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Trump Announces Pardon For Democrat Congressman

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

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A shocking announcement…

President Donald Trump announced a “full and unconditional pardon” on Wednesday for Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda.

“For years, the Biden Administration weaponized the Justice System against their Political Opponents, and anyone who disagreed with them. One of the clearest examples of this was when Crooked Joe used the FBI and DOJ to โ€˜take outโ€™ a member of his own Party after Highly Respected Congressman Henry Cuellar bravely spoke out against Open Borders, and the Biden Border โ€˜Catastrophe,โ€™” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Sleepy Joe went after the Congressman, and even the Congressmanโ€™s wonderful wife, Imelda, simply for speaking the TRUTH. It is unAmerican and, as I previously stated, the Radical Left Democrats are a complete and total threat to Democracy! They will attack, rob, lie, cheat, destroy, and decimate anyone who dares to oppose their Far Left Agenda, an Agenda that, if left unchecked, will obliterate our magnificent Country,” Trump continued. “Because of these facts, and others, I am hereby announcing my full and unconditional PARDON of beloved Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar, and Imelda. Henry, I donโ€™t know you, but you can sleep well tonight โ€” Your nightmare is finally over!”

The Texas Democrat openly criticized the Biden Administration’s open borders policy.

In 2024, the Department of Justice under the Biden administration then indicted Cuellar and his wife in for allegedly taking roughly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-owned energy company and a Mexican bank, according to a news release at the time.

“The bribe payments were allegedly laundered, pursuant to sham consulting contracts, through a series of front companies and middlemen into shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts,” the Justice Department said. “In exchange for the bribes paid by the Azerbaijani oil and gas company, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to use his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan. In exchange for the bribes paid by the Mexican bank, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence legislative activity and to advise and pressure high-ranking U.S. Executive Branch officials regarding measures beneficial to the bank.”

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

Saudi Arabia Releases Jailed US Citizen Following Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed Meeting

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The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Saudi Arabia has released a United States citizen who was jailed over social media posts critical of the royal family after President Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Saad Almadi, 75, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1976, was arrested in 2021 during a family visit over his remarks online. Heย was sentenced to more than 19 yearsย on terrorism charges but was released in 2023 and hit with an โ€œexit ban,โ€ which prevented him from leaving the country.

The terrorism charges were later decreased to โ€œcyber crimes.โ€

โ€œThis day would not have been possible without Presidentย Donald Trumpย and the tireless efforts of his administration,โ€ the Almadi familyย said in aย statementย Wednesday. โ€œWe are deeply grateful to Dr.ย Sebastian Gorkaย and the team at the National Security Council, as well as everyone at the State Department.โ€

The statement came shortly after Trumpโ€™s Wednesday speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum. 

The Almadi family said the release โ€œwould not have been possibleโ€ without the work of the president and the โ€œtireless effortsโ€ of the administration, expressing gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh for keeping Almadi โ€œsafe.โ€ 

One of Almadiโ€™s posts on social mediaย that landed him in troubleย called for a street in the nationโ€™s capital to be renamed afterย Jamal Khashoggi,ย a Washington Post columnist who was murdered in 2018 while at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.ย 

Crown Prince Mohammed has denied involvement in the killing of the journalist, who fled Saudi Arabia in 2017, but U.S. intelligence reports in 2021 stated the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia โ€œapprovedโ€ the operation to detain or kill the columnist.

The 9/11 Families United organization shared similar sentiments in regards to Trumpโ€™s interactions. 

โ€œThe crown prince knows nothing of the pain of the 9/11 families. He is actively working to impede our efforts to ensure extensive evidence of Saudi government support for al-Qaeda and the terrorist hijackers are brought to light, harboring a former agent that produced a casing video of the U.S. Capitol building, and trying to rewrite history with investments,โ€ 9/11 Families Unitedย  told The Hill in a statement.ย 

Trump said Tuesday that the crown prince โ€œknew nothingโ€ about Khashoggiโ€™s murder, triggering harshย criticismย from press groups.ย 

โ€œWe are so excited for the family that Mr. Almadi is finally on his way back to the United States!ย We know how long and hard the family fought to make this day possible,โ€ the Foley Foundation, which advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas, said Wednesday in a statement to The Hill.ย 

GOP Senator Swatted Hours After Heโ€™s Branded โ€˜RINOโ€™ By Trump

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President Donald Trump is threatening to primary Indiana Republicans for declining to gerrymander the state and add GOP seats to Congress.

The president has repeatedly urged GOP-led states like Indiana to redistrict and give Republicans an advantage in the 2026 midterms.

Trump took to Truth Social Sunday to put โ€œRINO Senatorsโ€ on notice for โ€œdeprivingโ€ Republicans of a House majority.

โ€œVery disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans, led by RINO Senatorsย Rod Brayย andย Greg Goode, for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats,โ€ Trump wrote.

โ€œThe Democrats have done redistricting for years, often illegally, and all other appropriate Republican States have done it. Because of these two politically correct type โ€˜gentlemen,โ€™ and a few others, they could be depriving Republicans of a Majority in the House, A VERY BIG DEAL!โ€

Trump took a shot at Californiaโ€™s Prop 50 redistricting measure that passed overwhelmingly and allows the state to redraw congressional districts in favor of Democrats. Prop 50 was proposed after Texas approved redistricting in favor of Republicans.

โ€œCalifornia is trying to pick up five seats, and no one is complaining about that. Itโ€™s weak โ€˜Republicansโ€™ that cause our Country such problems โ€” Itโ€™s why we have crazy Policies and Ideas that are so bad for America,โ€ Trump wrote, continuing:

Also, a friend of mine, Governorย Mike Braun, perhaps, is not working the way he should to get the necessary Votes. Considering that Mike wouldnโ€™t be Governor without me (Not even close!), is disappointing! Any Republican that votes against this important redistricting, potentially having an impact on America itself, should be PRIMARIED. Indiana is a State with strong, smart, and patriotic people. They want us to see our Country WIN, and want to, โ€œMAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!โ€ Senators Bray, Goode, and the others to be released to the public later this afternoon, should DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW! If not, letโ€™s get them out of office, ASAP.

The Indiana state lawmaker was the target of a โ€œswattingโ€ incident just hours later, according to local authorities.

Sheriffย Derek Fellย said deputies were dispatched around 5 p.m. on Sunday after Terre Haute police received an email โ€œadvising harm had been done to persons inside a home, located in southeastern Vigo County.โ€ Officers struggled to make contact at first, Fell said, but eventually confirmed the residents, including the senator, were safe.

Goode and his family โ€œwere secure, safe, and unharmed,โ€ Fell said, adding that an investigation showed the threat was a hoax, โ€œalso known as โ€˜swatting.’โ€

In a brief statement, the senator said he and his family were โ€œvictims,โ€ offering thanks to the sheriff and Terre Haute Police Chiefย Kevin Barrettย for their โ€œprofessionalism.โ€

The incident lands amid a tense and unusually public fight over redistricting in Indiana. GOP leaders froze the process on Friday when Senate President Pro Temporeย Rodric Brayย refused to reconvene lawmakers to draw new maps favoring Republicans.

Earlier Sunday, Trump threatened to publish a list of GOP holdouts โ€œlater this afternoon,โ€ though the promised names did not emerge.

Trump Pardons Ex-MLB Star Darryl Strawberry

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President Donald Trump has officially pardoned former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry, a move celebrated by supporters as another example of Trumpโ€™s commitment to second chances, redemption, and faith-driven transformation.

Strawberry, who became one of the most electrifying sluggers of the 1980s and 1990s, played a key role in leading the New York Mets to their 1986 World Series title and later joined the New York Yankees dynasty, winning championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Yet, behind the fame and success, Strawberry struggled with addiction and multiple run-ins with the law, leading to three separate suspensions from Major League Baseball.

A White House official confirmed to the Associated Press that the pardon recognizes Strawberryโ€™s โ€œfaith in Christianityโ€ and a decade-long commitment to sobriety. Since leaving the game, Strawberry has become a symbol of recovery and spiritual renewal. He now leads a faith-based ministry and a recovery center, helping others overcome the same challenges that nearly derailed his own life.

โ€œPresident Trump believes in forgiveness and the power of personal transformation,โ€ the official noted. โ€œDarryl Strawberry represents both โ€” a man who fell, got back up, and chose to make his life a testimony of hope.โ€

A Broader Effort on Clemency and Reform

This latest pardon comes amid a renewed focus by Trump on criminal justice reform and clemency for deserving Americans, particularly those who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation and contributions to their communities.

In recent months, Trump has issued a series of pardons to figures who, in his view, were either wronged by the system or have since proven their reform. These include non-violent offenders, military veterans, and public figures who have turned their lives around through faith and service.

Strawberryโ€™s Story Resonates Beyond Baseball

Darryl Strawberryโ€™s transformation has become a beacon for those battling addiction and despair. His ministry work reaches into prisons, rehab centers, and churches nationwide, where he often speaks about faith, responsibility, and redemption.

Now, with his record officially cleared by the President, Strawberryโ€™s story stands as a powerful reminder that America remains a nation of second chances โ€” and that faith and perseverance can lead anyone from struggle to triumph.

READ NEXT: Trump Pardons Former Lawmaker Convicted In Corruption Probe

Rosie O’Donnell Asks For Prayers As Daughter Chelsea Faces ‘Scary Future’ In Prison

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By David Shankbone - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3937757

TV personality Rosie Oโ€™Donnell is appealing for prayers as her daughter Chelsea faces what she calls a โ€œscary future.โ€

Oโ€™Donnell posted on Instagram: โ€œMy child Chelsea Belle โ€“ before addiction took over her life โ€“ I loved her then, I love her now as she faces a scary future โ€“ prayers welcomed. #addiction awareness #love #family.โ€

According to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, Chelsea had her probation revoked on October 22 and was sentenced to serve time in prison.

In a written statement, Oโ€™Donnell said, โ€œI have compassion for those struggling with addiction โ€” Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed.โ€

Last year, authorities charged Chelsea with two counts of felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of narcotic drugs, along with two counts of possession/illegally obtaining prescription drugs and resisting or obstructing an officer. Her arrest followed a traffic stop in Niagara, Wisconsin, where officers pulled over a vehicle for loud exhaust โ€” they recovered a clear smoking device on Chelseaโ€™s person that tested positive for methamphetamine, and a prescription pill bottle containing a handful of pills and a crystal-like substance was found in her possession. At the time, Chelsea was out on bond for separate charges including child neglect and drug possession.

Oโ€™Donnellโ€™s Instagram post on December 3 responding to Chelseaโ€™s earlier arrest read: โ€œSo yes this is true โ€“ after being bailed out by her birth mother โ€“ Chelsea was arrested again โ€“ and is facing many charges related to her drug addiction โ€“ we all hope she is able to get the help she needs to turn her life around.โ€


Bring in the Trump context

Itโ€™s worth noting that Rosie Oโ€™Donnell has for years been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, and the public feud between them has become almost legendary. Back in December 2006, while hosting the daytime talk show The View, Oโ€™Donnell called Trump out over his handling of the Miss USA controversy and mocked him as no moral authority for young people โ€” saying, โ€œThis is not a self-made manโ€ฆ left the first wife, had an affair, left the second wife, had an affairโ€ฆโ€ People.com+2The List+2

Trump responded with scorn, calling Oโ€™Donnell โ€œa woman out of controlโ€ and a โ€œloser,โ€ threatening legal action though he never followed through. People.com+1 Over the years he repeatedly used her name as a punchline โ€” during the 2016 Republican primary debate when asked about his language toward women he quipped, โ€œOnly Rosie Oโ€™Donnell.โ€ The New Daily+1

In recent years their feud escalated further: After Oโ€™Donnell announced she had moved to Ireland following Trumpโ€™s second inauguration (January 2025), Trump publicly floated the idea of revoking her U.S. citizenship, calling her โ€œa Threat to Humanityโ€ and saying โ€œshe should remain in the wonderful country of Ireland, if they want her.โ€

Republican Congressman Calls For Swift Investigation Following Disturbing Office Discovery

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Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) is calling for a full investigation after a disturbing image surfaced showing what appeared to be an altered American flag โ€” twisted into a swastika โ€” displayed behind one of his staffers during a virtual meeting.

The image, first reported by Politico and amplified on social media by an Ohio blogger, quickly drew outrage. But Taylorโ€™s office says it may not be what it appears.

โ€œI am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office,โ€ Taylor said in a statement. โ€œThe content of that image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.โ€

Taylor emphasized that he acted immediately, directing Capitol Police to investigate what he described as a potentially malicious act.

โ€œUpon learning of this matter, I immediately directed a thorough investigation alongside Capitol Police, which remains ongoing,โ€ the statement continued.

A spokesperson for the congressman suggested the image might have been the result of โ€œfoul play or vandalism,โ€ not any endorsement of the offensive imagery by his staff. The photo appeared to show Angelo โ€œAJโ€ Elia, a legislative correspondent who joined Taylorโ€™s office in January, sitting at his cubicle with the doctored flag visible behind him.

Elia โ€” who recently earned a masterโ€™s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University โ€” has not commented publicly. Taylorโ€™s office has not said whether any personnel actions have been taken while the investigation proceeds.

The controversy comes amid renewed scrutiny of conservative youth organizations after Politico reported on leaked Telegram messages allegedly showing racist and anti-Semitic comments from some Young Republican leaders. The timing of the leak, combined with the sudden surfacing of the photo from Taylorโ€™s office, has raised questions among some Republicans about whether politically motivated actors are attempting to smear conservatives ahead of the 2024 election cycle.

The image was first posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Ohio blogger DJ Byrnes, who claimed a friend had a Zoom meeting with Taylorโ€™s office and noticed the symbol. โ€œA friend in DC had a Zoom call with Congressman Dave Taylorโ€™s office today โ€ฆ Taylorโ€™s legislative correspondent, Angelo Elia, had what can only be described as an American swastika flag prominently displayed in his background,โ€ Byrnes wrote Wednesday.

Cuban Regime Finally Loses a Longtime Fugitive: Joanne โ€œAssataโ€ Shakur Dies in Havana

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Havana, Cuba โ€” On September 25, 2025, Cubaโ€™s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Joanne Deborah Byron โ€” better known by her aliases Joanne Chesimard and Assata Shakur โ€” died in Havana at the age of 78 due to health complications and the rigors of old age.

This news brings to a close a decades-long saga in which a convicted murderer escaped justice, was shielded by a hostile foreign regime, and became a symbol for radical causes.


A Fugitiveโ€™s Origin: From Violent Crime to Escape to Cuba

In 1977, Chesimard was convicted on multiple serious charges including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and other felonies after a 1973 shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that left State Trooper Werner Foerster dead.

She escaped prison in 1979, spent years underground, and resurfaced in 1984 under asylum in Cuba โ€” a regime that refused U.S. extradition requests.

For decades, the United States and New Jersey authorities pushed Cuba to hand her over. She carried the dubious distinction of being the first woman ever placed on the FBIโ€™s Most Wanted Terrorists list, with a $1 million reward for her capture.


A Death Without Accountability

Her passing in Havana presents a bitter irony: after decades of immunity facilitated by a foreign government, she dies free โ€” far from the prison cell where she was supposed to serve life in the U.S.

New Jersey officials immediately expressed outrage. They reiterated that justice was never fully served for Trooper Foersterโ€™s family.

Cubaโ€™s complicity in harboring Chesimard has long been roundly condemned by American leaders. Senator Marco Rubio recently denounced Havana for providing โ€œa safe haven for terrorists and criminals, including fugitives from the United States.โ€

What She Represented โ€” and What the U.S. Must Learn

For defenders of law and order, her story is a cautionary tale of diplomatic failure and ideological double standards.

  • Rule of Law Must Be Absolute: A convicted cop killer escaping and living with impunity is a stain on the integrity of the justice system.
  • Foreign Regimes Should Not Shield Criminals: Cubaโ€™s refusal to extradite Chesimard fashioned her into a political symbol, rather than merely a criminal. That sets a dangerous precedent.
  • Consistency in Foreign Policy Matters: If the U.S. does not forcefully demand accountability from regimes that shelter fugitives, it weakens its moral and strategic footing.

Now that she has died abroad, the question of bringing her remains home may arise. But more importantly, the memory of Trooper Foerster โ€” his sacrifice and service โ€” must remain central. And the mission remains: to hold foreign governments accountable when they interfere with American justice.

Verdict Reached In Attempted Trump Assassination Trial

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Just in…

A jury has reportedly reached a verdict in the trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate then-candidate Trump on his golf course.

Routh was found guilty on all charges. Routh attempted to stab himself in the neck with a pen after learning the verdict. Multiple court marshals were needed to de-escalate the situation and temporarily removed Routh from the courtroom.

The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who denied a motion from Routhโ€™s defense team seeking her recusal. A Trump appointee, Cannon was randomly assigned to the case.

Federal prosecutors alleged Routh camped near Trumpโ€™s golf course for 12 hours with a rifle and aimed at a Secret Service agent before being forced to drop the weapon. Investigators later discovered a letter in which Routh expressed regret that he failed to kill Trump, as well as evidence he sought anti-aircraft weapons and surveillance of Trumpโ€™s flights weeks before his arrest.

Routh was found guilty of the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple gun violations โ€” crimes carrying potential life sentences.

Routh faces up to life in prison. Routh pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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

FBI Arrests โ€˜Anti-Trumpโ€™ Gunman Who Shot ABC Studio After Kimmel Suspension

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The FBI arrested the โ€œanti-Trumpโ€ gunman who fired three shots into a local ABC studio after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was suspended last week just hours after he posted bail in California.

FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday morning posted on X that Hernandez-Santana was taken into custody โ€œunder a federal hold for interference with licensed broadcasts.โ€

He added: โ€œTargeted acts of violence are unacceptable and will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.โ€

Anibal Hernandez-Santana, the 64-year old suspected shooter, was arrested by the FBI on Saturday, one day after he opened fired on ABC 10 in Sacramento in a drive-by shooting. Hernandez-Santana had posted $200,000 bail earlier on Saturday before he was arrested by the FBI for โ€œviolating a statute that says no one can interfere with any communication of any station licensed by the U.S. Government,โ€ KCRA 3 reporter Peyton Headlee reported on Sunday.

The suspect is now facing federal charges and is ineligible for bail, according to Mediaite.

The suspect is now facing federal charges and is ineligible for bail.

Variety, over the weekend, reported Hernandez-Santanaโ€™s X account contained โ€œa steady stream of anti-Trump commentary.โ€

โ€œWhere is a good heart attack when we need it the most?? Please Join in my thoughts and prayers for the physical demise of our fearful leader,โ€ Hernandez-Santana posted last Thursday.

His attorney, Mark Reichel, told KCRA 3 that Hernandez-Santana is being overly scrutinized because of his anti-Trump posts.

โ€œIf you look at his social media, theyโ€™re going to say, โ€˜Boy, it sure shows that heโ€™s liberal and left wing.โ€™ So you think theyโ€™re going to overlook something like that? I donโ€™t think so,โ€ Reichel said.

The shooting happened during the early hours of Sept. 19, a day after a protest was held in front of ABC 10 following Kimmelโ€™s suspension. About 15 people showed up for the protest, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Kimmel had his show pulled after he implied the person who shot Charlie Kirk was a Trump supporter.

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

Former Congressman Madison Cawthorn Arrested

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Former Congressman Madison Cawthorn was briefly arrested this week in Cape Coral, Florida โ€” yet the setback may not slow what many believe is a mounting effort to reenter national politics.

Authorities took Cawthorn into custody on a warrant stemming from an August 19 citation for driving without a valid license in Naples. He was released shortly thereafter on a $2,000 bond and is expected to appear in court to resolve the matter. Supporters have dismissed the incident as a minor technicality, unlikely to derail his ambitions.


From Conservative Trailblazer to Political Lightning Rod

Cawthorn burst onto the national stage in 2020 as one of the youngest Republicans ever elected to Congress, winning his North Carolina seat at just 25 years old. He quickly became a symbol of youthful conservative energy and unapologetic defiance of the Washington establishment.

But his meteoric rise ran into turbulence during his lone term. In early 2022, he alleged that some D.C. elites had invited him to a cocaine-fueled โ€œorgy,โ€ a claim that drew sharp criticism from GOP leadership. Weeks later, police body camera footage showed him being pulled over while driving a car he mistakenly believed he owned, and he was also cited for bringing a firearm through airport security โ€” his second such incident in less than a year.

Republican leadership, once supportive, gradually distanced themselves. The controversies overshadowed his legislative work and contributed to his loss in the 2022 Republican primary.


Florida Could Offer a Second Act

Now, Cawthorn may be plotting a political revival โ€” this time from Floridaโ€™s 19th Congressional District, where Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) is expected to step down to run for governor. Axios recently reported that Cawthorn has been exploring a run to fill the soon-to-be-open seat, potentially offering him a clean slate and new political base in one of the countryโ€™s most Republican-leaning regions.

If he enters the race, Cawthorn could return to Washington older, more seasoned, and still armed with the anti-establishment instincts that made him a grassroots favorite. For many conservatives, his resilience โ€” and willingness to challenge entrenched power โ€” could be the very qualities the GOP needs in its next generation of leadership. for the second time in nine months.