A fresh round of polling shows former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden in seven battleground states.
The surveys tested how Biden would perform against the Republican frontrunner — whom Biden defeated in the 2020 election — and found that Trump would beat him in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Across all of the aforementioned swing states, Trump leads Biden 47%-42% according to a poll of 4,935 registered voters.
A greater proportion of voters trusts the former president more than the incumbent on the economy (51%-33%), immigration (49%-32%), U.S.-China relations (47%-33%), the war between Russia and Ukraine (45%-34%), the war between Israel and Hamas (44%-33%), and guns (44%-35%). Biden boasts advantages over Trump on healthcare (41%-39%), entitlements (42%-40%), abortion (39%-36%), democracy (42%-39%), and climate change (42%-30%).
🇺🇲 2024 GE: Bloomberg/MC – Swing States: Trust more to handle…
The results come on the heels of a CNN survey that found that Trump beating Biden in Georgia and Michigan.
CNN has more:
In Georgia, a state Biden carried by a very narrow margin in 2020, registered voters say they prefer Trump (49%) over Biden (44%) for the presidency in a two-way hypothetical matchup. In Michigan, which Biden won by a wider margin, Trump has 50% support to Biden’s 40%, with 10% saying they wouldn’t support either candidate even after being asked which way they lean. In both Michigan and Georgia, the share of voters who say they wouldn’t support either candidate is at least as large as the margin between Biden and Trump.
Overall, just 35% in Michigan and 39% in Georgia approve of Biden’s job performance, the surveys find, and majorities in both states say his policies have worsened economic conditions in the country (54% in Georgia, 56% in Michigan).
Happy Election Day! Today millions of Americas will flood the polls to cast their ballots as Republicans eagerly await to regain a majority in Congress.
Watch Amanda break it down below:
Don’t know where your polling station is? Click HERE to find out how to vote!
On Friday, Trump’s lawyers attended a Washington, D.C. hearing before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Donald Trump’s alleged election meddling.
In court filings, prosecutors had argued for broad rules baring Trump’s lawyers from sharing “sensitive” materials with the former president, including witness testimony to the grand jury and recordings and transcripts of Trump associates who spoke to prosecutors. Trump’s attorneys argued that the government’s request was too broad and infringed on Trump’s First Amendment rights.
Judge Chutkan said she was not persuaded that the government has shown all information gathered in the case would fall under the protective order. She ruled that only information designated as “sensitive” should be protected.
“The defendant has the right to free speech, but that right is not absolute,” Chutkan said at the onset of the hearing. “Without a protective order, a party could release that info to the jury pool.”
Federal prosecutor Thomas Windom said Friday the restrictions were necessary to prevent the “improper dissemination of materials … including to the public.”
“The defendant has set forth an intention to set forth any information that they deem informative,” Windom told the judge.
“Defense has broadcast their strategy, and that is not to try this case in this courtroom, and your honor should address that,” he said.
Energy markets could see a sharp reversal if tensions ease in the Middle East, as U.S. officials signal that a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran may be within reach.
The outlook comes after President Donald Trump said earlier Monday that negotiations with Iran have been “very good and productive,” announcing a five-day pause on planned U.S. strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure to allow talks to continue.
Against that backdrop, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil prices could fall significantly if a deal leads to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has faced disruptions in recent weeks.
Wright made the comments during an appearance on FOX Business’ “Varney & Co.” with host Lauren Simonetti, emphasizing how closely energy markets are tied to developments in the region.
“They would go down quite a bit. If we see a pathway to have the Strait of Hormuz open soon and energy flowing again, you’d see energy prices drop pretty significantly,” Wright said.
Global markets have been reacting to reduced traffic through the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Even temporary disruptions have driven fuel costs higher for consumers.
Wright suggested that the trajectory of energy prices will depend largely on whether Iran chooses to de-escalate and engage in negotiations.
“That could happen if a peace agreement is reached… If Iran thinks enough is enough, and they’re willing to make a deal… Then there’ll be a deal,” Wright said.
For now, officials caution that short-term volatility is likely to continue as negotiations unfold, though a sustained diplomatic breakthrough could quickly stabilize markets.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino is reportedly preparing to leave the Bureau in the coming weeks, fueling speculation that he may soon return to the conservative media landscape where he built a powerful national following. According to The New York Times, several individuals familiar with the situation say Bongino is already packing up his office and sending personal items back to Florida—an indication that an official announcement may be imminent.
These sources told the Times that Bongino could depart “as soon as this week or as late as mid-January,” though he has not yet publicly confirmed his plans. The former Secret Service agent and best-selling author was appointed to the FBI leadership team earlier this year by President Donald Trump, who tasked him with bringing greater transparency, accountability, and ideological clarity to an agency long accused by conservatives of political bias.
Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr
Conflicting Signals About Bongino’s Plans
Other reports offer mixed signals. Fox News Digital, citing its own sources, noted Monday that Bongino has “not made a final decision” and disputed claims that his office was already empty. However, Fox’s sources did acknowledge that he is expected to clarify his future “in the coming weeks.”
If Bongino does leave the Bureau, many expect him to reenter the conservative media sphere in time for the 2026 midterm elections, when Republican strategists anticipate a major national referendum on the direction of the country.
Potentially Strategic Timing for His Exit
According to the Times, Bongino has privately floated the idea of aligning his departure with a major law-enforcement development—specifically a press conference connected to the long-running federal investigation into the pipe bombs planted near the DNC and RNC headquarters on January 5, 2021.
The incident, still unsolved after nearly four years, remains a source of public frustration. Conservatives argue the lack of progress underscores deep institutional failures at the FBI—failures Bongino has long criticized both before and during his time at the agency.
Repairing Tensions With Attorney General Pam Bondi
Behind the scenes, Bongino is also said to be smoothing tensions with Attorney General Pam Bondi, whom he sharply criticized earlier this year. In July, Bondi’s office released a memo stating that the much-discussed “Epstein client list” did not exist, contradicting years of speculation amplified in part through Bongino’s own podcast prior to his government service.
The Times reports that Bongino was so dissatisfied with Bondi’s handling of that matter that he threatened to resign at the time. Since then, he has reportedly worked to repair the relationship—an indication that he may be trying to ensure a clean exit from the Bureau, should he choose to move on.
Broader Political Context
Bongino’s potential departure comes at a pivotal moment for federal law enforcement. Republicans continue to push for sweeping reforms at the FBI, citing concerns about political motivations behind high-profile investigations dating back to the Russia probe. Bongino, viewed by many grassroots conservatives as a no-nonsense reformer, entered the FBI leadership at a time when trust in federal agencies has been sharply divided along partisan lines.
A return to broadcasting would position him once again as one of the most influential voices in conservative politics—a role he previously used to energize Republican voters, challenge media narratives, and champion pro-Trump policy priorities.
For now, the timeline remains unclear. But by all accounts, Bongino’s next move—whether announced this week or early in the new year—will be closely watched
Donald Trump Jr. shared joyful news on Monday that’s sure to add even more cheer to the holiday season: he is officially engaged to longtime girlfriend Bettina Anderson.
The eldest son of President Donald Trump proposed to longtime girlfriend Bettina Anderson after over a year of dating, revealing the happy news during a recent White House gathering. A beaming Trump Sr. stood proudly beside the newly engaged couple.
BREAKING NEWS:
President Trump just announced at the White House that his son @DonaldJTrumpJr and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson are getting married! They just got engaged.
The announcement came during a recent gathering at the White House, where President Donald Trump proudly stood beside his eldest son and future daughter-in-law as they revealed the engagement. Trump Jr. expressed his gratitude and excitement, thanking Anderson for saying “yes” and calling the moment a “big win to end the year.” Anderson, radiant and clearly moved, described the experience as “the most unforgettable weekend” of her life.
She went on to say she felt like the “luckiest girl in the world,” offering warm thanks to the Trump family for hosting such a meaningful celebration and giving special recognition to First Lady Melania Trump for the beautifully crafted holiday décor that filled the room.
Trump Jr. and Anderson—known in Palm Beach social circles for her poise, philanthropy, and professionalism—have been linked for more than a year. Their relationship became public in late 2024 after photos surfaced in the Daily Mail, and by New Year’s Eve, Anderson was standing confidently with the Trump family at their Mar-a-Lago celebration. Their appearance together signaled that the relationship was both genuine and serious.
This engagement marks Trump Jr.’s third. He married Vanessa Trump in 2005 at Mar-a-Lago, and the couple shared more than a decade together, raising five children: Kai, 18; Donald III, 16; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11. Vanessa, who has remained on good terms with the Trump family, is currently dating golf legend Tiger Woods.
After his marriage ended, Trump Jr. became engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2020. Although the two eventually went their separate ways, speculation about their split intensified as he was increasingly seen with Anderson around Palm Beach.
While the exact moment of the proposal remains private, one thing is clear: the Trump family has yet another reason to celebrate as they head into the new year.
With each passing day, it seems as if another prominent Republican is publicly breaking with former President Donald Trump over Republicans’ fewer-than-expected midterm wins.
Over the weekend, conservative influencer Candace Owens broke with the former president, and on Monday former New Jersey Governor also lamented how Trump is a drag for Republican candidates. While the amount of Republicans turning their backs on Trump is jarring these conservatives often have something in common.
Tucker Carlson is set to launch his own streaming service for $9 per month, which might go live as early as Monday morning.
The eponymously named Tucker Carlson Network has five shows planned in the first few weeks. Its logo is a red pill with the initials TCN.
The network’s leadership comprises of Carlson confidants; with Neil Patel as CEO, Justin Wells as the network president and Carlson as the face of the operation, hosting multiple shows. The network’s programming will feature long-form interviews, commentaries and investigative reporting.
Carlson revealed his reasons for challenging the status quo in a press release Monday morning:
“News coverage in the West has become a tool of repression. Reporters no longer reveal essential information to the public; they work to hide it. We plan to tell the truth about things that matter – clearly and without fear.”
Wells expressed gratitude to Elon Musk’s X for amplifying Carlson’s message following his dismissal from Fox News and stated that Carlson isn’t leaving the social network:
“Tucker has maintained an important connection with the audience on X. We look forward to continuing that relationships but also providing people with even more video content through Tucker Carlson Network.”
Carlson and his team explored launching TCN through X, but the company wasn’t able to move quickly enough to build out the technology they needed to run a subscription service, the people said.
X declined to comment.
Carlson will continue to post the service’s free content on X. His media company will also launch a new podcast, “The Tucker Carlson Podcast,” which will feature audio versions of that content.
Carlson’s team is exploring distributing the service through streaming-TV apps independently and through X, one of the people said.
The Cook Political Report, widely respected across the political spectrum for its precise election forecasts, recently adjusted its presidential race ratings in six key states, all favoring former President Donald Trump.
The shift comes amidst a backdrop of national and state polls indicating a modest yet consistent increase in support for Trump over President Joe Biden.
Key State Changes
The Cook Political Report has reclassified:
Arizona, Georgia and Nevada from “toss-up” to “lean Republican.”
Minnesota and New Hampshire from “likely Democrat” to “lean Democrat.”
Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District from “likely Democrat” to “lean Democrat.”
Nebraska and Maine are the only states that allocate their electoral votes by congressional district, making the competitive Omaha-based 2nd District a target for both campaigns.
Electoral Vote Implications
The changes significantly impact the electoral map, with Trump now leading in states totaling 268 electoral votes, just two votes short of the required 270 for victory. In contrast, Biden leads in states accounting for 226 electoral votes.
Expert Analysis
In a social media post, Dave Wasserman, a senior editor at Cook Political Report, argued that it was overly optimistic to label the presidential race as a toss-up even before the debates.
NEW: introducing @CookPolitical's Biden vs. Trump national polling average, which tracks the presidential race via a curated average of 21 national polls.
Trump’s current 47%-44% lead is the most drastic shift in the race all year. My full analysis: https://t.co/nnPB97Q9x6
“Today, Trump has a clear advantage over Biden and a much more plausible path to 270 Electoral votes,” Wasserman noted.
Additionally, during an appearance on CNN, Amy Walter, Cook Report’s publisher and editor-in-chief, elaborated on the political shifts underpinning these changes.
“What we’re seeing is the real erosion of support from Biden among voters of color,” Walter explained back in May. “This is the reason he [Biden] is doing worse in Arizona, Nevada and Georgia, where Hispanic and African Americans make up a significant share of the vote.” [emphasis added]
Polling Data
Supporting these insights, the latest RealClearPolitics national polling average shows Trump leading Biden by 3 percentage points. In crucial swing states, Trump’s lead is even more pronounced:
Arizona: +5.4 points
Georgia: +4 points
Michigan: +0.6 points
Nevada: +5.2 points
North Carolina: +5.8 points
Pennsylvania: +5.3 points
Wisconsin: +2.2 points
Larry Sabato: "In the electoral college, it would not be particularly close. Trump would more than edge Biden. It would be substantial — well over 300 electoral votes." pic.twitter.com/UhAueLMp3I
The latest adjustments by the Cook Political Report highlight a rapidly shifting landscape in the 2024 presidential race. With Trump’s increasing traction in key states and growing concerns about Biden’s ability to simply do the job, the GOP’s path to the presidency appears more wide open than ever.
President-elect Donald Trump filed a legal brief in support of an effort by statesto “immediately” stop the Biden administration’s sale of border wall materials, saying the action is “possibly criminal.”
On Thursday, Trump filed an amicus brief in support of a legal effort by Texas and Missouri who filed lawsuits earlier this week.
According to Fox News, Texas and Missouri filed a motion earlier this week in a district court in the southern district of Texas to hold a status conference to determine if the government is in breach of the court’s permanent injunction from earlier this year. That injunction barred the Biden administration from using funds obligated for wall construction for anything other than that purpose.
Read more:
“The Court should issue an order directing the Defendants to immediately stop any ongoing sale of border-barrier materials to private parties pending the Court’s review of Defendant’s conduct, and the Court should swiftly conduct a searching examination of the Government’s conduct, by formal discovery if necessary, to examine the Government’s compliance with the law, the Constitution, and the Court’s injunction,” Trump’s amicus brief states.
The Biden administration has been auctioning off border wall parts since at least 2023, with parts listed for sale on auction marketplaces, after it abruptly shut down most border wall construction in 2021.
Those auctions have continued, with border officials telling Fox that auctions now occur weekly and have been for some time. However, the practice made news last week, when The Daily Wire published video showing parts being transported and cited Border Patrol agents who said the goal was to clear them out before Christmas.
Trump’s amicus brief states that if officials in the Biden administration are “deliberately selling off border-wall materials at a major financial loss to the Government to obstruct the pro-wall policy of Congress and President Trump, such conduct likely constitutes a criminal act, such as a conspiracy to defraud the United States.”
“At the very least, the reported conduct raises troubling concerns of potentially criminal behavior,” the filing states.
