Home Blog

Congressional Candidate Sparks Outrage With Unhinged Anti-Trump Video

By
Madeleine Jackson
-
0
President Donald J. Trump is presented with a 10th Combat Aviation Brigade challenge coin following an air assault and gun rain demonstration at Fort Drum, New York, on August 13. The demonstration was part of President Trump's visit to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) to sign the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019, which increases the Army's authorized active-duty end strength by 4,000 enabling us to field critical capabilities in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Thomas Scaggs) 180813-A-TZ475-010

A Republican congressional candidate and former U.S. Marine has triggered a firestorm after posting a bizarre video branding President Donald Trump “the Antichrist” and declaring that he “must be killed.”

William Upham, a write-in candidate for Florida’s 5th Congressional District, delivered the nearly seven-minute religious and political rant while wearing a Marine Corps uniform—even though the service says he was medically discharged more than a year ago.

Upham initially presented his campaign as an effort to restore bipartisanship, return power to working Americans and “fix our broken political system.”

Then the video took a dark turn.

“We are led by a president who is the enemy of God,” Upham said, according to Fox News.

After quoting Bible passages and invoking the oath he took as a Marine officer to defend the Constitution “against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Upham leveled an extraordinary accusation against the commander in chief.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, is the Antichrist,” Upham said. “He is a false messiah. And he is your enemy. And he must be killed.”

Upham claimed Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV and a previously posted AI-generated image depicting the president in Christ-like imagery helped shape his conclusion, according to the New York Post.

“He is nothing like Jesus Christ,” Upham said.

Later in the video, he urged Americans to consider whether they were “worshiping a false idol” before declaring: “President Trump is the Antichrist. And he will be killed and sent to hell. God will prevail against evil.”

Upham also said violence should never be used for “evil purposes such as vengeance or plunder,” an assertion sharply at odds with his earlier declaration about the president.

The Marine Corps swiftly disavowed the former officer.

“The Marine Corps is aware of the disturbing statements made by William Upham, who was medically discharged on May 30, 2025,” the service said in a statement posted to X. “The comments made by Upham are a direct violation of the oath he swore to uphold and are not in keeping with the service’s values.”

Upham served in the Marines from 2021 until 2025 and reached the rank of first lieutenant, according to Task & Purpose.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao also condemned the candidate’s remarks.

“Unacceptable,” Cao wrote on X. “William Upham is no longer a Marine and does not represent our values or ethos.”

The Secret Service confirmed that it was aware of the video.

“The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the comments made by a congressional candidate in Florida, and we investigate anything that can be perceived as a threat toward one of our protectees,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence.”

The violent rhetoric is especially alarming after multiple assassination attempts against Trump and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025.

Despite the national attention generated by his video, Upham appears to be a fringe contender in the August 18 Republican primary. He is running as a write-in candidate against five-term incumbent Rep. John Rutherford, conservative radio personality Mark Kaye and Donald Muirheid, according to Ballotpedia.

No reputable public opinion poll located as of Thursday showed measurable support for Upham. One prediction-market tracker gave Rutherford a roughly 93% chance of winning the nomination, however it’s important to note that prediction-market odds are not the same as voter polling.

Rutherford also begins the race from a commanding position. The former Jacksonville sheriff won reelection in 2024 with more than 63% of the vote, carrying the heavily Republican district by approximately 26 percentage points.

Upham’s own campaign website describes him as a Marine, prosecutor and Republican running “for God and country.” It also promises voters: “No more insiders. No more extremism. No more excuses.”

After his explosive video, that anti-extremism pitch is now facing intense scrutiny.

Have you abandoned MAGA too? Or can Trump still count on you? He needs an answer NOW.

Trump Hails Iran’s Surprise ‘Goodwill’ Move As American Finally Heads Home

By
Madeleine Jackson
-
0

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that Iran had allowed an American citizen trapped inside the country since 2024 to leave, calling the unexpected release a “gesture of goodwill” amid a rapidly escalating military confrontation.

“Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the ‘presidency’ of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition,” the president added. “The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!”

The woman was identified by her attorney as Dena Karari, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen who traveled to Iran to visit family in December 2024 and was subsequently blocked from leaving.

International human rights attorney Jared Genser said Karari had faced “bogus charges” involving allegations of espionage and collaboration with a hostile country.

“I am delighted and excited to report that my client U.S. citizen #DenaKarari, who had been trapped in #Iran since December 2024 on bogus charges, is now free,” Genser wrote on X.

“This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President @realDonaldTrump,” he added.

Genser said Karari was safe and traveling back to the United States.

Although Trump described Karari as having been wrongfully detained, CBS News reported that she was placed under an exit ban rather than held continuously in prison. Iranian authorities confiscated her American and Iranian passports and subjected her to repeated interrogations, but she was never formally charged, according to the outlet.

The Wall Street Journal similarly reported that Karari spent roughly a year and a half unable to leave Iran after authorities accused her of espionage and collaborating with a hostile power.

Karari reportedly worked for an American technology company and operated a charity helping underprivileged children in Iran.

Her freedom offers a rare diplomatic bright spot as Washington and Tehran trade military strikes and threats over the Strait of Hormuz.

Karari’s release came as the Trump administration weighed options for expanding its military campaign against Iran. U.S. forces also launched additional daytime strikes against Iranian military targets near the strategically vital waterway.

The United States has expanded its strikes deeper into Iran while trying to break Tehran’s grip on the strait, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Iran, meanwhile, has launched retaliatory missiles and drones at targets elsewhere in the region.

Against that backdrop, Tehran’s decision to release Karari could be an isolated concession—or a signal that Iran is searching for a way to lower the temperature.

The administration has made securing the return of Americans detained abroad a major priority. The State Department says 76 Americans held as hostages, wrongful detainees or under other concerning circumstances have returned home since Trump took office in January 2025.

Earlier this year, the department formally designated Iran a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention,” accusing the regime of seizing innocent Americans and using them as political leverage.

Stand with Rudy Giuliani. Add your name to “THE PEOPLE’S PARDON” today to drop the charges, protect his freedom, and help us reach our critical citizen goal.

ICE Detains Canadian Woman Accused Of Slapping Teen Over Trump Gear At Jersey Shore

By
admin
-
0
By U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/ero, Public Domain,

A Canadian woman accused of slapping a teenage girl because she was wearing pro-Trump clothing at the Jersey Shore has landed in the custody of the very agency featured on the teen’s outfit.

Kaitlyn E. Tracey, 33, is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after police say she assaulted a 16-year-old girl during a Fourth of July weekend confrontation on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk. ICE records show Tracey is currently being held at the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark.

According to NJ.com, the incident unfolded after Tracey allegedly approached a group of teenagers while recording them with her cellphone. Police say she took issue with the group’s “patriotic colored sweatpants with political wording,” including pants displaying the words “Trump” and “ICE.”

Investigators allege Tracey then “slapped the victim across her face and body.”

The Point Pleasant Beach Police Department said surveillance video captured Tracey allegedly “striking the juvenile female, once to the body and once to the face, with an open hand” before fleeing the scene.

Authorities later identified Tracey through surveillance footage and other investigative methods before taking her into custody. She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment and obstruction.

The case took another turn when federal immigration authorities became involved.

According to reports, Tracey entered the United States from Canada in 2024 but remained after her authorized stay expired, making her subject to immigration enforcement.

A Department of Homeland Security official told the New York Post that the case reflects the Trump administration’s enforcement policy.

“Illegal aliens who break our laws will be arrested and deported,” the official said, confirming Tracey is being held in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

On Tuesday, a man identifying himself as Tracey’s husband posted an emotional video on social media announcing that she had been detained.

“Yesterday, July 13, my wife was detained by ICE and brought to Delaney Hall in North New Jersey,” he said.

He has since argued that the confrontation has been exaggerated, telling NJ.com, “This whole situation has been blown out of proportion and a person like Kate does not belong in any facility.”

Although he acknowledged he was not present during the incident, he insisted his wife was not the aggressor and blamed online backlash for drawing national attention to the case.

The allegations have fueled widespread reaction online because of the apparent irony that the woman accused of attacking a teenager over clothing supporting Trump and ICE ultimately ended up in ICE custody herself.

Tracey is expected to appear in New Jersey court to face the criminal charges while separate immigration proceedings determine whether she will be deported to Canada.

Some politicians answer to consultants but Steve Hilton answers to YOU. Read his special message for your eyes only.

Trump Endorses Mike Lindell In Minnesota Governor’s Race

By
Madeleine Jackson
-
1
President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd after delivering remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)

President Donald Trump is throwing his political weight behind one of his longest-standing allies, giving MyPillow founder Mike Lindell his “complete and total endorsement” in Minnesota’s closely watched race for governor — a move that underscores the president’s loyalty to one of his fiercest defenders even as Republicans debate the party’s best path to winning a traditionally blue state.

Trump announced his endorsement Wednesday morning in a lengthy Truth Social post, praising Lindell as a tireless supporter who has stood by him through years of political and legal battles.

“Mike Lindell, the ‘Pillow Man,’ and one of America’s greatest and most hard working Patriots, is running to be GOVERNOR OF MINNESOTA, replacing one of the worst and most incompetent governors in the history of the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote.

The president argued Lindell could reverse what he described as the state’s decline under outgoing Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

“He can do it! Nobody has sacrificed more than Mike Lindell in fighting for our country, especially when it comes to Election Integrity,” Trump continued. “He truly deserves everything he gets – He will MAKE MINNESOTA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

Trump concluded with an unequivocal endorsement.

“MIKE LINDELL HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Good Luck Mike!!!”

The endorsement formalizes a relationship that has stretched back years. Lindell emerged as one of Trump’s most visible allies after the 2020 election, frequently appearing alongside the president, using his platform to defend Trump’s claims about election integrity, and becoming a regular presence at rallies and conservative events. His loyalty came at a steep personal and financial cost, with retailers dropping MyPillow products and voting technology companies filing high-profile defamation lawsuits against him over statements about the 2020 election.

Trump has repeatedly praised Lindell for remaining loyal despite those setbacks. Even before issuing his formal endorsement, the president had publicly said last year that Lindell “deserves to be governor of Minnesota.”

Lindell launched his gubernatorial campaign last December, joining a crowded Republican field seeking to replace Walz, who opted against seeking another term. Walz’s administration has faced sustained criticism from Republicans over massive fraud schemes involving state-administered federal nutrition programs, allegations Trump referenced again in his endorsement.

The endorsement also comes as Minnesota Republicans remain divided over their preferred nominee.

While businessman Kendall Qualls secured the Minnesota GOP’s endorsement at the state convention, Lindell has continued campaigning aggressively and has remained competitive in public polling. A recent SurveyUSA/KSTP poll showed Lindell leading the Republican primary field with 27% support, ahead of Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth at 22% and Qualls at 17%, though roughly one-quarter of Republican voters remained undecided.

If Lindell captures the Aug. 11 Republican primary, he would likely face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who entered the governor’s race after Walz stepped aside and has built a substantial fundraising advantage. Multiple early surveys have shown Klobuchar beginning the general election campaign as the favorite.

Trump nevertheless argued Republicans can prevail, while again alleging election problems have hurt the GOP in Minnesota.

In a separate Truth Social post Wednesday, the president blasted Klobuchar as “lightly respected” and accused her of knowing about the fraud allegations surrounding Minnesota’s child nutrition reimbursement programs.

“I have gotten to know Klobuchar over the years, and find her to be equally as incompetent as Walz, and probably equally as corrupt in that, as a high Government Official from Minnesota, she knew everything that was going on,” Trump wrote.

He also claimed, “If the Elections in Minnesota weren’t RIGGED, any Republican could win, but they were, and that is why nobody has won there since Richard Nixon many years ago. I thought I won it all three times, only to be disappointed in the end.”

Minnesota’s Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with the general election set for November.

Have you abandoned MAGA too? Or can Trump still count on you? He needs an answer NOW.

Trump Speaks Out On Potential Lindsey Graham Replacement

By
Madeleine Jackson
-
1
[Photo Credit: The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

The race to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham is already turning into one of the Republican Party’s biggest political fights of the year—and President Donald Trump may have just tipped his hand.

During an interview with Newsmax on Monday night, Trump lavished praise on Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.), suggesting the South Carolina congressman is someone Republicans should be watching closely as the party prepares to choose a long-term successor to Graham, who died unexpectedly last week at age 71 after suffering an aortic dissection.

“I think Russell Fry, a young congressman, is outstanding, and that could happen. I could see that happening,” Trump said. “I think he’s a very, very talented person.”

Trump added that Fry has already proven himself after defeating former Rep. Tom Rice in 2022—a victory backed by the president after Rice voted to impeach Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

“He took the place of somebody that was—I mean, he’s doing much better than the person that preceded him,” Trump said. “He’s been very popular in the state, so I think a name like Russell Fry is somebody you can watch out for and there are probably some others.”

According to Fox News Digital, Fry has been discussing a possible Senate campaign with White House officials, fueling speculation that he could ultimately receive Trump’s endorsement. A source familiar with Fry’s thinking cautioned that “until the President makes an announcement, any speculation is just speculation.”

The president’s endorsement is expected to be the most coveted prize in what is shaping up to be a crowded Republican primary.

South Carolina Republicans will hold a special GOP primary on Aug. 11 to determine who will replace Graham on the November ballot. Candidate filing opens later this month, and several prominent Republicans are already maneuvering for position.

Among those considering bids are Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman. Norman has reportedly gone directly to Trump seeking his endorsement, while both lawmakers are looking for a political reset after falling short in South Carolina’s recent gubernatorial primary.

Before that contest plays out, however, Graham’s Senate seat has already been filled on an interim basis.

At Trump’s urging, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to serve through the remainder of his brother’s term. She was sworn into office Tuesday, becoming South Carolina’s first female U.S. senator. Trump described the appointment as a fitting tribute but indicated he expects her role to be temporary.

“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina,” Trump wrote earlier this week, calling the move “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey.”

Graham’s death marked the end of more than two decades in the Senate, where he became one of the Republican Party’s most recognizable voices on national security, judicial confirmations and foreign policy. Although he frequently sparred with Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, the two eventually forged one of the GOP’s closest political alliances. Graham became one of Trump’s most reliable allies in the Senate, defending the president through two impeachment trials, championing his judicial nominees and serving as a key adviser on major foreign policy issues.

Now, Republicans are preparing for a high-stakes battle over who will inherit one of the party’s most influential Senate seats.

Stand with Rudy Giuliani. Add your name to “THE PEOPLE’S PARDON” today to drop the charges, protect his freedom, and help us reach our critical citizen goal.

Nancy Mace Says Rift With Trump May Have Ended Her Political Career

By
admin
-
4
Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) says her public break with President Donald Trump may have permanently damaged her political future, acknowledging that the fallout could have brought her elected career to an end.

Mace made the remarks Monday during an appearance on NewsNation with host Chris Cuomo, where she was asked about her next move following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and the race to fill his vacant Senate seat.

The comments come just weeks after Mace suffered a disappointing finish in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary, where she placed fifth after Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette instead of her campaign.

Epstein files became a flashpoint

Mace’s latest split with Trump centered on the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Last year, Mace joined a small group of House Republicans in signing a discharge petition that forced a vote on legislation requiring the Department of Justice to release its Epstein files. The law directed the DOJ to make the records public with only victims’ identities redacted.

Congress ultimately approved the measure, and Trump signed it into law. The president had the authority to release the files administratively but instead signed the legislation after it passed both chambers.

The issue became the latest chapter in Mace’s often complicated relationship with Trump, which has shifted between alliance and public disagreement over the years.

Trump backed a rival

The political fallout became evident during South Carolina’s gubernatorial race.

In May, Trump declined to endorse Mace and instead threw his support behind Evette in the crowded Republican primary. One month later, Mace finished fifth in the race.

She has already announced she will not seek another term in the House when her current term expires in January.

Senate race questions remain

During Monday’s interview, Cuomo pressed Mace on whether she plans to run in the special election created by Graham’s death.

Earlier in the day, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve the remainder of his Senate term until January. Voters will choose the Republican nominee in a special election on Aug. 11, with the winner advancing to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election.

When Cuomo asked directly whether she intended to enter the race, Mace declined to give a clear answer.

“My focus right now is focusing on South Carolina,” she said.

Cuomo then suggested that Mace’s disagreement with Trump over the Epstein files could complicate any Senate campaign.

“But could that be enough to ruin your chances?” he asked.

Mace did not dismiss the possibility.

“It may have ended my political career, Chris,” she replied.

“You said it,” Cuomo responded.

‘I got my butt beat’

Mace said she has built her political identity by criticizing members of both parties when she believes they deserve it.

“I enjoy calling out Democrats and Republicans alike,” she said.

She also acknowledged the reality of her recent electoral defeat.

“I got my butt beat in the governor’s race, OK?” Mace said. “So, you know, those are all things that you sort of weigh.”

Future remains uncertain

Although Mace stopped short of announcing whether she will enter South Carolina’s Senate special election, her remarks highlighted the uncertainty surrounding her political future.

Once viewed as one of the state’s rising Republican stars, Mace now faces difficult questions after her gubernatorial defeat and high-profile split with Trump. Whether she seeks another office or steps away from electoral politics altogether remains an open question.

READ NEXT: The Unusual Souvenir Trump Wants To Keep

No American Should Stand Alone Against Government Abuse. Help Change That.

Trump Prime-Time Speech: Direct Address On Iran & Election Security

By
Patrick Houck
-
0
President Donald J. Trump hosts a Rose Garden Club dinner in honor of Police Week in the White House Rose Garden, Monday, May 11, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

President Donald Trump will deliver a prime-time “Speech to the Nation” from the White House on Thursday evening, with senior administration officials saying the address is expected to cover a variety of topics — including election integrity and the ongoing confrontation with Iran.

Trump announced the address Monday on Truth Social, saying it will begin at 9 p.m. ET. While he did not outline the full agenda, a senior adviser described the speech as a “potpourri” of issues the president considers most important.

Iran expected to be a major focus

According to a senior White House adviser, Trump is expected to provide an update on the administration’s response to Iran following weeks of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The address comes after the United States launched additional military strikes against Iranian targets in response to renewed threats against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has repeatedly vowed to keep the strategic waterway open and has warned Tehran of further consequences if it interferes with international maritime traffic.

Election integrity also on agenda

The adviser said election integrity is also expected to feature prominently in the speech.

Online speculation suggested Trump might revisit the 2020 Georgia Senate runoff elections, but the White House adviser rejected those reports, saying the president does not plan to focus specifically on those contests.

Instead, the president is expected to discuss election security more broadly as he continues pushing for stricter voter identification requirements and other election reforms ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump wants more prime-time addresses

Although Trump frequently speaks with reporters and holds campaign-style events, he has delivered relatively few formal, direct-to-camera prime-time addresses from the White House during his second term.

According to the senior adviser, the president wants to make such speeches a more regular part of his communications strategy, allowing him to address Americans directly on issues he considers significant.

The White House has not released additional details about the speech’s format or confirmed where on the White House grounds Trump will deliver the remarks.

With Iran, election security and other major issues expected to be discussed, Thursday’s address is shaping up to be one of the administration’s highest-profile televised events in recent months.

READ NEXT: Top Trump Official Pressured To Replace Lindsey Graham

Some politicians answer to consultants but Steve Hilton answers to YOU. Read his special message for your eyes only.

Trump-Backed President-Elect Levels Stunning Coup Accusation At Colombia’s Leader

By
Patrick Houck
-
1
Abelardo de la Espriella, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella suspended the presidential transition Tuesday and accused outgoing President Gustavo Petro of planning a coup to remain in power after Petro refused to recognize the results of the country’s election.

Petro claims progressive Sen. Iván Cepeda actually won the popular vote in Colombia’s June 21 presidential runoff, despite official results showing de la Espriella prevailing by less than 1 percentage point.

The certified tally gave de la Espriella 49.66% of the vote to Cepeda’s 48.70%.

Petro alleges the result was manipulated through algorithms operated from California by Israeli private intelligence companies. He has not released evidence establishing that those companies altered the vote count or that the officially reported results were fraudulent.

International election observers have likewise reported no evidence of irregularities that would have changed the outcome.

De la Espriella alleges plan to ‘cling to power’

De la Espriella, a conservative lawyer and businessman endorsed by President Donald Trump, responded in a video posted to social media.

He accused Petro and Cepeda of attempting to “cling to power at all costs” through what he called a “coup d’état.”

The president-elect called on Colombia’s armed forces to uphold the Constitution and disobey any unlawful orders from Petro. He also urged the international community to monitor the transfer of power and called on his supporters to “resist” until his scheduled inauguration Aug. 7.

Transition process breaks down

De la Espriella announced that he was suspending the formal transition process, known in Colombia as the “empalme,” during which the outgoing government provides information needed by the incoming administration.

Petro’s government then halted its side of the handover.

Finance Minister Germán Ávila, who is overseeing the transition for Petro’s administration, ordered his team to suspend its work in response. Ávila said the outgoing government had “nothing to hide” and criticized statements made by members of de la Espriella’s transition team.

The breakdown followed days of increasingly hostile accusations between the outgoing president and his successor.

Election observers defend vote count

International observers have not supported Petro’s claims that the runoff was fraudulent.

A European Union observer mission praised the transparency and efficiency of Colombia’s vote-counting process. The Carter Center described the system used to manage the results as reliable, transparent, and fully traceable.

De la Espriella was formally declared the winner after defeating Cepeda, who had campaigned on continuing many of Petro’s policies.

The result represented a major political setback for Petro, whose government has struggled with security concerns and a largely unsuccessful effort to negotiate peace agreements with several armed groups.

Incoming government moves ahead

Despite suspending cooperation with Petro’s administration, de la Espriella continued preparing to take office.

He announced six additional Cabinet appointments Tuesday, adding to previously named choices for the defense, interior, finance, and environment ministries.

The dispute has raised concerns about whether Colombia’s traditionally peaceful transfer of presidential power will proceed normally.

For now, Petro remains scheduled to leave office and de la Espriella is set to be inaugurated Aug. 7.

READ NEXT: Counterterrorism Takes Over Conservative Leader’s Death Probe

No American Should Stand Alone Against Government Abuse. Help Change That.

Scott Bessent Emerges As Top Contender For Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat

By
Patrick Houck
-
2
[Photo Credit: The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is being encouraged to enter the suddenly open race for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, a move that could place one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent Cabinet officials at the center of what is shaping up to be a closely watched Republican primary.

According to Politico, supporters reached out to Bessent on Sunday, urging him to run following the unexpected death of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The outreach immediately adds another high-profile name to the growing list of Republicans being discussed as potential successors to Graham, who represented South Carolina in the Senate for more than two decades.

Graham died Saturday at the age of 71. A preliminary autopsy determined that he died from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.

No indication Bessent plans to run

Despite the speculation, Bessent has given no public indication that he intends to launch a Senate campaign.

People close to the Treasury secretary told Politico that he remains focused on leading the Treasury Department, a position he had long hoped to hold. A Treasury Department spokesperson declined to comment on the reports.

Still, even the possibility of a Bessent candidacy could reshape the race.

A South Carolina native, Bessent maintains homes in Charleston and Washington. Before joining the Trump administration, he built a successful career as a financier and hedge fund manager. Since taking office, he has become one of the administration’s most visible public advocates for Trump’s economic agenda, defending the president’s tax, trade, energy, and tariff policies in frequent television appearances and public events.

A different kind of Senate candidate

If Bessent entered the race, he would bring a combination of political and financial advantages uncommon for a first-time Senate candidate.

His statewide roots, personal wealth, experience in financial markets, and close relationship with Trump would make him an immediate contender in a Republican primary expected to place a premium on loyalty to the president and the ability to quickly organize a statewide campaign.

Bessent has also developed a higher political profile than many Treasury secretaries.

Initially viewed primarily as a market-focused economic expert, he has increasingly become one of the administration’s most outspoken defenders, regularly making the case for Trump’s broader policy agenda in addition to his economic initiatives.

A difficult decision

Running for the Senate would require Bessent to give up one of the most influential positions in the federal government.

As Treasury secretary, he serves as the administration’s chief economic spokesman and plays a central role in shaping tax policy, tariffs, sanctions, financial regulation, and international economic negotiations.

Those responsibilities could prove more appealing than leaving for a rapidly unfolding Senate campaign.

At the same time, opportunities to seek a Republican Senate seat in a state as reliably conservative as South Carolina are rare. The GOP nominee would begin the general election as the clear favorite.

Race expected to move quickly

South Carolina officials are expected to move quickly to fill the vacancy.

Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement while the state prepares for a special nominating process ahead of the November election.

Several prominent Republicans are already being mentioned as possible candidates, including Rep. Nancy Mace, who is reportedly giving serious consideration to entering the race.

The addition of Bessent’s name, however, would introduce a nationally recognized figure with deep financial resources and direct ties to the White House.

It would also create a significant personnel decision for Trump.

A successful Bessent Senate campaign would give the president another close ally on Capitol Hill for years to come. But it would also require Trump to replace a Treasury secretary who has become a central figure in advancing the administration’s economic agenda.

READ NEXT: Hunter Biden Scores Massive Legal Victory

Have you abandoned MAGA too? Or can Trump still count on you? He needs an answer NOW.

Trump Ties FEMA Funding To New Election Security Rules

By
Patrick Houck
-
5
DHSgov, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Trump administration announced Friday that states will have to adopt a series of federal election security measures to receive certain Federal Emergency Management Agency grant funding, marking the latest effort to influence how states administer elections ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The Department of Homeland Security said recipients of FEMA-administered homeland security grants will be required to implement what it called “common-sense election security measures” before receiving funding.

“These new requirements for homeland security grant recipients will preserve election integrity and ensure that Americans can trust the results,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement.

Funding tied to election changes

According to FEMA grant guidance, up to 20% of funding under the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative may be withheld until states certify compliance with the administration’s election security requirements. The affected grant programs distribute roughly $1 billion annually for terrorism prevention, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure protection.

Among the requirements are:

  • Verification of the citizenship of registered voters and election workers.
  • Documentation of election audits.
  • Plans to transition jurisdictions that rely on barcode- or QR code-based ballot tabulation toward hand-marked paper ballots.

The administration has argued that election infrastructure is part of the nation’s critical security framework and that stronger safeguards are necessary to bolster public confidence in election results.

States question federal authority

Election administration has historically been handled by states, and several state officials and election law experts have questioned whether the executive branch has the legal authority to condition homeland security grants on changes to state voting procedures.

The announcement follows a series of recent actions by the administration aimed at reshaping election administration, including Justice Department letters requesting voter registration records from all 50 states and President Donald Trump’s removal of the remaining commissioners of the bipartisan U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Legal challenges expected

The new FEMA conditions are expected to face legal scrutiny.

Courts have already blocked portions of previous Trump administration efforts to impose nationwide election rules through executive action, with judges finding that the Constitution grants states broad authority over the administration of elections absent congressional action.

Whether the administration can ultimately enforce the new grant conditions may depend on future court rulings. In the meantime, states seeking the affected homeland security funding will have to decide whether to comply with the new requirements or challenge them in court.

READ NEXT: Felon Opens Fire, Is Shot Back Twice By Intended Victim

Powerless families don’t stand a chance against government corruption without supporters like you. Read her story today — then join the fight and protect this mother.
123...336Page 1 of 336
© Great America News Desk 2022