Featured

Home Featured
Featured posts

Report: Trump FCC Chair Willing To Revoke Media Broadcast Licenses

0

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is making waves in Washington by refusing to give corporate media a free pass. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Carr said he is prepared to hold powerful broadcasters accountable if they cross the line, even suggesting their licenses could be at risk.

โ€œBroadcast licenses are not sacred cows,โ€ Carr declared, emphasizing that media companies must serve the public interestโ€”not just their own political agenda.

Unlike past FCC chairs who often looked the other way, Carr has embraced President Trumpโ€™s call to challenge the entrenched power of legacy outlets. He noted that Trump shattered the illusion that the mainstream press acts as neutral gatekeepers of truth, exposing the bias that millions of Americans already sensed.

Taking on Comcast and NBC

Carr has already taken steps to ensure media giants like Comcast are not misleading the public. Following concerns about the companyโ€™s partisan coverage and questionable diversity policies, Carr launched two investigations into Comcastโ€™s practices.

In April, Carr accused Comcast of misleading Americans with its reporting on a high-profile deportation case. By July, he expanded the review to include whether NBC affiliates were truly serving their communities as required under federal law.

The standard Carr cites dates back to 1934, which requires broadcasters to act in the โ€œpublic interest, convenience, and necessity.โ€ While critics claim such standards are outdated, Carr argues that the law remains clear: if companies are given privileged access to Americaโ€™s airwaves, they must be held accountable to the public.

The FCC has rarely revoked a broadcast licenseโ€”most notably in 1971 when a Mississippi station defended segregationโ€”but Carr has signaled heโ€™s willing to use that authority again if necessary.

Fully Aligned With Trumpโ€™s Agenda

Carr has been at the FCC since 2017 and makes no secret that he supports the presidentโ€™s approach. โ€œWe are fully aligned with the agenda that President Trump is running,โ€ he told the Journal.

For Carr, this means standing up to the mainstream press, protecting Americans from being misled, and ensuring that media companies donโ€™t abuse their privileged position.

Critics Push Back

Of course, media lawyers and progressive watchdog groups are sounding the alarm. Robert Corn-Revere of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression complained to the Journal that Carrโ€™s actions are political. But for millions of conservatives, Carrโ€™s willingness to confront biased outlets is long overdue.

By leaning in rather than playing the old Washington โ€œindependenceโ€ game, Carr is showing heโ€™s willing to take bold steps to ensure the public gets fair and honest coverageโ€”not just the partisan spin of corporate media.

Kamala Accepts Debate Challenge – But There’s A Catch

    5

    Not so fast…

    Kamala Harris confirmed on Thursday her participation in one debate before this yearโ€™s election, which is two fewer than what former Presidentย Donald Trumpย is proposing.

    A campaign official said Harris would not agree to the September 4 presidential debate on Fox News that was floated by Trump, ABC News correspondent Selina Wangย sharedย in a post to X.



    Earlier, Trump and his campaignย revealed plansย to participate in three debates next month, including the ABC and Fox events. They said the third one would be held by NBC News on September 25.

    โ€œWe have spoken to the heads of the networks and itโ€™s all been confirmed other than some fairly minor details,โ€ Trump said.

    โ€œThe other side has to agree to the terms,โ€ he added, referring to the Harris campaign. โ€œThey may or may not agree. I donโ€™t know. She hasnโ€™t done an interview. She canโ€™t do an interview. Sheโ€™s barely competent. She canโ€™t do an interview, but I look forward to the debates because we have to set the record straight.โ€

    Harris laterย told NBC Newsย that she was โ€œlooking forwardโ€ to the debate on September 10, and ABC Newsย affirmedย that both parties had agreed to attend the event.

    Trump alsoย saidย that CBS would host the vice presidential debate between his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), and Harrisโ€™ pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. CBSย has yet to confirmย a date.

    Texas Democrat Snaps on Biden Over Border

      12
      Joe Biden via Gage Skidmore Flickr

      Even Democrats say it’s time for Biden to address the crisis at the border.

      Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar strongly criticized the Biden administration’s lack of action at the border, especially as Title 42 is set to expire soon.

      During an interview with CNN anchor Kaitlin Collins, Rep. Cuellar was asked what the effect of rescinding Title 42

      The congressman responded bluntly, stating, “Communities are going to be overwhelmed, not only El Paso. Weโ€™ve seen that in the past with the Rio Grande Valley, weโ€™ve seen it in Eagle Pass and Del Rio. Theyโ€™re going to be overwhelmed. There are just not enough shelters and border processing centers to handle the large numbers of people.”

      Cuellar insisted on treating migrants with compassion but was adamant that we “have to secure the border.” He said, “We can do two things at the same time. We can provide a compassionate way of treating the immigrants that are trying to come in. But at the same time we have to secure the border.”

      He added, “Because the only thing the border control is doing is processing a lot of them to come into the U.S. and then returning some of them under Title 42. If Title 42 goes away, this is going to open up a large number of people coming to border communities.”

      Cuellar urged the president to listen to people who understand the concerns of the local communities rather than just “immigration activists.” He said, “Look, itโ€™s okay to listen to immigration activists. Itโ€™s okay to do that. Thatโ€™s one perspective. But who is listening to the men and women in green and blue and more importantly, who is listening to our border communities?”

      He continued, “I donโ€™t know why they keep avoiding the border and saying thereโ€™s other things more important than visiting the border. If thereโ€™s a crisis, show up. Just show up!”

      The lawmaker added, “Just showing up at the border would send a strong signal to the communities that heโ€™s there, he cares about the border communities. Just show up. It doesnโ€™t take much to just show up at the border.”

      Congressional Committee Accuses Hunter Biden Of Lying Under Oath

      1
      President Joe Biden hugs his family during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)

      President Joe Bidenโ€™s troubled adult son Hunter Biden lied under oath to Congress, which is a prosecutable crime, congressional Republicans accuse in a new release of documents and evidence.

      The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee โ€œvoted to release over 100 pages of newly obtained evidence, provided to the Committee by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, showing Hunter Biden was not truthful during his sworn testimony before Congress on February 28th, 2024,โ€ Committee Republicans announced in a statement.

      โ€œIn addition to the evidence showing Hunter Bidenโ€™s repeated lies under oath before Congress, the Ways and Means Committee voted to release additional documents that affirm the credibility of the IRS whistleblowersโ€™ sworn testimony and evidence previously released by the Committee, as well as more evidence of the Department of Justiceโ€™s (DOJ) obstruction of the IRS investigation into Hunter Biden,โ€ the statement reads.

      โ€œHunter Biden has shown once again he believes there are two systems of justice in this country โ€“ one for his family, and one for everyone else. Not only did Hunter Biden refuse to comply with his initial subpoena until threatened with criminal contempt, but he then came before Congress and lied,โ€ said Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO.) 

      โ€œThe Ways and Means Committeeโ€™s investigation, and the documents released today, are not part of a personal vendetta against Hunter Biden, but are meant to ensure the equal application of the law,โ€ Smith added.

      Smith then noted if Biden lied under oath, he may be criminally prosecuted.

      โ€œLying during sworn testimony is a felony offense that the Department of Justice has prosecuted numerous individuals for in recent years, and the American people expect the same accountability for the son of the President of the United States. Hunter Bidenโ€™s lies under oath, and obstruction of a congressional investigation into his familyโ€™s potential corruption, calls into question other pieces of his testimony. The newly released evidence affirms, once again, the only witnesses who can be trusted to tell the truth in this investigation are the IRS whistleblowers,โ€ said Smith.

      The Committee notes they are releasing:

      Complete versions of communications between Hunter Biden and his business associates, thus showing that previously released IRS agent summaries were accurate. You can find the new material here.

      Evidence of Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Wolf informing IRS investigatorsโ€™ that they were unable to pursue Kevin Morris as a witness in the Hunter Biden investigation after receiving a classified briefing at CIA headquarters. The new evidence shows that despite requests from investigators to understand the reason why they were unable to pursue Kevin Morris as a witness, DOJ never provided investigators with the requested information.

      In a statement, Committee Republicans laid out the alleged lies Biden told while testifying under oath, writing:

      The new evidence indisputably shows Hunter Biden lied to Congress in at least three separate instances during his February 28, 2024 transcribed interview: 

      Lie # 1: โ€œI sent the text to the wrong Zhaoโ€  

      During his deposition, Committee investigators questioned Hunter Biden about the now infamous WhatsApp message he sent to a business associate at the Chinese energy company, CEFC, stating, โ€œIโ€™m sitting here with my father, and we would like to understand why the commitment has not been fulfilled.โ€ In the months that followed, $5 million flowed from CEFC affiliates to companies connected to Hunter and James Biden, the Presidentโ€™s brother.  

      Hunter Bidenโ€™s Sworn Testimony: โ€œThe Zhao that this is sent to is not the Zhao that was connected to CEFCโ€ and he โ€œhad no understanding or even remotely knew what the hell I was even Goddamn talking about.โ€ 

      The Truth: According to phone records of Hunter Bidenโ€™s WhatsApp messages released by the Ways and Means Committee today, the Presidentโ€™s son communicated with only one โ€œZhaoโ€ โ€“ Raymond Zhao โ€“ in that exchange. Not only did the same Zhao respond, but his message indicates he knew exactly what Hunter Biden was talking about, and that Hunter Biden continued to communicate with the same โ€œZhaoโ€ phone number for an additional three months regarding matters related to CEFC. 

      Lie # 2: โ€œNeither of these accounts were under [Hunter Bidenโ€™s] control nor affiliated with himโ€: 

      According to Hunter Bidenโ€™s business associate, Devon Archer, he and Hunter Biden were equal owners of Rosemont Seneca Bohai, and that entity was used by both individuals. According to evidence provided by the IRS whistleblowers, Hunter Biden was the beneficial owner of the entityโ€™s associated bank account, which was used to receive Hunterโ€™s salary from Burisma and to receive foreign wires, such as funds allegedly transferred from a Kazakhstani individual through an entity that were then used to purchase a Porsche for Hunter Biden. Congressional investigators questioned Hunter Biden during his February 28th deposition regarding his connection to Rosemont Seneca Bohai, as well as bank accounts associated with the entity.

      Hunter Bidenโ€™s Sworn Testimony: Neither Rosemont Seneca Bohai, nor its associated bank accounts, were โ€œunder my control nor affiliated with meโ€ and Hunter, โ€œdidnโ€™t even know that there was such a thingโ€ in reference to a corporate secretary of the entity. 

      The Truth: Evidence obtained by the Committee and released today from IRS investigator Joseph Ziegler shows otherwise. Not only is there documentation that Hunter Biden was the beneficial owner of a bank account in the name of Rosemont Seneca Bohai,  but the Committee has obtained a signed document where Hunter Biden affirms, โ€œI, Robert Hunter Biden, hereby certify that I am the duly elected, qualified and acting Secretary of Rosemont Seneca Bohai, LLCโ€ in order to enter into a contract on behalf of the entity with Porsche Financial Services.

      Lie # 3: โ€œIโ€™d never pick up the phone and call anybody for a visaโ€: 

      During his deposition, Committee investigators questioned Hunter Biden regarding what services he provided to Burisma during his tenure on the board of the Ukrainian company. One of the services that Burisma allegedly needed, was work related to obtaining a U.S. visa for the CEO of Burisma. Congressional investigators questioned Hunter Biden under oath regarding his work for Burisma, and his testimony reveals a potential attempt to conceal he was actively using his name and fatherโ€™s influence to aid foreign nationals in obtaining visas from the U.S. government. 

      Hunter Bidensโ€™ Sworn Testimony: Hunter Biden stated he was unwilling to provide โ€œany work as it related to visas that they needed.โ€ In fact, he stated unequivocally that heโ€™d โ€œnever pick up the phone and call anybody for a visa.โ€ 

      The Truth: The Committee has obtained and made public today an email communication between Devon Archer, Hunter Biden, and Ukrainian associates in which, in response to concerns about the revocation of Nikolay Zlochevskyโ€™s, the CEO of Burisma, U.S. visa and the resulting limitations on his foreign travel, Archer stated, โ€œHunter is checking with Miguel Aleman to see if he can provide cover to Kola on the visa.โ€ โ€œKolaโ€ being Nikolay Zlochevsky. Archer also tells Vadim Pozharskyi to โ€œplease send Hunter an email with all Kolaโ€™s passport and visa documents and evidence and copy me. Weโ€™ll take it from there.โ€ These documents show that Hunter Biden did in fact do work on visa issues. 

      The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Great America News Desk. It is republished with permission fromย American Liberty News.

      Conservative Commentator Warns Droves Of Minorities On Cusp Of Abandoning GOP

        3

        Veteran conservative commentator and pro-Trump pundit Dinesh Dโ€™Souza cautioned over the weekend that continued attacks on non-white conservatives could drive minority voters away from the Republican Party.

        The warning came after former presidential candidate and current Ohio gubernatorial contender Vivek Ramaswamy faced a wave of xenophobic comments online. On Friday, Ramaswamy posted a Halloween photo of himself and his two sons, which drew several racist replies. One user wrote, โ€œI see this year Vivek went as an H1B immigrant here to steal your jobs. Very scary. Like the brown version of the Grinch.โ€

        Dโ€™Souza, who shared Ramaswamyโ€™s post on Sunday night, condemned the abuse and called out the growing tolerance for such rhetoric within certain corners of the right.

        โ€œLook at the abuse Vivek is getting for posting an innocuous photo with his boys. This is the sh*tshow that Heritage and Tucker have brought upon us. If this continues, I would not be surprised to see mass desertions of blacks, Latinos and other minorities from the GOP. Unreal,โ€ Dโ€™Souza wrote.

        His comments referenced the backlash surrounding Tucker Carlsonโ€™s recent interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and the Heritage Foundation presidentโ€™s subsequent defense of Carlson. (RELATED: Newsweek Editor Receives Backlash For Calling For Tucker Carlson Should Be โ€˜Neutralizedโ€™)

        Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance also faced scrutiny in recent days over remarks about his interfaith marriage. During a Turning Point USA event, an audience member asked whether Vance hoped his Hindu wife would convert to Christianity.

        โ€œDo I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved by in church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian Gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way,โ€ Vance said in response.

        Vance later clarified his remarks on X, emphasizing his respect for his wifeโ€™s beliefs while reaffirming his own faith.

        โ€œFirst off, the question was from a person seemingly to my left, about my interfaith marriage. Iโ€™m a public figure, and people are curious, and I wasnโ€™t going to avoid the question,โ€ he wrote. โ€œSecond, my Christian faith tells me the Gospel is true and is good for human beings. My wifeโ€”as I said at the TPUSAโ€”is the most amazing blessing I have in my life. She herself encouraged me to reengage with my faith many years ago. She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriageโ€”or any interfaith relationshipโ€”I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, Iโ€™ll continue to love and support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because sheโ€™s my wife.โ€

        Pelosi Calls On Family To Stage Intervention For ‘Wacky’ Trump

          6
          Nancy Pelosi via Gage Skidmore flickr

          Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) thinks Donald Trump needs an intervention.

          During a recent interview, the 81-year-old lawmaker called on the former President’s family to immediately stage an intervention

          Office of Public Affairs from Washington DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

          “He knows he’s wacky,” Pelosi told MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell. “He knows he’s an imposter.” 

          “But I do wish there would be an intervention from his family, assuming they love him beyond the resources โ€ฆ that they would intervene,” she said, adding that she also hoped that the “Republican Party would have an intervention.” 

          On Thursday, Trump visited Capitol Hill and took part in a series of meetings with Republicans on several issues, including abortion and his legal challenges. According to several GOP senators, the former president will attempt to focus on the economy ahead of the November election.

          “They have become a cult to a thug,” she said about the visit. “And that is really a tragedy.” 

          During her MSNBC interview, Pelosi called the former president “a master of projection.”

          “Everything he says about somebody else, whether it’s a judge in the courtroom, a witness, a juror, a member of Congress, a woman, an opponent in an election โ€” everything he says is a projection of his own shortcomings,” she said.

          Pelosi previously aired her Trump intervention proposal, in February also called for an intervention due to Trump’s mental health.

          Article Published With The Permission of American Liberty News.

          Sen. Vance Says He Was ‘Wrong’ About Trump

          2

          Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) knows when to admit he was wrong.

          CNNโ€™s Dana Bash pressed Vance on a tweet that he posted in 2016 when the โ€œAccess Hollywoodโ€ tape of Trump surfaced that stated, โ€œFellow Christians, everyone is watching us. When we apologize for this man, lord help us.โ€

          She asked him whether he still feels that way about Trumpโ€™s โ€œsexual indiscretionsโ€ amid the ongoing hush money trial, noting he has since deleted the tweet.

          โ€œBut, look, my view on Donald Trump โ€” I have been very clear on this โ€” is, look, I was wrong about him. I didnโ€™t think he was going to be a good president, Dana, and I was very, very proud to be proven wrong. Itโ€™s one of the reasons why Iโ€™m working so hard to get him elected,โ€ he replied on CNNโ€™s โ€œState of the Union.โ€

          Vance had made comments against Trumpโ€™s bid in 2016, prompting Ohio Republicans in 2022 to urge Trumpย not to endorseย him. Vance ended up clinching Trumpโ€™s support and winning his election.

          Vance is now amongย the rumored contendersย to be the former presidentโ€™s running mate in the 2024 election.ย 

          Read: Republican Presidents’ Best Christmas Messages

            0
            Office of Congressman Tom Osborne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

            Over the years, Republican presidents have shared Christmas messages that reflect their administrations’ values and the spirit of the holiday season.

            Here are four notable Christmas messages from past Republican presidents:

            George W. Bush (2001-2009):

            In his first Christmas address after the September 11 attacks, President Bush spoke about the nation’s resilience and the importance of faith during challenging times.

            “This year in the midst of extraordinary times, our Nation has shown the world that though there is great evil, there is a greater good.”

            He emphasized the importance of love and sharing, noting: “Americans have given of themselves, sacrificing to help others and showing the spirit of love and sharing that is so much a part of the Christmas season.”

            Listen:

            George H.W. Bush (1989-1993):

            December 11, 1991

            At Christmas, we celebrate the promise of salvation that God gave to mankind almost 2,000 years ago. The birth of Christ changed the course of history, and His life changed the soul of man. Christ taught that giving is the greatest of all aspirations and that the redemptive power of love and sacrifice is stronger than any force of arms. It is testimony to the wisdom and the truth of these teachings that they have not only endured but also flourished over two millennia.

            Blessed with an unparalleled degree of freedom and security, generations of Americans have been able to celebrate Christmas with open joy. Tragically, that has not always been the case in other nations, but we look to the future with optimism, and we celebrate the holidays with special gladness as courageous peoples around the world continue to claim the civil and religious liberty to which all people are heirs. The triumph of democratic ideals and the lessening of global tensions give us added reason for celebration this Christmas season, and as the world community draws closer together, the wisdom of Christ’s counsel to “love thy neighbor as thyself” grows clearer.

            By His words and by His example, Christ has called us to share our many blessings with others. As individuals and as a Nation, in our homes and in our communities, there are countless ways that we can extend to others the same love and mercy that God showed humankind when He gave us His only Son. During this holy season and throughout the year, let us look to the selfless spirit of giving that Jesus embodied as inspiration in our own lives — giving thanks for what God has done for us and abiding by Christ’s teaching to do for others as we would do for ourselves.

            Ronald Reagan (1981-1989):

            Gerald R. Ford (1974-1977):

            December 24, 1975

            MERRY CHRISTMAS! These two words conjure up all of the good feelings that mankind has ever held for itself and its creator: reverence, tenderness, humility, generosity, tolerance–love. These are the stars we try to follow. These are the most enduring treasures we can bring to our world. I can remember a few Christmases in my own youth when just about the only thing we had to offer each other as a family was the love we shared, and the faith that together we could see things through to a better future. And it did. It made us work harder, study harder, try harder–and it brought out qualities and depths of strength and character that none of us in those days thought we had.

            The spirit of Christmas is ageless, irresistible and knows no barriers. It reaches out to add a glow to the humblest of homes and the stateliest of mansions. It catches up saint and sinner alike in its warm embrace. It is the season to be jolly–but to be silent and prayerful as well.

            I know this will be a particularly happy Christmas for me. I celebrate it surrounded by those I love and who love me. I celebrate it by joining with all of our citizens in observing a Christmas when Americans can honor the Prince of Peace in a nation at peace.

            The Ford family wishes you and your family a Christmas that brings all of the joy, the fulfillment, and the inspiration of this most precious of seasons. May God’s blessings be with you all.

            CNN Star Don Lemon Facing Fierce Backlash Over Reaction To Melania Trump

              0
              Don Lemon via Wikimedia Commons

              Don Lemon is facing viral criticism after posting a TikTok video mocking former First Lady Melania Trump‘s emotional account of the July 13 assassination attempt on her husband, Donald Trump. While Lemon, a former CNN anchor, remained silent in the video, his exaggerated body language โ€“ including eye-rolling, head shaking and sighing โ€“ appeared to convey ridicule and contempt.

              Melania Trump’s video, posted Wednesday on X, described the โ€œhorrible, distressing experienceโ€ of the attempt, during which a bullet grazed Donald Trump’s ear. The shooter’s subsequent gunfire killed one rallygoer and critically injured two others. In her statement, Melania expressed concern, questioning law enforcement’s actions: โ€œI can’t help but wonder, why didn’t law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech.โ€

              Lemon has since deleted the TikTok post, but it continues to spark reactions online.

              On Tuesday, Fox News reported that Michael Plati, assistant director of the Secret Service’s Office of Protective Operations, was strongly encouraged to retire following the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. According to United States Secret Service (USSS) Acting Director Ronald Rowe, Plati was asked to step down by senior leadership and is expected to do so in the coming days.

              Counter-sniper element at Trump Rally during attempted assassination event. Image = a screen grab of video on social media.

              The announcement of Plati’s resignation follows the July 23 departure of USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned under mounting pressure in the wake of the assassination attempt on Trump. In light of these developments, the Department of Defense has stepped in to offer additional assistance to the Secret Service in protecting political figures requiring heightened security.

              Article Published With The Permission of American Liberty News.

              Republican Senator Signals He Won’t Support Vance In 2028

              2

              Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) made clear Sunday on ABC Newsโ€™s This Week that he does not see Vice President JD Vance as someone he would support in a hypothetical 2028 presidential bid, underscoring deep philosophical differences over trade and the future direction of the GOP.

              When asked whether he views Vance โ€” widely viewed within GOP circles as a leading contender to carry the Republican banner after President Donald Trump โ€” as the so-called heir apparent, Paul was direct about the limits of their alignment.

              โ€œI think there needs to be representatives in the Republican Party who still believe international trade is good, who still believe in free market capitalism, who still believe in low taxes,โ€ Paul said, emphasizing his long-standing libertarian philosophy.

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

              Pressed on whether that description fits Vance, Paul answered, โ€œNo.โ€

              Paul lamented what he sees as a shift in GOP economic thinking โ€” away from traditional free-market conservatism toward protectionist policies that embrace tariffs.

              โ€œIt used to separate conservatives and liberals that conservatives thought it was a spending problem โ€” we didnโ€™t want less revenue, we wanted less spending,โ€ he said.
              โ€œBut now all these pro-tariff protectionists, they love taxes. And so they tax, tax, tax, and then they brag about all the revenue coming in. That has never been a conservative position.โ€

              Paul said he intends to continue championing a free-market, low-tax wing of the party and will let time โ€” and voters โ€” determine where GOP leadership settles.


              Context: Trump, Vance, and a Fractured GOP

              Vanceโ€™s position as a prominent Trump loyalist โ€” often touted by MAGA-aligned activists as the next leader of the movement โ€” stands in contrast to Paulโ€™s more classical libertarian outlook. Trump and Vance have worked closely throughout the administration, and Trump himself has suggested both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would make strong contenders in 2028, even as speculation swirls about Trumpโ€™s own future political plans.

              Paul and Vanceโ€™s disagreements arenโ€™t limited to trade. Earlier in 2025, Paul publicly criticized Vanceโ€™s support for a controversial U.S. military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessel โ€” going so far as to call the actions Vance defended โ€œdespicable and thoughtlessโ€ for celebrating lethal force without due process. This public spar highlights deeper philosophical divides between the libertarian wing of the party and its more interventionist or nationalist elements.

              Those tensions reflect a broader conversation within the GOP about its core principles โ€” from foreign policy to economic strategy โ€” as the party prepares for post-Trump leadership.


              Erika Kirk Endorses Vance for 2028

              Adding to the political backdrop, Erika Kirk โ€” the widow of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk and the organizationโ€™s CEO โ€” officially endorsed Vice President Vance for president in 2028 during the groupโ€™s annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix.

              Kirk, speaking to thousands of activists, pledged Turning Pointโ€™s powerful grassroots support and framed Vance as a continuation of her husbandโ€™s conservative legacy:

              โ€œWe are going to get my husbandโ€™s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.โ€

              Her endorsement โ€” and Turning Pointโ€™s mobilization capacity on campuses and with younger conservatives โ€” could be a significant boost in the early stages of a national campaign, even though Vance has not yet announced a formal campaign bid