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Potential Cabinet Shifts As Trump Approaches One Year Back In Office

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As President Donald Trump approaches the one-year mark of his second term, the White House is preparing for the possibility of limited Cabinet adjustments — a normal process in any administration and one that officials stress is not indicative of instability.

Unlike Trump’s first term, which saw high turnover across many departments, the president’s current Cabinet has been deliberately steady. Senior officials say this has been intentional to reinforce continuity and reliability during the administration’s first year. While internal discussions about potential future changes have occurred, the White House maintains that no decisions have been made and no changes are expected before early next year.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed speculation about looming resignations, saying: “The cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama.”

Department of Homeland Security: Praise for Noem, Scrutiny of Lewandowski

One of the departments that has drawn attention is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem. Trump has made immigration enforcement a central focus of his second-term agenda, and DHS has been central to carrying out those policies.

Multiple sources emphasized that the president remains pleased with Noem’s leadership. A senior White House official reiterated Trump’s confidence, saying: “The President loves Kristi. He loves the job she’s doing.”

However, internal friction has emerged around Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally who joined DHS as a special government employee with temporary status. His close working relationship with Noem has prompted speculation that the pair might eventually depart together if changes were made.

Lewandowski, who previously helped run Trump’s 2016 campaign, has taken an active role inside the department. Sources told CNN he has directed personnel changes, overseen administrative leave requests, and pushed senior leaders to accelerate deportation-related programs. While supporters view him as an enforcer of the administration’s priorities, others within the White House believe his management style has caused tension.

A person close to the White House noted that concerns have been raised internally: “Yes, he likes [Noem], but it has been brought to his attention that [Lewandowski] is a problem, and the agency is being mismanaged because of it.”

The White House and DHS pushed back strongly on that interpretation. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson highlighted DHS’s results under Trump and Noem, saying:
“The tremendous results coming from the Department of Homeland Security … speak for themselves.”

A DHS spokesperson added that Lewandowski “has a reputation of reprimanding officials who impede or slow down the administration and undermine the will of the American people.”

In September, Trump met with Noem and Lewandowski to discuss DHS operations. According to two people familiar with the meeting, the conversation became tense at times — particularly between Lewandowski and the president — though Noem’s standing with Trump was not affected.

Department of Energy: Questions Around Secretary Chris Wright

The Department of Energy, led by former Colorado energy executive Chris Wright, is another agency where speculation has surfaced. Sources say some White House officials believe Wright has been reluctant on certain campaign-promised initiatives and that his department has faced senior-level turnover.

Energy Department spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended Wright’s performance, saying:
“Secretary Wright has been working lockstep with President Trump since day one to restore America’s energy dominance.”
She added that U.S. oil production hit a record high in July under Trump’s policies.

Past Discussions About Other Cabinet Members

This is not the first time internal debate about Cabinet roles has surfaced. Earlier discussions took place around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after an accidental sharing of sensitive information, and Trump had expressed frustration over Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s stance on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Both remained in their posts.

An upcoming Pentagon inspector general report on Hegseth’s messaging incident could renew attention but is not expected to carry formal consequences.

Youngkin Seen as a Potential Future Administration Pick

With Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin leaving office in January due to term limits, several Republicans close to Trump believe he may be considered for a future Cabinet position if an opening arises. Although the two men have not directly discussed a role, Youngkin has been publicly supportive of the president.

During a call with supporters, Youngkin told Trump:
“Mr. President, I want to thank you… I know that you will always put America first.”

Trump returned the praise, calling Youngkin “one of the great governors in our country.”

Sources say Youngkin would be interested in a position with an economic or business focus, while likely avoiding an immigration-first role such as DHS.

Routine Evolution in Any Administration

Cabinet adjustments are not unusual. During President Biden’s term, changes occurred at the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Labor. Trump officials emphasize that any future changes would be part of routine administrative alignment, not broader turmoil.

Conservative Activist Punched In Face Files Lawsuit After Manhattan DA Admits Mistake

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Washington D.C., USA - January 22, 2015; A Pro-Life woman clashes with a group of Pro-Choice demonstrators at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A conservative pro-life activist who went viral earlier this year after being punched repeatedly during a street-interview segment in New York City has now filed a civil lawsuit against her alleged attacker.

Savannah Craven Antao — a pro-life advocate and host of the YouTube channel Her Patriot Voice — says she was gathering on-camera interviews on April 3 for the pro-life organization Live Action when she was physically assaulted by Brianna J. Rivers, 30, of the Bronx. The incident, captured on video, spread widely across social media and conservative news outlets, sparking outrage among free-speech and pro-life advocates.

Details of the Lawsuit

According to the complaint filed Nov. 18 in Bronx Supreme Court, Craven Antao required emergency medical treatment after the attack and received stitches, amassing more than $3,000 in medical expenses. Attorneys with the Thomas More Society allege Rivers has “knowingly, willfully and maliciously continued to mock [Savannah] and her views online in order to further inflict emotional distress.”

The suit further states that Rivers mocked Craven Antao’s Christian faith and even created merchandise celebrating the assault. One alleged online post displayed a T-shirt design reading “BAM!” with an image of a fist hitting a face — reportedly created by Rivers and a cousin to raise money for Rivers’ legal defense.

Craven Antao’s attorneys say their client has experienced symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder and has received hundreds of violent threats since the incident. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Criticism of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg

Rivers was initially charged with second-degree assault — a felony — but the case fell apart in July after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office failed to turn over discovery materials by the legal deadline. The office then downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor before the entire case was dismissed.

Bragg, a frequent target of criticism from conservatives for his handling of violent crime and his perceived leniency toward offenders, later acknowledged his office’s failure.

“Every victim deserves their day in court, and our office has reached out to apologize to Ms. Craven Antao for the unacceptable error of missing the discovery deadline,” a spokesperson wrote in September. “We are taking immediate internal steps in light of this case.”

But for Craven Antao, the damage was already done.

“I have to look over my shoulder and worry about if somebody who supports her actions … is going to try to do something else,” she told Fox News Digital. “Because what the DA Alvin Bragg himself has shown to people, with letting this case be dropped, is that they can go assault somebody and hurt them if they disagree with them and nothing is going to happen.”

Fears for Conservative Journalists and Activists

Craven Antao said she ultimately filed the civil suit to hold Rivers accountable and to send a message about political violence: “First, I’d really appreciate my over $3,000 in medical bills to be paid off, because I should not be responsible for those. Second, it’s to send a message — hopefully to show her that she can’t do this again.”

She also connected her concerns to broader safety issues for conservative figures, referencing the recent killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

“If they could do it to somebody like him, who has the resources to have the security and the checks and all the people surrounding him, what does this say for just average journalists … who don’t have the means to hire a whole security team and be armed?” she said.

Craven Antao added that online threats and encouragement of Rivers’ behavior have left her uncertain about what could happen next. “With all the threats online and the comments she ‘likes,’ encouraging her behavior, it makes me wonder if the wrong person is going to find me next time and something worse will happen.”

Defense from Rivers

Rivers previously issued a public apology on Facebook on April 5, though she also accused Craven Antao of provoking the incident.

“I am sorry,” Rivers wrote, “but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one-sided narrative. I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse. Savannah is a professional antagonist, not a ‘reporter,’ and the truth will be told.”

Legal Team Responds

Thomas More Society attorney Christopher Ferrara sharply criticized Bragg’s office, saying their inaction forced Craven Antao to pursue civil remedies.

“Savannah was violently assaulted for peacefully expressing her pro-life beliefs and then humiliated all over again when the attacker went online to glorify it,” Ferrara said. “The D.A.’s office had every opportunity to pursue justice and, due to their incompetency or lack of will, failed to prosecute this vicious assault. Their refusal left us with no choice but to file civil action to hold Rivers accountable.”

For Craven Antao, the lawsuit is not just about compensation — it’s about setting a precedent.

“Honestly, I hope that she eventually finds God,” Craven Antao said. “That’s what I pray for, because it’s obvious that she’s got a lot of deep trauma rooted, and she takes it out on other people.”

Trump Officially Designates Saudi Arabia A ‘Major’ Ally Of United States

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    President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud at the Royal Court Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

    President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration is officially designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a move that deepens both the economic and military partnership between Washington and Riyadh.

    The announcement came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s high-profile visit to the White House. While the event stopped short of being an official state visit—Saudi Arabia’s king is still the formal head of state—the crown prince was welcomed with many of the hallmarks typically reserved for top U.S. partners.

    “We’re taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them,” Trump said. He also revealed that the two nations had just signed “a historic strategic defense agreement.”

    The designation signals a renewed commitment to a long-standing strategic relationship—one Trump has made clear he intends to strengthen after what many Republicans saw as the Biden administration’s misguided distancing from Riyadh. The previous administration had strained ties over controversies such as the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, even as Saudi Arabia remained a critical partner in regional security and global energy markets.

    Trump also affirmed that he plans to approve Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets, one of America’s most advanced military assets. “I am planning on doing that,” the president said. “They want to buy them. They’ve been a great ally.”

    For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing economic commitment to the United States, announcing the kingdom intends to increase its investment from $600 billion to “almost $1 trillion”—a staggering figure nearly equivalent to the size of its sovereign wealth fund, according to The New York Times.

    The Trump administration has prioritized rebuilding and expanding America’s alliances in the Middle East, particularly in advancing the Abraham Accords, a major diplomatic achievement of Trump’s previous term. Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in joining the framework and normalizing relations with Israel, though the kingdom has stated that progress toward a viable two-state solution remains a core requirement.

    Saudi Arabia played a significant role among Arab nations backing Trump’s brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas—a deal that, if successfully upheld, could bring an end to the conflict in Gaza and set the stage for the development of a future Palestinian state.

    Still, some foreign-policy analysts have raised concerns about sharing high-level U.S. technology, such as the F-35, with Saudi Arabia—especially given Riyadh’s continued defense relationship with China. According to Politico, experts warn that sensitive technology could be at risk of being accessed by Beijing. Nevertheless, supporters of the move argue that strengthening ties with a key Middle Eastern partner is essential to countering adversaries and stabilizing the region.

    Democrat Lawmaker To File Impeachment Articles Against Trump

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      President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

      Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, announced Thursday morning that he plans to once again introduce articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump — a move that highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over how to confront the president.

      “There will be articles of impeachment filed before the Christmas break. This, I pledge,” Green declared, framing the action as a test of Democrats’ willingness to oppose the Trump administration. “We have to participate. This is a participatory democracy. The impeachment requires the hands and the guidance of all of us.”

      Green said he will file the measure as a privileged resolution, a procedural maneuver that forces the House to consider the articles within two legislative days. Even so, the chamber can vote to table the effort before it reaches an actual impeachment vote — something that has happened repeatedly in the past.

      A Long Record of Failed Impeachment Attempts

      Thursday’s announcement marks Green’s fifth attempt to impeach Trump. Since 2017, Green has repeatedly pushed impeachment articles, often without the backing of House Democratic leadership. His previous filings — including charges such as “bigotry” and “bringing disrepute to the presidency” — were consistently tabled with bipartisan support, underscoring how little traction his efforts gained even before Trump’s two formal impeachments in 2019 and 2021.

      This history has led many observers to view Green’s actions as largely symbolic, aimed more at appealing to the party’s activist base than at producing any practical outcome.

      Progressive Frustrations with Democratic Leadership

      Green’s renewed push comes as the party’s progressive wing expresses growing dissatisfaction with Democratic leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Critics argue that leadership has failed to secure meaningful concessions during recent legislative battles — including a 43-day government shutdown — and has not mounted an effective resistance to Republican policy priorities.

      Some Democrats, such as Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, have even called for new leadership in Congress to more aggressively oppose GOP momentum.

      Dave Mytych, outreach lead for the activist group For Liberation and Resistance Everywhere (FLARE), joined Green at the press conference and directly criticized top Democrats.

      “This is what the American people want. They want fighters that hold the line. Democrats, are you listening? Leader Schumer, are you listening? Leader Jeffries, are you listening?” Mytych said.

      Questions About the Effort’s Purpose

      When asked whether another failed impeachment vote might reflect poorly on Democratic leadership, Green avoided directly answering. He instead noted that up to 80 House members have supported his proposals in the past.

      “Here’s my perspective. I believe in the Constitution,” Green said. “People who vote to table the articles are voting against impeachment.”

      He did not specify which charges he intends to bring this time.

      A Familiar Outcome Likely

      The House has impeached Trump twice before — first in 2019 over abuse of power and later in 2021 for inciting an insurrection. In both cases, the Senate ultimately voted to acquit. Green’s repeated attempts, none of which have succeeded or gained broad support, leave little expectation that this latest effort will produce a different result.

      Green also announced plans for a peaceful protest at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday alongside other advocates.

      Congress Looking Into Virginia Prosecutor After Threats To Top Trump Staffer

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      Congress is taking action after a Virginia prosecutor seems to have allowed liberal activists to cultivate threats against a top Trump official and his children.

      The U.S. House Judiciary Committee report Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has “sent a letter to Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, prosecutor for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church, demanding information about her ignoring threats to White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and the intimidation of his family.”

      “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determined that a left-wing activist likely violated state and federal anti-doxing laws when she posted flyers depicting Miller’s face and publicizing his home address. The FBI sought a search warrant for Wien’s phone; however, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsey Vaala, who has previously donated to the presidential campaigns of Presidents Obama and Biden, denied the FBI’s request,” the committee reports.

      “According to investigators involved in the case, Dehghani-Tafti has been ‘stymying the investigation’ into the threats made against the Miller family. Dehghani-Tafti’s conduct suggests that she is willing to not only ignore threats of political violence against those with whom she disagrees, but will actively side with those making the threats,” the committee reports.

      “The Miller family deserves the same protections afforded to all Americans, particularly when it comes to feeling safe in their own home. Their safety is especially important in light of recent left-wing political violence against prominent Republicans, and the election of an attorney general in Virginia who fantasizes about murdering the children of his political opponents,” the committee adds.

      In the letter to Dehghani-Tafti, Jordan writes, in part:

      Since the 118th Congress, the Committee on the Judiciary has been conducting oversight of politically motivated prosecutorial actions of state and local prosecutors. On September 11, 2025, a left-wing activist, Barbara Wien, posted flyers in her Arlington, Virginia neighborhood depicting White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller’s face and publicizing his home address. While posting the flyers, Wien walked past Miller’s house and attempted to intimidate his wife, who was sitting on the front porch, by indicating she was watching the Miller family,” the committee further reports.

      The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determined Wien likely violated state and federal anti-doxing laws and sought a search warrant for her phone. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsey Vaala, who has previously donated to the presidential campaigns of Presidents Obama and Biden, denied the FBI’s request” the committee writes.  On October 1, 2025, Virginia State Police secured a warrant from a state court judge.

      After determining that Wien had misled investigators during an interview on October 1, the FBI sought another search warrant. Once again, Magistrate Judge Vaala denied the request. On October 2, 2025, in the matter pending before a court in Arlington County, you made ‘an unusual request’ by siding ‘with the defense’ in requesting that the judge overseeing the matter limit the search warrant and the information that state police could share with the FBI, which the judge so ordered. According to investigators involved in the case, you have been “stymying the investigation” into the threats made against the Miller family.

      Additionally, you reportedly support a left-wing ‘activist group’ known as Arlington Neighbors United for Humanity (ANUFH). Wien is a member of ANUFH and the flyers she posted displaying the Millers’ home address also featured a QR code linking to ANUFH’s Instagram account. ANUFH has previously left threatening chalk messages outside the Millers’ home and praised the violent anarchist network Antifa.

      Your unmistakably partisan actions suggest that you are willing to not only ignore threats of political violence against those with whom you disagree, but will actively side with those making the threats. The Miller family deserves the same protections afforded to all Americans, particularly when it comes to feeling safe in their own home. Their safety is especially important in light of recent left-wing political violence against prominent Republicans, and the election of an attorney general in Virginia who fantasizes about murdering the children of his political opponents.”

      The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Great America News Desk.

      Saudi Arabia Releases Jailed US Citizen Following Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed Meeting

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      The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

      Saudi Arabia has released a United States citizen who was jailed over social media posts critical of the royal family after President Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

      Saad Almadi, 75, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1976, was arrested in 2021 during a family visit over his remarks online. He was sentenced to more than 19 years on terrorism charges but was released in 2023 and hit with an “exit ban,” which prevented him from leaving the country.

      The terrorism charges were later decreased to “cyber crimes.”

      “This day would not have been possible without President Donald Trump and the tireless efforts of his administration,” the Almadi family said in a statement Wednesday. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sebastian Gorka and the team at the National Security Council, as well as everyone at the State Department.”

      The statement came shortly after Trump’s Wednesday speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum. 

      The Almadi family said the release “would not have been possible” without the work of the president and the “tireless efforts” of the administration, expressing gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh for keeping Almadi “safe.” 

      One of Almadi’s posts on social media that landed him in trouble called for a street in the nation’s capital to be renamed after Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who was murdered in 2018 while at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. 

      Crown Prince Mohammed has denied involvement in the killing of the journalist, who fled Saudi Arabia in 2017, but U.S. intelligence reports in 2021 stated the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia “approved” the operation to detain or kill the columnist.

      The 9/11 Families United organization shared similar sentiments in regards to Trump’s interactions. 

      “The crown prince knows nothing of the pain of the 9/11 families. He is actively working to impede our efforts to ensure extensive evidence of Saudi government support for al-Qaeda and the terrorist hijackers are brought to light, harboring a former agent that produced a casing video of the U.S. Capitol building, and trying to rewrite history with investments,” 9/11 Families United  told The Hill in a statement. 

      Trump said Tuesday that the crown prince “knew nothing” about Khashoggi’s murder, triggering harsh criticism from press groups. 

      “We are so excited for the family that Mr. Almadi is finally on his way back to the United States! We know how long and hard the family fought to make this day possible,” the Foley Foundation, which advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas, said Wednesday in a statement to The Hill

      Trump Issues Pardon To Athlete Convicted After Record-Breaking Run

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        Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

        President Donald Trump has issued a full pardon to Michelino Sunseri, an endurance athlete who was convicted last year for descending the Grand Teton via a “restricted” trail during a record-breaking run. Sunseri’s case had become a flashpoint in the debate over federal overreach and the growing tendency of unelected bureaucrats to criminalize harmless behavior.

        Sunseri reacted to the news with relief on Monday, writing on Facebook:
        “IT’S FINALLY OVER. The trail trial of the century is officially over. In a twist even Hollywood couldn’t write, I woke up this morning to find out I’ve been given a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON from Donald J. Trump — over the Grand Teton FKT and my use of the Old Climber’s Trail.”

        A Record Run Turned Legal Battle

        In September 2024, Sunseri ascended and descended the 13,775-foot Grand Teton in an astonishing 2 hours and 50 minutes, setting a new fastest-known time. But instead of celebrating the athletic achievement, federal authorities charged him days later for taking a “prohibited” route—the Old Climber’s Trail—during his descent.

        Although the trail has long been used by climbers and is not inherently unsafe, the National Park Service classified it as “restricted,” and Sunseri was prosecuted under rules that critics say lack proper legal grounding.

        A Case of Bureaucratic Overreach?

        The Pacific Legal Foundation, which took up Sunseri’s defense, argued that the federal government had overstepped its authority. According to PLF, the regulations used to charge Sunseri were created by low-level park staff—not by Congress or any properly authorized rulemaking process.

        “We are thrilled that Michelino’s nightmare is over,” said PLF attorney Michael Poon. “But we’re not done fighting unconstitutional regulations that let unelected officials criminalize harmless conduct. We stand ready to help other Americans facing similar prosecutions.”

        This theme—federal agencies creating de facto laws without accountability—has become a major concern among conservatives, especially as executive-branch rulemaking grows in scope and impact. Sunseri’s case, many argue, is a prime example of ordinary Americans being punished by faceless, unaccountable bureaucrats.

        Sunseri: “They Tried to Make an Example of Me”

        Sunseri was convicted last September despite his defense showing that many climbers had used the same trail over the years. He said officials seemed determined to “make an example” of him rather than apply common sense.

        “This case was a massive waste of taxpayer money and government energy from the start,” Sunseri said. “Unfortunately, instead of working with me, the system tried to make an example of me. I know this pardon might get swept up in politics in this heated time, and that’s unfortunate—because this particular case is about fairness and common sense.”

        DOJ Confirms Comey Grand Jury Didn’t See Final Indictment

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        The Justice Department admitted in federal court Wednesday that the grand jury which charged former FBI Director James Comey never reviewed the final version of the indictment that prosecutors ultimately filed.

        During questioning by U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff, prosecutors conceded that interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan failed to bring the revised indictment back to the full grand jury after jurors declined to approve one of the original counts. Instead of resubmitting the updated charges, Halligan took the altered document directly to a magistrate judge’s courtroom, where only the grand jury foreperson and one additional juror signed it, according to CNN.

        Judge Nachmanoff ordered the Justice Department to file a detailed response by 5 p.m. Wednesday addressing the revelations.

        Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons attempted to justify the process, claiming “the new indictment wasn’t a new indictment.” Nachmanoff, however, swiftly dismissed that explanation.

        Comey’s attorney, Michael Dreeben, seized on the government’s admission, arguing that because the full grand jury never considered the altered charges, “no indictment was returned.” He also noted that the statute of limitations has now run out on the allegations that Comey lied to Congress—meaning prosecutors may no longer have any valid path to pursue the case.

        Prosecutors further revealed they were instructed by the deputy attorney general’s office not to disclose whether career DOJ lawyers had prepared a memo recommending against indicting Comey before Halligan presented the case to the grand jury, Politico reported. Multiple outlets have indicated that DOJ career staff believed the evidence was too weak to justify charges.

        Halligan—appointed interim U.S. attorney in 2025 after working in insurance law and serving as a personal lawyer and White House aide to President Donald Trump—had no prior experience leading federal criminal prosecutions. She served as the sole prosecutor presenting the case to the grand jury.

        Earlier this week, a federal magistrate judge criticized the handling of the investigation, citing “profound investigative missteps” and raising serious concerns about the integrity of the grand jury process under Halligan’s oversight.

        “The Court recognizes that the relief sought by the defense is rarely granted,” Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick wrote. “However, the record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.”

        Bill Maher Open To Voting Republican – But With Some Changes

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        Missvain, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

        Comedian and longtime liberal commentator Bill Maher told Fareed Zakaria on CNN’s GPS that he could “of course” envision voting Republican — but only if the party becomes something markedly different than what it has been.

        Maher, who has been a longtime critic of Donald Trump and a traditional supporter of Democrats, laid out a number of caveats before making such a move. “They would have to certainly lose the idea of ‘we don’t concede elections,’” he said.

        He added his biggest concern:

        “And my biggest worry is that they feel that the excesses of the left are so great, that they are so anti‐common sense. And again, they’re not completely wrong about that — that they are so — never met something that was counterintuitive that they didn’t embrace. That they just can’t let these people take power and, therefore, even if there has to — if democracy has to be sacrificed for hanging on to power,” Maher said.

        Maher also questioned the GOP’s long‐term commitment to democratic norms after Trump:

        “Will they still keep that idea that we cannot let these people take power? These people who just do not have any idea of common sense, they want to reinvent everything. They are revolutionaries in a country that is not asking for [a] revolution — they’re just asking for politicians to fix things. That is my biggest concern.” He noted a hope for a “return to normalcy” after Trump — though he expressed skepticism.

        At the same time, Maher acknowledged areas where he believes Trump was right:

        He pointed out the border, DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) initiatives, and NATO contributions. “He showed that you can close the border. It wasn’t something you needed congressional help for. You could just do it, and he did it. He just did it too far. And people don’t like to see people tackled at Home Depot and people they know who have been in this country for a long time.”

        He wrapped up by hitting both parties:

        “Why can’t either one be normal?” he asked rhetorically.


        Why this matters for Republicans

        Maher’s comments underscore a key opportunity and challenge for the GOP: there are non‐traditional voices who might vote Republican — but only if the party reaffirms core democratic norms and common‐sense governance rather than radical transformation. If Republicans continue to be associated with election denial, extreme rhetoric, or sweeping change beyond what voters ask for, they risk alienating such swing voices.

        For Republican-leaning audiences focused on policy, governance, and institutional credibility, Maher’s remarks are a reminder that expanding the party’s appeal may hinge more on tone and norms than just raw policy wins.

        Appeals Court Tosses Out ‘Meritless’ Trump Lawsuit Against CNN

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        A federal appeals court panel has rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to revive his lawsuit against CNN over the network’s repeated use of the term “Big Lie” to characterize his claims about irregularities in the 2020 election. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that CNN’s wording—despite its historical connotations and its association with Adolf Hitler—falls under First Amendment-protected opinion rather than a provable factual assertion.

        The three-judge panel, which notably included two judges appointed by Trump, concluded that CNN’s choice of language, while controversial, could not sustain a defamation claim.

        “Trump’s argument hinges on the fact that his own interpretation of his conduct — i.e., that he was exercising a constitutional right to identify his concerns with the integrity of elections — is true and that CNN’s interpretation — i.e., that Trump was peddling his ‘Big Lie’ — is false,” the unanimous panel wrote. “However, his conduct is susceptible to multiple subjective interpretations, including CNN’s.”

        Because statements of opinion cannot be proven true or false, the court determined CNN’s phrasing did not meet the legal threshold for defamation.

        “CNN’s subjective assessment of Trump’s conduct is not readily capable of being proven true or False,” wrote Judge Adalberto Jordan, an Obama appointee, joined by Trump appointees Kevin Newsom and Elizabeth Branch.

        Trump now has the option to request a rehearing by the full 11th Circuit or appeal to the Supreme Court. A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team indicated he plans to continue challenging the ruling, saying he “will pursue this case against CNN to its just and deserved conclusion.” CNN declined to comment.

        The appeals court’s decision affirms a July ruling by U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal—also appointed by Trump—who dismissed Trump’s $475 million lawsuit last year. That lawsuit argued that CNN used the phrase “Big Lie” to intentionally evoke Nazi comparisons, but Singhal found that even harsh or offensive opinions are protected unless they include false statements of fact.

        The appellate judges agreed, writing: “Trump’s argument is unpersuasive. Although he concedes that CNN’s use of the term ‘Big Lie’ is, to some extent, ambiguous, he assumes that it is unambiguous enough to constitute a statement of fact. This assumption is untenable.”

        This decision represents another setback in Trump’s broader effort to challenge major media outlets he says have misrepresented him. While he has secured some favorable settlements—including from ABC and CBS’s parent company—his lawsuits against the New York Times and CNN have faced significant resistance in court. Most recently, Trump criticized and threatened legal action against the BBC over edits made to his January 6, 2021, speech on the Ellipse.