Groypers Are Going Mainstream: A WIRED Roundup
▼ Summary
– CBP collected DNA samples from 2,000 people, including 95 minors and individuals never formally charged with a crime, often using justifications reserved for criminal arrests.
– The report suggests this data collection appears to occur outside the confines of the statute and lacks sufficient oversight, raising concerns about how the information is used.
– The practice is framed as part of a broader trend where personal liberties were eroded post-9/11, leading to expansive law enforcement evidence collection powers.
– Tech billionaire Larry Ellison has developed an increasingly close relationship with former President Trump, with sources describing his significant behind-the-scenes influence.
– Ellison’s political influence stems from his strategic donations, early support of key figures, and his family’s growing consolidation of assets in data and media, resembling a modern Gilded Age empire.
The collection of DNA by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from individuals not formally charged with crimes, including minors, raises significant questions about privacy and the scope of law enforcement authority. A recent analysis of documents reveals that in numerous cases, agents justified taking saliva swabs by citing civil penalties, a practice typically reserved for criminal arrests under federal law. This situation underscores a broader tension between personal liberties and security measures that expanded dramatically following the war on terror. The lack of clear oversight and the ambiguous fate of the collected genetic information create a troubling scenario where the boundaries of governmental power remain dangerously unclear.
Shifting focus to the political arena, President Trump’s alliance with tech billionaire Larry Ellison illustrates a significant consolidation of influence. Ellison’s journey from a reliable Democratic supporter to a key figure in Trump’s orbit marks a notable political transformation. His shift began during the Obama administration, driven largely by his staunch support for Israel and its military, which aligned him more closely with Republican interests. A source familiar with the Ellison family noted that about a decade ago, the billionaire was openly favoring Marco Rubio for the presidency.
During the 2024 primary, Ellison’s backing of Tim Scott initially seemed like a move against Trump. However, insiders within the Trump campaign interpreted this support as a strategic favor. They believed Ellison’s financial pledge to Scott’s Super PAC acted as an insurance policy, intended to keep other rivals like Nikki Haley in check should the primary contest become protracted. Unlike many of his peers, Ellison prefers a hands-on approach to political scouting, often making early bets on candidates himself. He was an early donor to Tulsi Gabbard during her time as a Democrat, a connection that seems less coincidental considering his ownership of 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
Ellison’s business with Oracle allows him to maintain a relatively low profile compared to other flashy tech figures surrounding Trump. The true scale of his influence, however, becomes apparent when considering his family’s expanding empire. His son, David, runs Skydance, the parent company of Paramount, which is poised for a potential acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery. Such a move would place the Ellison family in control of major media outlets like CBS and potentially CNN. This positions them to wield unprecedented power over both data infrastructure through Oracle and the channels of public attention through media holdings. The consolidation mirrors the strategic dominance once exercised by Gilded Age families over industries like railroads and oil, suggesting that Ellison’s quiet influence may be far more impactful than any public pronouncement.
(Source: Wired)
