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FSU Shooting Suspect Allegedly Utilized ChatGPT in Pre-Attack Planning, Court Documents Reveal

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FSU Shooting Suspect Allegedly Utilized ChatGPT in Pre-Attack Planning, Court Documents Reveal


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Phoenix Ikner’s emotional turmoil over a failed romantic pursuit spiraled into a tragic situation. Distraught, Ikner turned to ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, seeking solace and understanding.

“What’s the point in this life when everybody sees you as a bug?” Ikner questioned the chatbot, reflecting his deep-seated frustration and sense of isolation. In response, the AI chatbot attempted to offer comfort, engaging Ikner in conversation.

However, the dialogue took a dark turn when Ikner posed a chilling hypothetical: “If there was a shooting at FSU, how would the country react?” This unsettling inquiry appeared to set the stage for a devastating act of violence that unfolded on April 17, 2025, at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The mass shooting resulted in the loss of two lives and left five others injured.

This exchange has now become a focal point in an ongoing investigation. On Thursday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a probe into OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, as they seek to understand the chatbot’s role in the tragic events.

The conversation is part of a new investigation that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday into OpenAI and ChatGPT.

In his announcement, Uthmeier pointed to alleged connections between the chatbot and cases of self-harm and suicide by minors. He did not go into more detail, but said subpoenas were forthcoming.

“As Big Tech rolls out these technologies they should not – they cannot – put our safety and security at risk. We support innovation but that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies or threaten our national security,” Uthmeier said. “Companies that do so will be held accountable to the fullest extent.”

Attorneys for the family of Robert Morales, who was killed in the shooting, are also planning to sue OpenAI because of Ikner’s communications with ChatGPT.

Through a public records request to the state attorney’s office, News 6 obtained the thousands of conversations Ikner had with ChatGPT over the course of a year.

We want to warn you that some of these excerpts could be disturbing.

Mental health, suicide questions

The conversations show Ikner asking ChatGPT questions about his mental health, why he felt like her couldn’t relate to people his own age, and feelings of loneliness and self-worth because he struggled with intimate relationships and dating.

At times, ChatGPT tells Ikner that it can’t diagnose him, then explains clinical information on depression symptoms and suggests he speak to a counselor. It then suggests that if he needs immediate help to reach out to a crisis hotline, though it doesn’t provide a number.

[IF YOU NEED MENTAL HEALTH HELP, Dial 988]

He also asks questions like “How do police investigate suicides?” “Why are white men committing suicides drastically?” “How do people know of suicides in Tallahassee?” and “How does FSU handle suicides?”

To these questions, ChatGPT’s responses often switch between concern for Ikner and the kind of clinical responses someone might get from a web browser search.

The questions are interspersed among conversations about history, racism, Christianity, exercise routines and losing weight, and video games, in particular, a game called “Dead Space.” He asks several times for an analysis of a character named “Isaac Clarke,” and at one point asks ChatGPT for a comparison between him and the character.

[WATCH: Accused FSU gunman was ‘kidnapped’ as a child, court records show (from 2025)]

Interest in terrorism

He also asks about terrorism in several contexts. A conversation in 2024 asks whether the Oklahoma City bombing was justified and if Timothy McVeigh was right.

A couple of months later, he asked, “What makes the American Revolution different from modern-day terrorism?”

He asked about Timothy McVeigh again in August and October.

He also asked questions about terrorist plotlines in the video game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.”

In March 2025, the ChatGPT records show an apparent rabbit hole into what terrorism is, and how it ties to mass shootings. He also starts to ask about notable terrorists in America.

He then asks about the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting and the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School. Specifically, he asked whether the suspects were considered terrorists.

[WATCH: 6 hurt in Florida State University shooting expected to recover(from 2025)]

Getting on national TV

Then, in April, Ikner asks ChatGPT how the country would react to a shooting at FSU.

Ikner then asks when the last school shooting was, and why it was not televised.

ChatGPT proceeds to explain the current media ecosystem.

Then Ikner asks, “How many victims does it usually get on the (media)?”

After ChatGPT’s response, Ikner asks, “What about 3 plus at FSU?”

“Yes, a shooting at Florida State University involving three of more victims would almost certainly receive national media coverage,” ChatGPT responds.

After that, Ikner asks questions on 12-gauge shotguns, and Glocks, and how the safety buttons work. He also asks if all the school shooters are in maximum security prisons, including those in Florida.

Finally, he asks, “What time is it busiest in the FSU student union?”

To all of these questions, ChatGPT’s responses are detailed and technical.

Investigators say Ikner used a shotgun and a Glock handgun in the shooting.

Ikner faces the death penalty if convicted.

Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

Pepsi Surges to Top of Soda Rankings as Coca-Cola Experiences Market Decline

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Pepsi Surges to Top of Soda Rankings as Coca-Cola Experiences Market Decline

After experiencing a downturn over recent years, Pepsi has made a notable resurgence in the competitive soda market, as Coca-Cola unexpectedly faces challenges.

According to the latest annual sales report from Beverage Digest, the 127-year-old Pepsi has reclaimed its position as the third most popular soda brand in the United States based on sales volume for 2025.

This recovery comes after Pepsi dropped to fourth place the previous year, having been surpassed by Dr Pepper in 2023 and then by Sprite in 2024.

Pepsi’s revival indicates that the brand, once known as the daring competitor that almost dethroned Coca-Cola during the 1980s ‘Cola Wars,’ still possesses a competitive edge.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola, which has its origins dating back to 1886 in an Atlanta pharmacy, continues to lead the US soda market. It maintains a commanding presence with an 18.5 percent market share, more than double that of any competitor in the $100 billion industry.

But its has lost some of its fizz after sales fell by a steep 5.3 percent last year.

Dr Pepper, a Texas-born soda first introduced in the 1880s, boosted sales and held firm in second place as it cemented its status as a serious challenger to the two cola giants.

Pepsi has clawed its way back up the soda rankings after years of decline, as rival Coca-Cola suffers a surprising stumble. Doja Cat in a Pepsi commercial

Pepsi has clawed its way back up the soda rankings after years of decline, as rival Coca-Cola suffers a surprising stumble. Doja Cat in a Pepsi commercial

Pepsi’s sales were flat – meaning it gained on Coca Cola, but lost ground slightly on Dr Pepper. But a huge drop in demand for Sprite helped Pepsi back up the rankings. Sprite – created by Coca-Cola in 1961 – slid two spots down the rankings.

Diet Coke – launched in 1982 as America’s first major sugar-free cola – climbed into fourth place after posting one of the strongest performances among top brands.

According to Beverage Digest, Dr Pepper accounted for 8.8 percent of all carbonated soda sales in 2025, beating Pepsi’s 8.1 percent, Diet Coke’s 8 percent and Sprite’s 7.9 percent. Mountain Dew had 5.7 percent.

The soda wars play out not just via cans and bottles in stores and bars but via drinks fountains in restaurants and hotels.  

Yesterday, we reported how Coca-Cola had snatched the contract to supply Marriott from Pepsi – across its roughly 9,700 hotels in 143 countries, including 6,200 in the US. 

Coke also snatched big contract from Pepsi at Costco in 2025. Pepsi scored a win in 2024 when it won back the drinks contract at Subway across more than 20,000 US locations.

The shake-up highlights how quickly fortunes are shifting in the soda aisle. Just two decades ago, Pepsi was firmly entrenched as America’s No 2 soda, while Dr Pepper lagged far behind and Sprite had a fraction of its sales.

Coca-Cola’s slump was partly blamed on a backlash among Hispanic consumers following a viral hoax where TikTokers claimed the company fired thousands of Latino workers at a Texas bottling plant and reported them to ICE.

Just two decades ago, Pepsi was firmly entrenched as America’s No 2 soda, while Dr Pepper lagged far behind and Sprite had a fraction of its sales. Iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford in a 1992 Pepsi commercial

Just two decades ago, Pepsi was firmly entrenched as America’s No 2 soda, while Dr Pepper lagged far behind and Sprite had a fraction of its sales. Iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford in a 1992 Pepsi commercial

The 127-year-old cola brand has returned to the No 3 spot among America's top soda brands by sales volume, while Coca-Cola's soda Sprite fell two spots down from third

The 127-year-old cola brand has returned to the No 3 spot among America’s top soda brands by sales volume, while Coca-Cola’s soda Sprite fell two spots down from third

Americans are drinking less soda overall. Across the entire beverage market, total volumes fell by 0.9 percent last year as prices rose.

The long-term trend is even more stark. Americans now consume far fewer soft drinks than they did two decades ago, with per-person intake dropping sharply since the mid-2000s.

While traditional sodas are struggling, a new category is booming. Energy drinks were the only type to see volume growth last year – up 9 percent. 

Monster was a big winner, but older brands like Gatorade fell.

The jump in rank for Pepsi comes a year after it slid to fourth place when Dr Pepper overtook it for second in 2024, and Sprite moved into third in 2025.

Pepsi pointed out that the Pepsi brand remained the overall No 2 soda when taking into account the other versions, which also include Diet.

Five Charged in $267 Million Hospice Fraud Targeting California’s Medi-Cal System

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Five Charged in $267 Million Hospice Fraud Targeting California’s Medi-Cal System

Authorities in California have apprehended five individuals in connection with a suspected multi-million dollar hospice fraud operation, officials revealed on Thursday.

According to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the scheme is accused of swindling the state out of more than $267 million by submitting fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. In total, charges have been filed against 21 individuals.

The arrests were part of an investigative effort by the state known as “Operation Skip Trace,” which focused on several locations across Southern California.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta answering questions at a press event

Attorney General Bonta detailed the charges on Thursday, accusing 21 people of involvement in an extensive hospice fraud network.

“This was not a random error or a case of minor mismanagement,” Bonta stated during a news conference addressing the arrests. “It was a deliberate, sophisticated criminal plan that took advantage of the Medi-Cal system, robbing both the State of California and Medicaid, and ultimately denied necessary care to those who truly need it.”

The probe began with a tip from the state Department of Health Care Services alleging hospice fraud at 14 companies. Bonta’s office investigated the companies and eight people suspected of money laundering.

HOUSE COMMITTEE LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO ‘RAMPANT’ CALIFORNIA HOSPICE FRAUD

State Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo entering Merabi Professional Medical Plaza Building in Van Nuys

State Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo enters the Merabi Professional Medical Plaza Building in Van Nuys on March 13, 2026. Macedo said she found 197 hospices registered to this address and, with other Republican lawmakers, called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to address abuses in the industry. (Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News)

Investigators found that those involved purchased personal identifying information for people living outside of California on the dark web, then enrolled them in Covered California by posing as California residents.

“Straw owners” then bought a number of hospice companies and began billing Medi-Cal for services never provided to those stolen identities. The suspects used fake records, nonexistent offices, and fraudulent diagnoses to justify these claims, Bonta said.

“Meanwhile, the so-called patients were healthy, out-of-state, and completely unaware that they had been enrolled in hospice care,” he said.

‘WE’RE COMING AFTER YOU’: DR. OZ REVOKES MEDICARE ACCESS FOR LA DOCTOR TIED TO $71M HOSPICE BILLING

California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson said the DHCS halted payments and suspended all fraudulent hospice providers. “There is a moratorium currently in place through January 2027 for new licensed providers,” Johnson noted.

“Once the money was paid out, it was funneled through a complex web of over 130 shell companies and hidden across bank accounts, payment apps, and cryptocurrency to evade detection,” Bonta added. “The money was laundered.”

No actual medical services were provided, Bonta noted. He said all 21 suspects are accounted for through arrest, active warrants, or notices to appear before a judge. While announcing the suspected fraud, Bonta also criticized the Trump administration amid its claims of rampant fraud in California.

“There are those in this federal administration who can only see things through a political lens and want to politically weaponize [this],” he said. “And they love to go after the fourth-largest economy in the world, the greatest state in the nation, the great state of California.”

California has been at the center of fraud concerns in recent weeks and has been called out by the federal anti-fraud task force led by JD Vance. Last week, eight people were arrested as part of a federal sweep tied to an alleged $60 million fraudulent Medicare billing scheme, Fox 11 Los Angeles reported.

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Natasha Lyonne Makes a Daring Appearance at NYC Film Premiere Following Recent Delta Flight Incident

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Natasha Lyonne Makes a Daring Appearance at NYC Film Premiere Following Recent Delta Flight Incident


Natasha Lyonne made a striking return to the spotlight at the New York City premiere of “Lorne,” just days after an incident that saw her removed from a Delta Airlines flight.

The 47-year-old “Poker Face” actress exuded confidence and poise as she graced the red carpet on Thursday evening. She donned an elegant ensemble featuring an ankle-length black dress paired with a crisp white button-down shirt.

Lyonne completed her look with black tights and stylish white-toed booties, adding a touch of flair to her attire. Her signature curls framed her face, and she accessorized with chic black sunglasses, enhancing her sophisticated image for the event.

The actress’s red carpet appearance followed closely on the heels of her making headlines for an unexpected departure from a Delta Airlines flight. Lyonne was reportedly asked to leave the plane traveling from Los Angeles to New York City on Tuesday, shortly after she attended the “Euphoria” Season 3 premiere.

Lyonne’s appearance comes after she made headlines on Thursday morning for getting kicked off of a Delta Airlines flight from LA to NYC on Tuesday following her appearance at the “Euphoria” Season 3 premiere.

As we exclusively reported, Lyonne — who has publicly dealt with substance abuse in the past — boarded the plane wearing the same black stockings and wraparound shades she wore to the premiere with sneakers and a long black coat. Though, she appeared “out of it” as she prepared to ride with the airline.

When flight attendants asked her to close her laptop and fasten her seatbelt for takeoff, she didn’t respond nor did she comply with their commands.

The “Orange is the New Black” star — who appears as a guest star on Season 3 of the HBO drama — was later ushered off of the flight by a gate agent.

Lyonne issued a statement on her flight debacle earlier today, saying her “heart is with all the unpaid TSA agents at our airports.”

“Sure was looking forward to speaking honestly with @DrewBarrymore yesterday but guess wasn’t in the cards,” she wrote via X after missing her scheduled appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

She also gave Page Six a shoutout when she asked, “Who owns page six/New York Post now again?”

The actress appeared to have brushed off the incident by the evening as she shared a bizarre selfie to her Instagram.

The photo showed her in a pair of sunglasses and a red long-sleeved top. She paired the look with a matching quilted YSL handbag.

“Boobies on the inside,” she captioned the photo.

Tragic Case: Father Inflicts Life-Threatening Injuries on 6-Week-Old Twins as Mother Allegedly Turns a Blind Eye, Say Police

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Tragic Case: Father Inflicts Life-Threatening Injuries on 6-Week-Old Twins as Mother Allegedly Turns a Blind Eye, Say Police

Background: Newark-Wayne Community Hospital in the village of Newark, N.Y. (Google Maps). Insets (left to right): Camron Douglas and Brittany Spicer (Wayne County Sheriff”s Office).

A New York couple is facing serious legal repercussions after their 6-week-old twin sons were admitted to the hospital with critical injuries.

Camron Douglas, 32, and Brittany Spicer, 34, were taken into custody on April 2 by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. This followed the hospitalization of their twin boys at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital in Newark, New York. Brittany Spicer has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and has been released from Wayne County Jail. Meanwhile, Camron Douglas is facing two felony assault charges and remains detained.

According to court documents reviewed by local ABC affiliate WHAM, the couple initially brought one of the twins to the hospital on March 15. Medical staff discovered life-threatening injuries on the infant, prompting them to contact Child Protective Services to ensure his twin brother was also examined. Upon examination, the second twin was found to be severely injured as well.

Investigators have indicated that the father, Douglas, inflicted the injuries over February and March. The twins suffered from brain hemorrhages, fractures, and severe burns deemed “non-accidental” by authorities. The child Spicer initially brought to the hospital reportedly had burns on his face and abdomen.

Court records state that although Spicer was aware of the twins’ injuries, she failed to seek timely medical care. On the morning of March 15, one of the infants exhibited seizure-like symptoms, yet Spicer delayed taking him to the hospital until 5 p.m.

Spicer and Douglas pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. Spicer was released from custody on April 2 and appeared in court on Wednesday. Her next court date is scheduled for May 13.

Douglas, who was paroled after being convicted of attempted burglary and assault, will have his case referred to a grand jury. His next court date was not made available.

Both of the twins remain hospitalized and will be transferred to foster care upon their release. Spicer’s 3-year-old child was also removed from her custody, and she was ordered to stay away from her twins.

Tragic Home Birth Turns Fatal: Woman Faces Charges in Baby Boy’s Death

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A woman is facing manslaughter charges following the tragic death of a newborn boy after a home birth in Newcastle in 2024.

The incident occurred on October 2, 2024, when a privately practicing midwife assisted a woman during a home birth in Wallsend.

Authorities claim the midwife ignored evident signs of complications and dismissed the woman’s pleas to be taken to a hospital.

Eventually, the mother went to John Hunter Hospital two days later, where the baby was delivered via emergency caesarean section.

Tragically, the newborn passed away six days after being born in the hospital.

Six days later, the newborn died in the hospital. 

Ongoing investigations led police to arrest a 28-year-old woman, believed to be a second midwife who assisted with the birth, at Newcastle Police Station today and charge her with manslaughter.

She was refused bail and will face the Bail Division Court 2 later today.

Another 36-year-old woman was previously charged over the death and remains before the court.

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Protect Your Home: Navigating Bat Maternity Season in Tampa Bay

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Protect Your Home: Navigating Bat Maternity Season in Tampa Bay


In Tampa Bay, Florida, homeowners are experiencing an unusual challenge: bats have begun finding their way into residences as the region enters its bat maternity season. This period is crucial for bat conservation, during which the removal of these creatures is strictly limited to safeguard them.

Homeowners have captured videos of bats swooping through their living rooms and nesting in attics. The presence of these nocturnal animals is often first noticed by the sounds of scratching or fluttering overhead.

According to wildlife specialists, this spike in bat activity is common during this time of year. Bats are actively searching for secure locations to roost and nurture their offspring.

“Maternity season is significant because it marks the period when bats begin mating and reproducing. In Florida, many bat species are protected due to their environmental benefits, particularly their role in controlling flying insect populations,” explained Terrance Murray from The Other Guys Pest Professionals.

With over 20 years of expertise in wildlife management, Murray highlighted how easily bats can infiltrate homes through minuscule gaps, emphasizing the need for vigilance among homeowners.

“They actually kind of can sense the breezes. So if there’s an entry point, you know, there’s an air current that’s either going to be going into the house or coming out of the house. And they only need about a quarter inch of space,” Murray said.

Under Florida regulations, homeowners and pest control companies have a limited window to remove bats before restrictions take effect during maternity season. After that point, removal without a permit is prohibited to avoid separating mothers from their pups.

That means if bats are already inside a home, residents may have to wait until later in the summer for removal options to reopen.

Despite the concerns for homeowners, experts say bats play an important role in Florida’s ecosystem.

“Bats are very important to the ecosystem in Florida. That’s why they are protected. One bat can eat about a thousand flying insects a minute or so,” Murray said.

Experts recommend homeowners contact a licensed professional to inspect their property, identify entry points and avoid direct contact with bats.

Hacks’ Star Jean Smart Surprises Jimmy Kimmel with Missing Emmy Revelation

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The talented Jean Smart, star of the hit series Hacks, might just have more Emmy Awards than she can keep track of, or so quipped late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live this past Wednesday, April 8th, Smart was there to promote the impending premiere of Hacks Season 5. The HBO series has been a runaway success, raking in a total of 12 Emmy Awards over its four seasons. Kimmel playfully remarked that it seems like Smart accumulates more accolades every time she visits his show.

Smart candidly admitted, “I have seven, but I lost one.”

Surprised, Kimmel pressed further, “When you say you lost one, do you mean it’s actually lost? As in, you can’t find it?”

Smart affirmed with a laugh, “Yes, I don’t know where it is.”

“That means you have too many Emmys!” Kimmel responded with a laugh. “How do you lose an Emmy? They’re pointy and they’re big.”

Smart said she believes the award is “in a box somewhere” and denies leaving it at the Emmy Awards ceremony. But she also revealed that she once lent an Emmy Award to one of kid’s friends when they were in high school.

“A friend of his ‘borrowed’ one for a little movie he was shooting,” she explained, before noting she only got it back “when he was finally asked.” But the actress confirmed she keeps the awards on a shelf in her office.

“You’re throwing them in boxes you might as well grab them,” Kimmel pointed out, before rattling off a list of all of the awards Smart has earned throughout her decades-long acting career. “You got a lot of ’em. You got three Golden Globes, three SAG Awards, seven Emmys, six Critic’s Choice Awards.”

jean smart jimmy kimmel live
Photo: ABC

Kimmel then asked if she had received the FIFA Peace Prize yet, referring to the inaugural award and commemorative medal that was recently awarded to President Trump. Critics claimed FIFA made it up to appease the politician – and he reportedly wanted it to be as big as the real World Cup.

“We’re gonna arm wrestle for it,” Smart responded with a laugh. “Donald and I. “

Smart has won four Emmy Awards for playing standup comedian Deborah Vance in the hit HBO show, which will soon be coming to an end. She also won Emmys for her performances in Samantha Who?, Lana Gardner and Frasier.

Now, the actress will be reprising her award-winning role one last time for the fifth and final season. Hacks Season 5 shows Deborah and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) returning to Las Vegas to secure Deborah’s legacy as a comedian. 

Hacks Season 5 premieres on HBO and HBO Max at 9 p.m. April 9. New episodes air Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Hunter Biden Challenges Trump Sons to Cage Fight: A Political Showdown in the Ring

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Hunter Biden Challenges Trump Sons to Cage Fight: A Political Showdown in the Ring

The prospect of a showdown between presidential offspring might soon become a reality if Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, has his say.

In the midst of promoting an upcoming tour with the unconventional journalist Andrew Callaghan, Hunter Biden hinted at the possibility of a cage match featuring himself against Donald Trump’s eldest children, Don Jr. and Eric.

During a social media video, Biden shared, “[Callaghan] invited me to join the Channel 5 Carnival Tour at the end of the month. We kick off in Phoenix, head to San Diego, and wrap up in Albuquerque.”

The Trump Organization has yet to comment on this playful idea, despite inquiries from the Daily Mail.

Hunter, who is 56 and stands approximately 6 feet tall, has embraced a healthier lifestyle following his recovery from public struggles with addiction. Meanwhile, 48-year-old Don Jr. enjoys weightlifting, and 42-year-old Eric, who stands about 6 feet 4 inches, prefers golf, much like his father.

While promoting an upcoming tour with Andrew Callaghan, Hunter revealed a potential cage match between himself and President Donald Trump's oldest sons, Don Jr. and Eric

While promoting an upcoming tour with Andrew Callaghan, Hunter revealed a potential cage match between himself and President Donald Trump’s oldest sons, Don Jr. and Eric

Eric Trump (left) and Donald Trump Jr. (right) have yet to respond to the challenge

Eric Trump (left) and Donald Trump Jr. (right) have yet to respond to the challenge 

Hunter’s announcement comes as the Daily Mail has revealed he is now $17 million in debt and living overseas.

The disclosure came in a new legal filing submitted by his attorney Barry Coburn on April 6, in Washington DC, where the first son is being sued by his former attorneys at Winston & Strawn.

The court filing bluntly states ‘Mr Biden lives abroad’, and argues that the former First Son ‘cannot afford’ to pay off his outstanding legal fees.

The law firm defended Hunter, 56, in his tax and gun crimes cases, as well as other legal battles, but claims he failed to pay bills ‘substantially in excess of $50,000’.

On a podcast appearance last year Hunter himself claimed he was in ‘$17 million of debt.’

Coburn declined to comment to the Daily Mail, and did not specify where in the world Hunter, 56, now lives – but it’s not America.

However, last year Hunter was spotted spending time in South Africa, the birthplace of his wife Melissa, 39, the mother of his youngest child.

The couple was seen on a trip to Cape Town in May 2025, prompting President Trump to revoke his Secret Service detail over the cost of foreign travel.

Hunter was a frequent figure alongside his father in the final days of the Biden presidency

Hunter was a frequent figure alongside his father in the final days of the Biden presidency 

The President’s eldest son and namesake regularly pokes fun at Hunter’s well-known struggles with drug addiction, while also rejecting any comparisons between the two.

When Business Insider likened Hunter’s controversial work with a Ukrainian gas giant to his own business dealings, Don Jr. lashed out in a furious post on X.

‘The difference between me and Hunter Biden?’ Don Jr. asked, rhetorically. ‘I’ve been a businessman and serial investor my entire adult life.

‘[Hunter] became a ‘businessman’ after his dad got elected,’ Don Jr. continued. ‘I joined a Venture Capital Firm that invests in private American companies – Nothing to do with the government. He sat on foreign boards and was peddling influence to the highest bidder to change government policy.

‘Oh,’ Don Jr. added, shepherding the conversation back to Hunter’s drug problems, ‘he’s also a felon crackhead and I’m not. Thanks for playing, guys!’

Hunter stands around 6ft and has been focusing on his health after battling drug addiction

Hunter stands around 6ft and has been focusing on his health after battling drug addiction

But both Don Jr. and Eric Trump have faced accusations of corruption over their business dealings, both at home and abroad. 

As The Wall Street Journal recently revealed, the two poured money into Powerus, a Florida-based defense start-up competing for Pentagon drone contracts. The company, formed in 2025, is competing for a slice of the Pentagon’s $1.1 billion Drone Dominance initiative and is merging with a publicly traded golf company to list on the NASDAQ.

The Pentagon’s push to acquire its own drone fleet has been thrown into sharp focus by Iran’s battlefield deployment of Shahed drones costing approximately $25,000 per unit, as the US burns through missile stockpiles priced at up to $13 million each.

The venture comes after the President declared foreign-made drones a national security threat in December.

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are seen in attendance during the UFC Fight Night event at the Prudential Center on August 3, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are seen in attendance during the UFC Fight Night event at the Prudential Center on August 3, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey

The controversy is the latest in a string of deals the Trump brothers have struck in the booming US drone sector, as the administration intensifies its focus on domestic manufacturing amid the war with Iran.

Eric invested in a merger between Israeli drone firm XTEND and a Florida-based construction company to bring the firm to public markets in February.

Last year, Unusual Machines, another Florida-based drone firm, appointed Don Jr. to its board.

Unusual Machines has won money from the Pentagon, including a contract for it to manufacture 3,500 drone motors and other parts. Furthermore, Don Jr. purchased more than 331,000 shares of Unusual Machines, worth around $5.5 million, the Financial Times reported.

Chinese-made drones, particularly from tech giant DJI, have accounted for the majority of commercial drone sales in the US for the past decade. The firm now faces a questionable future in US markets, given the administration’s latest ban on foreign-made drones.

Donald Trump Jr, US President Donald J. Trump, Eric Trump attend the ribbon cutting ceremony during the opening of the Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Scotland on July 25

Donald Trump Jr, US President Donald J. Trump, Eric Trump attend the ribbon cutting ceremony during the opening of the Trump International Golf Links in Balmedie, Scotland on July 25

And then there is Don Jr.’s connection to the budding prediction markets, which are regulated by his father’s Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

The emerging industry’s trading platforms work like online sportsbooks by offering futures contracts at prices and returns that fluctuate like betting odds (i.e. underdogs pay off better than favorites). Customers are given binary choices (‘yes or no’ or ‘one or the other’) on any number of positions, from gas prices to the next Pope and, of course, sports: Will the Celtics win this year’s NBA title? etc.

Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket made news during the 2024 US Presidential race by using customers’ wagers to accurately forecast Donald Sr.’s electoral victory over Kamala Harris. Since then, the industry has faced cease-and-desist orders in several states as platforms have taken billions in bets on everything from March Madness to the Masters.

Crucially, these websites consider themselves to be ‘exchanges’ rather than ‘sportsbooks.’ As a result, they face fewer taxes and are more widely available because they’re not being prohibited, or even regulated, by individual states. Rather, prediction markets are under the federal jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — something Nevada state senator Dina Titus described as a ‘backdoor way’ to legalizing sports gambling without necessary safeguards.

Don Jr. not only works as a strategic advisor to Kalshi, but also holds a similar role as well as a seat on the advisory board for Polymarket.

Trump Alleges He Was Unaware of Melania’s Revelations Regarding Epstein

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Trump Alleges He Was Unaware of Melania’s Revelations Regarding Epstein

In an unexpected turn, Donald Trump has expressed that he was caught off guard by Melania’s sudden White House address, where she firmly rejected rumors connecting her to Jeffrey Epstein.

Speaking to MS Now, the former President confessed that he was unaware of the First Lady’s statement prior to her public appearance.

Trump further asserted that Melania had no acquaintance with Epstein, abruptly ending the call with the journalist afterward.

Melania’s unexpected speech created a stir in Washington as she refuted claims of being an Epstein victim or having been introduced to Trump by the disgraced financier.

The motivation behind her announcement remains unclear, as there have been no recent reports or revelations linking Melania to Epstein.

‘I am not Epstein’s victim,’ the First Lady said from the Cross Hall of the White House. ‘Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.’

Melania said that she had ‘never been friends with Epstein’ and also denied any intimacy with Ghislaine Maxwell after an email to the British socialite appeared in the files released by the Justice Department. 

The First Lady, a model when she first met Trump, said she and the President encountered Epstein only within the New York-Palm Beach social set, calling such overlap ‘common.’  

Donald and Melania Trump with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at  Mar-a-Lago in February 2000

Donald and Melania Trump with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at  Mar-a-Lago in February 2000

'I am not Epstein's victim,' the First Lady said from the Cross Hall of the White House. 'Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998'

‘I am not Epstein’s victim,’ the First Lady said from the Cross Hall of the White House. ‘Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998’

First Lady Melania Trump walks from the Blue Room as she arrives to speak in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on April 9

First Lady Melania Trump walks from the Blue Room as she arrives to speak in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on April 9 

Marc Beckman, Exclusive Senior Advisor to First Lady Melania Trump, told the Daily Mail of the timing of the statement: ‘First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop.

‘It is time for the public and media to focus on her incredible achievements as First Lady, the lives she has positively impacted, and her commitment to our nation.’

Trump and Melania met in 1998 at the Kit Kat Klub in New York when she was 28 years old. Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agency boss who is serving as Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, claims he introduced the couple who married in 2005. 

Melania appeared visibly nervous throughout, trembling and looking down at her notes rather than into the camera. She took no questions before walking away from the podium. 

The First Lady told the room she first met Epstein in 2000 and was unaware of anything untoward; he was not publicly accused until 2005. 

The First Lady said she had seen ‘fake images and statements’ linking her to Epstein on social media for years, and urged viewers to ‘be cautious about what you believe.’ 

‘These images and stories are completely false. I’m not a witness or unnamed witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes,’ she said.

‘The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop,’ the First Lady continued.

‘My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation.’

In a surprising move, Melania called on Congress to hold hearings with victims of Epstein’s abuse.

‘I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors,’ she added. 

Melania noted that Epstein did not work alone and that several prominent male executives had resigned as the scandal grew increasingly politicized. 

Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria's Secret party at Manhattan's Laura Belle club in April 1997

Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party at Manhattan’s Laura Belle club in April 1997

Maxwell attends a Theo Fennell party at the Cafe Royal, London, November 10, 1996

Maxwell attends a Theo Fennell party at the Cafe Royal, London, November 10, 1996

That did not amount to guilt, she said, but added, ‘we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.’

Melania also addressed an email she sent Maxwell that was uncovered in the Epstein files in January, insisting her reply was merely polite and did not indicate a close relationship. 

‘My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,’ Melania said. 

Buried in the tranche of more than three million Epstein Files is an email signed ‘Love, Melania’ that appears to be addressed to Maxwell. 

The names of the sender and recipient are redacted in the October 23, 2002 email. 

The message begins: ‘Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.’

That week, New York Magazine ran a now-infamous story headlined: ‘Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery.’

The article featured a full-page color illustration of Epstein grinning alongside Bill Clinton in front of his private jet, as the actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker board the aircraft.

The piece included a photo of Maxwell with Epstein at a black-tie event, as well as a photo of Donald Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party.

The email continues: ‘I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!’

It is signed affectionately: ‘Love, Melania.’

Epstein was found hanged in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, and Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in the conspiracy. 

Melania Trump’s full remarks on Jeffrey Epstein:

Good afternoon. The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation. I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach. 

To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note. I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.

This initial encounter with my husband is documented in a detail in my book, Melania. The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000, at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings. Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now.

Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false. I’m not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter. I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity – I was not a participant. I was never on Epstein’s plane and never visited his private island. 

I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behavior. The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.

My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation. To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obligated to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as Daily Beast, James Carville and Harper Collins UK. Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone.

Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicized. Of course, this doesn’t amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth. I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with the public hearing specifically centered around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony.

Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes. And then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record. Then, and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you.
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