Random

    Featured

    Home Featured
    Featured posts

    Tucker Carlson Holds Funeral for Dan Bongino’s Career Following Epstein Outburst

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    0
    Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    Is FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino circling the drain? His former Fox News colleague says so.

    On Sunday, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson essentially hosted a funeral for Bongino’s career and credibility after the former Fox contributor reportedly threatened to resign over Attorney General Pam Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

    On Culture Apothecary, host Alex Clark asked Carlson to weigh in on the feud.

    “Well, as we’re recording this, Dan Bongino is threatening to resign if Pam Bondi does not resign as AG. What does that tell us, in your opinion?” she inquired.

    “Well, it tells us that Dan Bongino got shafted, completely shafted. And I’m saying this as a friend of his, and someone who respects and likes him, but also just as an observer, I’m an informed observer of it,” replied Carlson. “So Pam Bondi, who’s, by the way, I don’t hate Pam Bondi, she’s a totally nice person. If he was here, you would enjoy-, I don’t know if you know her, but she’s a very nice person. I’m not against Pam Bondi in the slightest. But the fact is she got on television on Fox News and started saying stuff like, ‘I’ve got the client list on my desk!’ And actually, no, you don’t. And, ‘I’ve got thousands of videos of Epstein having sex with kids.’ Well, actually, no, you don’t. Most of the material was commercial porn taken off his computer. Like, that’s just not true. Why did she say that? Probably because she’s insecure and she’s trying to please the audience, I would expect.”

    “Do you think Dan is upset because his integrity is being questioned now over her mistake?” followed up Clark.

    “Of course! Oh my gosh! So you’re Dan, and you’re a media figure, and you’ve got one of the biggest podcasts in the country, and you’re making tons of money, and you’re having a great time — which he was. You just built this brand new studio in Florida, you work with your wife who you really like, which he does, and you get the call saying, ‘You be deputy FBI director,’ and you’re like, ‘I love Donald Trump, I love this country. I will cut my pay into a 10th of what it was, and I will leave my house and move to D.C.,’ which is a kind of prison sentence itself,” answered Carlson. “‘And I will do this because I love the president, I love the country,’ and you’re there a few months, and all of a sudden everybody thinks you’re covering up Epstein’s crimes, and it kind of wrecks Dan’s career. Like he can’t go back-, it’s gonna be very hard at this point, I mean, things may change, but as of today, pretty hard for Dan to go back to his podcast audience and be like, ‘I’m telling you the truth,’ when they all think that he’s covering up for Epstein.”

    “Who did that? Pam Bondi did that,” he added, before going on to say he “feel[s]” for Bongino.

    The Justice Department last week released a memo concluding there was no evidence suggesting the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender kept a “client list” to blackmail high-profile individuals. The memo also found no evidence to suggest foul play in Epstein’s death, which had previously been ruled a suicide.

    The memo spurred fierce backlash from many Trump supporters, who had long called on the government to release material on Epstein that they argue would expose wrongdoing at the highest level of elite circles.

    Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, reportedly threatened to leave the bureau if Attorney General Pam Bondi remains on the job due to her handling of the Epstein files, a source close to Bongino told The Daily Wire.

    One source close to Bongino predicted to Axios, “He ain’t coming back.”

    CNN reports that Trump — who has been desperate to move past the Epstein story — was furious at Bongino, as well as FBI Director Kash Patel. Vice President JD Vance reportedly tried to hammer out a peace between the administration’s top Justice Department officials. But CNN reports that Bongino is still very much hanging by a thread.

    “It remains to be seen if Bongino ultimately resigns, which he told others he was considering,” the CNN report stated. “But sources say his relationship with the White House has become basically untenable. Even if he does not quit now, some inside the administration believe he will not stay in the job long-term.”

    However, President Donald Trump said on Sunday he believes FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is “in good shape” following a reported clash with Attorney General Pam Bondi.

    “I spoke to him today,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. “Dan Bongino, very good guy. I’ve known him a long time. I’ve done his show many, many times. And he sounded terrific actually. No, I think he’s in good shape.”

    Watch:
    Discussion of the Epstein files begins around 14:14 in the video.

    Calling all Conservatives! Democrats are prepared to dump millions to defeat the GOP! Are you prepared to help? [DONATE]

    Judge Delivers Ruling In Trump Business Fraud Trial

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
      -
      1
      Gavel via Wikimedia Commons Image

      On Friday, a New York judge ordered former President Donald Trump to pay $354 million in penalties stemming from the civil fraud case against his business empire.

      Engoron also barred Trump from serving as a corporate officer or a director of a company in the state of New York for three years. There was one silver lining in the ruling for the Trumps: the judge did not issue an order revoking the Trump Org’s certificate to do business, which has commonly been referred to as the “corporate death penalty.”

      According to The Hill, Judge Arthur Engoron’s 92-page decision came just weeks after closing arguments in the case following a months-long trial last year during which Trump frequently lambasted the judge and the prosecutor who brought the case. 

      Engoron previously ruled that Trump committed fraud in his real estate empire and he is expected to issue a penalty ruling Friday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

      In addition to a $370 million financial penalty, James has asked Engoron to ban Trump from New York’s real estate business for life.

      New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) sued Trump in 2022, alleging he falsely altered his net worth on key financial statements to receive tax and insurance benefits. The documents, which detailed the value of the Trump Organization’s various assets, were sent to banks and insurers to secure loans and deals, which the state purports is evidence of fraud.  

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

      DHS Hires Law Firm for Assistance in Potential Mayorkas Impeachment

        By
        Madeleine Jackson
        -
        10
        NEW YORK CITY (September 11, 2022) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas lays flowers for USSS Master Special Officer Craig Miller and participates in the September 11th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City, NY. (DHS photo by Sydney Phoenix)

        The Biden administration is on the brink of impeachment proceedings.

        On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it has hired a law firm to aid in responding to the potential GOP House-led impeachment of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

        According to reports from The Hill, the contract, signed with New-York based firm Debevoise & Plimpton, comes a week after a second article of impeachment was filed by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).

        “The Department of Homeland Security has retained outside counsel to help ensure the Department’s vital mission is not interrupted by the unprecedented, unjustified, and partisan impeachment efforts by some Members of Congress, who have already taken steps to initiate proceedings,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.

        “DHS will continue prioritizing its work to protect our country from terrorism, respond to natural disasters, and secure our borders while responding appropriately to the over 70 Congressional committees and subcommittees that have oversight of DHS.” 

        DHS doesn’t have any staff on hand with expertise in such a matter, an agency official told The Hill, and said the scale of legal assistance needed will depend on how the GOP decides to proceed with its probe. Still, the department declined to outline other financial details of the retainer.

        Republicans have yet to take any action on the resolutions, but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and other Republican leaders have pledged what could be lengthy investigations ahead of an eventual impeachment.

        The impeachment of Cabinet officials is rare and hasn’t occurred since 1876.

        Report: Jeanine Pirro Turned Down The Number Two Spot At The FBI

          By
          Madeleine Jackson
          -
          2
          Jsg2020, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

          A new report indicates that former Fox News star and current U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to serve under FBI Director Kash Patel.

          The New York Times’ Glenn Thrush reported that “Late last year, after Mr. Trump tapped Kash Patel, a podcaster with scant law enforcement experience, to be F.B.I. director, his aides approached Ms. Pirro about becoming his deputy,” citing two sources familiar with the exchange.

          But Pirro, whose legal experience includes serving as a prosecutor and judge in New York’s Westchester County, turned down the role, even though she had “tried and failed to secure a top Justice Department job” during Trump’s first term.

          The reason, according to Thrush, was Pirro had “no interest” in working for Patel.

          The job ultimately went to former Fox News contributor and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino.

          On Monday, the Justice Department announced Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will step into the Trump administration as co-deputy director of the FBI.

          Bailey, who stepped down from his role as attorney general effective September 8, will hold his newly-created position alongside current FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and serve under FBI Director Kash Patel.

          Pirro went on to take over the U.S. attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, even though she “has not run a prosecutor’s office in the iPhone era,” Thrush wrote, adding that Pirro has not made it known whether she “hopes to ascend” to a bigger role in the DOJ.

          “Like many big-shot outsiders who take on medium-shot government jobs, Ms. Pirro has been aggravated by red tape, particularly requirements that she obtain approval of other officials before taking actions she would have done unilaterally as Westchester County district attorney two decades ago,” Thrush wrote.

          Pirro’s focus so far has been on stamping out violent crime in Washington, D.C.

          On Monday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Nathalie Jones, 50, of Lafayette, Indiana, was arrested in the District of Columbia on Saturday in connection with making a series of threats on social media in which she threatened to kill President Trump.

          “Hi everyone, it’s Judge Jeanine. I just wanted to let you know here from the United States Attorney’s Office in D.C. that an individual by the name of Nathalie Rose Jones is now in custody, charged with two federal crimes for knowingly and willfully threatening to take the life of the President of the United States,” Pirro said in a clip she released on social media.

          “She did come from New York to Washington, D.C. and she has been threatening and calling for the removal of the president and even worse as she got to D.C. Her threats were on Facebook and Instagram and she continued to call the president a terrorist and was working to have him eliminated. She is now in custody. She will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Make no mistake about that,” Pirro said with a hint of a smile.

          Rudy Giuliani needs your help! America’s mayor nearly lost everything and needs a top-notch defense team. [DONATE TO THE RUDY GIULIANI FREEDOM FUND]

          BBC Host Calls For Trump’s Assassination, Blames Critics For Lack Of Humor

            By
            admin
            -
            4
            Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

            BBC presenter David Aaronovitch has come under fire for urging President Biden to assassinate Donald Trump in response to the Supreme Court‘s recent immunity ruling. The now-deleted post read, “If I was Biden I’d hurry up and have Trump murdered on the basis that he is a threat to America’s security #SCOTUS.”

            Aaronovitch’s comments have sparked outrage, but unsurprisingly, there has been little condemnation from mainstream media and left-wing circles, despite their fervent belief in cancel culture and moral policing. Instead, Aaronovitch attempted to downplay the situation by accusing his critics of lacking a sense of humor. (RELATED: BBC’s Top Newsman ID’d As Suspect In Teen Sex Pic Scandal)

            Double Standards and a Troubling Trend

            The incident raises serious questions about the double standards prevalent in media and political discourse. Aaronovitch’s background, as noted on his Wikipedia page, includes being the son of a communist intellectual and economist. His parents, both atheists, held Marxism as their “faith,” which provides some context for his radical views.

            The silence from the left-wing establishment on the issue is deafening, highlighting a troubling bias in how threats and hate speech are addressed depending on the political affiliation of the speaker.

            The New York Post has more information on the limited fallout:

            Aaronovitch’s reaction sparked immediate backlash – including one account that suggested “people have had police visits for a lot less. Knock knock.”

            When Aaronovitch deleted his initial post, GB News contributor Alex Armstrong accused him of “backtracking” due to advice from his “handlers.”

            Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

            “Ooh Alex. Tell me about my ‘handlers,’” Aaronovitch scoffed in reply.

            Another journalist, Jack Montgomery, suggested that Aaronovitch had “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

            “‘Impartiality’ may not be in the best of health at the BBC…,” Steven Barratt, an author at The Spectator, remarked.

            “If you think that saying it was satire will protect you, you was trying to incite violence against Donald Trump. Absolutely disgusting behavior,” another X user quipped.

            Previous Threats Against Trump

            This isn’t the first time high-profile individuals have made controversial or violent statements about Donald Trump. Comedian Kathy Griffin faced massive backlash in 2017 after a photo shoot in which she held up a bloodied replica of Trump’s severed head. The image was widely condemned, yet Griffin defended her actions as a form of political expression, only apologizing after significant public outcry.

            Similarly, in 2020, actor Johnny Depp made headlines when he insinuated that it had been a long time since an actor assassinated a president, referencing John Wilkes Booth’s assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Depp’s comments were also met with backlash, but like Griffin, he downplayed the seriousness of his statement. (RELATED: ‘Sopranos’ Star Spills Hollywood Secret In Fox News Interview)

            These examples underscore a disturbing pattern where violent rhetoric against Trump is often dismissed or excused, further polarizing an already divided political landscape.

            Article Published With The Permission of American Liberty News

            Tucker Carlson Sets the Record Straight On Trump “Apology” Claim

            By
            Madeleine Jackson
            -
            2
            Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

            During a recent interview with German journalist Paul Ronzheimer, Tucker Carlson—former Fox News host and one of the boldest voices in conservative media—firmly denied reports that he apologized to President Donald J. Trump over criticism regarding U.S. policy toward Iran.

            What Trump Said

            Back on June 18, President Trump, during a candid moment in the Oval Office, reflected on Carlson’s prior criticisms about the administration’s military support for Israel and its proposed response to Iranian aggression. Trump remarked:

            “Tucker is a nice guy. He called and apologized the other day because he thought he said things that were a little bit too strong, and I appreciated that.”

            Tucker: I Didn’t Apologize—But I Still Back Trump

            When asked directly by Ronzheimer whether he did in fact apologize, Carlson didn’t beat around the bush:

            “Okay, no.”

            Carlson went on to clarify:

            “I really like Trump. I campaigned for Trump. I agree with Trump on the issues. I’d be happy to apologize—I’m an apologizer by nature—but I didn’t say anything that would warrant one in this case.”

            In typical Tucker fashion, he emphasized that disagreement among allies is not betrayal. He reaffirmed his longstanding support for President Trump, noting he has always stood by the policies that put America First.

            “I didn’t attack Trump. I disagreed with him, and I said how. That’s not the same thing as an attack, and it’s certainly not something I’d need to apologize for.”

            The Bottom Line: No Rift Here

            Despite what the media may want people to believe, there’s no feud brewing here. Carlson remains a powerful voice in the conservative movement and a staunch ally of President Trump. They may not agree 100% of the time—but they share a vision: strong borders, real national security, and putting American citizens first.

            Watch:

            Deadline Tonight — Will You Stand With Trump Before Time Runs Out? Show you’ve got Trump’s back — donate now!

            Navarro Recommends Trump For Nobel Prize

            By
            Madeleine Jackson
            -
            1

            White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has made it clear: President Donald J. Trump’s bold restructuring of global trade deserves the world’s highest economic recognition — the Nobel Prize in Economics.

            Appearing on Fox Business, Navarro praised Trump’s unwavering commitment to putting America first at the negotiating table:

            “Since President Trump has essentially taught the world trade economics, he might be up for the Nobel on economics. This is a fundamental restructuring of the international trade environment. The largest market in the world has drawn a line: you will not cheat us anymore,” Navarro said.

            Under Trump’s leadership, the United States has replaced decades of bad deals with fair and reciprocal agreements. Tariffs — dismissed by critics — have functioned as tax cuts for the American economy, and inflation has stayed under control.

            America First Wins on the World Stage
            The Trump administration’s trade strategy is delivering results at lightning speed. Landmark agreements have been secured with the United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan, and negotiations are underway with China — the world’s second-largest economy — to ensure fair play and accountability.

            Navarro summed it up:

            “These deals are happening now fast and are incredibly effective.”

            Nominations Rolling In
            Trump’s bold leadership isn’t just earning results — it’s earning global recognition. Multiple leaders and officials have nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize:

            • U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (GA) and Darrell Issa (CA) for his groundbreaking Middle East peace agreements, including progress toward resolving tensions between Israel and Iran.
            • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who presented Trump with a formal letter of nomination after the President’s push for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
            • Pakistani officials praised Trump’s role in de-escalating disputes with India (despite later disagreements over separate actions in the region).

            The Trump Standard vs. the Obama Surprise
            While Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize just months into his first term without any major achievements, President Trump has delivered historic results — and still doubts the globalist establishment will give him the recognition he’s earned.

            “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the War between India and Pakistan, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the War between Serbia and Kosovo,” he wrote in a June Truth Social post, also naming conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East.

            “No, I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and that’s all that matters to me!” Trump added.

            True Patriots are defending America against the woke mob. President Trump Will NEVER stop fighting for America — Donate Now.

            Trump Impeachment Star Witness Makes Longshot Run For Senate

            By
            Madeleine Jackson
            -
            0
            Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

            Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a former National Security Council official best known for his role in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, announced Tuesday that he is entering Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race as a Democrat, challenging Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.

            Vindman rose to national prominence in 2019 after testifying against President Trump over a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—testimony that became central to Democrats’ first impeachment effort. That impeachment ultimately failed, with the Senate acquitting Trump in a 52–48 vote largely along party lines.

            In his campaign launch video, Vindman leaned heavily on footage from the impeachment proceedings, framing his candidacy as an extension of his opposition to Trump. “The last time you saw me was here,” Vindman said, referring to the impeachment hearing. “Swearing an oath to tell the truth about a president who broke his.”

            Vindman went on to describe Trump as a “wannabe tyrant” and claimed the former president unleashed a “reign of terror and retribution” against him and his family—language that underscores how central anti-Trump activism is likely to be to his campaign pitch.

            A political newcomer with no prior electoral experience, Vindman faces steep odds in Florida, a state that has moved decisively to the right in recent election cycles. Trump carried the Sunshine State by 13 points in November 2024, and Republicans currently hold every statewide elected office. Florida has not elected a Democratic senator since Bill Nelson’s narrow reelection victory in 2012.

            Vindman, an Iraq War veteran, retired from the Army in 2020 after a decades-long military career. He later filed a lawsuit against Trump and several former aides, alleging “intimidation and retaliation,” but the suit was unsuccessful. His wife, Rachel Vindman, publicly criticized former President Joe Biden for declining to issue pardons to the couple at the end of his term.

            “Whatever happens to my family, know this: No pardons were offered or discussed,” Rachel Vindman wrote in a post on Bluesky. She added that she “cannot begin to describe the level of betrayal and hurt” she felt toward the Biden administration.

            Sen. Ashley Moody, a Republican and former Florida attorney general, was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio after Rubio became secretary of state. Moody is running for reelection with the backing of President Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, giving her a significant institutional and fundraising advantage.

            The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “solid Republican,” its strongest rating for GOP-held seats—reflecting Florida’s recent political realignment and Democrats’ continued struggles to remain competitive statewide.

            The 2026 contest is a special election to serve the final two years of Rubio’s term. The winner will need to run again in 2028 to secure a full six-year term.

            Vindman has lived in Broward County since 2023, a Democratic stronghold in South Florida. His twin brother, Eugene Vindman, represents a safely Democratic House district in northern Virginia, further highlighting the family’s close ties to Democratic politics.

            Nationally, Democrats face a difficult map in 2026 as they attempt a longshot effort to retake control of the Senate. To do so, they would need to defend vulnerable seats in states like Michigan and Georgia while flipping at least four Republican-held seats—an outcome most analysts consider unlikely.

            Donald Trump Jr. just endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor! But he needs all the help he can get to keep Florida red. Grassroots supporters like YOU can make a HUGE impact! [Help Byron Donalds TODAY]

            Gov. JB Pritzker Claims President Trump Deploying Troops To Chicago Due To ‘Dementia’

            By
            Madeleine Jackson
            -
            0
            Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

            The gloves are off…

            Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday accused President Trump of deploying National Guard troops to the Democrat cities of Chicago and Portland based on fixations that stem in part from his being mentally impaired.

            “This is a man who’s suffering dementia,” Pritzker said in a telephone interview with the Tribune. “This is a man who has something stuck in his head. He can’t get it out of his head. He doesn’t read. He doesn’t know anything that’s up to date. It’s just something in the recesses of his brain that is effectuating to have him call out these cities.

            “And then, unfortunately, he has the power of the military, the power of the federal government to do his bidding, and that’s what he’s doing.”

            During the interview, Pritzker — who has been one of Trump’s harshest critics and is a potential 2028 presidential Democrat candidate — said the courts will play an integral role in challenging Trump’s efforts in Illinois and across the nation.

            “We’re not going to go to war between the state of Illinois and the federal government, not taking up arms against the federal government,” Pritzker said. “But we are monitoring everything they’re doing, and using that monitoring to win in court.”

            The governor’s comments came as National Guard troops from Texas were assembling at a U.S. Army Reserve training center in far southwest suburban Elwood and Trump’s administration was moving forward with deploying 300 members of the Illinois National Guard for at least 60 days over the vocal and legal objections of Pritzker and other local elected leaders.

            The Trump administration has said the troops are needed to protect federal agents and facilities involved in its ongoing deportation surge and has sought to do much the same in Portland, Oregon, though those efforts have been stymied so far by temporary court rulings.

            Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, the president reiterated that he was considering employing the two-century-old Insurrection Act to get around legal court orders that would deny him the ability to deploy National Guard troops to cities such as Chicago and Portland over governors’ objections.

            “It’s been invoked before,” Trump said of the law, which the Brennan Center for Justice said has been used 30 times, starting with President George Washington, to quell the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.

            The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was by President George H.W. Bush during the Los Angeles riots of 1992, with the support of California Gov. Pete Wilson. It also was used in Chicago in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to curb rioting over the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with the backing of Mayor Richard J. Daley and acting Gov. Samuel Shapiro.

            As Pritzker has sought to counter Trump on nearly every front, he has joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom in threatening to leave the bipartisan National Governors Association because the organization hasn’t spoken out against Trump’s National Guard mobilizations.

            Trump just launched the PRESIDENTIAL FUNDRAISING BLITZ. Join now before the FEC deadline. [Hop On The Trump Train HERE]

            Report: Presidential Contender Told Allies He’s Running to Sabotage Ron DeSantis

              By
              Madeleine Jackson
              -
              4
              Vivek Ramaswamy speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

              Is this the real reason biotech businessman Vivek Ramaswamy launched a bid for the White House?

              A lengthy report from ABC News casts a look into the decision-making behind Ramaswamy’s surprising presidential campaign with sources noting the Republican businessman is aiming to knock Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s campaign in an effort to propel Donald Trump forward.

              The report noted that Ramaswamy summoned a small group of conservative operatives to discuss “exciting plans” he had for the coming months in early 2023.

              Ramaswamy pitched himself as a [presidential] candidate who could make serious waves in the Republican primary at the meeting. When met with some skepticism, Ramaswamy argued that his candidacy could also dissuade Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis from entering the race, according to a source who was on the call. In the lead-up to his announcement, Ramaswamy would tell several other conservative activists that he believed that if he ran, it could stop DeSantis from running or impact his viability as a candidate if he did enter the race, sources said.

              The presidential bid reportedly came shortly after a potential podcast partnership with the conservative publication The Daily Wire fell through.

              Another Republican aide who advised Ramaswamy early in his campaign told ABC News that there was frustration among staff early on that the candidate was more concerned about getting his campaign podcast — titled “The Vivek Show” — off the ground, rather than strategizing around how to win the party’s nomination.

              “So why is Vivek running anyway?” Morefield wrote in his column. “It’s hard to imagine it’s not for one or both of the following reasons: 1) To raise his profile and secure some sort of post in the upcoming administration. 2) To pave the way for a Trump defeat of DeSantis.”

              When asked for comment on this story, Ramaswamy’s senior adviser Tricia McLaughlin told ABC News, referring to DeSantis: “Does one of your sources live in a publicly financed mansion in Tallahassee, Florida?”

              123...102Page 1 of 102
              © Great America News Desk 2022