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Senate Democrat Claims ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ Is Leading Democrat Party

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Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is drawing fresh attention—and likely some backlash—after bluntly arguing that his own party lacks clear leadership and is instead being driven by what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Appearing on the All-In Podcast, Fetterman was asked a straightforward question by host David Friedberg: “Who do you think leads the Democratic Party today?”

Fetterman’s response was equally direct: “we don’t have one,” before adding a sharper critique. He said he believes “TDS” is “the leader right now,” explaining, “our party is governed by the TDS.”

“TDS,” short for “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” is a term popular among Trump allies and critics of the left, used to describe what they see as reflexive or excessive opposition to former President Donald Trump. Fetterman’s willingness to adopt the phrase publicly sets him apart from most Democratic lawmakers, who typically reject the framing.

He doubled down on the point later in the interview, reiterating, “You asked me earlier, what’s the leader of the Democratic Party right now. I would say it’s TDS.” To illustrate his argument, Fetterman added that Trump “could come out for ice cream and lazy Sundays and now, suddenly, Democrats would hate it. We would wanna vote it down.”

The Pennsylvania senator has increasingly positioned himself as an independent voice within the party, particularly on foreign policy. During the same podcast, he emphasized his support for aggressive U.S. action abroad, specifically referencing Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. strike targeting Iran.

Fetterman said that he is “literally the only Democrat in America, uh, in Congress, that I’ve come across that’s saying, I think it’s a great thing to break and destroy the Iranian regime. I think it’s entirely appropriate to hold them accountable.”

His comments reflect a broader pattern: Fetterman has often broken with progressive Democrats on national security and Middle East policy. He has been one of the most vocal Democratic supporters of Israel following the October 7 attacks, a stance that has at times put him at odds with members of his own party’s base.

“As a Democrat, I’m deeply proud to stand with Israel through the horror of 10/07,” Fetterman wrote in a recent post on X. “I’m deeply proud of our military and what they’ve accomplished in Epic Fury. Picking country over party is never wrong.”

Taken together, Fetterman’s remarks highlight an ongoing tension within the Democratic Party: a divide between lawmakers who prioritize opposition to Trump and those, like Fetterman, who argue the party needs a more defined agenda—and a clearer leader.

Political Strategist Predicts Date Trump Will Quit White House

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The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville is once again making a bold political prediction—this time suggesting that President Donald Trump could abruptly abandon the presidency if Republicans suffer major losses in the 2026 midterm elections.

In a Monday video for Politicon, Carville argued that mounting political and economic pressures—including voter frustration over inflation and fallout from Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict—could culminate in a dramatic exit from office. He pointed to what he expects will be a strong Democratic performance in the midterms, potentially flipping control of both chambers of Congress.

“Everything that he tries blows up in his face. I’m telling you, I think he’s just going to quit next year by this time. I think he’s just going walk away because the Democrats control the House and the Senate. No one’s going to pay attention to him. The fiscal condition of the country is beyond in the ditch. The Iran thing has turned into just a catastrophe of the first order,” Carville said.

Carville’s remarks come as several recent polls have shown Republicans facing a difficult electoral map in 2026, with Democrats holding advantages in key swing districts and Senate races. While election outcomes remain uncertain, early indicators suggest the possibility of a significant shift in congressional power.

Trump himself has acknowledged the stakes of the midterms, warning supporters that a Democratic victory would likely trigger renewed impeachment efforts. He has repeatedly claimed that Democrats would “immediately” pursue investigations and charges if they regain control of Congress, framing the election as a referendum not just on policy, but on his political survival.

Carville also used his appearance to sharply criticize the administration’s approach to Iran, referring to the conflict as a “racket war” and calling for Democrats to make the issue of war profiteering central to their campaign messaging. He even proposed the creation of a commission to investigate companies that may have benefited excessively from the conflict.

“It has to be, we’re gonna have a commission to thoroughly examine war profiteering and those that have been justly profited off of war, unjustly. Some people are gonna, you know, they have to have fuel in airplanes. I can’t blame somebody for selling fuel to put in an airplane and have to a certain amount of materials and ammunition and food and all of those things that happened. But I’m talking about something way beyond that. Way beyond that. And you, my dear people, are owed an explanation, and you’re also owed accounting,” he said.

Carville went further, urging Democratic candidates to explicitly commit to such an investigation if they win back power.

“Please ask Democratic candidates to commit themselves to a commission to determine the extent of war profiteering that has taken place during this idiocy that this jacka** started,” he said.

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While Carville is known for his provocative predictions, his comments underscore the high political stakes surrounding the 2026 midterms. With control of Congress—and potentially the trajectory of Trump’s presidency—on the line, both parties are already framing the election as a defining moment in the current political era.

Actress Fires Back at Critics Over Attendance at Mar-a-Lago Dog Rescue Event

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Marine One lifts-off after returning President Donald J. Trump to Mar-a-Lago Friday, March 29, 2019, following his visit to the 143-mile Herbert Hoover Dike near Canal Point, Fla., that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. The visit was part of an infrastructure inspection of the dike, which is part of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee Everglades system, and reduces impacts of flooding for areas of south Florida. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) [Photo Credit: The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]

Actress Katherine Heigl is pushing back against critics who took issue with her appearance at a dog rescue fundraiser held at Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach estate of President Donald Trump, arguing the event was focused entirely on animal welfare rather than politics.

Heigl attended the Wine, Women & Shoes Benefiting Big Dog Ranch Rescue fundraiser on Sunday at Trump’s Florida residence. According to the organization, the event raised $5.5 million to support its work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs.

But her appearance quickly drew backlash online from critics who objected to her participation in an event held at the home of the former and current Republican president. The criticism reflects a broader dynamic in the country’s polarized political climate, where public figures often face scrutiny simply for appearing at venues associated with Trump or his allies.

In recent years, commentators on the right have frequently used the phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) to describe what they view as an outsized or reflexive hostility toward Trump and anything connected to him. Supporters argue the phenomenon leads some critics to condemn even non-political activities if they occur in proximity to Trump or his properties, while detractors of the term say it is used to dismiss legitimate concerns about the former president.

Heigl appeared to push back against the idea that politics should overshadow charitable work.

“Animals don’t vote. The only room they don’t like is the euthanasia room at a shelter,” Heigl said in a statement to Page Six. “They are completely at the mercy of us, and they have no voice of their own.”

“This event was about animal advocacy — something that has always been deeply personal to me,” she continued. “Anyone who knows me knows that protecting animals is one of my greatest passions.”

She also urged people not to turn animal welfare into a partisan issue.

“As a society, we should all come together to protect the voiceless and the innocent,” she added. “This should not be a polarizing issue.”

The actress also responded directly to critics on Instagram after the event circulated online. Some commenters questioned why she would attend a fundraiser held at Trump’s home, while others mocked or dismissed her involvement.

When one commenter wrote, “Who even is she?” Heigl replied:

“Doesn’t matter. Do you care about animals? If so donate! Time! Money! Attention! Your voice! It doesn’t matter who I am only what I do.”

She followed up with another response encouraging people to focus on causes they care about rather than online criticism.

“The same goes for you! Animals might not be your thing but I bet you care deeply about something that matters! Do your part! Don’t waste your time scrolling and making comments!”

Heigl, best known for her roles in “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Knocked Up,” and “27 Dresses,” has long been active in animal rescue efforts. She and her mother co-founded the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, named after her late brother, which works to rescue dogs and cats and fund spay-and-neuter programs.

In recent years, the actress has stepped back somewhat from Hollywood life. In a 2023 interview on the “Today” show, Heigl said she relocated with her family to Utah after spending much of her career in Los Angeles.

“I think some people are mountain people, and I think some people are beach people,” Heigl explained. “I’m sort of a mountain person and have always been that way.”

She said the move helped provide balance after years in the entertainment industry.

“And my mom realized, because we went out to LA when I was 17 and hustled and hustled for years, right?” Heigl continued. “And I think she realized at a certain point that I needed somewhere to escape to and kind of clear my head, and that grounded me.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the Mar-a-Lago fundraiser, Heigl made clear that her focus remains on the charitable mission behind the event — helping animals that cannot advocate for themselves.

Trump Vows To ‘Avenge’ Dead Troops In First Video Since Iran Strikes

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By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54581054338/, Public Domain,

President Donald Trump released a six-minute video message on Truth Social on Sunday, delivering his first address to the nation since announcing U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran early Saturday morning.

During the video, the president confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed in action and five others were injured.

“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” Trump said. “We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there.”

Earlier Sunday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deaths. In his address, Trump honored the fallen and expressed support for their families.

A fourth U.S. servicemember has been killed in action as part of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command announced Monday.

The servicemember, who has yet to be identified, was among those seriously wounding during Iran’s initial counterattacks after the U.S. and Israel launched the operation on Saturday.

“As of 7:30 am ET, March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries,” CENTCOM wrote on X. “Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing,” it added.

“Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. Military service members have been killed in action,” Trump said. “As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.”

“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen,” he continued. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is, likely be more. But we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

The president vowed a forceful response to those responsible.

“But America will avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against basically civilization. They have waged war against civilization itself,” Trump said.

Trump emphasized what he described as renewed American strength and resolve, aligning the U.S. and Israel in their shared objectives.

“Our resolve, and likewise that of Israel, has never been stronger. America is now again the richest, most powerful nation in the world by far,” he said. “But the only reason we enjoy the quality of life that we do, and the freedom and security as we have done, things that others are unable to do. But it’s because of warriors who are willing to lay down their lives, to do battle with our enemies, and they do battle better than anybody. An Iranian regime armed with long range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American.”

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In remarks published shortly before the video address, Trump told The Daily Mail that the military campaign — dubbed Operation Epic Fury — is expected to “take four weeks — or less.”

As U.S. strikes continued throughout the weekend, the president warned that operations would not slow.

“Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” he reiterated. “We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn’t get there.”

Trump appeared to reference negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials that took place as recently as Thursday in Geneva, suggesting the conflict could have been avoided.

He also claimed that Iranian leaders “by the thousands” are attempting to contact the United States seeking immunity, though he did not provide additional details.

In a direct appeal to the Iranian people, Trump called on citizens to act in the wake of what he described as a weakened regime following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He pledged American support for those seeking change.

“I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you. We’ll be there to help,” Trump said.

The president concluded by reaffirming that U.S. forces will continue operations at “full force” until mission objectives are met, underscoring what he characterized as a decisive effort to eliminate the threat posed by the Iranian regime.

Tucker Carlson’s Show Once Acted as ‘Effectively a Senior Adviser’ to Trump

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Photo via Gage Skidmore Flickr

At one point during Donald Trump’s presidency, Tucker Carlson’s Fox News program functioned as more than just a primetime show. According to a former Fox News producer quoted in Jason Zengerle’s new book, Hated By All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind, the program was “effectively a senior adviser” to the president.

Zengerle reports that Carlson’s influence extended deep into the Trump White House. Alyssa Farah Griffin — now a co-host of The View who served in the Trump administration from 2017 to 2020 — said the show was considered required viewing for administration officials.

According to the book, Jared Kushner once rebuked her after she admitted missing part of an episode. “You can’t work in this White House and not watch Tucker Carlson,” Kushner told her.

The Daily Mail highlighted those revelations this week, along with another detail from Zengerle’s account: Trump was reportedly frustrated when he could not reach Carlson directly.

“Tucker was the hot girl that didn’t want to f*ck him,” a former White House official said in the book.

The same official added that Carlson’s reluctance to be easily accessible “intrigued” Trump and made him more “alluring,” as The Daily Mail described it.

Carlson’s prominence at the time was reflected in his ratings. Tucker Carlson Tonight set a cable news record in October 2020, averaging 5.36 million viewers. The program routinely drew more than 4 million viewers per month before Carlson’s departure from Fox News in April 2023.

Fox News experienced a ratings decline immediately following Carlson’s exit, but the network later regained its footing and maintained its position as the top-rated cable news channel. Mediaite reported Wednesday that Fox News averaged 34% more primetime viewers in February than CNN and MSNBC combined, crediting much of that performance to Carlson’s replacement, Jesse Watters.

The relationship between Trump and Carlson appears to have evolved since Trump returned to the White House last year. Carlson has been seen visiting the White House several times. However, tensions may remain. According to Free Press reporter Eli Lake, Trump “has privately urged the popular podcast host to end his battle with prominent pro-Israel MAGA influencers,” believing the dispute could harm Republican prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.

Bill O’Reilly Announces First Cable News Gig Since 2017 Fox News Exit

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Bill O’Reilly is returning to the cable anchor chair next week, stepping in for NewsNation host Chris Cuomo — and he’s promising viewers a familiar format that made him a household name.

During a Wednesday night appearance on Cuomo, O’Reilly announced that he will host the full 8 p.m. ET hour on March 4 while Cuomo travels to Israel. But this won’t be a typical guest-host arrangement.

“I’m bringing back The O’Reilly Factor,” O’Reilly declared, pointing directly into the camera. “OK? I’m bringing it back, a week from tonight. You can’t miss this. Wait until you see the cast that we’ve assembled.”

Taking a playful jab at Cuomo, O’Reilly added, “You’re going to be jealous.”

Cuomo fired back with a joke of his own, calling it “the ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ show,” before thanking O’Reilly for “subbing in.”

A Familiar Voice for Conservative Viewers

For millions of Americans, The O’Reilly Factor defined prime-time cable news for more than a decade and a half. From 2001 until 2017, the show was the highest-rated program in cable news for 16 consecutive years, becoming a staple for viewers seeking a direct, unapologetic conservative perspective.

O’Reilly built his reputation on his “no spin” approach — challenging political correctness, confronting establishment narratives, and giving voice to working- and middle-class Americans who often felt ignored by mainstream media outlets.

Since departing Fox News in 2017, O’Reilly has continued to command a large following through his No Spin News podcast and digital platform, as well as frequent television appearances. His books regularly top bestseller lists, and he remains one of the most recognizable figures in conservative media.

Sparring Over Transparency and Government Power

During Wednesday’s appearance, O’Reilly and Cuomo debated President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address and the Justice Department’s handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

O’Reilly argued that the government has broad authority to classify sensitive material, warning against what he described as “trial by mob” in politically charged investigations. He maintained that releasing certain information without careful review could undermine due process and inflame public opinion before facts are fully established — a position that resonates with many conservatives who have grown skeptical of selective leaks and politically motivated prosecutions.

A Return to Form

While O’Reilly’s departure from Fox News in 2017 followed reports that the network had paid settlements to women who accused him of sexual harassment — allegations he has consistently denied — his influence in conservative media has endured.

For supporters, his brief return to the anchor desk represents something larger: a revival of a format that once dominated cable news and a reminder of an era when conservative voices reshaped the media landscape.

Whether for one night or more, O’Reilly’s promise to revive The O’Reilly Factor is likely to draw significant attention from longtime viewers eager to see the veteran broadcaster back in action.

March 4 at 8 p.m. ET may offer a glimpse of whether the “Factor” still has the firepower that made it a ratings powerhouse for 16 years.

House GOP Moves To Censure Congressman After Interrupting Trump Speech – Again

Ted Eytan from Washington, DC, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

A new effort is underway among House Republicans to censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) after he was removed from President Donald Trump’s primetime address for the second consecutive year.

Green was ejected from Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night just minutes after the president entered the House chamber. As Trump approached the podium, Green stood holding a sign that read, in all capital letters, “Black people are not apes.” He remained standing with the sign visible as the president began speaking, prompting intervention by the Sergeant at Arms.

Rep. Mike Rulli (R-Ohio) told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that he is seeking support for a formal censure resolution against Green.

“His shenanigans at the State of the Union were uncalled for,” Rulli said. “We can’t really put up with that kind of conduct in Congress. Something had to be done.”

Rulli added, “I’m looking for as many co-sponsors from our conference as possible. And I’m reaching across the aisle for anyone over there that was embarrassed by their own guy.”

According to the text of Rulli’s resolution, first obtained by Fox News Digital, Green’s actions constituted a “breach of conduct.” The resolution further notes that it “was the second time in less than a year that the Representative from Texas had to be removed from the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms due to unpatriotic disruptions that violated numerous House rules related to decorum.”

This is not the first time Green has faced formal rebuke from the House. In March 2025, the House of Representatives voted to censure him after he disrupted a previous presidential address by waving his cane and shouting over Trump as the president attempted to deliver his remarks. Ten Democrats joined Republicans in passing that resolution.

Green has long been one of Trump’s most vocal critics in Congress. During Trump’s first term, Green repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against the president, beginning as early as 2017. His efforts, which cited allegations ranging from obstruction of justice to rhetoric he characterized as discriminatory or inflammatory, were unsuccessful and did not advance out of the House. While Democrats later pursued separate impeachment proceedings that led to two Senate trials, Green’s early impeachment resolutions did not gain sufficient support within his own party to move forward.

Following his removal Tuesday night, Green defended his actions.

“I refuse to tolerate this level of hate that the president is in fact putting into policy. We must take a stand against this level of invidious discrimination,” Green told reporters.

“I wanted him to know, and I wanted them to see it and hear it. Up close. But judging from the expression on his face, he got the message. He saw it,” Green said.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stopped short of committing to a vote on Rulli’s latest censure resolution but indicated he would allow members to decide.

“Al Green was removed pretty quickly. I don’t know if censure is going to be appropriate. I’ll let our colleagues decide that,” Johnson said. “The point of a censure, is to bring someone to the House floor and bring shame upon them for their actions. I think they showed the American people shame already.”

Social Media Erupts After Author Stephen King Makes False Claim About Trump’s Family

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Donald Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Best-selling horror author Stephen King is facing backlash online after posting an embarrassing critique of President Donald Trump…

In a post on X, King wrote:

“Trump: has never had a child. Has been married 3 times. Ran several businesses into the ground. Never ran a home, couldn’t make a bed to save his a–. Calls people he works with dumb, losers, ect. Has never done sweat labor. Has never served on a local committee,”

“[He] has no life experience,” King added.

The remark that Trump “has never had a child” immediately caught fire on social media, due to the widely known fact the president is the father of five children.

One of Trump’s children, Donald Trump Jr., responded directly on X.

“Well, this is news to me… unless he means birthed a child which would also hold true for every male ever. TDS is real and it’s scary,” Trump Jr. posted.

The popular conservative account Libs of TikTok also criticized King’s statement.

“Trump literally has 5 kids. What is this sh–?” the account posted.

1776 Project PAC founder Ryan Girdusky similarly wrote, “Um… I’m pretty sure Donald Trump had children.”

Other conservative commentators joined in. Conservative writer Bonchie posted, “Is there a 25th Amendment for taking peoples’ phones away?”

Conservative reporter Jerry Dunleavy added sarcastically, “Donald Trump, famously childless,”

King’s comments came ahead of Trump’s scheduled address to the country on Tuesday evening for the 2026 State of the Union, the annual report to Congress outlining the administration’s agenda and accomplishments.

King’s cringe-worthy post mirrored earlier social media remarks about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) made by an account called “Stacy is Right,” which describes itself as a MAGA mother of three. In that post, the account criticized Ocasio-Cortez’s background, mocking her for not having children, never being married, never running a business, and never holding a “professional job.”

“[She] has no real life experience. Is a typical deadbeat socialist,” the account wrote.

King reshared that post before publishing his own critique of Trump, promptinga fresh barrage of criticism.

“You literally plagiarized an entire post…which was about AOC… and then applied it to Trump…… for whom it isn’t true and doesn’t make any sense. Why are you plagiarizing? I thought you were a writer?” Matt Van Swol, a former Department of Energy nuclear scientist, posted on X.

Monday’s post is hardly the first time King has used X to attack President Trump. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, the author has repeatedly posted sharp commentary targeting the president and his policies.

Candace Owens Gets Swift Backlash After Unveiling New Project Targeting Erika Kirk

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Image via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Candace Owens announced Monday that her show will return to the air on Wednesday with a new “investigative series” targeting Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk — and the backlash was immediate.

The teaser trailer, which Owens shared on X, opens with news coverage of Charlie Kirk’s assassination before pivoting sharply to its apparent target: his widow. The trailer splices together clips of Erika Kirk with critical commentary about her, references to “Zionists” and Israel, and even an implication that the Turning Point USA CEO was somehow connected to a Romanian human trafficking scandal.

The series is titled “Bride of Charlie,” and its promotional banner depicts Erika wearing a crown — imagery that many critics have described as taunting and grotesque given the circumstances.

Owens, who has promoted a range of conspiracy theories about her former colleague’s death, initially claimed she would stop discussing the matter if Erika asked her to. Over time, however, her commentary shifted. What began as insinuation evolved into increasingly direct suggestions that the widow herself may have played a role in betraying her husband.

In the hours after Owens publicized the project, social media filled with condemnation from across the political spectrum.

“Everyday, there’s some new line being crossed by this lunatic that makes me wonder whether certain people will finally speak up,” mused RedState’s Bonchie. “They won’t, though. Not even this will be enough, and it’s probably time to start asking why they are so invested in Owens.”

The timing of Owens’ blistering attack is especially striking. It comes just as the criminal case against Tyler Robinson — the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk at a Sept. 10 event at Utah Valley University — reaches a critical juncture.

On Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. local time, Judge Tony Graf is scheduled to rule during a WebEx hearing on whether to disqualify state prosecutors over an alleged conflict of interest. Robinson is expected to listen from jail.

The defense has argued that a conflict exists because one of the prosecutors’ children was present at the university event where Kirk was killed. According to Robinson’s attorney, Richard Novak, that connection could compromise the integrity of the prosecution — particularly in a case where the state is seeking the death penalty.

There have already been two hearings on the issue.

During a Feb. 3 proceeding, Novak questioned Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray in an effort to determine when prosecutors decided to pursue capital punishment — a decision that was publicly announced shortly after Robinson’s arrest. An unnamed senior prosecutor, identified only as “Prosecutor A,” also testified about the office’s internal handling of the case and its decision to disclose the child’s presence to the defense.

The prosecutor said there was no recollection of a specific conversation with Gray about how to proceed given the child’s presence, though it was acknowledged that Gray routinely consults senior prosecutors in death penalty cases. The testimony also revealed that Gray expressed early on that he intended to seek the death penalty and wanted that decision announced at the same time charges were filed — earlier than is typical, as such notices often follow a preliminary hearing.

For its part, the state maintains there is no conflict of interest. Prosecutors have argued in court filings that thousands of people witnessed the shooting and that the child in question did not have a direct line of sight to the alleged gunman. Even if a conflict were found, the state contends, it would not justify disqualifying the entire prosecutorial team.

As the court weighs a decision that could significantly alter the course of the trial, Owens’ decision to launch a provocative series targeting the victim’s widow has only deepened the sense of outrage surrounding an already tragic case.

FBI Director Kash Patel’s Men’s Olympic Hockey Victory Celebration Goes Viral – It’s Easy To See Why

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Image via gage Skidmore Flickr

Team USA’s thrilling overtime win over Canada in the men’s Olympic hockey gold medal game on Sunday had Americans across the country on their feet — and FBI Director Kash Patel was no exception.

A 46-second clip posted to X by ProPublica reporter William Turton, who said it was sent to him by a source, shows Patel fully embracing the moment in the locker room after the victory. The FBI director is seen taking a hearty sip from a beer bottle, splashing some of it in celebration, pounding his chest and a nearby table, and jumping alongside players as a gold medal is draped around his neck.

Patel responded to the viral clip, confirming it was, in fact, him, and he had no regrets in celebrating the historic victory.

As the team belted out Toby Keith’s 2002 anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” Patel lifted his beer and joined in, celebrating like any red-blooded American hockey fan would after a historic win.

And historic it was.

Team USA secured its first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” team of 1980. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivered a masterclass performance, stopping 41 shots and keeping the game locked at 1-1 to force overtime.

One save in particular had fans shaking their heads in disbelief. In the second period, Hellebuyck somehow turned away a wide-open shot from Canada’s Devon Toews using only his stick, spinning quickly to block the puck and preserve the tie. Without that moment — and dozens more like it — the outcome could have been very different.

Jack Hughes ultimately sealed the deal in overtime, scoring the game-winning goal past Canada’s Jordan Binnington. Hughes reportedly lost two teeth during the battle but etched his name into Team USA history with the golden goal.

The performance earned Hellebuyck a new nickname on social media: “Secretary of Defense.” United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth quickly endorsed the title. After watching the Americans defeat Canada, Hegseth — who previously held the “Secretary of Defense” title before the department reverted to its historic “Department of War” name last September — weighed in enthusiastically.

“Now we have a Secretary of War… and a Secretary of Defense!” Hegseth wrote over a post highlighting Hellebuyck’s incredible saves.

The celebration didn’t stop at the rink.

President Donald Trump has invited the gold medal-winning team to attend his State of the Union address this week, a fitting tribute to a team that delivered a moment of unity and pride on the world stage.

In the end, it wasn’t about politics. It was about country, competition, and a comeback win over a longtime rival. And as Toby Keith’s lyrics echoed through the locker room, one thing was clear: Team USA — and plenty of Americans watching — felt proud to be flying the red, white, and blue.