The undercover recordings were conducted by journalists associated with O\u2019Keefe, whose sting-style investigations have repeatedly targeted government agencies, media organizations, and political operatives over the past decade.<\/p>\n
In the video, Ellisten allegedly expressed deep frustration with Trump personally and with the broader direction of the administration.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a madman,\u201d Ellisten said in footage released online. \u201cLiterally. He\u2019s invincible. Nothing can stop him, and that\u2019s dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ellisten also reportedly described Trump as \u201cerratic\u201d and \u201cscary,\u201d questioning the president\u2019s decision-making process and suggesting his actions appeared reckless despite being \u201cof sound mind and body.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way his decisions are so erratic, you would think he drinks,\u201d Ellisten said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t drink. And that\u2019s what makes it so dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
The comments quickly spread across conservative media and social media platforms, where Trump allies pointed to the footage as evidence of internal hostility toward the president inside the federal bureaucracy.<\/p>\n
The controversy intensified further when Ellisten allegedly speculated that Trump\u2019s policies involving Iran and global oil markets could benefit business interests connected to the president\u2019s family.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things that looks like it\u2019s going on, and going on a lot, is insider trading,\u201d Ellisten said in the undercover recording, while discussing energy markets and Middle East tensions.<\/p>\n
No evidence was presented in the video to support those allegations.<\/p>\n