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Trump To Nominate Todd Blanche As Attorney General

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Madeleine Jackson
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President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on Friday, June 27, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that he plans to nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to permanently lead the Department of Justice, a move that will require Senate confirmation.

Speaking during a dinner event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump told attendees that he would direct his team to begin the formal nomination process on Thursday.

“I wanted to see how he’s received, you know, we put him as acting, and he’s done a very good job, but I’ve known him a long time,” Trump said in a pre-recorded interview with Pod Force One that aired Wednesday.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino later shared video of Trump’s announcement on social media. Trump said he intended to make Blanche the “permanent attorney general.”

Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, became acting attorney general after Trump removed former Attorney General Pam Bondi from the position in April. Before taking over as acting AG, Blanche served as deputy attorney general.

The longtime Trump ally represented the president during his 2024 New York criminal trial involving allegations that business records were falsified to conceal hush-money payments. Trump was convicted on all 34 counts in that case before winning reelection later that year.

Trump had hinted at the nomination earlier this week. When asked Tuesday whether Blanche would remain attorney general, the president replied, “I think he will.”

The nomination comes as Blanche faces scrutiny over the Justice Department’s controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which was promoted as a mechanism to compensate individuals whom the administration claimed had been unfairly targeted by government actions.

After weeks of criticism from lawmakers and public controversy, Blanche told Congress on Tuesday that the department was “not moving forward with the fund,” according to ABC News.

The decision followed opposition from several Senate Republicans, some of whom reportedly warned that the proposal could jeopardize support for Trump’s broader legislative agenda and create political liabilities ahead of the midterm elections.

Despite Blanche’s announcement, Trump appeared uncertain about the fund’s future after a federal judge temporarily blocked the initiative.

“I’d have to ask the lawyers. I don’t know,” Trump said when asked whether the plan was permanently dead.

“The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing,” he added.

As acting attorney general, Blanche has also drawn attention for overseeing the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey over a social media post featuring seashells that the Justice Department alleged constituted a threat against the president.

Blanche has repeatedly rejected suggestions that he would use the Justice Department to target Trump’s political opponents.

His nomination could face questions in the Senate despite Republicans’ 53-47 majority. While most GOP senators are expected to support Trump’s choice, several Republicans have previously broken with the president on high-profile issues, potentially complicating the confirmation process.

Blanche also made headlines last year when he personally interviewed convicted Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. According to reports, Maxwell told Blanche she had never witnessed Trump engage in illegal conduct during her association with Epstein. Following the interview, the Department of Justice transferred Maxwell to a lower-security federal prison facility.

If confirmed, Blanche would become the permanent head of the Justice Department after serving several months in an acting capacity

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Report: Trump Refuses To Rule Out DeSantis As Attorney General

By
Madeleine Jackson
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President Donald Trump answers questions from members of the media aboard Air Force One en route to Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, for a rally on the economy, Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

President Donald Trump is keeping the door open for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the nation’s next attorney general, offering warm praise for his former Republican rival during a recent podcast interview.

Speaking Tuesday with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her “Pod Force One” podcast, Trump said DeSantis is among several Republicans being discussed as a potential replacement for former Attorney General Pam Bondi, though he stopped short of making any commitment.

“People thought of different names. There are some good names,” Trump told Devine.

Trump noted that DeSantis has never approached him about the position.

“He’s never talked about wanting the job,” the president said.

The comments highlight how dramatically relations have improved between Trump and DeSantis since their bruising 2024 Republican primary showdown. During that campaign, Trump frequently mocked the Florida governor as “Ron DeSanctimonious.” Today, the president is singing a very different tune.

“He’s a governor and doing a very good job,” Trump said. “He’s a friend of mine.”

Trump also pointed to a recent honor bestowed by Florida lawmakers and signed into law by DeSantis.

“He just named an airport after me,” Trump said. “They named the Palm Beach International Airport the Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

The airport renaming became official after DeSantis signed legislation earlier this year. Trump called the designation “a great honor.”

The president also referenced DeSantis’ support for plans involving Trump’s future presidential library.

While DeSantis’ name is generating buzz among conservatives, Trump suggested he’s pleased with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who currently leads the Department of Justice and previously served as Trump’s personal attorney.

“I wanted to see how he’s received,” Trump said of Blanche. “He’s done a very good job.”

Trump indicated that no final decision has been made.

“There are a lot of great people,” the president said. “The Republican Party — we have great people.”

For his part, DeSantis has publicly downplayed speculation about a possible role in the Trump administration.

According to Florida Politics, the governor recently said, “No one’s ever asked me to do anything, and I’ve never asked to do anything.”

Still, some Republicans believe DeSantis would be a strong fit for the nation’s top law enforcement post.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) who is running to succeed DeSantis as governor, told conservative commentator Benny Johnson last month that he believes DeSantis would “make a very good attorney general.”

“Knowing Gov. DeSantis, he will make sure that he looks through everything with a fine-tooth comb to hold people accountable and I think that’s a spot he could be incredibly well-suited for,” Donalds said, while also praising Blanche’s performance.

For now, Trump appears content to keep his options open — and DeSantis’ name firmly in the conversation.

Watch the full podcast below:

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Treasury Chief Admits He Threatened To Beat Up Trump’s Controversial DNI Pick

By
Madeleine Jackson
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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)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stunned lawmakers Wednesday when he casually admitted that he threatened to physically assault Bill Pulte — President Donald Trump’s embattled choice to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence.

The jaw-dropping admission came during a Senate Finance Committee hearing after Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) referenced reports of a heated clash between the two Trump administration officials.

“Did you actually tell Pulte you were going to punch him in the face?” Tillis asked.

“No, sir. I actually said I was going to kick his a**,” Bessent replied.

Tillis appeared amused by the correction.

“Good. OK, good. I share the emotion — thank you,” the North Carolina Republican responded.

Bessent brushed off the confrontation as old news.

“And, as I said, that was last summer, summer ’25,” he said. “And many teams have fights in the locker room, and then go out and win for the team on the field.”

But Tillis suggested the incident could become a major issue now that Trump has tapped Pulte to oversee America’s intelligence agencies following Tulsi Gabbard’s planned departure later this month.

“Everybody’s gonna be showing that,” Tillis said. “I made it clear I’m not gonna support Pulte for DNI, but I’m sure they’re gonna dredge that up.”

Watch:

The exchange revived scrutiny of an explosive confrontation first reported by Politico, which described a profanity-laced showdown between Bessent and Pulte at a private gathering of Trump officials and allies last year.

According to Politico, Bessent confronted Pulte after hearing that the Federal Housing Finance Agency chief had been speaking negatively about him to President Trump

Read an excerpt from Politico’s reporting:

A private dinner attended by dozens of administration officials and close advisers to President Donald Trump was temporarily marred by a dramatic clash between two of Trump’s top economic officials, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at one point threatening to punch top housing finance official Bill Pulte “in the fucking face.”

…

But amid the cocktail-hour din, Bessent lashed out at Pulte in an expletive-laden diatribe. The Treasury secretary had heard from several people that the Federal Housing Finance Agency director had been badmouthing him to Trump, a person close to him said. He wasn’t about to engage in chit-chat as if nothing was amiss.

“Why the fuck are you talking to the president about me? Fuck you,” Bessent told Pulte. “I’m gonna punch you in your fucking face.”

The scene was described to me by one eyewitness and four other people familiar with what happened. The only fact they disagreed on was whether it was Bessent or Pulte who initiated the conversation. They and others who described the conflict were granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

Pulte appeared stunned, and the tense encounter prompted club co-owner and financier Omeed Malik to intervene, according to the three people. But Bessent wasn’t having it — he sought to get him kicked out, the eyewitness said.

“It’s either me or him,” Bessent said to Malik. “You tell me who’s getting the fuck out of here.”

“Or,” he added, “we could go outside.”

“To do what?” asked Pulte. “To talk?”

“No,” Bessent replied. “I’m going to fucking beat your ass.”

The bizarre feud is drawing fresh attention as Pulte faces mounting criticism over his nomination.

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Trump-endorsed Feenstra Concedes To MAHA-backed Lahn In Primary Upset

By
Madeleine Jackson
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President Donald J. Trump visits the El Arepazo Doral restaurant, Monday, March 9, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

A Republican primary battle in Iowa just delivered a major surprise—and a setback for President Donald Trump’s endorsement power.

According to Fox News, Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), who received Trump’s endorsement just days before Election Day, conceded Tuesday night after losing the GOP gubernatorial primary to political newcomer Zach Lahn.

Lahn, a farmer and businessman backed by allies of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, ran on an “Iowa First” platform and overcame what many considered long odds to defeat one of the state’s most recognizable Republican figures.

The upset is likely to fuel debate inside conservative circles about the growing influence of MAHA-aligned activists and outsider candidates within the Republican coalition.

Feenstra entered the race with significant advantages. The congressman represented Iowa’s 4th District, enjoyed a fundraising edge, had support from prominent Iowa Republicans—including former Gov. Terry Branstad—and secured a late endorsement from Trump, who praised him as “MAGA all the way” and gave him his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

But it wasn’t enough.

With 99% of votes counted, Lahn held roughly a 1,600-vote lead over Feenstra, according to The Associated Press election tracker cited by Fox News.

Despite the loss, Feenstra quickly rallied behind his opponent.

“I just called Zach Lahn, and said, ‘Hey, you got to carry this torch. We got to keep this state red. You got to make sure you beat Rob Sand.’ And I’m all in to help him out,” Feenstra told supporters on election night, according to video shared by Iowa News Now reporter Skylar Tallal and cited by Fox News.

Lahn’s campaign received backing from MAHA Action, a political organization aligned with the Make America Healthy Again movement. He was also endorsed by the political arm of Turning Point USA, the influential conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk.

On his campaign website, Lahn describes himself as a father, farmer, and businessman committed to putting Iowa interests first.

The race opened after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she would not seek another term, creating Iowa’s first open gubernatorial contest in two decades.

Lahn now advances to a potentially competitive general election matchup against Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand, Iowa’s only Democratic statewide officeholder. Sand, who advanced through the Democratic primary unopposed, has built his reputation around government accountability and anti-corruption efforts.

Political handicappers have already signaled that the race could be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests in the country. Fox News noted that the Cook Political Report recently shifted the race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up,” while Inside Elections continues to rate it “Lean Republican.”

Trump Confirms Heated Call With Netanyahu Over Lebanon Strikes

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0
ChatGPT Image Jun 3, 2026, 09_53_45 AM

President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he sharply confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, acknowledging that he used profanity during a tense phone call as concerns mounted over the potential collapse of U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.

The call, first reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, reportedly occurred after Netanyahu ordered Israeli forces to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s Dahieh district, an escalation that threatened to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

According to Axios, citing U.S. officials and another source briefed on the conversation, Trump referred to Netanyahu as “crazy” and demanded, “What the f— are you doing?” during the call. The report also claimed Trump reminded Netanyahu of U.S. support, allegedly telling the Israeli leader, “I helped you stay out of jail.”

Senior officials in Netanyahu’s office disputed portions of the Axios account, calling it “inaccurate” and denying some of the personal remarks attributed to Trump.

However, Trump later confirmed key details of the exchange during an interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine on her Pod Force One podcast.

“Now Axios reported that you had a phone call with Bibi Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, in which you were angry with him. You said, ‘Are you effing crazy? What are you effing doing? I helped you stay out of jail.’ Is that true?” Devine asked.

“I did,” Trump replied.

The president downplayed suggestions that he was furious with Netanyahu, instead describing himself as frustrated by Israel’s continued military actions against Lebanon.

“I wouldn’t say angry. I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said. “You know, at some point I said, ‘Bibi we gotta stop this, we gotta stop it.’”

Despite the confrontation, Trump emphasized that his relationship with the Israeli prime minister remains strong.

“But I have a very good relationship. We’ve done well together,” Trump added. “He always says we could never have done it, but everybody knows that we could have never done it without the United States. But we’ve worked very well together.”

“I like Bibi a lot and I’ve worked very well with him,” he continued. “We had where, you know, where I’m a wartime president, he’s a wartime prime minister. Very important part of the world, and I think we’ve done, you know, very well.”

Watch the full interview on YouTube:

The reported dispute came amid growing concerns that renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon could jeopardize diplomatic progress with Iran. Iranian officials accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington and Tehran in April and threatened to suspend negotiations with the United States.

Following his conversation with Netanyahu, Trump announced on Truth Social that Israeli forces would pull back from Beirut and that troops heading toward the Lebanese capital “have already been turned back.”

“Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop — That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel,” Trump wrote.

The incident has also sparked political commentary in the United States. During an appearance on CNN’s OutFront, Democrat strategist David Axelrod said Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu was understandable.

“It doesn’t sound like a very friendly call,” Axelrod said.

Axelrod argued that Netanyahu’s actions had complicated both Israel’s international standing and Trump’s political position at home.

“I think that the president — his analysis is not wrong,” Axelrod said. “Bibi Netanyahu has done tremendous damage, in my view, to Israel and to Israel’s standing in the world.”

Axelrod also suggested Trump may be particularly frustrated because the conflict has become a domestic political liability.

“What he’s mad about is Bibi has created a huge political problem for him, because the economy is the thing that is on the minds of Americans, and he has made it worse,” Axelrod added.

While the exchange highlights growing tensions over the conduct of the regional conflict, Trump’s public comments suggest that, despite the unusually blunt language, he continues to view Netanyahu as a close ally even as he pushes for de-escalation in Lebanon.

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Mike Lindell Taps Navy Intelligence Veteran Phillip Parrish As Running Mate In Minnesota Governor Bid

By
Madeleine Jackson
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Mike Lindell via Gage Skidmore Flickr

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell has officially selected retired Navy intelligence officer Phillip Parrish as his running mate in Minnesota’s 2026 gubernatorial race, uniting two Republican candidates who have both built their campaigns around government accountability and exposing fraud.

Lindell announced the decision Monday during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s War Room and later confirmed the ticket on social media.

“Just Officially Filed!” Lindell wrote on X alongside a photo of himself and Parrish. “The two best gubernatorial candidates are joining forces.”

Parrish, who had been running his own campaign for governor, suspended that effort to join Lindell’s ticket as the Republican pair seek to challenge Democrat frontrunner Sen. Amy Klobuchar in November.

The move brings together two outsiders in a race that political analysts currently rate as heavily favoring Democrats. The Cook Political Report recently shifted Minnesota’s gubernatorial contest from “Lean Democrat” to “Solid Democrat” following Klobuchar’s entry into the race.

Former Navy Intelligence Officer and Fraud Whistleblower

Parrish brings a background that differs sharply from the traditional political establishment.

The Hill reports that retired Navy lieutenant commander, Parrish previously served as a counterterrorism and foreign policy specialist and says he spent more than a decade overseas tracking terrorist financing networks. He has also worked in education and currently serves as an administrator at a Catholic church and school.

Parrish became widely known among Minnesota conservatives for his role as one of the state’s earliest whistleblowers on alleged fraud within Minnesota’s childcare assistance system.

In a January interview with NewsNation, Parrish said he began documenting suspicious financial activity as early as 2016, claiming that hundreds of millions of dollars flowed through Minnesota programs before ultimately reaching al-Shabab-linked networks in Somalia.

A former member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Parrish said his investigations traced money couriers from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport through the Netherlands and Kenya before reaching money exchanges in Mogadishu known as “hawalas.”

Federal authorities have previously identified some hawala networks as conduits for terrorist financing. The U.S. Treasury Department designated certain Somali money-transfer operations as fronts for the al-Qaida-linked terrorist group al-Shabab in 2012.

Lindell’s Outsider Campaign

Lindell launched his gubernatorial campaign in December, pledging to tackle government fraud, crime, addiction, and homelessness while portraying himself as an outsider willing to challenge Minnesota’s political establishment.

The longtime ally of President Donald Trump has built his campaign around allegations of government corruption and waste, themes that have become central to Minnesota politics following several high-profile fraud investigations involving state-funded programs.

“I want you to know that I will stand for you as the next governor of the state of Minnesota,” Lindell said when he announced his candidacy at his MyPillow factory in Shakopee last year.

The businessman has argued that Minnesota needs leadership willing to confront what he describes as widespread government failures under Democratic control.

Challenging a Difficult Political Landscape

Despite Lindell’s national profile, Republicans face an uphill battle in Minnesota.

The GOP has not won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006, and the Republican primary field remains crowded. Lindell continues his campaign despite not securing the Minnesota Republican Party’s endorsement at the state convention, where businessman Kendall Qualls emerged as the endorsed candidate after multiple rounds of voting.

Minnesota’s filing deadline for governor and lieutenant governor candidates is June 2, with the Republican primary scheduled for August 11.

Under Minnesota law, governor and lieutenant governor candidates run together as a single ticket in both the primary and general election.

Meanwhile, Democrats have largely unified behind Klobuchar, who entered the race after Gov. Tim Walz announced he would not seek another term. Klobuchar has already secured the endorsement of the state’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and enters the race as the clear favorite.

For Lindell and Parrish, the newly formed ticket represents an effort to combine Lindell’s national name recognition with Parrish’s national-security credentials and anti-fraud reputation as they attempt to pull off one of the biggest political upsets of the 2026 election cycle.

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Trump Endorses Congressman Missing From Washington For Nearly Three Months

By
Madeleine Jackson
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0

President Donald Trump on Monday threw his support behind Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), even as the two-term congressman remains largely absent from Washington and the campaign trail amid an ongoing health-related disappearance that has fueled speculation across New Jersey’s most competitive House district.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, Trump issued a glowing endorsement of Kean, who is running unopposed for renomination despite not casting a vote in Congress since March 5.

On Truth Social, Trump praised Kean as a “Great Representative” and a key ally in advancing the administration’s agenda.

“A Tremendous Advocate of our America First Agenda, Tom is working tirelessly to Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.

In offering his backing, Trump added: “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR TOM — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

The endorsement comes as Kean remains largely out of public view. The congressman has not appeared for votes in the House for nearly three months and has maintained only a limited public presence while recovering from what he has described as a serious but temporary medical condition.

In late April, Kean acknowledged for the first time that he was dealing with a “personal medical issue,” though he declined to provide details about the illness.

“My doctors continue to assure me that my recovery will be complete and that I will be back to the job I love very soon,” Kean said in a statement at the time. “I expect to return to a full schedule and be at 100 percent.”

Questions about Kean’s absence have intensified in recent weeks as one of the nation’s most closely watched House races begins to take shape. While the congressman has remained out of the spotlight, his official congressional and campaign social media accounts have continued posting regularly, creating an unusual situation in which voters have heard from the congressman online but rarely seen him in person.

Kean told the New Jersey Globe on May 21 that he expected to return to Washington and resume campaigning “in the next couple of weeks.”

He also sought to reassure constituents about his long-term outlook.

“My doctors are confident that I’m on the road to a full recovery,” Kean told the outlet. “I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.”

Additional reassurance came from Kean’s father, former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr., who told CNN in mid-May that his son is recovering from a serious but temporary illness.

Despite his continued absence, Kean’s campaign has remained active. Following Trump’s endorsement Monday, Kean thanked the president in a post on X and encouraged New Jersey Republicans to participate in the primary.

The timing is significant because New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the country this year.

While Kean faces no Republican opposition, four Democrats — Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela — are competing for the chance to challenge him in November.

National Democrats view the district as one of their best pickup opportunities as they seek to regain control of the House. Republicans, meanwhile, are counting on Kean to defend a seat that could prove critical to preserving the GOP’s narrow majority.

Kean first won the district in 2022, defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski by just 2.8 percentage points. He secured reelection in 2024 by a somewhat wider 5.4-point margin against Democrat Sue Altman.

The Cook Political Report currently rates the race a “Toss Up,” placing it among just 18 House contests nationwide with that designation. Fourteen of those highly competitive seats are currently held by Republicans, underscoring the stakes for both parties heading into November.

For now, Trump’s endorsement provides Kean with a high-profile show of support at a moment when many voters are still waiting for the congressman to fully reemerge from the months-long absence that has become one of the most closely watched political stories in New Jersey.

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Trump Taps William Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence Following Tulsi Gabbard’s Resignation

By
Madeleine Jackson
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2
Tulsi Gabbard via Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who is stepping down later this month to care for her husband following a serious cancer diagnosis.

The move places one of Trump’s most trusted allies in charge of coordinating the nation’s intelligence community, despite Pulte having no previous senior-level intelligence or national security experience.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Pulte’s leadership overseeing the nation’s housing finance system.

“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” Trump wrote. “During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!”

Pulte will continue serving as FHFA Director while simultaneously leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in an acting capacity. The unusual arrangement has already drawn attention because the DNI is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and other members of the intelligence community.

Who Is William Pulte?

Pulte is best known as a businessman, investor, and housing finance regulator rather than a national security official.

He is the grandson of William J. Pulte, founder of homebuilding giant PulteGroup. Before entering government, Pulte worked in private equity and construction-related businesses and became widely known on social media for his philanthropic giveaways and advocacy efforts.

Trump appointed Pulte to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where he oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage giants that support much of the U.S. housing market. Under his leadership, the FHFA has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening the mortgage system while expanding homeownership opportunities.

Pulte has also emerged as one of Trump’s most outspoken allies in government. In recent months, he has referred several prominent Trump critics to federal authorities for investigation over alleged mortgage fraud, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Those allegations have been strongly disputed by the individuals involved.

Because Trump designated Pulte as acting DNI rather than formally nominating him to the permanent position, observers have speculated that Senate confirmation could prove difficult given his lack of intelligence experience and the politically charged nature of his recent actions.

Gabbard Steps Down to Care for Husband

Pulte’s appointment follows the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who announced last month that she would leave the administration effective June 30.

Gabbard said she made the decision after her husband, filmmaker Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. (RELATED: Tulsi Gabbard Resigning As National Intelligence Director)

The former Hawaii congresswoman and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel served as Trump’s top intelligence official beginning in February 2025. During her tenure, she oversaw the nation’s intelligence agencies and became a central figure in several administration efforts involving intelligence reform and declassification initiatives.

In her resignation letter to President Trump, Gabbard wrote:

“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”

…

Gabbard added: “Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage — standing steadfast through my deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, multiple political campaigns and now my service in this role.”

“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she continued. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”

She added that while significant progress had been made during her tenure, her family’s needs had to take priority during what she described as a difficult and uncertain period.

Trump accepted Gabbard’s resignation and praised her service to the administration.

Questions Surrounding the Appointment

Pulte’s appointment immediately raises questions about the future direction of the intelligence community.

Traditionally, Directors of National Intelligence have come from backgrounds in intelligence, military leadership, diplomacy, or national security. Pulte’s experience centers primarily on housing finance, business, and financial oversight.

Supporters argue that his experience managing sensitive financial systems and large government-backed institutions demonstrates the leadership skills needed to oversee a complex bureaucracy. Critics counter that intelligence operations require specialized expertise that Pulte has not previously demonstrated.

For now, Trump appears to be relying on a trusted ally to temporarily fill one of the government’s most sensitive positions while maintaining leadership at the FHFA.

Pulte is expected to assume his intelligence responsibilities following Gabbard’s departure on June 30.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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Trump Reportedly Plans To Scrap Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund

By
Madeleine Jackson
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4
President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

President Donald Trump is expected to abandon his controversial $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund following mounting backlash from Republicans, according to a report from Axios’ Marc Caputo.

An administration source told Axios that the fund is “dead for now.”

The fund was announced by the Department of Justice last month after the Trump administration settled the president’s lawsuit against the IRS. According to a DOJ press release, the fund was intended to “provide a systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare” and would have the authority to issue “formal apologies and monetary relief owed to claimants.”

Critics quickly labeled the initiative a “slush fund” for Trump allies.

Former Vice President Mike Pence called on Trump to eliminate the fund during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press over the weekend.

“Let’s get rid of this fund,” Pence said. “I mean, it’s deeply offensive to me that you could have a fund that could even possibly compensate people who assaulted police officers or vandalized the Capitol on January 6th.”

According to Mediaite, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) discussed the fund with Trump at the White House on Monday as criticism intensified on Capitol Hill.

The development comes after U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered the Justice Department on Friday not to establish the fund while litigation surrounding the proposal remains ongoing.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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Prosecutor Suddenly Steps Aside In James Comey ‘86 47’ Threat Case As Trial Looms

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    4
    Image via Wikimedia Commons

    The federal prosecutor leading the Justice Department’s controversial criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey has abruptly stepped down, according to a new court filing — adding another twist to one of the most politically charged prosecutions of President Trump’s second term.

    A notice of substitution filed Friday in the Eastern District of North Carolina revealed that Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo will replace Matthew Petracca as counsel for the government.

    The filing, submitted by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Ellis Boyle, requested that Petracca be removed from the court docket but offered no explanation for the sudden change.

    The shakeup comes as Comey prepares to fight charges stemming from a social media post featuring seashells arranged to read “86 47” — a message prosecutors allege amounted to a threat against President Donald Trump, the 47th president of the United States.

    Comey faces two federal counts, including threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

    The phrase “86” is commonly used in restaurants to mean removing or discontinuing an item. But Trump administration officials argue the number carries a darker meaning in criminal circles and law enforcement culture.

    “Threatening the life of the President of the United States is a grave violation of our nation’s laws,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in an April 28 statement announcing the indictment.

    “The grand jury returned an indictment alleging James Comey did just that, at a time when this country has witnessed violent incitement followed by deadly actions against President Trump and other elected officials,” Blanche added. “The temperature needs to be turned down, and anyone who dials it up and threatens the life of the President will be held accountable.”

    FBI Director Kash Patel was equally blunt.

    “James Comey disgracefully encouraged a threat on President Trump’s life and posted it on Instagram for the world to see,” Patel said. “As the former Director of the FBI, he knew full well the attention and consequences of making such a post. This FBI and our DOJ partners pursued a rigorous investigation that followed the facts – and now Mr. Comey will be held fully accountable for his actions.”

    Comey has vehemently denied that the image was intended as a threat, insisting he viewed the seashell arrangement as political expression rather than a call for violence.

    His legal team is expected to mount an aggressive First Amendment defense.

    “If Comey is charged for the shell picture, it would face a monumental challenge under the First Amendment,” constitutional law expert Jonathan Turley told Fox News shortly after the indictment. “In my view, the image itself is clearly protected speech. Absent some other unknown facts or elements, it would be unlikely to survive a threshold constitutional challenge.”

    The prosecution has reignited a years-long feud between Trump and Comey that dates back nearly a decade.

    Trump famously fired Comey as FBI director in May 2017 amid the bureau’s investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. The dismissal triggered political shockwaves in Washington and ultimately helped lead to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

    Since leaving office, Comey has emerged as one of Trump’s most outspoken critics, frequently warning that a second Trump administration could threaten democratic institutions and the rule of law. Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused Comey of abusing the powers of the FBI and helping fuel what he calls the “Russia hoax.”

    The bad blood only intensified after Comey published a bestselling memoir sharply critical of the president and became a regular voice against Trump during the 2020 and 2024 election cycles.

    Now, the former FBI chief finds himself on the opposite side of the courtroom from the administration he once investigated.

    The case is being prosecuted in North Carolina, where authorities say the seashell photograph was taken.

    “No one is above the law in the Eastern District of North Carolina,” Boyle said after the indictment. “Our office regularly pursues threat cases including those against public officials. The Grand Jury examined the evidence in this case and found probable cause to indict Mr. Comey.”

    The trial is currently scheduled for October after U.S. District Judge Louise Wood Flanagan granted Comey’s request for additional time.

    Meanwhile, NBC News reported that Petracca has recently been removed from other criminal cases as well. According to sources cited by the outlet, the prosecutor considered leaving the Justice Department altogether before ultimately deciding to remain after taking a brief leave of absence.

    Neither Petracca nor the Justice Department has publicly explained the change.

    With an October showdown approaching and constitutional questions hanging over the case, the unusual prosecutor swap is likely to fuel further scrutiny of a prosecution already drawing intense political and legal attention.

    We don’t have to guess what the Democrats will do if they win in November; they already told us. Fill out this quick survey and let the President know if he can count on you.
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