helped him get healthy again. Now he's the one leaving her."
Others framed it as a classic story of a woman helping build a man up only to be left behind after his success.
Defenders Point to Their History
However, others have pointed out that relationships are complicated.
Some referenced Bunnie's previous comments defending her decision to stay after Jelly Roll's affair.
She once wrote:
"It actually takes a stronger woman to face pain head on, do the work, and rebuild with the man she loves instead of running or gossiping."
Adding:
"Growth isn't weakness. It's grace."
Those supporters argue that outsiders simply don't know enough about the realities of their marriage to make sweeping judgments.
Bunnie's Recent Posts Fuel Speculation
Following reports of the divorce, many people focused on a social media post Bunnie shared shortly before the news became public.
She posted a lingerie photo and spoke about getting her "sparkle back."
Many interpreted that post as a sign of self-empowerment and a fresh start.
As a result, numerous fans have rallied around her, encouraging her to move forward independently.
Politics Enter the Conversation
Because Jelly Roll is known for speaking openly about Christianity, some online critics have also brought religion into the conversation.
At the Grammys, he famously said:
"Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by a music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with Him."
For some observers, those comments have become tied to larger debates about politics and culture.
In 2024, Jelly Roll met Donald Trump at a UFC event. Many interpreted that as an endorsement.
Jelly Roll pushed back on that interpretation, saying he would have met any sitting president regardless of political party.
He was also seen embracing Kristi Noem before a concert in South Dakota.
Whenever asked directly about politics, he generally avoids taking strong public positions and describes himself as apolitical.
The Internet's Reaction
But in today's political climate, many people argue that being apolitical is itself a political statement.
That broader debate has recently affected numerous celebrities, including comedian Nate Bargatze, who has faced criticism over appearances connected to political figures.
As a result, Jelly Roll entered this divorce controversy already carrying baggage from previous public debates.
Combined with his admitted infidelity, it created a perfect storm for online outrage.
Why Celebrity Cheating Creates Such Strong Reactions
A large part of the reaction stems from the fact that celebrity infidelity consistently generates intense public anger.
Recent examples have included widespread speculation and harassment directed at celebrities accused of cheating.
Writers and commentators have argued that these reactions often stem from people feeling morally superior to public figures whose relationships they know very little about.
One argument suggests that condemning celebrities for alleged wrongdoing gives people a sense of participating in justice.
Others argue that people project their own experiences and frustrations onto these public relationships.
Where Things Stand
At least right now, it seems like everyone is taking something different away from this story.
Some view it as a story about fame changing people.
Others see it as another example of society rushing to judgment without knowing the facts.
Some focus on infidelity.
Others focus on personal growth, forgiveness, religion, politics, or celebrity culture.
For now, there are a lot of opinions and very few answers.
And with that, Phil asks:
What are your thoughts? Let me know down in the comments below.
-
Before we continue, let me thank today's sponsor.
You know you're officially an adult when a genuinely good pair of underwear can improve your entire day.
Suddenly you're walking differently, standing taller, and somehow feeling emotionally stable.
It's weird.
But it's also why today's sponsor, MeUndies, caught my attention.
I've been wearing these for years, and I can honestly say they're ridiculously soft and genuinely comfortable all day long.
We should also talk about the contoured pouch because, once you try underwear that actually keeps everything supported and separated, you're not going to want to go back.
It's one of those things where you suddenly realize:
"Oh, okay. This is what I've been missing."
MeUndies uses their softer-than-soft UltraModal fabric, which is breathable, stretchy, and genuinely comfortable.
Whether you're traveling, working, hitting the gym, or just trying not to overheat during the summer, they're designed to stay comfortable throughout the day.
They also offer more than ten different styles for guys, from boxer briefs and trunks to jockstraps, so you can find whatever works best for you.
And with more than 30 million pairs sold and over 90,000 five-star reviews, it's clear people are tired of suffering through bad underwear.
Plus, if you're not happy with your first pair, it's on MeUndies.
Subscribe and save today, and if you don't love them, you can get your money back.
Visit:
and use promo code:
PHILIPDEFRANCO
for up to 50% off the Subscribe & Save deal.
And if you don't love it, you get your money back.
MEUNDIES
Go to https://MeUndies.com/philipdefranco and enter promo code philipdefranco for 50% off your first order + free shipping.
-
The Kratom Debate Returns
Then, jumping right back into the news.
My apologies in advance, but we do have to talk about the dumpster fire that is American politics.
Specifically, we're talking about Markwayne Mullin, Trump's new DHS Secretary and the man who replaced Kristi Noem.
And it turns out that Markwayne Mullin contains multitudes.
Not only has he developed a reputation for bizarre displays of masculinity and aggression, including infamous confrontations during congressional hearings, but he has also become one of the federal government's strongest defenders of a controversial substance known as kratom.
We've talked about kratom before on this show.
It comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia and interacts with the brain's opioid receptors.
Supporters claim it can:
Relieve pain
Increase energy
Help with opioid withdrawal
Critics point to evidence linking it to:
Addiction
Seizures
Liver toxicity
Overdose risks
As a result, kratom remains one of the most controversial legal substances in America.
Why It's Called "Gas Station Heroin"
Kratom exploded in popularity during the 2010s at the height of the opioid epidemic.
It became widely available in:
Gas stations
Vape shops
Convenience stores
Smoke shops
Products appeared as:
Capsules
Tablets
Gummies
Energy drinks
Because of its accessibility and opioid-like effects, critics began referring to it as:
"Gas station heroin."
The industry received a major publicity boost when podcaster Joe Rogan openly discussed his experiences with kratom.
In one conversation, Rogan described trying it and openly debated its risks and benefits.
Supporters often point out that millions of people use kratom without serious problems.
Critics respond by citing growing evidence of dependence and overdose risks.
According to CDC data, more than 5,200 overdose victims had kratom present in their systems between 2020 and 2023.
While many of those individuals had other substances in their bodies as well, one study found that kratom users were significantly more likely to die from overdose-related causes.
The New York Times Investigation
Now, according to a report from The New York Times, Mullin has substantial financial ties to one of the largest kratom companies in America.
The report claims that Mullin has invested as much as $1 million in a company called Botanic Tonics.
The company produces a popular kratom drink known as Feel Free.
And that connection has raised serious questions.
Meet the Founder
Botanic Tonics founder Jerry Ross has a complicated history.
Ross was previously an executive in Oklahoma's fossil fuel industry.
He later served three years in prison after being convicted of diverting approximately $10 million from his company.
Ross has also spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol addiction, including multiple drunk-driving arrests.
According to Ross, after leaving prison he tried numerous legal and illegal substances in an attempt to manage his addiction.
Nothing worked.
Until kratom.
Eventually he launched Feel Free, marketing it as a wellness drink.
Lawsuits and FDA Scrutiny
The company's rapid growth soon attracted legal attention.
A class-action lawsuit alleged that Botanic Tonics targeted recovering alcoholics by portraying Feel Free as a safe alternative to alcohol.
Critics argued that the company downplayed kratom's addictive potential.
Last year, Botanic Tonics agreed to pay nearly $9 million as part of a settlement.
The company also began adding warning labels acknowledging that kratom can be habit-forming and may cause serious adverse health effects.
Meanwhile, FDA inspectors visited company facilities and reportedly identified significant concerns.
The Department of Justice later sought court approval to seize approximately 250,000 bottles of Feel Free and other kratom products.
A Political Opportunity
By 2025, the company faced serious regulatory pressure.
Then the political landscape changed.
According to reports, Ross saw an opportunity within the new administration, particularly through connections involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Markwayne Mullin.
Ross reportedly donated nearly $162,000 to Kennedy's political efforts.
And from there, a new strategy emerged.
Natural Kratom vs. Synthetic Kratom
Ross began making a distinction between traditional kratom and a newer synthetic version known as 7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine.
His argument was simple:
Traditional kratom may have risks, but synthetic kratom is far more dangerous.
And to be fair, there is evidence that synthetic variants are significantly stronger than naturally occurring kratom.
Critics argue that Ross's strategy effectively positioned his own products as the safer alternative while targeting competitors selling synthetic products.
Government Support
Last year, both RFK Jr. and Markwayne Mullin publicly supported efforts to ban synthetic kratom at the federal level.
Mullin reportedly pushed federal health officials to reconsider language on FDA websites warning consumers about kratom-related dangers.
According to reporting, some of that warning language was later removed.
At the same time, RFK Jr. reportedly encouraged Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to reconsider broader restrictions on kratom and focus specifically on banning synthetic products.
Although DeWine initially paused his proposal, Ohio later moved forward with additional restrictions.
Donations Raise Eyebrows
The timing of several political donations has fueled criticism.
In December, the Trump Justice Department dropped its lawsuit against Botanic Tonics.
A few months later, Ross donated more than $440,000 to the Republican National Committee.
Reports also indicate he secured a private meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, where he promoted natural kratom while warning about synthetic variants.
Then Botanic Tonics reportedly donated $1 million to the Make America Healthy Again PAC.
That contribution accounted for nearly half of the committee's fundraising during a significant period.
The Bigger Picture
It's important to note that Botanic Tonics is not the only kratom company seeking influence in Washington.
Numerous companies have hired lobbyists and increased political donations in hopes of shaping federal policy.
And by some accounts, those efforts appear to be working.
The conversation around kratom has now reached the highest levels of government.
At one point, President Trump even briefly referenced potential approval pathways for natural kratom products during a policy discussion.
Where Things Stand
The central question now is whether federal policy is being shaped by scientific evidence, public health concerns, or political influence.
Supporters argue kratom provides a valuable alternative for people struggling with pain and addiction.
Critics argue the industry is downplaying serious risks while spending heavily to influence policymakers.
And as the debate continues, millions of Americans remain caught in the middle.
-
Trump's Attention Turns Back to Ukraine
The ink isn't even dry on Trump's Iran deal, but he's already turning his attention back to Russia's war against Ukraine.
A war that, you might remember, he once promised to end within 24 hours of taking office.
At the same time, Trump continues to argue that the United States has little direct stake in a conflict occurring thousands of miles away.
For Ukraine, that creates a difficult situation.
On one hand, after months of international attention being dominated by the conflict involving Iran and Israel, Ukrainian officials want to keep Trump's attention focused on their war.
The United States remains a game-changing partner.
They want Trump to make ending the conflict a priority.
Ukraine's Concerns
On the other hand, many Ukrainian officials worry about what happens if Trump does make it a priority.
Their concern is that he could bypass Ukraine, negotiate directly with Russia, and pressure Kyiv into accepting unfavorable concessions.
One European diplomat told Politico:
"Having Trump distracted was not necessarily a bad thing."
That comment reflects a growing fear among some allies that Trump's preferred negotiating style could leave Ukraine with fewer options.
Growing Friction With Europe
The Iran conflict also created new tensions between Washington and several European governments.
Trump reportedly clashed with leaders from:
The United Kingdom
France
Germany
Italy
The disagreements centered on both the Iran operation and broader questions regarding military cooperation.
At various points, Trump reportedly threatened to reduce or withdraw American military commitments in parts of Europe.
That uncertainty has made European leaders increasingly nervous about future security arrangements.
Calls With Putin and Zelenskyy
On Sunday, the same day Trump announced the Iran agreement, he reportedly spoke with both:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Russian President Vladimir Putin
According to reports, Trump told Putin he remained interested in helping bring the war to an end.
Russian officials later indicated that diplomatic discussions involving American representatives could soon take place in Moscow.
Meanwhile, violence on the battlefield continued.
The day before international meetings began, Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities.
The attacks reportedly killed at least eleven people and damaged significant religious and cultural sites.
Ukraine responded with drone strikes targeting infrastructure near Moscow.
What Role Will the United States Play?
Despite concerns about Trump's approach, many analysts acknowledge that the United States may still be the only country with enough leverage to bring Russia back to serious negotiations.
There are also signs that Trump may be willing to remain involved without taking complete control of the process.
For example, he has suggested that sanctions on Russian oil exports could return if necessary.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy reportedly emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air-defense systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Following those discussions, Trump indicated that Russia would ultimately need to make concessions as part of any final settlement.
Europe's Position
At the same time, European governments have started engaging Russia more directly.
Representatives from the UK, France, and Germany recently met with Russian officials and reiterated several key demands:
An immediate ceasefire
Strong security guarantees for Ukraine
Negotiations based on current front-line positions
European leaders are also urging Washington to reject any proposal requiring Ukraine to surrender territory.
Those discussions are expected to continue in the coming months.
Ukraine's EU Membership Bid
While all of this unfolds, Ukraine has officially begun the next phase of negotiations to join the European Union.
The process will likely take years.
Ukraine must adopt thousands of laws and reforms before receiving unanimous approval from existing member states.
Anti-corruption reforms remain one of the biggest challenges.
Ukraine has faced criticism for moving too slowly on several promised reforms, including measures designed to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
Even so, many European officials see Ukraine's eventual membership as strategically important.
Not just for Ukraine.
But for Europe itself.
-
Before we continue, let me thank today's sponsor, SeatGeek.
Julian B. is going to a Detroit Tigers game, and all they had to do was enter our weekly $500 SeatGeek giveaway.
SeatGeek has now given away nearly $60,000 to you guys since 2024.
And honestly, it's been awesome to see.
What still surprises me is how many people haven't entered yet.
We're in the middle of sports season. Baseball is happening. Basketball is happening. Concert tours are everywhere. You've got Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, comedians, festivals, and so much more.
Get out there and do something fun.
The best part is that entering takes almost no effort.
SeatGeek is the number-one-rated ticketing app with more than 28 million downloads and tickets available for over 70,000 events.
Whether you're looking for:
Sports
Music
Comedy
Theater
They've got you covered.
Just download the app and use promo code:
PHIL10
New customers get 10% off their purchase.
More importantly, entering that code also enters you into the weekly $500 giveaway.
No purchase is required to enter.
Simply add the code to your account, scan the QR code, or click the link below, and you're entered.
Add code PHIL10 and go make some memories.
SEATGEEK
SeatGeek: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/PHIL10 use my code PHIL10 for 10% off tickets and to be entered in the weekly $500 giveaway
-
And then, for your last big block today, we've got more news you need to know.
Starting with the fact that eight people are dead following the crash of a U.S. Air Force bomber at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a routine test mission involving a B-52 Stratofortress.
Air Force officials say the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff.
Radar tracking data reportedly shows the plane initially traveling northeast before gradually turning farther north.
It then made a sharp turn northwest before rapidly losing altitude.
Investigation Underway
Investigators have not yet announced the cause of the crash.
What we do know is that the aircraft carried a mixed crew consisting of:
Military personnel
Government civilians
Government contractors
All were supporting the test mission.
Boeing later confirmed that two of the individuals killed in the crash were company employees.
The company released a statement saying:
"We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the eight crew members who lost their lives."
Concerns About Aircraft Age
Military officials also addressed the tragedy publicly.
One official stated:
"Edwards Air Force Base experienced a horrible tragedy, and we lost eight great Americans."
The crash has also reignited concerns about the age and condition of America's bomber fleet.
The B-52 involved in the accident was originally built during the 1960s.
Critics argue that the Air Force is being asked to maintain increasingly demanding global operations while relying on aging equipment.
Some defense analysts have described today's Air Force as both the oldest and smallest in modern history.
They argue that America cannot continue asking an aging force to meet expanding national security demands without major investments and modernization efforts.
Where Things Stand
For now, investigators continue examining the wreckage and reviewing flight data.
Families of the victims are being notified and supported.
And everyone is waiting for answers regarding what caused the crash.
-
FBI Announces Major Arrests
The FBI says it has arrested five people accused of planning a multi-phase terrorist attack targeting the upcoming UFC event scheduled to take place at the White House.
Authorities also claim that more than a dozen additional suspects may still be connected to the plot.
According to investigators, the attack plan was elaborate and involved multiple stages.
The Alleged Plan
Federal officials say the operation was supposed to begin with bomb-carrying drones targeting multiple buildings.
Investigators allege the conspirators planned to use the panic and confusion that followed to funnel crowds into specific areas.
Those areas would then become targets for a sniper team.
According to court filings, additional attackers were allegedly expected to launch a second phase involving an assault on White House security barriers.
How Investigators Found Them
The FBI says it first learned about the plot last Wednesday.
The first arrest reportedly occurred in Cincinnati.
After gaining access to a suspect's iPhone, investigators allegedly discovered communications involving at least twenty-three individuals using encrypted messaging platforms.
Authorities claim those communications detailed planning activities and role assignments.
Origins of the Group
Investigators say discussions surrounding the attack began months earlier inside a TikTok group called "Vanguard of the Old."
According to the FBI, participants claimed they were attempting to save the country from heading in the wrong direction.
Authorities say the suspects organized themselves into separate tiers based on responsibilities.
These roles allegedly included:
Attack participants
Getaway drivers
Drone operators
Logistics personnel
Support members
By Friday, investigators say some suspects had already traveled to Virginia and begun preparations.
Reported Targets
Court filings reportedly identified several potential targets.
Among the names allegedly discussed were:
Donald Trump
J.D. Vance
Elon Musk
Benjamin Netanyahu
Other political and business figures
One suspect reportedly described the objective as targeting:
"Capitalist elites, billionaires, and politicians taking money from PACs."
Trump's Response
One unusual aspect of the story came when Trump was asked about the alleged plot during the G7 Summit.
His response suggested he had not yet been briefed.
When asked whether he knew about the reported attack plans, Trump replied that he had not heard about them and then shifted to discussing UFC fighters.
That answer immediately generated questions about communication between federal agencies and the White House.
What Happens Next
For now, federal prosecutors continue building their case.
Additional arrests may follow.
And investigators are still working to determine how many individuals were actually involved.
-
Newsom Claims Political Investigation
And then for our final story today.
California Governor Gavin Newsom says the Trump Justice Department has launched a politically motivated investigation targeting him and his wife.
In a video statement, Newsom said:
"Federal agents have knocked on the doors of family, friends, and former employees. Not because they found a crime. Because they're simply trying to find one."
Questions About the Investigation
Newsom did not provide specific details regarding what the investigation supposedly involves.
However, his office claims federal agents have questioned people connected to both him and his wife regarding:
Business dealings
Financial matters
Personal relationships
At least one anonymous source has reportedly disputed Newsom's characterization.
According to that source, there is no investigation specifically targeting Newsom himself.
Instead, investigators are reportedly examining multiple people connected to him, including his wife.
Focus on Finances
The source further claimed that inquiries involving Newsom's wife are related to tax matters and actually began last year, before any alleged political pressure from the current administration.
At the same time, the controversy arrives amid ongoing fallout involving former members of Newsom's political circle.
One example involves former chief of staff Dana Williamson, who has faced scrutiny in connection with campaign finance issues.
Importantly, Newsom himself has not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to those matters.
Newsom's Response
Newsom argues that any investigation is part of a broader effort to intimidate political opponents.
He stated:
"Donald Trump isn't just coming after me because of my mean tweets. He's coming after me because I'm considering running for president."
He continued:
"Donald Trump is simply the most corrupt president in American history. He's turned the levers of government into his own personal power ministries to reward cronies and to try to jail his opponents."
Comparisons to Other Investigations
If an official investigation does emerge, Newsom would join a growing list of Trump critics who have reportedly faced federal scrutiny.
Names frequently mentioned include:
James Comey
Letitia James
Jerome Powell
John Brennan
Tim Walz
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz even responded publicly to Newsom's claims, saying:
"The Justice Department is not a tool for the president to investigate his political opponents. Welcome to the BS Investigation Club, Governor Newsom."
Waiting for Answers
Meanwhile, Newsom's office says it has filed public records requests seeking communications between Justice Department officials that reference Newsom or members of his family.
For now, everyone is waiting.
Waiting to see whether the Justice Department formally announces an investigation.
Waiting to see whether Newsom provides additional evidence.
And waiting to see how this story develops.
End of Show
But that, my friend, you beautiful bastard, is the end of your Tuesday Philip DeFranco Show.
Now you've got two possible roads to go down.
First, if you missed last night's show, definitely check it out.
There are a million reasons to watch that one.
Or second, let YouTube's recommendation algorithm work its magic and send you somewhere else.
But no matter what you do, you've just been filled in.
I love your faces, and I'll see you right back here tomorrow.
