Pentagon Staffer Creates Secret Database to Track Democratic Socialists

A Department of Defense employee has drawn scrutiny for creating a publicly accessible database tracking members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and associated left-wing groups.

Jennica Pounds, identified as a special government employee with the Defense Department since July, launched an online tool called DSA Explorer on Friday. The interactive map lists individuals and organizations deemed part of the DSA and “anti-imperialist solidarity network.” In a disclaimer on the website, Pounds acknowledged potential inaccuracies, stating that associations listed are “analytical interpretations, not statements of fact” and do not allege illegal conduct.

The Pentagon has neither confirmed Pounds’ role nor explained her responsibilities within the agency. This revelation follows her unfounded accusation that a State Department official attempted to solicit classified information. The Defense Department later confirmed her employment status but declined to provide further details regarding her position or duties.

The release of the database coincides with broader efforts by some groups to classify left-wing activists as domestic extremists. Critics argue that Pounds’ project, which relies on publicly available information, could enable targeted harassment of individuals based on political affiliation.

In a separate development, former President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself walking arm-in-arm with the late country singer Dolly Parton, amid widespread tributes following her death. Trump also publicly praised Parton, calling her “one of the greatest Country singers” and ordering flags to be flown at half-mast for a week. Her sister, Stella Parton, however, criticized Trump’s behavior as “deranged, ugly, and nasty.”

Parton, known for her philanthropic work, including children’s literacy programs, had no public political affiliation. Notably, Republicans reduced funding last year for her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children.

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Wyden has called for a criminal investigation into Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following new evidence linking Kennedy’s anti-vaccine advocacy to a deadly 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.

Letters obtained by The Guardian and the Associated Press show Kennedy, prior to visiting Samoa in January 2019, informed the prime minister of his intent to scrutinize the MMR vaccine. His organization, Children’s Health Defense, spread vaccine misinformation on the island, contributing to a plummeting vaccination rate from 60–70 percent to 31 percent. The subsequent outbreak resulted in 5,707 measles cases and 83 deaths, mostly children under five.

Wyden, the Senate Finance Committee’s top Democrat, stated that Kennedy’s conduct “leaves a trail of dead children in its wake” and urged a criminal referral. Other lawmakers, including Senators Ed Markey and Angela Alsobrooks, have also called for Kennedy’s resignation, citing his role in undermining public health.

Additionally, President Trump’s administration is advancing a plan to transfer a portion of Yosemite National Park to a private developer. The proposal, backed by the Department of the Interior, involves exchanging 0.25 miles of park land for an equivalent parcel elsewhere in California. Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a Nevada-based developer, seeks the land to build a road connecting its existing 83-acre property to a main road inside the park, granting private access to protected forests.

The developer’s land currently has a single access point more than 10 miles from a park entrance, far from major attractions. The intended use of the additional land—whether for residential, commercial, or hospitality purposes—has not been disclosed. The Interior Department has supported the proposal, raising concerns about the privatization of federally protected areas.