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Air Force One Jets To Be Repainted In Trump’s Iconic Colors

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Image via Pixabay

Air Force One and other presidential aircraft are expected to receive a new paint design featuring red, white, gold, and dark blue — colors long associated with President Trump’s preferred aesthetic — according to confirmation from NewsNation.

An Air Force spokesperson told NewsNation that both the luxury jet donated by Qatar and the new VC-25B Boeing aircraft currently under development will adopt the updated color scheme. The title “Air Force One” refers to any aircraft carrying the president.

In addition to the presidential aircraft, four smaller C-32 planes are also slated for repainting. These aircraft are designated as “Air Force Two” when the vice president is aboard and are frequently used by the first lady and Cabinet secretaries for official travel.

A Break from the Kennedy-Era Design

The current light blue and white design has been in place since the Kennedy administration in the early 1960s. The iconic look was created by famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy at the request of President John F. Kennedy and has remained largely unchanged for more than six decades.

The shift to a darker blue with bold red and gold accents marks the most significant visual update to the presidential fleet in generations.

According to NewsNation, the first C-32 aircraft has already been repainted and is expected to be delivered to the Air Force within the next few months.

Work Underway in Texas

CBS News first reported on the repainting efforts. Contractor L3Harris is overseeing upgrades to the Air Force Two planes at its facility in Greenville, Texas. The broader VC-25B program — the long-delayed replacement effort for the current 747-based Air Force One aircraft — remains under development through Boeing.

The new VC-25B jets are designed to replace the aging presidential aircraft that have been in service since 1990. The modernization program includes upgraded communications systems, enhanced security features, and defensive capabilities intended to ensure continuity of government under any circumstances.

A Longstanding Proposal

The idea of changing Air Force One’s paint scheme is not new. During his first term, President Trump proposed replacing the light blue design with a darker navy base and bold red striping. At the time, he described the existing color scheme as outdated and expressed interest in a look that he said better reflected American strength and tradition.

The updated red, white, and dark blue palette aligns more closely with the American flag and mirrors the aesthetic often seen in Trump-branded properties and campaign materials.

While the aircraft’s mission capabilities and security features remain the primary focus of the modernization effort, the visual redesign ensures that the presidential fleet will look noticeably different when the new planes enter service.

The repainting of the C-32 fleet is expected to be completed first, with the new VC-25B aircraft anticipated to enter service later this decade, pending continued testing and production milestones.

Trump Announces 10% Global Tariff While Blasting SCOTUS Ruling

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President Donald Trump signs Executive Orders, Monday, February 10, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House photo by Abe McNatt)

President Donald Trump strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision that ruled he does not have the authority to levy sweeping tariffs under a specific emergency powers law, saying he will pursue “alternatives” to tariffs under the emergency law.

“Other alternatives will now be used to replace the ones that the court incorrectly rejected,” Trump said during a White House press briefing Friday afternoon. “We have alternatives. Great alternatives. Could be more money. We’ll take in more money, and we’ll be a lot stronger for it. We’re taking in hundreds of billions of dollars. We’ll continue to do so.”

The president also announced he is imposing a 10% “global tariff” following the court’s decision.

“Today I will sign an order to impose a 10% global tariff under section 122 over and above our normal tariffs already being charged,” Trump said. “And we’re also initiating several section 301 and other investigations to protect our country from unfair trading practices of other countries and companies.”

The Supreme Court blocked Trump’s tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in what amounts to a consequential test of the executive branch’s authority. 

Trump called the ruling “deeply disappointing,” saying he was “ashamed” of certain members of the court.

“I’m ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what’s right for our country,” the president said. “In actuality, I was very modest in my ask of other countries and businesses because… I wanted to be very well-behaved.

“I didn’t want to do anything that would affect the decision of the court, because I understand the court. I understand how they are very easily swayed. I want to be a good boy. I have very effectively utilized tariffs over the past year to make America great again,” he said.

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

Trump FCC Chair Confirms He’s Started ‘Enforcement Proceedings’ Against The View

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By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/191819781@N02/53626268079/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147209317

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr confirmed Wednesday that the agency has opened enforcement proceedings involving ABC’s daytime talk show The View, citing concerns over whether the program qualifies for an exemption under federal “equal time” rules for political candidates.

Carr made the comments during an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, where he discussed recent scrutiny surrounding political interviews on broadcast television and the FCC’s role in ensuring fairness during election cycles.

“Disney has a program called The View,” Carr said. “And they’ve been asserting the position that The View is what is known as ‘bona fide news’ in the statute. If you are bona fide news, you don’t have to give candidates equal air time.”

“But Disney and The View have not established that that program is, in fact, bona fide news,” Carr added. “We’ve started enforcement proceedings, taking a look at that.”

Investigation Comes Amid Colbert Controversy

Carr’s remarks came after late-night host Stephen Colbert claimed CBS lawyers discouraged The Late Show from airing an interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat running in the state’s U.S. Senate primary.

Colbert suggested the network was concerned about new FCC guidance regarding the equal-time rule, which requires broadcasters using public airwaves to provide equal opportunities to opposing political candidates.

“This was Democrat-on-Democrat violence,” Carr told Fox News host Laura Ingraham. He argued CBS did not block the interview outright, but instead warned that airing it could trigger equal-time requirements for other candidates.

“CBS was very clear that Colbert could run the interview that he wanted with that political candidate,” Carr said. “They just said, you may have to comply with equal time… But instead of doing that, they claimed that they were victims.”

CBS later issued a statement denying it barred the interview.

“The Late Show was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico,” the network said. “The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates… and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled.”

Carr Says FCC Will Hold Broadcasters Accountable

Carr framed the enforcement action as part of a broader effort to prevent what he described as legacy media influence over elections and public opinion.

“The equal-time rule at its core is about stopping legacy media from picking winners and losers in elections,” Carr said. “It’s so that the American people can decide.”

He added that the FCC intends to ensure broadcasters follow existing law.

“We’re going to enforce the law and hold broadcasters accountable,” Carr said. “The days that these legacy media broadcasters get to decide what we can say, what we can think, who we can vote for are over.”

Carr did not confirm reports suggesting the investigation into The View was triggered by the show’s own interview with Talarico earlier this year, but reiterated that the agency is reviewing whether the program legitimately qualifies as “bona fide news” under federal statute.

Carr also said the FCC would continue administering the equal-time rule in accordance with current law, particularly as political campaigns intensify ahead of upcoming elections.

“Perhaps Colbert and other establishment Democrats want to put the thumb on the scale… but we’re going to enforce the law,” he said.

Supreme Court Rules On Trump Tariffs

The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a significant blow to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, ruling that he cannot use a national emergency law to impose sweeping tariffs on most U.S. trading partners without clearer authorization from Congress.

In a 6–3 decision, the justices struck down Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, which included a 10% global import duty and higher “reciprocal” tariffs targeting certain nations. Trump has argued the policy was essential to protecting American industry and described it as “life or death” for the U.S. economy.

At the center of the case was Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a statute designed to give presidents broad authority to respond to “unusual and extraordinary threats” after declaring a national emergency.

In April, Trump declared the nation’s growing trade deficit a “national emergency,” and his administration cited that declaration as the legal foundation for imposing the tariffs.

Supporters of the policy argued the tariffs were necessary to counter unfair foreign trade practices and to defend American workers from decades of global economic imbalance. However, the Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA does not provide the president with unilateral power to impose tariffs on such a broad scale.

While the law allows presidents to “regulate…importation” during emergencies, it does not explicitly mention tariffs — a key point raised repeatedly during oral arguments held in November.

Several justices, including some appointed by Trump, questioned whether Congress intended IEEPA to serve as a tool for taxation-like powers, traditionally reserved for lawmakers.

Administration lawyers argued that regulating imports through tariffs is effectively the same as other emergency economic actions such as sanctions or embargoes. But the Court appeared unconvinced that the statute provides sufficient guardrails for such a sweeping policy.

The Supreme Court took up the case after multiple lower courts blocked the tariffs.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled unanimously that Trump does not have “unbounded authority” under emergency law to impose tariffs. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld that decision, pressing the administration on why Trump relied on IEEPA rather than more specific tariff statutes passed by Congress.

Those laws typically include limits, timelines, and congressional oversight — restrictions the administration sought to bypass through emergency authority.

The Justice Department urged the Court to allow the tariffs to remain in place, warning that denying tariff authority under IEEPA could leave the United States vulnerable to foreign retaliation and without “effective defenses” in global trade disputes.

Trump has long maintained that persistent trade deficits represent a serious economic threat and that strong executive action is necessary when Congress fails to respond quickly.

The ruling represents not only a setback for Trump’s trade strategy but also a major decision defining the limits of presidential power in economic emergencies.

DOJ Files Reveal Private Bannon–Epstein Communications, Including 25th Amendment Discussion

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Thor Brødreskift / Nordiske Mediedager, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Newly released Justice Department files have shed additional light on private communications between former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, raising fresh questions about the nature of their relationship during the final years of Epstein’s life.

The documents, which include text messages and emails from late 2017 through Epstein’s arrest in July 2019, show that Bannon — a key figure in the MAGA movement and former White House chief strategist — remained in contact with Epstein long after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

The files indicate that the two discussed politics, the growing pressure on the Trump administration after Democrats regained control of the House in 2018, and even the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump.

One of the most notable exchanges began on New Year’s Eve 2018. In the conversation, Bannon wrote that the “WH,” widely understood to mean the White House, had “zero plan to punch back” amid intensifying political attacks.

Epstein replied, referring to Trump: “He is really borderline. Not sure what he may do.”

Bannon responded: “I think it’s beyond borderline — 25 amendment,” referencing the constitutional process that allows a president to be removed if deemed unable to fulfill the duties of office.

In another message, Bannon added that “we really need an intervention” regarding Trump.

The disclosure has sparked backlash among conservatives, many of whom have long demanded greater transparency surrounding Epstein’s network of powerful associates and the government’s handling of his case.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn wrote on X that if “Bannon AND Epstein were behind it, Bannon needs to be brought in for questioning.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also criticized the relationship, writing that there was “no excuse for having such a friendly relationship with Epstein, post conviction, 2018-19. None.”

The release of these files comes as renewed scrutiny continues over Epstein’s ties to prominent figures across politics, business, and media — and as many Americans, particularly conservatives, have raised concerns that accountability has been unevenly applied depending on status and connections.

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 under circumstances that remain the subject of ongoing public debate and unanswered questions.

Trump Commemorates Five-Year Anniversary of Rush Limbaugh’s Death With Oval Office Video

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The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Donald Trump on Tuesday commemorated the fifth anniversary of the death of conservative radio icon Rush Limbaugh, honoring the longtime broadcaster as “a really great man” who left a lasting mark on American politics and media.

In a video message filmed at his desk in the Oval Office and later posted to Truth Social, Trump reflected on his personal friendship with Limbaugh and praised the late host’s patriotism and influence.

“Well, this is the fifth anniversary of the loss of a really great man, a great conservative, somebody that loved our country, loved his family,” Trump said. “He was a friend of mine, Rush Limbaugh.”

Limbaugh, who died in February 2021 at age 70 after a battle with advanced lung cancer, was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern conservative media. For more than three decades, The Rush Limbaugh Show dominated talk radio, reaching millions of listeners daily and helping shape the ideological direction of the Republican Party.

Trump recalled that he had never personally met Limbaugh at the time the radio host endorsed his 2016 presidential campaign — an endorsement that many political observers viewed as a pivotal moment in the Republican primary.

“I’d never met Rush when I announced that I was running,” Trump said. “I’ll never forget, 2015 and I got a call all excited that Rush Limbaugh just endorsed you. I’d never met him. He liked my opening speech.”

Trump was referring to his June 2015 campaign launch, when he descended the escalator at Trump Tower and delivered remarks that focused heavily on border security, crime, and national sovereignty — themes that would become central pillars of his campaign and presidency.

“He liked when I got up in June and I said, ‘We got bad borders, we got bad crime, we got bad everything,’” Trump continued. “He liked it. I came down the escalator with now our first lady, and he thought it was great.”

Watch:

The endorsement from Limbaugh, a trusted voice among grassroots conservative voters, helped solidify Trump’s credibility with parts of the Republican base at a time when many party leaders were skeptical of his candidacy. Throughout Trump’s presidency, Limbaugh remained a vocal defender of the administration’s policies, particularly on immigration, trade, and judicial appointments.

In 2020, during his State of the Union address, Trump awarded Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — shortly after the broadcaster publicly announced his cancer diagnosis. The emotional ceremony, conducted on the House floor, was met with sustained applause from Republican lawmakers and supporters.

Following his departure from office in January 2021, Trump made his first television appearance on the day of Limbaugh’s death, calling into Fox News to describe him as “irreplaceable.”

In Tuesday’s video, Trump echoed that sentiment, invoking fellow conservative commentator Sean Hannity’s oft-repeated phrase: “There will never be another Rush Limbaugh.”

“But it’s five years and we miss Rush,” Trump said. “To his family, his great wife and family, I just want to say we miss you all, we miss him, and they’ll never be anybody like him.”

Limbaugh’s impact on conservative media remains evident years after his passing. His pioneering model of nationally syndicated political talk radio reshaped the industry and paved the way for a generation of commentators across radio, television, and digital platforms. For many supporters, he served not only as a political analyst but as a daily companion and cultural touchstone during moments of national debate and partisan conflict.

As Trump’s message underscored, the connection between the two men reflected a broader political realignment that defined the past decade of Republican politics — one rooted in populist messaging, media influence, and direct appeals to voters outside traditional party structures.

Five years after his death, Limbaugh’s voice may be gone from the airwaves, but his imprint on American conservatism — and on Trump’s political rise — continues to be remembered by allies and supporters alike.h’s death, when he called into Fox News’ Outnumbered to praise the conservative juggernaut as “irreplaceable.”

O’Reilly Pushing Stephen A. Smith To Run For White House

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Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly is encouraging ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith to seriously consider a run for the White House in 2028, arguing that President Donald Trump’s political rise has created an opening for unconventional candidates.

“I think he should run, and I’m being serious now,” O’Reilly told NewsNation host Chris Cuomo during an appearance on Cuomo.

“[President Donald] Trump opened the door for you,” O’Reilly quipped, speaking directly to Smith. “You should send Trump a big bouquet of flowers. He opened the door for you.”

Smith, one of the most recognizable voices in sports media, has recently begun softening his previous stance against entering politics. While he once dismissed the idea outright, he now says he is at least willing to think about it.

“Once upon a time, it was emphatically no. That has quelled to some degree,” Smith said, though he emphasized he was not eager to be “interrupting my quality of life.”

O’Reilly acknowledged that Smith would face steep odds in a presidential race but suggested his candidacy could still have a meaningful impact on the national conversation.

“You can run, and you — but don’t have any expectation of winning,” O’Reilly said.

“See, you’re what you’re doing is you’re taking a furlough from your dopey sports show, and you’re saying, I’ll be back, because I’m not going to win,” O’Reilly continued. “But you’re injecting yourself into the debate, the national debate, and you’re exposing the charlatans, which would be an amazing historical achievement.”

Smith, known for his blunt, firebrand style, agreed that the idea of debating career politicians holds strong appeal.

He said he would “give anything to be on a debate stage” with aspiring candidates, warning that they would face intense scrutiny if he decided to jump in.

“If you ever put me on that debate stage with some of these politicians aspiring for high office, with the nonsense that they’ve engaged in, with the behavior they’ve exercised, with the tendencies that they’ve displayed, and the lack of consideration to the American people going up against me, good luck,” he added.

Smith also cast himself as someone motivated by concern for the country, suggesting that the broad appeal he has built in television could translate into political support.

He argued that Americans want leaders who prioritize the nation’s well-being over partisan gamesmanship.

Still, Smith made clear that he would not enter a race simply to make headlines. If he ever launched a campaign, he said, it would be with the intention of winning.

“I don’t play to lose … and if I decide to do it, I’m telling you I intend to win,” Smith said. “Make no mistake about it. I won’t do it unless I believe I have a legitimate shot to win it, the presidency.”

Smith has also pushed back against claims—often promoted by left-wing pundits—that racism would be a decisive barrier if he pursued the presidency.

In an extended interview with CBS News’ Robert Costa for CBS Sunday Morning, Smith dismissed the notion that racial prejudice would define a potential campaign.

“Do you worry about racism if you ran for president?” Costa asked.

“No. I know it exists. I know that you can’t escape it, but I do not believe it is as prevalent as some on the left would like us to believe,” Smith answered. “I do believe a vast majority of Americans judge you on the content of your character, rather than the color of your skin.”

He continued:

“I think a lot of people in America, especially in this day in age, now more so than ever before, it’s not about race. It’s about the fact they don’t give a damn about it, because they got their own problems.

That’s entirely different than believing they are superior to you and want to hold you back from ascending. That’s not what’s going on to the degree it was decades ago.”

Smith’s remarks reflect a view shared by many Americans: that everyday concerns such as inflation, border security, crime, and foreign policy matter far more to voters than the identity-focused narratives pushed by progressive activists.

If elected in 2028, Smith would become the second Black president, two decades after Barack Obama’s historic victory in 2008. But Smith has made clear that he does not see race as the defining issue of any potential campaign. Instead, he argues that leadership, competence, and a commitment to the American people are what voters ultimately care about most.

For now, Smith continues to hint—without fully committing—that a presidential run is no longer out of the question. And with figures like O’Reilly urging him forward, speculation about his political future is likely to keep growing.

Lara Trump Teases ‘Many’ Trumps May Run For Office

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Fox News host Lara Trump suggested on Tuesday that “many” members of the Trump family could eventually pursue political office, hinting that the political ambitions of President Donald Trump’s relatives may extend beyond his own career. Her comments came during an appearance on Miranda Devine’s Pod Force One podcast.

Reflecting on her father-in-law’s influence, Lara Trump said, “I have looked at my father-in-law over the past eleven, almost twelve years now, and I’ve watched the impact that he’s been able to make in people’s lives and it’s amazing. Look, he’s dealt with hell, right? He has gone through so much.” She added that watching Trump’s persistence has inspired “everyone in our family” and left open the possibility that more Trumps could enter electoral politics:

“…I’d consider running for a possible Senate seat. So I would never say never to anything. What I do feel like, and whether it’s for Donald Trump running… or a Senate run, or whatever it might be for me or I think anyone in our family, I think the timing has to be right…”

Lara Trump noted that timing thwarted her own past efforts, pointing to earlier years when a run “didn’t work out” — a reference to when she considered but ultimately declined Senate bids in 2022 and again in 2025.

Turning to the question of broader family ambitions, she said, “we’ve all kind of dipped our toe in the water of politics enough to know that it’s something that I think possibly interests many of us in our family…” before acknowledging that Democrats “would love to hear that it may not end just with Donald Trump.”

When asked whether former President Trump encourages potential family runs, Lara Trump replied that he has been “absolutely a champion” of her own political endeavors, calling her regularly with names of supporters urging her to run. She added that Trump “certainly would have their backs” if any of the family chose to seek office.

Devine closed the discussion by musing that the future might bring a “President Trump of the new generation,” perhaps from among “all three” of Trump’s children or close relatives.

Context: Past Speculation About Trump Family Political Runs

Lara Trump’s comments tap into ongoing speculation that the Trump family might try to extend its influence beyond Donald Trump’s own career:

• Lara Trump and the North Carolina Senate:
Before deciding not to run, Lara Trump was widely viewed as a potential Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina after Senator Thom Tillis announced his retirement, drawing substantial interest from GOP leaders and national strategists. Georgia Republicans had even paused their own campaigns pending her decision. However, she ultimately chose not to enter the race, and former RNC Chair Michael Whatley has since picked up key endorsements from Donald Trump and Lara for the seat.

• Other Trump family members:
There has also been public conversation about other Trump relatives entering politics. Eric Trump, the president’s second son, spoke in mid-2025 about the possibility that he — or other family members — could seek public office in the future, suggesting a “Trump political dynasty” might emerge beyond Donald Trump’s own presidency. Eric said a political career for the family “would be an easy one” if the relatives were willing to commit, though no formal campaigns have been launched.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. has maintained a high public profile through media and podcasting, and Ivanka Trump served as a senior adviser during her father’s earlier presidency, though she has since stepped back from active politics. Other younger family members, like Tiffany Trump and Barron Trump, have been less involved publicly, and there is no indication they have declared political intentions

Pro-Trump Mayor Accused Of Illegally Voting As A Noncitizen

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Missvain, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A small-town Kansas mayor who has supported President Donald Trump for years is now facing serious felony charges after state prosecutors allege he voted in multiple elections despite not being a U.S. citizen.

The New York Times this week highlighted the case of Joe Ceballos, the recently re-elected mayor of Coldwater, Kansas — a rural community of just 687 residents — who is now charged with multiple counts of voter fraud-related crimes.

Ceballos, 55, is facing three counts of election perjury and three counts of voting without being qualified under Kansas law. Prosecutors say he illegally cast ballots while holding permanent resident status rather than full citizenship.

“Nobody ever told me that I couldn’t vote or register to vote,” Ceballos told The Times. “And so, as a young man, yeah, I did it. I registered.”

A Case Raising Broader Questions About Election Integrity

The case arrives at a time when election security and voter eligibility remain central concerns for many Americans, particularly Republicans who argue that citizenship requirements must be enforced to protect the integrity of U.S. elections.

While instances of noncitizen voting are considered rare, conservatives have long maintained that even isolated cases undermine trust in the system — and that laws already on the books should be applied consistently.

Ceballos was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at age four, according to the report. He later obtained a green card in 1990. Ceballos said he believed that being a lawful permanent resident allowed him to vote.

“His defense, essentially, is that he did not understand that being a permanent resident should have precluded him from voting and holding office, and that no one ever told him he was not eligible,” the paper wrote.

Citizenship Application Triggered Investigation

Ceballos said his legal troubles began last year when he applied to become a U.S. citizen. During the process, he admitted to a federal official that he had previously voted.

“His eyes got real big, and I was like, ‘Boy, did I do something wrong?’” Ceballos recalled.

That admission reportedly halted his citizenship application and alerted Kansas officials, setting off the investigation that ultimately led to criminal charges.

If convicted, Ceballos could face up to 68 months in prison and a $200,000 fine.

“This alien committed a felony by voting in American elections,” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said about Ceballos.

Trump Supporter Says He Doesn’t Belong in “Criminal” Category

Ceballos acknowledged voting for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and said he still supports much of the president’s immigration agenda — particularly efforts to remove violent criminals from the country.

“I still strongly believe in Trump’s immigration laws about, ‘Let’s get the bad guys out of here,’” he said. “You know, they’re murderers, they killed people, they molested people, let’s get them out of here.

“But I feel like I don’t fit that category,” he added. “And I feel like that’s how they’re treating me.”

His comments reflect a broader debate within the immigration discussion: Republicans often emphasize the difference between legal immigrants who follow the process and those who break the law — while also insisting that voting is a right reserved only for American citizens.

Small Town Residents Rally Around Mayor

Coldwater residents told The Times they view the prosecution as a “personal attack on a pillar of the town.” Ceballos was overwhelmingly re-elected last year by a margin of 101 votes to 20.

Supporters argue the case is a tragic example of confusion over complex immigration and election laws, while critics say citizenship rules are clear and must be upheld regardless of intent.

SAVE Act and Growing Push for Proof of Citizenship

The case comes as Trump has backed the SAVE Act, legislation that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections — a measure Republicans argue is common sense and necessary to restore confidence in elections.

Democrats such as Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have criticized the proposal, calling it discriminatory, but polling consistently shows strong public support for voter identification requirements.

CNN data analyst Harry Enten noted that surveys dating back to 2018 show at least 75% of Americans support voter ID laws, including a 2024 figure showing 83% approval.

“Normally, you might expect… a big divide by party,” Enten said. “But not really here.”

Sen. Susan Collins recently became the 50th lawmaker to signal support for the bill.

In an exclusive comment to The Maine Wire, Sen. Collins said she supports the current version of the SAVE Act.

Collins said she will support the version of the SAVE Act that has now cleared the House, calling it a “simple reform” aimed at strengthening confidence in federal elections.

“The law is clear that in this country only American citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. In addition, having people provide an ID at the polls, just as they have to do before boarding an airplane, checking into a hotel, or buying an alcoholic beverage, is a simple reform that will improve the security of our federal elections and will help give people more confidence in the results,” she said.

Collins said that her support hinges on changes made to the legislation. She said she previously opposed an earlier draft that would have required voters to prove their citizenship each time they cast a ballot.

“Requiring voters to produce passports or birth certificates on election day — as opposed to just a state-issued ID — would have placed an unnecessary burden on the voters. That provision is no longer in the bill and dropping this requirement was key to getting my support.”

Report: Trump Advisor Warns ‘90% Chance’ Strike On Iran Is Coming

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)

A senior adviser to President Donald Trump is warning that U.S. military action against Iran may be imminent as diplomatic efforts appear to be faltering.

One senior adviser told Axios reporter Barak Ravid on Monday that there is a “90% chance” the United States could launch strikes within weeks.

“The boss is getting fed up. Some people around him warn him against going to war with Iran, but I think there is 90% chance we see kinetic action in the next few weeks,” the adviser said.

The comments come amid heightened tensions following three-hour talks in Geneva between Trump advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Both sides publicly stated that discussions “made progress,” though significant differences remain.

Vice President JD Vance echoed that assessment, signaling that while diplomacy has not collapsed, it may be nearing its limits.

Negotiations “went well” in some ways, Vance said, but “in other ways it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through.” He cautioned that diplomacy could soon have “reached its natural end.”

The administration has consistently maintained that Iran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon, a position widely supported by Republican lawmakers and national security hawks. Trump has repeatedly emphasized that Tehran must meet strict conditions or face serious consequences.

At the same time, U.S. military deployments in the region have accelerated. Two aircraft carriers, dozens of warships, and hundreds of fighter jets are being positioned across the Middle East. More than 150 cargo flights have reportedly delivered weapons systems and ammunition to support forces in the region.

According to Axios, a potential strike on Iran would likely unfold as a sustained and coordinated U.S.-Israeli effort. Sources familiar with planning discussions indicated that any operation would not be limited to nuclear facilities but could also target key regime assets.

While the president has continued to leave the door open to a negotiated solution, senior officials suggest patience is rapidly wearing thin.

On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the two sides reached a “general agreement on a number of guiding principles” and agreed to begin drafting text for a possible agreement during a meeting between the two countries, with plans to exchange drafts and schedule a third round of talks. 

“Good progress was made compared to the previous meeting,” he said, adding that while drafting would slow the process, “at least the path has started.”