The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin is leaving the Trump administration, Fox News has reported.
McLaughlin, who has acted as one of the administration’s leading vocal defenders of President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, is set to leave the administration next week.
🚨 IT'S OFFICIAL: DHS Assistant Sec. Tricia McLaughlin is departing the Trump administration — she regularly DESTROYED the fake news lies against mass deportations and President Trump
A former top communications aide to Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, McLaughlin started planning to leave in December but delayed her departure amid the aftermath of the Renee Good and Alex Pretti shootings, according to the people briefed on her exit. (They were granted anonymity to speak about internal personnel matters.) In the instance of Good, McLaughlin was quick to characterize her actions as an example of “domestic terrorism.
It’s unclear what she will do next but asked by the paper if she would ever run for office if she returned to Cincinnati, McLaughlin, who’s married to GOP consultant Ben Yoho, said she “wouldn’t rule anything out.”
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) delivered sharp criticism of President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi during a fiery appearance Sunday on ABC’s This Week, accusing the administration of failing to deliver real transparency on the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Speaking with host Martha Raddatz, Massie — one of the most outspoken Republicans pushing for full disclosure of Epstein-related records — questioned Bondi’s performance during last week’s high-profile House Judiciary hearing.
“She came with a book full of insults, one for each congressperson,” Massie said. “She obviously had one for me. And, you know, I’ve been there when [former AG] Merrick Garland was there. Obviously, politically, I don’t agree with him, but he performed much better in terms of at least not looking bad. And, unfortunately, we didn’t get the answers we wanted about the Epstein Files Transparency Act from her.”
Massie also took aim at Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over a letter sent Saturday claiming the Department of Justice has now produced “all” Epstein files.
“I know the DOJ wants to say they’re done with this document production,” Massie said. “The problem is they’ve taken down documents before we were able to go over to the DOJ and look at the unredacted versions. They took down some of the most significant documents. Two of them involving Virginia Giuffre’s case and other things, the picture of Epstein at — in a room where it’s got CIA written on the boxes. That’s been taken down. We want to be able to look at all these files. They can’t keep those documents down after they’ve already produced them.”
New Report Raises Questions About DOJ’s “Full Release” Claim
Massie’s concerns come as a new investigation by Channel 4 News is raising fresh doubts about whether the Justice Department has truly released the full Epstein archive.
According to internal emails reviewed by the broadcaster, federal investigators expected to process between 20 and 40 terabytes of data seized from Epstein’s properties — including his Florida mansion, New York townhouse, and private island. Other early-stage emails referenced totals as high as 50 terabytes.
In one internal email from 2025, officials reportedly said they were “looking at approximately 14.6 terabytes of archived data.”
By contrast, Channel 4 noted that the most recent release of roughly 3.5 million documents amounted to just over 300GB — which the outlet said represents only about 2% of the data investigators were discussing.
“They claimed that 6 million pages were identified, including duplicates — they released over 3 million,” Channel 4’s U.S. editor Asnushka Asthana said. “Both those numbers are tiny compared to the amount collected according to today’s emails.”
One investigator described the data dump as chaotic and incomplete:
“Imagine if we had seized the papers from approximately 100,000 filing cabinets. Then that all just got dumped in one big pile… And then any of those documents that was larger than 100 pages couldn’t be opened. That’s what we’ve got.”
Massie Turns Fire on Trump
Raddatz closed the interview by asking Massie directly about President Trump, who has thrown his support behind Massie’s primary challenger, Ed Gallrein, and has repeatedly attacked the Kentucky congressman over his push for transparency.
Massie did not hold back.
“Look, this is about the Epstein class, the people who are funding the attacks against me,” Massie said. “They may or may not be implicated in these files, but they were certainly rubbing shoulders with the people who are in these files. They’re billionaires who are friends with these people. And that’s what I’m up against in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump told us that even though, you know, he had dinner with these kinds of people in New York City and West Palm Beach, that he would be transparent. But he’s not. He’s still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein administration, and they’re attacking me for trying to get these files released.”
Watch:
🚨 BREAKING:
Rep. Thomas Massie just said it out loud:
“Trump is still in with the Epstein class. This is the Epstein administration. And they’re attacking me for trying to get these files released.”
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Bondi has insisted the Justice Department has complied fully with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
In a February 14 letter to lawmakers, she stated that the department had “released all ‘records, documents, communications and investigative materials’” in its possession, along with a list of “all government officials and politically exposed persons” referenced in the released materials.
A federal judge on Thursday dealt an early blow to the BBC’s legal strategy in President Donald Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit, refusing the broadcaster’s request to pause discovery and clearing the way for both sides to begin exchanging evidence.
U.S. District Judge Roy Altman ruled that the BBC’s bid to halt the evidence-gathering process was “premature” and said the network had failed to show it would be unfairly harmed if discovery moved forward. In a separate order, the court scheduled a two-week trial date for February 2027.
The decision represents a significant procedural win for Trump, who has argued that the publicly funded British broadcaster knowingly pushed a misleading narrative about January 6 in an effort to damage him politically.
Trump is suing over edited footage aired in an October 2024 episode of the BBC’s Panorama documentary series. The clips, first reported by The Telegraph in November, allegedly spliced together two separate Trump statements in a way that his legal team says created the “mistaken impression” that he directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol.
Trump’s attorneys argue the editing was not a simple mistake, but part of a broader media pattern that Republicans have long criticized: selectively framing Trump and his supporters as violent extremists while downplaying evidence that Trump repeatedly urged peaceful protest.
The president’s lawsuit seeks $5 billion in damages for defamation, along with another $5 billion for alleged violations of trade practices.
The case has already caused turmoil inside the BBC. The fallout reportedly triggered resignations among senior leadership, including director general Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness.
BBC Chair Samir Shah apologized for an “error of judgment,” but insisted there is “no basis for a defamation case” and said the corporation is “determined to fight this.”
Judge Altman’s ruling means the BBC will now be required to turn over internal communications, production materials, and editorial decision-making documents — evidence that could prove critical in determining whether the broadcaster acted negligently or with actual malice.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) raised eyebrows this week after making blunt remarks about corruption in Washington and the lingering unanswered questions surrounding the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During a Monday appearance on Newsmax, Burchett argued that the Epstein scandal remains one of the clearest examples of how America’s political and elite class often operates under a different set of rules than everyday citizens.
Burchett’s comments came as discussion continues about potential upcoming depositions tied to the Epstein investigation, including speculation about former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
By Ralph Alswang, White House photographer – https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/clinton-epstein-maxwell/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143417695
When asked about the possibility of questioning the Clintons, Burchett did not hold back, calling them an “evil pair” and suggesting they have long avoided accountability because of their political skill and influence.
“There’s a reason that they’re not in prison and a reason that he was in the White House for two terms and she was secretary of state, because they’re very slippery and they’re very smart and I think they’re an evil pair,” Burchett said.
He went on to argue that while many Americans want answers — particularly given Epstein’s high-profile connections — he doubts the Clintons or others in their circle will ever face serious consequences.
“I think she is probably the brains behind the operation, but I don’t think we’ll get much on them,” he continued. “I know a lot of people want us to get them, and it’d be great clickbait, I’m sure, but I think when it comes down to it they’ll either bail or they won’t answer very many questions and be very evasive and be very smug…”
Burchett also expressed frustration with what he described as a two-tiered justice system, where powerful political figures often escape scrutiny while ordinary Americans are held to stricter standards.
“…because in this world there are two forms of justice – those like the Clintons and for the rest of us,” he said.
While some commentators have speculated about dramatic legal consequences for high-profile individuals connected to Epstein, Burchett emphasized that Congress itself cannot directly jail anyone.
“Everybody says we’ll put them in handcuffs, all this stuff. All that’s talk,” he explained. “The law’s gotta back you up on it and, you know, we gotta define what those laws were that they broke, and Congress cannot send somebody to jail.”
🚨This is: United States Representative Tim Burchett:
Any pedophile, found guilty of crimes against children should be “hung publicly.”
In one of his most striking statements, Burchett suggested that Washington’s problems extend far beyond one scandal.
He concluded, “Oddly enough, a lot of congressmen probably should be in jail, but the truth is that we’re not gonna. I don’t think it’ll boil down to anything, and that’s gonna make a lot of people mad, but I believe that’s the truth.”
The Tennessee congressman also weighed in on Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.
Burchett predicted that if Maxwell were ever released early, her fate could mirror the suspicious circumstances many Americans still associate with Epstein’s death.
“I see maybe she gets out early on good behavior and does a humongous book deal and probably ends up committing suicide by getting shot in the back of the head five times because this thing goes very deep and the people involved in it are very powerful,” he said.
Burchett also repeated a belief shared by many skeptics across the country — that Epstein’s death in federal custody left far too many unanswered questions.
“And I’m still one of those that believe Epstein didn’t kill himself, ma’am. I just don’t think he did.”
After nearly a year as deputy director of the FBI under President Donald Trump, Bongino has returned to Fox as a contributor, according to a Monday afternoon report from The New York Times media reporter Michael Grynbaum.
His comeback was announced during the Monday night episode of Sean Hannity’s show at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Dan Bongino via Gage Skidmore Flickr
Grynbaum noted that Bongino has expressed regret at times about stepping away from his former life in media. Just weeks into the FBI role, he admitted on Fox & Friends that he missed what he left behind.
“I gave up everything for this,” Bongino said at the time.
🚨 JUST IN: Great news! Dan Bongino is headed back to Fox News –– he starts as a contributor tonight on Hannity. pic.twitter.com/V9IhW7Cvb6
First Appearance Back Focuses on High-Profile Disappearance
Bongino’s first major appearance after returning centered on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie.
Speaking on Hannity Monday night, Bongino outlined three troubling possibilities in the case, emphasizing that investigators are still operating with very limited evidence.
“The first [possibility] would be, obviously, it’s a kidnapping. That was an intended kidnapping for a ransom payment…” he said.
He then explained a second scenario — that the situation may have spiraled out of another crime entirely.
“The second possibility would be this was just a crime that went awry. Someone was at the house, maybe it was a burglary, maybe something went bad, and you’ve got some bad actors committing another crime unrelated — in other words, requesting a ransom for something you didn’t do just to take advantage of a situation like this.”
Bongino’s third possibility raised an even more unsettling idea: that the disappearance may not involve a kidnapping at all.
The third possibility, he said, is that Guthrie’s disappearance could have resulted from a medical emergency or another non-criminal event that was later misunderstood or misrepresented.
Bongino Highlights Lack of Evidence
Bongino pointed to the complete absence of digital and forensic indicators — no DNA, no license plate hits, no cellphone activity, and no surveillance leads — as a major reason investigators are struggling.
He explained that when authorities cannot locate someone within the first few days, it can suggest either extremely sophisticated perpetrators or something else entirely.
“The story you’ve been told, or you may have believed may not be the story,” he said.
While Bongino declined to push one theory more strongly than the others, he emphasized that the lack of proof-of-life communication is unusual for legitimate ransom kidnappings.
He also referenced commentary from veteran FBI Special Agent Lance Leising, noting that real ransom cases typically involve rapid contact and early confirmation that the victim is alive — patterns missing here.
Multi-Agency Search Continues
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Arizona home earlier this month, triggering a multi-agency investigation that now includes the FBI.
As the search intensified, Savannah Guthrie issued an emotional public plea, describing the situation as an “hour of desperation.”
Authorities are also investigating an alleged ransom note tied to the disappearance, though the deadline referenced in the note passed Monday night without proof of life or resolution.
Back to Media — and Still on Rumble
Bongino will continue hosting his podcast on Rumble, which he recently rebooted after leaving the FBI in December.
Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham said at the time she wasn’t surprised by Bongino’s departure, noting that he “loved his lucrative media life” and wanted to “get back to it.”
President Trump joined Bongino’s first show back on Rumble.
The president made headlines during his appearance when he said Republicans should “nationalize” the voting process in order to block “crooked” Democrat-led states from allowing illegal immigrants to vote.
“These people were brought to our country to vote, and they vote illegally,” Trump said. “And it’s amazing the Republicans aren’t tougher on it. The Republicans should say, ‘We want to take over, we should take over the voting in at least 15 places.’”
The White House initially sought to soften Trump’s remarks, but the president doubled down on Tuesday, arguing that federal intervention could be warranted if states fail to administer elections fairly.
“If states can’t count the votes legally and honestly, then somebody else should take over,” Trump said. “The federal government should get involved.”
Trump framed his argument as a response to what he described as “corruption” at the state and local level, particularly in more than a dozen states he has criticized in recent months.
In response, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) said he plans to introduce a Senate resolution on Monday denouncing any effort by a president to “nationalize” or “take over” state-run election systems ahead of the 2026 midterms.
By Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley - This image was released by the United States Navy with the ID 071220-N-0696M-280 (next).This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing.العربية ∙ বাংলা ∙Bahaso Jambi ∙Deutsch ∙ Deutsch (Sie-Form) ∙ English ∙ español ∙ euskara ∙ فارسی ∙ français ∙ italiano ∙ 日本語 ∙ 한국어 ∙ македонски ∙ മലയാളം ∙ Plattdüütsch ∙ Nederlands ∙ polski ∙ پښتو ∙ português ∙ русский ∙ slovenščina ∙ svenska ∙ Türkçe ∙ українська ∙ 简体中文 ∙ 繁體中文 ∙ +/−photo essay http://www.defense.gov/photoessays/photoessayss.aspx?id=554, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21467653
Famed musician and outspoken patriot Kid Rock is throwing his support behind Republican Rep. John James in the high-stakes 2026 race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The Michigan governor’s office is expected to be one of the top battlegrounds in next year’s midterm elections, as Republicans look to flip key leadership positions in a state that has become central to the national political fight over jobs, manufacturing, public safety, and the future direction of the country.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, offered his endorsement in a statement first shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday.
“As our next Governor of Michigan, I know you will bring many victories to our GREAT STATE!” the entertainer said.
John James, now serving his second term representing a competitive suburban Detroit congressional district, welcomed the support from the Michigan-born star.
“Kid Rock is a good friend. We share our love for Detroit, the state of Michigan and the United States of America!” James said.
Kid Rock is a good friend. We share our love for Detroit, the state of Michigan and the United States of America!
I’m honored to have the endorsement of this unapologetic freedom-loving patriot and I look forward to working with him and every other Michigander to make Michigan… pic.twitter.com/3mvhrg4kkG
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of this unapologetic freedom-loving patriot and I look forward to working with him and every other Michigander to make Michigan great again!” added James, a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran, businessman, and former Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in both 2018 and 2020.
Kid Rock’s backing comes at a pivotal moment as Republicans seek to regain momentum in Michigan after years of Democrat control in Lansing. Conservatives argue the state needs a return to strong leadership focused on economic growth, protecting constitutional freedoms, and standing up to the progressive agenda that has dominated under Whitmer.
A Cultural Moment for Conservatives
Kid Rock’s endorsement arrived just hours before the singer headlined Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” during the Super Bowl — an event that drew nearly five million viewers and offered an alternative to the NFL’s increasingly politicized entertainment choices.
The show also featured a tribute to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. As Kid Rock finished a song, the screen displayed:
“In remembrance of Charlie Kirk,” alongside photos of Charlie’s wife Erika and their children.
Kid Rock has long been a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, backing him in all three of his presidential campaigns. He performed his hit “American Bad Ass” at the 2024 Republican National Convention with lyrics altered to highlight his support for Trump and the America First movement.
Trump, whose influence over the Republican Party remains unmatched, has not yet endorsed anyone in Michigan’s gubernatorial race. However, James has positioned himself as one of Trump’s most consistent allies.
A release from James’s campaign emphasized that “John James has stood with President Trump consistently since 2018, and every subsequent election, maintaining a clear and steady alignment when others backed his opponents, ran against him, or stayed silent.”
Did you miss the halftime show? Tune in below to watch:
The campaign also highlighted the bond between Kid Rock and James, noting that both share “deep Detroit roots and a common view of Michigan as a state defined by hard work, manufacturing, culture, and natural beauty — from the Great Lakes to the communities that power the Midwest economy.”
James has built his political brand around economic opportunity, strengthening American manufacturing, supporting law enforcement, and pushing back against Washington overreach — themes that resonate strongly with Michigan’s working-class voters.
Crowded Republican Field, Clear Front-Runner
James currently stands as the clear polling front-runner in a crowded Republican primary field ahead of the August nominating contest.
Other GOP candidates include:
Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox
Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt
Former state House Speaker Mike Leonard
Businessman Perry Johnson, who previously made a longshot bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination
On the Democratic side, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is widely viewed as the front-runner among three candidates competing for her party’s nomination.
Michigan in the National Spotlight
With Michigan expected to play a major role in shaping the future of the Midwest — and possibly the country — the governor’s race is drawing intense national attention. Republicans see 2026 as a chance to restore conservative leadership in a state long known for its manufacturing strength, blue-collar values, and patriotic spirit.
On Tuesday, Michael Cohen, once President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and later one of his fiercest critics, appeared on Dan Abrams’ SiriusXM show to discuss a wide range of topics—from his treatment in prison to a plea for pardons.
During the interview, Cohen revealed that he has written letters to both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump urging sweeping clemency for Americans with criminal records who have paid their debt to society. Reading from the letter he sent to Trump, Cohen said:
“It is urged clearly, unequivocally, and without delay that the president issue an executive order granting a full and unconditional pardon to all non-violent felons who have completed their sentences. This act would be more than a gesture of compassion.”
He continued:
“It would be a defining stroke of moral leadership. Over 70 million Americans carry the lifelong burden of a criminal record, despite having fulfilled their legal debt to society. They are our neighbors, coworkers, parents, veterans, and citizens who live under silent exile, denied employment, housing, education, and the right to fully participate in the country they call home. With a single act, the burden can be lifted.”
Cohen even coined a name for the plan: “TEPO, the Trump Emancipation Proclamation Order.” He argued that such a move could be “the single most important act of kindness that any president can bestow on 70 million Americans and their families.”
While this appeal may surprise some given their adversarial past, it comes amid a historically expansive use of Trump’s clemency powers in his second presidential term. Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Trump has issued thousands of pardons and commutations, including blanket clemency for roughly 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol events and a number of high-profile figures such as Ross Ulbricht and others.
Trump’s defenders argue these pardons are part of his ongoing fight against what he describes as a politicized justice system, correcting overreach and restoring fairness where the courts or prosecutors exceeded their bounds. Opponents often frame the clemency spree as politically motivated, though Trump’s supporters see it as a restoration of constitutional pardon authority to benefit everyday Americans and loyal citizens alike.
Cohen’s Prison Treatment and Claims About Bill Barr
Cohen also recounted his own prison experience after being sentenced in 2018 to three years for tax evasion, bank fraud, and lying to Congress. He described harsh conditions and claimed that then-Attorney General Bill Barr had him sent back to prison under what he characterized as “draconian conditions,” with extreme cold and heat in holding areas that made his time there especially difficult.
Break with MeidasTouch and Media Fallout
Cohen addressed his recent departure from the MeidasTouch Network, a left-leaning media company that cut ties with him after a Substack post in which he suggested prosecutors coerced him into testifying against Trump. Cohen insisted:
“It is true, not personal. … I specifically state that I am not here to defend Donald Trump. That is not the intention of this statement which I wrote or my Substack article.”
He described the split as a misunderstanding driven by headlines rather than the full context of his words.
The Trump–Cohen History
The rift between Trump and Cohen runs deep. Once a loyal lawyer who said he would “take a bullet” for Trump, Cohen later turned on his former boss, cooperating with prosecutors and ultimately testifying in Trump’s New York criminal case—where Trump was convicted on business-record charges related to reimbursements made to Cohen during the 2016 campaign.
At the time Cohen was seeking a pardon from Trump, that relief never materialized. Trump publicly brushed off questions about pardoning Cohen, reportedly saying, “most people will flip if the Government lets them out of trouble.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene -Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, via Wikimedia Commons
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken allies on Capitol Hill, has escalated her public break with the former president—this time taking direct aim at the Make America Great Again movement itself.
In a lengthy interview with independent political commentator Kim Iversen published on YouTube Thursday, Greene accused Trump of abandoning the grassroots voters who fueled his rise, branding MAGA a betrayal of the very people it promised to serve.
“MAGA is — I think people are realizing it was all a lie. It was a big lie for the people,” Greene said.
The Georgia Republican, who resigned from Congress last fall, argued that Trump has shifted his focus away from everyday Americans and toward wealthy donors and entrenched interests. According to Greene, political loyalty is now driven by money rather than principle.
“He’s more worried about serving the big big donors,” she said, referring to donors who contribute to Trump-aligned PACs and high-dollar projects, including his newly announced ballroom. “Those are the people that get the special favors, the government contracts, they get the pardons.”
Greene went on to argue that foreign governments and multinational corporations now wield disproportionate influence over U.S. policy.
“And it’s the foreign countries that are running the show here,” she added. “It’s the major big corporations and what is best for the world. That’s really what MAGA is.”
Her criticism extended to foreign policy, particularly Trump’s focus on Iran and the Middle East. Greene suggested domestic unrest is being ignored in favor of overseas conflicts.
“I’m sorry, we’ve got civil war practically breaking out in Minnesota, can we not care about that?” she said.
Greene reserved her sharpest criticism for U.S. involvement in Israel and Gaza, accusing Trump of prioritizing foreign interests over American lives and values.
“We’re seeing war on behalf of Israel,” Greene said. “We’re seeing the people in Gaza — innocent people in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of them completely murdered, so that they can build some new real estate development and money can pour in and everyone can get rich there in New Gaza.”
The remarks mark a dramatic evolution for Greene, who was once considered among Trump’s most reliable defenders in Congress. Her relationship with the former president began to fracture publicly after she accused him of dragging his feet on releasing government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—an issue popular among the GOP base skeptical of elite accountability.
Following those comments, Trump publicly distanced himself from Greene, dubbing her “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Greene” and claiming she had “some sort of act going on.” Their feud intensified in the months that followed, culminating in Greene’s decision to leave Congress altogether.
While Greene has framed her resignation as a rejection of Washington politics, speculation has continued to swirl within conservative circles that she may be positioning herself for a future national run. Allies and critics alike have noted that her recent media appearances, broader ideological critiques, and willingness to challenge Trump directly resemble the early stages of a potential presidential or third-party campaign.
Greene has not formally announced any plans to run for president, but she has also declined to rule it out—fueling rumors that her break with Trump may be less about stepping away from politics and more about redefining the post-Trump conservative movement on her own terms.
According to a November report from Notus, Greene has privately expressed interest in following in Donald Trump’s footsteps to the White House. The outlet cites four sources familiar with her thinking, saying Greene believes she represents the “real MAGA” faction — the core conservative movement that has reshaped the GOP since 2016 — and that many Republican leaders have drifted away from those grassroots values. (RELATED:Marjorie Taylor Greene Reportedly Prepping For 2028 Presidential Run)
One source told Notus that Greene feels confident she has built the national donor network and grassroots support needed to mount a serious primary campaign, especially as the GOP’s base remains loyal to Trump’s populist agenda.
Veteran broadcaster Bill O’Reilly forcefully pushed back Monday night against claims that President Donald Trump is “backing down” following violent unrest in Minneapolis after a Border Patrol–involved shooting that sparked protests and national controversy.
The confrontation unfolded during NewsNation’s On Balance with Leland Vittert, where O’Reilly accused the host of adopting left-wing media framing by suggesting Trump had retreated under political pressure.
The unrest began Saturday after Border Patrol agents shot Alex Pretti during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. As video of the incident circulated online, activist groups and Democratic officials immediately accused federal authorities of misconduct, triggering protests that quickly escalated into disorder.
As is often the case in fast-moving, emotionally charged incidents, early claims about the shooting were disputed. Trump administration officials initially described Pretti as a dangerous suspect, while critics accused the government of spreading false narratives. Multiple videos later emerged that fueled further debate over what exactly occurred.
President Trump responded first with a blunt social media statement condemning lawlessness, defending federal officers, and criticizing Democratic leadership in Minnesota for what he has long argued is a refusal to enforce federal immigration law. As tensions grew, Trump administration officials—including Border Czar Tom Homan—shifted toward de-escalation, engaging with local leaders to restore order.
That shift became the flashpoint of the exchange between O’Reilly and Vittert.
During the interview, Vittert referenced O’Reilly’s recent commentary criticizing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, drawing a historical comparison that sparked sharp disagreement:
LELAND VITTERT: You write “Who is the modern John C. Calhoun,” about Walz, “a despicable South Carolina senator who actually wanted the Civil War to happen.”
Do you think Walz wants the Civil War to happen and therefore should be arrested as though he was a southern governor or something in the early or late 1850s?
O’Reilly responded by arguing that state officials who openly defy federal law should face scrutiny under existing statutes:
BILL O’REILLY: I think there is evidence that should be examined, and you might be able to charge Walz with insurrection under the, if you want me to read it to you, I got it right here. It fits Walz to a tee.
Pressed on whether such action would be good for the country, O’Reilly emphasized order and de-escalation—values long central to conservative governance:
LELAND VITTERT: Would that be good for America?
BILL O’REILLY: I don’t care. Look, anarchy is the worst thing that could happen, the worst. Right now, in this present moment, de-escalation is the best thing that can happen. So Homan meeting with Frey has my 100% endorsement. Walz calling Trump, vice versa, 100%.
O’Reilly argued that cooperation does not mean capitulation—and that enforcing federal law remains non-negotiable:
BILL O’REILLY: But that doesn’t excuse what has happened and is happening, which is a rebellion against the United States law passed by Congress, by a state under the governance of Walz and a city where Frey runs.
If you continue, and I say you in a general sense, to allow states and cities to not enforce federal law, you don’t have a country. It goes! Okay? Everybody should understand.
The interview reached its most heated moment when Vittert suggested Trump was “backing down” in response to public pressure:
LELAND VITTERT: So then why is Trump backing down?
O’Reilly erupted at the framing, accusing the host of echoing legacy media talking points:
BILL O’REILLY: Now here’s the second part of the story. He’s not backing down! He’s trying to defuse. Why would you say he was backing down?! Do you want a CNN contract?!
He’s backing down! He’s defusing the way he should!
President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd after delivering remarks at the House GOP Member Retreat, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)
In an interview broadcast Tuesday night, President Donald Trump delivered a blunt warning to Iran’s ruling regime: any attempt on his life would be met with overwhelming retaliation.
Speaking with NewsNation host Katie Pavlich on “Katie Pavlich Tonight,” Trump said he has already ordered a devastating response if Iran follows through on threats made against him.
“They shouldn’t be doing it, but I’ve left notification. Anything ever happens, the whole country is going to get blown up,” Trump told Pavlich. “Originally, Biden should have said something, when they made a statement. We always said, ‘Why isn’t Biden saying anything?’ Because he didn’t.”
Trump also criticized what he described as weakness from the Biden administration, arguing that failing to respond forcefully to foreign threats only emboldens America’s enemies.
“But a president has to defend a president. If I were here, and they were making that threat to somebody, even, not even a president, but somebody, like they did with me, I would absolutely hit them so hard,” Trump said. “But I have very firm instructions — anything happens, they’re going to wipe them off the face of this earth.”
Iranian threats escalate against Trump
Trump’s comments came as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has posted multiple threatening messages about Trump on social media—including imagery depicting the president in a coffin. Trump said those threats cannot be ignored, especially given Iran’s long history of supporting terrorism and political violence across the Middle East.
To many conservatives, the threats underscore a larger pattern: Iran’s theocratic leaders grow more aggressive when the United States appears unwilling to enforce red lines. Republicans have repeatedly argued that deterrence only works when America backs it with strength, resolve, and consequences.
Even under the Biden administration, the threat from Iran has been formally documented.
Biden’s Justice Department announced the indictment of a senior member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on charges of conspiring to kill former National Security Advisor John Bolton in 2022. Prosecutors alleged that a confidential source was offered $300,000 to carry out the assassination.
For Republicans, the plot was more proof that Iran is not simply a hostile state—but a regime willing to target Americans directly, including former senior officials.
Trump has previously warned Iran not to harm protesters who oppose the regime, threatening consequences if demonstrators were executed. While Iran did not hang those specific protesters, the regime’s security forces killed hundreds during the crackdown.
Conservatives have long viewed Iran’s government as an oppressive theocracy that violently suppresses its own people while funding terrorist proxies abroad. Many Republicans argue the U.S. should side firmly with dissidents and freedom-minded citizens, not appease the clerics in Tehran.
Soleimani strike remains a defining moment
One of the most significant actions of Trump’s first term against Iran was the January 2020 strike that killed Qasem Soleimani, an IRGC commander widely viewed by U.S. officials as responsible for planning attacks on Americans and allied forces.
The strike was praised by many Republicans as a clear demonstration of deterrence: when Iran targets Americans, the United States responds decisively.
A major 2025 strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure
The article also notes that in June 2025, the United States Air Force bombed multiple facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan connected to Iran’s nuclear program, reportedly dropping as many as 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators.
The operation involved a 37-hour flight by seven B-2A Spirit bombers and inflicted significant damage to Iran’s nuclear capabilities with no American losses.
