President Donald Trump’s administration suffered another legal setback Monday after a federal judge dismissed its lawsuit seeking additional admissions records from Harvard University as part of an investigation into whether the Ivy League institution continues to use race-based admissions practices.
U.S. District Judge Myong Joun ruled that the Justice Department had failed to establish that it followed the necessary procedural steps before asking the court to compel Harvard to turn over the requested information.
The ruling represents another defeat in the administration’s ongoing legal battle with Harvard, although the judge left the door open for federal officials to revive the case.
According to The Hill, the administration sought detailed admissions records to determine whether Harvard was complying with the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision restricting the use of race in college admissions.
Federal officials accused the university of withholding information necessary to determine whether its admissions policies violate federal civil rights law.
However, Joun emphasized that his decision addressed procedural requirements rather than the underlying allegations against Harvard.
“The ruling does not determine whether Harvard has discriminated, whether the agencies may lawfully seek appropriately defined applicant-level data, or whether Harvard may ultimately be required to provide such data,” Joun wrote.
Justice Department Vows to Continue Fight
Despite the dismissal, the Trump administration quickly signaled that it had no intention of abandoning its investigation.
A Justice Department spokesperson told The Hill that the government would file an amended complaint and continue pursuing the requested admissions records.
“The Court dismissed the case without prejudice on a narrow pleading question and invited the United States to amend. We will do exactly that,” the spokesperson said.
“Nothing in the ruling changes the core problem: Harvard continues to refuse to provide the admissions information it is required to produce as a recipient of federal funds under Title VI,” the spokesperson added.
The department maintained that Harvard’s receipt of federal funding carries legal obligations, including compliance with federal civil rights requirements.
Harvard, meanwhile, has argued that it already provided substantial admissions information before the administration filed its lawsuit.
Another Chapter in Trump’s Harvard Showdown
The dismissal adds to a series of courtroom setbacks for the Trump administration in its broader confrontation with Harvard.
Previous administration efforts to restrict federal funding and revoke the university’s ability to enroll international students also encountered legal obstacles.
Still, Monday’s ruling does not resolve whether Harvard has violated federal civil rights law.
Joun dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, meaning the government can potentially return to court after addressing the procedural deficiencies identified in his decision.
“Because the deficiency may be cured by additional administrative steps or by an adequately supported pleading identifying compliance with the applicable prerequisites, dismissal without prejudice is appropriate,” the judge wrote.
The Justice Department has pledged to do precisely that, setting the stage for another round in the administration’s continuing legal battle with one of the nation’s most prominent universities.
Duncan Lock, Dflock, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
President Donald Trump’s administration suffered a significant legal setback Monday evening after the Supreme Court rejected an emergency request to set aside thousands of California mail-in ballots over concerns that they could have been cast by noncitizens.
The ruling came just hours before Tuesday’s midterm elections, dealing a last-minute blow to the Justice Department’s efforts to prevent potentially ineligible ballots from being counted.
In a brief, unsigned order, the justices denied the administration’s request without explanation. No justice publicly dissented.
The administration had asked the high court to require California election officials to separate ballots associated with more than 20,000 individuals identified by federal authorities as suspected noncitizens.
The Justice Department argued that the ballots should remain separate until officials could verify the voters’ citizenship status.
California officials strongly disputed the federal government’s findings, arguing that the list contained significant inaccuracies and included eligible American voters.
The Supreme Court’s decision followed earlier defeats for the administration in federal district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Federal Prosecutors Warn of Election Integrity Concerns
Speaking at a Monday news conference before the ruling, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned that even a relatively small number of unlawful ballots could influence closely contested elections.
“There are many close elections in our system here. We have elections that are decided by less than twenty votes within recent memory here in California,” Essayli said, according to The Daily Wire.
“It doesn’t take many illegal votes to corrupt our elections,” he added.
Essayli emphasized that the administration was not seeking to automatically discard every ballot associated with the federal list, but instead wanted an opportunity to determine whether those votes were legally cast.
“Our goal is not to charge all 20,000 people, our goal is to get California to not count the votes of noncitizens,” he said.
The prosecutor also announced six additional criminal cases involving green card holders accused of illegally registering to vote or participating in federal elections.
According to The Daily Wire, the defendants included an Iranian national accused of voting twice in 2024 and a Canadian citizen accused of voting in the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Essayli said federal authorities had charged 34 individuals identified through the government’s investigation with election-related offenses.
California Challenges Federal Evidence
Despite the administration’s concerns, federal judges repeatedly questioned the reliability of the government’s voter list.
According to the Los Angeles Times and federal court records, judges warned that separating thousands of ballots so close to Election Day could disrupt election operations and potentially prevent eligible Americans from having their votes counted.
A divided Ninth Circuit panel rejected the administration’s emergency request Friday, with two judges declining to order California to segregate the disputed ballots.
One judge appointed by Trump dissented, arguing in favor of granting the government’s request.
The dispute began in October when the Justice Department sued California after federal immigration and homeland security officials identified more than 20,000 individuals they believed were likely noncitizens registered to vote.
California officials maintained that the government’s findings were unreliable and that existing election safeguards should remain in place.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene does not resolve the underlying legal dispute or establish that everyone on the federal list is eligible to vote.
However, the decision leaves the administration without the emergency restrictions it sought as voters head to the polls Tuesday.
President Joe Biden hugs his family during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)
Federal judge accuses administration of “weaponization” after throwing out charges against two former FBI officials accused of misleading Congress.
A federal judge delivered a stunning setback to President Donald Trump’s Justice Department on Monday, throwing out criminal charges against two former FBI officials accused of lying to Congress about the Hunter Biden investigation — and accusing the administration of using the justice system for political purposes.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui dismissed the criminal complaint against Nikki Cole Floris and Bradley Benavides following days of contentious hearings that exposed serious questions about how the FBI investigation was launched and how federal prosecutors pursued the charges.
“What has transpired here cannot be described as anything other than weaponization,” Faruqui declared, according to Fox News and the New York Post.
The judge also characterized the prosecution as a “rush job,” taking aim at the involvement of Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel in an investigation that began years after the officials testified before Congress.
The ruling represents a high-profile defeat for an administration that has repeatedly promised to expose alleged political misconduct inside federal law enforcement.
Trump, Patel and a controversial investigation
The criminal case centered on allegations that Floris and Benavides misled congressional investigators in 2023 about their knowledge of the FBI’s handling of investigations involving Hunter Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
But testimony during last week’s hearings raised uncomfortable questions for prosecutors.
According to CBS News, FBI Special Agent Bryan Witt acknowledged that the investigation began following a July speech in which Trump revisited allegations of election interference.
Witt testified that Patel had directed the investigation and that he was concerned about its political appearance.
“I had concerns that this would be political,” Witt told the court.
The agent also described the assignment as a major distraction from his other investigative responsibilities.
The New York Post reported that Patel received weekly updates about the investigation, an unusually direct level of oversight for a case involving alleged false statements.
Prosecutors face a courtroom showdown
The controversy escalated when prosecutors attempted to introduce an additional obstruction charge through an amended criminal complaint.
Faruqui rejected that filing after determining that the government had submitted it without obtaining the necessary judicial approval.
The procedural dispute prompted a series of sharp exchanges between the judge and prosecutors, who were forced to defend their handling of the case.
According to Roll Call, Faruqui questioned why prosecutors had departed from established charging procedures and warned that their actions were strengthening the defense’s accusations of political motivation.
Monday’s ruling went further.
The judge concluded that the government had not established probable cause to support the false-statement charges, effectively ending the prosecution in its current form.
Trump administration had promised accountability
The dismissal is particularly striking given the administration’s aggressive public statements when the charges were first announced.
In an October 23 Justice Department announcement, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro argued that the allegations reflected serious misconduct by senior law enforcement officials.
“Lying to Congress by anyone strikes at the heart of our democratic system,” Pirro said.
Attorney General Todd Blanche also promised that the Justice Department would pursue government officials who broke federal law.
Patel accused former FBI personnel of engaging in political weaponization, saying his leadership would not tolerate abuses of public trust.
Those allegations remain disputed, and neither former official has been convicted of wrongdoing in the case.
Now, the administration faces a pointed accusation of weaponization from the very judge overseeing its attempt to prosecute alleged FBI misconduct.
The legal fight may not be finished.
The Justice Department could seek a grand jury indictment or pursue an appeal, according to The Washington Post. But Monday’s dismissal leaves prosecutors facing significant questions about their evidence, investigative decisions and political independence.
With control of Congress hanging in the balance, President Trump is abandoning the traditional battleground-state finale for a high-profile appearance at one of America’s most iconic landmarks.
President Donald Trump is preparing to close out the 2026 midterm campaign with an unexpected political spectacle in the heart of Washington, D.C., choosing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as the backdrop for his final appeal to voters before Tuesday’s elections.
Rather than spending Election Day eve rallying Republicans in a competitive state, Trump will deliver remarks Monday afternoon from the National Mall, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments and his sweeping efforts to transform the nation’s capital.
The White House confirmed the appearance Sunday, with the president scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. ET.
The unusual setting comes as Republicans fight to maintain control of both chambers of Congress, with the outcome potentially determining the direction of Trump’s legislative agenda during the remainder of his second term.
According to Axios, a White House official said the president would highlight the accomplishments of his administration and congressional Republicans while discussing efforts to restore Washington.
The decision also places one of Trump’s most controversial construction projects squarely in the national spotlight.
Trump Makes an Unexpected Final Campaign Move
Trump first hinted at the appearance Sunday while speaking with reporters in Iowa, where he was continuing a whirlwind campaign schedule.
“We might hold it tomorrow or something,” Trump said, explaining that the event would “show how beautiful it is,” according to the Associated Press.
The president subsequently confirmed that his Sunday evening rally in Kansas would be his final campaign stop outside Washington.
The announcement capped a monthlong political blitz that included more than 25 rallies as Trump sought to energize Republican voters ahead of a closely watched election.
But his decision to finish in Washington rather than a traditional swing state marks a striking departure from the usual campaign playbook.
Instead, Trump is using the final hours before Election Day to put his presidency—and his vision for the nation’s capital—front and center.
A Multimillion-Dollar Project Returns to the Spotlight
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has become a centerpiece of Trump’s effort to overhaul Washington’s most recognizable landmarks.
During a May visit to the construction site, the president offered an enthusiastic assessment of the work.
Trump argued that the restoration would leave the landmark looking better than when it was originally built in 1922.
The project, however, has attracted substantial criticism.
According to the Associated Press, the restoration was initially expected to cost approximately $1.5 million but ultimately exceeded ten times that amount.
Construction delays, algae growth and problems with the pool’s new liner forced additional work, complicating the administration’s efforts to showcase the project as a success.
The controversy also produced a legal dispute after a former Olympic canoeist was accused of damaging the pool. Prosecutors eventually dropped the case after concluding that the damage resulted from installation problems.
Despite those setbacks, Trump has remained an outspoken defender of the renovations.
During his May appearance, he said the administration’s goal was to improve the appearance and condition of Washington’s public spaces.
“Our country’s about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people—not a filthy capital,” Trump declared.
Trump’s Bigger Vision for Washington
The Reflecting Pool is only one component of a much broader construction agenda.
The president has overseen major changes to the White House grounds, including the demolition of the East Wing to accommodate a new ballroom and the transformation of the Rose Garden into a patio.
Additional proposals have included new monuments and improvements to federal properties around Washington.
Trump has repeatedly defended his interest in architecture and construction, describing the projects as an important part of restoring the capital’s appearance.
His decision to close the campaign at the Reflecting Pool effectively connects that message to his broader argument that Republicans should remain in power.
The stakes are significant.
Democrats have sought to make the economy, rising energy costs and the administration’s handling of the Iran war central issues in the midterm elections.
Republicans, meanwhile, are hoping Trump’s late campaign appearances will motivate supporters to turn out and protect their congressional majorities.
Whether the president’s unconventional finale strengthens that effort remains to be seen.
But with Election Day only hours away, Trump is ensuring that his final campaign message unfolds against one of the most recognizable backdrops in American political history.
Rep. Haley Stevens shocked Democrats by backing Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race. Now her chief of staff has quit, party leaders are furious, and President Donald Trump is praising her decision.
A stunning political defection in Michigan has erupted into a full-blown Democratic Party feud, with Rep. Haley Stevens’ chief of staff and multiple aides resigning after the congresswoman endorsed a Republican Senate candidate backed by President Donald Trump.
Stevens, a Michigan Democrat who narrowly lost her party’s Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August, stunned political observers Sunday when she announced she was supporting Republican Mike Rogers just 48 hours before Election Day.
The unexpected endorsement triggered immediate backlash from Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Rep. Haley Stevens shocked Democrats by backing Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s Senate race. Now her chief of staff has quit, party leaders are furious, and President Donald Trump is praising her decision.
A stunning political defection in Michigan has erupted into a full-blown Democratic Party feud, with Rep. Haley Stevens’ chief of staff and multiple aides resigning after the congresswoman endorsed a Republican Senate candidate backed by President Donald Trump.
Stevens, a Michigan Democrat who narrowly lost her party’s Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed in August, stunned political observers Sunday when she announced she was supporting Republican Mike Rogers just 48 hours before Election Day.
The unexpected endorsement triggered immediate backlash from Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
But the fallout didn’t stop there.
Stevens’ longtime chief of staff, Justin German, announced that he and several other members of her congressional team were resigning in protest, creating a staffing crisis just as the congresswoman approaches the end of her term.
“We are shocked and heartbroken,” German said in a statement.
The extraordinary developments have turned Michigan’s closely watched Senate race into a bitter public confrontation within the Democratic Party, with Trump himself celebrating Stevens’ decision.
Stevens’ Top Aide Quits After Eight Years
German, who served as Stevens’ chief of staff for eight years, announced the resignations Sunday in a statement circulated on social media.
Speaking on behalf of departing staff members, German declared his support for El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee whom Stevens had just rejected.
“As of this morning, many members of our team have resigned, including myself,” German said.
The statement described the staff’s disappointment with Stevens’ decision to endorse Rogers, a former Republican congressman and Trump-backed candidate.
The resignations underscore how dramatically Stevens’ political relationships have deteriorated since her endorsement.
The congresswoman had previously pledged to support El-Sayed after losing the Democratic primary and reaffirmed that position only days before switching sides.
But after a dispute over a planned campaign appearance, Stevens abruptly changed course.
Her decision has now cost her the support of senior aides who had worked alongside her for years.
Trump Praises Democrat for Breaking Ranks
President Trump wasted little time responding to the unexpected endorsement.
In a Truth Social post Sunday, Trump praised Stevens as a respected Democrat who had demonstrated unusual political courage by backing Rogers.
“Haley said what few people are willing to say,” Trump wrote.
The president described her decision as an act of loyalty to Michigan voters rather than to party leadership.
“It’s a thing called bravery,” Trump added.
The endorsement provides Rogers with a notable crossover supporter during the final days of his campaign against El-Sayed.
Rogers, who previously served in Congress and chaired the House Intelligence Committee, is competing for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
After appearing with Stevens at Detroit’s Perfecting Church on Sunday, Rogers told reporters he was honored to have her support.
The Republican candidate also emphasized that Stevens had not abandoned her Democratic identity.
The unusual alliance gives Trump and congressional Republicans a new talking point as they campaign in the final hours before Tuesday’s elections.
Sanders Slams Stevens as Democrats Turn on One Another
The backlash has extended far beyond Stevens’ congressional office.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who supports El-Sayed, publicly defended the departing staff members and sharply criticized the congresswoman.
“Rep. Haley Stevens’ staff is right to resign in disgust,” Sanders wrote on X.
He accused Stevens of putting her “fragile ego” ahead of the Michigan Senate contest and urged Democrats to unite behind El-Sayed.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who had supported Stevens during the primary, also condemned her endorsement.
“This is a despicable betrayal from Rep. Stevens,” Schumer wrote.
This is a despicable betrayal from Rep. Stevens.
Senate Democrats are united in our support for Abdul El-Sayed, because we know he will fight for the economic interests of working families in Michigan, unlike Mike Rogers, who is a tool of Donald Trump and billionaire donors.
Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel went even further, declaring that Stevens would no longer have a place in the state party.
“Congresswoman Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future,” Hertel wrote.
The unusually public rebukes illustrate how a last-minute endorsement has reopened divisions between progressive and moderate Democrats at a critical point in the election.
Republican Congresswoman Offers Stevens a Lifeline
While Democrats criticized Stevens, at least one Republican lawmaker offered to help keep her congressional office functioning.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said her office would assist Stevens with constituent services and other responsibilities during the remainder of the 119th Congress.
“My office will happily assist @RepHaleyStevens with anything she needs,” Luna wrote on X.
My office will happily assist @RepHaleyStevens with anything she needs, including constituent services, during her remaining time in the 119th Congress.
She has done more for this country than the majority of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle by taking a stand and putting…
Luna praised Stevens for taking a position that crossed party lines, calling it an example of putting country ahead of party.
The offer came as questions mounted about how Stevens’ office would continue operating following the departure of senior staff.
Stevens has not announced that she is switching political parties, and she has emphasized that her endorsement of Rogers is limited to this particular election.
“I’m not turning my back on Democrats. It is this one vote,” Stevens told reporters Sunday.
Bitter Primary Feud Explodes Before Election Day
The endorsement followed months of hostility between Stevens and El-Sayed, who defeated her by less than one percentage point in Michigan’s August Democratic Senate primary.
Their disagreements centered partly on U.S. policy toward Israel and the war in Gaza.
Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel, repeatedly challenged El-Sayed over his criticism of the Israeli government and his association with progressive political commentator Hasan Piker.
The conflict intensified last week after Stevens’ fiancé, Jason Turkish, publicly announced that he would vote for Rogers.
Stevens subsequently demanded that El-Sayed condemn an advertisement produced by an independent political group linking U.S. support for Israel to rising grocery prices.
El-Sayed said the advertisement was not produced by his campaign and rejected its contents.
The two Democrats were originally scheduled to attend a church service together Sunday in what party leaders hoped would be a public display of unity.
Instead, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) asked Stevens not to attend, explaining that the dispute had become too distracting.
Hours later, Stevens appeared alongside Rogers at a different Detroit church and announced her endorsement.
The dramatic reversal reportedly surprised even members of Rogers’ campaign.
El-Sayed Brushes Off Endorsement as Election Nears
Despite the turmoil, El-Sayed has attempted to keep attention on his campaign’s economic message.
Asked about Stevens’ decision Sunday, the Democratic nominee dismissed its importance.
“At the end of the day I actually don’t think about Haley Stevens,” El-Sayed told reporters.
He said he was focused instead on the concerns of Michigan voters, particularly the cost of living.
The contest between El-Sayed and Rogers will determine who succeeds retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
Michigan is among the states receiving intense national attention as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of the Senate.
The last-minute endorsement has also exposed deeper disagreements within the Democratic coalition over Israel, progressive politics and the party’s direction.
For Trump and Rogers, Stevens’ decision represents an unexpected endorsement from across the aisle.
For Democrats, it has triggered resignations, public condemnations and a dispute that has overshadowed part of their final campaign push.
With Election Day arriving Tuesday, Stevens’ decision has transformed a closely watched Senate contest into one of the most unusual political stories of the midterm campaign.
But the fallout didn’t stop there.
Stevens’ longtime chief of staff, Justin German, announced that he and several other members of her congressional team were resigning in protest, creating a staffing crisis just as the congresswoman approaches the end of her term.
“We are shocked and heartbroken,” German said in a statement.
The extraordinary developments have turned Michigan’s closely watched Senate race into a bitter public confrontation within the Democratic Party, with Trump himself celebrating Stevens’ decision.
With Election Day just 48 hours away, President Donald Trump is heading to two traditionally Republican states as the battle for control of Congress enters its final stretch.
President Donald Trump is making a dramatic final-weekend campaign push, heading to Iowa and Kansas as Republicans scramble to defend key Senate seats just two days before the November midterm elections.
The president’s Sunday schedule includes rallies in Dubuque, Iowa, and Salina, Kansas, two stops that underscore how competitive the battle for control of Congress has become.
But there’s an unexpected twist.
Both campaign stops were previously canceled before being abruptly restored to Trump’s schedule.
The last-minute changes come as Republicans attempt to preserve their narrow congressional majorities amid voter concerns about the economy, rising costs and the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump, however, is projecting confidence.
“I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people,” the president told reporters Saturday while discussing the upcoming elections.
His remarks set the stage for a final campaign blitz that could have significant consequences for the remainder of his second term. ABC News+1
Trump’s Unexpected Return to Republican Territory
The president is scheduled to begin Sunday afternoon in Dubuque, Iowa, where Republicans are defending a Senate seat, the governor’s office and competitive House districts.
The Iowa Senate contest features Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.
Hinson has emphasized her willingness to support Trump’s agenda while also standing up for Iowa’s interests when necessary.
The state has become an important battleground as economic concerns and agricultural issues take center stage.
After Iowa, Trump is scheduled to travel to Salina, Kansas, where Republican Sen. Roger Marshall faces a challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton.
Kansas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 94 years, making the competitiveness of this year’s race particularly notable.
The president carried both Iowa and Kansas comfortably in 2024, but the decision to spend the final weekend campaigning there highlights the stakes facing Republicans.
The trips also mark Trump’s return to in-person campaign rallies after a one-day break Saturday. KPRC
Trump Predicts a Midterm Surprise
Despite the difficult political environment, Trump has repeatedly expressed confidence that Republicans can outperform expectations.
Speaking with reporters Saturday at Mar-a-Lago, the president said he was feeling optimistic about the election.
“I feel very good. I mean, I feel like we’re doing well,” Trump said.
He also argued that his campaign appearances were helping Republican candidates.
“We’re going to Iowa first then Kansas second,” Trump said before predicting that the results could surprise political observers.
Republicans are hoping the president’s ability to energize his supporters will help candidates in competitive races.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has emphasized that Trump’s political agenda is central to the election.
“His agenda, without any question, is on the ballot,” Scott told NBC’s Meet the Press.
That message reflects the stakes for Republicans as voters prepare to determine which party will control Congress for the next two years. ABC News+1
More Than 52 Million Americans Have Already Voted
The final campaign push comes as early voting reaches a significant milestone.
According to data cited by the Associated Press, more than 52 million Americans had already cast ballots heading into Sunday’s campaign events.
That means millions of voters have already made their choices before Trump and other political leaders deliver their final appeals.
Republicans are attempting to protect their majorities in both the House and Senate, while Democrats are targeting competitive districts and states where economic concerns have become prominent campaign issues.
Trump’s tariffs, the continuing war with Iran and the cost of living have all figured into the campaign debate.
Republicans have emphasized the administration’s policy priorities and argued that maintaining congressional control would allow Trump to continue implementing his agenda.
Democrats, meanwhile, have focused on economic dissatisfaction and their opposition to the president’s policies. KPRC+1
Control of Congress Hangs in the Balance
The stakes extend far beyond individual Senate contests.
A Democratic takeover of the House would give the opposition party control of congressional committees, opening the door to investigations of the Trump administration and greater resistance to its legislative agenda.
Republicans are also fighting to maintain control of the Senate, which plays a central role in confirming presidential nominees and considering legislation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed confidence that Republicans can overcome the historical challenges facing the president’s party during midterm elections.
But Democrats are making an aggressive final push of their own, with prominent party figures campaigning in competitive races across the country.
The November 3 results will help determine the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of Trump’s presidency. Fox News+1
Trump’s Final Push Begins
Trump’s Sunday appearances will offer one of his last opportunities to address voters before Election Day.
His decision to return to Iowa and Kansas illustrates the importance Republicans are placing on states that have historically been reliable territory for the party.
For the president, the election represents an opportunity to demonstrate continued support for his administration’s agenda.
For congressional Republicans, the immediate objective is maintaining control of Washington.
And with tens of millions of ballots already cast, Trump’s final campaign stops come as the country prepares for a consequential Election Day.
President Donald Trump gave White House trick-or-treaters an unforgettable Halloween surprise Thursday evening when the presidential aircraft soared over Washington, D.C., adding a spectacular touch to the holiday festivities.
As families gathered at the White House for an evening of costumes and candy, the massive blue-and-white aircraft made two passes over the nation’s capital, providing a memorable backdrop for the celebration.
The White House proudly shared footage of the moment, showing Trump waving as the aircraft passed overhead.
“An epic Air Force One flyover at the White House for the trick-or-treaters!” the administration wrote in a post shared by its Rapid Response 47 account.
The special flyover added an unexpected element to the White House’s annual Halloween tradition, giving young visitors a chance to see one of America’s most recognizable aircraft in action.
Earlier Thursday, Trump previewed the festivities while speaking with reporters.
“We have a tremendous number of young children there, so it’ll be nice,” the president said, according to remarks shared by the White House press pool.
The aircraft’s appearance was coordinated with federal aviation officials, according to The Washington Post, which reported that the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted departures at Reagan National Airport to accommodate the flight.
Washington’s AlertDC system also issued a notification about the planned military flyover.
A Spectacular View Over Washington
Videos circulating on social media captured the aircraft passing above the capital, offering viewers a striking perspective of the special Halloween moment.
A second video shared by MS NOW producer Peggy Helman provided another angle of the flyover.
President Donald Trump is defending his Pentagon chief as Democrats consider a new impeachment fight if they regain control of the House.
President Donald Trump blasted congressional Democrats Thursday over their growing calls to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing the opposition party of turning impeachment into a political weapon.
Speaking to reporters, Trump dismissed the latest threats against his Pentagon chief and suggested Democrats were more interested in targeting administration officials than addressing the country’s problems.
“I think it’s terrible. All they do is they talk about impeaching everybody,” Trump said when asked whether he was concerned about efforts to remove Hegseth.
The president also warned that Republicans could respond with similar tactics.
“I mean, honestly, if we wanted to play that game, we could play it just as well,” Trump said.
His remarks come as Democrats openly discuss using a potential House majority after the November midterms to pursue Hegseth’s removal, setting up another possible showdown between the White House and Capitol Hill.
Trump Stands Firmly Behind Hegseth
Despite growing criticism from Democratic lawmakers, Trump offered an emphatic endorsement of his defense secretary.
The president described Hegseth as a “great warrior” who has done a “great job” leading the Pentagon.
“I think he’s the best at his job in many, many years, and a lot of people agree with that,” Trump said.
The defense secretary has become one of the administration’s most controversial figures, facing scrutiny over his leadership decisions, the dismissal of senior military officers and the administration’s handling of military operations overseas.
But Trump has consistently defended Hegseth, portraying him as a central figure in his effort to overhaul the Pentagon and restore what the administration describes as a stronger, more accountable military.
The president’s latest comments signal that he has no intention of distancing himself from Hegseth as Democrats intensify their criticism.
Democrats Eye Impeachment After Midterms
The impeachment push is already gaining traction on Capitol Hill, including from an unexpected Republican source.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a frequent critic of the Trump administration, introduced an impeachment resolution against Hegseth last month.
A vote on Massie’s privileged resolution is expected after lawmakers return to Washington following the November midterm elections.
Several House Democrats have told The Hill they support Massie’s effort and would consider backing additional impeachment proceedings if their party regains control of the chamber.
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former Marine Corps reservist, delivered a particularly harsh assessment of Hegseth’s tenure.
“Secretary Hegseth has been nothing short of a disaster for the Pentagon and for America’s standing in the world,” Carbajal said in a statement Wednesday.
He cited the controversy surrounding Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app, the removal of senior military leaders and the administration’s handling of the war with Iran.
“If he won’t resign, I will vote in favor of impeachment at the next opportunity,” Carbajal declared.
The impeachment campaign also highlights divisions within Republican ranks, with Massie challenging a Cabinet official whom Trump continues to defend.
Jeffries Threatens to Push Hegseth Out
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has also intensified his criticism of Hegseth, although he has stopped short of fully committing Democratic leadership to impeachment proceedings.
During a recent campaign appearance, Jeffries warned that Democrats would “run Pete Hegseth out of town” if they regained control of the House.
In a separate interview, Jeffries said Trump should remove Hegseth himself or Democrats would address the matter.
“Pete Hegseth needs to be pushed aside by the president, or we’re going to have to deal with that situation if he is not,” Jeffries told MS NOW.
The Democratic leader has also suggested that the party would investigate Hegseth’s conduct before deciding how to proceed.
Meanwhile, some Democrats are already making impeachment a priority.
Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) told Semafor that removing Hegseth should be among the party’s leading objectives if Democrats regain power.
The growing pressure places Hegseth at the center of a potential congressional confrontation just as Trump campaigns to maintain Republican control of Washington.
Massie Prepares for a Post-Election Showdown
Massie has made clear that he intends to press ahead regardless of the midterm results.
The Kentucky Republican told Roll Call on Monday that he plans to force consideration of his impeachment resolution during the week of November 9, provided Hegseth remains in office.
The proposal includes eight articles of impeachment involving allegations that Hegseth exceeded his authority during the Iran war and other military operations.
Massie also accuses the defense secretary of violating congressional war powers and improperly using his office against critics.
The allegations remain disputed.
Because Massie’s resolution is privileged, it could force the House to address the matter shortly after lawmakers return. However, members could also vote to table the resolution rather than proceed with impeachment.
Even if the House voted to impeach Hegseth, removing him from office would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
That creates a substantial hurdle for Democrats seeking his removal. Roll Call+1
Pentagon Pushes Back Against Critics
The Pentagon has rejected criticism of Hegseth’s leadership, crediting him with restoring military standards, reducing bureaucracy and strengthening the armed forces.
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson previously described Hegseth as a “transformative leader” who has improved the department’s performance.
Wilson said the department remains united behind the secretary’s vision and committed to supporting American service members.
The administration has also defended its military operations and leadership decisions against allegations of misconduct.
Trump’s latest remarks reinforce that support, making clear that the president views the impeachment campaign as another political confrontation with Democrats rather than a reason to reconsider Hegseth’s position. ABC News
A New Impeachment Battle Looms
With Election Day approaching, the dispute over Hegseth is becoming a test of how aggressively Democrats intend to challenge Trump’s administration if they regain congressional power.
Democrats argue that Hegseth’s management of military operations and his handling of congressional oversight warrant serious scrutiny.
Trump and the Pentagon maintain that the secretary has delivered results and deserves to remain in office.
But with Massie preparing to force a vote and Democratic lawmakers openly discussing additional investigations, the controversy is unlikely to disappear after November 3.
Trump has made his position clear: He is standing behind Hegseth, even as lawmakers from both parties prepare for a possible impeachment showdown.
President Donald Trump is calling for consequences after allegations surfaced that Democratic operatives tried to confuse Alaska voters by recruiting a candidate with the same name as a Republican senator.
House Republicans have launched a congressional investigation into allegations that Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign helped orchestrate a plan to confuse Alaska voters and siphon support away from Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) announced the investigation Thursday, escalating a controversy that has already drawn sharp criticism from President Donald Trump and prompted a separate state investigation.
At the center of the dispute is an unusual political maneuver: Two candidates named Dan Sullivan appearing on the same Senate ballot.
A New York Times investigation published Wednesday reported that Democratic operatives worked to recruit another candidate sharing the Republican incumbent’s name, potentially splitting his support in Alaska’s closely watched Senate race.
Peltola’s campaign and national Democrats have denied involvement in recruiting the additional candidate.
But Comer says Congress wants answers.
“Democrats are the party of fraud,” Comer declared Thursday, accusing Democratic operatives of attempting to manipulate the election by deliberately confusing voters.
“Americans deserve answers about this latest attempt by Democrats to defraud the American people, and we will get them,” he added.
House GOP Demands Testimony Over Alleged Plot
Comer is seeking testimony from two Democratic operatives identified in reporting about the alleged recruitment effort.
The Oversight Committee sent letters to Elisa Rios, Peltola’s former campaign manager, and Jerid Kurtz, a Democratic strategist reportedly involved in the effort.
Rios has been asked to appear for a transcribed interview on November 5, while Kurtz has been requested to testify on November 6.
Both dates fall immediately after the November 3 midterm elections.
Comer warned that the committee could consider subpoenas if the two refuse to cooperate voluntarily.
The investigation follows reporting that Democratic operatives conducted what was internally described as a “ballot composition project,” seeking candidates who could draw votes away from Sullivan.
According to the New York Times investigation, operatives searched for Alaska residents sharing the senator’s name and eventually identified Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired teacher from Petersburg.
The additional Sullivan qualified for the ballot, creating the unusual situation of two Senate candidates with nearly identical names competing in the same election.
The congressional inquiry will examine the alleged recruitment effort and the involvement of individuals associated with Peltola’s campaign.
Trump Demands Peltola Face Consequences
President Trump responded forcefully to the allegations Wednesday, accusing Democrats of attempting to interfere with the Senate race.
“The Democrats cheated!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He alleged that Democratic operatives recruited another Dan Sullivan to confuse voters and accused those involved of misleading the courts.
“She shouldn’t be allowed to run, and neither should the FAKE Dan Sullivan!” Trump declared.
In another post, Trump called the alleged operation “ELECTION FRAUD” and argued that Peltola should face legal and political consequences.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, the president went even further.
“I think she should be prosecuted criminally,” Trump said.
The president’s remarks significantly raised the stakes of the controversy, placing the White House directly into a dispute over one of the country’s closely watched Senate contests.
However, Trump’s accusations of election fraud and perjury have not been established in court, and the legality of recruiting additional candidates remains disputed.
Alaska Governor Orders Separate Investigation
The congressional inquiry is not the only investigation examining the controversy.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, has directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to investigate whether the alleged recruitment effort violated state law.
Dunleavy said officials should determine whether criminal charges or civil action are warranted.
The governor argued that voters must be able to cast ballots for their intended candidates without being misled by confusing names.
The controversy has also reached federal court.
The Trump administration’s Justice Department filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Alaska from certifying a Peltola victory under certain circumstances, particularly if the margin separating her from the incumbent is smaller than the number of votes received by the other Sullivan.
But legal experts have questioned whether federal authorities have grounds to intervene.
Alaska’s Supreme Court previously allowed the additional Sullivan to remain on the ballot, and state election officials have defended the legal process governing his candidacy.
Democrats Deny Involvement as Election Nears
Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have denied participating in the recruitment effort.
Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., the additional candidate, has also maintained that he entered the race independently.
The New York Times reported that its investigation included interviews and internal communications concerning the alleged operation.
Former campaign manager Rios told the newspaper that voters deserved a fuller understanding of how the additional candidate entered the race.
The reported strategy, commonly known as ballot stacking, involves recruiting additional candidates who might draw support away from an opponent.
Such tactics are not automatically illegal, and questions remain about whether any laws were violated in this case.
Alaska’s election system adds another wrinkle: The state uses a nonpartisan primary that advances four candidates to a ranked-choice general election, where voters can rank candidates in order of preference.
That means the presence of another candidate with the same name does not necessarily translate directly into votes lost by the incumbent. A New Election Fight for Trump and House Republicans
With the November 3 midterms approaching, the allegations have transformed Alaska’s Senate contest into a broader dispute over election integrity, campaign tactics and the limits of federal intervention.
Trump has demanded consequences for Peltola, while Comer is moving ahead with a congressional investigation that could continue well beyond Election Day.
For now, no court has established that Peltola or her campaign committed election fraud.
But the allegations have already triggered investigations at both the state and federal levels, a lawsuit involving the Justice Department and renewed scrutiny of Democratic campaign operations.
The immediate question is whether investigators can establish who recruited the second Dan Sullivan, what role Peltola’s campaign played and whether any laws were broken.
Marjorie Taylor Greene -Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, via Wikimedia Commons
The former MAGA firebrand is taking another swing at President Donald Trump, warning that his influence could spell disaster for Republican candidates just days before voters head to the polls.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is escalating her bitter feud with President Donald Trump, delivering a blistering insult that could deepen divisions within the Republican Party just days before the November midterm elections.
Once among Trump’s most outspoken allies, Greene now claims the president has become a political liability for the very Republicans he is campaigning to elect.
“Trump has become a curse to Republican candidates and it will be worse in ’28,” Greene wrote on X.
The extraordinary attack came after Trump suggested during a Georgia campaign rally that his willingness to help the state could depend on his relationship with its elected representatives.
Greene accused the president of putting personal grievances ahead of the needs of Georgia residents, marking another dramatic escalation in their increasingly hostile relationship.
Greene Blasts Trump Over Georgia Rally Remarks
The latest confrontation began after Trump appeared at a Saturday rally in Perry, Georgia, to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 elections.
During his remarks, Trump emphasized the importance of electing lawmakers who maintain a strong working relationship with the White House.
The president praised Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), the Republican Senate nominee challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, and suggested Collins would have no trouble reaching him when Georgia needed assistance.
“Collins could call me anytime he wants,” Trump told supporters.
But Trump quickly shifted gears, mocking Ossoff with a reference to the television character Pee-wee Herman and suggesting he would be less receptive to requests from political opponents.
“But he needs money for Georgia. I don’t give a damn what he wants. I’m not in,” Trump said while describing how he might respond to a request from someone he disliked.
Greene seized on those remarks, accusing Trump of threatening to withhold assistance from Georgia over personal political differences.
“He has no idea how bad he is doing in GA,” Greene wrote.
She went on to argue that Trump’s comments demonstrated a lack of concern for ordinary Georgians before delivering her stinging assessment of his political influence.
Her criticism reflects her interpretation of Trump’s remarks. The president did not announce a formal policy to withhold federal funding from Georgia.
From MAGA Loyalist to Fierce Trump Critic
Greene’s latest broadside is particularly striking given her history as one of Trump’s most aggressive defenders on Capitol Hill.
The former Georgia congresswoman built her political reputation championing Trump’s America First agenda, attacking his Democratic opponents and defending him through some of his most contentious political battles.
But their alliance unraveled in late 2025.
Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene in November after the two clashed over several issues, including the administration’s handling of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Greene also accused the president of failing to devote enough attention to the rising cost of living, an issue that has become increasingly important to voters ahead of the midterms.
Their feud intensified until Greene resigned from Congress in January 2026.
By April, she was openly questioning whether the president still represented the political movement she had spent years defending.
“This is not the same man that we supported,” Greene said at the time.
Trump has hardly remained silent.
During an October 16 rally in Dalton, Georgia, the president mocked his former ally by calling her “Marjorie Taylor Brown” and referring to her as a “whack job.”
He also celebrated Republican Clay Fuller’s victory in the race to succeed Greene in Congress, underscoring just how far their once-close political relationship has deteriorated.
Greene Warns Republicans Could Pay the Price
Greene’s latest attack comes as Republicans fight to preserve their congressional majorities in a challenging political environment.
With Election Day approaching, Trump has been traveling across the country to rally supporters and boost Republican candidates in competitive races.
But Greene argues that the president’s involvement could ultimately hurt the party rather than help it.
Her warning extends beyond November’s elections, suggesting that Republicans could face even greater difficulties during the 2028 presidential race.
Greene has repeatedly criticized the administration’s handling of the war with Iran, the Epstein files and economic concerns, arguing that Republicans have strayed from the promises that helped return Trump to the White House.
On Monday, she issued another warning, predicting that voters would deliver a message to Republicans on November 3.
“There is a powerful lesson that voters are going to send to Republicans on Nov 3rd, but I’m not confident they will learn the lesson,” Greene wrote.
Her comments reflect a growing personal dispute with Trump, although they do not necessarily represent the views of the broader Republican electorate.
Trump Pushes Forward as Election Day Nears
Despite Greene’s criticism, Trump remains deeply involved in the Republican Party’s final midterm push.
The president has campaigned for candidates across several battleground states, including Georgia, where Collins is attempting to unseat Ossoff in one of the nation’s closely watched Senate contests.
Trump has also emphasized his ability to deliver political support and federal attention to states represented by Republican allies.
For Greene, however, the president’s latest Georgia remarks were another sign that personal loyalty has become too important in his political calculations.
The former congresswoman’s attack adds a new layer of drama to an already tense election season, with Republicans attempting to maintain party unity as Democrats seek to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction over economic conditions and the administration’s policies.
Whether Greene’s criticism resonates with Republican voters remains uncertain.
But one thing is clear: The political alliance that once made Greene one of Trump’s loudest defenders has become one of the Republican Party’s most bitter public feuds.
