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Marine Le Pen Launches 2027 Presidential Bid After Court Clears Path Despite Conviction

By
Patrick Houck
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0
The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

PARIS — French nationalist leader Marine Le Pen announced Tuesday that she will run for president in 2027 after a Paris appeals court upheld her conviction for misusing European Union funds but reduced her sentence and shortened her ban from holding public office, allowing her to remain on the ballot.

The ruling preserves one of Europe’s most consequential political candidacies at a time when Le Pen and her National Rally party are leading opinion polls ahead of next year’s election. With President Emmanuel Macron constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term, the race is widely viewed as the strongest opportunity yet for France’s nationalist movement to capture the presidency.

Court Upholds Conviction, Reduces Penalty

The appeals court affirmed Le Pen’s conviction for diverting European Parliament funds to pay National Rally employees instead of parliamentary assistants.

Judges sentenced her to three years in prison, with two years suspended and one year to be served under electronic monitoring, along with a €100,000 fine. The court also shortened her period of political ineligibility, clearing the way for her presidential campaign.

Le Pen immediately vowed to challenge the decision before France’s highest court, the Court of Cassation.

Under French law, that appeal suspends enforcement of her sentence — including the electronic monitoring requirement and political restrictions — while the case is reviewed, allowing her to campaign without immediate legal constraints.

‘Tonight, I Am a Candidate’

Appearing on French television shortly after the ruling, Le Pen left little doubt about her intentions.

“Tonight, I am a candidate in the presidential election,” she declared, while maintaining that she had committed no crime and describing the prosecution as politically motivated.

WATCH:

The legal battle is expected to continue for months, but the appeals ruling removes the most immediate obstacle to her fourth presidential campaign.

Polls Show National Rally in Strong Position

Le Pen enters the race from a position of unusual political strength.

Recent polling by major French firms has consistently placed either Le Pen or her National Rally protégé, Jordan Bardella, between roughly 31% and 36% in first-round voting — historically high numbers this far ahead of a presidential election. Pollsters say National Rally has never polled this strongly so early in a campaign.

Several surveys also indicate Le Pen would be highly competitive in a second-round runoff against leading centrist contenders, including former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

Relationship With Trump Has Changed

Although Le Pen praised Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory and was once viewed as one of his closest political allies in Europe, she has deliberately distanced herself from the president in recent years.

As she works to broaden her appeal among mainstream conservative and center-right French voters, Le Pen has sought to present National Rally as a governing party rather than a protest movement.

That strategy has included publicly criticizing Trump on several occasions. During a dispute last month between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Le Pen sided with Meloni and described Trump’s remarks as “very insulting.” She has also broken with the president on aspects of U.S. military intervention and European defense policy.

Legal Battle Continues

The case stems from allegations that National Rally improperly used millions of euros in European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016 to pay party staff working in France rather than parliamentary assistants assigned to Brussels.

Le Pen has consistently denied intentionally violating the rules and says the prosecution reflects an effort to sideline one of France’s leading opposition figures.

Whether France’s highest court ultimately upholds or overturns the conviction remains uncertain. For now, however, the appeals ruling has ensured that the country’s leading nationalist candidate will remain in the race, setting up what is expected to be one of Europe’s most closely watched elections in a generation.

READ NEXT: Man Sentenced In Deadly ‘Mister Rogers’ Dispute

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Trump Jokes About Keeping NYSE Bell For White House Ballroom

By
Patrick Houck
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1
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)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump joked Monday that he planned to keep the New York Stock Exchange’s ceremonial opening bell for display in his new White House ballroom, prompting criticism from opponents and renewed attention to the administration’s ongoing renovation projects.

Trump became the first president to ring the NYSE opening bell remotely from the Oval Office during an event marking the launch of the administration’s new “Trump Accounts” investment program for eligible children.

After ringing the bell, Trump quipped, “I’m not giving it back,” before later repeating the remark during a White House luncheon.

‘They’ll Have To Fight Like Hell’

Speaking to guests in the Rose Garden, Trump again pointed to the bell and joked about making it part of the White House.

“There’s the bell right there. It’s so beautiful, I’m not giving it back. I don’t know if it’s supposed to go back, but they’re gonna have to fight like hell to get it back,” Trump said.

It was not immediately clear whether the president was speaking entirely in jest, and there has been no indication that the NYSE bell will remain at the White House.

Latest In Series Of Similar Jokes

The remark follows several similar episodes in recent months.

Last month, Olympic speed skating champion Jordan Stolz placed one of his gold medals around Trump’s neck during an event in Wisconsin. Trump joked that he was “keeping it” before returning the medal.

He made a similar quip after FIFA President Gianni Infantino brought the FIFA World Cup trophy to the White House ahead of next year’s tournament, later saying FIFA had permitted the trophy to remain on display.

Ballroom Project Draws Renewed Attention

Trump’s latest comments also focused attention on the White House ballroom project, one of the administration’s most ambitious renovation efforts.

The ballroom, originally projected to cost about $200 million, has since grown substantially in scope. Recent reports indicate estimated costs have risen to roughly $600 million, though the administration disputes claims that taxpayers will bear a significant portion of the expense.

The White House has said the ballroom will provide a secure venue for large state functions and official events.

Critics Question Costs

Democrats and preservation groups have continued criticizing the project, arguing the administration understated its expected cost and failed to adequately explain how construction will ultimately be financed.

The White House has maintained that private donors are funding much of the project and has defended the renovation as a long-overdue modernization of the executive mansion.

Whether Trump’s comments about the NYSE bell were serious or simply another off-the-cuff joke, they quickly became the latest flashpoint in the broader debate surrounding the president’s efforts to reshape the White House during his second term.

READ NEXT: Former Democrat Star Arrested On Drug Charges

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Sen. Mike Lee Says Most Republicans Don’t Know McConnell’s Condition

By
Patrick Houck
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4
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) says most Republican senators have little or no firsthand knowledge of Sen. Mitch McConnell’s medical condition, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the Kentucky Republican as he remains hospitalized weeks after a serious medical emergency.

Lee made the remarks when asked about McConnell’s prolonged absence from the Senate, saying rank-and-file lawmakers have received few details beyond the limited public statements released by McConnell’s office.

‘Most Of Us Don’t Know’

Lee acknowledged that speculation has grown because so little official information has been released.

His comments contrast with earlier remarks from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who previously said McConnell “sounded good” during a recent conversation. Lee indicated that most senators have not received similar updates and remain largely in the dark about their colleague’s condition.

Office Continues To Release Limited Information

McConnell’s office has consistently maintained that the 84-year-old senator is recovering and remains engaged with Senate business.

In its latest public statement, spokesman David Popp said McConnell “continues to improve” and is working with staff on Kentucky and Senate matters while Congress is in recess. The office has not disclosed his diagnosis, prognosis, or expected discharge date.

Medical Emergency Prompted Questions

McConnell has not appeared publicly since June 14, when emergency responders were dispatched to his Washington residence.

Emergency dispatch audio reviewed by multiple news organizations described an unconscious patient and referenced CPR in progress. McConnell’s office has not confirmed the specific medical event that led to his hospitalization.

The absence of detailed updates has fueled intense online speculation, including unverified claims promoted by White House confidant Laura Loomer. McConnell’s office has offered no support for those assertions, saying only that the senator continues to improve.

Questions Persist As Senate Recess Continues

The Senate remains in recess until later this month, giving McConnell additional time to recover before lawmakers return to Washington.

Whether he will be able to resume his duties when the Senate reconvenes remains unclear. McConnell previously announced he will not seek reelection and plans to retire when his current term expires in January 2027.

For now, Lee’s comments highlight what many senators have acknowledged privately: beyond the brief statements released by McConnell’s aides, even many of his Republican colleagues say they know little about his current condition.

READ NEXT: McConnell’s Neighbor Breaks The Silence

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Johnson Reveals His Next Move On The SAVE America Act

By
Patrick Houck
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0
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are preparing another attempt to send the SAVE America Act to President Donald Trump’s desk, this time by packaging the election integrity legislation into a future budget reconciliation bill that could bypass the Senate filibuster.

Johnson made the remarks during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” telling Shannon Bream that the bill remains one of the White House’s top priorities and pledging that the House will take it up again after passing it three previous times.

Johnson Eyes Reconciliation Strategy

“We’re going to try one more time on a budget reconciliation bill,” Johnson said. “I think that will be the way to get it through the Senate, and finally, to the president’s desk.”

WATCH:

The SAVE America Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and a government-issued photo ID to cast a ballot in federal elections. The House approved the measure in February, but it has repeatedly stalled in the Senate, where Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

Johnson acknowledged that reality, saying there is “zero chance” seven Senate Democrats would support the bill under the chamber’s normal rules.

Trump Continues To Push Election Bill

Johnson said President Trump considers the legislation a top priority and has encouraged congressional Republicans to continue pursuing it.

The speaker said Republicans are developing another reconciliation package that would combine election integrity measures with budget-related provisions in hopes of qualifying for the Senate’s reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority for passage.

Johnson has previously suggested tying election integrity provisions to a federal grant program for states, arguing that such a structure could satisfy reconciliation rules while encouraging states to adopt stricter voting standards.

House Conservatives Press Leadership

The issue has exposed divisions within the House Republican conference in recent weeks.

A group of conservative Republicans temporarily blocked House business after demanding the SAVE America Act be attached to must-pass legislation, including the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Johnson ultimately agreed to merge the election bill with the defense package before sending it to the Senate, though he acknowledged the Senate could later remove the provision.

Johnson defended his handling of the dispute, saying House Republicans remain united behind the goal of enacting the legislation despite disagreements over strategy.

Senate Outlook Remains Uncertain

Whether the proposal can ultimately pass through reconciliation remains an open question.

Senate Republicans have expressed differing views on pursuing another reconciliation package, and reconciliation rules generally limit legislation to provisions directly affecting federal spending, revenues, or the debt.

Still, Johnson said he is confident House Republicans can assemble a package that Senate Republicans will support.

“We’re planning to send over a bill that will be irresistible for any Republican,” he said, arguing it would promote affordability, reduce government waste and strengthen election integrity.

READ NEXT: Watch: Congresswoman’s July Fourth Message Leaves Millions Fuming

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Insiders Say Trump Has Finally Settled On His 2028 Favorite

By
Patrick Houck
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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)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is increasingly signaling that Vice President JD Vance is his preferred heir to the MAGA movement, according to multiple White House insiders, though the president has stopped short of offering a formal endorsement for the 2028 Republican nomination.

The reports suggest Trump has moved away from privately weighing Vance against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and now speaks more confidently about the vice president’s political future.

White House Sources Point To Vance

According to Axios, White House aides say Trump has begun making comments such as “JD looks great” and no longer frames the question as a choice between Vance and Rubio. One administration source told Axios that “JD is earning it, and Trump sees it.”

The turning point for Vance reportedly came in mid-June when he joined presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in helping negotiate the memorandum of understanding with Iran, a key step toward ending the conflict.

The diplomatic breakthrough coincided with the June 16 release of Vance’s book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.” Already scheduled for a promotional tour, Vance received additional national exposure because of his prominent role in the negotiations.

Vance conducted 33 interviews during June, appearing on conservative podcasts, at White House press briefings, in informal media gaggles, and on programs across the political spectrum, including HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and ABC’s “The View.”

One Trump adviser told Axios that although the president does not watch “The View,” he saw clips from Vance’s appearance and was pleased with what he saw.

Trump Hasn’t Made It Official

Despite the reports, Trump has not publicly endorsed Vance as his successor.

Over the past year, the president has repeatedly praised both Vance and Rubio while emphasizing that the next presidential election remains years away. He has previously suggested that the vice president would naturally have an advantage but has also described Rubio as a strong potential leader.

Political observers note that withholding a formal endorsement allows Trump to maintain influence within the Republican Party while avoiding an early succession battle.

Rubio Remains An Influential Figure

Rubio continues to be viewed as one of the administration’s most influential officials, but allies say he has shown little interest in challenging Vance for the Republican nomination.

The secretary of state has publicly praised Vance and has previously indicated he would support the vice president if he decides to seek the White House in 2028.

2028 Race Already Taking Shape

Although the Republican presidential primary is still more than two years away, speculation about Trump’s eventual successor has intensified as potential candidates build fundraising networks and expand their national profiles.

For now, Trump has not formally anointed a successor. But according to White House insiders, the president increasingly appears to view Vance as the leading contender to carry the MAGA banner after he leaves office.

READ NEXT: Stephen A. Smith Predicts Democrats’ New Direction Could Cost Them Everything

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Federal Judge Halts USPS From Enforcing Trump’s Mail-In Ballot Order Nationwide

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3
    Missvain, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing a key part of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at tightening oversight of mail-in voting, handing the administration another legal setback as it pushes election integrity reforms ahead of the 2026 midterms.

    U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ruled that the Postal Service cannot implement a proposed rule that would have required states to provide voter lists to the federal government before USPS would deliver mail-in ballots.

    The nationwide injunction expands on a separate ruling issued last week by a federal judge in Massachusetts that blocked the policy in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Sullivan’s order now prevents the Postal Service from enforcing the rule anywhere in the country.

    Trump’s executive order directed the Postal Service to transmit mail-in ballots only if states first certified lists of eligible mail voters and complied with other federal requirements designed to strengthen election security.

    Sullivan concluded that the Postal Service’s proposed rule conflicts with a 2021 settlement agreement reached after litigation brought by the NAACP over mail delivery during the 2020 election.

    “The Proposed Rule violates paragraph 2 of the Agreement because the Postal Service cannot post documents reflecting ‘practices and policies for prioritizing the monitoring and timely delivery of Election Mail’ if its policies provide that it will not accept ‘noncompliant mailing’ and therefore will not deliver mail-in or absentee ballots to some voters,” Sullivan wrote in his opinion.

    The judge found that refusing to transport ballots from states that declined to provide voter lists would violate the Postal Service’s obligations under that settlement, which remains in effect through 2028.

    The ruling marks the latest judicial obstacle facing the administration’s broader election integrity agenda.

    Last week, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani blocked separate portions of Trump’s March executive order, ruling that the administration could not move forward with plans to create a federal list of eligible voters or direct the Postal Service to enforce new nationwide mail-ballot eligibility standards in the states that challenged the order. Talwani wrote that the Constitution leaves voter eligibility and election administration primarily to the states, not the executive branch.

    The Trump administration has argued the measures are intended to restore public confidence in elections by ensuring only eligible voters receive mail ballots.

    “President Trump is committed to ensuring that Americans have full confidence in the administration of our elections,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson previously told Fox News Digital. “The President’s executive order lawfully protects our elections, and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail in its implementation.”

    The administration’s proposal gained renewed attention after Postmaster General David Steiner testified that the Postal Service planned to refuse delivery of mail ballots from states that failed to provide the required voter information if the rule took effect.

    Supporters of the executive order argue it is part of Trump’s longstanding effort to strengthen election safeguards following years of concerns about mail voting and voter roll accuracy. Opponents contend the federal government lacks authority to impose such requirements on states and have argued the proposal could interfere with established election procedures.

    The Justice Department is expected to appeal the rulings as the administration continues defending the president’s election executive order in federal court.

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    Former CIA Director Sues Trump Administration as Criminal Probes Intensify

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3
    By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

    Former CIA Director John Brennan is taking the Trump administration to court as two Justice Department criminal investigations into his conduct continue to gather steam.

    In a lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in Washington, D.C., Brennan asked a judge to order the Justice Department, the White House, the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to preserve records related to the ongoing probes, arguing the materials could prove critical if he is eventually charged.

    The filing does not seek to stop the investigations. Instead, Brennan’s attorneys contend that internal emails, memos and other communications may become key evidence if they later argue any prosecution was motivated by politics rather than the facts.

    “The evidence of vindictiveness in this matter is overwhelming,” Brennan’s lawyers wrote in the 46-page complaint.

    The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of using the criminal justice system to target political opponents, claiming Brennan has been “vindictively singled out for investigation and prosecution.”

    Brennan, who led the CIA under former President Barack Obama, has spent years publicly criticizing President Donald Trump. The two have been locked in a bitter feud dating back to Trump’s first term, when Brennan sharply criticized Trump’s handling of intelligence matters and Trump responded by revoking Brennan’s security clearance in 2018, calling his conduct “erratic” and accusing him of making “wild outbursts” about the administration. Brennan later became one of Trump’s most outspoken intelligence-community critics on television and in public appearances.

    Now, that long-running political rivalry has become intertwined with a pair of Justice Department investigations.

    One investigation is examining whether Brennan made false statements to Congress during 2023 testimony regarding the intelligence community’s assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

    The second is a broader probe examining allegations that Obama- and Biden-era intelligence and law enforcement officials participated in a years-long effort to undermine Trump’s political career. No charges have been filed against Brennan in either investigation.

    According to the lawsuit, Brennan intends to challenge any future indictment as “unconstitutionally vindictive and selective.” His attorneys argue that preserving government records now is essential because losing those materials could make it impossible to determine whether prosecutors acted appropriately.

    The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb.

    Among those named as defendants are President Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones and other officials involved in the investigations.

    CBS News has reported that some current and former Justice Department officials have raised concerns about personnel changes within the Brennan investigations after career prosecutors were replaced by lawyers viewed as more closely aligned with the administration. CBS reported that attorney Joseph DiGenova was brought in to oversee one of the investigations, while constitutional scholar John Yoo and former Trump election security official Kurt Olsen have also joined the effort in advisory roles.

    The Justice Department declined to discuss the existence of any investigation but pushed back on Brennan’s allegations.

    “While we cannot comment on the existence, or lack thereof, of an investigation, it is certainly rich that John Brennan is accusing anyone of a ‘retribution campaign,'” a DOJ spokesperson said.

    Brennan’s attorneys also point to more than 100 public statements Trump has made about the former CIA director since 2017, arguing those remarks could become relevant if criminal charges are ultimately filed.

    For now, Brennan has not been charged with any crime. His lawsuit seeks only to preserve records that could become evidence if the investigations eventually lead to a prosecution.

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    Trump Reveals Host City For First Ever Midterm Convention In September

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    2
    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 has officially unveiled the location for what he says will be a first in Republican Party history: a national convention held during a midterm election year.

    In a Truth Social post Tuesday, Trump announced that Republicans will gather in Dallas on Sept. 9-10 for what he called the GOP’s first-ever Midterm Convention, an event designed to rally supporters and build momentum heading into the high-stakes November elections.

    “BIG NEWS! For the first time ever, the Republican Party will hold a MIDTERM CONVENTION,” Trump wrote. Calling it a “truly Historic Event,” the president said the gathering will celebrate what he described as the nation’s “Great American Comeback” and the accomplishments of his America First agenda.

    Trump said the convention will bring together “hardworking Americans, our Great Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, First Responders, and Job Creators,” while also featuring entertainment and “a RALLY like none other.”

    The announcement confirms plans Trump first floated last year and follows changes approved earlier this year by the Republican National Committee allowing the party to hold a national convention outside the traditional four-year presidential cycle.

    The unprecedented event comes as Republicans prepare to defend narrow House and Senate majorities in November. Historically, the party occupying the White House loses congressional seats during midterm elections, making turnout a top priority for GOP strategists.

    By putting Trump at the center of a nationally televised convention just weeks before Election Day, Republicans hope to energize supporters and focus congressional races around the administration’s record.

    In his announcement, Trump said the convention will highlight what he views as the administration’s biggest accomplishments, including tax relief, border security, lower costs, expanded domestic energy production, and what he called America’s new “Golden Age.”

    The decision to hold the convention in Texas also places national attention on one of the country’s most important political battlegrounds. Republicans are defending multiple competitive House districts in the state, while one of the nation’s marquee Senate races is expected to unfold between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat state Rep. James Talarico.

    Texas also remains central to Republican efforts to expand their House majority following this year’s congressional redistricting battle.

    According to The Daily Wire, Democrats reportedly explored holding a similar midterm convention earlier this year but ultimately abandoned the idea.

    The timing of the gathering is also likely to draw attention. The convention will conclude on Sept. 10, one year after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, whose death sparked renewed conversations among conservatives about political violence. Whether Republicans incorporate that anniversary into the convention’s messaging has not yet been announced.

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    Marjorie Taylor Greene Floats New ‘America-First’ Party, Says Tucker Carlson Could Upend 2028

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    3
    By The White House - https://x.com/RepMTG/status/1925525961656717605/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=178898214

    Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is taking her political break with the Republican Party a step further, revealing she is actively discussing the creation of a new political movement that she says would challenge both Republicans and Democrats.

    Speaking Tuesday on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Greene said conversations about launching a third party are already underway, though she acknowledged the obstacles are significant.

    “I think there’s a group of us that if we decide to align, we could launch a true America-focused party that doesn’t fall into the traps of Democrats or Republicans, but could align some serious players from the right and the left,” Greene told Morgan.

    Greene added that the effort would be a long-term project rather than an immediate electoral play.

    “It’s difficult to launch a third party, so the reality is this isn’t something that gets off the ground in just a couple of campaign cycles,” she said. “This is a movement that has to be developed and would take time to develop.”

    The comments come just days after Greene publicly declared she was finished supporting what she called the “America LAST Republican Party,” aligning herself with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who recently announced he would no longer support GOP candidates after decades as one of the party’s most influential media voices. (RELATED: Tucker Carlson and MTG Turn on GOP in Stunning MAGA Revolt)

    Greene argued that Carlson’s split reflects a broader frustration among conservatives who believe the Republican Party has abandoned its voters.

    Morgan also pressed Greene on growing speculation that Carlson could mount a 2028 presidential campaign.

    Rather than dismiss the idea, Greene suggested he would be a formidable force if he chose to run.

    “I haven’t had that direct conversation with Tucker. I know a lot of people are speculating that, and I can tell you right now, Tucker Carlson would be a great threat to both parties because there’s many Americans that are very independent that would support him, but there’s also Republican voters and Democrat voters that would support him,” Greene said. “So I would say he’s a very credible threat.”

    The remarks mark another escalation in Greene’s increasingly public feud with President Donald Trump.

    Once one of Trump’s fiercest allies on Capitol Hill, Greene broke with the administration over several issues, including U.S. military operations against Iran and other policy disputes. The rift intensified after Trump publicly criticized Greene and withdrew his political support, prompting her decision to leave Congress earlier this year.

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    Trump Mourns Iconic Late Village People Singer

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
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    1
    Gage Skidmore Flickr

    President Donald Trump is mourning the death of Village People co-founder and lead singer Victor Willis, whose iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.” became one of the defining songs of Trump’s campaign rallies and victory celebrations.

    Willis, who co-wrote the 1978 disco classic and fronted the legendary group for decades, died Tuesday at the age of 74 following what his wife, Karen Huff-Willis, described as a “short, but aggressive illness.”

    Trump honored the singer Wednesday in a heartfelt Truth Social post, reflecting on the special connection the two shared through one of the most recognizable campaign songs in modern political history.

    “Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, has passed away. He was a really good guy. Our favorite song, ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ has become, over the last few years, our ‘theme song,'” Trump wrote.

    The president credited his campaign rallies with helping introduce the song to a new generation of Americans.

    “It has brought so much happiness to millions of people. They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song.”

    Trump added that Willis’ legacy would live on every time the unmistakable opening notes of “Y.M.C.A.” are heard.

    “We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed. God Bless Him!!!”

    A song that became synonymous with Trump

    Few songs became more closely associated with Trump’s political movement than “Y.M.C.A.”

    Whether closing out campaign rallies, celebrating election victories or walking off the stage after speeches, Trump frequently danced to the Village People anthem—complete with his now-famous fist-pump routine that became a viral internet meme and was copied by supporters around the country.

    The tradition continued throughout the 2024 campaign and into Trump’s second inauguration festivities, where Village People themselves performed “Y.M.C.A.” during inaugural events in Washington.

    Over time, the president’s signature dance became so recognizable that many supporters simply refer to it as the “Trump dance.”

    Willis embraced the renewed popularity

    While Trump’s use of the song initially generated controversy, Willis eventually defended the president’s continued use of “Y.M.C.A.”

    The singer said Trump had legally obtained the necessary political license to use the song and acknowledged that the president’s rallies dramatically boosted its popularity.

    Willis noted that after Trump began regularly playing the song, “Y.M.C.A.” climbed back to No. 2 on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, adding that the renewed exposure generated millions of dollars in additional royalties for the classic hit.

    The Village People later accepted an invitation to perform during Trump’s 2025 inauguration festivities, saying they believed music should help bring Americans together regardless of politics.

    From church choir to disco legend

    Born in Dallas in 1951 and raised in San Francisco, Willis first discovered music singing in his father’s Baptist church before moving to New York to pursue acting and theater.

    He joined the Negro Ensemble Company and appeared in several stage productions before teaming up with French producer Jacques Morali to create Village People.

    As the group’s unmistakable lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Willis helped create enduring hits including “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” and “Go West.” He later fought a lengthy legal battle to reclaim songwriting rights and eventually regained ownership of many of the group’s biggest hits.

    He is survived by his wife, Karen Huff-Willis.

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