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    Is Biden’s DOJ Out to Get Trump? Or Did Trump Do This to Himself?

    By
    Paul Crespo
    -
    3
    Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

    In an event unprecedented in American history, a former U.S. president, protected by U.S. Secret Service agents, and currently running for president, was booked on federal criminal charges Tuesday by U.S. Marshals at the U.S. federal courthouse in Miami, before being taken to be fingerprinted and processed.

    Donald Trump pled ‘not guilty’ to all charges.

    The charges relate to Trump taking a lot of highly classified documents from the White House after he left office. And once discovered, he gave multiple bizarre reasons for having them.

    According to the indictment, the highly sensitive materials Trump kept included documents about overseas nuclear weapons holdings and various military plans.

    But they are really all about the fact that he refused to turn many of them over for upwards of 18 months. And I have criticized Trump for doing that.

    So, did Hillary Clinton get treated differently? Of course! And is Joe Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ) out to get Trump?

    Absolutely! That’s a given.

    But Trump could still have avoided all this had he behaved differently, before and after he got caught. And that’s important too.

    As with Richard Nixon and Watergate, it was about the cover up.

    The 37 charges against Trump include violations of the Espionage Act or the willful retention of national security information as well as one count of “conspiracy to obstruct justice,” one count of “withholding a document or record,” one count of “corruptly concealing a document or record,” one count of “concealing a document in a deferral investigation,” one count of “scheme to conceal” and one count of “false statements and representations.”

    Based on the evidence represented in the indictment, and from his own words and deeds, it seems that he did do most of the things he is accused of, despite the Team Trump calls that this is only a political prosecution.

    I have said before that Trump basically dared the Justice Department to come after him. And I still believe that had Trump simply turned over all the classified materials when they were first requested, this would have likely ended last year without any criminal proceedings.

    But Trump didn’t.

    The FBI then conducted a very showy surprise raid on the ex-president’s Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, on August 8, 2022. That raid, and the documents recovered there, eventually led to the 37-count indictment that now put Trump where he is.

    THE FBI RAID ON MAR-A-LAGO

    Many condemned the FBI raid that launched all this as unprecedented and wrong, including me. I argued that it sent a horrible message to the world and looked highly political. (As does the indictment, arrest, and potential trial).

    Apparently, the FBI had doubts about the raid as well.

    Steven D’Antuono, who left the FBI late last year, explained the FBI-DOJ disagreements over the planning and execution of the Mar-a-Lago search during an interview last week with the House Judiciary Committee.

    While he called the back-and-forth between DOJ and the FBI “an everyday discussion,” he noted that it still created “consternation” among the law enforcement officials, reported Politico.

    According to the interview transcripts reviewed by Politico, D’Antuono said DOJ wanted the FBI to quickly seize the classified documents from Mar-a-Lago, claiming they could fall into the wrong hands. But the FBI’s Washington Field Office team preferred to seek Trump’s permission, through his attorneys, to search the premises.

    The FBI even proposed a plan to surveil Mar-a-Lago in case Trump’s team tried taking any of the disputed papers offsite, according to D’Antuono.

    The FBI “had a plan in place to have surveillance around if we needed to,” he said.

    “Again, no one was there. So, if they brought in — they – meaning the [former] president’s, you know, people — brought in a big box truck, we would see it, right, and we would have the search warrant in hand and be able to act at that point.”

    In the end, DOJ got its way, and they conducted the surprise raid. Fortunately, Trump wasn’t there when it occurred. And that was at least something.

    “I didn’t want the spectacle for obvious reasons of why we’re sitting here today. … It’s a reputational risk, right, and that’s the way I looked at it from the Bureau,” reported Politico.

    Unfortunately, the FBI has still suffered a great deal of reputational risk, as has the DOJ under Biden. This all stinks as political.

    But Trump has played a big part in all this as well.

    Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Great America News Desk.

    Florida Governor Breaks Silence on Potential Trump Arrest

    By
    Madeleine Jackson
    -
    9

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is finally addressing former President Donald Trump’s remarks over the weekend that Manhattan prosecutors plan to arrest him on Tuesday.

    During an event Monday, DeSantis slammed George Soros-backed prosecutor Alvin Bragg’s highly politicized yearslong witchhunt into the former president.

    “I’ve seen rumors swirl. I have not seen any facts yet, and so I don’t know what’s going to happen,” said DeSantis, a likely 2024 Republican presidential hopeful. “But I do know this: The Manhattan district attorney is a Soros-funded prosecutor and so he, like other Soros-funded prosecutors, they weaponize their office to impose a political agenda on society at the expense of the rule of law and public safety.”

    “But what I can speak to is if you have a prosecutor, who is ignoring crimes happening every single day in his jurisdiction, and he chooses to go back many, many years ago to try to use something about porn star hush-money payments, that’s an example of pursuing a political agenda and weaponizing the office,” he said.

    DeSantis also noted that his office would not be involved in the case “in any way,” signaling that he has no plans to help Trump fight extradition to New York should he face charges.

    Prosecutors are expected to charge Trump with a felony by arguing that the alleged crime was committed to hide an illegal campaign contribution. The potential problem for Trump centers around how his company reimbursed former attorney Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to related charges and served time in prison.

    The payment to Daniels was listed as a legal expense and Trump’s company cited a retainer agreement with Cohen. The retainer agreement did not exist and the reimbursement was not related to any legal services from Cohen, thus setting up a potential misdemeanor criminal charge of falsifying business records. A report by NBC News said that Trump personally signed several of the checks to Cohen while he was serving as president.

    Prosecutors can elevate the misdemeanor to a felony if they can prove that Trump’s “‘intent to defraud’ included an intent to commit or conceal a second crime.”

    Prosecutors argue that the second crime is that the $130,000 hush payment was an improper donation to the Trump campaign because the money was used to stop a story for the purpose of benefiting his presidential campaign.

    Report: Top HHS Spokesman Out After Clashing With RFK Jr.

      By
      Madeleine Jackson
      -
      5
      By Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., CC BY-SA 2.0,

      Just in…

      The top communications official at Health and Human Services has stepped down after just weeks on the job — as it was revealed he clashed with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the deadly measles outbreak gripping Texas, according to multiple reports.

      Thomas Corry, the assistant secretary of public affairs, who has only been on the job for a few weeks, announced he was quitting Monday, according to Politico.

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

      Trump Names Two Potential Successors: Watch

        By
        Madeleine Jackson
        -
        0
        (Miami - Flórida, 09/03/2020) Presidente da República Jair Bolsonaro durante encontro com o Senador Marco Rubio..Foto: Alan Santos/PR

        Trump has his eye on the future of the Republican Party.

        During a recent interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker about who might succeed him atop the party’s 2028 ticket on Sunday’s edition of Meet the Press President Trump didn’t shy away from naming two potential candidates.

        After observing that Trump had “built a political movement that has transformed the Republican Party,” Welker asked, “When you look to the future, Mr. President, do you think the MAGA movement can survive without you as its leader?”

        “Yes, I do. I think it’s so strong, and I think we have tremendous people. I think that we have a tremendous group of people. We talked about a number of them. You look at Marco [Rubio], you look at JD Vance, who’s fantastic,” replied Trump, who continued:

        You look at-, I could name 10, 15, 20 people right now just sitting here. No, I think they have a tremendous party. And you know what I can’t name? I can name one Democrat. I mean, I look at the Democrats, they’re in total disarray. They have a new person named [Jasmine] Crockett. I watched her speak the other day, she’s definitely a low IQ person, and they said she’s the future of the party. I said, you have to be kidding. I don’t know what they’re going to do. And I really believe in a two-party system. Because it’s good to be challenged, it’s really good to have a two party, you know it’s good, being challenged is okay. It keeps you sharp. I don’t know what they’re gonna do. They have nobody. Bernie’s 87-years-old or something. And you know, [Joe] Biden is the worst thing that ever happened to old people because he was grossly incompetent. And I think maybe for artificial reasons, you know, he had operations and things. So maybe that’s an artificial. But I know people that are unbelievably sharp and they’re older than 87. But I watched Bernie Sanders, he’s a nut job, but he’s still sharp. He’s sharp, he’s the same guy he was. He hasn’t gone down, but Biden is really-, e’s the worst thing to happen to old people.

        “I know that you are only 100 days in, but as we sit here today, who do you see as your successor, Mr. President?” followed up Welker.

        “Well, it’s far too early to say that, but, you know, I do have a vice president and typically it would be and JD’s doing a fantastic job, but-” answered Trump before Welker interjected to ask “He would be at the top of the list?”

        “It could very well be,” mused Trump. “I don’t want to get involved in that. I think he’s a fantastic, brilliant guy. Marco is great. There’s a lot of them that are great. I also see tremendous unity, but certainly you would say that somebody’s the VP, if that person is outstanding, I guess that person would have an advantage. But I think the other people would all stay in unbelievably high positions. But, you know, it could be that he’d be challenged by somebody. We have a lot of good people in this party.”

        Watch:

        Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has also been widely floated as a potential Democratic candidate for president.

        Ocasio-Cortez has recently dodged questions about the possibility, stressing a focus on the current political moment, but anticipation is building as she tours the country alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), revving up her base and reaching out to voters across the country. 

        “It would not be out of the realm of possibility that she would want to be a presidential candidate. She’s very ambitious. She’s very smart. She has an uncanny ability to raise money. She understands social media. She’s incredibly popular with younger voters, and she’s got the right issues,” said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic strategist based in the Empire State.

        “It’s a question of timing. When is best? When is the most opportune time for her to take advantage of all that?”

        Trump Breaks Silence As Middle East Tensions Reach New Boiling Point

          By
          Madeleine Jackson
          -
          2
          Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

          What will Democrats do?

          Iran has reportedly launched ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for its intensified military campaign against Hezbollah and the recent invasion of Southern Lebanon. In response, Israel’s “Arrow-2” and “Arrow-3” anti-ballistic missile defense systems have been activated, with interceptors reported launching across Central Israel.

          In a statement released mid-morning on Tuesday, the White House said it had “indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,” adding the United States was “actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack.”

          “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran,” a senior White House official said in a statement.

          Israel predicted that Iran was likely to attack three Israeli air bases and an intelligence base located just north of Tel Aviv, a person briefed on the matter said.

          The intelligence base in Glilot was reportedly evacuated Tuesday afternoon and the Israeli military has put contingency plans for the safety of personnel at those bases into effect.

          Before Tuesday’s attack, Donald Trump released a lengthy statement.

          Read the full statement below:

          “The World is on fire and spiraling out of control. We have no leadership, no one running the Country. We have a non-existent President in Joe Biden, and a completely absent Vice President, Kamala Harris, who is too busy fundraising in San Francisco, a City which she and Gavin Newscum totally destroyed, and staging fake photo ops. No one is in charge and it’s not even clear who is more confused: Biden or Kamala. Neither has any idea what is even going on.

          When I was President, Iran was in total check. They were starved for cash, fully contained, and desperate to make a deal. Kamala flooded them with American cash and, ever since, they’ve been exporting terror all over, and unraveling the Middle East.

          Under ‘President Trump,’ we had NO WAR in the Middle East, NO WAR in Europe, and Harmony in Asia, No Inflation, No Afghanistan Catastrophe. Instead, we had PEACE. Now, War or the threat of War, is raging everywhere, and the two Incompetents running this Country are leading us to the brink of World War III. You wouldn’t trust Joe or Kamala to run a lemonade stand, let alone lead the Free World.

          It is no surprise that Iran desperately wants Kamala Harris to be President, because they know as long as she is in power, they can take advantage of America. That is why they have tried to target me.

          If I was in charge, October 7th never happens, Russia/Ukraine never happens, Afghanistan Botched Withdrawal never happens, and Inflation never happens. If I win, we will have peace in the World again. If Kamala gets 4 more years, the World goes up in smoke.”

          Trump Names Running Mate For 2024

          By
          Patrick Houck
          -
          2
          Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

          And officially becomes the nominee…

          J.D. Vance, known for his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which explores his upbringing in a poor Rust Belt town and his family’s struggles with addiction and poverty, experienced a swift rise in the political arena. His rise saw him win election to the United States Senate in 2022 and now has put him on the cusp of becoming the next vice president of the United States.

          Driven by a compelling personal narrative, strategic alliances and the right political positioning, Vance has won the long-awaited veepstakes, as former President Donald Trump himself announced moments ago. Shortly afterward, it was announced at the Republican National Convention that Donald Trump had received enough votes to officially become the Republican presidential nominee.

          Fittingly, it was the Florida delegation that put him over the top.

          Vance’s story began in Middletown, Ohio, where he was raised in a working-class family. Despite the challenges he faced, he managed to graduate from Ohio State University and later from Yale Law School. His memoir, published in 2016, became a bestseller and brought him national attention, especially as it was seen as offering insights into the lives of many working-class Americans who felt left behind by the political establishment.

          Key Factors in His Political Rise

          1. National Recognition through “Hillbilly Elegy”: Vance’s memoir provided him with a platform to discuss broader socio-economic issues affecting the Rust Belt and working-class communities. His personal success story resonated with many Americans, giving him credibility and a wide audience.
          2. Strategic Political Alliances: Vance capitalized on his newfound fame by forging key alliances within the Republican Party. He aligned himself with prominent figures and organizations that supported his views on economic and social issues. Notably, he gained the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which significantly bolstered his political profile among the Republican base.
          3. Media Presence and Advocacy: Vance became a regular commentator on political and cultural issues, frequently appearing on news programs and writing op-eds. His articulate defense of conservative values and critique of elite political classes garnered him a loyal following.
          4. Focus on Populist Themes: Emphasizing themes of economic nationalism, skepticism of globalism and advocacy for working-class Americans, Vance tapped into the populist sentiment that had been growing within the Republican Party. His ability to articulate these issues in a relatable manner helped him connect with a broad spectrum of voters.
          5. Support from Influential Donors: Vance received significant financial backing from influential donors and political action committees. This support enabled him to mount a strong campaign for the U.S. Senate, leveraging his network and resources to reach a wider audience.

          Political Campaign and Senate Victory

          In 2022, Vance announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Ohio. His campaign focused on addressing the economic concerns of Ohioans, tackling the opioid crisis and advocating for policies that would benefit the working class. His message resonated with voters, and he successfully secured the Republican nomination and won the general election.

          READ NEXT: [WATCH] CNN Reporter’s Controversial Remarks Seconds After Trump Assassination Attempt

          HELP Trump Sink The Democrats [ACT NOW]

          Doug Emhoff Hit With Explosive Allegations From Fed-Up Ex

          By
          Patrick Houck
          -
          0
          Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

          New York, NY – For the first time, a prominent New York attorney has publicly accused Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, of physically assaulting her during their relationship. The allegations, shared exclusively with the Daily Mail, come just 11 days before the upcoming election, creating potential complications for the Harris campaign.

          According to the ex-girlfriend, Emhoff slapped her across the face at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in the French Riviera, causing her to spin around from the impact. The incident allegedly took place while the couple was in a valet line, with Emhoff becoming jealous as she spoke with another man. Her account is corroborated by three sources close to her, who initially spoke to the Daily Mail earlier this month:

          Emhoff’s accuser, who DailyMail.com is naming only as ‘Jane’, initially declined to comment on the record. But Emhoff’s denial, and his alleged hypocrisy by claiming to be a feminist in media interviews, finally became too much for her.

          ‘What’s frightening for a woman that’s been on the other end of it, is watching this completely fabricated persona being portrayed,’ Jane said.

          ‘He’s being held out to be the antithesis of who he actually is. And that is utterly shocking.’

          In a statement to Semafor published October 3, a spokesperson said ‘this report is untrue,’ and that ‘any suggestion that he would or has ever hit a woman is false.’

          “Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff slapped me in the face so hard I spun around… I’m disgusted by his fake ‘perfect spouse’ persona,” the woman told the Daily Mail. Her comments suggest a stark contrast between Emhoff’s public image as a supportive and devoted partner and the behavior she claims to have experienced during their relationship.

          The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

          Emhoff, who has been referred to as the “wife guy” by political allies, married Harris in 2014. He has two children from a prior marriage to Kerstin Emhoff, which reportedly ended after an affair with the family’s nanny. Claims that the nanny suffered a miscarriage related to Emhoff’s actions remain unverified.

          The timing of these allegations could have significant implications for the vice president’s campaign as Election Day draws near, adding a layer of controversy that could sway undecided voters.

          This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.

          READ NEXT: Foreign Adversary Builds Mysterious Structures, Airship Targets Global Leader

          President Trump is the only one who stood up for working families, and the DC elite want him destroyed. Kamala is raising over $1 Billion to crush his campaign. Will you chip in $3 before the day ends? — JD Vance

          ‘Equity’ is the Opposite of Equality – It’s Evil Code for Socialism

            By
            Paul Crespo
            -
            9
            Gage Skidmore Flickr

            ANALYSIS – The term ‘equity’ has seeped into every aspect of U.S. domestic, and even foreign, policy. We hear the term everywhere. 

            Most recently VP Kamala Harris used it to describe how hurricane relief funds should be distributed in Florida based in part on skin color, and ‘communities of color’ should receive priority.

            This outrageous claim from Harris provoked a backlash from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, many conservatives, and others.

            On his first day as president, Joe Biden also issued an “Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities.” 

            This made promoting ‘equity’ a centerpiece of his administration – a highly damaging proposition.

            But to many Americans it’s a totally innocuous term, which sounds a lot like equal or equality.

            And aren’t Americans supposed to be ‘equal under the law?’

            So, what is the big fuss?

            Well, the fact is the term ‘equity’ is just the latest effort in a long line of leftist code words intended to mask their true intent.

            Equity is not only not similar to equality; it is the polar opposite. It is an evil code word for socialism. 

            It means ignoring individuals and favoring some groups over others.

            The ultimate goal of ‘equity’ is not to ensure equal opportunities, it is to achieve equal outcomes. 

            That is just a new brand name for the oldest program of social and economic leveling ever invented – socialism.

            Harris admitted as much in a tweet and video, posted before the election and viewed well over 6 million times: “There’s a big difference between equality and equity.”

            But the left tends to not highlight the true impact of this huge difference.

            Instead, they argue that some people simply need a hand to help them reach the same level playing field.

            However, promoting “equity” means ending America’s traditional guiding ideal of “equal treatment under law.”

            It enshrines reverse discrimination as policy. 

            It is a mandate to discriminate based on skin color, economic standing, or other standards such as gender identification.

            And it is undermining America’s bedrock principle that people should be treated equally and judged as individuals, not as members of groups.

            As Charles Lipson wrote in “Equity” is Socialism by Another Name” in the Wall Street Journal last year:

            Those who push for equity have hidden these crucial differences for a reason. They aren’t merely unpopular; they challenge America’s bedrock principle that people should be treated equally and judged as individuals, not as members of groups.

             He adds:

            Hidden, too, are the extensive measures that would be needed to achieve equal outcomes. Only a powerful central government could impose the intensive—and expensive—programs of social intervention, ideological re-education and economic redistribution. Only an intrusive bureaucracy could specify the rules for every business, public institution and civic organization. Those unhappy implications are why advocates of equity are so determined to hide what the term really means.

            Lipson, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Chicago, who founded the Program on International Politics, Economics, and Security, continues:

            One measure of how unpopular these unequal programs are is how often their proponents need to rename them. “Quotas” were restyled as “affirmative action.” The goal was still to give special benefits to some groups to achieve desired outcomes. Now “affirmative action” has also become toxic, rejected most recently by voters in deep-blue California. Hence, the new name, “equity.”

            Instead of making their case openly and honestly, advocates of equity twist and turn to avoid revealing their radical goal of re-engineering society through coercion. 

            This is the ultimate goal of the left – using the term ‘equity’ to mask a coercive socialist agenda intended to ‘fundamentally transform’ American society – to quote Barack Obama in 2008.

            Americans must challenge the concept and the term at every turn. We believe in equality not ‘equity.’ And we must fight to defend it. 

            Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Great America News Desk.

            President Trump Threatens To Pull FIFA World Cup From Boston

            By
            Seijah Drake
            -
            6

            President Donald Trump suggested that he may push to have the 2026 FIFA World Cup games removed from Boston unless the city’s mayor, Michelle Wu, takes stronger action to curb rising crime, including a recent violent street takeover targeting police officers.

            Speaking to the media during a White House meeting with Argentinian President Javier Milei, Trump expressed frustration over Boston’s public safety situation and said he would consider calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to relocate the matches to cities that better ensure security for players, fans, and officials.

            “We can take them away. I love the people of Boston. And I know the games are sold out, but the mayor is not good. There are worse than her. At least she’s intelligent… But she’s radical left,” Trump said.

            The president added that if he determines “unsafe conditions” persist, he would ask FIFA to move the games elsewhere.

            “The answer is yes… If somebody’s doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA… and I would say, ‘Let’s move it to another location.’”

            Violent Street Takeover Sparks Outcry

            Trump’s comments come in the wake of a chaotic and violent street takeover in Boston that occurred early on October 5, involving more than 100 people. According to the Boston Police Department, participants engaged in reckless street racing and aggressively attacked police cruisers with fireworks, cones, and poles.

            One police cruiser was set ablaze during the incident and had to be towed away.

            “They were hell-bent on attacking law enforcement officials,” said the president of a Boston police union, condemning the incident.

            Boston’s Role in the 2026 World Cup

            Boston is currently slated to host seven matches during the World Cup, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32 fixture, and the first quarterfinal on July 9, 2026. The city’s hosting duties are considered a highlight for New England soccer fans and international visitors.

            Mayor Michelle Wu’s office responded to Trump’s threat with a statement emphasizing Boston’s pride in hosting the event.

            “Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions,” the statement said.

            Broader Threats Over Public Safety

            Trump extended his warnings beyond Boston, also mentioning the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

            “I could say the same thing for the Olympics,” he said. “If I thought LA was not going to be prepared properly, I’d move it to another location.”

            Mayor Wu has previously criticized the Trump administration’s approach to law enforcement and immigration policy, accusing it of “causing so much fear and harm in our communities.”

            In August, Wu condemned federal threats to withhold funding or sue cities refusing to cooperate on immigration enforcement.

            This latest exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in major cities, particularly over public safety and policing.

            READ NEXT: Americans Cheer US Women’s Soccer Team World Cup Loss

            Jay Jones is DANGEROUS for Virginia! Jay Jones hates cops and does not care about keeping Virginia safe. Virginia voters deserve to know the TRUTH before they vote. [STOP JAY JONES]

            Bipartisan ‘Stolen Valor’ – GOP and Dem Candidates Embellish Military Records

            By
            Paul Crespo
            -
            0
            President Donald J. Trump is presented with a 10th Combat Aviation Brigade challenge coin following an air assault and gun rain demonstration at Fort Drum, New York, on August 13. The demonstration was part of President Trump's visit to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) to sign the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019, which increases the Army's authorized active-duty end strength by 4,000 enabling us to field critical capabilities in support of the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Thomas Scaggs) 180813-A-TZ475-010

            ANALYSIS – Even with the decline in respect for the U.S. military due to extreme “wokeness” and other issues, Americans still hold military service in high regard. 

            This is especially true when it comes to those running for office.

            Having served is a powerful bona fide for both Republican and Democrat candidates.

            It was certainly important to my campaigns for the U.S. Congress, and for Florida Statehouse.

            When I ran as an anti-establishment GOP candidate, my motto was: ‘the Marine vs the Machine.’

            It’s no surprise then that lying about your military service is also a powerful temptation, not just for average joes who never donned the uniform pretending to be “super ninja, special ops warriors,” but also for budding politicos aspiring for public office trying to burnish their creds.

            Pretending to be in the military or lying about your service are all called Stolen Valor because you really are stealing the bravery, patriotism, and dedication of others who actually served in the roles they did.

            It is also illegal to lie about military service or veteran status to claim government benefits.

            But we still see it. Even in high-profile political campaigns where they should know they will be caught.

            Let me point out two current examples of political candidates from both parties who are reportedly guilty of “stolen valor.”

            The one who has been most in the news is J.R. Majewski, a robust, bearded veteran praised by former President Donald Trump at a rally before the GOP primary.

            He is running for Congress in Ohio.

            A damning Associated Press report in September found that he exaggerated his service, including claims he’d deployed to a combat zone in Afghanistan in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 

            He even said he endured hardships like not showering for 40 days.

            In fact, military records show that the closest Majewski got to Afghanistan was Qatar, abutting Saudi Arabia, our ally where I once helped set up the Defense Attaché Office (DAO) at the U.S. embassy.

            In Qatar, he loaded planes for six months.

            While he did serve, he apparently exaggerated his combat service and misled the voters.

            In the wake of these reports, House Republicans withdrew an Ohio ad buy of close to $1 million originally designed to support Majewski.

            As the Daily Beast reports:

            The move [removing the ad buy] suggests the GOP has given up hope on what might have otherwise been an easy pickup during the elections, all but ensuring that Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the Democratic incumbent, whose victory was previously threatened by redistricting, will win the seat in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District.

            But now there are claims that a Democratic candidate for the statehouse in Washington is involved in an ongoing feud with his family about whether he too is lying about his military service.

            Fox News reported:

            The father of Clyde Shavers, Democratic candidate for Washington state’s 10th Legislative District, claims in a recently published letter that his son lied about the details of his service in the U.S. Navy, according to local outlet Herald Net.

            Clyde Shavers has run on a platform emphasizing his service in the U.S. Navy, claiming to have been a nuclear submarine officer — a position that requires a great amount of training and three separate courses.

            “Clyde was never a submarine officer, not even for a day,” Brett Shavers wrote.

            Fox News continued, writing that the father, “a Marine veteran, went on to dismiss any notions that his son served proudly in the military, going so far as to say Clyde Shavers has a “disdain” for enlisted service members.”

            Brett Shavers added, “Clyde has only disdain for the military. I have seen Clyde’s use of veteran status used heavily as a seal of endorsement of honor and integrity, even as he or his campaign continually use the phrase ‘son of a Marine’ for his credibility.” 

            Clyde Shavers has denied his father’s claims, saying that the letter is “inaccurate” and “all about politics.”

            While it isn’t clear from the letter or reporting if the father is accusing his son of not serving, or simply not serving in the capacity of nuke sub officer as he claims. 

            But the father does say his son hates the military, and enlisted troops, and is only using his alleged service to buttress his campaign.

            Perhaps the news media can look further into these allegations of ‘stolen valor’ about a Democrat just like they did with GOP candidate Majewski. 

            It shouldn’t be too hard to confirm or deny. 

            Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of Great America News Desk.

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