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Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Proposed $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund

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A federal judge on Friday issued an injunction preventing the Trump administration from moving forward with its proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” citing concerns that administration officials have not formally committed to abandoning the initiative.

According to ABC News, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema questioned why Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has not provided a sworn statement confirming that the Department of Justice will not establish the fund. During a court hearing, Brinkema repeatedly emphasized that Blanche’s refusal to make such a commitment under penalty of perjury left a significant gap in the government’s position.

The fund was announced by the Department of Justice last month and was intended to compensate individuals who claim they were improperly targeted by the Biden administration. Critics have argued that the proposal could result in taxpayer funds being used to compensate some individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Brinkema pointed to recent comments by President Donald Trump that appeared to support compensation for Jan. 6 defendants. In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press that aired earlier this month, Trump said, “If it was up to me, I’d pay them the kind of money that they deserve. People have been destroyed. Lives have been destroyed.”

The proposed fund was part of a settlement arrangement under which Trump agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, along with two separate civil claims totaling approximately $230 million related to the Russia investigation and the 2022 FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago residence. The arrangement sparked bipartisan criticism and allegations of self-dealing.

Justice Department attorneys have argued that the lawsuit challenging the fund is now moot because the government does not intend to move forward with the program. However, during Friday’s hearing, Brinkema repeatedly pressed DOJ attorney Andrew Block about why Blanche had not rescinded the order establishing the fund.

When asked whether he knew why Blanche had not withdrawn the directive, Block responded that he did not and could not speak on the acting attorney general’s behalf.

Brinkema expressed frustration with that response, stating that the government’s unwillingness to provide a definitive answer created a “huge gap in the record.” She added that issuing an injunction would cause no apparent harm to the government if officials truly had no intention of implementing the fund.

The judge gave the administration one week to submit a formal declaration, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that the Anti-Weaponization Fund will not be established. Brinkema indicated that such a filing could pave the way for the case to be dismissed.

Throughout the hearing, Brinkema cited Trump’s recent public statements regarding the fund, including criticism directed at her after she temporarily halted the initiative earlier this month. Trump referred to Brinkema as a “radical left judge” following that decision.

“When the president of the United States says he’s disappointed that something is not going forward,” Brinkema said, it raises concerns that the proposal could return in the future.

The judge also revealed that an individual had recently submitted an application seeking compensation from the proposed fund directly to the court, underscoring public confusion surrounding the initiative.

“We had to send it back,” Brinkema said.

Brinkema additionally questioned the legality of the settlement arrangement that created the fund, referencing a recent order from a federal judge in Florida requiring Trump’s attorneys to respond to allegations that they may have misled the court.

At one point during the proceedings, Brinkema cited an amicus brief filed by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) urging the court to permanently block the fund because of concerns that it could benefit individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

According to ABC News, Brinkema said the filing demonstrated strong public interest in preventing the fund’s creation and questioned whether nearly $1.8 billion should be directed toward a relatively small group of individuals whose compensation would be opposed by many Americans.

The injunction will remain in place while the administration decides whether to provide the sworn assurances requested by the court.

Tucker Carlson Claims Trump Shut Down Butler Probe After Bongino ‘Confession’

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Tucker Carlson via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Former Fox News star Tucker Carlson is pushing a fresh conspiracy theory about the attempted assassination of President Trump — claiming the president himself ordered federal investigators to back off the probe into the July 2024 shooting in Butler, Pa.

Carlson made the explosive allegation during an appearance on Thursday on entrepreneur Mario Nawfal’s show, where he recounted what he described as a series of conversations with former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel regarding lingering questions surrounding the attack.

The claim was quickly shot down by Bongino, who publicly denied Carlson’s account on Friday and blasted the former cable news host as a “nepo baby.”

“I know that, about Butler, I know that Trump shut down the investigation into Butler. That is a fact,” Carlson told Nawfal. “Dan Bongino told me that when he worked at the FBI.”

Carlson alleged Bongino became visibly rattled after Carlson confronted him about social media posts purportedly written by gunman Thomas Crooks that Carlson claims the FBI falsely said did not exist.

“Dan Bongino himself was terrified when I spoke to him in December,” Carlson said.

The conservative commentator claimed he had “accidentally came into possession” of social media posts allegedly authored by Crooks in the months and years before the shooting. Carlson said he contacted both Patel and Bongino seeking answers about why the FBI had allegedly concealed their existence.

“And Dan Bongino became hysterical with me on the phone,” Carlson claimed. “I’ve known Dan a long time for many years and always gotten along with him.”

“He was clearly terrified. I didn’t get it at first, but he was hysterical,” Carlson continued. “And ultimately, after a long series of text exchanges, which I still have, and phone conversations, he said, ‘Look, take it up with Trump. He’s the one who shut down the investigation.’”

Carlson said the alleged exchange occurred during the second week of December and left him questioning why Trump would halt an investigation into an attempt on his own life.

“That was the moment and I realized, ‘Oh wow, there’s no good explanation for shutting down an investigation into your own attempted murder,’” Carlson said.

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Crooks, 20, opened fire during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, grazing Trump’s ear, killing rally attendee Corey Comperatore and seriously wounding two others before Secret Service snipers fatally shot him.

Authorities have said Crooks acted alone and have found no evidence linking him to a broader plot. However, the absence of a clear manifesto or publicly known motive has fueled persistent conspiracy theories online.

Carlson, once one of Trump’s most influential media allies, has increasingly broken with the president in recent months. He has repeatedly criticized Trump over the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Earlier this year, Carlson suggested Trump’s worldview changed after the Butler shooting.

“He spent his campaign in the 2024 race arguing against regime change war, attacking people in favor of it — and then he launched it,” Carlson said on his own show. “And not just launched it, but became this kind of enthusiastic tool of the government of Israel.”

Bongino forcefully rejected Carlson’s latest allegations Friday morning in a post on X, denying he ever told Carlson that Trump shut down the Butler investigation.

The former FBI official also took a personal swipe at Carlson, dismissing the claims and mocking the commentator as a “nepo baby.”

Trump Abruptly Calls Off Planned Iran Strikes After Touting Major Diplomatic Breakthrough

Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled planned U.S. military strikes against Iran just hours before they were reportedly set to begin, citing what he described as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said negotiations with the Islamic Republic had been elevated to “the highest level of Iranian leadership” and had received approval from key regional powers.

“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump wrote.

The announcement comes after a volatile 48-hour period that saw U.S. forces conduct strikes against Iranian targets on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Trump repeatedly warned that additional military action could follow as soon as Thursday night.

According to Trump, negotiators have reached an agreement “in both concept and great detail” on a framework that has been approved by multiple nations, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt.

The president did not disclose specific terms of the proposed agreement but suggested a final accord could be signed in the near future.

“Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly,” Trump said.

Despite calling off the planned strikes, Trump emphasized that U.S. pressure on Iran is far from over. He announced that the naval blockade imposed in April will remain in place until an agreement is finalized.

“The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized,” he wrote.

The sudden reversal marks a dramatic shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric. Just hours before announcing the cancellation, the president had threatened another round of military strikes against Iran, raising fears that the region was on the verge of a broader conflict.

READ NEXT: Trump Signals Additional Strikes on Iran, Renews Threat to Seize Key Oil Hub

Trump Nominates Next Director of National Intelligence

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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)

On Thursday, President Donald Trump said that he is nominating Jay Clayton to become the next permanent Director of National Intelligence.

Clayton is a longtime Trump ally who served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2020. Trump has repeatedly praised Clayton’s tenure and later tapped him for other high-profile roles, including U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Clayton’s nomination comes just weeks after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation, citing her husband’s diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer and saying she would leave government service to support his treatment and recovery. Gabbard’s resignation was scheduled to take effect June 30.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

White House Deputy Chief Of Staff Announces Birth Of Fourth Child

By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54346096651/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=160407812

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie Miller, have welcomed their fourth child, adding another member to one of the most prominent families in the Trump administration.

While details surrounding the birth have remained private, congratulations quickly poured in from friends, colleagues, and supporters celebrating the newest addition to the Miller family.

With four children now keeping the household busy, Miller may find that negotiating Capitol Hill is easier than negotiating bedtime.

The news also comes during what seems to be an ongoing White House baby boom.

Just last month, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt welcomed her second child, daughter Viviana “Vivi” Riccio, with husband Nicholas Riccio. Leavitt announced the joyful arrival on social media, sharing that her family’s hearts had “instantly exploded with love” after welcoming their baby girl.

Leavitt’s son, Niko, was promoted to big brother, while the youngest press secretary in American history has temporarily stepped away from the briefing room to enjoy life in the newborn bubble.

Now, the Miller family is celebrating a similar milestone.

For all the attention Washington places on politics, moments like these offer a reminder that many of the administration’s most recognizable faces are also parents juggling diapers, school schedules, and family responsibilities alongside their public duties.

In fact, supporters have increasingly noted that President Trump’s team includes a number of young families raising children while serving in high-pressure government roles. Whether it’s Leavitt balancing motherhood and press briefings or the Millers welcoming their fourth child, family life remains a central part of the Trump administration’s story.

As the Miller family settles into life with its newest member, supporters across the country are sending their congratulations and best wishes.

From all of us, congratulations to Stephen and Katie Miller on their newest blessing.

VP’s Chief Of Staff To Leave Trump Administration

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Vice President JD Vance’s chief of staff, Jacob Reses, is expected to leave the Trump administration at the end of the summer, according to a report from NBC News.

Reses, one of Vance’s closest and longest-serving political advisers, has served as chief of staff since President Donald Trump and Vance took office in January 2025. According to NBC News, Reses informed Vance of his plans several months ago after learning that his wife was pregnant with their first child.

His next professional move has not yet been publicly disclosed.

“Jacob’s been by my side for my whole career in public life,” Vance said in a statement first shared with NBC News. “I can’t imagine having been on this life-changing journey without him. From day one of my time as a Senator-elect, I could not have asked for a more loyal and discerning advisor and friend as my chief of staff. I’ll miss him dearly, but he won’t be far, and I plan to keep his counsel close until our paths cross again.”

The departure marks a significant change inside the vice president’s office. Reses has been one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in Vance’s political rise, helping guide his successful 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio before remaining at his side during Vance’s ascent to the vice presidency.

Prior to joining Vance’s team, Reses worked for Heritage Action, the advocacy arm affiliated with the conservative Heritage Foundation, and later served on the staff of Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). He became a familiar presence during the 2024 presidential campaign after Trump selected Vance as his running mate, frequently accompanying the vice president on the campaign trail.

NBC News reported that Reses developed strong relationships throughout the administration and earned praise from senior White House officials and Cabinet members.

“Jacob has been an important part of our White House leadership team and has served the Vice President with absolute distinction,” White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told NBC News. “From diplomacy and war, to complicated matters, to the most minute logistics, there has been no task too big or too small for him to tackle.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Reses’ “intellect, leadership, and humor,” while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described him as “invaluable” in advancing the administration’s economic agenda. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called Reses “tough, smart, hardworking, and loyal — the perfect combination to succeed in the Trump White House.”

Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff also highlighted Reses’ role in several high-profile diplomatic efforts.

“Don’t let Jacob fool you — beneath his kind exterior he’s a killer,” Witkoff told NBC News. “It’s been a delight to get to know him through the Vice President, and our foreign adventures from Israel to Pakistan have been historic.”

Reses’ departure comes amid broader personnel changes within the vice president’s office. NBC News noted that Vance has already cycled through two deputy chiefs of staff since taking office, while top legal adviser Sean Cooksey departed earlier this year to join a lobbying and public affairs firm.

Despite the planned exit, sources close to Vance told NBC News that Reses is expected to remain closely connected to the vice president and could potentially return to the office in some capacity in the future.

As Vance continues to emerge as one of the most prominent figures in the Republican Party — and a potential contender for the 2028 presidential nomination — the loss of one of his most trusted advisers will be closely watched both inside the administration and among conservative political circles.

Trump Administration Asks Judge to Reject Bid to Halt White House UFC Event

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The Trump administration is urging a federal judge to reject a last-minute lawsuit seeking to block this weekend’s Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn, arguing that preparations are too far advanced to stop the highly publicized spectacle.

In a court filing submitted Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) asked the court to deny a request for a temporary restraining order filed by two Virginia residents who are challenging the legality of the event. According to the filing, planning for the UFC card has been underway since President Donald Trump announced it last year, with more than $60 million already invested and thousands of spectators expected to attend.

“All these hopes could be dashed at the very last moment, however, by the whim of two people who believe they have superior taste and want to spoil the event for everyone else,” DOJ attorneys wrote in the filing, according to The Hill.

The lawsuit was brought by retired Air Force Sgt. Paul Romano and political activist Susan Douglas, represented by the Public Integrity Project. The plaintiffs argue that federal agencies failed to comply with environmental review requirements and did not obtain congressional approval for structures associated with the event, including a temporary 92-foot-tall arch known as “The Claw” that is being erected on White House grounds.

The complaint also contends that the event improperly uses federal property for a private, commercial enterprise and alleges that the administration is using America’s 250th anniversary celebration as a pretext to bypass normal permitting requirements.

The administration has rejected those claims, arguing that the UFC event is an official component of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations and therefore does not require a traditional permit. DOJ attorneys further argued that the plaintiffs lack standing and are unlikely to succeed on the merits of their case.

“It would be easy enough to simply avert their gazes for the weekend,” the DOJ filing stated. “Instead, they seek to enlist the power of a federal court to impose their idiosyncratic preferences on the rest of the country and ruin an event designed to celebrate the United States of America.”

The event, dubbed “UFC Freedom 250,” is scheduled for Saturday on the South Lawn and coincides with Flag Day, President Trump’s 80th birthday, and broader America 250 celebrations. Organizers plan to host six prime-time bouts inside a temporary Octagon constructed on White House grounds, while ceremonial weigh-ins are scheduled to take place at the Lincoln Memorial.

According to court filings, the administration expects attendance in the thousands, while tens of thousands more spectators are expected to gather in surrounding areas. Construction crews have already begun assembling the temporary venue.

The White House has described the event as one of the centerpiece attractions of the America 250 celebration. President Trump recently told reporters that interest in the UFC card has surpassed any other event held during his presidency.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of big events. I have never had an event that has had more interest than the UFC fight we have right at the front door,” Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office.

Trump has maintained a longstanding friendship with UFC President and CEO Dana White, who has been a prominent supporter of the president and frequently appears at political events. Trump has also attended numerous UFC events during both his first and second terms in office.

A federal judge has not yet ruled on the plaintiffs’ request to halt the event, but with the fights scheduled to begin this weekend, the administration is pressing for a swift dismissal of the challenge.

Former NBC Host Chuck Todd Suggests a Trump Family Member Could Emerge as GOP Nominee in 2028

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Image via gage Skidmore Flickr

Former “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd says he believes the possibility of another member of the Trump family seeking the White House in 2028 should not be dismissed.

During a discussion posted Tuesday on social platform X, Todd examined odds from FanDuel’s prediction market regarding potential Republican presidential contenders and suggested that a Trump family member could ultimately emerge as a serious candidate.

“I’d prefer a flyer on somebody with the last name of Trump,” Todd said.

Todd specifically mentioned several members of the president’s family, including Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump, the former Republican National Committee co-chair who is married to Eric Trump and currently hosts a program on Fox News.

“Any of those four, none of them are 0 percent chances in my head,” Todd added.

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While Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are widely viewed as leading contenders for the Republican nomination once President Donald Trump leaves office, Todd’s comments reflect ongoing speculation about the Trump family’s continued influence within the GOP.

Recent polling suggests Vance and Rubio remain the early frontrunners in a hypothetical 2028 Republican primary. An Emerson College survey found Vance narrowly leading Rubio, 36 percent to 35 percent, among Republican voters.

President Trump himself recently fueled discussion about the party’s future during a podcast appearance, where he floated the idea of Vance and Rubio running together on a Republican ticket in 2028.

“I don’t know how you beat them if they’re together,” Trump said. “That would be a great team.”

Although Trump stopped short of endorsing either man as his preferred successor, his comments highlighted the growing attention being paid to the next generation of Republican leadership.

At the same time, members of the Trump family continue to maintain high public profiles. Donald Trump Jr. remains one of the president’s most active political surrogates, while Lara Trump has expanded her media presence and remains popular among many grassroots conservatives. Ivanka Trump has largely stepped away from politics since her father left office in 2021 but continues to generate interest whenever her political future is discussed.

The prospect of another Trump family member seeking national office remains speculative, and none of the individuals mentioned by Todd have formally indicated plans to run for president. However, the family’s enduring influence over the Republican Party has led political observers to continue viewing them as potential factors in the post-Trump era.

Todd’s remarks come as Republicans increasingly look ahead to the 2028 election cycle, even as President Trump continues serving his second term and remains the dominant figure within the party.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Teases New Media Venture

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Marjorie Taylor Greene -Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, via Wikimedia Commons

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is signaling that her political career may be entering a new chapter following her departure from Congress earlier this year.

In a post shared Tuesday on X, Greene unveiled a teaser for what appears to be a new media project titled “Life With MTG,” accompanied by the message: “My New Series. COMING SOON.”

The brief promotional video features a montage of some of Greene’s most memorable and controversial moments from her years in Washington. The footage includes clips of her delivering fiery speeches, confronting political opponents, and championing causes that helped make her one of the most recognizable figures in the Republican Party.

The teaser concludes with Greene delivering a message directly to supporters.

“I won’t stop living, I won’t stop speaking and I won’t stop fighting,” Greene says in the video. “And neither should you.”

While Greene did not reveal details about the format, platform, or launch date of the project, the announcement immediately sparked speculation that the former congresswoman is seeking to maintain a prominent role in conservative politics and media despite leaving elected office.

From Trump Ally to Trump Critic

Greene’s departure from Congress marked a dramatic shift in her political trajectory.

For years, Greene was among President Donald Trump’s most loyal allies on Capitol Hill. She emerged as one of the leading voices of the America First movement and frequently defended Trump during his legal battles, impeachment proceedings, and presidential campaigns.

However, the relationship between the two Republicans deteriorated in recent years as Greene increasingly broke with Trump on several major issues.

The split became especially visible over foreign policy, government spending, healthcare proposals, and the administration’s handling of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In November, Greene announced she would resign from Congress, describing her political relationship with Trump in unusually personal terms.

“I refuse to be a battered wife,” Greene said at the time, referencing what she characterized as repeated disappointments with the administration’s policy decisions.

The remark underscored the depth of the rift between Greene and the president she had once defended more aggressively than almost any other Republican lawmaker.

Criticism Over Foreign Wars

Perhaps the most significant break between Greene and Trump came over U.S. military involvement in the Middle East.

Following the escalation of conflict involving Iran, Greene openly criticized the administration’s actions and questioned whether Trump was abandoning key campaign promises.

“We’re in another f—ing war, and we’ve got American troops being killed,” Greene said shortly after hostilities intensified.

During an appearance with conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, Greene expressed frustration that Trump appeared to be moving away from the anti-interventionist message that helped fuel his rise in Republican politics.

“I want to say, what is happening to the man that I supported, you supported, the man that denounced what happened in Iraq, the man that said ‘No more foreign wars,’ ‘No more regime change?'” Greene asked.

Her comments resonated with a segment of the MAGA movement that remains skeptical of foreign military interventions and favors a more isolationist approach to global conflicts.

A Growing Conservative Media Trend

Greene’s new venture follows a broader trend of high-profile politicians turning to independent media platforms after leaving office.

In recent years, numerous conservative figures have launched podcasts, streaming shows, documentary projects, and direct-to-consumer media brands aimed at maintaining influence outside traditional political institutions.

For Greene, whose outspoken style helped her build a large online following, a media platform may provide an opportunity to continue shaping political debates without the constraints of serving in Congress.

The title “Life With MTG” suggests the series could blend political commentary with a behind-the-scenes look at Greene’s personal life and post-Congress activities, though no official description has been released.

What’s Next?

Greene remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern Republican politics. Supporters view her as an unapologetic fighter willing to challenge both Democrats and Republican establishment figures, while critics argue her confrontational style has fueled division and controversy.

The launch of “Life With MTG” indicates Greene has no intention of fading from public life following her resignation.

Whether the project becomes a political commentary show, podcast, documentary series, or broader media brand, Greene’s closing message in the teaser makes one thing clear: she intends to remain active in the national conversation.

For now, supporters and critics alike are left waiting for further details as Greene promises that “Life With MTG” is “coming soon.”

‘Decoy’ Senate Candidate Under Investigation Over Alleged Voter Confusion Scheme Targeting Trump-backed Candidate

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

A Senate candidate nicknamed “Decoy Dan” is under investigation by Alaska election officials amid allegations that he entered the race to confuse voters and siphon support from Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, a key ally of President Donald Trump.

Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom announced Monday that the state has opened a formal investigation into Daniel James Sullivan Jr., a Petersburg resident who recently launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate while sharing the same first and last name as the incumbent senator.

The probe will determine whether Sullivan’s candidacy was filed in “good faith” or whether it was part of a deliberate effort to mislead voters ahead of Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary election.

“The Division of Elections has a fundamental obligation to protect the integrity of Alaska’s elections and ensure voters are not deceived about the identity of the candidates on their ballot,” Dahlstrom said in a statement announcing the investigation.

In a letter sent to Sullivan, Dahlstrom said state officials are examining what she described as “credible allegations” that the candidate entered the race to exploit voter confusion by sharing both the name and party affiliation of the sitting senator.

“There are credible allegations that you declared your candidacy in coordination with another candidate and campaign out of intention to confuse and manipulate voters by capitalizing on the fact that you share a first and last name with the incumbent senator and have selected the same political party affiliation,” Dahlstrom wrote.

The controversy erupted after Daniel J. Sullivan switched his candidate filing to Republican shortly before entering the race, placing him on the ballot alongside Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, the Republican incumbent seeking a third term in the Senate. Critics say the move intensified concerns that voters could mistakenly support the wrong candidate.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has also weighed in, urging Alaska election officials to reject the candidacy. In a letter to state election authorities, NRSC General Counsel Blake Murphy argued that the filing appears designed to “confuse voters and undermine confidence” in the election process.

Sen. Sullivan’s campaign has accused Democrats of orchestrating the effort to benefit former Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola, who is mounting a high-profile challenge in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races. Republicans currently hold a narrow Senate majority, making the Alaska contest a key battleground in the fight for control of the chamber.

“Everybody in Alaska knows I’m Dan Sullivan-R,” the senator said last week. “He’s purposely trying to trick my constituents.”

Peltola’s campaign has flatly denied any involvement.

“Our campaign has no involvement with either Sullivan campaign,” spokesman Harry Child told The Associated Press.

The Alaska Democratic Party has likewise denied any connection to the candidate.

For his part, Daniel J. Sullivan insists his campaign is legitimate and rejects claims that he is serving as a political decoy.

“I have every right to run for whatever office I’m qualified for, and I’m qualified for this office,” Sullivan told the AP. “I think I’m doing what most Americans would think would be a patriotic thing to do when you’re unsatisfied with the status quo.”

The challenger, a retired teacher and former U.S. Forest Service employee, said he has had “zero, none, zilch” contact with Peltola’s campaign or Democratic operatives and maintains that running for office was entirely his own decision.

The unusual dispute has drawn national attention because of the stakes involved. Sen. Sullivan, who has represented Alaska in the Senate since 2015, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and is viewed as a crucial Republican incumbent in the battle for Senate control. Trump previously praised Sullivan for supporting his agenda and backed his reelection efforts.

Under Alaska’s election system, all candidates appear on the same primary ballot regardless of party, with the top four finishers advancing to the general election. While candidates will be identified by their middle initials on the ballot, Republicans argue that the presence of two Republican candidates named Dan Sullivan could still create significant voter confusion.

State officials have not yet announced whether Daniel J. Sullivan will ultimately be allowed to remain on the ballot. The investigation remains ongoing.