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Report: Bannon Told Epstein Trump Should Be Removed Via 25th Amendment

By
Patrick Houck
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0
Thor Brødreskift / Nordiske Mediedager, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Newly released Epstein files include private messages from 2018 between Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein, revealing previously undisclosed political discussions involving President Donald Trump.

According to reporting based on the documents, Bannon described Trump in late 2018 as “beyond borderline” and referenced the 25th Amendment, the constitutional mechanism for removing a president who is unable to perform the duties of the office.

The remarks were made in private correspondence and were not public at the time. (RELATED: Report: Only Roughly 2% Of Epstein Files Public As DOJ Says ‘All’ Released)

As Mediaite’s Isaac Shorr reports:

Bannon has come under fire from a wide variety of critics — including conservatives — in recent days over his his relationship with Epstein.

Documents released by the Department of Justice revealed that on the very day Epstein was arrested on charges of sex trafficking in July 2019, he was texting with Bannon about the aforementioned documentary.

A few months before that, Bannon advised Epstein: “First we need to push back on the lies ; then crush the pedo/trafficking narrative ; then rebuild your image as a philanthropist.”

Another text exchange between the two men, dated Dec. 31, 2018, is under intense scrutiny.

The conversation reads:

EPSTEIN: Hell of. Year. Next will be biblicl

BANNON: We either own 2019 or it will surely own us

EPSTEIN: Im back in the f and b biz only

BANNON: F and B director

EPSTEIN: No it does not stand for fck and blw

EPSTEIN: Spoke to my dems. This weekend. Boy are emotions running high

BANNON: Going to blow him up right our of the box– WH has zero plan to punch back– Fort Apache with no cavalry enroute

EPSTEIN: And no soldiers in the fort. He really is borderline. Not sure what he may do.

BANNON: I think it’s beyond borderline — 25 amendment

The records show the two men exchanged hundreds of messages about media coverage, legal matters, and political strategy. Some messages indicate Epstein offered advice on messaging and reputation management. (RELATED: New Documents Show Bannon Reached Out To Epstein During Vatican Fight)

The communications also reference handling critical coverage following the Miami Herald’s 2018 investigative series on Epstein, which is widely credited with prompting renewed federal scrutiny and Epstein’s eventual 2019 arrest.

The documents do not allege criminal conduct related to the exchanges.

Learn America’s true story with the FREE DVD Box Set: The Great American Story: A Land of Hope. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it’s vital the next generation learns the full truth — our founding principles of liberty and what makes America great. Request your free $100 DVD box set today and share it with your family or small group. Claim your FREE copy now.

Trump Vows Death Penalty For Nancy Guthrie Kidnappers

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0

President Donald Trump said Monday that he would direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty against those responsible for kidnapping Nancy Guthrie if the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie is found dead.

In a brief phone interview with the New York Post, Trump made clear that the consequences would be “very, very severe — the most severe” if the abductors harm her. When asked directly whether the Justice Department would seek capital punishment in the case, the president responded, “The most, yeah — that’s true.”

Guthrie was last seen on the night of Jan. 31 at her home outside Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the following day, and investigators believe she was taken against her will in what authorities are treating as a kidnapping.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to her location and/or the arrest and conviction of those involved. Surveillance images captured by Guthrie’s doorbell camera show a suspect described as a man standing between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10 with an average build. In footage released last week, the individual is seen wearing dark gloves, sweatpants, and a jacket, and carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.

The case has drawn national attention, not only because of the victim’s age but also because of her daughter’s public profile. Savannah Guthrie has been a longtime journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show.

President Trump personally reached out to Savannah Guthrie on Feb. 4 to offer support and underscore the federal government’s commitment to resolving the case. He later stated that he directed “ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”

On Friday, Trump said he believes “progress has been made” in the investigation.

Savannah Guthrie released a video Sunday urging anyone with information to come forward, saying, “it is never too late to do the right thing, and we are here.”

As the investigation continues, federal and local authorities remain engaged in what the president has described as a full-scale effort to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely and hold those responsible accountable.

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Massie Slams DOJ, Trump Administration Over Epstein Files: ‘This Is the Epstein Administration’

By
Madeleine Jackson
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1

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) delivered sharp criticism of President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi during a fiery appearance Sunday on ABC’s This Week, accusing the administration of failing to deliver real transparency on the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Speaking with host Martha Raddatz, Massie — one of the most outspoken Republicans pushing for full disclosure of Epstein-related records — questioned Bondi’s performance during last week’s high-profile House Judiciary hearing.

“She came with a book full of insults, one for each congressperson,” Massie said. “She obviously had one for me. And, you know, I’ve been there when [former AG] Merrick Garland was there. Obviously, politically, I don’t agree with him, but he performed much better in terms of at least not looking bad. And, unfortunately, we didn’t get the answers we wanted about the Epstein Files Transparency Act from her.”

Massie also took aim at Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over a letter sent Saturday claiming the Department of Justice has now produced “all” Epstein files.

“I know the DOJ wants to say they’re done with this document production,” Massie said. “The problem is they’ve taken down documents before we were able to go over to the DOJ and look at the unredacted versions. They took down some of the most significant documents. Two of them involving Virginia Giuffre’s case and other things, the picture of Epstein at — in a room where it’s got CIA written on the boxes. That’s been taken down. We want to be able to look at all these files. They can’t keep those documents down after they’ve already produced them.”

New Report Raises Questions About DOJ’s “Full Release” Claim

Massie’s concerns come as a new investigation by Channel 4 News is raising fresh doubts about whether the Justice Department has truly released the full Epstein archive.

According to internal emails reviewed by the broadcaster, federal investigators expected to process between 20 and 40 terabytes of data seized from Epstein’s properties — including his Florida mansion, New York townhouse, and private island. Other early-stage emails referenced totals as high as 50 terabytes.

In one internal email from 2025, officials reportedly said they were “looking at approximately 14.6 terabytes of archived data.”

By contrast, Channel 4 noted that the most recent release of roughly 3.5 million documents amounted to just over 300GB — which the outlet said represents only about 2% of the data investigators were discussing.

“They claimed that 6 million pages were identified, including duplicates — they released over 3 million,” Channel 4’s U.S. editor Asnushka Asthana said. “Both those numbers are tiny compared to the amount collected according to today’s emails.”

One investigator described the data dump as chaotic and incomplete:

“Imagine if we had seized the papers from approximately 100,000 filing cabinets. Then that all just got dumped in one big pile… And then any of those documents that was larger than 100 pages couldn’t be opened. That’s what we’ve got.”

Massie Turns Fire on Trump

Raddatz closed the interview by asking Massie directly about President Trump, who has thrown his support behind Massie’s primary challenger, Ed Gallrein, and has repeatedly attacked the Kentucky congressman over his push for transparency.

Massie did not hold back.

“Look, this is about the Epstein class, the people who are funding the attacks against me,” Massie said. “They may or may not be implicated in these files, but they were certainly rubbing shoulders with the people who are in these files. They’re billionaires who are friends with these people. And that’s what I’m up against in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump told us that even though, you know, he had dinner with these kinds of people in New York City and West Palm Beach, that he would be transparent. But he’s not. He’s still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein administration, and they’re attacking me for trying to get these files released.”

Watch:

Bondi Stands By DOJ Position

Despite the mounting scrutiny, Bondi has insisted the Justice Department has complied fully with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

In a February 14 letter to lawmakers, she stated that the department had “released all ‘records, documents, communications and investigative materials’” in its possession, along with a list of “all government officials and politically exposed persons” referenced in the released materials.

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Report: Trump Announces $5 Billion Pledge In Gaza Aid From Board Of Peace Members

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0
The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that members of his newly formed Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion in aid for Gaza — a major financial commitment aimed at humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and long-term regional stability.

The formal pledge is set to take place February 19 in Washington, D.C., at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, where leaders from nearly 20 participating nations will gather.

In a Truth Social post, the president outlined the scope of the commitment:

“On February 19th, 2026, I will again be joined by Board of Peace Members at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., where we will announce that Member States have pledged more than $5 BILLION DOLLARS toward the Gaza Humanitarian and Reconstruction efforts, and have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans,”

The funding will not only support rebuilding efforts but will also be paired with a significant international security presence. According to Trump, thousands of personnel will assist in stabilization and policing efforts — signaling that the administration views security as inseparable from humanitarian relief.

The president emphasized that any long-term peace arrangement hinges on Hamas meeting clear conditions:

“Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarization. The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman,”

Peace Through Strength

The creation of the Board of Peace in January reflects a familiar Trump doctrine: diplomacy backed by strength. While prior administrations often relied heavily on international institutions such as the United Nations, Trump has opted to form a new coalition of willing nations focused specifically on Gaza stabilization.

Seventeen countries signed the initial charter in Davos in late January, representing Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Israel formally joined last week ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump at the White House — underscoring strong U.S.–Israel coordination.

Several countries, including Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Vietnam, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Greece, and China, were invited to participate. Poland and Italy have publicly declined to join.

Military Posture Signals Resolve

While diplomatic talks continue — including U.S. envoys meeting Iranian officials in Oman — the administration has made clear that America’s military presence in the region remains robust.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and USS Michael Murphy are deployed in the region. Additional U.S. naval assets — including the USS Bulkeley, USS Roosevelt, USS Delbert D. Black, USS McFaul, USS Mitscher, USS Spruance, and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. — are positioned across strategic waterways from the eastern Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

Why It Matters

Gaza reconstruction has historically been plagued by corruption, diversion of funds, and renewed violence. By tying financial support to demilitarization and security enforcement, the administration appears to be attempting a more structured and conditional framework.

Whether the Board of Peace becomes, as Trump described, “the most consequential International Body in History” remains to be seen. But the initiative signals a bold attempt to reshape Middle East diplomacy on terms that prioritize both humanitarian relief and hard security guarantees.

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Liberal Comedian Returns To US After Ditching Country After Trump Win

By
Madeleine Jackson
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1
Austin Green, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

After moving to Ireland following President Donald Trump’s re-election, longtime Trump critic Rosie O’Donnell has quietly returned to the United States — at least temporarily.

In a recent interview with Chris Cuomo on “SiriusXM’s Cuomo Mornings,” the 63-year-old actress revealed she spent two weeks back home visiting family. O’Donnell moved to Ireland with her teenage daughter in January 2025, just ahead of President Trump’s second inauguration, citing political concerns at the time.

“I was recently home for two weeks, and I did not really tell anyone,” she told Cuomo. “I just went to see my family. I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country. I wanted to feel what it felt like. I wanted to hold my children again. And I hadn’t been home in over a year.”

O’Donnell said she wanted to ensure “that it was safe” for her and her daughter to return over the summer so they could spend time with family during her daughter’s school break.

During the interview, O’Donnell described the United States as feeling “like a very different country” since her move — in part, she said, because she has stopped following American news and pop culture.

“I’ve been in a place where celebrity worship does not exist,” she explained. “I’ve been in a place where there’s more balance to the news. There’s more balance to life. It’s not everyone trying to get more, more, more. It’s a very different culture. And I felt the United States in a completely different way than I ever had before I left.”

She added that she does not regret her decision to leave, saying she did “what I needed to do to save myself, my child and my sanity.”

“And I’m very happy that I’m not in the midst of it there because the energy that I felt while in the United States was — if I could use the most simple word I can think of — it was scary,” she said. “There’s a feeling that something is really wrong, and no one is doing anything about it.”

A Two-Decade Feud

O’Donnell’s political activism — and her long-running feud with President Trump — dates back nearly 20 years. The public sparring began during her time on “The View,” when she criticized Trump’s business record and public persona. Since then, the two have frequently traded barbs.

In an earlier interview with the Irish radio show “Sunday with Miriam,” O’Donnell claimed, “He uses me as a punching bag and a way to sort of rile his base.”

For many conservatives, however, O’Donnell has long embodied the Hollywood elite’s reflexive hostility toward Trump and the voters who support him — a dynamic that intensified during both of Trump’s terms.

Citizenship Controversy

After relocating abroad, O’Donnell announced she was pursuing Irish citizenship. In an October 2025 interview with the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph, she said she hoped to obtain dual citizenship.

At the time, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to the news, telling Fox News Digital, “What great news for America!”

President Trump also weighed in via Truth Social, posting in July 2025: “Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

He reiterated his criticism in September 2025, writing, “She is not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so!”

O’Donnell pushed back forcefully, citing constitutional protections.

“He can’t do that because it’s against the Constitution, and even the Supreme Court has not given him the right to do that. … He’s not allowed to do that. The only way you’re allowed to take away someone’s citizenship is if they renounce it themselves, and I will never renounce my American citizenship,” she said. “I am a very proud citizen of the United States.

“I am also getting my citizenship here so I can have dual citizenship in Ireland and the United States because I enjoy living here,” she added. “It’s very peaceful. I love the politics of the country. I love the people and their generous hearts and spirit. And it’s been very good for my daughter. But I still want to maintain my citizenship in the United States. My children are there. I will be there visiting and go to see them. And I have the freedom to do that, as does every American citizen.”

As a legal matter, the Constitution is clear: a president does not have the authority to revoke the citizenship of a native-born American. Because O’Donnell was born in New York, her citizenship is protected under the 14th Amendment.

A Familiar Pattern

For many Republican voters, O’Donnell’s move abroad — and now her quiet return — underscores a broader trend among high-profile celebrities who vowed to leave the country after Trump’s victories but ultimately maintain close ties to the United States.

While critics in Hollywood describe the country as “scary” or unrecognizable, millions of Americans who supported President Trump see a nation focused on border security, economic growth, and restoring law and order. The contrast highlights an ongoing cultural divide between coastal entertainment elites and much of the rest of the country.

For now, O’Donnell says she is content in Ireland but intends to continue visiting the United States.

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Republican Demands Bondi Appear Before Congress for Monitoring Epstein Searches

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0

Republican lawmakers are escalating scrutiny of Attorney General Pam Bondi following a contentious House Judiciary Committee hearing this week, with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) now calling on Bondi to testify before the House Oversight Committee over concerns about how sensitive materials are being handled inside the Department of Justice.

Mace led the charge Friday morning, arguing that questions raised during Wednesday’s hearing warrant further examination by lawmakers.

During that hearing, a photographer captured an image of Bondi holding a folder that appeared to display search records connected to Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) within the Justice Department’s Epstein files database. Members of Congress were granted access to portions of those files two days earlier amid ongoing public pressure for transparency surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associates.

“In the Judiciary Committee, she had a folder open, and you saw an image of a search history of a member of Congress in the software in the database,” Mace said in an interview circulating Friday. “Why is the DOJ — why is the attorney general carrying around a folder of the search histories of members of Congress who only simply want the truth? She should answer for that, and I think she should come before the Oversight Committee, because I have a lot of tough questions.”

Mace framed the issue as one of accountability and equal treatment under the law, signaling that Republicans intend to continue pressing the Justice Department over how it is managing and tracking access to the highly sensitive Epstein materials.

The Judiciary hearing itself was marked by sharp exchanges between Bondi and several Democratic lawmakers, who accused the department of withholding information and mishandling aspects of the long-running Epstein investigation. Republicans, meanwhile, have emphasized the need to fully expose any failures connected to the case and to ensure that political considerations do not interfere with the release of relevant records.

At one point during the hearing, Jayapal urged Bondi to apologize directly to victims of Epstein who were seated in the room. Bondi declined, accusing the congresswoman of engaging in “theatrics” rather than focusing on substantive oversight.

The exchange underscored the broader partisan divide surrounding the Epstein files, which have fueled public distrust across the political spectrum.

It remains unclear whether the House Oversight Committee will formally request Bondi’s testimony. However, Mace’s public demand signals that Republican lawmakers are not finished pressing the attorney general for answers as the Epstein controversy continues to reverberate through Congress.

Learn America’s true story with the FREE DVD Box Set: The Great American Story: A Land of Hope. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it’s vital the next generation learns the full truth — our founding principles of liberty and what makes America great. Request your free $100 DVD box set today and share it with your family or small group. Claim your FREE copy now.

Trump Issues Pardons To 5 Former NFL Stars

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0

On Thursday evening, President Trump issued pardons to five former NFL players.

White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson announced this week that several former professional football players have been granted presidential pardons, underscoring what the administration described as the power of redemption and second chances.

Among those granted clemency were Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon.

“As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation,” Johnson wrote in a post on X.

Johnson also said that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shared the news “personally” with Newton, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys during the team’s 1990s dynasty.

Klecko, a former New York Jets standout and Pro Football Hall of Famer, pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a federal grand jury investigating an insurance fraud scheme.

Newton, a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug-trafficking charge in 2001 after authorities found $10,000 in cash in his pickup truck and 175 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle traveling with him.

Lewis, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2003, pleaded guilty in 2000 to using a cellphone to attempt to facilitate a drug deal shortly after being selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the NFL draft.

Henry, a Pro Bowl running back who played for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine in connection with financing a drug ring that operated between Colorado and Montana.

Cannon, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner at LSU who later starred for the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders, admitted in the mid-1980s to his role in a counterfeiting scheme. He died in 2018. His pardon was granted posthumously.

Presidential Pardons and Clemency

Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the president has broad authority to grant pardons and commutations for federal offenses. The power has long been used by presidents of both parties to extend mercy, correct perceived injustices, and offer individuals a second chance after they have served their sentences.

President Donald Trump made use of that authority throughout his first term, often highlighting cases he believed reflected excessive sentencing or personal rehabilitation. His clemency decisions ranged from high-profile political figures to criminal justice reform cases, including Alice Marie Johnson herself. Johnson, who had been serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense, was granted clemency by Trump in 2018 after serving more than two decades in prison. Her case became a symbol for advocates of criminal justice reform and second chances.

Since then, Johnson has played a visible role in clemency advocacy, working with the administration to review cases and elevate stories of individuals seeking pardons.

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Judge Rejects BBC’s Bid To Halt Discovery In Trump $10B Lawsuit

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0

A federal judge on Thursday dealt an early blow to the BBC’s legal strategy in President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit, refusing the broadcaster’s request to pause discovery and clearing the way for both sides to begin exchanging evidence.

U.S. District Judge Roy Altman ruled that the BBC’s bid to halt the evidence-gathering process was “premature” and said the network had failed to show it would be unfairly harmed if discovery moved forward. In a separate order, the court scheduled a two-week trial date for February 2027.

The decision represents a significant procedural win for Trump, who has argued that the publicly funded British broadcaster knowingly pushed a misleading narrative about January 6 in an effort to damage him politically.

Trump is suing over edited footage aired in an October 2024 episode of the BBC’s Panorama documentary series. The clips, first reported by The Telegraph in November, allegedly spliced together two separate Trump statements in a way that his legal team says created the “mistaken impression” that he directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol.

Trump’s attorneys argue the editing was not a simple mistake, but part of a broader media pattern that Republicans have long criticized: selectively framing Trump and his supporters as violent extremists while downplaying evidence that Trump repeatedly urged peaceful protest.

The president’s lawsuit seeks $5 billion in damages for defamation, along with another $5 billion for alleged violations of trade practices.

The case has already caused turmoil inside the BBC. The fallout reportedly triggered resignations among senior leadership, including director general Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness.

BBC Chair Samir Shah apologized for an “error of judgment,” but insisted there is “no basis for a defamation case” and said the corporation is “determined to fight this.”

Judge Altman’s ruling means the BBC will now be required to turn over internal communications, production materials, and editorial decision-making documents — evidence that could prove critical in determining whether the broadcaster acted negligently or with actual malice.

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White House Fires Newly Appointed US Attorney

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0

The Trump administration on Wednesday removed a newly appointed U.S. attorney in New York’s Northern District just hours after federal judges selected him for the post.

Donald Kinsella was appointed by district judges to serve as U.S. attorney in New York’s Northern District following the departure of John A. Sarcone III, who had been acting in the role. Sarcone stepped aside after a judge blocked him from further involvement in an investigation concerning New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that he was not lawfully serving in the office when certain subpoenas were issued.

Shortly after Kinsella’s appointment, he received an email from a White House official stating that he was being removed from the position. In comments to The New York Times, Kinsella said he was uncertain whether the email legally constituted his dismissal and indicated he would consult with the district judges who appointed him before taking further action.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, however, signaled that the administration considered the matter settled. Responding to a social media post from a TimesUnion reporter who first broke the story, Blanche wrote that Kinsella was officially “fired.”

The episode reflects a broader, ongoing clash between the White House and the federal judiciary over the appointment and service of U.S. attorneys.

In December, Alina Habba, President Trump’s former personal attorney, was removed from her post as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor after a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that found she had been unlawfully serving in the position.

Similarly, in November, a court determined that Lindsey Halligan, the president’s selected prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, had been “unlawfully appointed.” That ruling led to the dismissal of charges against former FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Letitia James.

Halligan left the U.S. attorney’s office in January after a judge criticized her repeated references to herself as U.S. attorney in court filings, calling it a “charade of Ms. Halligan masquerading as the United States attorney.”

READ NEXT: Is There A Way Around The Filibuster For The SAVE Act?

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Former Jack Smith Deputy Involved In Prosecuting Trump Announces Run For Congress

By
Madeleine Jackson
-
1

J.P. Cooney, a former top deputy to special counsel Jack Smith in the Biden-era Justice Department, has launched a Democrat bid for Congress in Virginia — centering his campaign on his role in prosecuting President Donald Trump.

Cooney announced his candidacy in a post on X, writing: “I was fired by Donald Trump’s Department of Justice because of my work to prosecute him. But I won’t let Trump – or anyone – stop me from serving. I’m J.P. Cooney, and I’m running for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Cooney served as Principal Deputy to Special Counsel Jack Smith and was a lead prosecutor in the federal cases brought against Trump alleging obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Those cases, filed during a period of intense political division, were widely criticized by Republicans as unprecedented uses of prosecutorial power against a political opponent — particularly as Trump was running for president.

Many conservatives have argued that the prosecutions reflected a broader pattern of what they describe as a “weaponized” Justice Department under Democrat leadership. House Republicans have held hearings examining federal law enforcement’s conduct in high-profile political investigations, questioning whether equal standards were applied across party lines.

Smith, whose tenure as special counsel was sharply debated on Capitol Hill, praised Cooney in remarks reported by The New York Times. “I’ve known J.P. for a long time and I think the world of him as a person and as a public servant,” Smith said. “He’s a man of integrity who has committed his career to upholding the rule of law.”

For Republican voters in Virginia, Cooney’s campaign is likely to revive debates about the legitimacy and timing of the Trump prosecutions. GOP leaders have consistently maintained that the legal actions were politically motivated and designed to damage Trump’s electoral prospects rather than to serve impartial justice.

Adding another layer of controversy, Cooney is running in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District — a district that does not yet exist in its current proposed form. According to The New York Times, Democrats in Virginia are advancing a redistricting effort that would significantly alter the 7th District’s boundaries. That plan would face legal hurdles and would ultimately require approval via ballot referendum.

Republicans in the state have criticized the redistricting push as an attempt to engineer a more favorable electoral map, particularly in competitive suburban districts that have swung between parties in recent cycles. Virginia’s 7th District has been one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the Commonwealth, reflecting broader national shifts in suburban voting patterns.

In comments to the Times, Cooney framed his candidacy as a response to what he described as congressional inaction. “Never has there been a Congress that has been such a weak and ineffective check on a president’s abuses of power,” he said. “I lie awake every night worrying that Donald Trump does not have the best interests of our country in mind.”

Those remarks are likely to energize Democratic primary voters but may also sharpen partisan contrasts in a state where divided government and razor-thin margins have become the norm. Virginia has trended more competitive in recent elections, with Republicans making gains in statewide contests and emphasizing issues such as public safety, parental rights in education, inflation, and federal spending.

Cooney’s entry into the race signals that the legal battles surrounding Trump will continue to spill into the political arena.

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